Jackson Lumen Christi Titans @ Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Falcons

Lumen Christi finished tied for 3rd in the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference with a 2-3 mark. We last saw the 11 time State Champions defeat #1 seed Riverview Gabriel Richard by a score of 42-21. The 2019 State Runner-up Titans are a state playoff powerhouse, last missing post season play in 1997. Lumen holds an overall playoff record of 83-18 and are lead by 40 year Head Coach Herb Brogan. St. Mary Catholic Central, a member of the Huron League, finished with a 3-2 record in conference. SMCC is coming off a round two playoff victory over Grass Lake, 41-35. The 2019 State Champion Falcons have qualified for the MHSAA playoffs 18 times since 2000 with an overall playoff record of 53-21. Leading the charge for the Green and Gold is 6th year Head Coach Adam Kipf. This will be the 4th meeting between these 2 programs with JLC holding the edge at 2-1. SMCC won the last contest in 2014, on their way to a state title.

Jackson Lumen Christi Titans (4-4 Interstate 8)

The Titans boast a power running game behind a huge offensive line and a handful of very capable backs. Getting the bulk of the carries on the season are RB Basil Hampton 632yds, RB Nick Wilson 576yds and QB Ted Ahlers 354yds. Ahlers has thrown the ball 44 times, completing 29 for 316yds and 3 TD. Leading tacklers on the defensive side are Brody Dalton 43 tackles, Wally Gilgert 41and Conor Fitspatrick 38.

Comment from Coach Brogan: “Our few games with St. Mary have always been tough, hard fought close contests, I would expect this to be the same.  We’re very impressed with the development of this team following the graduation of so many starters. Their defense runs to the ball well and they have always executed the T as well as anybody we see.”

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Falcons ( 6-2 Huron League)

The Falcons of SMCC display a tremendous ground attack, racking up several 500 yard rushing games, out of their Full House T offense, averaging 32.5 points per game, while giving up 25.3. Taking the snaps for SMCC will be QB ’22 Mitch Kemmerling 13-27, 258 5TD passing and 47-308, 5TD rushing. St. Mary features a stable of backs including ’23 Cole Jondro 118-1,175 9TD, ’21 Jackson Taylor 60-381 4TD, ’22 Blake Birkenhier 56-381, 6TD, ’22 Garret Bergmoser 70-266, 4TD and ’21 Brenden Murray 24-146, 1TD. If Coach Kipf decides to throw the ball, TE ’21 Timothy Barno 9-186 3TD, is usually on the other end. Other players to keep an eye on include, OL/DL ’21 Zach Patterson, OL/DL ’22 Gavin Witaszek, OL/DL ’23 Jacob Borer and OL/DL ’21 Garrett Iott.

Comment from Coach Kipf: “We are looking forward to our game with Lumen Christi. They are a top program in the state year in and year out.  They seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now. They were very impressive last week against Richard. Their defense plays the game physical, especially their linebackers. On offense, they are going to run the ball well mixed in with some timely throws. Offensively they have made a lot of progress the last two weeks.  We expect a tough, physical football game on Friday.”

FNV thoughts: This is a battle of two MHSAA football powerhouses. Out of 500 plus schools, Lumen Christi comes in at #2 with a .800 winning percentage since 1968(school’s inception) and SMCC #17 with a winning percentage of .717 since 1950. The line of scrimmage will be a heavily contested battle ground. Whoever has the edge there, this Friday, will most definitely have the upper hand. Both Quarterbacks are very capable of making big plays with their arm and legs. Look for a big play or two out of the QB position. I anticipate a knock out, drag out affair with the District Championship hardware on the line. The folks in attendance, those tuning in through social media and those listening on SMCC radio, will be treated to another fantastic showdown at historic Navarre Field.

• Chris: SMCC
• Gary: Lumen Christi
• Frank: SMCC