MHSAA State Finals Preview: Mona Shores vs Warren De La Salle

Muskegon Mona Shores makes its way back to Ford Field for the third consecutive season, led by Player of The Year, and Ferris State commit [player_tooltip player_id="29824" first="Brady" last="Rose"]. Warren De La Salle is back in the finals hoping to capture its second state championship in three seasons. The Pilots defeated Mona Shores 29-16 in the 2018 division 2 state championship and 44-8 in the 2014 title game. Mona Shores enters this game as the heavy favorites, having won its previous 17 outings. De La Salle is somewhat of a surprise after starting the season with a dismal 2-4 record, the Pilots rebounded and outscored their playoff opponents 200-43 en route to the state title game. Below, I’ll get into the top prospects for each team, keys to the game, and my prediction. <em><strong>Playoff Road</strong></em> Muskegon Mona Shores (11-0 OK Green): Pre-District: Defeated Wyoming 54-6, District Semi: Defeated Forest Hills Central 28-25, District Final: Defeated Caledonia 43-35, Regional Final: Defeated East Lansing 24-21, Semifinal: Defeated Traverse City Central 43-30. Warren De La Salle ( 7-4 Catholic League Central): Pre-District: Defeated Roseville 58-14, District Semi: Defeated SCS Lakeview 35-6, District Final: Defeated Port Huron 36-0, Regional Final: Defeated Warren Mott 45-3, Semifinal: Defeated Oak Park 26-20. <em><strong>Top Prospects</strong></em> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29824" first="Brady" last="Rose"], ATH, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29679" first="Keondre" last="Pierce"], DB, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="80409" first="Mason" last="Klos"], OL, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="80408" first="Bryce" last="Sikkenga"], OL/DL, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30079" first="Karsen" last="Marihugh"], LB, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="85602" first="Gary" last="Humphrey"], DB, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>Elijah Johnson, RB, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>D.J. Caviness, DL, Mona Shores</h6> <h6>Tevon Mixon, OL, De La Salle</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29785" first="Brett" last="Stanley"], RB, De La Salle</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30205" first="Will" last="Beesley"], LB/RB, De La Salle</h6> <h6>Tyler Gerling, DB, De La Salle</h6> <h6>Brady Drogosh, QB, De La Salle</h6> <h6>JC Ford, RB, De La Salle</h6> <h6>Alton McCullum, WR, De La Salle</h6> <em><strong>Keys To The Game</strong></em> [player_tooltip player_id="29824" first="Brady" last="Rose"] will line-up under center, as well as in the slot, on defense, back for punt and kick returns, and holding duties on special teams one last time to wrap up what’s been one of the most impressive individual seasons in MHSAA history. The senior playmaker has been unstoppable this season, rushing for 1,314 yards and 22 TDs, and passing for 958 yards and 11 TDs. Defensively, he’s been as impressive, leading the team with 66 tackles and six interceptions, three of which he’s taken back for TDs. De La Salle will need to do what every other team has failed to do this season and find a way to slow him down if they hope to win the game. Outside of Rose, Mona Shores features one of the best offensive line units in the state, led by 6’1" 273 lb mauler, [player_tooltip player_id="80409" first="Mason" last="Klos"]. Cornerback/slot receiver [player_tooltip player_id="29679" first="Keondre" last="Pierce"] is another home run hitter who has the speed to take it the distance whenever he touches the ball. The Pilots will have to be cognisant of Pierce whenever he’s on the field. De La Salle’s offense is led by senior running back [player_tooltip player_id="29785" first="Brett" last="Stanley"]. Stanley has rushed 126 times for 859 yards and 11 TDs. He’s also caught the ball nine times for 101 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Brady Drogosh has had an up and down season, passing for 10 TDs and 7 interceptions. Minimizing mistakes against Mona Shores’ defense will be key for Drogosh and the Pilots. Mona Shores has played in several close games during its playoff run, including multiple come-from-behind wins. If De La Salle can get an early lead, avoid turnovers, and provide some big plays of their own, their chances of taking him the state title heavily increase. Ultimately, I like [player_tooltip player_id="29824" first="Brady" last="Rose"] to lead the Sailors to a back-to-back state championship with one last memorable performance. <em><strong>Prediction: Mona Shores: </strong>38, De La Salle 24 </em>