4 Pivotal Week 7 Matchups in the Mitten State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can you believe it's week 7 already? We have a number of HUGE matchups that will shape conference title races, playoff pictures and more! Let's check out some of the biggest games across the state of Michigan! </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">HARPER WOODS VS. SALINE </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is loaded with talent everywhere you look. Saline's elite offense- led by Justin Abbate, Georgia commit [player_tooltip player_id='1326375' first='Lincoln' last='Keyes'], and Miami (OH) commit [player_tooltip player_id='568192' first='Tommy' last='Carr']- will look to move the ball against a tough Harper Woods defense. On the flip side, Harper Woods features one of the best young athletes in the country at WR with [player_tooltip player_id='547739' first='Dakota' last='Guerrant']. Slinging it is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1148711' first='Nate' last='Rocheleau']. Expect a high-scoring affair and another great opportunity for Harper Woods to take a swing at an elite Division 1 opponent. Just ask Clarkston how that went!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">GAYLORD VS. ESCANABA </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup features two 6-0 teams looking to keep their perfect seasons alive and clinch a conference title. This one could turn into a defensive battle, as both teams have been able to stonewall opponents' offenses through the first six weeks. Both defenses are allowing just under 13 points per game on average. For the Blue Devils, guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1337882' first='Wyatt' last='Metzger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1052386' first='Leland' last='Korona'] have been major problems for opposing offenses — especially rushing the pass. The winner of this one will clinch the Big North Conference title and take the driver's seat for a #1 playoff seed in a few weeks. Tons of implications in this one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CLARKSTON VS. WEST BLOOMFIELD </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A classic OAA-Red title chase! Coming down to the wire with a huge matchup. Clarkston will give West Bloomfield all it can handle offensively, with Ferris State commits Lukas and [player_tooltip player_id='1316908' first='Griffin' last='Boman'] pounding the ball on the ground and [player_tooltip player_id='1317918' first='Alex' last='Waszczenko'] distributing to his weapons on the edge, including [player_tooltip player_id='1337884' first='Wendell' last='Childs Jr']. Up front, the offensive line will need its best performance of the season as they square off against Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id='1148708' first='Jeremiah' last='Benson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1148705' first='Kamari' last='Pittman'], and that stout West Bloomfield defense. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='566988' first='Zack' last='Radlick'], [player_tooltip player_id='1613839' first='Hayden' last='Flavin'], and Bodie St. Amour will have their hands full in the trenches all night long. Both teams are hungry for the title, so this one should be a blast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">GIBRALTAR CARLSON VS. BROWNSTOWN WOODHAVEN </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We know what Gibraltar Carlson is, and what they can do. This team has been on a tear since 2019, and has been largely dominating the Downriver area since then. Purdue RB commit [player_tooltip player_id='563425' first='Izaiah' last='Wright'] has been spectacular for them so far this season. But to me, the story is Woodhaven and what they could be. They have burst onto the scene this year and put everyone on notice with their 6-0 start. They have shown their ability to pass the ball as QB Preston Sheffler has been solid all season long for them, but their ground game has set them apart so far in 2025. Isaiah Ibrahim has been lights out on the ground for the Warriors and have propelled them to one of the best offenses in the state. This game will be an elite Downriver matchup with the winner taking control of the conference race. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->