Here we are, the Division 1 Football State Championship. Many teams have put in the work, but for two teams, they have a chance at making dreams come true on Saturday. The Belleville Tigers and Caledonia Fighting Scots are those two teams that have a chance to make lasting memories. They’ve put in the work. They’re about to see if they can make it come to fruition one more time.
Belleville Tigers
The Belleville football program has made itself into a perennial power. Since 2018, the Tigers have made it to the semi-finals four years in a row. Last year, Belleville was able to put together a magical run to take their first state championship. They now come in with a chance to grab their second in a row. The Tigers come in at 13-0 on the season. The regular season was a test. Four of their nine regular season wins were against playoff teams. They were dominant in their opening round one win over a respectable Woodhaven program. The Tigers won the district over Saline, another team that can beat anyone on any given day. They would go on to cruise to a regional title in a win over Detroit Catholic Central, one of the most well-known teams in the state. They won a dog fight last week in double overtime against a perennial power in Cass Tech. Now they face another team who is in the midst of one of their best seasons in program history.
What They Can Do
The Tigers have put together a historic season on the offensive side, averaging nearly 50 points per game on the season, the offense is rarely stopped by opposing defenses. Mychal Yarbrough is a dynamic athlete who can play anywhere on both sides of the football. Yarbrough is a Division 1 college commit to Miami of Ohio. Nathanial Johnson leads a well-rounded offensive line. He has offers from the likes of programs such as Kentucky and Maryland. The guy who leads the Tigers on offense is Bryce Underwood. Underwood is young, but he doesn’t look like it physically. At the helm, he has a strong arm and makes throws all over the field. He throws a really nice deep ball with touch to his speedy receivers. He rarely turns the ball over, which is even more impressive. Teams need to watch him scramble as well; he does a good job at using his legs and can be hard to contain. The entire offense is very dynamic.
The defense might be even better. On that side of the ball, they have given up just 12 points per game on the year. Jeremiah Beasley is a force on the defensive side at linebacker. He’s usually in on every play and has a knack for creating turnovers. The entire defense is fast, and if you aren’t careful with the ball, they will make you pay. They look to help their offense grab some extra possessions when they face a tough Caledonia offense.
Caledonia Fighting Scots
The Fighting Scots come in the midst of quite possibly their best season in school history. Caledonia is making its first appearance at Ford Field since 2005. The last time they played at Ford Field, they took home a state championship and are intent on doing so again. The Fighting Scots come in at 12-1 on the season. The lone loss came to Rockford, but Caledonia was able to get some revenge by beating the Rams in districts. Playing in a tough conference, Caledonia went 3-1 over teams such as Holt, Grandville, East Kentwood, and the aforementioned Rockford, all playoff teams. Before getting past the Rams in districts, the Fighting Scots were able to cruise to victory over that same Grandville team. They sealed a regional championship over a very tough Grand Ledge team. Last Saturday, Caledonia sealed their spot at Ford Field with a big win over perennial power Clarkston. They’ll face another stiff test this week but can create a ton of problems for Belleville.
What They Can Do
An offense that is very hard to stop, Caledonia can put it on you in a hurry. Brock Townsend is a strong, fast runner that has no trouble getting downhill on a defense. He has several MAC schools after him. Blake Herron helps out of the backfield and can be very hard to bring down. At the helm of the Fighting Scots is Mason McKenzie. McKenzie has offers from the likes of Saginaw Valley State, Northwood and Grand Valley State. Derek Pennington can be a problem for teams at tight end. With offers from several MAC schools, he’s a guy that is an excellent blocker but can get it done through the air as well. Justice Reed is a speedy wide receiver who can create matchup nightmares.
The Caledonia defense has been consistent throughout the year. They create fits for offenses and don’t give up a lot of big plays. Jimmy Floyd poses all kinds of problems for defenses. Floyd is quick and plays with a ton of toughness. Derek Pennington is a standout on defense as well. He can get to the quarterback as well; Jaxson Engelberg poses problems for offenses up the middle. He can track down ball carriers and has no problem putting pressure on the quarterback.
Buckle Up
This matchup has a ton of intrigue. Belleville is perfect on the season, but Caledonia is playing as well as anyone. These two find out who the best in Division 1 is when they square off in a 1:00 showdown this Saturday at Ford Field.
