The anticipation is building as Ford Field prepares to welcome 16 teams this weekend for the Michigan high school football state finals, where eight champions will be crowned. MLive will provide comprehensive coverage, including live updates and photos of all the action on both Friday and Sunday.
Prior to the contests, MLive’s sports team has come together to forecast the outcomes of these championship matchups. The panel, featuring reporters from regions across Michigan, has analyzed each game and made predictions based on the teams’ performances throughout the season.
In Division 8, a standout battle is set to unfold as Harbor Beach (13-0) faces Hudson (13-0) at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Both teams have dominated throughout the season, but the MLive crew favors Hudson, citing their record-setting offense that has scored a remarkable 683 points. Analyst Matthew Ehler believes Hudson’s formidable offensive lineup will secure their third state title.
At 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Hudsonville Unity Christian (12-1) will take on Dearborn Divine Child (12-1). This match showcases two solid teams with Divine Child gaining considerable attention after overcoming tough playoff opponents. MLive’s Jared Purcell notes the impressive versatility of Divine Child athlete Marcello Vitti as a key factor in their favor, while Patrick Nothaft emphasizes Unity Christian’s unexpected success given their roster turnover.
Division 6 will see Kingsley (11-2) challenge Jackson Lumen Christi (10-3) at 4 p.m. Friday. With both teams having faced challenging schedules this season, Lumen Christi is favored for their strong defensive play and postseason resilience. Eric Ingles pointed out that the Titans have held opponents to low scores in crucial games, which could be decisive in the final.
Friday’s championship action concludes with a Division 2 clash between Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-2) and Dexter (12-1) at 7 p.m. MLive predicts a high-scoring contest, leaning towards St. Mary’s and their elite offense, backed by explosive players.
On Sunday, the games continue with Division 7 featuring Menominee (13-0) and Schoolcraft (11-2) at 9:30 a.m. Menominee heads in with a perfect record, while Schoolcraft will look to explode offensively against the Maroons.
Division 3 pits Mount Pleasant (13-0) against DeWitt (13-0) at 12:30 p.m. DeWitt, coming off significant playoff victories, boasts a high-scoring average, creating optimistic momentum ahead of this undefeated showdown.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, the Division 5 matchup showcases Grand Rapids West Catholic (12-1) against defending champions Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (11-2). This contest is poised to be tightly contested, with analysts attributing a slight edge to Notre Dame Prep due to their impressive track record in previous matchups.
The weekend will culminate in a highly awaited Division 1 showdown between Detroit Catholic Central (13-0) and Detroit Cass Tech (13-0) at 7 p.m. on Sunday. This match features top-tier talent, including star players committed to prominent collegiate programs. MLive predicts this rematch could be one of the highlights of the championship weekend, with both teams having a history of thrilling encounters.
As the state finals curtain rises, fans can look forward to electrifying performances, fierce competition, and the crowning of this season’s champions. MLive’s predictions set the stage for an unforgettable weekend of high school football.