| Special to The Detroit News
All eight school football state championship games will be played this weekend at Ford Field.
The even divisions will be on Friday, while the odd divisions will be Sunday due to the Maryland-Michigan State game at Ford Field on Saturday.
Here’s a look at all eight matchups:
Division 1
▶ Detroit Cass Tech (13-0) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (13-0), 7 p.m. Sunday
Reasons why Cass Tech will win: It’s sure hard to find a weakness on Cass Tech, which on offense can succeed in multiple ways. Senior wideout C.J. Sadler is the state’s best player and sophomore quarterback Donald Tabron is one of the country’s best in his class. Those two spearhead a lethal passing game, but opponents can’t key solely on stopping the pass.
Running backs De’Mari Hendrix, Julian Taylor and Khamari Jones are all big-play threats who run behind a veteran offensive line led by seniors Khalief Canty (Missouri commit), Jalani Walker and Josh Paramore. Defensively, Sadler (committed to North Carolina) is just as much of a one-man force at defensive back as he is at wideout, while senior Marcus Jennings is one of the state’s linebackers who has committed to Pittsburgh. In addition, Cass Tech loves playing in its backyard just a couple miles away from its school. Being inside with perfect elements only aids Cass Tech’s speed and playmaking. Add the experience of being in the championship game last year, and it’s hard to find a reason why Cass Tech won’t win.
Reasons why Detroit Catholic Central will win: Catholic Central has been a motivated bunch ever since losing 17-14 to Cass Tech in a state semifinal last year. Catholic Central also is one of the few teams in the state that can match Cass Tech’s size, speed and future Division I college talent. Senior wideout Samson Gash (Michigan State commit, but recently visited Alabama) is the state’s reigning 100-meter dash champion who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Senior Ben Ezuiuka is one of the state’s best offensive lineman who has committed to Penn State, but recently received an offer from former Penn State head coach James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Wisconsin commit Jack Janda has been a force along the defensive line, while junior Gideon Gash is a lockdown corner who already has several offers from Power 4 college programs. Junior quarterback Duke Banda has blossomed as the season has gone along and has put up great numbers in engineering Catholic Central’s attack.
Overview: This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the teams, with Cass Tech holding a 4-2 edge. … This is the fourth time the teams will play each other in the state championship game. Cass Tech has won the previous three meetings in 2011, 2012 and 2016. … Catholic Central will tie Farmington Hills Harrison and also Jackson Lumen Christi (which will play in this year’s Division 6 title game) for most appearances in a championship game at 18. Catholic Central has won 10 titles but is looking for its first since 2009.
Prediction: This has been one of the most anticipated games of the season and it should live up to the hype. Pick: Catholic Central 35, Cass Tech 34.
Division 2
▶ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-2) vs. Dexter (12-1), 7 p.m. Friday
Reasons why St. Mary’s will win: Other than Cass Tech and Catholic Central, there might not be a team in the entire state with the balance of size, speed and depth that St. Mary’s possesses. St. Mary’s can light up the scoreboard behind junior dual-threat quarterback Jabin Gonzales, junior slotback Lorenzo Barber, sophomore running back Jamari Givhan and junior wideout Chad Willis. The defense is loaded with future college players, most notably senior pass-rushing force Ryan Harrington (Wake Forest) senior defensive back Camari Patterson (Western Michigan), senior linebacker Luke Jackson and junior defensive tackle Treighjan Gibson. St. Mary’s has been dominant in the playoffs, outscoring opponents 154-35 in its four postseason wins.
Reasons why Dexter will win: Because nobody has yet to figure out how to contain what might go down as the best passing combination in the state, quarterback Cooper Arnedt and wideout Cole Navara. Those two have put up video game numbers this season. After a 41-6 semifinal win over Birmingham Groves, Navara is the state’s all-time single-season leader in receptions (118), yards (2.098) and touchdowns (28). Arnedt has thrown for 52 touchdown passes this year, which at the moment places him second all-time for a single season behind Eric Wenzel of Kalamazoo United, who had 56 in 2018. Dexter’s offense has scored 180 points in four playoff games. Dexter has the ability to make stops defensively behind senior linebacker and Toledo commit Nathan Gersh, and senior linebacker Charlie Pomo.
Overview: The teams couldn’t be more opposite when it comes to state championship history. St. Mary’s is appearing in its 16th championship game, Dexter will be competing in its first. This will be the first ever meeting between the programs.
Prediction: Dexter has been a great story and the combination of Arendt and Novara should continue to rack up up big yards in the title game. But St. Mary’s has been the state’s clear best team in Division 2 all year. Its talent will be on display and lead it to a repeat title. Pick: St. Mary’s 35, Dexter 21.
Division 3
▶ Mount Pleasant (13-0) vs. DeWitt (13-0), 12:30 p.m. Sunday
Reasons why Mount Pleasant will win: Mount Pleasant can win games by outscoring opponents or grinding them out with solid defense. Junior quarterback Xavier Creguer conducts a balanced offense and can make plays in the air or with his feet; he has more than 1,500 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards. The defense has been as stout as any unit in the state, allowing 13.5 points per game. Senior wideout/defensive back Riley Olson, senior linebacker Graham Phillips and senior defensive back Will Garcia have been standouts all year for a team that is not flashy but solid.
Reasons why DeWitt will win: There aren’t many more productive or tougher quarterback than senior Traverse Moore, a four-year varsity player who has committed to Central Michigan, where he likely will be a defensive back. But he is the straw that stirs the drink offensively for DeWitt, as evidenced by him rushing for 320 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries in a semifinal win over Warren De La Salle. Moore has rushed for 2,088 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. DeWitt has three offensive linemen blocking for Moore who are all-region players – Drew Rumsey, Jackson Hildenbrant and Luke Nolen. DeWitt is also strong up front defensively behind all-region players Andrew Nehf, Everett Cooper and Brendan Mensing.
Overview: DeWitt will make its third championship game appearance since 2020 and seventh overall. DeWitt is 1-5 in its previous trips to the championship game. On the other side, Mt. Pleasant will appear in its second ever state title game. Mt. Pleasant lost its only other championship game appearance in 2011 to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 45-7.
Prediction: These teams should be similar to each other in that they aren’t loaded with future college players but have played fundamentally sound football all season to earn their championship opportunities. But only one can win, and that team will be DeWitt. Pick: DeWitt 28, Mt. Pleasant 17.
Division 4
▶ Dearborn Divine Child (12-1) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (12-1), 12:30 p.m. Friday
Reasons why Divine Child will win: The adage is that defense wins championships, and well, have you seen what Divine Child’s defense has done? Divine Child has allowed an opponent to score double-digit points just three times all season and pitched shutouts in five of its first six games. However, that wasn’t even the most impressive feat turned in by the Divine Child defense. Over the last two weeks, Divine Child has limited to high-powered offenses, Harper Woods and Goodrich, to just one touchdown each. Marcello Vitti (Iowa commit) does everything for Divine Child in the secondary and is also is a dangerous slotback on offense, rushing for 112 yards in the win over Goodrich. There aren’t many two-way players in the state better than him.
Reasons why Unity Christian will win: Having a powerful running attack is usually a formula for success, and Unity Christian has that. Leading the way is quarterback Justin Febus, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season. Running backs Lucas Elliott, Ryan DeVree and Jared DeVries all have rushed for more than 600 yards and flank Febus in a balanced attack. Febus can also make plays in the passing game, throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. Unity Christian can also play some defense, having allowed less than 20 points to an opponent 11 times this season.
Overview: Divine Child is making its first appearance in a state championship game since winning the Class B title 40 years ago in 1985. Unity Christian also has won one state title in its history, that being the Division 5 crown in 2018.
Prediction: Divine Child has won what has felt like two state title games in a row the last two weeks with narrow, low-scoring wins over Harper Woods and Goodrich. Divine Child will prevail in another low-scoring game and celebrate another state title 40 years after its first. Pick: Divine Child 17, Unity Christian 7.
Division 5
▶ Grand Rapids West Catholic (12-1) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (12-1), 4 p.m. Sunday
Reasons why West Catholic will win: West Catholic has one of the most productive quarterbacks in the state in Grady Augustyn, who was adopted by his parents Mark and Julie from Haiti after the 2010 earthquake that devastated that country. Augustyn has passed for more than 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. In addition, West Catholic has a productive running game led by two 1,000-yard rushers, Connor Olszewski and Collin Abram. If all that balance on offense isn’t enough, West Catholic’s defense has allowed just 16 points a game this season.
Reasons why Notre Dame Prep will win: Speaking of a powerful offense, the defending state champions certainly have that. Notre Dame Prep is averaging nearly 42 points a game entering the final with a plethora of threats. Senior quarterback Sam Stowe has thrown for more than 5,000 yards over the last two years and has 41 touchdowns passes this year. Senior wideout Drake Roa is a 1,000-yard receiver, Ben Liparato is a 1,000-yard rusher and Anthony Tartaglia has rushed for over 700 yards. Senior Jack Williams leads a good offensive line.
Defensively, Notre Dame Prep has one of the state’s linebackers in senior Brody Sink, who has committed to Miami of Ohio. Defensive lineman Henry Ewles is another impact player on defense.
Overview: This is a matchup of a traditional Division 5 power vs. potentially a new one. West Catholic is making its first appearance in a state final since winning the last of five consecutive state titles in 2017. Notre Dame Prep won its first ever title last year, but reloaded this year and with a good coaching staff in place, there’s no reason to believe it can’t contend in future years as well.
Prediction: Expect a lot points to be scored in this game. Ultimately, Notre Dame Prep will have a few too many playmakers and that’ll be the difference. Pick: Notre Dame Prep 35, West Catholic 28.
Division 6
▶ Kingley (11-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (10-3), 4 p.m. Friday
Reasons why Kingsley will win: Kingsley can certainly play some defense, as evidenced by its shutout of previously unbeaten Kent City in a semifinal. Kingsley is allowing just 13 points a game this season and has forced opponents into 25 turnovers. As is the case with Lumen Christi, Kingsley also is experienced in big games and familiar with Ford Field. There are 16 seniors on the roster who were on Kingsley’s state title winning team two years ago, so intimidation certainly won’t be an issue for Kingsley. One of the key members of Kingsley’s defense is Gavin Lewis, who also leads the team offensively in rushing.
Reasons why Lumen Christi will win: It seems like Lumen Christi is the final every year, so it’s hard to come up with reasons why it won’t win. Lumen Christi is back in the final this year playing its typical solid, tough, balanced brand of football. Quarterback Benny Gaston has passed for more than 1,600 yards, while running back Pall Sattler has rushed for over 1,200 yards and leads a potent ground game led by lineman Antwon Baker. Defensively, linebacker Sean Walicki has 106 tackles on the season and spearheads that unit.
Overview: These teams have won the last two state championships. Kingsley is seeking its third state title in school history, while Lumen Christi its trying to add to its already state-record total by winning its 15th. Lumen Christi and Detroit Catholic Central this year are tying Farmington Hills Harrison for the most state title game appearances with 18.
Prediction: With two tough-as-nails defenses, it’s hard to see a lot of points being scored in this one. It’s cliche, but it will likely come down to which team turns it over less and overall makes less mistakes. Usually in the state championship game that team is Lumen Christi, and we’ll go with the champs until someone knocks them off. Pick: Lumen Christi 14, Kingsley 10.
Division 7
▶ Schoolcraft (11-2) vs. Menominee (13-0), 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Reasons why Schoolcraft will win: Schoolcraft has a quarterback who can win games by himself in playmaking junior Jack DeVries, who has thrown for more than 2,200 yards and 30 touchdowns this year. His favorite target has been wideout Drew Enright, who has over 800 receiving yards and gives Schoolcraft a passing combination that’s hard to stop. Schoolcraft hasn’t been bad defensively either, allowing just over 14 points a game.
Reasons why Menominee will win: Back in the state final for the second time in three years, Menominee has a senior class that experienced the pain of defeat in the 2023 title game and wants to atone for that. The offense can score points behind quarterback Tanner Theuerkauf (more than 1,300 yards passing) and running back Clayton Miller. That unit scored 26 second-half points in the semifinal against a Pewamo-Westphalia team that had allowed just 86 points in its previous 11 games. Defensively, Menonimee has allowed more than 15 points just twice this season.
Overview: Both of these teams are searching for their fourth overall state title and also to snap state title droughts. Schoolcraft is seeking its first state title since 2001, while Menominee is looking to win its first crown since claiming the second of back-to-back championships in 2007.
Prediction: These two teams for the most part are mirror images. But Menominee’s experience of being in the title game two years ago will be the difference. Pick: Menominee 21, Schoolcraft 17.
Division 8
▶ Harbor Beach (13-0) vs. Hudson (13-0), 9:30 a.m. Friday
Reasons why Harbor Beach will win: When you have a defense that is giving up only eight points a game, chances are you are championship material. That is why Harbor Beach is in the position it is in, although the offense can score points also behind a powerful running game. Quarterback Caden Buchholz is the key player for Harbor Beach, having rushed for over 1,000 yards and 22 touchdowns this season while passing for more than 700 yards. Rogan Messing has rushed for more than 700 yards and is also a threat in Harbor Beach’s offense.
Reasons why Hudson will win: Dominant can’t even begin to describe the rushing attack for Hudson, which runs a wing-T offense that gives opponents fits. Hudson has scored 60 points or more five times this season, including 86 in one game earlier this season. The trio of Beckett Campbell, Grayson Bills and Devon Brigman combined for 401 yards rushing and six touchdowns in a semifinal rout of Allen Park Cabrini. Campbell has rushed for more than 2,200 yards while Bills is over 1,700 yards this season.
Overview: Both of these teams have championship histories, with Harbor Beach winning the Division 8 title in 2012 and Hudson winning the latest of its three state championships in 2021. In addition to each team being unbeaten this year, Harbor Beach won 11 games last year while Hudson won 10.
Prediction: This should be an old-school contest where the running games dominate, with the occasional pass thrown in. Both teams can control the game with those run games, but Hudson’s has proven to be a bit better all season and that will be the case in the final. Pick: Hudson 34, Harbor Beach 24.
Keith Dunlap is a freelance writer.
