Riverview vs Goodrich Semifinal Preview

The Division 4 Semifinal matchup between the Pirates of Riverview and the Martians of Goodrich is the 1st ever meeting between the two schools. Riverview (12-0) has a long and storied history that includes 10 undefeated regular seasons since 1950, including a .667 overall winning pct, placing them 39th all-time (including playoffs) among the 488 active MHSAA 11-man football schools. Goodrich (11-1) has qualified for the playoffs 19 times in school history, winning their first-ever Regional title in football last week over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. The Martians own a .556 winning pct all-time (including playoffs) which ranks them 163 among 11-man active football schools.

Goodrich Martians (11-1 overall, 5-0 Flint Metro League Lower Division)

How They Got Here:

Defeated Ortonville Brandon 42-14

Defeated Freeland 10-9

Defeated OLSM 40-20

The Martians are coached by Tom Alward. The former Nebraska Cornhusker football player has been the head coach for the last 30 seasons at Goodrich and was inducted into the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. He is 179-117 at Goodrich which includes all 19 MHSAA Playoff appearances by the Martians.

Offensively Goodrich is led by QB Gavin Hart. The 6-2, 185 lb senior has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 20 TD’s. Senior RB Jace Simerson is a rugged player that has rushed for 1,200 yards and 16 TD’s. The receiving tandem of Caden Kolanowski and Max Macklem has hauled in 55 passes for over 900 yards and 13 TD’s.

Defensively the Martians are led by LB Easton Phipps. The 190 lb junior leads the team with over 120 tackles. Sophomore Chase Burnett and Zach Laggett combine with Phipps to help form one of the best defenses in the state. The Martians are giving up a paltry 11 ppg. Defensively, the unit has forced over 20 turnovers this season.

Riverview Pirates (12-0 Overall, 7-0 Huron League)

How They Got Here:

Defeated Adrian 35-14

Defeated Tecumseh 53-30

Defeated Divine Child 45-35

The Riverview Pirates are led by Head coach Derek McLaughlin. McLaughlin is in his 9th season and owns a 68-25 overall record at the school. His teams have qualified for the playoffs in 8 of those 9 seasons. His record includes 4 Huron League Championships. This is his 2nd trip (2017) to the semifinals.

Offensively the Pirates run the straight T offense and are led by senior RB Jacob Shank. The speedy trackster has rushed for 1,620 yards and 28 TD’s. Senior Anthony Bowman has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 TD’s while junior Max Lockhart has ran for 931 yards and 10 scores. The line is anchored by 6-1, 280 lb senior Gabe Landskroener and 6-5, 320 lb Hunter Diley. Sophomore QB Lucas Thompson leads an offense that is running for nearly 400 yards per game while averaging nearly 39 ppg.

Defensively, Riverview is led by Lockhart and Nathan Pinkava with 97 tackles each while All-Region senior Zach Werling has made 92 tackles. Senior DT Austin Lipchick leads the Pirates with 15 TFL’s and 10 sacks. Senior Shane McAlinden leads a good secondary with 7 Int’s and 71 tackles. The Pirates have forced 20 turnovers this season.

FNV Outlook: This has all the makings of an instant classic. The game features two rugged offenses that love to run the ball. The Martians will line up in the Power I while the Pirates will run their version of the T offense. Goodrich is not afraid to throw the ball as they average around 125 ypg through the air. Riverview will be a little more opportunistic with the pass having thrown only 30 times all season. The key to this game will be the Pirates’ offense against the stingy defense of the Martians. Look for this game to come down to whoever can win the turnover battle or make a play on special teams.

Picks:

Chris: Riverview 30-28

Frank: Riverview 22-20

Gary: Riverview 31-28