Three Week 8 Matchups with Major Playoff Implications

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs are right around the corner. At this point in the season, we know the vast majority of the teams that'll be IN and OUT of the 2025 postseason. Though there are still a good number of teams fighting to get into the big dance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are three games critical to playoff seeding. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For playoff points, <a href="https://www.mhsaa.com/sports/football/playoff-point-summary">click this link</a>. For playoff odds, <a href="https://www.goosepoop.io/premium/predictions/3">follow this link</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Mary's vs. Brother Rice</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orchard Lake St. Mary's is very comfortably in the Division 2 playoffs. Though Brother Rice is currently #41 in playoff points. This game might make or break their postseason hopes. I'd expect a win against such a high-quality opponent to propel Brother Rice into the playoff picture. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Could the Warriors pull off the upset? OLSM is the heavy favorite (96% according to <a href="https://www.goosepoop.io/premium/games/44">goosepoop.io</a>), but I'd give Rice much better odds. Here are a few plays that could move the needle for Rice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB | [player_tooltip player_id='1689091' first='Sam' last='Eyde III']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sam seems to be building confidence week after week. I love what Sam was able to do in the fourth quarter against De La Salle, and I hope he's able to carry that momentum into week 8. Super high upside, and a potential future Division 1 CFB QB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB | [player_tooltip player_id='1649608' first='Marcus' last='Hayes']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A freshman DB who performed extremely well against De La Salle. Extremely quick to react against throws behind the line of scrimmage, and a hard-hitter. I'm not sure what the St. Johns' offense looks like, but no matter what, Marcus is going to need another big game in order to propel his team to the postseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">De La Salle vs. Toledo St. Johns</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I honestly have no idea what Toledo St. Johns' standing is in the OHSAA playoffs, but I do know that De La Salle is currently #32 in playoff points and in grave risk of missing the postseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IF De La Salle sneaks into the postseason, they'll be a major force in Division 3. In fact, I still think they're a state championship contender in D3. In order to make it into the dance, the Pilots will need to secure a win against a solid St. Johns team (wins against Brother Rice and River Rouge). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR/K | Jackson Tur</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major piece in the De La Salle offense. Amazing size and a high number of targets last week against Brother Rice. Additionally, Tur is a great high school kicker, and may have legitimate upside in college. I'm expecting an efficient, drop-free game against St. Johns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DE | William Cartwright II </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The De La Salle defensive line has to stay disciplined. Cartwright is a near-lock for a couple of TFLs, as he does a phenomenal job of winning at the point of contact. Against the run, I'd love to see Cartwright anchor down and fill the adjacent gaps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forest Hills Central vs. Zeeland East</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game has major playoff implications for both programs. According to Goosepoop.io, Zeeland East has a 70% chance to make the postseason, while FHC has a lowly 7.6% chance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In other words, this is a must-win game for FHC, and they'll probably need another win next week against East Grand Rapids. For Zeeland East, a win here should clinch a playoff spot. If they don't get it done this week, they'll need a win against an underrated Hamilton squad. Now, here are two players who should move the needle for their respective teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FHC | WR | [player_tooltip player_id='1682880' first='Carson' last='Schick']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carson is having himself a great year. At least that's what his highlights indicate. A field-stretching wide receiver who has worked wonders in the open field this season. Promising athletic traits, good route running, and absolutely one of FHC's best all-around players. Could be a hidden gem. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zeeland East | WR | Coby Miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A potential hidden gem in the Class of 2027. I read an article saying how big of a game Coby had against South Christian, and that had me searching for tape. On hudl, Coby hasn't released anything this season, but I was able to watch his sophomore season highlight tape as well as his game against Flushing (on NFHS). In short, I'm incredibly intrigued by his height + speed. Coby looks like a great athlete, and again, a potential hidden gem in this class. I'm absolutely interested in seeing how he plays against FHC, and think he could move the needle for Zeeland East. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->