Both teams are coming off of lopsided win in their respective District Championship games. The Pirates defeated Gibraltar Carlson 38-14 while the Falcons crushed Redford Thurston 42-6. Both teams have a rich playoff history. Riverview has been to the playoffs 15 times while Divine Child is in the postseason for the 12th time. Divine Child has won two MHSAA Playoff state titles and was in the semi-finals last season while Riverview has been to the finals twice.
For Divine Child, the offense centers around Michigan State commitment Theo Day. The 6-5 senior is a dual threat QB who is the heart and soul of the offense. He has numerous skill athletes that includes 6-6 senior wideout Quinn Blair who has commited to William & Mary for basketball. The offensive line is anchored by Sean Pilon. On defense, the Falcons rely on Michigan commitment Aidan Hutchinson and Northern Michigan commit Cameron Smith. Junior safety Cameron Urbanick and senior Vince Floro also stand out on defense.
Offensively, Riverview relies on a rugged running game and physical line. Junior Dominic Wood is a great leader and proven winner. His backs include Zach Guthrie and Zach Warlick. Look for junior RB Ethan Lockhart to get some of injured RB Cam Rogers carries. The line is led by senior Jack Demare along with Nathan Maher and Cameron Pruitt. On defense, Riverview Tyler Dively, Brannon Kincaid and Kyle Naif.
This should be a great game between two different teams. Divine Child has a wide open offense that is averaging 31 ppg. Riverview is simply ground and pound to the tune of 35 ppg. The defenses have been good enough and both teams have played solid schedules. Game time temperature could be in the 20’s which may change the dynamics of the game.
Game day let’s go BUCS
Duel threat QB's are always a problem. Buc's gotta keep somebody home to keep him honest, and that most assuredly will open up some opportunity for those big wideouts to get free. With DC's high end D, they're probably not gonna find much room going up the gut. Probably will have to use a lot of misdirection plays, Play-action short passes along with some well executed screens. With one of their man backs down, need to through in a couple wrinkles in case their usual modus operandi isn't/stops working. This is a HUGE test for the View but it's possible, just a matter of who executes and wants it bad enough. LOL, I suppose that's true every week – way to state the obvious I guess. Go Bucs!!
Let’s go BUCS