Division 1 Semifinals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're one step closer to seeing who'll play at Ford Field for the State Championships. In Division 1, it's been narrowed down to four true contenders that could raise the trophy when it's all said and done. In addition, three of the four teams won very handily in the round of 8 (Clarkston won by three against the 2021 runner-up), making me even more confident these should be incredible games. Now, check out a preview of both semifinal games! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caledonia vs. Clarkston (Nov. 19, 1pm, @ East Lansing HS)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Classic West vs. East matchup, and the last teams standing in the OK-Red and OAA-Red. I believe these two teams match up extremely well, and I'm curious to see how each team will gameplan the opposition's strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> First off, Cal has never faced a team with Clarkston's run game. Sure, Rockford was good, Grandville runs the T-Wing extremely well, and West Ottawa has one of the best RBs in the west, but none compare to [player_tooltip player_id='243468' first='Ethan' last='Clark'] and the Wolves' O-Line. We've seen great defensive teams like Adams and Davison fail to stop the run against Clarkston, so this should be the #1 point of emphasis for Cal's defensive coaching staff. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarkston needs to contain [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie']. Over the past few weeks, Mckenzie has run wild out of the pocket and has burned teams. Put pressure on Mckenzie early and practice containing the pocket. Leave him no choice but to make a decision quickly. With Clarkston's defensive talent, I don't think it would be a bad idea to blitz and play man coverage often. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'], Brock Townsend, Derek Pennington, Desman Stephens, [player_tooltip player_id='243468' first='Ethan' last='Clark'], and Michael Hein will be key players that will decide the outcome of this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Belleville vs. Cass Tech (Nov. 18, 7pm, @ Novi High School) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A battle of two powerhouses; One a historical team, the other fairly new to the big stage. Without a doubt, the winner of this game will be favored to win the State Championship. This matchup is an ultra-rare Friday Semifinal game, likely to ensure full television and media coverage without as much competition. Both teams are extremely well-rounded, and both teams house some of the best talent Michigan has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belleville needs to play well in all phases of the game. More specifically, this is a huge game for [player_tooltip player_id='247690' first='Bryce' last='Underwood']. The borderline 5-star and undisputed #1 C/O 2025 recruit in the midwest could impress scouts even further next week. Cass Tech likely has the best secondary in Michigan, and that unit has been playing out of their minds this postseason. This is Belleville's best test yet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Cass Tech's defense can play like they've been playing over the past few weeks, they'll be fine. They gave up 13 against West Bloomfield, 14 against A&amp;T, and 21 against Dakota, who are 3 of the best offenses (and teams) in the state. Up and down the defense, they have D1 ballers. I am super curious to see how Cass Tech's young secondary handles itself against the best passing offense in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='247690' first='Bryce' last='Underwood'], [player_tooltip player_id='251363' first='Kevin' last='Simes'], [player_tooltip player_id='187999' first='Jeremiah' last='Beasley'], [player_tooltip player_id='162650' first='Jalen' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='193362' first='Leeshaun' last='Mumpfield'], [player_tooltip player_id='284285' first='Cashus' last='Shivers'], (and others) will be KEY during this matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->