Returning State Champion X-Factors

<p>I have done this article for a few year as now, and am excited to bring it back! In this article we'll be going through our 8 state champions from 2024 and pinpointing the player that will be key for that team defending their throne in 2025!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 1: Cass Tech </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212358' first='Corey' last='Sadler'] Jr, ATH </strong></p>   <p>This is probably an easy one, but Cass Tech will absolutely have a great shot at it again this season. Sadler is a 2-way star, the #1 player in the 2026 class in the state of Michigan, and an unstoppable force. Offensively, he can stretch the defense and use his speed and power for explosive plays. Defensively, Sadler is an incredibly instinctual defensive back who is a force both in the air as well as stuffing the run. </p>   <p> </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 2: Orchard Lake St. Mary's </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='489263' first='Jabin' last='Gonzales'], QB </strong></p>   <p>Last season, Jabin showed a ton of promise. The 2027 quarterback demonstrated the ability to make nearly any throw, make good decisions and even hurt defenses with his feet when necessary. There's no lack of weapons for OLSM this year. They're probably 5-deep with guys that will have or already have D1 offers. If Jabin can take the next step in his development and be the consistent playmaker he has the potential to be, it could be a repeat state title for Orchard Lake St. Mary's. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 3: Zeeland West </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='458374' first='Eli' last='Chavez'], OL/DL</strong></p>   <p>This one was a little harder, but with the style of football that Zeeland West plays, the trenches are always incredibly important. [player_tooltip player_id='458374' first='Eli' last='Chavez'] was absolutely great for the Dux in the state title game. He's aggressive, physical and overwhelmed a Detroit King defense that was used to being the dominant force. He knows how to use his leverage to his advantage and use good technique to win reps against even the best opponents. If Chavez can anchor the offensive line for ZW, there's no reason they can't be a competitor again this fall. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 4: Goodrich </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='568050' first='Jakoby' last='Lagat'], ATH </strong></p>   <p>I have had the pleasure to cover a handful of Goodrich games, and have also attended a practice. This program is built on leadership, something Lagat thrives with. Goodrich graduated a lot of production from the 2024 team, but that leaves the door open for Lagat to step into a leadership role both vocally and with his play. He will take on a bigger role within the offense and be a mainstay for the Martians this season. He's a hard runner with the potential for the big play on every down. If Goodrich wants to repeat, Jakoby will be a major part of that quest. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 5: Notre Dame Prep </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1529404' first='Sam' last='Stowe'], QB </strong></p>   <p>I have talked extensively about [player_tooltip player_id='1529404' first='Sam' last='Stowe'] and his ability, but being a true leader this fall will be imperative for NDP to continue their success from 2024. Stowe is a good decision maker, possesses a strong arm and has great timing with his wide receivers, allowing him to anticipate them getting open and hitting them right out of their break. I love what he can do, and if he takes another good step in his development, NDP will be formidable again this fall. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 6: Jackson Lumen Christi </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1544990' first='Amarion' last='Clay'], RB/DB</strong></p>   <p>Last season, Kadale Williams really led the way for Jackson Lumen Christi, but with his departure, Clay will be stepping into a bigger role. Both offensively and defensively, JLC will be needing him to step up. Losing your starting RB is huge, so Clay will need to shoulder at least some of the carries lost by Williams. He's also a solid DB with good ball skills and technique. I have no doubt this powerhouse program will figure out a way to continue their success, and I believe Clay will be a massive part of that. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 7: Millington </h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1615732' first='Logan' last='Myers'], ATH</strong></p>   <p>It's hard to overstate how impressive the senior class at Millington was last season. It is going to be a shot in the dark on who is able to step up and fill all of the roles. One guy that intrigues me is [player_tooltip player_id='1615732' first='Logan' last='Myers']. He impressed me with his play along the defensive line. If he can step up and truly anchor that Millington defense, they'll be a difficult out in D7 once again. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 8: Beal City </h2>   <p><strong>Garrison Zuker, RB/DB</strong></p>   <p>Beal City played with a 4-headed monster last season at the running back position in the T offense. With 2025's Drew Block, Austin Small and Owen McKenny all graduated, it's time for Garrison Zuker to lead the underclassmen along and take over that backfield. He's a hard runner who totally fits that Beal City offense. The Aggies are a consistent title threat year in and year out, so Zuker will have the opportunity to be the guy for this offense. </p>

I have done this article for a few year as now, and am excited to bring it back! In this article we'll be going through our 8 state champions from 2024 and pinpointing the player that will be key for that team defending their throne in 2025!