Raider Football Semi-Final Preview

The Raiders defeated Frankenmuth 40-6 last week to capture the regional championship, while extending their record to 12-0, and advancing to the state semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, they will face the Mariners of Marine City on Saturday, November 17th at 1:00 PM at Howell High School. The Mariners are 10-2 on the season, and defeated Detroit Denby last week, 40-32 in double overtime.

Marine City 2018 Schedule/Results per MHSAA.com.

This week’s match-up will be no cake walk for the Raiders. Marine City is a strong program, making the MHSAA playoffs 19 out of the last 20 years. They were Division 4 runner up in 2011, and Division 4 state champs in 2007 and 2013. Their schedule this season also included several larger schools.

Both Portland and Marine City bring proud football traditions into this matchup.

This is not the Portland program’s first time playing at Howell High School. As I am sure many of you recall, the Raiders also played their semi-final game here in 2012, on route to an eventual state championship.

When asked about this week's match up, our Raider football contributor Pete Hoffmeyer said, "I like the way the stars seem to be lining up. I like the familiarity of playing a semi final in Howell again where our Raiders have never lost! Just looking at this, one thing jumps out at me. The Raider Defense is giving up less points in each playoff game. Portland gave up 19 to Ovid-Elsie, 13 to Lansing Catholic and 6 to Frankenmuth. That’s a testament to how well the Raider Defense is playing. Marine City on the other hand is giving up more in each round. Clawson 12, Harper Woods 27 and DETROIT Denby Tech 32. Hopefully this is a trend that continues this Saturday with a trip to Ford Field on the line.”

Portland was issued only 500 pre-sale tickets this week, and according to Athletic Department Secretary Laura Hager, “As of noon (Wednesday), I have sold 235 tickets.” Tickets are $7 for the semi-finals if purchased at the gate or during pre-sale.

Gates open at 11:30 and there is no re-entry to this game. You can park on the hill on the outskirts of the field but everyone has to purchase a ticket and it's an additional $10 to park. There is plenty of other free parking on site.

Spectator footballs, toys, bags, or open beverages will not be allowed into the stadium.

PHS Athletic Director, Kevin Veale said, “We are the home team and will be wearing our red jerseys.”

Many fans will be gathering on Grand River Avenue near China Buffet at 9:45 Saturday morning to see the team off.

Please see the maps below for additional information on Howell High School.