Division 2 Semifinals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The D2 Semifinals have been set! For the most part, the highest seeds advanced to this round, with Groves being a big surprise. Both of these games are set to be played next Saturday, November 19th, at 1 pm. Both of these games have the opportunity to be close, and coaching will be a key factor. Now, here are some previews! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dexter vs. Forest Hills Central (@ Portage Northern, Nov. 19, 1pm) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two new kids on the block and only 1 ticket to Ford Field. This was the expectation for Dexter, as they have a Michigan commit at RB, and a stud QB transfer from Holland Christian. Dexter was been one of the most dominant teams all season, and they will be favored against FHC. Now, FHC is a bit of a surprise. Sure, they were favored to win the OK-White, and they did, but to beat Mona Shores in the playoffs? Yup, did that too. FHC keeps on defying expectations, and we'll see if they can defy expectations once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Dexter, the key will be consistency on offense and defense. No fully leaning on any one thing; mix it up and keep the opposition guessing. At this point in the postseason, you will seldom win on talent alone. Complete teams win in the postseason, and Dexter needs to continue to prove they. have no weak links. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FHC must prove the moment is not too big for them, and everyone needs to react and tackle well. Like I said with Dexter, coaching will be a key aspect of this game. FHC is a very complete team when you go up and down the line, and I would not be surprised if they won this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='162655' first='Cole' last='Cabana'], [player_tooltip player_id='243465' first='Reeves' last='Taylor'], Micah Davis, [player_tooltip player_id='300623' first='Raymond' last='Cargill'], [player_tooltip player_id='253230' first='JT' last='Hartman'], and [player_tooltip player_id='251945' first='Ty' last='Hudkins'] will be key. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>De La Salle vs. Groves (@ Troy Athens, Nov. 19, 1pm)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DLS has had proven long-term success, while Groves has been here in the semis a few times before, but they've failed to make a state championship. DLS will be the heavy favorite, there's no doubt about it, but Groves had only a 16% chance of victory this past Friday, and they pulled it off. Now let's discuss some keys to this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De La Salle needs to play a balanced game of offense that keeps Groves guessing. Groves is a very strong defensive team, and they have great coaches that will anticipate your next move. [player_tooltip player_id='186875' first='Brady' last='Drogosh'] could shine here, as I believe DLS's receivers slightly outmatch Groves's corners. Defensively, De La Salle must stop the run, but they should be careful with stacking the box. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Groves needs to lean on their strengths and start out strong. Confidence is one heck of a thing, and that's what they have right now. Get down two scores early on, and that confidence goes away. Score the first points, then look out. Groves needs to control the ball, and they need to impose their will on the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joshua Woods, [player_tooltip player_id='190101' first='Zachary' last='Rogers'], Avery Gach, [player_tooltip player_id='186875' first='Brady' last='Drogosh'], [player_tooltip player_id='226712' first='Mason' last='Muragin'], and Brendan Dignan will play a huge role</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->