Football Playoff Preview for Saturday, November 10th

With both the Raiders and Shamrocks making long runs in the 2018 MHSAA football playoffs in their respective divisions, we wanted to give readers a quick look at the unfamiliar opponents that each team will face this Saturday, November 10th.

The Portland High School Raiders (11-0 record, 95.111 playoff points) defeated CAAC White rival Lansing Catholic last week in an edge of your seat 17-13 victory for a District title. This is the second time that the Raiders beat the Cougars this year, and their second consecutive district crown. The Raiders have extended their record on the season to 11 wins and no losses.

Portland's 2018 Schedule/Record

Portland will host the Eagles of Frankenmuth (9-2, 73.444) Saturday at 1:00. The Eagles defeated Almont (10-1, 93.333) 28-22 last week, giving the Raiders of Almont the first loss of the year.

Frankenmuth's 2018 Schedule/Record

When asked about this week’s match-up, our regular Raider football beat writer Pete Hoffmeyer said, “This matchup this week should be very interesting. It will be some old school football, 10 yards and a cloud of dust. These two teams will want to lineup and just run it down your throat. If there are 20 passes COMBINED I’ll be shocked! The Eagles have some big boys upfront. This one will be won or lost in the trenches.”

The winner of the Portland vs Frankenmuth game will face the winner of Marine City (9-2, 74.444) and Detroit Denby (9-2, 72.095) in the division 5 semi-finals at a neutral site next week.

The St. Patrick Shamrocks (7-4, 37.222) defeated Tekonsha (6-5, 31.000) on Saturday, 20-6, earning the Shamrocks their second regional crown in two years.

St. Patrick's 2018 Schedule/Record

The Shamrocks now move on to the 8-Player Division 2 Semi-Finals where they will travel to play the Onekama Portagers (9-2, 50.111) on Saturday at 1:00 on the Portagers home field. If you are thinking about making the trip to Onekama, it is about 15 miles north of Manistee.

Onekama defeated Brethren (7-4, 39.444) by a score of 52-0 last week.

Onekama's 2018 Schedule/Record

When asked about this week’s match-up, our regular Shamrock football beat writer Benjamin Rex Cross said, “The Shamrocks have played a very tough regular season schedule, and are finally healthy. Onekama is a very good football team with a diverse offense and a couple of great athletes. I expect the Shamrocks to compete, and god-willing, win.”

The winner of the St. Patrick/Onekama game will face the winner of Cedarville (7-4, 30.222) and Rapid River (8-3, 39.778) in the state championship in the “Yooper Dome” in Marquette.