I've always said if CMU wanted to be a consistent "Top 25-ranked going to a bowl game every year"-type program (which I feel it should be) it had to beat non-conference mid- to high-level Division I teams regularly. Last Saturday, the Chippewas (2-0) soundly defeated host Kansas (1-1) 45-27, displaying a high-powered offense and stingy, hard-hitting defense that showcased a roster filled from top to bottom with former Michigan high school football standouts. CMU needs to play with the same discipline, execution, passion and poise this weekend against another mid- to high-level D-I program in Syracuse. These are the games (Syracuse, Kansas type) the Chippewas need to consistently win to take that next step up to a consistent Top 25 program nationally. I know they can do it.
Here are some CMU individual highlights from last Saturday's win over Kansas --
Offensively, grad transfer QB Shane Morris (Warren DeLaSalle) had a phenomenal game, finishing 28-of-37 passing for 467 yards and five TDs, while rushing for 38 yards on eight attempts. For his efforts, Morris was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week. Senior WR Mark Chapman (6-0, 180, Port Huron) ended up with eight receptions for 168 yards and three touchdowns, while fellow classmate senior WR Corey Willis (5-10, 175, Holland) also had eight catches for 140 yards and one TD and junior TE Logan Hessbrook (6-3, 240, Ithaca) four receptions for 61 yards and one TD for the Chippewas. Defensively, junior LB Alex Briones (6-2, 240, Ishpeming) led CMU with 10 tackles, while senior CB Amari Coleman (5-11, 190, New Lothrop) added five tackles and one TFL.
Also, it was pretty interesting to see former Saline stars CMU sophomore WR Cameron Cole (6-0, 185) and Kansas junior DB Tyrone Miller (6-1, 185) going against each other multiple times during last Saturday's match-up.
One really cool thing about CMU is how the Chippewas recruit the small towns in Michigan. There is so much Division I college football talent playing high school football in Michigan's small towns it's incredible. Starting for CMU from smaller towns in the Great Lakes State against Kansas were sophomore OG Logan Slaughter (6-3, 290, Mendon), senior DE Joe Ostman (6-3, 260, St. Ignance), Hessbrook, Briones and Coleman. Plus, there are many more Chippewas from small towns and rural cities contributing and part of the playing rotation every week -- it's a fact, at least to me, that bodes very well for the future success of the CMU program. Heck, Chippewa head coach John Bonamego is from Paw Paw, a small southwest Michigan town itself. I love it.
Look for more Michigan college football standouts and NFL stars in my next blog installment.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Week 3 sees Big Reds solidify No. 1 spot in state rankings
Week 3 of the high school football season in Michigan is in the books. Top-ranked Muskegon (3-0) continues to roll as it defeated Fruitport (1-2) 68-0 last Friday. The Big Red (Machine? Sorry for the baseball reference, but I had to -- they're as dominant right now as those legendary Sparky Anderson-led Cincinnati Reds baseball teams of the 1970s) squad was led by senior quarterback Ladarius Jefferson (6-2, 215, Central Florida verbal) who passed for three touchdowns in a short night. Muskegon led 55-0 at halftime. In other Muskegon football news from this past weekend, two super sophomores had big nights for their respective teams. For defending Division 8 state champion Muskegon Catholic Central (2-0) sophomore QB-WR-RB-DB Cameron Martinez (5-11, 180) scored four rushing TDs to pace the Crusaders as they defeated Muskegon Orchard View 43-7. Catholic Central has won 22 consecutive games. Muskegon Oakridge sophomore RB-LB Leroy Quinn (6-0, 215) scored five touchdowns as the Eagles (3-0) beat Shelby 62-6. Opening a lot of the holes for Quinn is junior OT Peyton Young (6-4, 315). Quinn is my No. 4-ranked sophomore in the state of Michigan, while Martinez is my No. 8-ranked player for the class of 2020. Big Ten, get on these guys...
Here are the top games for Week 3 --
Rivalry games -
Ann Arbor Pioneer (1-2) 34, Ann Arbor Huron (0-3) 6
Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (1-2) 21, Kalamazoo Central (0-3) 14
Livonia Stevenson (3-0) 20, Livonia Churchill (2-1) 9
Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-2) 49, Sterling Heights (0-3) 12
No. 6 East Grand Rapids (3-0) 16, No. 5 Lowell (2-1) 14
Traverse City West (3-0) 29, Traverse City Central (2-1) 27
Westland John Glenn (1-2) 28, Wayne Memorial (1-2) 27
Other top games for Week 3 --
*Bay City Central (2-1) 35, Flint Powers Catholic (2-1) 28- Three future Big Ten-level-type players had big games for Central. Senior RB DeQuez Weathers (6-0, 185, 4.5 40) scored on a 59-yard TD run in the first half, while junior standout QB Brian Elder (6-5, 190) connected with super sophomore WR Devell Washington (6-4, 195) on the contest's final play for a game-winning 55-yard TD pass/reception. Elder finished 7-of-17 passing for 170 yards and three TDs. Weathers ended up with 180 yards rushing on 23 carries.
*Battle Creek Harper Creek (3-0) 22, Jackson Lumen Christi (2-1) 21 (OT) - Defending Division 6 state champions go down in overtime thriller against unbeaten Harper Creek.
*Muskegon Mona Shores (3-0) 30, Rockford (1-2) 24 (OT) - Reportedly, the game was played before more than 8,000 fans.
*Watervilet (3-0) 52, Maple City Glen Lake (1-2) 26 - In three games this season, Watervilet has scored 174 points, for an average of 58 points per contest.
The "Only in Michigan" game for Week 3 --
Escanaba (2-1) 21, Detroit Loyola (0-3) 20 -- This is just another example of why high school football in Michigan is so incredible. There aren't too many states, if any, east of the Mississippi River, where a team can travel 429 miles for a high school football game and STILL be in the same state. The Eskymos of Escanaba, a legendary Upper Peninsula program, traveled "down state" and over the Mackinac Bridge to face Detroit Loyola this past weekend. That's a six-hour trip, ladies and gentlemen. Crazy... And to come away with a victory over Loyola, one of the best small school programs in the Midwest, I'm sure made the long bus ride north much more tolerable. Only in Michigan... I love it.
"Michigan vs. Everybody" games --
Birmingham Brother Rice (2-1) 21, Elkhart (IN) Central (2-2) 7
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (3-1) 38, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-3) 17
Niles (2-1) 7, Goshen (IN) Fairfield (1-3) 0
Hancock (3-0) 48, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines (0-4) 20
Hurley (WI) (3-1) 32, Calumet (2-1) 26
Fond du Lac (WI) (3-1) 49, Menominee (2-1) 20
Norway (3-0) 30, Sturgeon Bay (WI) (0-4) 23
Wild Rose (WI) 12, Ishpeming (1-2) 8
Chicago (IL) DeLaSalle (2-1) 27, Benton Harbor (0-3) 24
For the first time this season, Michigan posted a losing record against out-state competition, compiling a 4-5 mark this past weekend. For the season, the Great Lakes State's overall record against out-state foes is 19-11. Individually, Michigan is 5-2 versus Indiana, 4-3 against Ohio, 8-5 against Wisconsin and 2-1 against Illinois.
Updated Top 10 state rankings --
1. Muskegon (3-0)
2. Walled Lake Western (3-0)
3. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (3-0)
4. Utica Eisenhower (3-0)
5. East Grand Rapids (3-0)
6. Davison (3-0)
7. Clarkston (3-0)
8. Belleville (3-0)
9. Detroit East English (3-0)
10. East Kentwood (3-0)
Other top teams -- Muskegon Catholic Central (2-0), Ithaca (3-0), Traverse City St. Francis (3-0), Lansing Sexton (3-0), Grand Rapids Christian (3-0), Rochester Adams (3-0), Traverse City West (3-0), Zeeland East (3-0), Chippewa Valley (3-0), St. Joseph (3-0), Fenton (3-0), Livonia Stevenson (3-0), Muskegon Mona Shores (3-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (3-0).
Top games for Week 4 --
Stevensville-Lakeshore (3-0) at St. Joseph (3-0)
No. 4 Utica Eisenhower (3-0) at Chippewa Valley (3-0)
Here are the top games for Week 3 --
Rivalry games -
Ann Arbor Pioneer (1-2) 34, Ann Arbor Huron (0-3) 6
Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (1-2) 21, Kalamazoo Central (0-3) 14
Livonia Stevenson (3-0) 20, Livonia Churchill (2-1) 9
Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-2) 49, Sterling Heights (0-3) 12
No. 6 East Grand Rapids (3-0) 16, No. 5 Lowell (2-1) 14
Traverse City West (3-0) 29, Traverse City Central (2-1) 27
Westland John Glenn (1-2) 28, Wayne Memorial (1-2) 27
Other top games for Week 3 --
*Bay City Central (2-1) 35, Flint Powers Catholic (2-1) 28- Three future Big Ten-level-type players had big games for Central. Senior RB DeQuez Weathers (6-0, 185, 4.5 40) scored on a 59-yard TD run in the first half, while junior standout QB Brian Elder (6-5, 190) connected with super sophomore WR Devell Washington (6-4, 195) on the contest's final play for a game-winning 55-yard TD pass/reception. Elder finished 7-of-17 passing for 170 yards and three TDs. Weathers ended up with 180 yards rushing on 23 carries.
*Battle Creek Harper Creek (3-0) 22, Jackson Lumen Christi (2-1) 21 (OT) - Defending Division 6 state champions go down in overtime thriller against unbeaten Harper Creek.
*Muskegon Mona Shores (3-0) 30, Rockford (1-2) 24 (OT) - Reportedly, the game was played before more than 8,000 fans.
*Watervilet (3-0) 52, Maple City Glen Lake (1-2) 26 - In three games this season, Watervilet has scored 174 points, for an average of 58 points per contest.
The "Only in Michigan" game for Week 3 --
Escanaba (2-1) 21, Detroit Loyola (0-3) 20 -- This is just another example of why high school football in Michigan is so incredible. There aren't too many states, if any, east of the Mississippi River, where a team can travel 429 miles for a high school football game and STILL be in the same state. The Eskymos of Escanaba, a legendary Upper Peninsula program, traveled "down state" and over the Mackinac Bridge to face Detroit Loyola this past weekend. That's a six-hour trip, ladies and gentlemen. Crazy... And to come away with a victory over Loyola, one of the best small school programs in the Midwest, I'm sure made the long bus ride north much more tolerable. Only in Michigan... I love it.
"Michigan vs. Everybody" games --
Birmingham Brother Rice (2-1) 21, Elkhart (IN) Central (2-2) 7
Mishawaka (IN) Penn (3-1) 38, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (0-3) 17
Niles (2-1) 7, Goshen (IN) Fairfield (1-3) 0
Hancock (3-0) 48, Eagle River (WI) Northland Pines (0-4) 20
Hurley (WI) (3-1) 32, Calumet (2-1) 26
Fond du Lac (WI) (3-1) 49, Menominee (2-1) 20
Norway (3-0) 30, Sturgeon Bay (WI) (0-4) 23
Wild Rose (WI) 12, Ishpeming (1-2) 8
Chicago (IL) DeLaSalle (2-1) 27, Benton Harbor (0-3) 24
For the first time this season, Michigan posted a losing record against out-state competition, compiling a 4-5 mark this past weekend. For the season, the Great Lakes State's overall record against out-state foes is 19-11. Individually, Michigan is 5-2 versus Indiana, 4-3 against Ohio, 8-5 against Wisconsin and 2-1 against Illinois.
Updated Top 10 state rankings --
1. Muskegon (3-0)
2. Walled Lake Western (3-0)
3. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (3-0)
4. Utica Eisenhower (3-0)
5. East Grand Rapids (3-0)
6. Davison (3-0)
7. Clarkston (3-0)
8. Belleville (3-0)
9. Detroit East English (3-0)
10. East Kentwood (3-0)
Other top teams -- Muskegon Catholic Central (2-0), Ithaca (3-0), Traverse City St. Francis (3-0), Lansing Sexton (3-0), Grand Rapids Christian (3-0), Rochester Adams (3-0), Traverse City West (3-0), Zeeland East (3-0), Chippewa Valley (3-0), St. Joseph (3-0), Fenton (3-0), Livonia Stevenson (3-0), Muskegon Mona Shores (3-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (3-0).
Top games for Week 4 --
Stevensville-Lakeshore (3-0) at St. Joseph (3-0)
No. 4 Utica Eisenhower (3-0) at Chippewa Valley (3-0)
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Michigan Players Shine in College Football Opening Weekend, Part 2
It just keeps coming and coming -- that is, former Michigan high school football standouts now succeeding and excelling in college football. This past Labor Day opening weekend for college football has been nothing short of amazing when it comes to Michiganders taking the spotlight and being front and center when it comes to their individual performances on the gridiron. Here's another sampling of players from the Great Lakes State making their mark on the collegiate level.
Tennessee 42, Georgia Tech 41 (2 OT) -- It was junior RB John Kelly's (5-9, 205, Oak Park) coming out party for the Vols in their national prime time win over the Yellow Jackets Monday night. Kelly led the Tennessee attack with a team-high 128 yards rushing on 19 carries with four touchdowns, including two in overtime. Head coach for the Vols is Michigan native Butch Jones (Saugatuck).
Va Tech 31, West Virginia 24 -- In one of the best games of the weekend, redshirt freshman QB Josh Jackson (6-2, 215, Saline) garnered the national spotlight in his first career start, going 15-of-26 passing for 235 yards and one TD, while rushing for 101 yards with one touchdown. Jackson, the son of longtime U-M running back coach Fred Jackson (current Ypsilanti head coach, who was interviewed after the game along with his son), is the first freshman QB at Va Tech to start the season opener since Michael Vick in 1999. For West Virginia, sophomore RB Martell Pettaway (5-10, 210, Detroit King) played well for the Mountaineers finishing with 19 yards rushing on two carries. On a sidenote, helping train and prepare the West Virginia players is Chelsea native and current Mountaineer assistant director for strength and conditioning, Darl Bauer (Hillsdale College) -- a player I covered for a few years back in the day when I was a sports editor for a paper out in Washtenaw County. Too cool...
CMU 30, Rhode Island 27 (OT) -- Senior QB Shane Morris (6-3, 210, Warren DeLaSalle), a transfer from U-M, came up big for the Chippewas finishing 25-of-49 passing for 226 yards and one TD with one interception. Senior WR Corey Willis (5-10, 175, Holland) led the squad with eight receptions for 43 yards, while sophomore WR Brandon Childress (6-2, 195, Baldwin) added four catches for 20 yards and one TD for CMU. Defensively, the Chips tied a team record with six interceptions for the game. Senior DBs Amari Coleman (5-11, 190, New Lothrop) and Josh Cox (5-11, 200, Warren DeLaSalle) each snared two interceptions for CMU. Junior LB Alex Briones (6-2, 240, Ishpeming) led the Chippewas with 11 tackles, including one interception and one sack. CMU head coach John Bonamego is a native Michigander (Paw Paw, same city as NFL 2-time Pro Bowl DE Jason Babin). A stat I really like is 18 of CMU's 22 starters are from the state of Michigan. I'd like for all of our five D-I football playing schools to have that type of home grown starting ratio.
EMU 24, Charlotte 7 -- Redshirt junior RB Ian Erikson (5-10, 210, Clarkston) was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 37 yards on seven carries and scoring two TDs for the Eagles in their season-opening victory. Defensively, redshirt junior DE Jeremiah Harris (6-5, 255, Temperance Bedford) led EMU with nine tackles and 1.5 TFL.
USC 49, WMU 31 -- Despite the setback, the visiting Broncos showed themselves well against the No. 4-ranked team in the nation. The Trojans didn't pull away until late in the fourth quarter. Senior DB Darius Phillips (5-10, 190, Dearborn Heights Robichaud) was electric against USC, scoring on a 100-yard kickoff return (his third 100-yard kickoff return for a TD in his career) and had one interception and three tackles for WMU. For his efforts, Phillips was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Junior DB Sam Beal (6-1, 185, Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills) also had an interception, while senior LB Asantay Brown (6-0, 215, Muskegon Mona Shores) finished with seven tackles and one sack for WMU. Offensively, redshirt sophomore QB Jon Wassink (6-2, 205, Grand Rapids South Christian) played well in his first career start, ending up 11-of-22 for 67 yards passing, rushing for a 7-yard TD and catching (yes, catching) a wide receiver pass for a 27-yard TD reception. Redshirt sophomore WR Anton Curtis (6-1, 195, Detroit East English Village) led the Broncos with three catches for 30 yards. Like CMU, Western has a dominant Michigan flavor to not only its entire roster, but in its line-up as 13 of the Broncos' 22 starters hail from the Great Lakes State.
MSU 35, Bowling Green State 10 -- One of the most heart-warming and inspirational moments of college football's opening Labor Day weekend, was MSU junior CB Tyson Smith's (5-11, 170, Orchard Lake St. Mary's) 38-yard interception return for a touchdown against Bowling Green State last Saturday. Smith suffered a stroke last year and has made a remarkable recovery. His "pick six" and his story was shown/told on virtually every national sports highlight show last weekend. Junior TE Matt Sokol (6-6, 250, Rochester Adams) caught a 13-yard TD pass for the Spartans and finished with three catches for 31 yards. Sophomore WR Trishton Jackson (6-1, 180, West Bloomfield) recorded three receptions for 41 yards, while senior RB Gerald Holmes ended up with 40 yards rushing on nine attempts for MSU. Defensively, junior S Khari Willis (6-0, 215, Jackson Lumen Christi) finished with three tackles for the Spartans. For BGSU, redshirt senior WR Teo Redding (6-1, 175, Warren Michigan Collegiate) started and caught two passes for 38 yards, while also starting on offense for the Falcons were redshirt senior TE Hunter Folkertsma (6-6, 250, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central), who had one reception for 19 yards and redshirt junior OT Austin Labus (6-6, 295, Portage Northern).
U-M 33, Florida 17 -- Now I see why U-M head coach Jim Harbaugh (Ann Arbor native) famously slept over at Quinn Nordin's house during a recruiting trip to his sophomore kicker's Rockford, Michigan home. Nordin (6-1, 195, Rockford), the nation's No. 1 kicking prospect coming out of high school, certainly looked the part Saturday against Florida, booming four FGs (25, 30, 50 and 55-yarders) and three PATs helping lead the Wolverines to victory. Also standing out for U-M offensively were junior WR Grant Perry (6-0, 190, Birmingham Brother Rice), who finished with four receptions for 46 yards, while redshirt senior FB-HB Khalid Hill (6-2, 265, Detroit East English Village) started and had five yards rushing on two attempts and sophomore Michael Onwenu (6-3, 350, Detroit Cass Tech) started at OG for the Wolverines. Defensively, sophomore DB Lavert Hill (5-11, 175, Detroit King) started and ended up with four tackles, one TFL and two pass break-ups, while senior DT Lawrence Marshall (6-4, 290, Southfield) recovered a fumble for U-M. Though in the rotation at WR, freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones (6-2, 200, Detroit Cass Tech) was also a standout on special teams, returning five punts for 40 yards for the Wolverines. Starting for Florida defensively was sophomore LB David Reese (6-1, 240, Farmington).
Tennessee 42, Georgia Tech 41 (2 OT) -- It was junior RB John Kelly's (5-9, 205, Oak Park) coming out party for the Vols in their national prime time win over the Yellow Jackets Monday night. Kelly led the Tennessee attack with a team-high 128 yards rushing on 19 carries with four touchdowns, including two in overtime. Head coach for the Vols is Michigan native Butch Jones (Saugatuck).
Va Tech 31, West Virginia 24 -- In one of the best games of the weekend, redshirt freshman QB Josh Jackson (6-2, 215, Saline) garnered the national spotlight in his first career start, going 15-of-26 passing for 235 yards and one TD, while rushing for 101 yards with one touchdown. Jackson, the son of longtime U-M running back coach Fred Jackson (current Ypsilanti head coach, who was interviewed after the game along with his son), is the first freshman QB at Va Tech to start the season opener since Michael Vick in 1999. For West Virginia, sophomore RB Martell Pettaway (5-10, 210, Detroit King) played well for the Mountaineers finishing with 19 yards rushing on two carries. On a sidenote, helping train and prepare the West Virginia players is Chelsea native and current Mountaineer assistant director for strength and conditioning, Darl Bauer (Hillsdale College) -- a player I covered for a few years back in the day when I was a sports editor for a paper out in Washtenaw County. Too cool...
CMU 30, Rhode Island 27 (OT) -- Senior QB Shane Morris (6-3, 210, Warren DeLaSalle), a transfer from U-M, came up big for the Chippewas finishing 25-of-49 passing for 226 yards and one TD with one interception. Senior WR Corey Willis (5-10, 175, Holland) led the squad with eight receptions for 43 yards, while sophomore WR Brandon Childress (6-2, 195, Baldwin) added four catches for 20 yards and one TD for CMU. Defensively, the Chips tied a team record with six interceptions for the game. Senior DBs Amari Coleman (5-11, 190, New Lothrop) and Josh Cox (5-11, 200, Warren DeLaSalle) each snared two interceptions for CMU. Junior LB Alex Briones (6-2, 240, Ishpeming) led the Chippewas with 11 tackles, including one interception and one sack. CMU head coach John Bonamego is a native Michigander (Paw Paw, same city as NFL 2-time Pro Bowl DE Jason Babin). A stat I really like is 18 of CMU's 22 starters are from the state of Michigan. I'd like for all of our five D-I football playing schools to have that type of home grown starting ratio.
EMU 24, Charlotte 7 -- Redshirt junior RB Ian Erikson (5-10, 210, Clarkston) was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 37 yards on seven carries and scoring two TDs for the Eagles in their season-opening victory. Defensively, redshirt junior DE Jeremiah Harris (6-5, 255, Temperance Bedford) led EMU with nine tackles and 1.5 TFL.
USC 49, WMU 31 -- Despite the setback, the visiting Broncos showed themselves well against the No. 4-ranked team in the nation. The Trojans didn't pull away until late in the fourth quarter. Senior DB Darius Phillips (5-10, 190, Dearborn Heights Robichaud) was electric against USC, scoring on a 100-yard kickoff return (his third 100-yard kickoff return for a TD in his career) and had one interception and three tackles for WMU. For his efforts, Phillips was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Junior DB Sam Beal (6-1, 185, Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills) also had an interception, while senior LB Asantay Brown (6-0, 215, Muskegon Mona Shores) finished with seven tackles and one sack for WMU. Offensively, redshirt sophomore QB Jon Wassink (6-2, 205, Grand Rapids South Christian) played well in his first career start, ending up 11-of-22 for 67 yards passing, rushing for a 7-yard TD and catching (yes, catching) a wide receiver pass for a 27-yard TD reception. Redshirt sophomore WR Anton Curtis (6-1, 195, Detroit East English Village) led the Broncos with three catches for 30 yards. Like CMU, Western has a dominant Michigan flavor to not only its entire roster, but in its line-up as 13 of the Broncos' 22 starters hail from the Great Lakes State.
MSU 35, Bowling Green State 10 -- One of the most heart-warming and inspirational moments of college football's opening Labor Day weekend, was MSU junior CB Tyson Smith's (5-11, 170, Orchard Lake St. Mary's) 38-yard interception return for a touchdown against Bowling Green State last Saturday. Smith suffered a stroke last year and has made a remarkable recovery. His "pick six" and his story was shown/told on virtually every national sports highlight show last weekend. Junior TE Matt Sokol (6-6, 250, Rochester Adams) caught a 13-yard TD pass for the Spartans and finished with three catches for 31 yards. Sophomore WR Trishton Jackson (6-1, 180, West Bloomfield) recorded three receptions for 41 yards, while senior RB Gerald Holmes ended up with 40 yards rushing on nine attempts for MSU. Defensively, junior S Khari Willis (6-0, 215, Jackson Lumen Christi) finished with three tackles for the Spartans. For BGSU, redshirt senior WR Teo Redding (6-1, 175, Warren Michigan Collegiate) started and caught two passes for 38 yards, while also starting on offense for the Falcons were redshirt senior TE Hunter Folkertsma (6-6, 250, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central), who had one reception for 19 yards and redshirt junior OT Austin Labus (6-6, 295, Portage Northern).
U-M 33, Florida 17 -- Now I see why U-M head coach Jim Harbaugh (Ann Arbor native) famously slept over at Quinn Nordin's house during a recruiting trip to his sophomore kicker's Rockford, Michigan home. Nordin (6-1, 195, Rockford), the nation's No. 1 kicking prospect coming out of high school, certainly looked the part Saturday against Florida, booming four FGs (25, 30, 50 and 55-yarders) and three PATs helping lead the Wolverines to victory. Also standing out for U-M offensively were junior WR Grant Perry (6-0, 190, Birmingham Brother Rice), who finished with four receptions for 46 yards, while redshirt senior FB-HB Khalid Hill (6-2, 265, Detroit East English Village) started and had five yards rushing on two attempts and sophomore Michael Onwenu (6-3, 350, Detroit Cass Tech) started at OG for the Wolverines. Defensively, sophomore DB Lavert Hill (5-11, 175, Detroit King) started and ended up with four tackles, one TFL and two pass break-ups, while senior DT Lawrence Marshall (6-4, 290, Southfield) recovered a fumble for U-M. Though in the rotation at WR, freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones (6-2, 200, Detroit Cass Tech) was also a standout on special teams, returning five punts for 40 yards for the Wolverines. Starting for Florida defensively was sophomore LB David Reese (6-1, 240, Farmington).
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Michigan players shine in college football's opening weekend
Seriously, it's incredible the number of big-time performances and highlight reel plays executed by gridders from the state of Michigan during college football's opening Labor Day weekend. Here is a sampling of the players from the Great Lakes State I watched on TV and read about during this past weekend's college football kickoff.
Minnesota 17, Buffalo 7 -- Starting at QB for Buffalo was sophomore standout Tyree Jackson (6-7, 245, Muskegon Mona Shores). By the time he's a senior, Jackson, who finished 22-of-42 passing for 211 yards with one TD and one interception, could be the MAC's best quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger (Miami (OH)). Also starting and playing well for the Bulls were sophomores WR K. J. Osborn (6-0, 200, Ypsilanti Lincoln) and TE Kevin Mabry (6-3, 250, Ypsilanti Lincoln), while defensively, junior CB Cameron Lewis (5-11, 185, Detroit Consortium Prep) and DE junior Charles Harris (6-4, 265, Southfield) also started for Buffalo. Playing major minutes throughout the game for the Bulls, rotating in, were senior WR Jamari Eiland (5-11, 195, Plymouth) and junior DT Jake Khoury (6-2, 300, Traverse City St. Francis). For Minnesota, redshirt sophomore TE Bryce Witham (6-4, 255, Grand Rapids West Catholic) played well for the Gophers.
Northwestern 31, Nevada 20 -- It was cool seeing Northwestern junior Tommy Doles (6-4, 290, Grand Rapids Christian) starting at OG for the Wildcats during their victory over visiting Nevada Saturday. By the time he's a senior, Doles will be a three-year starter on the O-Line for Northwestern.
Notre Dame 49, Temple 16 -- Fighting Irish sophomore DE Daelin Hayes (6-4, 260, Ann Arbor Skyline) definitely looks like a future All-American. Against the Owls, Hayes ended up with four tackles, one sack and one TFL. Also playing solid minutes for Notre Dame was sophomore DE Khalid Kareem (6-4, 265, Farmington Hills Harrison), who finished with one tackle for the Irish.
Ohio State 49, Indiana 21 -- In the Buckeyes' big opening week win over the Hoosiers, sophomore Michael Jordan (6-7, 310, Plymouth) started at OG, while senior Damon Webb (5-11, 195, Detroit Cass Tech) started at S. Webb, a two-year starter for Ohio State, recorded six tackles for the Buckeyes. Jordan, who started as a true freshman, will, more than likely, become a four-year starter for Ohio State. On the sidelines nursing an injury was returning starting TB Mike Weber (5-10, 215, Detroit Cass Tech). Hopefully, Weber will heal up quickly and get back on the field soon for the Buckeyes.
California 35, North Carolina 30 -- In the Tar Heels' setback against the visiting Bears, Cam Dillard (6-4, 310, Canton) started at C for North Carolina. Dillard, a two-year starter at C for Florida, is a grad transfer for the Tar Heels.
Iowa 24, Wyoming 3 -- Multiple Michiganders started for the Hawkeyes in their victory over the Cowboys. On offense, redshirt freshman OT Alaric Jackson (6-7, 320, Detroit Renaissance) started for Iowa, while on defense, sophomore DT Cedric Lattimore (6-5, 295, Detroit East English Village) and sophomore DB Michael Ojemudia (6-2, 190, Farmington Hills Harrison) also started for the Hawkeyes. Though not starting, redshirt freshman DE Chauncey Golston (6-5, 255, Detroit East English Village) saw plenty of minutes rotating in and out upfront for Iowa.
Illinois 24, Ball State 21 -- Junior LB Delshawn Phillips (6-2, 220, Detroit Cass Tech) led Illinois with 16 tackles against Ball State Saturday. For the Cardinals, multiple Michiganders started, including on offense senior OG and captain Vinnie Palazeti (6-4, 295, Flint Powers Catholic), a three-year starter, redshirt junior OG Alex Joss (6-4, 300, Walled Lake Western) and redshirt freshman TE Nolan Givan (6-2, 245, Berkley). Givan finished with three receptions, including an 8-yard TD catch for Ball State. Also playing for the Cardinals and in the rotation was senior WR Corey Lacanaria (5-8, 170, Birmingham Brother Rice), who ended up with three receptions for 16 yards. On defense, redshirt junior LB Damon Singleton (6-2, 240, Wyandotte) also started for Ball State.
Louisville 35, Purdue 28 -- In one of the better games this past weekend, many Michiganders played prominent roles for both squads. For Louisville, redshirt freshman WR Dez Fitzpatrick (6-2, 200, Waterford Mott) started and finished with four catches for 95 yards and one TD (20-yards). For Purdue, junior DT Eddy Wilson (6-4, 295, West Bloomfield) started and had three tackles and was a disruptive force all game, while sophomore S Navon Mosley (6-0, 190, West Bloomfield) also started and finished with seven tackles for the Boilermakers.
In the MSU, U-M, CMU, WMU and EMU opening games, there were too many Michiganders making plays and starting for each team. I will have a separate blog for those squads later. Either way, what a weekend it was for Michigan players and for college football, in general. So glad it's back.
Minnesota 17, Buffalo 7 -- Starting at QB for Buffalo was sophomore standout Tyree Jackson (6-7, 245, Muskegon Mona Shores). By the time he's a senior, Jackson, who finished 22-of-42 passing for 211 yards with one TD and one interception, could be the MAC's best quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger (Miami (OH)). Also starting and playing well for the Bulls were sophomores WR K. J. Osborn (6-0, 200, Ypsilanti Lincoln) and TE Kevin Mabry (6-3, 250, Ypsilanti Lincoln), while defensively, junior CB Cameron Lewis (5-11, 185, Detroit Consortium Prep) and DE junior Charles Harris (6-4, 265, Southfield) also started for Buffalo. Playing major minutes throughout the game for the Bulls, rotating in, were senior WR Jamari Eiland (5-11, 195, Plymouth) and junior DT Jake Khoury (6-2, 300, Traverse City St. Francis). For Minnesota, redshirt sophomore TE Bryce Witham (6-4, 255, Grand Rapids West Catholic) played well for the Gophers.
Northwestern 31, Nevada 20 -- It was cool seeing Northwestern junior Tommy Doles (6-4, 290, Grand Rapids Christian) starting at OG for the Wildcats during their victory over visiting Nevada Saturday. By the time he's a senior, Doles will be a three-year starter on the O-Line for Northwestern.
Notre Dame 49, Temple 16 -- Fighting Irish sophomore DE Daelin Hayes (6-4, 260, Ann Arbor Skyline) definitely looks like a future All-American. Against the Owls, Hayes ended up with four tackles, one sack and one TFL. Also playing solid minutes for Notre Dame was sophomore DE Khalid Kareem (6-4, 265, Farmington Hills Harrison), who finished with one tackle for the Irish.
Ohio State 49, Indiana 21 -- In the Buckeyes' big opening week win over the Hoosiers, sophomore Michael Jordan (6-7, 310, Plymouth) started at OG, while senior Damon Webb (5-11, 195, Detroit Cass Tech) started at S. Webb, a two-year starter for Ohio State, recorded six tackles for the Buckeyes. Jordan, who started as a true freshman, will, more than likely, become a four-year starter for Ohio State. On the sidelines nursing an injury was returning starting TB Mike Weber (5-10, 215, Detroit Cass Tech). Hopefully, Weber will heal up quickly and get back on the field soon for the Buckeyes.
California 35, North Carolina 30 -- In the Tar Heels' setback against the visiting Bears, Cam Dillard (6-4, 310, Canton) started at C for North Carolina. Dillard, a two-year starter at C for Florida, is a grad transfer for the Tar Heels.
Iowa 24, Wyoming 3 -- Multiple Michiganders started for the Hawkeyes in their victory over the Cowboys. On offense, redshirt freshman OT Alaric Jackson (6-7, 320, Detroit Renaissance) started for Iowa, while on defense, sophomore DT Cedric Lattimore (6-5, 295, Detroit East English Village) and sophomore DB Michael Ojemudia (6-2, 190, Farmington Hills Harrison) also started for the Hawkeyes. Though not starting, redshirt freshman DE Chauncey Golston (6-5, 255, Detroit East English Village) saw plenty of minutes rotating in and out upfront for Iowa.
Illinois 24, Ball State 21 -- Junior LB Delshawn Phillips (6-2, 220, Detroit Cass Tech) led Illinois with 16 tackles against Ball State Saturday. For the Cardinals, multiple Michiganders started, including on offense senior OG and captain Vinnie Palazeti (6-4, 295, Flint Powers Catholic), a three-year starter, redshirt junior OG Alex Joss (6-4, 300, Walled Lake Western) and redshirt freshman TE Nolan Givan (6-2, 245, Berkley). Givan finished with three receptions, including an 8-yard TD catch for Ball State. Also playing for the Cardinals and in the rotation was senior WR Corey Lacanaria (5-8, 170, Birmingham Brother Rice), who ended up with three receptions for 16 yards. On defense, redshirt junior LB Damon Singleton (6-2, 240, Wyandotte) also started for Ball State.
Louisville 35, Purdue 28 -- In one of the better games this past weekend, many Michiganders played prominent roles for both squads. For Louisville, redshirt freshman WR Dez Fitzpatrick (6-2, 200, Waterford Mott) started and finished with four catches for 95 yards and one TD (20-yards). For Purdue, junior DT Eddy Wilson (6-4, 295, West Bloomfield) started and had three tackles and was a disruptive force all game, while sophomore S Navon Mosley (6-0, 190, West Bloomfield) also started and finished with seven tackles for the Boilermakers.
In the MSU, U-M, CMU, WMU and EMU opening games, there were too many Michiganders making plays and starting for each team. I will have a separate blog for those squads later. Either way, what a weekend it was for Michigan players and for college football, in general. So glad it's back.
Week 2 closes high and low stretch for Michigan prep football
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.
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.
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)
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