Week Nine High School Football Review

That’s it! The regular season is over. We now move into the “second season.” Before we get into the MHSAA football playoffs, we will take some time to look back at Week Nine, the final week of the regular season. There were some fantastic games last week. Some came down to the wire. Let’s move quickly into last week’s slate of games.

West Coast

Grand Rapids Christian 50 East Grand Rapids 49 (2OT)

This one was too good to be decided in regulation. It took double overtime and a two point conversion for the Eagles. In the first overtime, GRC quarterback Travis Kraai threw an interception. East Grand Rapids coach Peter Stuursma sent his freshman kicker out onto the field, but the attempt was missed. In the second overtime, David Drummond scored for EGR and this time, Noah Salasky made a PAT. On third down for Grand Rapids Christian, senior running back Kavon Frazier ran nine yards for the score. Kraai dove into the end zone for the two point attempt and the game was over. He finished the night with 11 completions on 19 attempts for 147 yards, one score, and three interceptions. Running back Kavon Frazier ran the ball 26 times for 221 yards and scored four touchdowns. Receiver Drake Harris caught six footballs for 52 yards and the lone touchdown reception for GRC. On the other side, quarterback Travis Palmer completed 10 of his 17 attempts for 118 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. David Drummond ran the ball 29 times for 228 yards and two scores. Jahaan Brown caught four footballs for 46 yards and two receiving touchdowns. This must have been a fantastic game!

Detroit

Marysville 22 St. Clair Shores South Lake 21

This was another close game. Quarterback Jake Mineau ran the ball in from the five yard line in the fourth quarter to pull within one. On the ensuing two point conversion attempt, he also ran the ball in to give us the final score. On the game, he carried the ball 31 times for 191 yards and all three touchdowns. When Mineau dropped back to pass, he completed five of his 13 attempts for 41 yards. Leading receiver for the Vikings was Josh Smith with two catches for 24 yards. On the St. Clair Shores South Lake side, Casual Williams was the leading runner. He toted the rock 13 times for 57 yards and scored twice; once on a 50 yard fumble recovery and again on a one yard run. Quarterback Travon Desaussure completed six of his 16 passes for 51 yards. Jamyr Anderson caught a 32 yard touchdown pass to lead SCSSL receiving corps.

Capital Area

Grass Lake 36 Leslie 28

This was Grass Lake’s first undefeated season since 1968. It wasn’t an easy game though and was tight until the end. During the fourth quarter, Steven Tyler scored a one yard touchdown run with only 2:47 remaining on the clock. The two teams combined for over 700 yards of offense. GL quarterback Logan Konopka completed four of his 16 passes for 91 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also ran twice for five yards. Kevin Fisher was the work horse. Fisher toted the rock 18 times for 138 yards but did not find the end zone. Frank Vuocolo ran 16 times for 121 yards and a touchdown while also catching one ball for 30 yards and a score. Tyler, who only ran the ball five times for 13 yards, scored twice and also had a nine yard reception. Leslie quarterback Brendon Smith completed exactly half of his 30 passes for 181 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran 22 times for 117 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. Manny Pennell ran 10 times for 32 yards while Andrew Arras and Chanler Carmer each ran five times for 40 yards.  Kyle Bryson was the leading receiver with eight receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown.

North

Traverse City St. Francis 20 Grayling 19

In a close football game, field position is very important. TCSF had an average starting field position of Grayling’s 49 while Grayling average starting spot was their 25 yard line. A missed extra point and a missed two point conversion did not help the Vikings. Grayling quarterback Zane Tobin finished the game with 146 passing yards and one touchdown. Dawson caught that long touchdown pass and finished with 46 receiving yards. Riley Zigila led the rushing attack with 74 yards and two scores. Griffin Dean led the defensive effort with 18 tackles. Unfortunately, stats were not available for the Gladiators.