Wow, what a way to end the regular season with a bang. Week 9 had so many incredible games, from match-ups featuring undefeated teams, to upsets of state-ranked squads to some of the best rivalries in the state of Michigan. What a perfect ending to what has been an outstanding regular season in the Great Lakes State. Let's hope the ensuing state playoffs are every bit as exciting and dramatic.
Week 9 top games-
Coldwater (6-3) 24, No. 6 Traverse City West (8-1) 9
Battle Creek Harper Creek (9-0) 41, Whitehall (6-3) 20
Battle Creek Pennfield (4-5) 28, Olivet (8-1) 21
Alma (7-2) 39, Big Rapids (3-6) 33
Boyne City (9-0) 19, Traverse City St. Francis (8-1) 13
Detroit King (8-1) 21, No. 7 Detroit East English Village (8-1) 0
Calumet (6-3) 20, Gladstone (7-2) 16
Ithaca (9-0) 38, Carrollton (6-3) 6
Clarkston (7-2) 23, Farmington Hills Harrison (6-3) 12
Warren Fitzgerald (7-2) 39, Clinton Township Clintondale (7-2) 34
No. 4 East Grand Rapids (9-0) 13, Grand Rapids South Christian (7-2) 7
Davison (8-1) 30, Flint Powers Catholic (5-4) 9
Frankenmuth (9-0) 20, Freeland (6-3) 7
Haslett (7-2) 24, Petoskey (3-6) 21
Kingsford (7-1) 21, Escanaba (7-2) 14
Michigan Center (8-1) 45, Reading (7-2) 43
St. Joseph (7-2) 17, Portage Central (7-2) 14
Waterford Mott (8-1) 42, No. 9 Fenton (8-1) 28
Dearborn Divine Child (8-1) 34, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (7-2) 20
Warren DeLaSalle (7-2) 35, Detroit Catholic Central (5-4) 14
No. 5 Belleville (9-0) 27, Temperance Bedford (6-3) 24 (OT)
Montague (9-0) 34, Muskegon Catholic Central (7-1) 10
Rivalry games- (these are truly some of the best in Michigan)
No. 8 Zeeland East (9-0) 28, Zeeland West (6-3) 8
Bay City Central (5-4) 48, Bay City Western (0-9) 18
Midland (8-1) 49, Midland Dow (7-2) 21
Port Huron Northern (8-1) 21, Port Huron (4-5) 7
Saginaw (2-7) 14, Saginaw Arthur Hill (0-9) 6
Madison Heights Madison (9-0) 42, Madison Heights Lamphere (5-4) 14
Troy (6-3) 20, Troy Athens (0-9) 19
Walled Lake Western (8-1) 42, Walled Lake Central (5-4) 0
Holland (6-3) 46, Holland Christian (3-6) 22
South Lyon East (4-5) 34, South Lyon (1-8) 27
Livonia Franklin (7-2) 35, Livonia Stevenson (5-4) 21
East Lansing (7-2) 21, Okemos (5-4) 7
Hancock (7-2) 21, Houghton (1-8) 0
Ludington (4-5) 29, Mason County Central (2-7) 28
Oscoda (6-3) 28, Tawas (2-6) 13
No. 3 Utica Eisenhower (9-0) 38, Utica Ford (2-7) 20
Updated state rankings-
1. Muskegon (9-0)
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (9-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (9-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (9-0)
5. Belleville (9-0)
6. Zeeland East (9-0)
7. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (9-0)
8. Montague (9-0)
9. Detroit King (8-1)
10. (tie) Wyoming Kelloggsville (9-0),
Wyandotte (9-0)
Other top teams- Battle Creek Harper Creek (9-0), Frankenmuth (9-0), Ithaca (9-0), Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (9-0), Boyne City (9-0), Grand Ledge (8-1), DeWitt (8-1), Saline (7-1), Fenton (8-1), Holland West Ottawa (8-1), Walled Lake Western (8-1), Warren DeLaSalle (7-2), Dearborn Divine Child (8-1), Davison (8-1), Rochester Adams (8-1), Muskegon Mona Shores (8-1), Detroit East English (8-1), Muskegon Catholic Central (7-1), Traverse City West (8-1), Midland (8-1), Traverse City St. Francis (8-1), Waterford Mott (8-1).
Top first round playoff games-
Canton (8-1) at Saline (7-1)- Div. 1
Lowell (6-3) at Flushing (7-2)- Div. 2
Zeeland West (6-3) at Zeeland East (9-0)- Div. 3
Grand Rapids Christian (7-2) at DeWitt (8-1)- Div. 3
St. Joseph (7-2) at Stevensville-Lakeshore (8-1)- Div. 3
Benton Harbor (5-4) at Edwardsburg (8-1)- Div. 4
Hancock (7-2) at Menominee (6-3)- Div. 5
Lansing Catholic (7-2) at Olivet (8-1)- Div. 5
Almont (7-2) at Frankenmuth (9-0)- Div. 5
Maple City Glen Lake (6-2) at Boyne City (9-0)- Div. 6
Homer (6-3) at Cassopolis (8-1)- Div. 7
Newberry (6-2) at Frankfort (6-2)- Div. 8
Friday, October 27, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Big Ten, where are you? Northville's Jake Moody -- offer him
Um, I don't know about you, but besides the offensive and defensive lines, arguably the most important part of a winning football team is special teams -- more specifically a talented and accurate kicker.
Besides Quinn Nordin (Rockford native, ranked No. 1 kicker in nation coming out of high school, currently U-M's kicker), in the past few years the state of Michigan hasn't produced a better all-around kicker than Northville senior Jake Moody. This guy is absolutely INCREDIBLE. He is equal to, in my opinion, Nordin and would instantly (as Nordin has done for U-M in his first season) settle the kicking situation at any big-time Division I school for the next four years.
Big Ten, where are you on this guy?? Michigan already has Nordin, so it's not really in the market for a kicker. Michigan State? Hello... C'mon Spartans, get on this guy. Stop being so lazy and slow-footed when it comes to offering this kid. Indiana? Illinois? Heck, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin?? Clemson, 'Bama, Texas, Oklahoma?? Hello, college football...
How could any college football program worth its salt not be banging down Moody's proverbial front door? Let's see, is it because Moody has ONLY kicked three field goals this season of 50 yards or more, including a 55-yarder, 57-yarder and a 58-yarder (second longest in state history)? Maybe top-flight college football programs in the Big Ten and throughout the country aren't interested in Moody because he's a perfect 25-of-25 on PATs this season or because he's 12-of-17 kicking field goals this year, with three of those misses coming from beyond 50 yards? That has to be it, right? Can't be missing from beyond 50 yards as a high school senior -- that's a deal-breaker (that's sarcasm, by the way). Is he not highly recruited because of his 41-yard punting average? Is that the reason why? No, I'm sure he's not being recruited and offered by Top 25-level programs because of his annoying habit of CRUSHING kickoffs 38 out of 40 times this season into the opponent's end zone, including one especially nauseating (sarcasm, remember) instance this year when he blasted a kickoff from his own 20-yard line -- 80 YARDS -- (yes, 80 yards, off a tee) into the opponent's end zone -- just because he can. I'm sure that's why he hasn't been offered by MSU, Illinois, Indiana, OSU, Wisconsin and on and on and on. True kicking talent is sooooo overrated and over-recruited, am I right? (again, sarcasm)
I've never blogged about a kicker before (and no I'm not related to this kid, though I am "Moody" sometimes -- ba dum, dum), but this kid is the real deal and has been since he was kicking 50-yard FGs as a sophomore for Northville. What's wrong with recruiters in this state (CMU has reportedly offered, though) and throughout Big Ten country? Crazy... (head shake, eye roll, the whole nine yards).
Besides Quinn Nordin (Rockford native, ranked No. 1 kicker in nation coming out of high school, currently U-M's kicker), in the past few years the state of Michigan hasn't produced a better all-around kicker than Northville senior Jake Moody. This guy is absolutely INCREDIBLE. He is equal to, in my opinion, Nordin and would instantly (as Nordin has done for U-M in his first season) settle the kicking situation at any big-time Division I school for the next four years.
Big Ten, where are you on this guy?? Michigan already has Nordin, so it's not really in the market for a kicker. Michigan State? Hello... C'mon Spartans, get on this guy. Stop being so lazy and slow-footed when it comes to offering this kid. Indiana? Illinois? Heck, Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin?? Clemson, 'Bama, Texas, Oklahoma?? Hello, college football...
How could any college football program worth its salt not be banging down Moody's proverbial front door? Let's see, is it because Moody has ONLY kicked three field goals this season of 50 yards or more, including a 55-yarder, 57-yarder and a 58-yarder (second longest in state history)? Maybe top-flight college football programs in the Big Ten and throughout the country aren't interested in Moody because he's a perfect 25-of-25 on PATs this season or because he's 12-of-17 kicking field goals this year, with three of those misses coming from beyond 50 yards? That has to be it, right? Can't be missing from beyond 50 yards as a high school senior -- that's a deal-breaker (that's sarcasm, by the way). Is he not highly recruited because of his 41-yard punting average? Is that the reason why? No, I'm sure he's not being recruited and offered by Top 25-level programs because of his annoying habit of CRUSHING kickoffs 38 out of 40 times this season into the opponent's end zone, including one especially nauseating (sarcasm, remember) instance this year when he blasted a kickoff from his own 20-yard line -- 80 YARDS -- (yes, 80 yards, off a tee) into the opponent's end zone -- just because he can. I'm sure that's why he hasn't been offered by MSU, Illinois, Indiana, OSU, Wisconsin and on and on and on. True kicking talent is sooooo overrated and over-recruited, am I right? (again, sarcasm)
I've never blogged about a kicker before (and no I'm not related to this kid, though I am "Moody" sometimes -- ba dum, dum), but this kid is the real deal and has been since he was kicking 50-yard FGs as a sophomore for Northville. What's wrong with recruiters in this state (CMU has reportedly offered, though) and throughout Big Ten country? Crazy... (head shake, eye roll, the whole nine yards).
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Jefferson, Muskegon prove they're best in Michigan
If there was any doubt beforehand, I think Muskegon senior QB Ladarius Jefferson's (6-2, 220) performance against crosstown rival Muskegon Mona Shores last Friday proved that, pound for pound, he's the best all-around high school football player in the state of Michigan. Jefferson (Central Florida verbal) helped lead the No. 1-ranked Big Reds (8-0) to an exciting 35-24 victory over the host No. 10-ranked Sailors in front of an overflowing crowd of 11,500. Jefferson rushed for 290 yards on 33 carries, with four touchdowns, including the game-clincher with less than two minutes remaining. Jefferson scored on TD runs of 15, 16, 26 and 38 yards for Muskegon. Overall, the Big Reds finished with 468 total yards of offense, all on the ground. Senior slotback Clinton Jefferson (6-0, 175) also had a strong performance for Muskegon rushing for 110 yards on 11 attempts with one TD.
Mona Shores (7-1) battled to the end and left everything out on the field proving it was more than worthy of its No. 10 state ranking. The Sailors ended up with 403 total yards of offense, scoring more points in one game (24) against the Big Reds than Muskegon had given up throughout its entire season (21 points in seven games). Senior QB Tristan Robbins (5-11, 175) led Mona Shores finishing 15-of-22 passing for 186 yards, while rushing for 81 yards on 16 carries with one TD. Senior WR Keyshawn Summerville (6-0, 170) added nine receptions for 85 yards, while also throwing a wide receiver pass for a touchdown.
The Sailors led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter, but were outscored 21-7 in the final frame. Though falling to the Big Reds, Mona Shores is still one of the top teams in Michigan. The Sailors are loaded with Division I college football talent, including seniors OT Keontae Watson (6-5, 265), C-DT Chuckie Anthony (6-2, 295) and Summerville, while juniors WR Damari Roberson (6-2, 190, who missed the Muskegon game with an injury)), LB-TE Jacob Wahlberg (6-4, 215), RB-LB Sincere Dent (5-10, 210) and DT-OT Cole Stout (6-5, 255) are also D-I prospects.
This game, more than anything in my opinion, showed the importance of a powerful and talented offensive line. Muskegon might have the top O-line in the state of Michigan, if not the Midwest. Behind their massive and skilled offensive line, the Big Reds rushed for almost 500 yards. Despite not completing a single pass, Muskegon was still able to earn the win against a highly-ranked opponent. To me, that's pretty incredible. Opening the holes up front all night for the Big Reds (now that I think about it, that's an appropriate nickname for this group -- they're just flat out HUGE), were senior OT Antwan Reed (6-7, 320, Penn State verbal), junior OT Anthony Bradford (6-6, 325, Alabama, MSU, Ohio State offers among many) and junior OG Marquis Cooper (6-2, 290). Other top players for Muskegon (and D-I recruits, in my opinion) are seniors DT Eli Jackson (6-1, 300) and DB Willie Shanks (6-2, 185), along with junior LB Ali'vonta Wallace (6-1, 215) and sophomore DE Billie Roberts (6-4, 225).
Week 8 top games-
Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (7-1) 16, U-D Jesuit (3-5) 14
Mendon (8-0) 34, Cassopolis (7-1) 24
*Farmington Hills Harrison (6-2) 39, Berkley (1-7) 0
-- Harrison coach John Herrington became the state's all-time wins leader with the victory.
Wyandotte (8-0) 24, Gibraltar Carlson (7-1) 20
Goodrich (7-1) 47, Montrose (6-2) 31
Lake City (8-0) 35, Lincoln-Alcona (6-2) 34
East Lansing (6-2) 9, Lansing Sexton (5-3) 7
DeWitt (7-1) 33, Linden (6-2) 3
Kingsford (6-1) 42, Menominee (5-3) 21
Marquette (4-4) 35, Negaunee (4-4) 19
Whitehall (6-2) 25, North Muskegon (5-3) 14
Saginaw Swan Valley (7-1) 36, Alma (6-2) 19
Harbor Beach (7-1) 26, Ubly (6-2) 14
Portland (7-1) 29, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (6-2) 27
Watervliet (8-0) 36, Schoolcraft (5-3) 14
Ypsilanti Lincoln (6-2) 23, Temperance Bedford (6-2) 19
Olivet (8-0) 21, Berrien Springs (6-2) 17
Rivalry games-
Birmingham Groves (7-1) 35, Birmingham Seaholm (1-7) 33
Newaygo (6-2) 20, Grant (5-3) 6
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (5-3) 27, Monroe Jefferson (0-8) 0
Farmington (2-6) 47, North Farmington (1-7) 3
Novi (3-5) 21, Northville (3-5) 6
Taylor Truman (2-6) 68, Taylor Kennedy (0-8) 20
Detroit King (7-1) 17, Detroit Cass Tech (6-2) 7
Plainwell (6-2) 35, Paw Paw (4-4) 28
Interesting tidbits games-
Calumet (5-3) 30, Bessemer (3-5) 20
-- An Upper Peninsula game in the U.P.'s rugged, mountainous western side, pitted teams with two of the best, most unique nicknames in the entire state, if not the country. The Copper Kings of Calumet defeated the Speedboys of Bessemer -- how can you not love it? What awesome nicknames. I actually drove for two days (yes, that can happen in a state as expansive as Michigan) to visit Bessemer and buy an official Speedboy T-shirt. I know, you wish you had one! Now, if only I could get a Copper Kings T-shirt... A final interesting note/tidbit to the Calumet-Bessemer contest is the former players from these two schools. Former Copper Kings include Harley "Hunk" Anderson (one of the players included in my book, "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players") and his best friend growing up, George Gipp (who would later achieve legendary fame as a Notre Dame football player) -- yes, THE George Gipp of "Win one for the Gipper" fame. Former Speedboy is Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer DE Bob Jurasin (NMU, CFL). Plus, I once dated a former Calumet Copper Kings cheerleader in college while at Michigan State. Soooo, anyhow... Just sayin'... Hi, Wendy!
Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (8-0) 49, New Buffalo (4-4) 14
-- What made this game interesting to me, was the distance Nouvel Catholic had to travel to play the Bison. The Panthers hopped onto their team bus and three and a half to four hours or so and 220 miles later reached the field at New Buffalo, a small Lake Michigan coastal town located in the farthest corner of southwest Michigan, a stone's throw from the Indiana border. High school football -- only in Michigan...
Updated state rankings-
1. Muskegon (8-0)
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (8-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (8-0)
5. Belleville (8-0)
6. Traverse City West (8-0)
7. Detroit East English Village (8-0)
8. Zeeland East (8-0)
9. Fenton (8-0)
10. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (8-0)
Other top teams- Muskegon Catholic Central (7-0), Montague (8-0), Ithaca (8-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (8-0), Frankenmuth (8-0), Olivet (8-0), Traverse City St. Francis (8-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (8-0), Wyandotte (8-0).
Week 9 top games-
Montague (8-0) at Muskegon Catholic Central (7-0)
Traverse City St. Francis (8-0) at Boyne City (8-0)
Mona Shores (7-1) battled to the end and left everything out on the field proving it was more than worthy of its No. 10 state ranking. The Sailors ended up with 403 total yards of offense, scoring more points in one game (24) against the Big Reds than Muskegon had given up throughout its entire season (21 points in seven games). Senior QB Tristan Robbins (5-11, 175) led Mona Shores finishing 15-of-22 passing for 186 yards, while rushing for 81 yards on 16 carries with one TD. Senior WR Keyshawn Summerville (6-0, 170) added nine receptions for 85 yards, while also throwing a wide receiver pass for a touchdown.
The Sailors led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter, but were outscored 21-7 in the final frame. Though falling to the Big Reds, Mona Shores is still one of the top teams in Michigan. The Sailors are loaded with Division I college football talent, including seniors OT Keontae Watson (6-5, 265), C-DT Chuckie Anthony (6-2, 295) and Summerville, while juniors WR Damari Roberson (6-2, 190, who missed the Muskegon game with an injury)), LB-TE Jacob Wahlberg (6-4, 215), RB-LB Sincere Dent (5-10, 210) and DT-OT Cole Stout (6-5, 255) are also D-I prospects.
This game, more than anything in my opinion, showed the importance of a powerful and talented offensive line. Muskegon might have the top O-line in the state of Michigan, if not the Midwest. Behind their massive and skilled offensive line, the Big Reds rushed for almost 500 yards. Despite not completing a single pass, Muskegon was still able to earn the win against a highly-ranked opponent. To me, that's pretty incredible. Opening the holes up front all night for the Big Reds (now that I think about it, that's an appropriate nickname for this group -- they're just flat out HUGE), were senior OT Antwan Reed (6-7, 320, Penn State verbal), junior OT Anthony Bradford (6-6, 325, Alabama, MSU, Ohio State offers among many) and junior OG Marquis Cooper (6-2, 290). Other top players for Muskegon (and D-I recruits, in my opinion) are seniors DT Eli Jackson (6-1, 300) and DB Willie Shanks (6-2, 185), along with junior LB Ali'vonta Wallace (6-1, 215) and sophomore DE Billie Roberts (6-4, 225).
Week 8 top games-
Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (7-1) 16, U-D Jesuit (3-5) 14
Mendon (8-0) 34, Cassopolis (7-1) 24
*Farmington Hills Harrison (6-2) 39, Berkley (1-7) 0
-- Harrison coach John Herrington became the state's all-time wins leader with the victory.
Wyandotte (8-0) 24, Gibraltar Carlson (7-1) 20
Goodrich (7-1) 47, Montrose (6-2) 31
Lake City (8-0) 35, Lincoln-Alcona (6-2) 34
East Lansing (6-2) 9, Lansing Sexton (5-3) 7
DeWitt (7-1) 33, Linden (6-2) 3
Kingsford (6-1) 42, Menominee (5-3) 21
Marquette (4-4) 35, Negaunee (4-4) 19
Whitehall (6-2) 25, North Muskegon (5-3) 14
Saginaw Swan Valley (7-1) 36, Alma (6-2) 19
Harbor Beach (7-1) 26, Ubly (6-2) 14
Portland (7-1) 29, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (6-2) 27
Watervliet (8-0) 36, Schoolcraft (5-3) 14
Ypsilanti Lincoln (6-2) 23, Temperance Bedford (6-2) 19
Olivet (8-0) 21, Berrien Springs (6-2) 17
Rivalry games-
Birmingham Groves (7-1) 35, Birmingham Seaholm (1-7) 33
Newaygo (6-2) 20, Grant (5-3) 6
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (5-3) 27, Monroe Jefferson (0-8) 0
Farmington (2-6) 47, North Farmington (1-7) 3
Novi (3-5) 21, Northville (3-5) 6
Taylor Truman (2-6) 68, Taylor Kennedy (0-8) 20
Detroit King (7-1) 17, Detroit Cass Tech (6-2) 7
Plainwell (6-2) 35, Paw Paw (4-4) 28
Interesting tidbits games-
Calumet (5-3) 30, Bessemer (3-5) 20
-- An Upper Peninsula game in the U.P.'s rugged, mountainous western side, pitted teams with two of the best, most unique nicknames in the entire state, if not the country. The Copper Kings of Calumet defeated the Speedboys of Bessemer -- how can you not love it? What awesome nicknames. I actually drove for two days (yes, that can happen in a state as expansive as Michigan) to visit Bessemer and buy an official Speedboy T-shirt. I know, you wish you had one! Now, if only I could get a Copper Kings T-shirt... A final interesting note/tidbit to the Calumet-Bessemer contest is the former players from these two schools. Former Copper Kings include Harley "Hunk" Anderson (one of the players included in my book, "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players") and his best friend growing up, George Gipp (who would later achieve legendary fame as a Notre Dame football player) -- yes, THE George Gipp of "Win one for the Gipper" fame. Former Speedboy is Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer DE Bob Jurasin (NMU, CFL). Plus, I once dated a former Calumet Copper Kings cheerleader in college while at Michigan State. Soooo, anyhow... Just sayin'... Hi, Wendy!
Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (8-0) 49, New Buffalo (4-4) 14
-- What made this game interesting to me, was the distance Nouvel Catholic had to travel to play the Bison. The Panthers hopped onto their team bus and three and a half to four hours or so and 220 miles later reached the field at New Buffalo, a small Lake Michigan coastal town located in the farthest corner of southwest Michigan, a stone's throw from the Indiana border. High school football -- only in Michigan...
Updated state rankings-
1. Muskegon (8-0)
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (8-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (8-0)
5. Belleville (8-0)
6. Traverse City West (8-0)
7. Detroit East English Village (8-0)
8. Zeeland East (8-0)
9. Fenton (8-0)
10. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (8-0)
Other top teams- Muskegon Catholic Central (7-0), Montague (8-0), Ithaca (8-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (8-0), Frankenmuth (8-0), Olivet (8-0), Traverse City St. Francis (8-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (8-0), Wyandotte (8-0).
Week 9 top games-
Montague (8-0) at Muskegon Catholic Central (7-0)
Traverse City St. Francis (8-0) at Boyne City (8-0)
Friday, October 13, 2017
Week 7 was amazing for Michigan high school football
I know, I know, it's a bit late for Week 7 comments, but hey, a guy has to eat/work/play(?) and life as you well know happens. So better late than never, right? Here are some insights, observations and comments on Week 7 of the crazy, awesome 2017 high school football season in Michigan.
Week 7 top games --
Carrollton (6-1) 26, Alma (6-1) 14
Bay City John Glenn (4-3) 28, Bay City Central (3-4) 24
Montague (7-0) 40, Muskegon Oakridge (5-2) 0
Davison (6-1) 35, Lapeer (5-2) 17
Dearborn Divine Child (6-1) 14, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (6-1) 13
Detroit King (6-1) 46, Detroit Central (5-2) 34
Escanaba (6-1) 35, Gladstone (6-1) 14
Farmington Hills Harrison (5-2) 17, Oak Park (5-2) 14
No. 9 Fenton (7-0) 52, Flushing (5-2) 35
No. 2 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0) 57, Comstock Park (4-3) 50
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (7-0) 35, Lowell (4-3) 6
DeWitt (6-1) 28, Haslett (5-2) 0
Holland West Ottawa (6-1) 35, Rockford (4-3) 30
Frankenmuth (7-0) 28, Millington (6-1) 22
Birmingham Brother Rice (4-3) 24, Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-1) 20
Rochester Adams (6-1) 21, Clarkston (5-2) 14
Rivalry games-
Dearborn Fordson (6-1) 31, Dearborn (2-5) 12
Reed City (6-1) 48, Big Rapids (3-4) 14
Kingsford (5-1) 42, Iron Mountain (1-6) 7
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (6-1) 37, Macomb Dakota (5-2) 7
Portage Central (6-1) 28, Portage Northern (2-5) 3
Redford Thurston (5-2) 42, Redford Union (3-4) 40 (2OT)
Interesting tidbit game-
West Branch Ogemaw Heights (1-6) 27, Tawas (1-5) 14
-- Seemingly just a random "Up North" game between two small-to-mid-sized schools on Michigan's "Sun Rise" coast near the shore of Lake Huron. However, what made this contest interesting, at least to a guy like me, is the fact both programs currently have players suiting up in the NFL. Ogemaw Heights alum Anthony Zettel (Penn State) is a defensive end for his home state Detroit Lions, while Tawas grad Jeff Janis (Saginaw Valley State) is a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. Just one of those moments that make you go, "Hmmm... Who'd a thunk it?" It's just another example of the talent level of Michigan high school football, not only in the traditional hotbed-type programs/regions, but throughout the ENTIRE state. So cool to see,,,
Updated Top 10 state rankings-
1. Muskegon (7-0)
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (7-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (7-0)
5. Belleville (7-0)
6. Traverse City West (7-0)
7. Detroit East English (7-0)
8. Zeeland East (7-0)
9. Fenton (7-0)
10. Muskegon Mona Shores (7-0)
Other top teams: Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (7-0), Muskegon Catholic Central (6-0), Montague (7-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (7-0), Ithaca (7-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (7-0), Frankenmuth (7-0).
Week 8 top game-
No. 1 Muskegon (7-0) at No. 10 Muskegon Mona Shores (7-0)
-- I cannot wait to see the final score of this one. If I had any free time (ha, what's that?), I would drive over to the Lake Michigan coastline and check out this game between two Top 10 state-ranked heavyweights. The NFL Network currently has a program airing called "Football Town: Valdosta, Georgia." If the Great Lakes State had the same type of program, it would be titled, "Football Town: Muskegon, Michigan." I can only imagine what the scene will be like in football-crazy Muskegon tonight for the game between the host No. 10-ranked Sailors and the top-ranked Big Reds. I'm going to estimate a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 in the stands and three-to-four deep behind the fence circling the field. Last week, Mona Shores defeated Grand Rapids Union 65-0, while Muskegon beat Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 54-0. In the past three games, the Sailors have outscored their opponents 155-13, while the Big Reds, during that same time span, have outscored their foes 185-0. Can we please kick this game off...like...now.
Week 7 top games --
Carrollton (6-1) 26, Alma (6-1) 14
Bay City John Glenn (4-3) 28, Bay City Central (3-4) 24
Montague (7-0) 40, Muskegon Oakridge (5-2) 0
Davison (6-1) 35, Lapeer (5-2) 17
Dearborn Divine Child (6-1) 14, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (6-1) 13
Detroit King (6-1) 46, Detroit Central (5-2) 34
Escanaba (6-1) 35, Gladstone (6-1) 14
Farmington Hills Harrison (5-2) 17, Oak Park (5-2) 14
No. 9 Fenton (7-0) 52, Flushing (5-2) 35
No. 2 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0) 57, Comstock Park (4-3) 50
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (7-0) 35, Lowell (4-3) 6
DeWitt (6-1) 28, Haslett (5-2) 0
Holland West Ottawa (6-1) 35, Rockford (4-3) 30
Frankenmuth (7-0) 28, Millington (6-1) 22
Birmingham Brother Rice (4-3) 24, Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-1) 20
Rochester Adams (6-1) 21, Clarkston (5-2) 14
Rivalry games-
Dearborn Fordson (6-1) 31, Dearborn (2-5) 12
Reed City (6-1) 48, Big Rapids (3-4) 14
Kingsford (5-1) 42, Iron Mountain (1-6) 7
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (6-1) 37, Macomb Dakota (5-2) 7
Portage Central (6-1) 28, Portage Northern (2-5) 3
Redford Thurston (5-2) 42, Redford Union (3-4) 40 (2OT)
Interesting tidbit game-
West Branch Ogemaw Heights (1-6) 27, Tawas (1-5) 14
-- Seemingly just a random "Up North" game between two small-to-mid-sized schools on Michigan's "Sun Rise" coast near the shore of Lake Huron. However, what made this contest interesting, at least to a guy like me, is the fact both programs currently have players suiting up in the NFL. Ogemaw Heights alum Anthony Zettel (Penn State) is a defensive end for his home state Detroit Lions, while Tawas grad Jeff Janis (Saginaw Valley State) is a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. Just one of those moments that make you go, "Hmmm... Who'd a thunk it?" It's just another example of the talent level of Michigan high school football, not only in the traditional hotbed-type programs/regions, but throughout the ENTIRE state. So cool to see,,,
Updated Top 10 state rankings-
1. Muskegon (7-0)
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (7-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (7-0)
5. Belleville (7-0)
6. Traverse City West (7-0)
7. Detroit East English (7-0)
8. Zeeland East (7-0)
9. Fenton (7-0)
10. Muskegon Mona Shores (7-0)
Other top teams: Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (7-0), Muskegon Catholic Central (6-0), Montague (7-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (7-0), Ithaca (7-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (7-0), Frankenmuth (7-0).
Week 8 top game-
No. 1 Muskegon (7-0) at No. 10 Muskegon Mona Shores (7-0)
-- I cannot wait to see the final score of this one. If I had any free time (ha, what's that?), I would drive over to the Lake Michigan coastline and check out this game between two Top 10 state-ranked heavyweights. The NFL Network currently has a program airing called "Football Town: Valdosta, Georgia." If the Great Lakes State had the same type of program, it would be titled, "Football Town: Muskegon, Michigan." I can only imagine what the scene will be like in football-crazy Muskegon tonight for the game between the host No. 10-ranked Sailors and the top-ranked Big Reds. I'm going to estimate a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 in the stands and three-to-four deep behind the fence circling the field. Last week, Mona Shores defeated Grand Rapids Union 65-0, while Muskegon beat Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 54-0. In the past three games, the Sailors have outscored their opponents 155-13, while the Big Reds, during that same time span, have outscored their foes 185-0. Can we please kick this game off...like...now.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
No. 4 East Grand Rapids continues to dominate foes, especially on defense
East Grand Rapids, one of Michigan's most successful and legendary high school football programs, looks to have another bonafide state championship-level team in 2017. The No. 4-ranked Pioneers (6-0) defeated host Grand Rapids Christian (5-1) 28-7 last Friday. East Grand Rapids seems to be playing some of its best football of the season at the moment, outscoring its last three opponents 108-7. For the year, the Pioneers have only allowed 49 points, yielding a stingy eight points per game on average. Offensively, EGR has scored 195 points this season.
Pacing the Pioneers this year is senior QB Mike Malewitz (5-11, 170), a gritty, natural leader and three-sport standout (football, hockey and baseball). A punishing run game spearheads the EGR offense, as senior RB Connor Davis (5-10, 165), who had a game-high 160 yards rushing on 30 carries, with three TDs, including a 93-yard opening kickoff return for a score against Christian, and sophomore John Shelton (5-10, 190) lead the squad. As usual, with any strong football team, it's upfront, in the trenches, where it counts most. Leading the Pioneers along the offensive and defensive lines are senior OT Matt Eerdmans (6-4, 260), senior TE-DE Max Lundeen (6-4, 225) and junior OT Stuart Kettler (6-5, 265). Kettler is currently being recruited by multiple D-I schools, including Michigan State.
East Grand Rapids has appeared in 12 state championship games in its illustrious history (tied for sixth best all-time in Michigan, with Detroit Catholic Central on top with 17 finals appearances). The Pioneers have won 11 state titles (tied for third best all-time, with Farmington Hills Harrison first with 13 state championships), while its five straight state titles from 2006 through 2010 is only matched in state finals history by Harrison's five consecutive state crowns from 1997 through 2001. Since 2000, East Grand Rapids has won seven state championships.
A couple famous Pioneer alums include current Detroit Red Wing Luke Glendening and Hollywood screenwriter/producer Adam Herz. Herz is most commonly known for writing the movie "American Pie" and its subsequent sequels. In "American Pie," the high school the main characters attend is called East Great Falls, an apparent homage to Herz's alma mater.
Week 6 top games --
Alma (6-0) 21, Freeland (4-2) 7
Howell (1-5) 16, Brighton (3-3) 15 * rivalry game
No. 6 Belleville (6-0) 35, Dearborn Fordson (5-1) 7
Chelsea (5-1) 34, Dexter (0-6) 14 *rivalry game
Negaunee (3-3) 21 Ishpeming (2-4) 14
Maple City Glen Lake (3-2) 48, Frankfort (4-2) 34
Escanaba (5-1) 42, Menominee (4-2) 21
Midland (5-1) 39, No. 5 Davison (5-1) 25
DeWitt (5-1) 38, St. Johns (3-3) 12 *rivalry game
Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-0) 30, Portage Northern (2-4) 27
No. 7 Traverse City West (6-0) 30, Benton Harbor (2-4) 13
Michigan vs. Everybody --
Hancock (5-1) 56, Hurley (WI) (4-3) 20
Houghton (1-5) 32, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines (1-6) 0
Winning streaks --
Two of the best small-school football programs, not only in Michigan, but in the nation, continue to show how dominant they really are with impressive winning streaks. Ithaca (6-0) is currently riding a 70-game regular season win streak. The Yellowjackets defeated St. Charles (1-5) 56-8 last Friday. Ithaca hasn't lost a regular season contest since 2009. During that same time span, the Yellowjackets have only suffered three losses, all coming in the state playoffs, while winning five state championships. Equally as impressive is Muskegon Catholic Central's 25-game winning streak, including the state playoffs. The Crusaders (5-0) defeated Muskegon Heights (3-3) 32-0 last Friday. Muskegon Catholic Central has won four consecutive state championships (2013 through 2016).
Updated Top 10 state rankings --
1. Muskegon (6-0) - Big Reds defeated Grand Rapids Union 70-0.
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (6-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (6-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (6-0)
5. Belleville (6-0)
6. Traverse City West (6-0)
7. Detroit East English Village (6-0)
8. Zeeland East (6-0)
9. Fenton (6-0)
10. Muskegon Mona Shores (6-0)
Other top teams -- Muskegon Catholic Central (5-0), Ithaca (6-0), Montague (6-0), Traverse City St. Francis (6-0), Edwardsburg (6-0), Alma (6-0), Frankenmuth (6-0), Gladstone (6-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (6-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-0), Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-0), Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-0).
Week 7 top games --
No. 9 Fenton (6-0) at Flushing (5-1)
Top players- Fenton- Josh Czarnota-6-2, 210-QB-Sr.; Flushing- Cal Endicott-6-5, 195-QB-Sr., Bradley Novess-6-5, 310-DT-Sr., William Racely-6-4, 295-OT-Jr.
DeWitt (5-1) at Haslett (5-1)
Lowell (4-2) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-0)
Top players- Lowell- Addison Buckius-6-3, 200-WR-Sr., David Kruse-6-2, 200-QB-Sr., Mitchell O'Gorman-6-5, 245-OT-DE-Sr.; GRFHC- Bryce Clay-5-10, 190-WR-DB-Sr., Tate Hallock-6-3, 185-WR-DB-Jr., Elijah Gruley-6-3, 240-DT-Sr., Christian Balanda-6-6, 265-OT-Sr.
Clarkston (5-1) at Rochester Adams (5-1)
Montague (6-0) at Muskegon Oakridge (5-1)
Pacing the Pioneers this year is senior QB Mike Malewitz (5-11, 170), a gritty, natural leader and three-sport standout (football, hockey and baseball). A punishing run game spearheads the EGR offense, as senior RB Connor Davis (5-10, 165), who had a game-high 160 yards rushing on 30 carries, with three TDs, including a 93-yard opening kickoff return for a score against Christian, and sophomore John Shelton (5-10, 190) lead the squad. As usual, with any strong football team, it's upfront, in the trenches, where it counts most. Leading the Pioneers along the offensive and defensive lines are senior OT Matt Eerdmans (6-4, 260), senior TE-DE Max Lundeen (6-4, 225) and junior OT Stuart Kettler (6-5, 265). Kettler is currently being recruited by multiple D-I schools, including Michigan State.
East Grand Rapids has appeared in 12 state championship games in its illustrious history (tied for sixth best all-time in Michigan, with Detroit Catholic Central on top with 17 finals appearances). The Pioneers have won 11 state titles (tied for third best all-time, with Farmington Hills Harrison first with 13 state championships), while its five straight state titles from 2006 through 2010 is only matched in state finals history by Harrison's five consecutive state crowns from 1997 through 2001. Since 2000, East Grand Rapids has won seven state championships.
A couple famous Pioneer alums include current Detroit Red Wing Luke Glendening and Hollywood screenwriter/producer Adam Herz. Herz is most commonly known for writing the movie "American Pie" and its subsequent sequels. In "American Pie," the high school the main characters attend is called East Great Falls, an apparent homage to Herz's alma mater.
Week 6 top games --
Alma (6-0) 21, Freeland (4-2) 7
Howell (1-5) 16, Brighton (3-3) 15 * rivalry game
No. 6 Belleville (6-0) 35, Dearborn Fordson (5-1) 7
Chelsea (5-1) 34, Dexter (0-6) 14 *rivalry game
Negaunee (3-3) 21 Ishpeming (2-4) 14
Maple City Glen Lake (3-2) 48, Frankfort (4-2) 34
Escanaba (5-1) 42, Menominee (4-2) 21
Midland (5-1) 39, No. 5 Davison (5-1) 25
DeWitt (5-1) 38, St. Johns (3-3) 12 *rivalry game
Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-0) 30, Portage Northern (2-4) 27
No. 7 Traverse City West (6-0) 30, Benton Harbor (2-4) 13
Michigan vs. Everybody --
Hancock (5-1) 56, Hurley (WI) (4-3) 20
Houghton (1-5) 32, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines (1-6) 0
Winning streaks --
Two of the best small-school football programs, not only in Michigan, but in the nation, continue to show how dominant they really are with impressive winning streaks. Ithaca (6-0) is currently riding a 70-game regular season win streak. The Yellowjackets defeated St. Charles (1-5) 56-8 last Friday. Ithaca hasn't lost a regular season contest since 2009. During that same time span, the Yellowjackets have only suffered three losses, all coming in the state playoffs, while winning five state championships. Equally as impressive is Muskegon Catholic Central's 25-game winning streak, including the state playoffs. The Crusaders (5-0) defeated Muskegon Heights (3-3) 32-0 last Friday. Muskegon Catholic Central has won four consecutive state championships (2013 through 2016).
Updated Top 10 state rankings --
1. Muskegon (6-0) - Big Reds defeated Grand Rapids Union 70-0.
2. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (6-0)
3. Utica Eisenhower (6-0)
4. East Grand Rapids (6-0)
5. Belleville (6-0)
6. Traverse City West (6-0)
7. Detroit East English Village (6-0)
8. Zeeland East (6-0)
9. Fenton (6-0)
10. Muskegon Mona Shores (6-0)
Other top teams -- Muskegon Catholic Central (5-0), Ithaca (6-0), Montague (6-0), Traverse City St. Francis (6-0), Edwardsburg (6-0), Alma (6-0), Frankenmuth (6-0), Gladstone (6-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (6-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-0), Stevensville-Lakeshore (6-0), Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-0).
Week 7 top games --
No. 9 Fenton (6-0) at Flushing (5-1)
Top players- Fenton- Josh Czarnota-6-2, 210-QB-Sr.; Flushing- Cal Endicott-6-5, 195-QB-Sr., Bradley Novess-6-5, 310-DT-Sr., William Racely-6-4, 295-OT-Jr.
DeWitt (5-1) at Haslett (5-1)
Lowell (4-2) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-0)
Top players- Lowell- Addison Buckius-6-3, 200-WR-Sr., David Kruse-6-2, 200-QB-Sr., Mitchell O'Gorman-6-5, 245-OT-DE-Sr.; GRFHC- Bryce Clay-5-10, 190-WR-DB-Sr., Tate Hallock-6-3, 185-WR-DB-Jr., Elijah Gruley-6-3, 240-DT-Sr., Christian Balanda-6-6, 265-OT-Sr.
Clarkston (5-1) at Rochester Adams (5-1)
Montague (6-0) at Muskegon Oakridge (5-1)
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