Week 1 Playoff Predictions Part III

Harper Woods/SMCC: These two schools have never met in football. They don’t have a common opponent but the strength of schedules could tell us an accurate story. Harper Woods has made the playoffs three out of the last four years and have an overall playoff record of 4-7. SMCC has made the playoffs seven straight years and has an impressive 24-14 mark in the playoffs including a 1991 State Championship.

Harper Woods plays in the five school Metro Conference and finished tied for 3rd at 2-2 but they are the only school in the league that qualified for the playoffs. The Pioneers are giving up about two touchdowns per game and are led by senior Cortez Dorsey at linebacker. On offense Harper Woods runs the Veer; they are quarterbacked by former running back Terrance Hatfield and have some excellent speed in the backfield with trackster Marvin Dismute. The Pioneers will look to run behind the blocking of big fella James Patrick who is listed at 6’7″ 300 lbs.

SMCC opened the season with a hard fought loss to Detroit Crockett. I said then, that loss would help them prepare for the playoffs. The Falcons have reeled off eight straight wins since week 1 in route to the Huron League title. Look for the Catholics to keep doing what they do best by running the ball every play and scoring on special teams.

On paper this game could be a blowout but anything can happen in a playoff game. (i.e. Bishop Foley in 2006) Much will depend on the opening series in this game to find out if the Pioneers can play with the Falcons. I don’t think that they can but weather may play a factor in this game so anything could happen. I’ll go win SMCC winning 35-19.