Division 1 Round 1 Playoff Preview

The playoffs have arrived and the brackets have come out! This article will preview every Division 1 Round 1 matchup, and give insight on who may come out on top. As the playoffs roll on, expect much more detailed previews for each game. I look forward to attending many playoff games in the coming weeks!   Region 1   Rockford vs. East kentwood   These teams met earlier this season, and Rockford reigned victorious 41-20. East Kentwood has had a good season, but Rockford will come in as a heavy favorite.   Caledonia vs. Grandville   This may turn out to be an amazing game. Earlier in the season, Caledonia won a shootout against Grandville, willing 50-40. I expect another extremely high-scoring match here. Caledonia is the favorite, but I wouldn't put it past Grandville to win.     Brighton vs. Grand Ledge   I expect this to be extremely competitive. Star power on both sides, with two teams that performed exceptionally well against some top programs. I expect the winner of this game to make the Regional Finals at the very least. Brighton is a slight favorite.   Holt vs. Hartland   Two more evenly-matched teams with similar strengths of schedule. This is a toss-up.   Region 2   Davison vs. Grand Blanc   A high-powered passing offense (GB) vs. one of the best defenses in the state. I fully expect Davison to come away with the victory, as the Cardinals already defeated the Bobcats 49-14 less than two weeks ago.   Clarkston vs. Lapeer   These teams met less than two weeks ago, where Clarkston defeated Lapeer 48-13. Lapeer has some weapons, and a great QB, but I fully expect Clarkston and Davison to meet in the 2nd-round.     Rochester Adams vs. Lake Orion   Adams defeated this same Lake Orion team 42-21 during week 4. Considering Lake Orion is the last team in the playoffs while Adams made it to Ford Field last season, I have Adams as the heavy favorite here.   Stoney Creek vs. Rochester   A rivaly rematch? Heck yeah! During week 8, Stoney Creek won handely 43-22. Although Stoney will be favored, don't count Rochester out! This is a rivalry matchup after all.   Region 3   Belleville vs. Woodhaven   Oh no.   Saline vs. Huron   Saline won against Huron by two scores during week 2. Huron improved throughout the season, and I expect this to be a good game. The Hornets will be favored, but they were upset last season during round 1 and it could happen again.     Northville vs. Novi   Another playoff week 8 rematch, Notrhville defeated Novi 21-10 earlier. Considering Northville's losses are against Brighton and Livonia Franklin, I expect Northville to secure a playoff win here.   Dearborn vs. Detroit Cathilic Central   This should be a good matchup! Dearborn is a program that's stedily on the rise, and they have some young talent. Though, DCC will be the favorite here. DCC has amazing wins against DeWitt, Davison, Brother Rice, and La Salle (OH).   Region 4   West Bloomfield vs. Cass Tech   This is the best 1st-round matchup in Division 1, and the MHSAA Playoff Game of the Week. If you're in SE Michigan and looking for a game to go to, it's either this or King-Rouge. It's hard to imagine one of these teams being kicked out first-round, but that's where we are.   Southfield A&T vs. Troy   A&T is extremely heavily favored in this matchup. I fully expect them to move on to face WB or Cass in what will be a legendary matchup. Region 4 heavily excites me.     Dakota vs. Utica Eisenhower   Although Eisenhower had one heck of a comeback season, Dakota has been dominant. Dakota defeated Eisenhower 31-7 a few weeks ago, and I expect Dakota to move on here.   Romeo vs. Chippewa Valley   A great rematch of a week 7 match. Romeo won that matchup 21-17, but they'll need to be one their A-Game once more at home. Chippewa Valley is a team with athletes that can strike with a big play at any moment.

The playoffs have arrived and the brackets have come out! This article will preview every Division 1 Round 1 matchup, and give insight on who may come out on top. As the playoffs roll on, expect much more detailed previews for each game. I look forward to attending many playoff games in the coming weeks!