Top Player vs. Player Semifinal Matchups in D1/D2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With this weekend being the semifinals, we have a bounty of great players going up against great players. What I mean by this is we have elite RBs going up against Elite LBs, Elite QBs going up against Elite DBs, etc. This article will highlight a few of the best matchups that you should keep an eye on this weekend! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Caledonia QB [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] vs. Clarkston DB [player_tooltip player_id='253268' first='Desman' last='Stephens II'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two players will be facing head-to-head in multiple aspects of the game. The obvious element will be in the passing game, where Mason is elite in passing while Desman is elite in coverage. [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] needs to be extra careful when throwing Desman's way because he's a tall, fast, and athletic DB able to intercept anything. Likewise, [player_tooltip player_id='253268' first='Desman' last='Stephens II'] needs to react fast, and cover close, because Mason is one of the best and most accurate QBs in Michigan, and he'll expose your mistakes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another element is the run game. [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] likes to scramble, and he likes to do it a lot. Because of this, Desman might find himself 1-on-1 against Mason often. I also wouldn't be surprised if there were some corner blitz. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Belleville WR [player_tooltip player_id='251363' first='Kevin' last='Simes'] vs. Cass Tech DB [player_tooltip player_id='329420' first='Alex' last='Graham']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simes is a shifty slot receiver who blocks well, while [player_tooltip player_id='329420' first='Alex' last='Graham'] is one of the best DBs in Michigan, and he's only a sophomore. In general, both of these players will be tested against the best defensive/offensive group they've seen all season. Simes will have to run crisp routes and expect opposing DBs to be drilled in block-shedding. Graham must follow his role and play tight coverage against an extremely well-coached receiving core. If these two face off in coverage, it will be a sight to see. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Groves T Avery Gach vs. De La Salle DE [player_tooltip player_id='226712' first='Mason' last='Muragin']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a MUST-SEE matchup. Gach is the most elite offensive lineman in the 2025 class, with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and others. On the other hand, [player_tooltip player_id='226712' first='Mason' last='Muragin'] has been one of, if not the best defensive end this season. I saw Mason consistently win against one of the best tackles in the state during last year's championships, but Avery is a different breed. Groves runs the ball a lot, so look for a big run-blocking battle early on. As the game moves on, Groves may be forced to pass. If these two face off in the passing game, that will be a treat to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Dexter RB [player_tooltip player_id='162655' first='Cole' last='Cabana'] vs. Forest Hills Central MLB [player_tooltip player_id='300623' first='Raymond' last='Cargill'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabana needs no introduction. The Michigan commit is likely the fastest RB in the state while being elite in nearly every category. On the other end, [player_tooltip player_id='300623' first='Raymond' last='Cargill'] is a very good linebacker who reacts fast and attacks instead of waiting. Cargill will need to play an excellent game, while Cabana needs to be locked in against a great FHC front 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->