Division 1 Semifinal Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These Division 1 Playoffs are straight-up fun. On one end, we have two perennial powerhouses fighting for yet another shot at a State Championship. On the other end, we have two teams who are fairly new to the limelight, looking to pull off the improbable. This article will preview both semifinal games, all four teams, and two prospects per team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hudsonville vs. Rochester Adams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">Saturday, <em>1:00PM @ Okemos </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudsonville in the OK-Red and Adams in the OAA Red, both teams are battle-tested. These are two similar teams that play excellent defense plus a balanced offense. Hudsonville's offense is more pro-style, while Adams is more run-heavy (Usually a Veer team but run much less Veer after QB injury). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've watched both of these teams in person this year. Both teams do the little things right. Every starter on both teams do their job and do it well. I expect this to be a low-scoring game, and I expect it to come down to the final minutes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Road to the Semifinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">District Semifinals</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudsonville 25 East Kentwood 23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams 44 Stoney Creek 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">District Finals</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudsonville 19 Grandville 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams 41 Clarkston 0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>Regional Finals</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudsonville 35 Howell 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams 21 Grand Blanc 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290565"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e021"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Played his best game EVER against Howell</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great Decision maker; only one turnover worthy throw last weekend</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Above-average pocket presence </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Decisively elusive when scrambling </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Falls forward on runs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Helps push RB pile</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leader</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1529567"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1561115,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e0a1"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stepping up in the big way late in the season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Small and shifty; difficult to tackle</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Utilized in a wide variety of ways </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will be key against a great tackling defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1529582"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1561117,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e0f5"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lengthy hybrid linebacker </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Large tackle radius</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brings energy and leadership</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will be KEY against an elite Adams run/option game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excited to watch end-of-season highlights</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hi @UMHail21</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113055"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e134"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Anchors the entire Adams offense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent, mean run-blocker</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has vastly improved pass blocking</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great all-around footwork, especially in run game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A true Friday Player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Catholic Central vs. Cass Tech</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Friday, 1:00PM @ Troy Athens</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two red-hot perennial powerhouses facing off with a trip to the State Championship on the line. What more could you want? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I said, both teams are red hot. Cass Tech started out their season with two surprising losses against Rockford and King but have since won eight straight. Sure, their strength of schedule wasn't as tough as others in the semifinals, but they do have a statement win against Dakota last week. Plus, the talent on this team is unmatched by any team in the semifinals, regardless of division. On the other side, Detroit Catholic Central is a perfect 12-0 with perhaps the most difficult schedule in the state. They have talent, but in my opinion, it's coaching pushing them over the top. I expect this game to be higher-scoring than Adams/Hudsonville, and I frankly expect Catholic Central to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Road to the Semifinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">District Semifinals</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cass Tech 41 SH Stevenson 0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catholic Central 33 Liv. Stevenson 0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">District Finals</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cass Tech 54 Dearborn 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catholic Central 41 West Bloomfield 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>Regional Finals</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cass Tech 21 Dakota 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catholic Central 35 Belleville 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e17a"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elite of the Elite athletes</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elite open-field playmaker</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent DB</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great against Press coverage (WR), Great at press coverage (DB)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent in Zone coverage: covers ground quickly, quick reaction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Player who will need to make a ton of plays against a great DCC team</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1148715"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e1b4"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mr. Football???</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In the midst of a historic season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Open-field monster. Insanely good in open space</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great arsenal of stutter steps, jukes, etc</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will play a major role in defeating a hot Cass Tech team</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["329420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e1ed"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Well-advertised elite player, especially on defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elite athletic traits</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spent time at IMG Acadamy; has played against the best competition in the country </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to play excellent against run and passes out to the flat </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Could turn the tide in Cass Tech's favor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212357"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673bc1428e226"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ever-improving lineman </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent power; will earn several pancakes </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>People mover </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Deceptively agile</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is truly living up to his potential </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->