MHSAA State Finals Preview: GRCC vs Frankenmuth

Since 2016, Grand Rapids Catholic Central has been one of the most dominant programs in the state with a record of 61-4 and Division 4 state championships in 16’, 17’ and 19’ with a runners-up finish in 18’. Now in Division 5, the Cougars face a Frankenmuth team playing in its first-ever state title game. This will be the second-ever meeting between Frankenmuth and Catholic Central, with the first being a 41-7 semifinal win for the Cougars in the 1987 Class B playoffs. Both Catholic Central and Frankenmuth have dynamic quarterbacks and a number of weapons at the skill positions fueling its offenses. Catholic Central’s [player_tooltip player_id="30214" first="Joey" last="Silveri"] has torched opposing defenses this season, passing for 1,730 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 468 yards and four touchdowns. Frankenmuth’s offensive attack features a one-two punch in quarterback Davin Reif and running back Cole Lindow, who’ve combined to rush for over 2,000 yards. Needless to say, The 2021 Division 5 State Championship should be one of the higher-scoring state title games this weekend. Below, I’ll get into the top prospects for each team, keys to the game, and my prediction. <em><strong>Playoff Road</strong></em> Grand Rapids Catholic Central (10-0 OK Gold): Pre-District: Bye, District Semi: Defeated Belding 41-6, District Final: Defeated Portland via Forfeit, Regional Final: Defeated Muskegon Oakridge 58-7, Semifinal: Defeated Freeland 49-14. Frankenmuth (11-0 Tri-Valley Conference East) Pre-District: Defeated Bridgeport 55-12, District Semi: Defeated Almont 28-0, District Final: Defeated Corunna 56-14, Regional Final: Defeated Marine City 31-7, Semifinal: Defeated Lansing Catholic Central 35-14. <em><strong>Top Prospects</strong></em> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29554" first="Jace" last="Williams"], WR, GRCC</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30214" first="Joey" last="Silveri"], QB, GRCC</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29778" first="Nick" last="Hollern"], RB, GRCC</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30288" first="Brady" last="Redmer"], DL, GRCC</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30137" first="Nolan" last="Ziegler"], DB, GRCC</h6> <h6>John Passinault, WR, GRCC</h6> <h6>Kyle Martin, OL, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>Cole Lidow, RB, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>Davin Raif, QB, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>Ashton Benkert, DL, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>Michael Carter, DL, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29906" first="Ethan" last="Jacobs"], LB, Frankenmuth</h6> <h6>Cole Jankowski, DB, Frankenmuth</h6> <em><strong>Keys To The Game</strong></em> Catholic Central’s offense features bonafide stars at quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id="30214" first="Joey" last="Silveri"], wide receiver in [player_tooltip player_id="29554" first="Jace" last="Williams"], and running back [player_tooltip player_id="29778" first="Nick" last="Hollern"]. Opposing defenses haven’t found a way to minimize the Cougar’s big three in 22 straight games, a winning streak that dates back to the early stages of the 2019 season. Defensively, the Cougars have a defensive line that creates havoc led by [player_tooltip player_id="30288" first="Brady" last="Redmer"] and [player_tooltip player_id="30082" first="Isaiah" last="Hicks"], and a secondary that can hold its own against anyone, highlighted by Notre Dame commit [player_tooltip player_id="30137" first="Nolan" last="Ziegler"]. This type of cohesion combined with top-end talent has made the Cougars one of the most complete teams in recent memory. Frankenmuth will have to have big days from Reif and Lindow, and hope they can put together long time-consuming drives. If the Eagles can win the time of possession battle and create a few turnovers, their chances of winning this game will drastically increase. Ultimately, Catholic Central has enough talent to play with anyone in the state, regardless of Division. I’ll take the Cougars to win their fourth championship since 2016. <em><strong>Prediction: </strong>Catholic Central 35, Frankenmuth 14</em>