MHSAA State Finals Preview: Ubly vs Centreville

History will be made on Friday in the Division 8 state championship as Centreville and Ubly hope to take the trophy home for the first time in either school's history. Ubly has been close several times, falling in the state championship in 08' and the semis in 03', 06', 08', 09', 16' and 19'. Friday will be the first time Centreville will play in a state championship game. Both Centreville and Ubly made their way to Ford Field behind high-powered run offenses. Centreville tends to break out pass plays when the defense is least expecting, while Ubly has made a living on the ground, rushing for over 300 yards a 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> Ubly (9-2 Greater Thumb Conference East): Pre-District: Defeated Brown City 42-8, District Semi: Defeated Unionville-Sebawing 20-14, District Final: Defeated Beecher 42-0, Regional Final: Defeated Carson City-Crystal 63-6, Semifinal: Defeated Johannesburg-Lewiston 43-0. Centreville (10-0 Southwest 10 Conference): Pre-District: Bye, District Semi: Defeated White Pigeon 16-0, District Final: Defeated Reading 32-14, Regional Final: Defeated Sand Creek 8-0, Semifinal: Defeated Everest via Forfeit. <em><strong>Top Prospects</strong></em> <h6>Austin Burk, OL, Ubly</h6> <h6>Levi Peruski, TE, Ubly</h6> <h6>Carson Heleski, RB, Ubly</h6> <h6>Logan Mueller, RB, Ubly</h6> <h6>Colin Oberski, RB, Ubly</h6> <h6>Nolan VanErp, LB, Ubly</h6> <h6>Kyle Sweeney, DB, Ubly</h6> <h6>DeWayne Stephenson, OL, Centreville</h6> <h6>Tanner Jepsen, OL, Centreville</h6> <h6>Colt Ferrier, OL, Centreville</h6> <h6>Jared Spencer, FB, Centreville</h6> <h6>Triston McElroy, WR, Centreville</h6> <h6>Tyler Swanwick, WR, Centreville</h6> <h6>Sam Todd, QB, Centreville</h6> <h6>Gunner Bunning, RB/DB, Centreville</h6> <em><strong>Keys To The Game</strong></em> In a matchup between two predominantly run-based offenses, the team that can create big plays will have the best chance at winning this game. That might sound oversimplified, but it's been both Centreville and Ubly's calling card this season. Wearing down the opponents until they break off chunk yardage and seemingly kill the defense's spirits will be a winning blueprint. Centreville boasts two linemen over 6'2, 250 pounds in Jepsen and Stephenson, and a fullback in Spencer that lines up at 6'3", 190. Combining that with two quality receivers in McElroy and Swanwick, I give the Bulldogs the slight edge. However, in a matchup with few advantages between the two, expect this game to come down to who has the ball last. <em><strong>Prediction: </strong>Centreville 18, Ubly 14</em>