High school football playoff preview
All 14 Monroe County Region football teams are preparing to chase state titles. Here’s the rundown of who - and what - to look for.
DIVISION 1
Dearborn (2-4) at Monroe (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Nick Notario, Monroe (fifth year, 21-23); John Powell, Dearborn (seventh year, 33-31)
Previous meeting: Monroe 47-15, Oct. 31, 2014.
All-time series: 6-6.
Monroe playoff history: 18th appearance. Has playoff record of 6-17.
Dearborn playoff history: 19th appearance. Reached the state semifinals in 2004 and 2006.
How to watch: Monroe has streamed all of its home games on the Monroe Public School YouTube channel. Up to date information can be found at www.facebook.com/MonroeTrojanAthletics.
Monroe player to watch: Monroe quarterback Jacob Blosser had run for 751 yards and 8 TDs and passed for 471 yards and 5 TDs.
Dearborn player to watch: Noah Dobert had 9 catches for 140 yards and a TD in the regular-season finale.
Game Notes: Monroe’s two losses have come against state-ranked teams – Saline and Chelsea. Dearborn finished the season with a 28-10 loss to Livonia Franklin, which opens the playoffs against Bedford.
Comments from Nick Notario” We need to eliminate the big plays defensively, take care of the ball on offense and finish drives, eliminate penalties and get better on special teams.”
DIVISION 2
Bedford (3-3) at Livonia Franklin (3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: John Phillips, Bedford (first year); Chris Kelbert (20th year, 101-91).
Previous meeting: Franklin, 27-25, Nov. 2, 2018.
All-time series: 1-1.
Bedford playoff history: 12th appearance. Playoff record is 8-10.
Franklin playoff history: Has qualified 11 times including each of the past four seasons and 9 of the last 11.
How to watch: The game will be streamed live on www.MichiganSportsRadio.com. For more information and a direct link on game day, go to www.facebook.com/fhspatriots2016.
Bedford player to watch: Bedford quarterback Brady Henderson is the team’s second-leading rusher with 348 yards and had 4 interceptions on defense.
Franklin player to watch: Junior quarterback Zac Olesuk is a threat as a runner and a passer.
Game Notes: Bedford started the season with three wins in a row, then dropped three straight. One of Franklin’s losses was a 56-0 blowout by No. 1 Belleville, on Oct. 16.
Comments from John Phillips: “It's a new season, the records have been reset. We have injured players returning. We're looking forward to extending our season.”
DIVISION 3
Gibraltar Carlson (4-2) at River Rouge (4-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Dan Kalbfleisch, Carlson (first year); Corey Parker (12th year, 99-30)
Previous meeting: Carlson 66-22, Oct. 13, 2006.
All-time series: Carlson leads 12-5.
Carlson playoff history: 13th appearance. Playoff record 2-12.
Rouge playoff history: Has qualified 15 times, including the previous three seasons. Won Division 3 state title last year.
Carlson player to watch: Jaishaun Williams played running back on the varsity last year as a sophomore. He moved to quarterback this season and is a threat as a runner and thrower.
Rouge player to watch: Armorion Smith is listed as a safety, but plays all over the field. He picked Cincinnati from a list of nearly 20 Division 1 offers.
Game Notes: Rouge has posted shutouts in all four of its victories this season. Carlson’s last playoff win came in 2017.
Comments from Dan Kalbfleisch: “Our kids need to believe in themselves and their ability. They have to come and play their best. These are the state champs.”
DIVISION 3
Southgate Anderson (2-4) at New Boston Huron (5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Chad Smith, Huron (third year, 11-13); Mitch Dobek, Anderson (fifth year, 14-28).
All-time series: This is the first meeting between the two schools.
Huron playoff history: Fifth appearance. Reached the Division 3 state semifinals in 2014. Playoff record is 3-5.
Anderson playoff history: 11th appearance, first since 2011.
How to watch: All of Huron’s home games are streamed live on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/HuronAthleticBoosterClub.
Huron player to watch: Chase Molnar does a little of everything for the Chiefs. He will play primarily quarterback and safety Friday night. He ranks second on the team with 33 tackles.
Anderson player to watch: Defensive end/running back Aaron Jaciuk.
Game Notes: Huron spreads the ball around. Four players have played quarterback and five have 14 carries or more. The two head coaches worked together 20 years ago at a medical supply company.
Comments from Chad Smith: “I feel like things are coming together for us. Everybody is excited. We haven’t hosted a playoff game since 2014, also we get to do it on our new (turf) field.”
DIVISION 4
Romulus (2-3) at Airport (3-3), 7 p.m.
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Jim Duffy, Airport (fifth year, 17-17); Charles Searcy, Romulus (second year, 3-11)
All-time series: First meeting.
Airport playoff history: Qualified last year for the 15th time in school history and first time since 2012. Playoff record is 5-15.
Romulus playoff history: Ninth playoff appearance, last time in 2017.
How to watch: Airport streams all of its home games on its Jets Video YouTube channel. Go to the Airport High School Facebook page for more information and a direct link on game day (www.facebook.com/Airport-Community-Schools-175339412505419).
Airport player to watch: Jacob Pac has run for 657 yards and 9 TDs this season.
Romulus player to watch: Cornerback/wide receiver Eric Massey.
Game Notes: Airport has five freshmen on the varsity roster including starting quarterback Cooper Nye.
Comments from Jim Duffy: “We have focused on putting ourselves in the position to be successful in the postseason. We have gotten better and gained experience for our younger players and hope to be competitive each and every week that we’re able to advance.”
DIVISION 4
Adrian (0-5) at Milan (5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Coaches: Jesse Hoskins, Milan (10th season, 72-30); Chris Gilliam, Adrian (second year, 0-14).
Last meeting: Milan 27, Adrian 13, 2016
Series since 1950: Adrian leads 3-1.
Milan playoff history: Milan is in the playoffs for the 20th time in school history. Playoff record is 16-19.
Adrian playoff history: The Maples have made 16 other playoff appearances, including every season from 2005 to 2011.
How to watch: Milan live streams all of its home games on the Milan Big Reds Athletics YouTube channel. Go to the Milan’s Facebook page for more information at www.facebook.com/MilanBigReds. The game also will be broadcast live on the radio by 103.9 WLEN-FM out of Adrian.
Milan player to watch: Quarterback Cole McElvany is over 1,000 yards of total offense (514 rushing, 579 passing).
Adrian players to watch: Sean Parker is the Maple quarterback and Cameron Nieto and Donte Leste are the top Maple running backs.
Game notes: The Maples have lost 28 straight games and have a roster of fewer than 20 players and had no junior varsity team this year. Milan lost to Riverview in Week 2, but have rolled since, including a win over 5-1 New Boston Huron.
Comments from Jesse Hoskins: “As the weather turns teams have to be able to run the football, stop the run and execute on special teams, so that will be our focus.”
Comments from Chris Gilliam: “The keys for our game against Milan is to match their physicality. They are a physical team. We must stop the run. Their quarterback is a very physical and skilled athlete.”
DIVISION 5
Jefferson (1-5) at Grosse Ile (3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Gene Gennoe, Jefferson (fourth year, 4-29); John Bodner, Grosse Ile (15th year, 72-70).
Previous meeting: Grosse Ile 35-14 on Sept. 18.
All-time series: tied 27-27.
Jefferson playoff history: 11th appearance, last coming in 2016. Won a state championship in 1994. Playoff record 10-10.
Grosse Ile playoff history: 13th appearance, sixth in last 10 years.
How to watch: Grosse Ile has streamed many of its games on Facebook this season. Search Facebook for ’Grosse Ile Athletic Boosters’ or ’Grosse Ile Gridiron Club’ for more information. More information is also available on Jefferson’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Jefferson-School-District-Athletics-102573601603976).
Jefferson player to watch: Nolan Vanover has 24 receptions for 395 yards and has scored 8 TDs.
Grosse Ile player to watch: Quarterback Nate Brown has thrown for 1,126 yards and 14 TDs this season.
Game Notes: The all-time series between the teams is tied 27-27, but Grosse Ile has won four of the last five meetings. Jefferson recorded its first shutout since Oct. 15, 2010 last week, a span of 88 games.
Comments from Gene Gennoe: Against Grosse Isle, it is all about stopping their big plays. We gave too many of those the first time that we played them, and we must get that corrected. Our team has to be able to run the ball more effectively.”
DIVISION 5
Flat Rock (0-6) at Summit Academy (5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Buck Reaume, Flat Rock (sixth year, 21-31); Matthew Swain, Summit (third year, 18-8)
Previous meeting: Flat Rock 48-0, Aug. 26, 2016.
All-time series: Flat Rock 2-0.
Flat Rock playoff history: Fourth appearance. Won a state championship in 1976. Playoff record is 2-2.
Summit playoff history: Third appearance. The Dragons won their first playoff game last year.
How to watch: Summit Academy broadcasts games on the NFHS Network, which can be accessed through www.mhsaa.com.
Flat Rock player to watch: Joey Godfrey is Flat Rock’s top rusher (292 yards) and second-leading receiver (90 yards).
Summit player to watch: Quarterback Charles Coy.
Game Notes: Summit coach Matthew Swain has three brothers who graduated from Milan. Flat Rock has not scored more than 16 points in a game this season.
Comments from Buck Reaume: They are very athletic. … We look forward to the challenge and hope that our schedule has helped prepare us for this game. We have yet to win a game this year but the kids have stuck together and keep battling. I am proud of that fact.”
DIVISION 5
Dundee (1-5) at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (2-1)
When: 4 p.m. Friday
Coaches: Ross Crow, Dundee (first year); Matthew Giarmo, Richard (second year, 7-6).
Last meeting: Richard 49, Dundee 0, 2012 playoffs
All-time series: Dundee leads 4-2
Dundee playoff history: The Vikings are the playoffs for the eighth time. Playoff record is 1-7.
Richard playoff history: Richard is making its 15th appearance in the playoffs.
Dundee player to watch: Carson Irwin leads the team in passing (601 yards) and rushing (235 yards).
Richard players to watch: The Irish run the T. George White and Jack Smith get the bulk of the carries.
Game notes: Gabriel Richard has played just three games and needed a waiver from the MHSAA to make the playoffs. They lost to state-ranked Flint Beecher and won two other games in blowouts. Dundee’s offense has scored just 63 points in six games.
Comments from Ross Crow: “The kids are excited and hungry to begin this second season. We have talked all year about day-to-day and week-to-week improvement.”
DIVISION 6
Ecorse (2-4) at Erie Mason (6-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Coaches: Rob Beaudrie, Mason (fourth year, 10-23); Jovan Olafioye, Ecorse (second year, 6-9).
How to watch: Mason plans to broadcast the game on the NFHS Network, which can be accessed through www.mhsaa.com. The game can be heard live on www.monroecountyradio.com.
All-time series: First meeting.
Mason playoff history: The Eagles are looking for their first playoff win since 2003, which was the last year they were in the playoffs. Playoff record 10-6.
Ecorse playoff history: Seventh appearance, reached semifinals in 2011.
Mason player to watch: Cooper Kinsey has 17 tackles for loss to lead the Eagles.
Ecorse players to watch: The Red Raiders have several players being looked at by small colleges, including cornerback Darryl Cooper (6-1, 190) and defensive tackle Jalin Tyler. Darrius Cross (6-2, 220) is a strong quarterback with big arm.
Game notes: Olafioye is an Ecorse graduate who played college football and then spent years in the Canadian Football League where he was a six-time All-Star and played in multiple Grey Cup games.
Comments from Rob Beaudrie: “What a great experience for this group of kids. Because of what they have gone through during their careers, it’s extra special. Everybody is behind them, the community has been great and has been waiting for this to happen in football for 17 years.”
DIVISION 6
Dearborn Advanced Tech (3-3) at Ida (3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Coaches: Jeff Potter, Ida (fourth year, 23-14); Chris Merrell, ATA (second year, 6-9).
How to watch: Ida has streamed all its home games through the JJ Sports Video YouTube page. For more information and a direct link on game day, go to www.facebook.com/IdaAthleticBoosters.
All-time series: First meeting
Ida playoff history: This is Ida’s 11th appearance in the playoffs. The deepest run by the Blue Streaks was reaching the semifinals in 2015.
ATA playoff history: First playoff game.
Ida player to watch: Running back Jacob Lewis is coming off a 224-yard rushing game and is the key back in the Blue Streak offense.
Game notes: ATA is just its second year of having a varsity football program. Both of their last two games were decided by one-point. Ida’s losses were to 6-0 Blissfield, 5-1 Clinton and 4-2 Hillsdale.
Comments from Jeff Potter: “The kids are excited to back in the playoffs. It should be fun to play one more time at home under the lights in front of our fans. It’s a new season, so anything can happen.”
DIVISION 7
Leslie (2-4) at SMCC (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Adam Kipf, SMCC (sixth year, 44-18); Greg Pscodna, Leslie (second year, 5-10)
Previous meeting: Leslie 22-19, Nov. 21, 2008.
All-time series: Leslie won only previous meeting.
SMCC playoff history: Won its third state championship last year (1991, 2014). Qualified 25 times. Playoff record is 51-23.
Leslie playoff history: 11th appearance, first since 2012. State runner-up in 2008.
How to watch: SMCC has live streamed its home games on the St. Mary Catholic Central Facebook page (www.facebook.com/St-Mary-Catholic-Central-67067157564). The game also will be broadcast live on the radio by 98.3 WMIM-FM out of Monroe.
SMCC player to watch: Cole Jondro ran for 231 yards and 4 TDs last week to push him to 746 yards and 6 scores for the season.
Leslie player to watch: David Whitehead ran for 117 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carriers last week.
Game Notes: Leslie beat SMCC in the 2008 state finals in the only previous meeting between the two schools. SMCC won the state title in Division 6 last year, but moved down to Division 7 this season.
Comments from Adam Kipf: This game will be won up front. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will come away victorious. … We get to host a game this week and we are excited to be playing in Monroe. We have to take advantage of it.”
DIVISION 8
Britton Deerfield (1-5) at Whiteford (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Jason Mensing, Whitedford (ninth season, 80-21 overall); Erik Johnson, BD (fourth year, 9-26, 12th season overall 69-59).
Last meeting: Whiteford 22, BD 20, Oct. 16.
All-time series: Whiteford leads 21-7
Whiteford playoff history: The Bobcats have been in the playoffs the last nine seasons and 21 times all-time, including a state championship season of 2017.
BD playoff history: The Patriots are in the playoffs a second straight season and 11th time overall. They the state semifinals in 2000.
How to watch: The game will be live streamed on BCSNNation.com
Whiteford player to watch: Shea Ruddy didn’t play the first time Whiteford played BD but is healthy and back in the Bobcat starting lineup. He has 717 yards passing and 9 TDs this season.
BD player to watch: Nico Johnson leads BD in passing (428 yards) and rushing (548 yards).
Game notes: The young Bobcats are on a three-game win streak, including a come-from-behind win Friday to overtake Summerfield. BD has battled injuries all season with their only win coming against winless Pittsford.
Comments from Jason Mensing: “We feel blessed we get another opportunity to play … I am grateful the state found an opportunity for all schools to get another contest and create memories. We hope we can continue to improve and extend our season as long as possible.”
DIVISION 8
Summerfield (1-5) at Allen Park Cabrini (4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Coaches: Alex Lipka, Summerfield (second year, 5-10); Brian Obrycki, Cabrini (20th year, 79-108).
Last meeting: Summerfield 48, Cabrini 7, 2011
All-time series: Summerfield leads 4-2.
Summerfield playoff history: The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for a ninth time. Playoff record is 6-8.
Cabrini playoff history: Cabrini is making its ninth trip to the playoffs. The Monarchs have three playoff wins.
How to watch: Cabrini plans to broadcast the game on the NFHS Network, which can be accessed through www.mhsaa.com.
Summerfield player to watch: Ethan Eyler is a tremendous defensive player, averaging 17.3 tackles a game.
Cabrini player to watch: Coach Obrycki calls Monarch quarterback Ryan Kugelman the team’s Swiss Army knife. He is the team’s top passer, top rusher, top tackler, kicks off and punts.
Game notes: Lipka is returning to his roots. He played at Cabrini for coach Obrycki. Bulldog quarterback Devin Albain went over 1,000 yards passing for the season last week.
Comments from Alex Lipka: “I am really excited to be able to go back and play against the school I played for and began coaching. Coach Obrycki played for my grandfather and coached me my freshman year and gave me the opportunity to start as a freshman, so the respect I have for him is beyond imagination.”
Comments from Brian Obrycki: “It’s extremely exciting to coach against Alex. I am so proud of him and the type of person he has become. In school he worked hard was a tough, old-fashioned, hard-nosed football player and he coaches just like that.”
Video clips
The Monroe News has a collection of practice week and game day video clips at its YouTube channel.
