Division 3 State Championship Preview

DeWitt vs King. A true dream matchup as both teams have surpassed expectations being #1 and #2 in the preseason rankings, and remaining at #1 and #2 today. It’s the final game being played this weekend, and they just may have saved the best for last. So let’s go over how each team got to this point, highlight some standout athletes, and discuss keys to the game. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>DeWitt</strong></span> DeWitt is the defending division 3 state champion, and they have not regressed one bit this year. They began the season crushing Division 2 state finalist Traverse City Central, had one bump in the road against Portland, but are now on an 11-game win streak leaving every opponent in the dust. Let’s see some of the key players that got them to this point. <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id="30211" first="Tommy" last="McIntosh"] </strong> The Wisconsin commit has not disappointed this season. Standing at a tall 6’5, McIntosh is a unique mismatch and always a deep threat. McIntosh is able to win 50/50 balls, run great routes, and be good after the catch. For DeWitt to win this game, McIntosh needs to be a focal point of the offense. <strong><a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11382236">G Tyler Nordmann</a></strong> Nordman needs to play very well against an elite King front 7. Nordmann has all the intangibles to do so, with great footwork, and good technique, combined with being 6’6, 300 pounds. I am super excited to see him face off against that elite front 7 led by DT Terrence Maize. <strong><a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11382237">SB/DB Nicholas Flegler</a></strong> I look forward to watching Flegler on the defensive side of the ball the most. Going up against B1G 10 / SEC type talent at quarterback and wide receiver, the DeWitt secondary really has their work cut out for them but I’m confident Flegler can have himself a nice game. The Air Force commit is blazing fast and has great instincts, and will be a key player this Saturday. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Detroit Martin Luther King</span></strong> The reign of King continues, and they seem to get even more talented each and every year. State Championship winners in 2015, 2016, and 2018, King is an elite program and they look to win yet another. This team has won 12 straight after a week 1 hail-mary loss against Carmel (IN), and have amazing wins against Cass Tech and River Rouge. <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id="30316" first="Dante" last="Moore"] </strong> I can’t say anything about Moore that hasn’t already been said. Elite work ethic and elite intangibles. A starter since freshman year who is going to be able to play football at any school he wants, and is projected to be a possible early draft pick. Moore is the best quarterback in the state and the #1 talent in the class of 2023. He’ll ball out on Saturday. <strong><a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12533324">DT [player_tooltip player_id="30181" first="Terence" last="Maize"]</a></strong> Maize is a prototype DT at 6’1 280, sporting great power and finesse moves. He’s done well against some great offensive lines, and he looks to be a run-stuffer this weekend. https://twitter.com/TerenceMaizeJr/status/1368733617342607360 <strong>SS <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13469351">Devon Brown</a></strong> Going up against a team that loves to throw it deep, Brown looks to lead King’s no-fly zone. Him and the entire Secondary look to have a solid performance against this great DeWitt passing offense. <strong>Keys to the game </strong> I see this as a very balanced matchup with a few key areas. I can see special teams playing a huge role in this game, as it could come down to late-game field position or a field goal to win or tie it. Both passing offenses will also be key as I believe whoever leads in that category will surely win this game.