The long, extended Labor Day weekend of high school football in Michigan is over. And what a weekend it was, indeed. The Great Lakes State flexed its muscle against out-state foes, but also took its lumps. Overall, though, the level of play, the excitement and the early season performances have been outstanding.
Here are the two top games for Sept. 2 --
No. 3 Muskegon (2-0) 28, Lincolnshire (IL) Stevenson (1-1) 7 -- The Big Reds were able to exact a bit of revenge on the Chicago suburban host Patriots for last season's last minute 38-35 loss. Muskegon senior QB Ladarius Jefferson (6-2, 215) was unstoppable, rushing for 218 yards on 27 carries with two TDs, while fellow classmate Davion McCall (5-9, 155) added 136 yards on the ground on six attempts. Behind the imposing offensive line anchored by senior OT Antwan Reed (6-7, 295, Penn State verbal) and juniors OG Marquis Cooper (6-2, 280) and OT Anthony Bradford (6-6, 330, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan State offers) the Big Reds overwhelmed Stevenson (one of Illinois' largest schools with over 4,000 students) upfront. Jefferson (Central Florida verbal) is my preseason No. 3-ranked player overall in Michigan, but, I dare say, there isn't anybody in the state playing better at the moment.
No. 9 Detroit East English Village (2-0) 7, East Cleveland (OH) Shaw (0-2) 0 -- The "Ville," as the cool kids say, continues to get the job done this season. Led by high-level Division I football recruits seniors C-DT Tyrone Sampson (6-4, 305, Syracuse verbal), DB-RB Zhamaine March (5-9, 175, Northern Illinois verbal) and DE Desjuan Johnson (6-3, 250, WMU verbal) , East English prevailed, out-state, on the road to remain undefeated on the young year.
Updated state rankings --
1. Muskegon (2-0)
2. Walled Lake Western (2-0)
3. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0)
4. Utica Eisenhower (2-0)
5. Lowell (2-0)
6. East Grand Rapids (2-0)
7. Davison (2-0)
8. Clarkston (2-0)
9. Detroit East English Village (2-0)
10. East Kentwood (2-0)
-- Other top teams: Muskegon Catholic Central (1-0), Ithaca (2-0), Traverse City St. Francis (2-0), Lansing Sexton (2-0), Grand Rapids Christian (2-0), Jackson Lumen Christi (2-0), Portage Central (2-0), Detroit Central (2-0), Belleville (2-0), Rochester Adams (2-0), Traverse City West (2-0).
Week 3 top games -- No. 6 East Grand Rapids (2-0) at No. 5 Lowell (2-0), Sept. 8
Traverse City West (2-0) vs. Traverse City Central (2-0), Sept. 8
Overall, Michigan was 8-3 against out-state competition this past weekend. But still... those three losses (head shake).
In the opening two weeks, Michigan is 15-6 against out-state teams. State-by-state, Michigan is 3-1 vs. Indiana, 4-3 versus Ohio, 6-2 vs. Wisconsin and 2-0 versus Illinois.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Week 2 -- there are no words...
Here's an ice pack and two aspirin -- get well Michigan high school football, team-wise. Ugh... Double ugh... Nothing else need be said --
Sept. 1 --
Toledo (OH) Central Catholic (2-0) 21, No. 1 Detroit King (1-1) 13
Toledo (OH) Whitmer (2-0) 14, No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central (1-1) 7
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (2-1) 38, Birmingham Brother Rice (1-1) 0
I'm speechless... I've got nothin'...
Sept. 1 --
Here are other top games from throughout the Great Lakes State during Week 2 of the 2017 high school football season --
Clarkston (2-0) 17, Southfield A & T (0-2) 7
No. 8 East Grand Rapids (2-0) 38, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (0-2) 20
Muskegon Catholic Central (1-0) 31, Frankfort (1-1) 6
No. 10 Davison (2-0) 27, Mount Pleasant (0-2) 6
Traverse City St. Francis (2-0) 35, Maple City Glen Lake (1-1) 9
No. 5 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0) 22, Detroit Loyola (0-2) 8
East Kentwood (2-0) 21, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-2) 0
No. 7 Lowell (2-0) 14, Rockford (1-1) 0
No. 6 Utica Eisenhower (2-0) 42, Macomb Dakota (1-1) 16
No. 4 Walled Lake Western (2-0) 44, Milford (0-2) 8
"Michigan vs. Everybody" games --
Temperance Bedford (2-0) 19, Toledo (OH) St. Francis (0-2) 8
Iron Mountain West Iron County (1-1) 34, Hurley (WI) (2-1) 30
Menominee (2-0) 41, Kaukauna (WI) (1-2) 33
Kingsford (1-1) 29, Milwaukee (WI) Riverside (1-2) 8
Detroit Cass Tech (1-1) 17, Chicago (IL) Simeon (0-2) 12
Monroe (1-1) 28, Elkhart (IN) Central (2-1) 7
So far, Michigan is 6-3 versus out-state competition in Week 2. But still...there are no words...
Top contests for Sept. 2 -- (two games against out-state foes)
No. 3 Muskegon (1-0) at Lincolnshire (IL) Stevenson (1-0)
East Cleveland (OH) Shaw (0-1) at No. 9 Detroit East English Village (1-0)
Sept. 1 --
Toledo (OH) Central Catholic (2-0) 21, No. 1 Detroit King (1-1) 13
Toledo (OH) Whitmer (2-0) 14, No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central (1-1) 7
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (2-1) 38, Birmingham Brother Rice (1-1) 0
I'm speechless... I've got nothin'...
Sept. 1 --
Here are other top games from throughout the Great Lakes State during Week 2 of the 2017 high school football season --
Clarkston (2-0) 17, Southfield A & T (0-2) 7
No. 8 East Grand Rapids (2-0) 38, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (0-2) 20
Muskegon Catholic Central (1-0) 31, Frankfort (1-1) 6
No. 10 Davison (2-0) 27, Mount Pleasant (0-2) 6
Traverse City St. Francis (2-0) 35, Maple City Glen Lake (1-1) 9
No. 5 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0) 22, Detroit Loyola (0-2) 8
East Kentwood (2-0) 21, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-2) 0
No. 7 Lowell (2-0) 14, Rockford (1-1) 0
No. 6 Utica Eisenhower (2-0) 42, Macomb Dakota (1-1) 16
No. 4 Walled Lake Western (2-0) 44, Milford (0-2) 8
"Michigan vs. Everybody" games --
Temperance Bedford (2-0) 19, Toledo (OH) St. Francis (0-2) 8
Iron Mountain West Iron County (1-1) 34, Hurley (WI) (2-1) 30
Menominee (2-0) 41, Kaukauna (WI) (1-2) 33
Kingsford (1-1) 29, Milwaukee (WI) Riverside (1-2) 8
Detroit Cass Tech (1-1) 17, Chicago (IL) Simeon (0-2) 12
Monroe (1-1) 28, Elkhart (IN) Central (2-1) 7
So far, Michigan is 6-3 versus out-state competition in Week 2. But still...there are no words...
Top contests for Sept. 2 -- (two games against out-state foes)
No. 3 Muskegon (1-0) at Lincolnshire (IL) Stevenson (1-0)
East Cleveland (OH) Shaw (0-1) at No. 9 Detroit East English Village (1-0)
Friday, September 1, 2017
Week 2 of Michigan high school football looks to be another barn-burner with Lansing taking center stage
For me, the early highlight of Week 2 (Labor Day weekend) was seeing, once again, just how good the high school football is in our capital city -- Lansing. Three of the best early games (Aug. 31) took place in the "Governor's Town."
Lansing Sexton 20, Portland 14 -- What a terrific game between powerhouse teams that should play more often. The Big Reds (2-0), coming off a 33-0 victory over Gaylord in Week 1, needed a 5-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run by senior Jock Warren (5-11, 200) with 28 seconds left to secure the hard-earned win. The Raiders (1-1) beat Ovid-Elsie 26-17 to open their season a week ago. Portland has a 24-7 combined overall record the past three seasons (not including this year). In 2012, the Raiders won the Division 5 state championship, defeating Grand Rapids West Catholic 12-9. Since their defeat against Portland, the Falcons have gone on to capture four straight D-5 state titles. The Raiders' top prospect is junior OT-DT Hunter Klein (6-6, 280). Sexton, Division 4 state runner-up in 2014 (losing to Grand Rapids South Christian, and current WMU starting QB Jon Wassink, 28-27), is led this season by two high-level D-I college football recruits in seniors CB-RB Cody Blankenburg (5-9, 170, 4.4 40) and WR-LB Karl Brooks (6-5, 225, 4.5 40).
Dearborn Divine Child 20, East Lansing 17 -- After a rocky start, it became the "Theo Day (6-5, 195, QB) Show" in the fourth quarter for the visiting Falcons (2-0). Day (Michigan State verbal), threw a touchdown pass early in the final frame and scored the game-winner on a short run with less than two minutes remaining for Divine Child. Day finished 12-of-28 passing for 172 yards and a TD, with two interceptions. Besides Day, the Falcons are loaded with D-I prospects including seniors DE-OT Aidan Hutchinson (6-6, 265, Michigan verbal), TE-WR Quinn Blair (6-6, 220) and OG Sean Pilon (6-3, 285). The Trojans (1-1) are paced by D-I recruits seniors S Blake Underwood (6-3, 190, Miami (OH) verbal) and P-PK Connor Charamella (5-11, 185).
DeWitt 14, Grand Ledge 7 -- In a game between perennial Lansing-area and state powers, the Panthers (1-1) came out on top. Both DeWitt and the Comets (1-1) have long been top programs, but for some reason, haven't regularly met on the gridiron. Last season, Grand Ledge beat the Panthers 28-21 in Week 2 in the first meeting between the squads in years. This season, junior QB Blake Gatfield connected with senior WR Noah Koenigsknecht (6-2, 175) for the game-winning TD pass in the fourth quarter. Koenigsknecht (4.4 40) is definitely one of the state's biggest sleepers. He is definitely a high-level D-I college football prospect. In DeWitt's Week 1 loss to Grand Rapids Christian (38-30), Koenigsknecht had five receptions for 133 yards and three TDs. For Grand Ledge, senior quarterback Nolan Bird (6-2, 190, Michigan's No. 9-ranked QB) finished with 190 yards passing versus the Panthers. Besides Bird, the Comets' other D-I prospect is TE Cal Johnston (6-5, 225, also one of the state's top baseball recruits). In the past three years, Grand Ledge has a combined record of 27-8. In 2015, the Comets lost in the Division 1 state semifinals to eventual champion Romeo, 48-21. In 2000, Grand Ledge won the D-1 state title defeating Utica Eisenhower 19-14. DeWitt has a combined three year mark of 30-5. The Panthers were D-3 state runner-up in 2013 and 2002, D-4 state runner-up in 2004 and 2003 and Class B state runner-up in 1989.
Besides the action in Lansing, other big-time Week 2 games include --
Sept. 1 --
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (1-1) at Birmingham Brother Rice (1-0)
Muskegon Catholic Central (0-0) at Frankfort (1-0)
Traverse City St. Francis (1-0) at Maple City Glen Lake (1-0)
Toledo (OH) Whitmer (1-0) at Detroit Catholic Central (1-0)
Macomb Dakota (1-0) at Utica Eisenhower (1-0)
Lowell (1-0) at Rockford (1-0)
East Kentwood (1-0) at Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-1)
Detroit King (1-0) at Toledo (OH) Central Catholic (1-0)
Sept. 2 --
East Cleveland (OH) Shaw (0-1) at Detroit East English Village (1-0)
Muskegon (1-0) at Lincolnshire (IL) Stevenson (1-0)
Lansing Sexton 20, Portland 14 -- What a terrific game between powerhouse teams that should play more often. The Big Reds (2-0), coming off a 33-0 victory over Gaylord in Week 1, needed a 5-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run by senior Jock Warren (5-11, 200) with 28 seconds left to secure the hard-earned win. The Raiders (1-1) beat Ovid-Elsie 26-17 to open their season a week ago. Portland has a 24-7 combined overall record the past three seasons (not including this year). In 2012, the Raiders won the Division 5 state championship, defeating Grand Rapids West Catholic 12-9. Since their defeat against Portland, the Falcons have gone on to capture four straight D-5 state titles. The Raiders' top prospect is junior OT-DT Hunter Klein (6-6, 280). Sexton, Division 4 state runner-up in 2014 (losing to Grand Rapids South Christian, and current WMU starting QB Jon Wassink, 28-27), is led this season by two high-level D-I college football recruits in seniors CB-RB Cody Blankenburg (5-9, 170, 4.4 40) and WR-LB Karl Brooks (6-5, 225, 4.5 40).
Dearborn Divine Child 20, East Lansing 17 -- After a rocky start, it became the "Theo Day (6-5, 195, QB) Show" in the fourth quarter for the visiting Falcons (2-0). Day (Michigan State verbal), threw a touchdown pass early in the final frame and scored the game-winner on a short run with less than two minutes remaining for Divine Child. Day finished 12-of-28 passing for 172 yards and a TD, with two interceptions. Besides Day, the Falcons are loaded with D-I prospects including seniors DE-OT Aidan Hutchinson (6-6, 265, Michigan verbal), TE-WR Quinn Blair (6-6, 220) and OG Sean Pilon (6-3, 285). The Trojans (1-1) are paced by D-I recruits seniors S Blake Underwood (6-3, 190, Miami (OH) verbal) and P-PK Connor Charamella (5-11, 185).
DeWitt 14, Grand Ledge 7 -- In a game between perennial Lansing-area and state powers, the Panthers (1-1) came out on top. Both DeWitt and the Comets (1-1) have long been top programs, but for some reason, haven't regularly met on the gridiron. Last season, Grand Ledge beat the Panthers 28-21 in Week 2 in the first meeting between the squads in years. This season, junior QB Blake Gatfield connected with senior WR Noah Koenigsknecht (6-2, 175) for the game-winning TD pass in the fourth quarter. Koenigsknecht (4.4 40) is definitely one of the state's biggest sleepers. He is definitely a high-level D-I college football prospect. In DeWitt's Week 1 loss to Grand Rapids Christian (38-30), Koenigsknecht had five receptions for 133 yards and three TDs. For Grand Ledge, senior quarterback Nolan Bird (6-2, 190, Michigan's No. 9-ranked QB) finished with 190 yards passing versus the Panthers. Besides Bird, the Comets' other D-I prospect is TE Cal Johnston (6-5, 225, also one of the state's top baseball recruits). In the past three years, Grand Ledge has a combined record of 27-8. In 2015, the Comets lost in the Division 1 state semifinals to eventual champion Romeo, 48-21. In 2000, Grand Ledge won the D-1 state title defeating Utica Eisenhower 19-14. DeWitt has a combined three year mark of 30-5. The Panthers were D-3 state runner-up in 2013 and 2002, D-4 state runner-up in 2004 and 2003 and Class B state runner-up in 1989.
Besides the action in Lansing, other big-time Week 2 games include --
Sept. 1 --
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (1-1) at Birmingham Brother Rice (1-0)
Muskegon Catholic Central (0-0) at Frankfort (1-0)
Traverse City St. Francis (1-0) at Maple City Glen Lake (1-0)
Toledo (OH) Whitmer (1-0) at Detroit Catholic Central (1-0)
Macomb Dakota (1-0) at Utica Eisenhower (1-0)
Lowell (1-0) at Rockford (1-0)
East Kentwood (1-0) at Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-1)
Detroit King (1-0) at Toledo (OH) Central Catholic (1-0)
Sept. 2 --
East Cleveland (OH) Shaw (0-1) at Detroit East English Village (1-0)
Muskegon (1-0) at Lincolnshire (IL) Stevenson (1-0)
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Michigan's 2017 Prep Football Opening Kickoff Weekend One for the Ages
Okay, that was pretty incredible. What an opening kickoff weekend for Michigan high school football. I cannot remember an opening weekend as exciting, crazy and filled with rivalry games, out-state match-ups and "I can't believe that just happened" moments. Here are just a few of the top games this past weekend in Week 1 -- in what looks to be another fantastic year -- in Michigan high school football.
1. "You-Simply-Had-To-Be-There" games
-- Davison 56, Southfield A & T 54 (3OT) -- In the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Southfield led 26-12 in fourth quarter, before Davison rallied. The Cardinals scored with 1:30 left in the game to send the contest into overtime. Senior Tariq Reid (Michigan's No. 1-ranked RB) scored the game-winning 2-point conversion run in the third OT. Reid finished with 132 yards rushing with four touchdowns. Eric McArn (Michigan's No. 3-ranked RB, CMU verbal) ended up with 176 yards rushing with four TDs for the Warriors.
-- Belleville 34, Brighton 31 (OT) -- In the Battle at the Big House at U-M Stadium, Brighton led 28-16 in the fourth quarter. After a Belleville TD cut the Bulldogs' lead to 28-22, Tigers' senior DB Kmare Carey (WMU verbal) scooped up a fumble and returned the ball 70 yards for a TD with 27 seconds left in the game. Brighton blocked the ensuing PAT sending the contest into OT tied at 28-28. After a Bulldog field goal gave Brighton a 31-28 advantage, Belleville scored a touchdown on its first play from scrimmage in the extra session, running behind junior OT Devontae Dobbs (6-4, 295, Michigan's No. 3-ranked player overall for the class of 2019).
-- Grand Blanc 51, Flint Carman-Ainsworth 46 -- In a wild shoot-out, Grand Blanc rallied from a 15-point second half deficit to defeat Carman-Ainsworth. Despite an appearance from former Cavalier and current Michigan State tailback Gerald Holmes, Carman-Ainsworth was unable to hold off the explosive Bobcats in an incredible Flint area season-opener.
2. "Battle-Of-State-Champions" games
-- Jackson Lumen Christi 27, Grand Rapids West Catholic 24 -- In a battle between the defending Division 5 state champion (West Catholic) and the defending Division 6 state title-holder (Lumen Christi), the Titans came out on top. The Titans have won nine football state championships in their history, while the Falcons have captured five state titles in their history, including four straight.
-- No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central 20, Detroit Country Day 7 -- In a rematch of last season's Division 4 state title game, Catholic Central defeated Country Day for the second straight time. In last year's D-4 final, the Cougars topped the Yellowjackets 10-7 for the title. The Catholic Central-Country Day tussle was one of many games pitting powerhouse programs from Michigan's West side versus top teams from the state's East side.
-- East Grand Rapids 33, Farmington Hills Harrison 8 -- In another West side vs. East side contest, two legendary programs squared off with the Pioneers defeating the Hawks 33-8. East Grand Rapids has won 11 football state titles (third most all-time in Michigan), while Harrison has captured 13 football state championships (first all-time in Michigan).
3. "Michigan vs. Everybody" games
-- No. 1 Detroit King 38, Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral 35
-- Colon 20, Fremont (IN) 7
-- Pickerington (OH) Central 24, No. 4 Detroit Cass Tech 21
-- Temperance Bedford 35, Toledo (OH) St. John's Jesuit 28
-- Millington 29, Sylvania (OH) Southview 26
-- Menominee 26, Marinette (WI) 6 -- * See below
-- Norway 34, Niagara (WI) Northern Elite 7
-- Menasha (WI) 21, Kingsford 14
-- Hurley (WI) 44, Bessemer 20
-- Calumet 14, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines 6
Michigan finished 7-3 versus out-state competition this past weekend.
4. "Significant Rivalry" games
-- Clinton 32, Manchester 14 -- The "Battle of M-52" (signifying the 7-mile stretch of highway separating the two towns in southern Michigan) is one of Michigan's oldest rivalry games. The Redskins and Flying Dutchmen first played in 1898. The state's oldest rivalry contest is Kalamazoo Central vs. Battle Creek Central (first played in 1893), while other long-standing football rivalries in Michigan include Saginaw vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill (began in 1894), Plainwell vs. Otsego (1896), Adrian vs. Monroe (1896) and Menominee vs. Escanaba (1897).
-- Rochester Adams 38, Rochester 6 -- In the annual battle of Madonna's hometown, the "Fighting Matt Sokols" (former Adams standout and current Michigan State starting TE) defeated the "Ragin' L.J. Sheltons" (former Rochester and EMU OT and No. 1 NFL draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 1999).
-- Menominee 26, Marinette (WI) 6 -- In one of my favorite rivalries, known as the "M & M Game," the Maroons defeated the Mighty Marines 26-6. The Menominee vs. Marinette football contest is the longest running interstate rivalry game in the nation. The two towns, separated by the Menominee River (which drains into Green Bay -- yes, THAT Green Bay), is the border between Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. The two squads have been squaring off on the football field since 1894. Sidenote -- If you've never been to Menominee, take the trip, it's an interesting U.P. town on the shores of Green Bay, with one of the coolest "throw-back-in-time" high school football stadiums you will ever see (Walton Blesch Field, Google it). Trust me... Surrounded by stone walls on all four sides, grandstands that run the length of the field (from end zone to end zone) and shoe-horned smack-dab in the middle of a local neighborhood, it is truly an experience for any high school football stadium fanatic (like me) to see. I once drove the seven hours just to check out the place (yes, I have no life, don't judge me --ha!).
5. "Other Really Good/Interesting" games
-- No. 6 Walled Lake Western 19, No. 5 West Bloomfield 14
-- Trenton 20, Allen Park 14
-- Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 28, Pewamo-Westphalia 21
-- Traverse City St. Francis 21, Marquette 7
-- Dearborn Divine Child 42, Benton Harbor 12
-- Detroit East English Village 38, No. 10 River Rouge 29
-- Lowell 36, Warren DeLaSalle 6
-- Grand Rapids Christian 38, DeWitt 30
-- Macomb Dakota 31, Orchard Lake St. Mary's 24
Updated Top 10 State Rankings --
1. Detroit King (1-0)
2. Detroit Catholic Central (1-0)
3. Muskegon (1-0)
4. Walled Lake Western (1-0)
5. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (1-0)
6. Utica Eisenhower (1-0)
7. Lowell (1-0)
8. East Grand Rapids (1-0)
9. Detroit East English Village (1-0)
10. Davison (1-0)
1. "You-Simply-Had-To-Be-There" games
-- Davison 56, Southfield A & T 54 (3OT) -- In the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Southfield led 26-12 in fourth quarter, before Davison rallied. The Cardinals scored with 1:30 left in the game to send the contest into overtime. Senior Tariq Reid (Michigan's No. 1-ranked RB) scored the game-winning 2-point conversion run in the third OT. Reid finished with 132 yards rushing with four touchdowns. Eric McArn (Michigan's No. 3-ranked RB, CMU verbal) ended up with 176 yards rushing with four TDs for the Warriors.
-- Belleville 34, Brighton 31 (OT) -- In the Battle at the Big House at U-M Stadium, Brighton led 28-16 in the fourth quarter. After a Belleville TD cut the Bulldogs' lead to 28-22, Tigers' senior DB Kmare Carey (WMU verbal) scooped up a fumble and returned the ball 70 yards for a TD with 27 seconds left in the game. Brighton blocked the ensuing PAT sending the contest into OT tied at 28-28. After a Bulldog field goal gave Brighton a 31-28 advantage, Belleville scored a touchdown on its first play from scrimmage in the extra session, running behind junior OT Devontae Dobbs (6-4, 295, Michigan's No. 3-ranked player overall for the class of 2019).
-- Grand Blanc 51, Flint Carman-Ainsworth 46 -- In a wild shoot-out, Grand Blanc rallied from a 15-point second half deficit to defeat Carman-Ainsworth. Despite an appearance from former Cavalier and current Michigan State tailback Gerald Holmes, Carman-Ainsworth was unable to hold off the explosive Bobcats in an incredible Flint area season-opener.
2. "Battle-Of-State-Champions" games
-- Jackson Lumen Christi 27, Grand Rapids West Catholic 24 -- In a battle between the defending Division 5 state champion (West Catholic) and the defending Division 6 state title-holder (Lumen Christi), the Titans came out on top. The Titans have won nine football state championships in their history, while the Falcons have captured five state titles in their history, including four straight.
-- No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central 20, Detroit Country Day 7 -- In a rematch of last season's Division 4 state title game, Catholic Central defeated Country Day for the second straight time. In last year's D-4 final, the Cougars topped the Yellowjackets 10-7 for the title. The Catholic Central-Country Day tussle was one of many games pitting powerhouse programs from Michigan's West side versus top teams from the state's East side.
-- East Grand Rapids 33, Farmington Hills Harrison 8 -- In another West side vs. East side contest, two legendary programs squared off with the Pioneers defeating the Hawks 33-8. East Grand Rapids has won 11 football state titles (third most all-time in Michigan), while Harrison has captured 13 football state championships (first all-time in Michigan).
3. "Michigan vs. Everybody" games
-- No. 1 Detroit King 38, Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral 35
-- Colon 20, Fremont (IN) 7
-- Pickerington (OH) Central 24, No. 4 Detroit Cass Tech 21
-- Temperance Bedford 35, Toledo (OH) St. John's Jesuit 28
-- Millington 29, Sylvania (OH) Southview 26
-- Menominee 26, Marinette (WI) 6 -- * See below
-- Norway 34, Niagara (WI) Northern Elite 7
-- Menasha (WI) 21, Kingsford 14
-- Hurley (WI) 44, Bessemer 20
-- Calumet 14, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines 6
Michigan finished 7-3 versus out-state competition this past weekend.
4. "Significant Rivalry" games
-- Clinton 32, Manchester 14 -- The "Battle of M-52" (signifying the 7-mile stretch of highway separating the two towns in southern Michigan) is one of Michigan's oldest rivalry games. The Redskins and Flying Dutchmen first played in 1898. The state's oldest rivalry contest is Kalamazoo Central vs. Battle Creek Central (first played in 1893), while other long-standing football rivalries in Michigan include Saginaw vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill (began in 1894), Plainwell vs. Otsego (1896), Adrian vs. Monroe (1896) and Menominee vs. Escanaba (1897).
-- Rochester Adams 38, Rochester 6 -- In the annual battle of Madonna's hometown, the "Fighting Matt Sokols" (former Adams standout and current Michigan State starting TE) defeated the "Ragin' L.J. Sheltons" (former Rochester and EMU OT and No. 1 NFL draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 1999).
-- Menominee 26, Marinette (WI) 6 -- In one of my favorite rivalries, known as the "M & M Game," the Maroons defeated the Mighty Marines 26-6. The Menominee vs. Marinette football contest is the longest running interstate rivalry game in the nation. The two towns, separated by the Menominee River (which drains into Green Bay -- yes, THAT Green Bay), is the border between Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. The two squads have been squaring off on the football field since 1894. Sidenote -- If you've never been to Menominee, take the trip, it's an interesting U.P. town on the shores of Green Bay, with one of the coolest "throw-back-in-time" high school football stadiums you will ever see (Walton Blesch Field, Google it). Trust me... Surrounded by stone walls on all four sides, grandstands that run the length of the field (from end zone to end zone) and shoe-horned smack-dab in the middle of a local neighborhood, it is truly an experience for any high school football stadium fanatic (like me) to see. I once drove the seven hours just to check out the place (yes, I have no life, don't judge me --ha!).
5. "Other Really Good/Interesting" games
-- No. 6 Walled Lake Western 19, No. 5 West Bloomfield 14
-- Trenton 20, Allen Park 14
-- Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 28, Pewamo-Westphalia 21
-- Traverse City St. Francis 21, Marquette 7
-- Dearborn Divine Child 42, Benton Harbor 12
-- Detroit East English Village 38, No. 10 River Rouge 29
-- Lowell 36, Warren DeLaSalle 6
-- Grand Rapids Christian 38, DeWitt 30
-- Macomb Dakota 31, Orchard Lake St. Mary's 24
Updated Top 10 State Rankings --
1. Detroit King (1-0)
2. Detroit Catholic Central (1-0)
3. Muskegon (1-0)
4. Walled Lake Western (1-0)
5. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (1-0)
6. Utica Eisenhower (1-0)
7. Lowell (1-0)
8. East Grand Rapids (1-0)
9. Detroit East English Village (1-0)
10. Davison (1-0)
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Michigan's Top Teams for 2017: No. 1 Detroit King
With the opening kickoff to the 2017 season only a few days away, I conclude my preseason list of Michigan's Top 10 squads. Today's installment takes a glance at the Great Lakes State's No. 1-ranked team heading into the 2017 campaign -- Detroit King.
1. Detroit King- Last season's record (13-1, Division 2 state champion, defeated Walled Lake Western 18-0 for the title).
Top players- Jaeveyon Morton-5-10, 175-Sr.-DB-WR (Iowa State verbal), Tyrece Woods-6-2, 245-Jr.-LB-DE, Marvin Grant-6-2, 195-Jr.-DB-RB, Erik Gibson-6-2, 195-Sr.-WR-DB-LB (Minnesota verbal), DeQuan Finn-6-2-185-Jr.-QB, Josh Mayberry-6-2, 295-Sr.-OG-C, Maurice White-6-5, 250-Sr.-DE (Toledo verbal), Jeremiah Hardge-6-3, 265-Sr.-OT, Arric Thomas-6-3, 315-Sr.-OG, James Davis-6-0, 305-Sr.-OG-C-DT, Marcel Wilson-6-4, 315-Sr.-OT-NG, Qaadir Ali-6-2, 215-Sr.-LB-RB, Aaron Pitts-6-1, 190-Sr.-DB, Jalen Bell-5-11, 275-Jr.-DT, Darrell Wyatt-6-3, 185-Jr.-WR, Jalen McGaughy-6-2, 200-Jr.-WR, Rashawn Williams-6-1, 190-Soph.-DB-WR, Deondre Buford-6-4, 215-Soph.-DE.
Season opener- vs. Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral in the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26.
Interesting program tidbits- While my No. 2-ranked team Detroit Catholic Central might have the most difficult schedule Week 1 through 9 this upcoming season, King, without question, at least in my opinion, has the most demanding and physically-daunting first two games of the 2017 year. The Crusaders open the season taking on Indiana traditional power Indianapolis Cathedral, while in Week 2, King travels to Ohio to square off against one of the Buckeye State's top programs in Toledo Central Catholic. The Crusaders will definitely be "Fighting Irish" to begin the season, as both opponents share the same team nickname. Cathedral (7-5 last season) yearly plays one of the country's toughest schedules. The Irish already have a game under their belt in 2017, dropping a hard-fought 35-28 contest to host Louisville (KY) St. Xavier (No. 2-ranked in Kentucky), Aug. 18. Despite the loss, Cathedral is ranked No. 1 in Indiana's 5-A Division heading into the 2017 campaign. The Irish this year are led by seniors OG Emil Ekiyor (6-3, 325, U-M verbal), RB Markese Stepp (6-0, 225, Notre Dame verbal) and LB Hugh Davis (6-1, 215, Boston College verbal). Stepp ran for 203 yards and three TDs in Cathedral's season-opening loss last week. In Week 2, King will face Toledo Central Catholic (13-1 last year, lost in Division III state semifinals). The Irish are a combined 38-6 the past three seasons, winning a state championship in 2014, while finishing as state runner-up in 2015. Last season, Central Catholic's James Hudson (6-5, 295, DT) signed with Michigan.
Season preview- The two-time defending Division 2 state champion Crusaders, led by coach Tyrone Spencer, look to have yet another top team in 2017. King gets the nod as Michigan's No. 1-ranked squad because of its offensive line. I believe the key to any successful football team starts upfront, on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and the Crusaders have one of the Midwest's best O-Lines (along with a top-flight D-Line, as well). But it's the offensive line, at least on that side of the ball, that will set the tone this season for King. Leading the charge upfront for the Crusaders will be seniors C-OG Josh Mayberry (6-2, 295), OT Jeremiah Hardge (6-3, 265), OG-C James Davis (6-0, 305), OG Arric Thomas (6-3, 315) and OT Marcel Wilson (6-4, 315). At quarterback, the Crusaders return junior DeQuan Finn (6-2, 185, Arkansas State offer), while senior Qaadir Ali (6-2, 215) and junior Marvin Grant (6-2, 195) will get carries at RB. At receiver, Minnesota-commit senior Erik Gibson (6-2, 195), Iowa State-commit senior Jaeveyon Morton (5-10, 175), juniors Darrell Wyatt (6-2, 185) and Jalen McGaughy (6-2, 200, Northern Illinois offer), and sophomore Rashawn Williams (6-1, 190, Ohio State, Kentucky offers) round out a deep and talented pass-catching corps. Upfront, defensively, King will be strong with Toledo-commit senior DE Maurice White (6-5, 250), junior DT Jalen Bell (5-11, 275), sophomore DE Deondre Buford (6-4, 215) and Davis. At linebacker, junior Tyrece Woods (6-2, 245, my No. 1-ranked player overall for the class of 2019 in Michigan) will make plays all over the field, along with Ali. Woods will also line up at DE this season, moving around throughout each and every game. In the secondary, the Crusaders will be led by senior Aaron Pitts (6-1, 190), Grant (my No. 6-ranked player overall for the class of 2019 in Michigan, Notre Dame, U-M, Indiana, Iowa offers), Morton, Gibson and Williams.
1. Detroit King- Last season's record (13-1, Division 2 state champion, defeated Walled Lake Western 18-0 for the title).
Top players- Jaeveyon Morton-5-10, 175-Sr.-DB-WR (Iowa State verbal), Tyrece Woods-6-2, 245-Jr.-LB-DE, Marvin Grant-6-2, 195-Jr.-DB-RB, Erik Gibson-6-2, 195-Sr.-WR-DB-LB (Minnesota verbal), DeQuan Finn-6-2-185-Jr.-QB, Josh Mayberry-6-2, 295-Sr.-OG-C, Maurice White-6-5, 250-Sr.-DE (Toledo verbal), Jeremiah Hardge-6-3, 265-Sr.-OT, Arric Thomas-6-3, 315-Sr.-OG, James Davis-6-0, 305-Sr.-OG-C-DT, Marcel Wilson-6-4, 315-Sr.-OT-NG, Qaadir Ali-6-2, 215-Sr.-LB-RB, Aaron Pitts-6-1, 190-Sr.-DB, Jalen Bell-5-11, 275-Jr.-DT, Darrell Wyatt-6-3, 185-Jr.-WR, Jalen McGaughy-6-2, 200-Jr.-WR, Rashawn Williams-6-1, 190-Soph.-DB-WR, Deondre Buford-6-4, 215-Soph.-DE.
Season opener- vs. Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral in the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, Aug. 26.
Interesting program tidbits- While my No. 2-ranked team Detroit Catholic Central might have the most difficult schedule Week 1 through 9 this upcoming season, King, without question, at least in my opinion, has the most demanding and physically-daunting first two games of the 2017 year. The Crusaders open the season taking on Indiana traditional power Indianapolis Cathedral, while in Week 2, King travels to Ohio to square off against one of the Buckeye State's top programs in Toledo Central Catholic. The Crusaders will definitely be "Fighting Irish" to begin the season, as both opponents share the same team nickname. Cathedral (7-5 last season) yearly plays one of the country's toughest schedules. The Irish already have a game under their belt in 2017, dropping a hard-fought 35-28 contest to host Louisville (KY) St. Xavier (No. 2-ranked in Kentucky), Aug. 18. Despite the loss, Cathedral is ranked No. 1 in Indiana's 5-A Division heading into the 2017 campaign. The Irish this year are led by seniors OG Emil Ekiyor (6-3, 325, U-M verbal), RB Markese Stepp (6-0, 225, Notre Dame verbal) and LB Hugh Davis (6-1, 215, Boston College verbal). Stepp ran for 203 yards and three TDs in Cathedral's season-opening loss last week. In Week 2, King will face Toledo Central Catholic (13-1 last year, lost in Division III state semifinals). The Irish are a combined 38-6 the past three seasons, winning a state championship in 2014, while finishing as state runner-up in 2015. Last season, Central Catholic's James Hudson (6-5, 295, DT) signed with Michigan.
Season preview- The two-time defending Division 2 state champion Crusaders, led by coach Tyrone Spencer, look to have yet another top team in 2017. King gets the nod as Michigan's No. 1-ranked squad because of its offensive line. I believe the key to any successful football team starts upfront, on both sides of the line of scrimmage, and the Crusaders have one of the Midwest's best O-Lines (along with a top-flight D-Line, as well). But it's the offensive line, at least on that side of the ball, that will set the tone this season for King. Leading the charge upfront for the Crusaders will be seniors C-OG Josh Mayberry (6-2, 295), OT Jeremiah Hardge (6-3, 265), OG-C James Davis (6-0, 305), OG Arric Thomas (6-3, 315) and OT Marcel Wilson (6-4, 315). At quarterback, the Crusaders return junior DeQuan Finn (6-2, 185, Arkansas State offer), while senior Qaadir Ali (6-2, 215) and junior Marvin Grant (6-2, 195) will get carries at RB. At receiver, Minnesota-commit senior Erik Gibson (6-2, 195), Iowa State-commit senior Jaeveyon Morton (5-10, 175), juniors Darrell Wyatt (6-2, 185) and Jalen McGaughy (6-2, 200, Northern Illinois offer), and sophomore Rashawn Williams (6-1, 190, Ohio State, Kentucky offers) round out a deep and talented pass-catching corps. Upfront, defensively, King will be strong with Toledo-commit senior DE Maurice White (6-5, 250), junior DT Jalen Bell (5-11, 275), sophomore DE Deondre Buford (6-4, 215) and Davis. At linebacker, junior Tyrece Woods (6-2, 245, my No. 1-ranked player overall for the class of 2019 in Michigan) will make plays all over the field, along with Ali. Woods will also line up at DE this season, moving around throughout each and every game. In the secondary, the Crusaders will be led by senior Aaron Pitts (6-1, 190), Grant (my No. 6-ranked player overall for the class of 2019 in Michigan, Notre Dame, U-M, Indiana, Iowa offers), Morton, Gibson and Williams.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Michigan's Top Teams for 2017: No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central
Today, I continue my preview of Michigan's Top 10 teams for the upcoming 2017 season. Today's post looks at my No. 2-ranked squad -- Detroit Catholic Central.
2. Detroit Catholic Central- Last season's record (13-1, Division 1 state runner-up, lost to Detroit Cass Tech 49-20 in D-1 championship game).
Top players- Isaac Darkangelo-6-1, 230-Sr.-LB-RB, Nick Carey-6-7, 295-Sr.-OT, Matt Young-6-1, 225-Sr.-LB-FB, Cam Ryan-6-0, 220-Sr.-RB-LB, Andrew Paxton-6-4, 285-Sr.-OT-DT, Carson Kovath-6-1, 215-Sr.-LB, Jake Hinshaw-6-1, 180-Sr.-QB, Mike Harding-6-5, 225-Jr.-TE, Marco Genrich-5-10, 180-Jr.-QB, Parker Bohland-5-8, 160-Jr.-RB, Keegan Koehler-5-11, 170-Jr.-RB.
Season opener- vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-9 last season) at Catholic Central, Aug. 25. Last year, the Shamrocks defeated the Titans 42-0.
Interesting program tidbit- The schedule. Catholic Central's schedule just might be the most difficult in the state this year. Besides a full slate of always hard, physical and highly competitive Catholic League opponents in perennial powers Birmingham Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, U-D Jesuit and Warren DeLaSalle, the Shamrocks will square off against top Ohio programs Cleveland St. Ignatius, Toledo Whitmer and Dayton Dunbar this year. Dunbar (7-3 last season) is led by senior WR Joseph Scates (6-4, 180, Alabama, Oklahoma, Michigan State, LSU offers). Whitmer (8-3 last year) has slowly built quite a rivalry with Catholic Central. The Panthers and Shamrocks have played each other every season since 2012, with Whitmer holding a 3-2 lead in the series. Last year, Catholic Central defeated the Panthers 29-7. St. Ignatius (13-2 last season) finished as Ohio's "Big School" state runner-up losing to Cincinnati St. Xavier 27-20 (OT) a year ago. The Wildcats' only other loss last season was to Catholic Central 28-21 (OT). It's interesting both states' "Big School" state runners-up played each other last year, with the Shamrocks coming out on top. Look for this season's game to be hotly contested. St. Ignatius will host Catholic Central in Week 4 this year, with the Shamrocks taking on rival and fellow traditional national power, Birmingham Brother Rice the following week. The Shamrocks, though I'm sure they won't, cannot look past the Wildcats (5-4 in 2015, 7-5 in 2014), one of Ohio's legendary programs, in anticipation of their annual rivalry grudge match with the Warriors.
Overview- It'll be a new era for Catholic Central football in 2017, as longtime head coach Tom Mach hung up his whistle after an incredible 41 years with the Shamrocks. Replacing Mach will be former Shamrock assistant coach/defensive coordinator Dan Anderson. Anderson spent the past 18 years coaching alongside Mach. Mach closed out his Hall-of-Fame career third all-time in wins (370) in Michigan high school football history, with 10 state championships and seven state runner-up finishes. Under Anderson, I get the feeling Catholic Central will continue to be a state and national juggernaut, focusing on power football, execution, sure tackling and a winning mentality on and off the field. Leading this season's squad will be a quartet of powerful, intense and strong running backs-linebackers in seniors Isaac Darkangelo (6-1, 230), Cam Ryan (6-0, 220), Matt Young (6-1, 225) and Carson Kovath (6-1, 215, 4.6 40). While the aforementioned quartet bring the thunder, the lightning will come from junior TBs Parker Bohland (5-8, 155) and Keegan Koehler (5-11, 170). Upfront, long a Shamrock strength, seniors OT Nick Carey (6-7, 295, Virginia, Iowa State offers), OT-DT Andrew Paxton (6-4, 285) and OG-DT Joe Natoci (6-1, 250) will open the running lanes. At quarterback, senior Jake Hinshaw (6-1, 180) and junior Marco Genrich (5-10, 180) will compete for the top job under center this season for Catholic Central. Tight end Mike Harding (6-5, 225) will provide a nice, big and athletic target for either QB this year for the Shamrocks. Defensively, Darkangelo, Kovath, Ryan and Young will make plays all over the field for Catholic Central at linebacker, while Harding should be a stalwart at defensive end for the Shamrocks.
Up next- No. 1-ranked Detroit King.
2. Detroit Catholic Central- Last season's record (13-1, Division 1 state runner-up, lost to Detroit Cass Tech 49-20 in D-1 championship game).
Top players- Isaac Darkangelo-6-1, 230-Sr.-LB-RB, Nick Carey-6-7, 295-Sr.-OT, Matt Young-6-1, 225-Sr.-LB-FB, Cam Ryan-6-0, 220-Sr.-RB-LB, Andrew Paxton-6-4, 285-Sr.-OT-DT, Carson Kovath-6-1, 215-Sr.-LB, Jake Hinshaw-6-1, 180-Sr.-QB, Mike Harding-6-5, 225-Jr.-TE, Marco Genrich-5-10, 180-Jr.-QB, Parker Bohland-5-8, 160-Jr.-RB, Keegan Koehler-5-11, 170-Jr.-RB.
Season opener- vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-9 last season) at Catholic Central, Aug. 25. Last year, the Shamrocks defeated the Titans 42-0.
Interesting program tidbit- The schedule. Catholic Central's schedule just might be the most difficult in the state this year. Besides a full slate of always hard, physical and highly competitive Catholic League opponents in perennial powers Birmingham Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, U-D Jesuit and Warren DeLaSalle, the Shamrocks will square off against top Ohio programs Cleveland St. Ignatius, Toledo Whitmer and Dayton Dunbar this year. Dunbar (7-3 last season) is led by senior WR Joseph Scates (6-4, 180, Alabama, Oklahoma, Michigan State, LSU offers). Whitmer (8-3 last year) has slowly built quite a rivalry with Catholic Central. The Panthers and Shamrocks have played each other every season since 2012, with Whitmer holding a 3-2 lead in the series. Last year, Catholic Central defeated the Panthers 29-7. St. Ignatius (13-2 last season) finished as Ohio's "Big School" state runner-up losing to Cincinnati St. Xavier 27-20 (OT) a year ago. The Wildcats' only other loss last season was to Catholic Central 28-21 (OT). It's interesting both states' "Big School" state runners-up played each other last year, with the Shamrocks coming out on top. Look for this season's game to be hotly contested. St. Ignatius will host Catholic Central in Week 4 this year, with the Shamrocks taking on rival and fellow traditional national power, Birmingham Brother Rice the following week. The Shamrocks, though I'm sure they won't, cannot look past the Wildcats (5-4 in 2015, 7-5 in 2014), one of Ohio's legendary programs, in anticipation of their annual rivalry grudge match with the Warriors.
Overview- It'll be a new era for Catholic Central football in 2017, as longtime head coach Tom Mach hung up his whistle after an incredible 41 years with the Shamrocks. Replacing Mach will be former Shamrock assistant coach/defensive coordinator Dan Anderson. Anderson spent the past 18 years coaching alongside Mach. Mach closed out his Hall-of-Fame career third all-time in wins (370) in Michigan high school football history, with 10 state championships and seven state runner-up finishes. Under Anderson, I get the feeling Catholic Central will continue to be a state and national juggernaut, focusing on power football, execution, sure tackling and a winning mentality on and off the field. Leading this season's squad will be a quartet of powerful, intense and strong running backs-linebackers in seniors Isaac Darkangelo (6-1, 230), Cam Ryan (6-0, 220), Matt Young (6-1, 225) and Carson Kovath (6-1, 215, 4.6 40). While the aforementioned quartet bring the thunder, the lightning will come from junior TBs Parker Bohland (5-8, 155) and Keegan Koehler (5-11, 170). Upfront, long a Shamrock strength, seniors OT Nick Carey (6-7, 295, Virginia, Iowa State offers), OT-DT Andrew Paxton (6-4, 285) and OG-DT Joe Natoci (6-1, 250) will open the running lanes. At quarterback, senior Jake Hinshaw (6-1, 180) and junior Marco Genrich (5-10, 180) will compete for the top job under center this season for Catholic Central. Tight end Mike Harding (6-5, 225) will provide a nice, big and athletic target for either QB this year for the Shamrocks. Defensively, Darkangelo, Kovath, Ryan and Young will make plays all over the field for Catholic Central at linebacker, while Harding should be a stalwart at defensive end for the Shamrocks.
Up next- No. 1-ranked Detroit King.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Michigan's Top Teams for 2017: No. 3 Muskegon
Today's installment of Michigan's Top 10 high school football teams for the 2017 season looks at my No. 3-ranked club -- Muskegon.
3. Muskegon- Last year's record (12-2, lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary's 29-28 on a last-second TD pass in the Division 3 state championship game).
Top players- Ladarius Jefferson-6-2, 215-Sr.-QB-LB (Central Florida verbal), Antwan Reed-6-7, 295-Sr.-OT (Penn State verbal), Anthony Bradford-6-6, 330-Jr.-OT, Eli Jackson-6-1, 285-Sr.-DT, Ali'Vonta Wallace-6-1, 210-Jr.-LB-RB, Willie Shanks-6-1, 170-Sr.-CB-RB, C.J. Jefferson-6-0, 175-Sr.-SB-S, Davion McCall-5-9, 155-Sr.-WR, Marquis Cooper-6-2, 280-Jr.-OG, Billie Roberts-6-4, 225-Soph.-DE-TE.
Season opener- vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer at Muskegon, Aug. 25. In Week 2, the Big Reds travel to Lincolnshire Stevenson (Ill.), a Chicago suburban powerhouse. Last season, Muskegon lost to visiting Stevenson (8-2 last year) 38-35, missing on a last-second field goal attempt to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Interesting Muskegon tidbit- There might not be another city in Michigan more high school football crazy than Muskegon. I think I can pretty much say with confidence there's not another city with a population just under 40,000 in the United States that produces more Division I-level college football and NFL talent or more state championship/runner-up teams than Muskegon. This hard-scrabble, blue-collar town just off the shores of Lake Michigan, year-in-year-out, produces some of the finest individual talent and top-ranked squads the Great Lakes State has to offer. With Michigan's winningest program (Top 10 nationally in wins, as well) in Muskegon and, in my humble opinion, one of the country's best small-school football programs in Muskegon Catholic Central, the city that raised one of my favorite actors, Harry Morgan (Colonel Sherman T. Potter of "M*A*S*H" fame, 1933 graduate of Muskegon High) is, indeed, "high school football central" every fall in Michigan. Since 2000, five different Muskegon football programs have either won a state championship or finished runner-up, including Muskegon (D-2 state champions-2008, 2006, 2004, D-2 runner-up- 2013, 2012, D-3 runner-up- 2016, 2014); Muskegon Mona Shores (D-2 runner-up-2014); Muskegon Orchard View (D-4 state champions-2004); Muskegon Oakridge (D-5 state champions-2008, 2005, D-5 runner-up-2003) and Muskegon Catholic Central (D-8 state champions- 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2000, D-7 runner-up-2006, 2001).
Overview- Just four points... When Muskegon harkens back on its 2016 season, the Big Reds can look at only four measly points separating them from an undefeated and state championship-winning year. Muskegon's two losses last season came by a combined four points and, to twist the proverbial knife even further, both defeats came in the last minute of the fourth quarter. It's one of the reasons I have the Big Reds ranked this high. Yes, Muskegon has eight or so Division I-level (high, mid, low) prospects on its team, but what makes the Big Reds so dangerous this year are two words -- four points. I believe Muskegon will be hungry to atone for those two setbacks this upcoming season. Leading the Big Reds this year will be senior QB Ladarius Jefferson (6-2, 215, No. 3-ranked player in Michigan). Jefferson is similar to Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett in build, arm strength and leadership abilities, I believe. At running back, junior Ali'Vonta Wallace (6-1, 210) and senior Willie Shanks (6-1, 170) will get plenty of carries, while senior C.J. Jefferson (6-0, 175) and senior Davion McCall (5-9, 155) will be the top receivers for Muskegon. More than anything, it's upfront where the Big Reds will punish opponents, with senior OT Antwan Reed (6-7, 295) and juniors OT Anthony Bradford (6-6, 330, Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgia offers) and OG Marquis Cooper (6-2, 280) dominating in the trenches. Defensively, senior DT Eli Jackson (6-1, 285) and sophomore DE Billie Roberts (6-4, 225) will cause havoc all season long at the line of scrimmage and in the opponent's backfield, while at linebacker, Jefferson (No. 1-ranked LB in Michigan) and Wallace (No. 2-ranked junior LB in Michigan) will be all over the field for Muskegon. In the secondary, Shanks and Jefferson will be key contributors as the Big Reds' last line of defense.
Up next- No. 2-ranked Detroit Catholic Central.
3. Muskegon- Last year's record (12-2, lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary's 29-28 on a last-second TD pass in the Division 3 state championship game).
Top players- Ladarius Jefferson-6-2, 215-Sr.-QB-LB (Central Florida verbal), Antwan Reed-6-7, 295-Sr.-OT (Penn State verbal), Anthony Bradford-6-6, 330-Jr.-OT, Eli Jackson-6-1, 285-Sr.-DT, Ali'Vonta Wallace-6-1, 210-Jr.-LB-RB, Willie Shanks-6-1, 170-Sr.-CB-RB, C.J. Jefferson-6-0, 175-Sr.-SB-S, Davion McCall-5-9, 155-Sr.-WR, Marquis Cooper-6-2, 280-Jr.-OG, Billie Roberts-6-4, 225-Soph.-DE-TE.
Season opener- vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer at Muskegon, Aug. 25. In Week 2, the Big Reds travel to Lincolnshire Stevenson (Ill.), a Chicago suburban powerhouse. Last season, Muskegon lost to visiting Stevenson (8-2 last year) 38-35, missing on a last-second field goal attempt to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Interesting Muskegon tidbit- There might not be another city in Michigan more high school football crazy than Muskegon. I think I can pretty much say with confidence there's not another city with a population just under 40,000 in the United States that produces more Division I-level college football and NFL talent or more state championship/runner-up teams than Muskegon. This hard-scrabble, blue-collar town just off the shores of Lake Michigan, year-in-year-out, produces some of the finest individual talent and top-ranked squads the Great Lakes State has to offer. With Michigan's winningest program (Top 10 nationally in wins, as well) in Muskegon and, in my humble opinion, one of the country's best small-school football programs in Muskegon Catholic Central, the city that raised one of my favorite actors, Harry Morgan (Colonel Sherman T. Potter of "M*A*S*H" fame, 1933 graduate of Muskegon High) is, indeed, "high school football central" every fall in Michigan. Since 2000, five different Muskegon football programs have either won a state championship or finished runner-up, including Muskegon (D-2 state champions-2008, 2006, 2004, D-2 runner-up- 2013, 2012, D-3 runner-up- 2016, 2014); Muskegon Mona Shores (D-2 runner-up-2014); Muskegon Orchard View (D-4 state champions-2004); Muskegon Oakridge (D-5 state champions-2008, 2005, D-5 runner-up-2003) and Muskegon Catholic Central (D-8 state champions- 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2000, D-7 runner-up-2006, 2001).
Overview- Just four points... When Muskegon harkens back on its 2016 season, the Big Reds can look at only four measly points separating them from an undefeated and state championship-winning year. Muskegon's two losses last season came by a combined four points and, to twist the proverbial knife even further, both defeats came in the last minute of the fourth quarter. It's one of the reasons I have the Big Reds ranked this high. Yes, Muskegon has eight or so Division I-level (high, mid, low) prospects on its team, but what makes the Big Reds so dangerous this year are two words -- four points. I believe Muskegon will be hungry to atone for those two setbacks this upcoming season. Leading the Big Reds this year will be senior QB Ladarius Jefferson (6-2, 215, No. 3-ranked player in Michigan). Jefferson is similar to Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett in build, arm strength and leadership abilities, I believe. At running back, junior Ali'Vonta Wallace (6-1, 210) and senior Willie Shanks (6-1, 170) will get plenty of carries, while senior C.J. Jefferson (6-0, 175) and senior Davion McCall (5-9, 155) will be the top receivers for Muskegon. More than anything, it's upfront where the Big Reds will punish opponents, with senior OT Antwan Reed (6-7, 295) and juniors OT Anthony Bradford (6-6, 330, Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgia offers) and OG Marquis Cooper (6-2, 280) dominating in the trenches. Defensively, senior DT Eli Jackson (6-1, 285) and sophomore DE Billie Roberts (6-4, 225) will cause havoc all season long at the line of scrimmage and in the opponent's backfield, while at linebacker, Jefferson (No. 1-ranked LB in Michigan) and Wallace (No. 2-ranked junior LB in Michigan) will be all over the field for Muskegon. In the secondary, Shanks and Jefferson will be key contributors as the Big Reds' last line of defense.
Up next- No. 2-ranked Detroit Catholic Central.
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