Frankenmuth vs Grand Rapids Catholic Central preview

This is a rematch of the 2020 division 5 state championship game, where Catholic Central won that matchup 48-21. This week, both teams have lots of returning talent from that 2020 matchup, and quite frankly, both teams are better than last year as they both stand undefeated. Now let’s quickly introduce each team and name a few standouts. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Grand Rapids Catholic Central</span></strong> This is a team that has dominated divisions four and five winning 4 of the last 5 state championships. They’re the clear team to beat and they’re currently on a 36-game winning streak that has lasted since week 1 of 2019. With some of the best talent in the state without being a small school, Catholic Central may be the best-coached program in the state and maybe even the entire midwest under Todd Kolster. The accolades are there, the strength of schedule is there, and the coaching is there. Now, let’s dive into the absolute most important aspect of this team, the players. <strong>ATH<a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11204803"> [player_tooltip player_id="30137" first="Nolan" last="Ziegler"]</a></strong> The Notre Dame commit can do just about anything on the field. He’s blazing fast, he can hit, catch, run, cover, blitz, you name it. Ziegler primarily plays wide receiver on offense and linebacker on defense, though he’s capable and is utilized in many other ways. All in all, the guy’s committed to Notre Dame. You know he’ll come out to play and he’ll be a focal point of the offense and defense. <strong>QB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11259676">John Passinault</a></strong> With Senior QB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11281882">[player_tooltip player_id="30214" first="Joey" last="Silveri"]</a> out for the season, Passinault has stepped up in a big way and he needs to be on his A-game to lead Catholic Central to another state championship victory. Since coming in for Silveri during week 4, he’s been running the offense incredibly well. He’s a capable runner and has good, not great arm talent, though the talent at the receiver position completely makes up for all limitations. He’s a poised leader that looks to play a sound mistake-free game this Saturday. <strong>WR <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15176705">Joe Mullett</a></strong> Mullett is quietly the second-fastest athlete on the team sporting a blazing fast 24.6 200M time, and a 52.17 400M time. If you know anything about track, you’d know that you need to be both blazing fast and have excellent stamina to have a 52.17 400M dash time. At 6’5, Mullett has the size and athleticism to do some huge damage. Although not the first receiver option, he could be utilized much more against teams more aggressively covering Zeigler. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Frankenmuth</span></strong> <strong>QB/RB/SS <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11431137">Cole Jankowski</a></strong> Jankowski is an excellent athlete having been named to the Saginaw-area dream team. As a quarterback, he runs the veer offense well, as he has the football IQ to make very good reads very often. Though the defensive end is where I think he truly shines. At the strong safety position, he’s a Kam Chancellor type, knowing for brutally hard hits. The kid can cover, he can hit hard, he can run it, and he can throw it. Jankowski’s performance is being to play a huge role in Frankenmuth’s success. <strong>RB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11417231">Cole Lindow</a></strong> Lindow made history last week becoming the 2nd all-time leading rusher in Frankenmuth football history. He’s a pure elusive back as he’s incredibly light on his feet with blazing fast speed, along with elite change of direction. He’s an all-region and all-area guy, and it’s going to be exciting if he can repeat the 127-yard rushing game he had last week. <strong>LB <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewTitsworth">Drew Titsworth</a></strong> The Michigan Baseball commit has quietly had a sensational season for Frankenmuth. Mainly a linebacker, Titsworth can stop the run well and rush the passer with power and speed. He picked up a fumble and returned it all the way for a touchdown last week against Kingsley, and there’s no reason he can’t go off again against Catholic Central.