2023 District Championship Preview Whiteford vs Hudson

By Frank Vajcner

Whiteford’s run for a repeat has them facing a familiar foe in Hudson. The Bobcats and Tigers last met in a thrilling State Semifinal in 2021, where it was the Tigers rallying from a 22-0 deficit to win 28-22. Since that day, Whiteford has won 24 consecutive games, and sits at 10-0. Hudson is 8-2 on the season

Hudson Tigers

Head Coach: Dan Rogers

Playoff Record: 38-21. This is the 24th appearance in the postseason in school history for the Tigers.

Record vs. 2023 Playoff Teams: 4-1 (W 20-14 vs Benzie Central, W 22-10 vs Ida, W 14-0 vs Blissfield, L 29-0 vs Clinton, W 40-0 vs Addison in first round)

Team Leaders:

Passing: Coy Perry (10-22, 176 yards, 3 INTs); KJ Walker (9-13, 148 yards, 2 TDs)

Rushing: Brennan Marshall (177 carries, 1281 yards, 12 TDs); Beckett McCaskey (155 carries, 878 yards, 14 TDs); Logan Ryan (36 carries, 206 yards, TD)

Receiving: Marshall (6 catches, 110 yards, TD)

Tackles: Jacob Pickford (90 tackles)

TFL: Cole Marry (9 TFL)

Sacks: Cole Marry and Logan Ryan (4 sacks each)

Interceptions: Marshall and McCaskey (2 interceptions each)

Notable: Hudson has shut out four opponents this season, including the top-scoring team in the state in Addison last week. 

Whiteford Bobcats:

Head Coach: Todd Thieken

Playoff Record: 32-21. This is the Bobcats’ 12th consecutive playoff appearance, and 24th in school history.

Record vs. 2023 playoff teams: 5-0 (W 28-21 vs. Blissfield, W 22-7 vs. Ida, W 48-8 vs. Sand Creek, W 45-7 vs. Union City, W 59-0 vs Sand Creek in first round)

Team Leaders: 

Passing: Tre Eitniear (38-71, 880 yards, 13 TDs, 2 INTs)

Rushing: Jake Iott (100 attempts, 696 yards, 5 TDs); Hunter DeBarr (90 attempts, 730 yards 10 TDs); Drew Knaggs (86 attempts, 529 yards, 8 TDs); Ryin Ruddy (28 attempts, 364 yards, 5 TDs)

Receiving: Kolby Masserant (34 receptions, 729 yards, 11 TDs); Hunter DeBarr (13 receptions, 254 yards, 4 TDs)

Tackles: Jake Iott (120 tackles); Ryin Ruddy (88 tackles)

TFL: Mason DeBarr and Stepan Masserant (10 TFLs each)

Sacks: Jake Iott and Drew Knaggs (5 sacks each)

Interceptions: Kolby Masserant (5 interceptions)

Notable: Since a 58-18 win over Edon in Week 4, the Bobcats have not allowed more than eight points in a contest, and have recorded three shutouts. Kolby Masserant broke the single-season record for receiving touchdowns last week…13 players on the current roster were a part of the 2021 meeting

Overview: In addition to being a semifinal rematch from two years ago, this is also a clash of the last two Division 8 State Champions. Whiteford can be multidimensional on offense, while Hudson has made their hay running the ball out of multiple formations. This is one that could go either way, with the winner more than capable of making it to Ford Field. The big question is how much of a revenge factor is on the minds of Whiteford players who were a part of the 2021 team?

If you take a trip to The Woods on Friday, get your popcorn ready.