Previewing the Division 3 Semi-Final DeWitt vs St. Joseph
Two proud programs will meet in the State Semi-Final game in DeWitt & St. Joseph. DeWitt is 11-1 on the year coming off a big Regional Championship win over Cedar Springs 42-14. St. Joseph is 8-4 on the year, fresh…
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Continue ReadingTwo proud programs will meet in the State Semi-Final game in DeWitt & St. Joseph. DeWitt is 11-1 on the year coming off a big Regional Championship win over Cedar Springs 42-14. St. Joseph is 8-4 on the year, fresh off a massive win over Parma Western 49-13. I have had the privilege of watching both teams play in person this season and have been very impressed by how hard both teams play.
DeWitt Players to Watch
#5 QB Tyler Holtz– Holtz has been making plays for his team all season long. Just about every time DeWitt needs a key scoring drive, Holtz seems to come through. In the Mount Pleasant game, Holtz had an incredible deep touchdown pass on the run to receiver Tommy McIntosh Tommy McIntosh 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR DeWitt | 2022 State MI . Holtz played well in the win over Cedar Springs. In the game, Holtz went 9-14 passing for 138 yards and two touchdown passes. He also added 53 yards rushing in the game.
#4 LB Blake Haller- Haller has been so good defensively for DeWitt this season. Blake Haller has been the main reason that opponents have had such a hard time running the ball against the DeWitt defense. Haller had a nice game in the win over Cedar Springs as he was one of the leading tacklers on the team. DeWitt would love a big game defensively from Haller against a St. Joseph team that has several skilled running backs.
St. Joseph Players to Watch
#6 RB/LB Joron Brown- Brown had a big game in the win over Western. Brown had 94 yards rushing & 3 touchdowns. Brown’s physical run style is a tone-setter for the St. Joseph Bears. The St. Joseph offense would love to have Joron Brown get going early against a tough DeWitt defense. On defense, Brown has been very solid. He has been a sure tackler and will need to continue to play that way against a DeWitt team with a lot of good players at the skill positions.
#27 RB/LB Andy Barlow- Barlow has been one of the hardest-hitting defenders I have seen this season. He is such a valuable asset to the St. Joseph defense. In the Chelsea game, Barlow made several tremendous tackles on Chelsea’s star running back Trent Hill. You get that feeling that a big game from Barlow will likely translate to a St. Joseph win.
Final Thoughts
I am really looking forward to this football game. This has the makings to be a tough, physical football game that should be close in the 4th quarter. St. Joseph has been doubted several times in the playoffs and has proved many people wrong. St. Joseph has been competitive in every game, including all 4 regular-season losses. DeWitt is hungry to repeat as state champions and definitely knows that this game will be a 4 quarter fight. DeWitt has so much depth and skill at the running back and wide receiver positions. You wonder if this could be overwhelming for St. Joseph. I think a big, game-changing play will decide this football game. Look for a key turnover by one of the teams late in the game that will seal a victory.