Three Must-Win Matchups in Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just like that, the regular season is nearly over. In just one week, half of all high school football programs will be sent home, while the other half will have their shot at the postseason. The final slate of Regular Season play is almost here, and with that, we have a few teams looking at must-win games. This article will cover the teams facing must-win situations and will detail their paths to victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Anchor Bay </strong>vs. Rochester Adams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a must-win game for Anchor Bay, who currently hold the second-to-last playoff spot in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although a very tough matchup against a great OAA Red opponent, I think this is a very winnable game for the Tars. First off, Anchor Bay fought competitively against 8-0 Grosse Pointe South just last week. In addition, Adams is missing a few key players, including their starting QB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, I would bet that Adams will play great fundamental football. No matter who's on the field, that is usually a given. So, Anchor Bay needs to do the same. Defense has been a bit of an issue for this team, and they NEED to find a way to force a few 3-and-outs. If they don't, Adams will chew a ton of clock while tiring out the Defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, I'll go over some key players for Anchor Bay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) MLB | Caleb Bird | <a href="https://x.com/Caleb_bird10">@Caleb_bird10</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caleb seems like an extremely important role player. In order to win against the OAA Red, you NEED to have your role players play at a very high level. Here's what I think of Caleb's tape so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A few rock-solid inside run stops</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can shoot gaps and tackle with great fundamentals</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A few instances of sidestepping blocks</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will be a KEY player against an extremely run-heavy offense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking for Caleb to play a little faster and more decisively </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16343574/670a8b0dcf7e235874dc53df">Hudl</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) WR | [player_tooltip player_id='899438' first='Gerry' last='Hanson III'] | <a href="https://x.com/GerryHanson10">@GerryHanson10</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gerry is someone who'll probably earn a lot of targets and touches. He's coming off of an insanely impressive 335-yd performance against Grosse Pointe South. In my opinion, Adams has a better defense than GPS, but Gerry still needs to have a great day in order to secure the W.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extremely good all-around athlete</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Takes the top off of the defense </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good 50/50 ball winner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid routes; can improve in this area</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great speed-in-space player, flashing good vision</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A threat during all types of plays and situations</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16122475/6713cbfe8b06510efb2b697d">Week 8 Highlights</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) OL | Lucas Kane | <a href="https://x.com/Lucas_Kane99">@Lucas_Kane99</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lucas is another role player, but a very important one against a great defensive line. I like his highlights against IKE, who also has a good front 7. Without a doubt, Lucas needs to have another great game against Adams to secure the W. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good success rate playing on the interior</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Able to effectively execute several types of blocks</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Overall good footwork; could work on agility</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Able to get to 2nd-level and block a LB</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to improve agility + aggression if playing in College</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Adams has a great front 7; Lucas needs to play well! </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16419740/6712a6d1e905f62e527ec86f">Highlights vs. IKE</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Troy</strong> vs. North Farmington</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a must-win game for Troy, who currently hold the final playoff spot in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Troy has had an up-and-down season. Generally, they've won against the bad teams, and they've lost against the good teams. The teams they've beaten have a combined record of 6-26, while their losses have a combined record of 24-7. Next week, they square off against a team that will very likely be represented in the D2 playoffs, North Farmington. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The good news is that Troy played very competitively against Farmington. The bad news- North Farmington beat Farmington earlier this season, and Seaholm, a team that beat Troy 38-7, lost to North Farmington. Needless to say, Troy are NOT the favorites in this one, but I still expect this game to be close with Troy's season on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In order to beat just about any playoff team, you either need to be balanced in all areas or be elite in a few areas. For Troy, I'd expect balance. Here are two players who I think are key for a balanced game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) QB | [player_tooltip player_id='411891' first='Noah' last='Oury'] | <a href="https://x.com/noah_oury">@noah_oury</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noah has been QB1 for Troy for quite a while. He's someone with a good arm and decent accuracy. At his best, Noah controls the football game and can deliver a big throw when needed. Sometimes, he can also force the ball into risky situations. This Friday, Noah needs to play well against an opportunistic North Farmington defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great connection on deep ball with #1</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Solid athlete that will tuck and run on scrambles or read option</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good job scanning the field waiting for the open man</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent passer with a clean pocket</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs better decisiveness when on the run or when under pressure</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16113334/66f83378e0490ed84c1869a4">Mid-Season Highlights</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) OL/DL | Jordan Jakupi | <a href="https://x.com/JakupiJordan">@JakupiJordan</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan is a role player on a solid Troy offensive line. One aspect that NF seems to always be great in is the defensive line. I'd love to see Jordan have a great final regular season game! Here's what I think of some of his recent tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A ton of great plays at guard</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Able to pull with good agility </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great initial pop on the defender</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Works through the whistle on run plays to his side</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Could improve on overall aggression and finishing blocks</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16121027/67139364d2015d996c2c1cb0">Highlights vs. Athens</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>(SR) WR/DB | Jackson Barrett | <a href="https://x.com/Jackson2Barrett">@Jackson2Barrett</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lastly, we've got someone who seems to be in the midst of a breakout season. Jackson has been a great two-way player for Troy, and will be an extremely key player on offense and defense. Here's what I think about his tape! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great middle of the field target</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Flashes good open-field ability </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to be a bit more decisive after catch</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Overall great possession receiver</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A few solid run stops on D, some from backside. Flashes good motor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17909265/6709022ea16eafba46468795">Highlights vs. Farmington</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->