Week 9 Playoff Forecast

Each week, as the playoffs get closer, we will do a playoff outlook for all our teams that are still mathematically alive. For 2019, 6 wins will auto qualify you for post season play. SMCC plays an 8 game schedule so they have qualified with 5 wins. A large number of 5 win teams will make it in this year, expected to be 48-50 teams. The largest number since the MHSAA has gone to this format. With that said, if your team ends up at 5-4, they will have a very good chance at making the playoffs.

It is important to keep in mind, a team’s division is not determined until after week 9. The divisions listed below are where your team falls if the playoffs started today. In a few cases this could change from week to week(SMCC, Whiteford) and maybe a couple other. 8 of our 16 teams are still alive. Here are those 8 team’s current situation.

Frank and Gary projected each team’s actual playoff point total after week 9 games are complete. We did a little guessing as to who would win. Some games were easy to pick, some were not. So if a few games go a different way, our numbers of course will be off. However, this is how we see it.

DIVISION 2

Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules (6-2)

Remaining game: @ Coldwater

Best Possible Finish: 6-3/7-2

Projected PPA: 70.444/84.777

Outlook: The Mules punched their ticket to Week 10 with a win over Monroe. A win over Coldwater in Week 9 could guarantee a home game.

Possible Round 1 Opponents: Livonia Franklin, Wyandotte, Detroit King, Farmington, Oak Park, Dexter, Jackson, South Lyon, North Farmington

DIVISION 3

Riverview Pirates (6-2)

The Pirates are in the playoffs with the requisite 6 victories. A good Thurston team awaits in week 9, who is Class A and has 7 wins. A lot of playoff points can be earned with a victory tonight. Does it mean maybe a home playoff game with this win? Hmmmm that I dont know. Pirate fans are hoping for Carlson, Allen Park and Trenton to stumble.

My Projected Playoff Point Total: 76.417

Probable round 1 match-ups: Carlson, Allen Park, Trenton.

Gibraltar Carlson Marauders (6-2)

Remaining Game: Wyandotte

Best Possible Finish: 6-3/7-2

Projected PPA: 67.335/79.112

Outlook: The Marauders punched their ticket to the playoffs with a win over Lincoln Park. A win over Wyandotte would go a long way towards giving them home field advantage in a murderous Division 3.

Possible Round 1 Opponents: Trenton, Allen Park, Riverview, Garden City, Redford Thurston, River Rouge

DIVISION 4

Milan Big Reds (8-0)

Milan has already punched their ticket and is looking to finish the season on a strong note and go into the playoffs healthy. A hapless Tecumseh squad awaits tonight, the Big Reds should have no trouble dispatching them.

My Projected Playoff Point Total: 95.888

Probable Round 1 Match-ups: Summit Academy, Chandler Park, Redford Union, Airport.

Carleton Airport Jets (5-3)

Rest easy Jet fans, Airport has qualified for the playoffs win or lose. However with woeful Melvindale in week 9, you will most assuredly get that 6th victory.

My Projected Playoff Point Total: 60.752

Probable Round 1 Match-ups: @Chelsea, @Milan, @Country Day, @Redford Union.

DIVISION 5

Dundee Vikings (5-3)

Remaining Game: Hillsdale.

Best Possible Finish: 5-4/6-3

Projected PPA: 48.225/49.114 (5-4)/62.447 (6-3)

Outlook: On paper, it would appear that it would all com down to beating Hillsdale. However, thanks to a higher bonus point average, the Vikings appear to be safely in. I project their PPA to be 49.114, with the possibility of it being as low as 48.225 if Stockbridge loses to Owosso. Should the Vikings knock off Hillsdale, there is a remote possibility of a home game in round one.

Possible Round One Opponents: Hillsdale, Onsted, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Olivet, Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Detroit Henry Ford, Marine City, Whitmore Lake, Clawson, Lansing Catholic

DIVISION 6

Saint Mary Catholic Central Falcons (7-1)

The Falcons do not play in week 9 but are looking at 2 possibly 3 home playoff games. SMCC looks to be solidly into division 6 after flirting with D7 all year long.

My Projected Playoff Total: 83.889

Probable Round 1 Match-ups: Detroit Osborn, Manchester, Onsted

DIVISION 8

Ottawa Lake Whiteford Bobcats (5-3)

Remaining Game: Summerfield

Best Possible Finish: 6-3

Projected PPA: 50.445

Outlook: Even if they do lose to Summerfield, Whiteford appears to be safely in. There is a possibility that they will get one home game to start, but appear to be destined for a 2-seed in a district

Possible Round One Opponents: Lenawee Christian, Addison, Sand Creek, Britton-Deerfield