MHSAA State Finals Preview: Montague vs Clinton

The MHSAA Division 6 state championship features two teams with a ton of playoff history, yet have never faced each other. Montague most recently was in the state finals in 2018 when they lost to Jackson Lumen Christi 28-42. Before that, the Wildcats went back-to-back with state titles in 08’ and 09.’ Montague will be playing in its fourth state title game and trying to go undefeated for the second time in its school’s history. Clinton is making its third appearance in the state championship and it’s first since 2015. Clinton previously lost to Ithaca in each of its previous state title game appearances in 15’ and 13’. Both teams cruised in the semifinals, with Clinton beating 40-6, and Montague knocking Grayling off 49-14. <em><strong>Playoff Road</strong></em> Montague (11-0, West Michigan Conference): Pre-District: Defeated Hart 75-0, District Semi: Defeated Clare 50-7, District Final: Defeated Muskegon Catholic Central: 36-7, Regional Final: Defeated Montrose 41-16, Semifinal: Defeated Grayling 49-14. Clinton (10-1, Lenawee County Athletic Association): Pre-District: Defeated Detroit Voyageur 59-20, District Semi: Defeated Erie Mason 42-24, District Final: Defeated Blissfield 16-13, Regional Final: Defeated Warren Michigan Collegiate 13-12, Semifinal: Defeated Constantine 40-6. <em><strong>Top Prospects</strong></em> <h6>Chris Kessler, OL, Montague</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29654" first="Walker" last="Martin"], OL/DL, Montague</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30251" first="Dylan" last="Everett"], RB, Montague</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29673" first="Drew" last="Collins"], QB, Montague</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30215" first="Hayden" last="McDonald"], DL, Montague</h6> <h6>Trey Mikkelson, LB, Montague</h6> <h6>Sam Smith, DB, Montague</h6> <h6>Andrew Kooi, K/P, Montague</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="30049" first="Tyler" last="Bowles"], OL/DL, Clinton</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="29921" first="Will" last="Felts"], OL, Clinton</h6> <h6>Brayden Randolph, RB/LB, Clinton</h6> <h6>Bradyn Lehman, LB, Clinton</h6> <h6>Davey Campbell, DB, Clinton</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="79649" first="Ridge" last="Ahrens"], DB, Clinton</h6> <h6>Jonathan Baughey, Clinton</h6> &nbsp; <em><strong>Keys To The Game</strong></em> Montague comes into the Division 6 state title game as the heavy favorites behind its all-state quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="29673" first="Drew" last="Collins"] and a defense that’s allowing less than 10 ppg. Collins, standing at 6’3", 208 lbs, has been an unstoppable force for Montague as the Wildcats have put up nearly 50 ppg this season. The future Michigan Tech Husky has been dialed in, completing 24 of 28 passes for 472 yards and five touchdowns in the past two games. Clinton has found its success through its ground game, pummeling Constantine to the tune of 400 rushing yards in its semifinal win. Clinton will have to have a similar level of production through its ground game in order to give themselves a good shot at winning this game. Ultimately, I like Montague’s offensive attack coupled with their defense’s ability to create havoc as the deciding factor for this championship game. <em><strong>Prediction: </strong>Montague 35, Clinton 17</em>