Michigan high school football state quarterfinal predictions
Only eight teams remain in each Division of Michigan high school football. So I've chosen a handful of games throughout the state to highlight and predict who will advance to the state semifinals.
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Stay with SBLive Michigan for all of the matchups, game times and scores throughout the 2023 MHSAA football playoffs.
The playoffs are heating up as we are down to just eight teams in each bracket. On the D1 side, perhaps the most intriguing matchup this week pits Davison against Rockford. Both of these teams have been at the top all year long, and both are undefeated.
Something has to give, and I’m taking Rockford to advance in what should be an absolute thriller.
Winner: Rockford
A great matchup in the D2 bracket features Byron Center and East Lansing. Byron Center survived a battle with Caledonia last round, and EL has cruised so far in the playoffs.
I’m picking East Lansing to move on to the semis.
Winner: East Lansing
Both of these D3 squads have easily advanced in each round of the playoffs, but this should be a tight one. It could go either way, but Walled Lake Western has looked like a different beast this year. I’m picking them to advance into the next round.
Winner: Walled Lake Western
Harper Woods vs. Carleton Airport
Carleton Airport and Harper Woods have been two of the best D4 teams all season long, and this week, they’ll battle it out in the state quarterfinals. This is going to be an outstanding game, and I’m picking Harper Woods to continue their season into the semis.
Winner: Harper Woods
Grand Rapids West Catholic vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central
D5 football has been dominated by Grand Rapids schools this season, and two of the best meet this week. I believe that the winner of this game will go on to win the state championship, and I’m taking GRWC to get the victory. This is going to be one of the best games of the week.
Winner: Grand Rapids West Catholic
The semis are on the line in this D6 matchup between Kingsley and Gladstone. Both teams are evenly matched, and this should come right down to the wire. It’ll be close, but I’m picking Kingsley to advance and keep their title hopes alive.
Winner: Kinglsey
Jackson Lumen Christi vs. Clinton
Jackson Lumen Christi has looked like far and away the best team in D7, but they have an intriguing matchup this weekend against Clinton. Can they put up a fight, or will Jackson Lumen Christi continue to dominate? I’m going with the latter.
Winner: Jackson Lumen Christi
Much like the D5 matchup, I believe that the winner of Ithica vs. Ubly this week will take the D8 crown. It’s going to be a terrific game, and it’s a shame that these two teams aren’t meeting later in the postseason. I’m taking Ubly to advance to the semifinals.
Winner: Ubly
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