Football Frenzy preview: Rematch, unbeatens and winning streaks at semifinals

Above on Behind the Frenzy, Football Frenzy correspondents Dean Holzwarth and Andrew McDonald discuss Hudsonville’s domination in the regional title, Byron Center’s motivation and momentum, why they just can’t pick against South Christian and more as West Michigan teams make the final push to Ford Field.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — After one more win, the journey to Ford Field will be complete. Several area teams have the opportunity to book their spot in the Finals.

Here is a look at the semifinals involving area teams. All games are on Saturday.

DIVISION 1

HUDSONVILLE VS. ROCHESTER ADAMS at Okemos

The Hudsonville Eagles (11-1) are in the semifinals for the first time since 2005 after avenging their only loss of the season.

Hudsonville routed Howell 35-6 in last week’s regional finals to extend its winning streak to 10 after losing to the same team in the season opener. The Eagles jumped out to a 28-0 lead and never looked back.

The Rochester Adams Highlanders (10-2) last played in the semifinals in 2021 en route to the state finals. The Highlanders defeated Grand Blanc 21-14 last week to claim a regional crown.

DIVISION 2

BYRON CENTER VS. EAST LANSING at Greenville

The Byron Center Bulldogs (11-1) are playing in their first state semifinal after winning the program’s first regional title.

Byron Center rolled past Portage Central 52-14 to set up a rematch with East Lansing.

The East Lansing Trojans (9-3) ended the Bulldogs’ postseason run last year as Byron Center struggled in the second half and lost, 42-20.

Byron Center is seeking its first trip to Ford Field, while East Lansing lost to Muskegon in last year’s semifinals.

DIVISION 3

ZEELAND WEST VS. DEWITT at Forest Hills Eastern

Zeeland West Dux (11-1) are playing in their second straight semifinal after knocking off Forest Hills Central in a regional final.

The Dux lost to the Rangers in last year’s semifinals and will face another tough test against the unbeaten Panthers.

The DeWitt Panthers (12-0) are one of the highest scoring teams in the state, averaging an astounding 56 points per game, which is a program-best.

The Panthers have scored 42 points or more in every game. Their closest win was 42-35 to East Lansing in Week 5.

Zeeland West hasn’t made the state finals since 2015.

DIVISION 4

SOUTH CHRISTIAN VS. NILES at Three Rivers

The South Christian Sailors (8-4) are making a bid for a third straight trip to Ford Field after a 28-21 road win over Whitehall last week in a regional final.

South Christian has won 12 of its last 13 postseason games, including two straight in the semifinals.

The Niles Vikings (11-1) have already set a new school record for wins in a season and will play in its first state semifinal.

The Vikings are riding an 11-game winning streak after a loss to St. Joseph in their season opener.

DIVISION 5

CATHOLIC CENTRAL VS. FRANKENMUTH at Mount Pleasant

The Catholic Central Cougars (8-4) ended the regular season with a three-game losing skid, but have found their stride in the postseason.

Catholic Central has notched three postseason wins against Hopkins, West Catholic and Kalamazoo United to reach the semifinals for the ninth straight year.

The Cougars have won four state finals in the last five years.

Catholic Central and the Frankenmuth Eagles (12-0) have met in the postseason two of the past three years, winning 35-0 in both games.

The Eagles have won 11 or more games five straight years. They have allowed less than 10 points per game this season.

DIVISION 7

NORTH MUSKEGON NORSEMEN VS. MILLINGTON at Lansing Eastern

The North Muskegon Norsemen (11-1) advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive year with a 23-0 road win over Menominee, which beat the Norsemen in last year’s semifinals.

The Norsemen have never played at Ford Field, but have another opportunity with a win over a Millington team that possesses one of the top defenses in the state.

The Millington Cardinals (12-0) have allowed only 73 points this season, including four shutouts. Only two teams have scored 14 points or more points.

Other semifinal games include the following: