Predicting Division 2’s Most Improved Programs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 2 is going to see a lot of changes this coming season. A few 2023 state championship contenders will see a decrease in success, while several other teams will see a meteoric rise. De La Salle is still the heavy State Championship Favorite. Although we still have a clear favorite, several other teams are still working their tails off to dethrone the favorites. So, here are three programs that I believe will take a major step up this coming season, with two of these teams being State Championship Contenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mona Shores</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I were to pick a team to win the Ottawa-Kent Green, it would be Mona Shores. Unlike Muskegon, Mona Shores is returning most of its core talent. In addition, Mona Shores has set a phenomenal standard throughout the years. Even at their worst, Mona Shores is still a team that can make a deep playoff run. This season, I believe that the State Championship is well within their sights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB | [player_tooltip player_id='602245' first='Jonathan' last='Pittman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Incredible arm talent </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great Weapons</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excels in throwing toward sidelines</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consistently accurate deep ball</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dual-Threat</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Phenomenal size</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>LOTS of Varsity Experience </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB | [player_tooltip player_id='402064' first='Tomarion' last='Steward']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Several Division 1 Offers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elite strength</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Flashed contact balance</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to work on overall vision, IQ</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Potential to be one of the best RBs in Michigan THIS SEASON</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB | [player_tooltip player_id='568145' first='George' last='Duggins']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the best transfers of this offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great testing numbers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Amazing offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A much-needed defensive leader</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Greatly anticipated Mona Shores Debut </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Impacts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='602240' first='Micah' last='Carefelle']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1290904' first='Jaeger' last='Johnson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1290877' first='Ja'Mari' last='Taylor']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Deshaun Taylor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">North Farmington</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot of reason to believe that North Farmington will take a big step up this season. For one, they're returning some good talent. Secondly, I'm expecting a few OAA Blue teams to regress. Lastly, North Farmington finished 2nd in the Blue last season and, in my eyes, are favored to be League Champions this season. There is a great possibility that North Farmington sweeps League play, and all of their non-league games are also winnable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1148721' first='Terrance' last='James']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Earned first offer from Miami (OH)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Impressive athlete</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explosive in open space</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Needs to better translate athleticism to production</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Could be utilized in several ways this season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If utilized well, Terrance should have a breakout season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB | Tray Woods</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensive Leader</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Locked in</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great understanding of coverages</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Seems like a film junkie</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good athleticism and technique</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Small but packs a punch</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DT | [player_tooltip player_id='899576' first='Brendon' last='Rice']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dominant and versatile defensive lineman</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Impressive size and strength</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Anchors down; cannot be moved</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent run-stopper</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Developing pass rusher</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rice Commit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Impacts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='899558' first='Dezmon' last='Blanch']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='899562' first='Trey' last='Thomas']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1298644' first='TJ' last='Alexander']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Roseville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few seasons, Roseville has been knocking on the door of Ford Field. Although they're a great team, they haven't gotten over the hump of De La Salle. Last season, Roseville was a bit inconsistent. Heading into this season, Roseville retains a ton of talent but also has a few holes to fill. Though, on paper, this is the most talented Roseville team that I've ever seen. If Roseville is able to patch up their holes while letting their star players loose, they'll have a good shot at beating anybody in Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impact Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB | [player_tooltip player_id='1298771' first='Bryant' last='Snowden']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The next great Roseville DB?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thoroughly impressed at Midweek MACtion</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extremely reactive and explosive</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great change of direction, recovers quickly</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If he can prove himself this fall, I'd expect Division 1 offers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>GLIAC floor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='437969' first='Desmond' last='Straughton']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Illinois Commit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Two-way nightmare</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hits like a truck</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reactive and confident defensively</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the best Safeties in Michigan</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='247684' first='Eric' last='Slater']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sensational Deep Threat</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great athletic traits</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good contact balance and vision</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Would love to see more route variety</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Howard Commit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Impacts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='602070' first='Michael' last='Chude']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='1148714' first='Miles' last='Sharp']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='602072' first='Jordan' last='Simes']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- [player_tooltip player_id='642774' first='Armani' last='Hegmon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->