Riverview Pirates @ Allen Park

Riverview (8-2) arrives in Allen Park as first round winners over Carlson 22-8. Allen Park (8-2) took care of Downriver League rival Trenton 39-15 in week 1. These teams met last year in the first round of the playoffs and the Jaguars came away with a 23-20 victory. Allen Park leads the all-time series since 1951, 9-1.

Riverview 8-2 (5-2 Huron League)

The Pirates are playing in their 4th consecutive playoff under coach Derek MacLaughlin. The defense is led by junior LB Christian Lopez who leads the team in tackles. Sophomores; Noah Grunwald, Cal Lockhart, Preston Thompon and Ben Johnson are all key players on a young defense that is giving up just 14.8 ppg. Senior Austin Poe is a speedy game changer in the defensive secondary and has 7 interceptions on the season.

Offensively the Pirates run the ball 99% of the time and have rushed for nearly 3,000 yards on the season. Senior QB Brandon Maher has thrown the ball just 26 times this season. Junior Jimari Moultrie leads the way at RB while senior lineman Garrett Vineski leads a physical offensive line.

Allen Park 8-2 (6-2 Downriver League)

The Jaguars have qualified for the playoffs 9 out of the last 10 seasons. Defense is the strength of Coach Tom Danosky’s team as they are giving up a paltry 10.9 ppg. Senior Blake Gilliam leads the way at DE for the Jags, while Braden Albright, Max Alvarez, Ethan Baugh and Nick Setser bolster the solid defense.

Leading the offense will be junior QB Colton Caswell or sophomore Ethan Gajewski depending on the injury status of Caswell who was hurt in the Trenton game. Senior RB Nico Tiberia and junior RB David Cagle run behind a solid offense line that includes Adrew Rozman, Brenden Flinn, Bradie Montie and Alvarez.

FNV Thoughts: This should be a great game between two solid programs that pride themselves on being physical. Expect a low scoring affair on a cold night in front of a big crowd. On a side note, expect fantastic student sections from both the Maroon Monsoon and the Jag Jungle.