Regional Championship Previews & Predictions

We're now just two games away from Ford Field as teams across the state will battle the next two days for regional championships. Check out my previews and predictions for each of the regional championships featuring teams from the OK Conference.

D1: Grand Blanc (11-0) @ Rockford (11-0)

Carlson-Munger Stadium

Saturday, November 13th @ 1 p.m.

Rockford and Grand Blanc meet up in a Division 1 regional championship in what figures to be a matchup between two of the most talented teams in the state this weekend. Both teams feature dynamic offenses that have the firepower to outscore anyone they line up against. Grand Blanc is led by Eastern Michigan running back commit, Elija Johnson, wideout Nas Carson, quarterback Hunter Ames, and lineman Andy Hartman. Rockford quarterback Zak Ahern has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks this season and is an athlete that can get it done through the air and on the ground. Keep an eye out for Army wideout commit Tyler Vroman, who has been one of the most feared deep threats this season. I’m expecting an all-time classic between these two in a game that should be decided late in the 4th.

Prediction: Grand Blanc 33, Rockford 31

D2: Traverse City Central (10-1) @ Caledonia (10-1)

Grandville High School

Friday, November 12th @ 7 p.m.

Caledonia and Traverse City Central have emerged as the new faces of Division 2 in West Michigan after Mona Shores’ 3-peat title defense fell short in last week’s district championship. Caledonia, in my opinion, has looked like the most complete team as of late, led by a dynamic junior quarterback in Mason McKenzie, sophomore running back Brock Townsend, and anchor on the line, Ferris State commit Andrew DeVries. The Caledonia defense, which hasn’t surrendered 20 points more than once, will have a tough test going up against a Traverse City Central offense that is averaging 48 points per game, led by Notre Dame commit Joshua Burnham. Burmham, who plays quarterback and linebacker for the Trojans, is listed at 6’4, 225 pounds, and is every bit as advertised. Each offense has been sparked by big plays all season, and I’m expecting that theme to continue this evening in what should be a one-possession game.

Prediction: Caledonia 38, Traverse City Central 31

D3: Cedar Springs (9-2) @ DeWitt (10-1)

Grand Ledge High School

Saturday, November 12th @ 1 p.m.

Cedar Springs pulled off the upset of the week in last week’s district championships, knocking off Muskegon 21-14. The Red Hawks are one of the most efficient offenses in the state, led by a group of running backs that ware down opposing defenses by the way of its wing-t attack. Aiden Brunin, Ryan West, Carter Falen, Antwaun Nichols are a few names to keep an eye on in the Cedar Springs backfield. DeWitt has one of the most potent offenses in the state led by Brown quarterback commit Tyler Holtz, and Wisconsin wide receiver commit Tommy McIntosh. The Panthers have scored 50+ points six times this season and are going up against a Cedar Springs team that can also put up points, albeit in a drastically different style of play. Cedar Springs will need to win the time of possession battle and force a few turnovers to pull off another upset.

Prediction: DeWitt 36, Cedar Springs 28

D4: Cadillac (9-2) @ Unity Christian (11-0)

Jenison High School

Friday, November 12th @ 7 p.m.

Unity Christian has the highest-scoring offense in the state at 58 points per game, and is coming off a 79-point performance over Grand Rapids Christian in last week’s district championships. The Crusaders are led by Cameron and Drew Chandler, who are both high-level threats to bust a big run at any given time. Cadillac is here after holding off a Whitehall comeback in which the Vikings were leading 17-0 in the second quarter. Cadillac is led by running backs Carter Harsh and Caleb McKinley. Both backs will need big games if they hope to pull off a shocker and knock off Unity Christian. The Vikings, however, are no stranger to such upsets, as they defeated undefeated Edwardsburg in a Division 4 semifinal a season ago.

Prediction: Unity Christian 50, Cadillac 24

D4: Grand Rapids South Christian (8-3) @ Edwardsburg (11-0)

Leo Hoffman Field

Friday, November 12th @ 7 p.m.

Grand Rapids South Christian and Edwardsburg meet in a regional final for the second consecutive season in what is hopefully a closer contest than last season’s 47-7 thrashing by the Eddies. Jake DeHaan and Chandler Van Solkema are the key weapons for the Sailors, and will each need to have big games if they hope to continue on the hunt for Ford Field. Edwardsburg outscored its first two opponents of the playoffs by a combined score of 108-0. That type of offensive output isn’t anything new for the Eddies, as they’ve scored 50+ points in all but three games. Edwardsburg running back Logan McCulley has been an instrumental piece in the Eddies offense and will be atop the South Christian scouting report.

Prediction: Edwardsburg 42, South Christian 28

D5: Muskegon Oakridge (9-2) @ Grand Rapids Catholic Central (11-0)

Cougar Stadium

Friday, November 12th @ 7 p.m.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central survived the Holy War last week, defeating crosstown rival West Catholic in convincing fashion, 44-6. The Cougars have won 34 straight games and appear to be on a path to win a third consecutive state championship. A big reason for that has been the play of quarterback John Passinault. John has been locked in since stepping in for injured signal caller Joey Silveri. Also keep an eye on Notre Dame safety commit, Nolan Ziegler. Standing in their way is a Muskegon Oakridge team that can put up points, and will need to do so to pull off the upset. Oakridge quarterback Matt Danicek will need to have a career day to give the Eagles a chance in this one.

Prediction: Grand Rapids Catholic Central 45, Muskegon Oakridge 14