Here's the latest installment in my 2017 preseason Top 10 list for the best high school football teams in Michigan. Today's preview looks at my No. 8-ranked squad -- Saline.
8. Saline- Last season's overall record (11-1, lost in Division 1 quarterfinals 43-42 to eventual state champion Detroit Cass Tech). The Hornets led 42-35 entering the fourth quarter, before Technician senior quarterback Rodney Hall (Northern Illinois signee) scored on a 3-yard run. Hall connected with senior receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan signee) for the game-winning 2-point conversion pass.
Top players- C.J. Gildersleeve-6-2, 225-Sr.-LB (CMU verbal), Dimitri Douglas-6-5, 285-Sr.-OT (Michigan State verbal), Emmett Turner-6-4, 215-Sr.-TE-WR, Zach Drevno-5-11, 225-Sr.-C-LS, Alex Lampman-6-1, 280-Sr.-OG, M.J. Griffin-5-11, 170-Jr.-CB, Zarek Bratschi-6-6, 290-Sr.-OT, Cole Daniels-6-2, 210-Sr.-QB-WR, Ethan Collick-6-1, 195-Sr.-LB, Trevor Garbo-6-1, 270-Sr.-DT, J.T. Turner-5-11, 155-Jr.-PK, Vinnie Patteri-5-11, 165-Sr.-P, Andrew Diuble-5-9, 170-Sr.-RB-WR.
Season opener- vs. Rockford (7-4 last season) in the "Battle at the Big House" at U-M Stadium, Aug. 24. The Rams, one of the top programs in Michigan and a perennial powerhouse in the Grand Rapids area, had an uncharacteristic down season last year. Though, I dare say, most teams throughout the state would love to finish their season with seven wins, including a playoff victory, but the standards at Rockford are usually much higher. The Rams return two of Michigan's top players in seniors QB Jason Whittaker-6-5, 205 (Northwestern verbal) and OT Cody Carone-6-5, 320.
Interesting program tidbits- Saline, an Ann Arbor area power, has been a high-level college football hotbed recently, producing big-time D-I talent the last three seasons. Three years ago, Hornet Tyrone Miller signed with Kansas, where he started at CB as a freshman and where he's now slated to start at S for the Jayhawks this upcoming season. Two years ago, Saline QB Josh Jackson signed with Va Tech (and will be the Hokies' starting QB this season), while last season Hornet TE Bryce Wolma committed to Arizona. Already this preseason, Saline seniors C.J. Gildersleeve and Dimitri Douglas have verbally committed to CMU and MSU, respectively. Finally, if you've never been to Hornet Stadium to watch a football game -- go. Go now. Small college programs would be so lucky. Hosting 10,000 or more for some contests, Hornet Stadium can be quite the sight to see on Friday nights. You can thank me later...
Overview- Similar to my No. 9-ranked team, Utica Eisenhower, Saline is on a mission this season to reach the D-1 state title game. Like the No. 9-ranked Eagles, the Hornets also lost to Detroit Cass Tech in dramatic fashion ending their season a year ago. I always believe late losses in big games to end a season carries over to the next year, no matter what coaches or players say otherwise. With one of the best offensive lines in the state returning, led by MSU commit Douglas (6-5, 285), and a defense sparked by CMU commit Gildersleeve (6-2, 225) and highly recruited junior CB M.J. Griffin (5-11, 170, Indiana, Louisville, Iowa State offers), plus both kickers in junior placekicker J.T. Turner (5-11, 155) and senior punter Vinnie Patteri (5-11, 165), Saline looks to be one of the most well-rounded and balanced squads in Michigan. With coach Joe Palka, one of the best in Michigan, running the show for the Hornets, look for Saline to make another deep run into the postseason this year. The Hornets are a combined 34-4 over the past three seasons, reaching the Division 1 state championship game in 2014, while advancing to the D-1 quarterfinals the past two years.
Up next- No. 7-ranked Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
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