Rapid Reaction - 2 to Go

It’s becoming an every week occurrence with the two headed monster that Saint Mary’s Grant Niemeic and Spencer McInnis have just been dominant coming out of the OLSM backfield. On Saturday, McInnis only had 13 carries, but made an impact on just about every one, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Niemeic was his usual self as well, taking 19 carries and rushing for 122 yard for the Eaglets in their drubbing of Linden.

Just how good is the Catholic Central defense? With the state’s top rusher in Drake Johnson, who has rushed for 2,800 yards this season, and Ann Arbor Pioneer visiting Shamrock’s on Saturday, some looked at this a test for the Catholic Central defense. The result? The Shamrock’s passed with flying colors, holding the Michigan bound Johnson to 48 yards rushing and not allowing the Pioneer offense past the 50 yard line.

Devin Church has definitely saved his best for last. The senior running back has been unstoppable in the playoffs, and did much of the same on Saturday against a very stout Southfield defense. Church, on the second play of the game, Church bolted 55 yards for the first score of the game. The Northern Illinois bound Church picked up 154 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, to lead Brother Rice to a 16-6 win over Southfield.

Southfield’s Leviticus Payne and Brandon Watkins just might be the most exciting duo in Oakland County this season. Payne picked up 123 yards on seven carries including 51 yards on one of the most electrifying touchdown runs you’ll see all year, braking and spinning out of tackles down the sideline. Watkins rushed for 83 yards of his own on 18 carries and was just inches away from breaking free for a big time run on several occasions.

On Friday night, Walled Lake Western defensive lineman Jason Gamble just could not be stopped by the Port Huron offensive line. Gamble picked up two sacks and a forced fumble, but the stat sheet didn’t tell the whole story as the senior was constantly in the face of the Port Huron quarterback and blowing up just about any runs that went his way. Gamble, heading to Central Michigan to play baseball, and the Western defense kept a very dangerous Port Huron offense to just seven points and less than 150 total yards in regulation in the Warriors exciting 2OT win.


When Walled Lake Central fell to Utica Eisenhower on Friday night, it marked the end of a spectacular playoff run, as the Vikings upset both Lake Orion and Clarkston en route to a district title. With senior quarterback Zac Leimbach and K.J. Schultz headlining the Central senior class that made it to back-to-back regional final appearances and a semifinal last year, the Vikings have proved their fair share of doubters wrong.

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Regional Finals Football Picks

Last Week's Record: 5-5         Season Record: 139-53


Walled Lake Central at Utica Eisenhower
Key for Central: 
The Vikings need to get their three headed monster of Zac Leimbach, K.J. Schultz and Curtis Booth going early and often as they have in their first two playoff games to this point. If Central can have success on offense, there defense is more than capable of stopping Eisenhower.
Breakdown:
If the Vikings can play the way they have to this point of the playoffs, there are very few teams that can beat them. The Eisenhower defense is one of the best in the state, but Central has had a ton of success running their triple option. The difference in this game will come down to the Vikings defense.
Central 17 Eisenhower 14


Walled Lake Western at Port Huron
Key for Western: 
After Port Huron snuck out a win over Rochester Adams last week after Adams shot itself in the foot because of turnovers and penalties, it’s obvious what Western has to do to pick up the win. Control the ball and avoid turnovers.
Breakdown:
Western sophomore quarterback Kyle Bambard has grown into the starting quarterback role very nicely over the past couple of weeks and he’s making the Western offense even more dangerous. But the if the Warriors defense can dominate much like they did against South Lyon last week, Western should make it into the state semifinals.
Western 24 Port Huron 17


Linden at Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
Key for OLSM: 
Just continue to play as they have all season long. The Eaglets defense has been flat out dominant all year long and should continue to do so for the rest of the season.
Breakdown:
With each passing week, the Eaglets are looking more and more unbeatable and I think they are as good of a bet as any to be in the state finals in three weeks. The OLSM rushing attack has looked rock solid behind its bruising offensive line. There isn’t much not to like about the Eaglets at this point.
OLSM 42 Linden 21

Birmingham Brother Rice at Southfield
Key for Brother Rice: 
Pound the rock. It’s that simple, the Warriors’ O-Line dominated the line of scrimmage against Farmington Hills Harrison. Pair that with the stellar play from running backs Devin Church (Northern Illinois) and Brian Walker, the Warriors had the look of a state title team.
Key for Southfield:
Allow the offensive playmakers to make plays. With recent Syracuse commit Ron Thompson, Brandon Watkins, and Leviticus Payne (Cincinnati) all capable of scoring on any given play, if quarterback Justin Danzy can get the ball in their hands, this game will be close. Danzy has been the X-factor for the Warriors all season long, with very good decision making and athleticism.
Breakdown:
Brother Rice is coming off an emotional win, and at times teams can stumble a bit after games such as that. But I think at this point of the season, the Warriors know just how close they are to making it to Ford Field and they just won’t let that slip away from them.
Brother Rice 28 Southfield 24


Ann Arbor Pioneer at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Key for Catholic Central:
Stop Pioneer running back and U-M commit Drake Johnson. Johnson will get the vast majority of the carries and is a home run hitter when the ball is in his hands. If they can shut down Johnson and the Pioneer offense, Catholic Central will be on to the state semifinals once again.
Breakdown:
Catholic Central quarterback Kyle Cooper has given the Shamrock offense a new element, which in turn has opened things up for the offense throughout this season. Defensively, with Michigan commit Matt Godin the Shamrock’s shouldn’t have much trouble controlling the line of scrimmage which will, in turn, throw a wrench in the plans for Pioneers
Catholic Central 35 Pioneer 17

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Rapid Reaction - Blowouts in Upset City (w/ soccer state finals reaction as well)

An upset that was a blowout, and also became the most impressive win of the weekend was Walled Lake Central’s 45-26 shellacking of Clarkston. Senior running back K.J. Schultz had over 100 yards rushing and receiving as well as two touchdowns for the Vikings. It’s not often that you hear a performance by any team as “perfect” multiple times, but that’s how it was described time after time by those in attendance on Friday night. If the Vikings continue to play like they did on Friday night, they could be playing for a while longer.

Regardless of who’s playing quarterback for Harrison, it’s not easy to hold the Hawks to just seven points in a game. But that’s exactly what Brother Rice did to the Hawks who were without senior quarterback Jake Vento. But the real story in this game has to be the fact that the Warriors won in blowout fashion, hanging 30 on the Hawks with a balanced attack. If the Warriors can duplicate that performance the rest of the way, there’s no doubt that they will be holding up another state championship trophy at the end of the month

Catholic Central is known to be a run first team under head coach Tom Mach, but with senior signal caller Kyle Cooper, the Shamrocks can open the playbook a bit more. On Saturday Cooper completed two HUGE passes; one for a 62 yard touchdown and the other for 20 yards on fourth down which led to the go-ahead touchdown just a couple of plays later.

Most know about Southfield’s big three of Brandon Watkins, Ron Thompson and Leviticus Payne, but the X-Factor for the Bluejays this season has to be quarterback Justin Danzy, who has been outstanding for Southfield this season. Danzy came up big once again on Saturday in Southfield’s win over Farmington as the senior gunslinger completed 16-of-20 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

Saint Mary’s was yet another team to put together an impressive performance in round 2, putting up 62 points and holding 9-1 host Redford Thurston to just 20 points. One of my favorite backfield duo’s struck once again on Friday night as Grant Niemeic and Spencer McInnis both went well over the 100-yard mark as OLSM looks like they’re going to roll into the state finals.

It might not have been pretty, but Walled Lake Western ignored all of the controversy yet again as the Warriors topped South Lyon 3-0, behind a 47-yard field goal by sophomore quarterback/kicker Kyle Bambard. The Warriors will have their biggest test yet next week against Port Huron.

A tough loss for Rochester Adams as the Highlanders took an early 14-0 lead, but couldn’t hold off Port Huron in the second half. The loss unfortunately brings an end to the Tony Annese era at Adams as he will be heading to Central Michigan. But as long as Tony Patrito is coaching Adams, the Highlanders will be contenders on a year in, year out basis.

Tough losses for Madison Heights Madison, Royal Oak Shrine and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Each facing the top teams in their respective divisions. Notre Dame Prep went shorthanded due to injuries to face top ranked Marine City, while Shrine went on to face Detroit Loyola who has been dominant all year long, and shutout Shrine for the second time in three weeks. Madison seemed to be coming into their own at the right time, but just couldn’t hold on against Ecorse. The good news however is that for all three teams, there will be a handful of starters returning  next year, and I think it’s safe to say that all three will be playing at this time next year.

We can’t forget about the soccer state finals from today. You have to give all of the credit in the world to Birmingham Detroit Country Day team. With legendary head coach Paul Bartoshuk missing the season and in the hospital because of illness. With Country Day’s girls head coach Bob Bukari filling in on an interim basis this year, the Yellowjackets took home the Division 3 state title. A truly inspiring story that came full circle on Saturday, as Country Day picked up state title NO. 14 for their coach.

Auburn Hills Avondale’s Skyler Russ has been as good as it gets in crunch time. Kicking the clincher in the semifinals over Andover, and he follows that up with the game winner in the state finals game with under two minutes left in regulation on Saturday. And those two goals are his only two goals from this season. Best word to describe the two games by Russ: CLUTCH.


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Week 2 Football Playoff Picks

Last Week's Record: 14-6   Season Record: 134-48


Walled Lake Central at Clarkston
Central had a very impressive upset over Lake Orion, on the flip side, the Wolves had a very convincing win over Pontiac last week. Central will challenge Clarkston, but the Wolves have only lost one game on the field this season.
Clarkston 34 Central 31 in OT


Plymouth Canton at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
The winner of this game has as good of a chance as any to be playing in the state final at Ford Field. Catholic Central was impressive in their blowout win over Northville, and if they can get out to an early lead over Canton, I think the Shamrocks will be able to close out a win with the run game and defense.
Catholic Central 35 Canton 24


South Lyon at Walled Lake Western
The Warriors seemed to play without distractions last week in their win over Milford, and with the return of the five suspended players, Western should be back at full strength on Friday night, and that’s not good news for South Lyon.
Western 42 South Lyon 27


Rochester Adams at Port Huron
Adams quarterback Tony Anesse put on a show last week in the Highlanders’ round one win over Oxford. If Anesse as well as the Highlanders defense can put together performances like that throughout the rest of the postseason, Adams could go a very long way in the playoffs.
Adams 38 Port Huron 28


Birmingham Brother Rice at Farmington Hills Harrison
Harrison defensive lineman Mario Ojemudia will be sitting out in the first half in this game, and with a force like him out of the lineup, it may give the Warriors an opening to get their potent run game going. If that’s the case, Harrison may be getting a run for their money. Harrison might have the most talented team the county has had in the past 10 seasons, so they should be able to edge out a Brother Rice team that has memories of a heartbreaking loss from last season.
Harrison 38 Brother Rice 35 in 2OT


Farmington at Southfield
Farmington looks like a reenergized team after sneaking into the playoffs after their beat down of Detroit Henry Ford last week. However, Southfield’s talent is too great to overlook as the Blue Jays will be looking forward to perhaps getting a chance at revenge against Harrison next week.
Southfield 28 Farmington 21


Redford Thurston at Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
The only team that can beat Saint Mary’s at this point, is… Well, Saint Mary’s. Their defense has been dominant and their offense has been effective enough to get the job done. Saint Mary’s looks driven to finally get their hands on the Division 3 title this year.
OLSM 42 Thurston 20


Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Marine City
Notre Dame Prep fell victim to the injury bug at the worst time possible, with a showdown with the number 1 ranked Marine City. However, I’m still going to go with the upset, Notre Dame Prep’s defense has been dominant all season long, and I think it’ll carry them to a win in round two.
Notre Dame Prep 13 Marine City 10


Ecorse at Madison Heights Madison
Madison made quite a statement in their round one win, with the help of freshman Juan Johnson. I can’t help but to expect more of the same throughout the playoffs for Madison, way too much talent for Ecorse to handle this week.
Madison 31 Ecorse 14


Royal Oak Shrine at Detroit Loyola
Two teams that are meeting for the second time in three weeks, and unfortunately for Shrine, round two won’t be much different. Loyola is rolling right now, and there’s not much that can stop these guys at this point. It will be closer than the score was three weeks ago, but Loyola will likely take this once by a couple of scores.
Loyola 28 Shrine 17

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Boys Soccer Semifinals Preview

DIVISION 1
Troy vs. Grand Haven
This game should be very entertaining with both teams coming off of double overtime wins in the regional finals, but the game should also be low-scoring. Grand Haven has 12 shutouts on the season, while Troy has had 13 this year. Troy keeper Matt Smolinski has been one of, if not the top keeper in Oakland County all season long, and for the Colts to move on, they will need another of Smolinki‘s prime-time performances. This is the first time that Troy has made it to the state semifinals since 2003, when Troy won the state title and only time will tell to see if history will repeat itself.
Prediction: TROY


DIVISION 2
Bloomfield Hills Andover vs. Auburn Hills Avondale
Both teams have put together some impressive defensive performances, with Avondale only allowing three goals in the playoffs and Andover has allowed just one goal in their five playoff games. But the difference in this on will likely be the offenses, Andover has dominated the time of possession throughout the postseason. Andover’s Will Neef has been on first in the playoffs, scoring seven goals to this point and has been a magician when the ball is on his foot, setting up scoring chances left and right for the Barons and becoming a nightmare for opposing backlines.
Prediction: ANDOVER

DIVISION 3
Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Elk Rapids
In a very chippy game last week, Country Day lost two of it’s top players, Tariq and Dean Akeel, who picked up red cards. But the Yellowjackets still have plenty of talent and speed across the board, and if they can utilize that, they will find themselves in the state finals once again. Elk Rapids has put together an impressive 19-2-4 record and were one of the best offensive teams in the state, having score five or more goals in 10 different games this season. On the flip side, Country Day has yet to allow more than two goals in a game this season, not to mention four shutouts in the playoffs thus far. This match-up should be a clash of styles, and I have a feeling that defense will prevail in this one
Prediction: COUNTRY DAY

DIVISION 4
Allen Park Inner-City Baptist vs. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
It’s going to be an uphill battle for Oakland Christian if they are going to make a trip to the state finals, they will have to knock off the state’s top ranked team in Division 4. Oakland Christian has already fallen at the hands of Inner City Baptist twice this season, 4-2 and 3-0. If Oakland Christian wants to give themselves a chance, they’re going to need some big time play out of their back line and keeper Luke Combs. Combs is  more than capable of putting together shutout performances, having nine to his record this season, and has been very good at keeping opponents off of the scoreboard all season long. While the upset pick is tempting, and it is tough for a team to beat another three different times in one season, but Inner-City Baptist is the number one ranked team for a reason.
Prediction: INNER-CITY BAPTIST

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Rapid Reaction - Moving on

Recapping some of the best from Round 1 of the Playoffs

Walled Lake Central kicker Bryan Maxwell had all of the “3 C’s” going on Friday night. The junior kicker was cool, calm and collected as he booted the game winning field goal as the Vikings knocked of the defending state champ Lake Orion on Friday night.

Rochester Adams quarterback Tony Annese (Central Michigan), is as big of a prime time performer as there is. Annese led Adams on a 99 yard scoring drive which gave Adams a lead over Oxford and then on the next Oxford possession, who comes up big for the Highlanders? None other than Annese who picked off a pass which sealed the victory for the Highlanders.

South Lyon senior signal caller Derek Talaga may not have thrown the ball a whole lot against Holly in the Lions’ Round 1 win, but when he did, he made each of his throws count. Talaga had eight completions on Friday night, four of which were for touchdown’s and each of those were via the play action pass.

There isn’t much that Walled Lake Western sophomore Kyle Bambard can’t do, quickly becoming one of the more dangerous dual-threats around, throwing for over 150 yards and rushing for over 50 on Friday night. But Bambard is also one of the most clutch kickers around and the super soph showed that once again in Round 1, knocking two kicks through the uprights including a 39-yarder to seal the win for the Warriors.

Clarkston just keeps rolling along, a week after their comeback win over Lake Orion, Clarkston made a statement in their 40-12 win over upset minded Pontiac. Running back Joey Goss carried the ball 14 times and ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the win for the Wolves.

There is really only one way to describe the Romeo and Troy Athens match-up that went to FIVE OVERTIMES from week one: Instant Classic! One of the many bright spots for the Red Hawks in the heart breaking loss has to be Lonnie Bolden, who found the end zone on three different occasions.

The Brother Rice rushing attack might be at its best right now, on Friday Northern Illinois commit Devin Church broke loose for 172 yards on nine carries while Brian Walker ran his way to over 120 yards rushing on 20 carries.


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Week 1 Playoff Picks

Last Week's Record: 14-5    Season Record: 120-42


Northville at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
A rematch from the first round of the playoffs last year, this time around, Catholic Central probably won’t win quite as easily, but they’ll still pick up a win in this one.
Catholic Central 35 Northville 21


Pontiac at Clarkston
I’m incredibly tempted to pick the upset here, with Pontiac being one of the state’s hottest teams over the last few weeks. But Clarkston only has one loss that they haven’t forfeited, including one earlier this year over the Phoenix.
Clarkston 34 Pontiac 28 in OT


Romeo at Troy Athens
Athens has been overlooked by many all year long, and while Romeo will be a tough team to beat, the Red Hawks have impressed all season long
Athens 27 Romeo 21


Milford at Walled Lake Western
It’s been a tough week or so for Western, and unfortunately it all came at the worst possible time, but what has been overlooked all week long is the fact that Milford has had a very good season, and if the Mavericks take the lead, their run game is very capable of moving the ball, while running the clock.
Milford 31 Western 20


Walled Lake Central at Lake Orion
Two of the best teams in the state from a season ago, and while both aren’t quite what they were this year, this game makes for arguably the best match-up in the county in round 1. Lake Orion’s defense worries me, especially against the run, something Central does very well.
Central 38 Lake Orion 35 in 2 OT


South Lyon at Holly
There aren’t many teams hotter right now than Holly, winners of seven in a row. So why go against the hot hand?
Holly 28 South Lyon 24


Ortonville Brandon at Port Huron
Brandon snuck into the playoffs for the first time in about 10 years with a 5-4 record, and while locking up a win would be great to see from Brandon, Port Huron has been pretty impressive all year long.
Port Huron 34 Brandon 20


Rochester Adams at Oxford
A rematch of one of the best regular season games of the year, which Oxford won in overtime. This game will be another close one, but I think Oxford will pick up the “W” in regulation this time around.
Oxford 35 Adams 31


Birmingham Seaholm at Farmington Hills Harrison
Seaholm has been a great story to follow all season long, but unfortunately it has to end this week. The only team that can beat Harrison at this point… is, well… Harrison to be honest.
Harrison 42 Seaholm 14


Birmingham Brother Rice at North Farmington
Birmingham Brother Rice is a far better team than what their record shows, and I have a feeling that they’ll show just that this week.
Brother Rice 35 North Farmington 22


Farmington at Detroit Henry Ford
After their week 9 loss to Harrison, many thought that Farmington’s season was over with just a 5-4 record. But, after a relatively favorable draw, the Falcons might not be done for a little while longer
Upset Special: Farmington 34 Henry Ford 24


Southfield at Birmingham Groves
Keon Collier is as electrifying of a running back as there is, and if Groves can get him going early and often, they might have a shot. But chances are, Southfield is going to overcome a shaky finish to their season and take this one.
Southfield 42 Groves 24


Auburn Hills Avondale at Lapeer East
A very favorable draw for Avondale, who just barely made it into the playoffs, but the key in this game for the Yellowjackets isn’t going to be the passing game, but rather, the running game
Avondale 21 East 7


Bloomfield Hills Lahser at Redford Thurston
Lahser has a good enough defense to keep limit, or shut down most opposing offenses, but Thurston has a better offense than most which should give them the edge in this one.
Thurston 35 Lahser 21


Detroit Pershing at Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s might have the best defense in the state, keeping opponents to single digits five times this season, three of those were shutouts. The defense will be what leads the Eaglets back to Ford Field.
OLSM 28 Pershing 8


Birmingham Detroit Country Day at Detroit Crocket
Country Day, is currently riding a seven game win streak, where the Yellowjackets have put together a pretty impressive string of offensive and defensive performances. Crockett, though, poses a very big threat to that seven game streak.
Upset Special: Country Day 31 Crocket 28 in OT


Marysville at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
A very tough draw for the unbeaten Fighting Irish, but with quarterback Dan Durkin an Co, Notre Dame Prep should keep rolling along on offense.
Notre Dame Prep 38 Marysville 21


Clawson at Almont
Clawson’s offense, behind running back DeShawn Gilbert have put up their fair share of points this season, but has yet to go up against a defense like Almont’s, which has given up double digit point in just two games this season.
Almont 21 Clawson 10


Detroit PEC at Madison Heights Lamphere.
Lamphere has been averaging well over 30 points per game this season en route to their 7-2 record, so while this is PEC’s first playoff appearance in school history, it will probably be short-lived.
Lamphere 42 PEC 27


Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett at Royal Oak Shrine
Shrine, has been too strong in all facets of the game all season long for most teams to handle, and while they did stumble a bit last week, they’ll bounce back in a big way this week.
Shrine 38 Liggett 17

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Boys Soccer Regional Preview

DIVISION 1 REGIONAL 4
(at Lake Orion)
Walled Lake Northern vs. Grand Blanc
Walled Lake Northern won this match-up the first time around, a couple of weeks ago, in the KLAA Lakes championship game. Northern shut the Bobcats out 1-0, and might need another shutout performance from keeper Mitchell Thompson to move on to the next round.
Troy vs. Midland Dow
Troy, much like Northern, might need a big time performance from their keeper, Matt Smolinski, and the rest of their backline, to help limit a dangerous Midland Dow team. If Troy can slow Midland Dow, manage to put one or two in the back of the net, the Colts have a better than good chance of moving on.

Breakdown: Both Troy and Walled Lake Northern need to keep their games as low-scoring as possible. If both can do that, they’ll likely meet in the regional finals, if not, then Tuesday might be a long night for both.
Regional Winner prediction: TROY 

DIVISION 1 REGIONAL 3 
(at Sterling Heights Stevenson)
Livonia Stevenson vs. Troy Athens
Athens is as good as anybody in terms of offense, but what is often forgotten is that Athens can play some defense as well. Forward Sunny Shettigar can score from just about anywhere on the field, so look for that to be a mismatch for Stevenson in this game.
Warren De La Salle vs. Utica Eisenhower
De La Salle has continued to get the job done with an impressive combination of offense and defense against some serious competition. Eisenhower has been impressive as well on both sides of the ball, which sets up for one of the best games in the state in the regional semifinals.

Breakdown: I expect Athens to get past Stevenson on Tuesday to go on to face De La Salle, but Athens will have a tall order against the Pilots, who have looked unstoppable for the vast majority of this season, having not dropped a game to this point this year.
Regional Winner Prediction: WARREN DE LA SALLE

DIVISION 2 REGIONAL 6
(at Andover)
Ypsilanti vs. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore
Trenton vs. Bloomfield Hills Andover
Andover has been on the good side of some low scoring games this year, holding opponents to zero or one goals 14 time this season. Trenton is more than capable of scoring the ball early and often, but I expect this game to be low scoring, and that will favor Andover.

Breakdown: Andover should move on after Tuesday night, and while the Ypsilanti v. SCSLS game is a tough one to predict, I think Andover’s defense will be key for them in both the regional semifinal as well as the regional final.
Regional Winner Prediction: ANDOVER

DIVISION 2 REGIONAL 7
(at Fenton)
Lapeer East at Clio
Auburn Hills Avondale at Mt. Pleasant 
If there is anything to know about Avondale, it’s that the Yellowjackets can flat out score the ball, having scored three or more goals 13 times this season, so if they can get out to an early lead, they should be able to hold that lead. Don’t forget about the defense either as they have put totaled eight shutouts this season.

Breakdown: Avondale has the combination of offense and defense to pick up a regional title, but at this stage of the playoffs, nothing is for sure. Mt. Pleasant has proven that they can score pretty easily, but if Avondale can make it past them, the Yellowjackets should be in good position to move on past the regional.
Regional Winner Prediction: AVONDALE

DIVISION 3 REGIONAL 10
(at Birmingham Detroit Country Day)
Grosse Ile vs. Imlay City
Imlay City has been running like a well-oiled machine, putting together a 17-0-1 record this season and scoring eight or more goals eight time this season and haven’t allowed multiple goals in a game yet this season.
Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Flint Powers Catholic
Country Day has been powering through teams all season with an impressive combination of offense and defensse. The key for Country day is going to be the midfield which has set the tone for the Yellowjackets defense, and setting up numerous scoring chances on offense.

Breakdown: This region should be a collision course between Country Day and Imlay City, two of the best all-around teams in the state. It should be one of the best games to see all season. But the slight edge goes to Country Day with home field advantage.
Regional Winner Prediction: COUNTRY DAY


DIVISION 4 REGIONAL 14
(at Dearborn Edsel Ford)
Jackson Christian vs. Allen Park Inner City Baptist
Blissfield vs. Southfield Christian
Southfield Christian came up with the upset in a shootout over Birmingham Roeper in the District final on Saturday, so there is something to be said for how well they’ve been playing as of late. If Kevin Nimmo and the Southfield Christian offense can break through against the Blissfield defense, the Eagles might make it to the regional finals.

Breakdown: The Eagles have had a bit of a Cinderella run through the playoffs, and it could continue into the regional finals, but Jackson Christian or Allen Park Inner City Baptist pose, what could be a couple of match-up problems for the Eagles in the finals.
Regional Winner Prediction: JACKSON CHRISTIAN


DIVISION 4 REGIONAL 15
(at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian)
Lansing Christian vs. Saginaw Valley Lutheran
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian vs. Marlette
Oakland Christian’s defense continues to cause opponents fits all season long, which is a huge reason as to why they’ve cruised their way to a district title, beating opponents by a combined 15-0 in their three games.

Breakdown: Oakland Christian should get through the first game, but their second game could pose a challenge if the Lancers are matched up against Saginaw Valley Lutheran. Lutheran has mowed down teams one-by-one all year long behind shutdown defense and a high powered offense. It should be one to watch.
Regional Winner Prediction: OAKLAND CHRISTIAN




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Rapid Reaction - Selection Sunday Recap

Best Games of Round 1
Walled Lake Central vs. Lake Orion
The best match-up of the first round just might be Walled Lake Central vs. Lake Orion. Last year, Central was in the final four of Division 2 and Lake Orion, was the Division 1 champion. Both teams have 6-3 records, but are both capable of doing a lot of damage in the playoffs this year.

Rochester Adams at Oxford
A rematch of the overtime thriller from three weeks ago. Oxford is the favorite to win in this game because of its impressive running attack behind Prescott Line and their big offensive line. But don’t overlook Adams, quarterback Tony Anesse has made big play after big play this season for the Highlanders.


Pontiac at Clarkston
Clarkston won this match-up the first time around, but round two could be a bit different. Pontiac is one of the state’s hottest teams right now, and with their electric rushing attack, Pontiac could be primed for an upset. Clarkston has balance across the board, which is a big reason as to why the Wolves only lost one game on the field before forfeiting two of their wins. The Wolves better beware though.

Most Intriguing match-ups
South Lyon at Holly
Speaking of hot teams, Holly started the season at 0-2, and haven’t lost since. Quarterback Johnny Williams and Co. have looked unbeatable at times, but South Lyon has surprised a lot of teams this season, and Holly just might be the next that South Lyon sneaks up on. Very interested to see how this one plays out.


 Brother Rice at North Farmington
The Warriors snuck into the playoffs at 5-4, but the record doesn’t even begin to tell the story. The Warriors have the pieces on offense (particularly at running back) as well as defense (mainly in the secondary) to cause fits for other teams. North Farmington has been yet another hot team to make the playoffs, thanks in large part to an explosive rushing attack that has torn apart opposing defenses.


Northville at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Last season, Catholic Central took care of Northville relatively easily in the first round of the playoffs, both teams enter with an 8-1 record this time around. The winner of this game will get earn a match-up between the winner of Plymouth and Plymouth Canton, for what could lead to a trip to Ford Field a few weeks from now. Catholic Central should come out on top this time around as well.

Tough Draws
Marysville at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Talk about a tough break. Notre Dame Prep finishes the year with an unblemished record. Their reward? A match-up with 8-1 Marysville. I still expect it to be business as usual for the Fighting Irish, but round one won’t be as easy as many thought it could be.


Grosse Pointe Woods University of Liggett at Royal Oak Shrine
Much like Notre Dame Prep, Shrin is dealt a pretty rough draw in Division 7. After finishing the regular season with an 8-1 record, Shrine will be playing host to 9-0 Liggett. Shrine should still come out on top, but it didn’t get any favors with their first round draw.

Birmingham Seaholm at Farmington Hills Harrison
Congrats to Seaholm on a great and memorable season. Your reward? A first rough pairing with... Farmington Hills Harrison. The defending Division 2 state champion is playing some of the best football the county has seen in decades. While this has been a memorable season for Seaholm on a number of levels, they didn't catch any breaks in the selection process.


Keep an Eye on:
Milford at Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Western should move on to round 2, but they cannot overlook Milford. The Mavericks have had one of the most underrated rushing attacks in the state, and if they get out to a lead, they have the ability to run the clock down and keep the ball out of the Warrior’s hands for long lengths of time.


Romeo at Troy Athens
Both teams have had impressive seasons, but the difference for Athens will be their run game. Running back Sam Haskell will be the X-Factor for the Red Hawks, look for Athens to get it done with the ground game along with a little help from the defense.


Southfield at Birmingham Groves
I’d expect Southfield to come out on top in this one, but with Groves making their first playoff appearance since 2004 and having the home field advantage in this game it could be a close one. Groves will have to do everything in their power to keep the ball out of Southfield hands. Southfield’s firepower on offense can put up some points in a hurry.


Birmingham Detroit Country Day at Detroit Crockett
If Country Day is going to win, it might have to be the John Hill show. If the Yellowjackets can get the job done on the ground, they have a better than good chance in coming out on top. Keeping the Crockett offense at bay is a must for Country Day in this one.

Getting in with 5 wins:

Farmington, Auburn Hills Avondale, Brother Rice, Ortonville Brandon

All three will have a shot at moving on in the playoffs, but it's going to be a challenge for them to do so, all playing 7-2 teams that have proven plenty all season long. Avondale has a shot as long as quarterback Mitch Robinson is under center, and Farmington is no stranger in upsetting teams. Brandon will need some big time play from quarterback Shane Mahaffy if they are going to pull an upset over 8-1 Port Huron, and Brother Rice, is no stranger at all to the playoffs.

In But flying under the radar:

Madison Heights Madison, Bloomfield Hills Lahser

Madison should be able to take down Detroit PEC, who is making their first ever playoff appearance, behind their high flying offense and a little bit of defense to help out. Lahser, will have a tougher test against a very talented Redford Thurston team, but if the Knight's defense comes up big like they've done before, they might be able to pull off the upset.

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Friday's Finest

Pontiac's big three of Mark Cargle, Kezlow "Squirrel" Smith and Jeff Johnson should be nicknamed "Earth, Wind and Fire" much like the New York Giants running back trio from a few years ago. Each brings something different to the Pontiac offense and it pays off each and every game for the Phoenix. On Friday night, with Pontiac needing a win to make the playoffs, the three running backs combined for nearly 500 yards rushing and 10... Yes, 10 total touchdowns in Pontiac's 66-40 track meet-like win over West Bloomfield.

Behind Brandon Wallace's 16 carry, 200+ yard performance, Milford is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2008 in the first year of head coach Pat Fox's return to Milford.

Holly quarterback Johnny Williams has flown under the radar almost all season long, but continues to be a primetime performer for the Bronchos on a weekly basis. Friday night wasn't any different for the junior quarterback who totaled well over 200 total yards as Holly locked up their first league title in almost 60 years.

Chevis Farris ended his season on a high note on Friday for Ferndale in its season ending win, making eight grabs for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

Walled Lake Central quarterback Zac Leimbach came up big on Friday night with both his arm and his legs for the Vikings. Leimbach completed 7-of-13 passes for 104 yards and also carried the ball 11 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns as Central clinched their sixth win and its third consecutive playoff appearance.

A long overdue congratulations is owed to Birmingham Brother Rice head coach Al Fracassa who finally picked up his 400th career win in the Warriors convincing win over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.


Also, best of luck to Waterford Kettering head coach and former Walled Lake Northern head coach Mike Fras who announced his retirement from coaching football after Friday night's game against North Farmington.



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