It’s a rematch of last year’s Regional Championship, as Ida (8-2,
LCAA) travels to Algonac (9-1, Blue Water Area Conference). The last time that
we saw these two teams meet, Algonac emerged a 38-22 winner over Ida in what turned
out to be the final game for Blue Streaks head coach Tom Walentowski. Ida
brings a playoff record of 8-8; Algonac comes in with a playoff record of 7-4.
Both teams are looking for a third consecutive District crown.
The Blue Streaks
continue to exceed expectations in Jeff Potter’s first year as head coach, as
they outlasted Detroit Denby 22-20 in the first round of the playoffs. The win
was the Streaks’ first postseason win away from home since 1990, when they
defeated Michigan Center in the first round. In addition, this is the fourth
consecutive season the Streaks have won at least one playoff game. Ida’s full
house T offense is averaging 30.7 PPG, and is led by senior RB Bryce Holmes
(821 rush yards, 17 TDs), and junior RBs Jake Weilnau (1001 yards, 10 TDs) and
Sam Brettschneider (780 yards, 9 TDs). Holmes led the way for the Streaks with
185 yards and a score, while Weilnau’s 86 yards and a score put him over the
1000 rushing yard mark for the year. Defensively, the Streaks are led by junior
DE Alex Longenbarger, senior LB Matt Zlonkevicz, and senior DB Justin Gelso.
Zlonkevicz also came up with the game-clinching sack in the win over Denby. Ida
is allowing 15.1 PPG.
The Muskrats
have won nine consecutive games since a season opening loss to Marine City, and
are looking to build off of a trip to the semi-final round last season. Head
coach Scott Barnhart’s team opened the playoffs with a 20-3 win over Ann Arbor
Gabriel Richard in a driving rain. The Muskrats’ offense is a mix of the pistol
and double wing, and power running is the foundation. Senior Jordan Moss has
stepped in at quarterback, replacing do-everything Brandon Piper, and it was
Moss’ arm that carried the Muskrats, as he threw for 192 yards and three TDs in
the last game. Sophomore WR Nick Folkerts, senior RB Stephen Rose, and junior
RBs Jack Jewell and Luke Stephenson are other main contributors for an offense
averaging 31.4 points per game. The Muskrats also hang their hat on a stingy
defense (allowing 11.4 PPG), led by BWAC defensive player of the year
Stephenson at MLB, senior OLB Brendan Budzeak, and junior DE Michael Nykoriak.
In last week’s win, the Muskrats held Gabriel Richard’s offense to 159 total
yards, and 3-of-15 on third down conversions.
Prediction: This is a revenge game for the Streaks, and several
players told me after last week’s win that they have wanted another shot at the
Muskrats. This time around, they will have to play much better (seven turnovers
in the last meeting). I expect a much closer game this time around, but will
the depth of the Muskrats will make it a long trip home from The Swamp? Expect
a good one for a Saturday matinee.
Article by Guest Writer Frank Vacjner
View Comments
Lighting wasnt great but drive is worst part. Takes almost 2 hours from Ida High School. It will not deter all the Bluestreak fans.
I have never been to The Swamp. How was the lighting compared to Navarre Field?
We are hoping to see a good turnout of Ida Bluestreak supporters, since the game is on Saturday afternoon. I think it was a smart move on the coaches part. They will be well rested and ready to play. The lighting at the SWAMP IS HORRIBLE. IT is worse than Hudson and Hillsdale combined.
Tip of the cap to Coach Potter and the Bluestreaks! He’s a great guy and a great coach! Good luck this weekend!
This season the Bluestreaks have exceeded our expectations. They have the talent needed to win against the Muskrats. Being that the game will be played on Saturday I believe that this will make a great match between these 2 teams. Again the Bluestreaks are wanting to redeem themselves from last year's loss and the bluestreak family, friends and fans will be there to support them. #idaproud