Top Player vs. Player Semifinal Matchups in D1/D2
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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,…
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Continue ReadingWith 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!
Matchups
Caledonia QB Mason Mckenzie Mason Mckenzie 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Caledonia | 2023 State MI vs. Clarkston DB Desman Stephens II Desman Stephens II 6'2" | 205 lbs | DB Clarkston | 2024 State MI
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. Mason Mckenzie Mason Mckenzie 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Caledonia | 2023 State MI needs to be extra careful when throwing Desman’s way because he’s a tall, fast, and athletic DB able to intercept anything. Likewise, Desman Stephens II Desman Stephens II 6'2" | 205 lbs | DB Clarkston | 2024 State MI 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.
Another element is the run game. Mason Mckenzie Mason Mckenzie 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Caledonia | 2023 State MI 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.
Belleville WR Kevin Simes Kevin Simes 5'9" | 185 lbs | WR Belleville | 2024 State MI vs. Cass Tech DB Alex Graham Alex Graham 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH Cass Tech | 2025 MI
Simes is a shifty slot receiver who blocks well, while Alex Graham Alex Graham 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH Cass Tech | 2025 MI 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.
Groves T Avery Gach vs. De La Salle DE Mason Muragin Mason Muragin 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL De La Salle | 2023 State MI
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, Mason Muragin Mason Muragin 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL De La Salle | 2023 State MI 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.
Dexter RB Cole Cabana Cole Cabana 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Dexter | 2023 State MI vs. Forest Hills Central MLB Raymond Cargill Raymond Cargill 5'9" | 210 lbs | RB Forest Hills Central | 2023 MI
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, Raymond Cargill Raymond Cargill 5'9" | 210 lbs | RB Forest Hills Central | 2023 MI 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.