The D Zone predicts the Division 4 State Title game, Edwardsburg vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Written by
Jeff Corrion
Published
11/21/2017

Division 4 State Championship Overview: Division 4 on the bottom of the bracket was shaping to be an incredible opportunity to face the defending champions, Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Emerging from a crowded pack of teams worthy to be playing for a state title was Edwardsburg who beat a favored River Rouge team 32-21 last week. Will Edwardsburg be able to stop the state's leading rusher Nolan Fugate? Tune in on Friday night to see.

State Finals history:

Grand Rapids Catholic Central won the D4 title in 2016 and 2010. In 2005 GRCC fell to Flint Powers in Division 4. GRCC also won the Class B title in 1987 and lost to Warren Woods in Class B in 1978.

Edwardsburg despite having a strong program will be appearing in a state championship for the first time.

Last weeks predictions: 1-1 (14-4 Overall in Division 4)

Breakdown: Grand Rapids Catholic Central has cruised and been in speed control the past 2 weeks to get to this point. Nolan Fugate leads the state in rushing yards and when he's on the sideline will be seeing another potent rushing attack from the Eddies who run a wing-t offense that has frustrated teams these playoffs. The Eddies avenged their lone loss to Three Rivers in the playoffs before beating tough opponents in Lansing Sexton and River Rouge.

Prediction: Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28-20

Explanation: It will at times be a back and forth game and other times slow down as the teams look to chew time and the clock. The Cougars will be facing by their toughest test in the playoffs and maybe the entire year over West Catholic with Edwardsburg who is a very unorthodox team that can attack opposing teams in a lot of ways.