Livonia Franklin @ Waterford Mott scouting report

<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Preview</strong></span> This is one of the most intriguing regional finals matchups in the state as Waterford Mott and Livonia Franklin have made unlikely playoff runs, and have emerged as dark horse championship contenders. Mott is in their first-ever regional final, and they’ve their sights set on the 1st semifinals appearance. On the other side, Franklin just slid into the postseason, but they’ve been red hot as of late having beaten Churchill 27-20 last week, a team they has lost to by 28 earlier in the season. Now, let’s take a look at the big difference-makers for both squads. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Players to Watch</span></strong> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Franklin QB [player_tooltip player_id="93663" first="Zac" last="Olesuk"]</strong></span> The all-region QB had a sensational game last week passing for 106 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 177 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Olesuk has been a catalyst for this playoff run, as he’s the sure leader of this Franklin offense. https://twitter.com/ZacOlesuk/status/1456806579202928640 <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mott QB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16188224">Kalieb Osborne</a></span></strong> The sophomore QB has demonstrated big poise in big moments in the postseason, delivering many accurate balls and generally making great decisions. He has a great connection with his receivers, and obviously has lots of trust in his great offensive line. I expect Osborne to play great on Friday night, and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the future. https://twitter.com/AllenTrieu/status/1456955574042640384 <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Franklin ATH <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12929158/Dominic-Simpson">Dominic Simpson</a></strong></span> Simpson is utilized in a ton of different ways. He’s seen lining up at any receiver position, as a running back, and he returns kicks + plays great defense in the secondary. Having a swiss army knife such as Simpson is always going to be an asset for your team, and it should be interesting to see how he is utilized on the offensive end. In terms of defense, this is an area where he can make a huge impact with good defensive instincts, and he’s surely not afraid to stop the run. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mott G <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11468191">CJ Aldred</a></span></strong> Aldred is one of the best linemen in the Lakes Valley conference, standing at 6’3, 300lbs. He’s a brick wall, and a powerful force not letting anybody get by him and producing more than a few pancakes per game. Aldred is an important part of the Mott offense and he’s the obvious leader of the offensive line. His performance and leadership truly makes the team better, and I’m looking forward to following his performance this Friday. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Franklin K/P <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/4268037/Griffin-Nowak">Griffin Nowak</a></span></strong> Special teams is a huge factor nowadays, especially in huge playoff games like this. Nowak is a good kicker and punter who often boots the ball into the back of the endzone on kickoffs and is incredibly reliable in the extra point department. If Franklin is able to win the special teams battle, they’ll have the advantage. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Mott WR/CB [player_tooltip player_id="99347" first="Ashton" last="Tong"]</strong></span> Here’s Mott’s most special talent. Tong has displayed a high level of effort, football IQ, and poise during this postseason, playing great on both sides of the ball. Standing at 6’3 195lbs, Tong has a great build for both receiver and defensive back. On offense, he’s a physical receiver with great ball skills oftentimes able to outjump or outmuscle opposing defenders. This translates very well to defense as he’s able to play the ball more than he does the man, and the risk often pays off with interceptions. https://twitter.com/ashtontong/status/1457735608462233600