Division 2 Semifinal Preview

Here we go! Winner punches their ticket to Ford Field. Thus far, the Division 2 bracket has produced few major surprises. I truly think this Final 4 has produced the top 4 teams in the division, and that makes for an incredibly exciting last two weeks of football.   Two excellent football games- let's preview them!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OLSM vs. Portage Central</h2>   (SAT 1PM @ Haslett High School)   The matchup that we've been anticipating for a long time. When the bracket released, I was confident that Portage Central would face off against either OLSM or Brother Rice in the semis.   Well, here we are. Portage Central is here, but they faced a little more resistance than I expected. Byron Center was able to keep it close for a while, and TCC gave Portage Central a legitimate scare. TCC obviously had an excellent game plan, and I'd imagine OLSM is diving into that tape as I type this. I still think Portage Central has an excellent chance to reach the State Championship, but I'm less confident about this game than I was a week ago.   St. Mary's stumbled earlier in the season against DCC and Brother Rice, but they've been golden in the postseason. They've frankly made it look easy. Last week, they traveled to Dow and smoked them. The week prior, they got their revenge against Brother Rice. Considering St. Mary's strength of schedule and recent success, I have them as a slight favorite against Portage Central.   Key Players   RB | [player_tooltip player_id='1687693' first='Camden' last='Noe'] | Portage Central   Those who follow the HSFB recruiting space will know Noe's name. He's someone who earned quite a bit of P4 attention this past offseason, and he's backed up those offers all season. He's a perfect running back for Portage Central's veer/tight T scheme. Super physical, while also having the speed to break an explosive run. Additionally, has shown the ability to play linebacker. One of the highest risers this season.   ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='568196' first='Charlie' last='Jilek'] | Portage Central   The Texas commit is also a perfect player for Portage Central. Defensively, a sideline to sideline player. Offensively, one of the better blockers in the state, and a major factor in PC's pass game. One of those guys who can go toe-to-toe with St. Mary's best talent.   DT | [player_tooltip player_id='1309977' first='Treighjan' last='Gibson'] | OLSM   OLSM needs to find a way to stop the run. Easier said than done, but guys like Gibson will give them a shot. I view Gibson as more of a pass rusher, as he's incredibly explosive and bendy, but doesn't yet have the elite strength + anchor of the best run stoppers. This weekend, Gibson has a great opportunity to bolster his run-stopping abilities. I frankly think he'll have a nice game against PC's IOL.   ATH | Brian Adams Jr. | OLSM   BJ Adams will be needed on both sides of the ball. At linebacker, they'll need his physicality and drive. Portage Central is great at earning yards after contact, and BJ is great at NOT giving up yards after contact. Offensively, he'll be a huge factor when it comes to blocking.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Groves vs. Dexter</h2>   (SAT 1PM @ Ypsilanti Lincoln High School)   Two programs that have come so, so close to Ford Field over the last few years. This weekend, one of these programs is going to punch their ticket.   Groves is a super interesting team. Their O-Line and inside run game is as explosive as any in the state. They also have an incredibly impressive front 7 that can neutralize even the best offenses. The top side of his Groves' team is as good as any in D2. This weekend, the secondary needs to take a big step up, as does the passing game. If Groves' role players can play well, they've got a great shot.   Dexter looked excellent against Carlson on Friday. I love how they played with their back against the wall. Down 7 with Carlson driving, The Dreads forced a fumble, tied it up, forced another fumble, and took full control of the game. The vertical passing game was unbeatable, while the defense forced the turnovers necessary to win. They have a couple of extremely notable injuries, but they're still the favorite in my eyes.   Key Players   DE | [player_tooltip player_id='762939' first='Joshua' last='Hammonds'] | Groves   One of many difference makers on Groves' front 7. Last week, Dexter did a good job protecting their QB. He had all day to throw, and their vertical passing game hit big on several occasions. Players like Hammonds are looking to eliminate that. Hammonds sports great bend and incredibly active hands. He does an excellent job getting to the QB quickly. He'll have an uphill battle against an elite OT, but I think he'll be able to produce a few pressures at the very least.   OL/DT | [player_tooltip player_id='1613561' first='Mattia' last='Andriano'] | Groves   The leader of this Groves offensive line. An excellent all-around run blocker- blocks with leverage, drives his feet, and opens up massive holes for his RB. Additionally, I've been impressed with what I've seen from him as a rotational DT.   QB | Cooper Arnedt | Dexter   Produced all night long against Carlson. 29/41 for 590 yards and 8 TDs. A wonderful connection with his receivers, and did a nice job extending plays when necessary. This weekend, I don't expect Cooper to have as much time to throw the football. Though I do expect Cooper to hit a few big throws. I'm looking forward to seeing how Cooper does against a faster, more physical defense. If Cooper performs as efficently as he did last weekend, Dexter is absolutely State Championship bound.   LB | [player_tooltip player_id='566881' first='Nathan' last='Gersh'] | Dexter   Groves has won on the back of their run game. Specifically, I think their inside run game has been incredible. That's where Nathan has a chance to disrupt. Time and again, Nathan has proven himself as a sideline-to-sideline run stopper. Last week, I watched Nathan bite on a few misdirections from the Carlson offense. Groves should be a tad more predictable, and I expect Nathan to clean up his eye discipline and make a few major stops.

Here we go! Winner punches their ticket to Ford Field. Thus far, the Division 2 bracket has produced few major surprises. I truly think this Final 4 has produced the top 4 teams in the division, and that makes for an incredibly exciting last two weeks of football.