Walled Lake Western vs. Brother Rice – District Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm surprised I haven't seen much info about this game. It seems like all eyes are on the amazing D1/D2 matchups this weekend, but the Brother Rice vs. WLW matchup is one of the best in the state. Sure, you could look at Brother Rice and say "they have a losing record!" True, but they've also faced one of, if not the most demanding schedule in the state, and beat De La Salle. These are two true state-title contenders in Division 3, and both teams are itching to prove themselves. At the same time, whoever loses this game will be immensely disappointed, while the winner will not be satisfied. Here's a detailed preview of one of the best District Finals matchups!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Quick Stats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>Brother Rice</strong></td><td><strong>Walled Lake Western</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Record</strong></td><td>4-5 (Catholic Central)</td><td>9-1 (Lakes Valley)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Points Per Game</strong></td><td>21</td><td>42.7</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Points Against Per Game</strong></td><td>16.4</td><td>21.8</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Most Impressive Win</strong></td><td>43-42 vs. De La Salle</td><td>51-23 vs. South Lyon East</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Strength of Schedule </strong></td><td>A+++</td><td>B+</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're subscribed to this site, you probably know the historical dominance of Brother Rice, and you probably know they'd be undefeated with an average schedule (Say, OAA Blue). Even though the stats heavily favor Walled Lake Western, they faced a heavily interior schedule. With immense star power on both sides, this is bound to draw a huge crowd, and the game could go either way. Here are a few of the players that could make the biggest difference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB | [player_tooltip player_id='186866' first='Nolan' last='Ray'] | Brother Rice | 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assuming Nolan is playing, he'll be the lifeblood of the Brother Rice offense. With WLW giving up 21.8PPG against many teams worse than Brother Rice, I could see Ray having an amazing day. If you didn't know, [player_tooltip player_id='186866' first='Nolan' last='Ray'] is committed to Maryland and is one of the most explosive and shifty RBs in the state when healthy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB | [player_tooltip player_id='30322' first='Drew' last='Viotto'] | Walled Lake Western | 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though the senior QB is committed to play at Minnesota, he still has much to prove. For one, a State Championship. Two, I know some doubters of Viotto. It's interesting- some say he's one of the best QBs in Michigan and Minnesota got themselves a steal, whole others say he's vastly overrated and just a great 7on7 QB. It's time to put the haters to rest with a huge win against Rice, then an expected matchup against Detroit MLK. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB | Blake Marrogy | Brother Rice | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've said this since the start of the season. Brother Rice will go as far as Marrogy takes them. He needs to take care of the ball. and make big plays as he did against De La Salle in order to win this game. I expect a clean, sound game. Marrogy isn't a D1 quarterback, but he's a great athlete than is able. to make some incredible plays when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SB | [player_tooltip player_id='253197' first='Gavin' last='Noonan'] | Walled Lake Western | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I believe Noonan could play a huge role in this game, and his stock could skyrocket in the coming weeks. Playing RB and Slot Receiver, Noonan is a player who can do it all. As the role suggests, Gavin is extremely quick, runs tight routes, and knows how to make guys miss. He was out with an injury for quite some time, but since his return, it's like he never left. Look out for Noonan in this game and I expect him to blow up next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->