The D Zone's predictions and breakdown of Division 2 - Round 4

Division 2 Round 4 Overview: The first semi-final has an unpredictable path by both teams as the favorites, Mona Shores and Walled Lake Western each lost early. The bottom Semi-final fell into place as expected as the two top-ranked teams won each game up to this point.

Last weeks predictions: 4-0 (7-5 Overall)

Semi-Final #1:

#29 ranked Livonia Franklin will meet #37 Forest Hills Central in the semi-final. No one could have predicted these two teams would meet this week and few people outside of these two programs thought they would get to this point. Forest Hills Central has taken advantage of a soft schedule, winning their games vs. known programs like, Lowell and Traverse City Central comfortably and then scraping through a win vs. #9 ranked Mona Shores in the District Finals. Livonia Franklin started the year 2-2, when they beat Grand Blanc 35-0 late in the year it opened eyes. The Chargers responded to loses to Livonia schools, Stevenson and #22 Churchill later in the year and in the playoffs with wins when they rematched. Franklin defeated #7 Walled Lake Western in the opening round of the playoffs.

Prediction: Livonia Franklin 28-14

Explanation: Franklin's offensive balance and stiff defense are going to present Forest Hills Central with something they have not seen this year. If this game is close, Franklin has pulled out wins in all shapes and forms this year.

Pre-season Rankings: Neither was in the top 25

Semi-Final #2:

Like Division 1, the two best teams remaining will be meeting in the semi-final. This 1 pm game at Hazel Park has all the makings of a great game as the #1 ranked Detroit King Crusaders will meet #12 De La Salle with a chance to play at Ford Field the following Friday. King are the back-to-back defending champions, while De La Salle won the Division 2 title in 2014. King's only loss is to an out of state team, the Crusaders won a huge game that featured #1 Cass Tech vs. #2 Detroit King in week 8 of this season and haven't been challenged yet in the playoff with comfortable wins over; Ypsilanti Lincoln, East English Village Prep, and Edsel Ford. De La Salle cruised their district before engaging in a great game vs. Oak Park in which they won 14-7.

Prediction: King 16-13

Explanation: Both teams are playing their best and know this is the week with 100% focus and taking it play by play if they are to win this huge semi-final game.

Pre-season Rankings: Detroit King #2