Win-and-In Games in Division 1
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We’ve reached the final week of the 2023 regular season and that means dozens of teams are in a win-and-in position! The postseason is a goal for just about every team, and the playoff points have fallen into place. If…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve reached the final week of the 2023 regular season and that means dozens of teams are in a win-and-in position! The postseason is a goal for just about every team, and the playoff points have fallen into place. If you’re in the bubble of about #27 – #38 in any division, there is still a path to be included or excluded from the postseason. This article will go over six very important Division 1 matchups of teams in likely win-and-in situations!
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
West Ottawa is currently the #31 team in Division 1 while East Kentwood is the #34 spot. Therefore, both teams should get in with a win, and the losing team is very likely to miss out on the playoffs.
This game is truly a toss-up. Both playing in the OK Red, these teams were both middle of the pack this year with wins against Jenison and Grand Haven. The current difference is that East Kentwood fell to Hudsonville 17-14, while West Ottawa defeated Hudsonville 27-7. Last season, East Kentwood defeated West Ottawa 14-6. So yeah, this could go either way!
As for players, let’s focus on the seniors. West Ottawa is set to graduate the bulk of their O-Line, including Tackle Alexander Hernandez Alexander Hernandez 6'6" | 250 lbs | OL West Ottawa | 2025 MI , Center Elliot Krater, and Guard Carter Scholten. Defensive tackle Chuck Gardiner is another graduating senior in the trenches. These seniors will look to lead the charge and dominate the trenches.
East Kentwood has many graduating seniors at extremely key postitions. First off, their longtime QB Casey Joppie Casey Joppie 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI has been a consistent staple of this team for years. Second, RB/DB Elisee Kanda Elisee Kanda 6'0" | 200 lbs | DB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI is a playmaker on both sides of the ball and will surely be motivated to have a huge impact. Third, Stellan Bowman Stellan Bowman 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI has taken off as one of the best linebackers in all of Michigan, and he could have a huge game.
Oxford vs. UofD Jesuit
Oxford is hanging on as the #32 team in Division 1 while UofD is sitting comfortably as the #16 team in Division 2. Although it’s not guaranteed that Oxford falls out of the playoffs with a loss, it still seems likely. One thing for sure is that if they win, they’re in.
Oxford has a few notable seniors on Hudl. First off, Brody Moore is a great player who was an all-district baseball player with his skills translating to the football field as an instinctive safety. Sean Wilson is a well-built offensive and defensive lineman who sheds blocks and pancakes opposing players with impressive strength. Lastly, Jay Cady is a 4.5-star kicker (Kohl’s) who’s got his eyes set on kicking at the collegiate level.
Ann Arbor Huron vs. Holt
Huron is currently the #30 ranked team in Division 1, while Holt won’t make the postseason as they’re ranked #48.
Seniors truly drive this AA Huron team. Elijah Easley is an extremely quick outside linebacker who is lethal on blitz packages while also being a high-upside running back with good explosiveness. He’s a likely GLIAC prospect. Andrew Harding Andrew Harding 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Ann Arbor Huron | 2024 State MI is a dual-threat QB who has shown flashes at multiple points this season. He’ll need to play well to succeed against a usually good Holt defense. There are several other great seniors playing for this program, and I’m actually confident they’ll succeed here and live to play another week.
Utica vs. Farmington
Utica is just outside of the playoffs, ranked #33 in Division 1. Farmington doesn’t have much of a chance as they’re #47 in Division 2.
This is going to be a tough test for Utica, but if they win, they are likely in the postseason. Utica’s seniors are headlined by their skill players. Zachary Conley Zachary Conley 6'2" | 165 lbs | WR Utica | 2024 MI is a productive WR/DB who’s had strung together some good performances this season. His size at 6’3″ along with his athleticism demonstrated in the Track season makes him a weapon to look out for on every down. Safety Isaiah Mcgarry is another playmaker, this time mainly on the defensive side of the ball. He’s got an offer from Findlay, and will surely be doing everything he can to help his team make the postseason.
Troy vs. Fraser
The Colts are currently hanging on at the #29 team in Division 1, while Fraser is a little further off as the #43 team, unlikely to make the postseason.
Troy is a very junior-heavy team, though they do have a few standout seniors. Nolan Block Nolan Block 5'7" | 170 lbs | RB Troy | 2024 MI , a captain, leads the bunch as a running back who’s had some great moments over the years. He’s an experienced back who knows how to explode through open holes and he’s quite good in the open field. QB Parker Brandenberg Parker Brandenberg 5'8" | 135 lbs | QB Troy | 2024 MI is another veteran player who’s had some playing time before an injury during Week 5. On the back of Oury and several Juniors, Troy will attempt to keep themselves in the postseason as they face a Fraser team with some great talent.
Howell @ Livonia Franklin
Howell sits at #35 in Division 1 while Franklin is comfortable at the #21 team in Division 2.
It’s very likely that Howell needs a win here to move up enough to make the postseason. It’s been a very up and down year for the Highlanders. Losses against Canton and Hartland don’t look great, but last week’s 43-7 victory over Brighton was sensational. Notable seniors for this program include the following; Safety Ben Brown, who’s a well-rounded athlete and good tackler, linebacker Ethan Keider, RB Levi Curtin, and 6’6″ TE Colin Boleratz. Livonia Franklin is a phenomenal program, and if Howell wants to win, it’s going to take a full team effort.