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.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Michigan's Top Teams for 2017: No. 9 Utica Eisenhower
Throughout the next week or so I'll be profiling my preseason Top 10 high school football teams for the 2017 season in Michigan. Today, the spotlight is on my No. 9-ranked squad -- Utica Eisenhower.
9. Utica Eisehnower- Last season's overall record (12-1, lost in the Division 1 semifinals 32-28 to eventual state champion Detroit Cass Tech on a last-second TD catch by All-American WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan signee).
Top Players- Max Wittwer-6-3, 185-Sr.-QB, Derian Doherty-6-4, 280-Sr.-OL, Henry Janeway-6-4, 220-DE-LB-TE-WR, Assad Bujaidar-5-10, 170-Sr.-RB, Jack Morris-6-0, 180-Sr.-WR, Ben Mets-5-9, 165-Sr.-WR, Johnny Fantauzzo-5-10, 160-Sr.-DB.
Season opener- vs. Oak Park (7-4 last season) in Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26. First time meeting between these two power programs. Oak Park has some of the top individual talent in Michigan. The Knights are led by my No. 1 overall prospect in the state in senior OG Marquan McCall (6-4, 325, Kentucky verbal).
Interesting rivalry game- The Eagles have had Romeo's number the past two years, that's for sure. Last season, Eisenhower defeated the Bulldogs 16-14 on a last-second 37-yard field goal by senior kicker Anthony Tocco. Two years ago, the Eagles topped Romeo 17-14 in a Week 9 victory. It was the Bulldogs' lone loss of the season, as Romeo would go on to win the Division 1 state championship. A "Red Letter-type" of game, Eisenhower travels to Romeo for this season's match-up in Week 5. Stay tuned...
Overview- Head coach Chris Smith (a former Michigan State captain under George Perles and Nick Saban) has Eisenhower primed and ready for another crack at the Division 1 state title. Senior quarterback and high-level D-I college football prospect Max Wittwer (6-3, 185) is one of the most dynamic players in the state of Michigan and should be a handful for most opponents to contain. Last season, Wittwer (No. 8-ranked QB in Michigan) threw for 1,677 yards with 21 TDs and only four interceptions, while running for 819 yards and nine touchdowns. I have the Eagles ranked this high, not only because of the talent returning, but because of the way the 2016 season ended. The bitter taste/ache in Eisenhower's collective stomachs after last year's last-second loss to Detroit Cass Tech in the D-1 state semifinals has to gnaw at the Eagles. That setback, in my opinion, will motivate, galvanize and harden the resolve of this season's Eisenhower squad. The Eagles were so close, yet so far, last year to capturing a state title. Look for the well-coached and disciplined "Ike" squad to have another successful season in 2017. Though low on star-power as compared to other teams still to come on this Top 10 list, Eisenhower, like the school's namesake, isn't flashy, but, like the real man, all it does -- is win.
Up next- No. 8-ranked Saline.
9. Utica Eisehnower- Last season's overall record (12-1, lost in the Division 1 semifinals 32-28 to eventual state champion Detroit Cass Tech on a last-second TD catch by All-American WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan signee).
Top Players- Max Wittwer-6-3, 185-Sr.-QB, Derian Doherty-6-4, 280-Sr.-OL, Henry Janeway-6-4, 220-DE-LB-TE-WR, Assad Bujaidar-5-10, 170-Sr.-RB, Jack Morris-6-0, 180-Sr.-WR, Ben Mets-5-9, 165-Sr.-WR, Johnny Fantauzzo-5-10, 160-Sr.-DB.
Season opener- vs. Oak Park (7-4 last season) in Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26. First time meeting between these two power programs. Oak Park has some of the top individual talent in Michigan. The Knights are led by my No. 1 overall prospect in the state in senior OG Marquan McCall (6-4, 325, Kentucky verbal).
Interesting rivalry game- The Eagles have had Romeo's number the past two years, that's for sure. Last season, Eisenhower defeated the Bulldogs 16-14 on a last-second 37-yard field goal by senior kicker Anthony Tocco. Two years ago, the Eagles topped Romeo 17-14 in a Week 9 victory. It was the Bulldogs' lone loss of the season, as Romeo would go on to win the Division 1 state championship. A "Red Letter-type" of game, Eisenhower travels to Romeo for this season's match-up in Week 5. Stay tuned...
Overview- Head coach Chris Smith (a former Michigan State captain under George Perles and Nick Saban) has Eisenhower primed and ready for another crack at the Division 1 state title. Senior quarterback and high-level D-I college football prospect Max Wittwer (6-3, 185) is one of the most dynamic players in the state of Michigan and should be a handful for most opponents to contain. Last season, Wittwer (No. 8-ranked QB in Michigan) threw for 1,677 yards with 21 TDs and only four interceptions, while running for 819 yards and nine touchdowns. I have the Eagles ranked this high, not only because of the talent returning, but because of the way the 2016 season ended. The bitter taste/ache in Eisenhower's collective stomachs after last year's last-second loss to Detroit Cass Tech in the D-1 state semifinals has to gnaw at the Eagles. That setback, in my opinion, will motivate, galvanize and harden the resolve of this season's Eisenhower squad. The Eagles were so close, yet so far, last year to capturing a state title. Look for the well-coached and disciplined "Ike" squad to have another successful season in 2017. Though low on star-power as compared to other teams still to come on this Top 10 list, Eisenhower, like the school's namesake, isn't flashy, but, like the real man, all it does -- is win.
Up next- No. 8-ranked Saline.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Michigan's Top Teams for 2017 : No. 10 River Rouge
With the class of 2018 position rankings complete, along with my top 100 players for the class of 2019 and top 20 gridders for the class of 2020 finished, I'll now shift my focus to Michigan's best high school football teams for the 2017 season. Beginning with this post (and in the ensuing days), I'll profile the Great Lakes State's preseason Top 10 prep football squads for the upcoming 2017 year. Today's first installment is my selection for the state's preseason No. 10-ranked team -- River Rouge.
10. River Rouge- Last season's overall record (11-2, lost 20-14 to eventual state runner-up Detroit Country Day in the Division 4 semifinals).
Top Players- Reggie Pearson-5-11, 185-Sr.-SS (Wisconsin verbal), Lee Payton-6-3, 220-Sr.-TE (WMU verbal), Eric Chenault-6-0, 215-Sr.-LB-WR, Corry Thomas-5-10, 175-Jr.-CB, Alex Carter-5-10, 215-Sr.-RB, Julien Lee-6-4, 320-Sr.-DT, Ja'veon Coleman-6-1, 280-Sr.-DT, Tyler Carter-6-2, 230-Sr.-DE, Baron Sholar-6-0, 205-Sr.-LB, Dalen Parker-6-5, 195-Sr.-WR, K.J. Worthy-5-10, 185-Jr.-DB, Caleef Jenkins-5-10, 220-Jr.-RB, Yusuf Abdul-Aziz-5-10, 205-Jr.-LB, Dontrell Walker-6-1, 275-Jr.-OG.
Season opener- vs. Detroit East English Village (5-4 last season) in Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26.
Interesting out-state match-up- Week 8 at Indianapolis Warren Central, Oct. 13. Warren Central is one of the top programs in Indiana, if not the Midwest. Last season, the Warriors finished 10-2 overall losing in Indiana's "Big School" state semifinals 28-7 to eventual runner-up Greenwood Center Grove. Ironically, Warren Central defeated Center Grove 21-16 to open the season last year. The Warriors also beat eventual "Big School" state champion Carmel 40-30 in Week 8 last season. Warren Central features one of the country's top junior wide receivers in David Bell (6-2, 190). Last year, as a sophomore, Bell caught 68 passes for 1,201 yards and 17 TDs.
Overview- Coach Corey Parker has built a state powerhouse at River Rouge. In the past three seasons, the Panthers are a combined 33-6 overall. Last year, River Rouge reached the Division 4 state semifinals, while in 2015, the Panthers advanced to the Division 5 state championship game before falling 40-34 to Grand Rapids West Catholic. In 2014, River Rouge again finished with double-digit wins ending up 10-2 overall. This upcoming season, Parker, truly one of Michigan's best all-around coaches, should have his Panthers primed for another run at a state title. With a powerful running game highlighted by senior Alex Carter (5-10, 215, 4.5 40) and receivers senior Eric Chenault (6-0, 215) and senior Lee Payton (6-3, 220), River Rouge should score points in bunches this year. But it's defensively why I have the Panthers ranked this high. With D-I college football talent at every level, River Rouge will physically dominate opponents this season. With seniors Julius Lee (6-4, 320) and Ja'veon Coleman (6-1, 280) clogging the middle up front and senior Tyler Carter (6-2, 230) causing havoc from his DE position, the Panthers should have little trouble controlling the line of scrimmage this year. At linebacker, senior Baron Sholar (6-0, 205) and Chenault are physical, hard-hitting players, while in the secondary senior SS Reggie Pearson (5-11, 185) and junior CB Corry Thomas (5-10, 175, 4.4 40) are two of the best in the Midwest at their positions for their respective class years.
Up next- No. 9-ranked Utica Eisenhower.
10. River Rouge- Last season's overall record (11-2, lost 20-14 to eventual state runner-up Detroit Country Day in the Division 4 semifinals).
Top Players- Reggie Pearson-5-11, 185-Sr.-SS (Wisconsin verbal), Lee Payton-6-3, 220-Sr.-TE (WMU verbal), Eric Chenault-6-0, 215-Sr.-LB-WR, Corry Thomas-5-10, 175-Jr.-CB, Alex Carter-5-10, 215-Sr.-RB, Julien Lee-6-4, 320-Sr.-DT, Ja'veon Coleman-6-1, 280-Sr.-DT, Tyler Carter-6-2, 230-Sr.-DE, Baron Sholar-6-0, 205-Sr.-LB, Dalen Parker-6-5, 195-Sr.-WR, K.J. Worthy-5-10, 185-Jr.-DB, Caleef Jenkins-5-10, 220-Jr.-RB, Yusuf Abdul-Aziz-5-10, 205-Jr.-LB, Dontrell Walker-6-1, 275-Jr.-OG.
Season opener- vs. Detroit East English Village (5-4 last season) in Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26.
Interesting out-state match-up- Week 8 at Indianapolis Warren Central, Oct. 13. Warren Central is one of the top programs in Indiana, if not the Midwest. Last season, the Warriors finished 10-2 overall losing in Indiana's "Big School" state semifinals 28-7 to eventual runner-up Greenwood Center Grove. Ironically, Warren Central defeated Center Grove 21-16 to open the season last year. The Warriors also beat eventual "Big School" state champion Carmel 40-30 in Week 8 last season. Warren Central features one of the country's top junior wide receivers in David Bell (6-2, 190). Last year, as a sophomore, Bell caught 68 passes for 1,201 yards and 17 TDs.
Overview- Coach Corey Parker has built a state powerhouse at River Rouge. In the past three seasons, the Panthers are a combined 33-6 overall. Last year, River Rouge reached the Division 4 state semifinals, while in 2015, the Panthers advanced to the Division 5 state championship game before falling 40-34 to Grand Rapids West Catholic. In 2014, River Rouge again finished with double-digit wins ending up 10-2 overall. This upcoming season, Parker, truly one of Michigan's best all-around coaches, should have his Panthers primed for another run at a state title. With a powerful running game highlighted by senior Alex Carter (5-10, 215, 4.5 40) and receivers senior Eric Chenault (6-0, 215) and senior Lee Payton (6-3, 220), River Rouge should score points in bunches this year. But it's defensively why I have the Panthers ranked this high. With D-I college football talent at every level, River Rouge will physically dominate opponents this season. With seniors Julius Lee (6-4, 320) and Ja'veon Coleman (6-1, 280) clogging the middle up front and senior Tyler Carter (6-2, 230) causing havoc from his DE position, the Panthers should have little trouble controlling the line of scrimmage this year. At linebacker, senior Baron Sholar (6-0, 205) and Chenault are physical, hard-hitting players, while in the secondary senior SS Reggie Pearson (5-11, 185) and junior CB Corry Thomas (5-10, 175, 4.4 40) are two of the best in the Midwest at their positions for their respective class years.
Up next- No. 9-ranked Utica Eisenhower.
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