SMCC (9-2) is coming off of a convincing win over Detroit Consortium 35-12 while Grass Lake (10-1) defeated Manchester 27-7. These two teams last met in the Division 6 Regional in 2010. SMCC won that game by an impressive score of 48-14.
Grass Lake finished in a first place tie in the Cascades Conference with Michigan Center and Manchester but defeated those teams the first two weeks of the playoffs.
The Warriors have a powerful offensive attack that is led by seniors Logan Konopka and Frank Vuocolo. The 6’1″ 210 lb Konopka has thrown for over 1,200 yards and 12 TD’s. Vuocolo, a 6’0″ 190 lb RB/LB has rushed for 129 ypg and has scored 11 TD’s. Sophomore RB Justin Wright brings speed to the Warrior backfield and has scored 14 TD’s.
Defensively Grass Lake is led by two junior defensive linemen. Chris Greca is a 6’4″ 290 lb wall in the middle that enters the game with 72 tackles while Seth Radabaugh leads the defense with 102 tackles.
SMCC finished third in the Huron League and lost competitive games to Milan and Grosse Ile. Grosse Ile is still alive the Division 4 playoffs.
SMCC runs it’s traditional straight T attack with a bunch of different backs carrying the ball. Drew Antonelli, Josh Czarniowski, and Michael Wilson lead an explosive offense that is averaging 37 ppg.
The Falcon defense is led by senior LB and captain Levi Eddings. Defensive lineman Chris LaPlante is one of the best defensive players in the Huron League. SMCC’s team speed is solid on a defense that gives up just over 17 ppg.
This should be a close game. Grass Lake has playoff experience and are battle tested. SMCC is coached by Jack Giarmo, who is one of the best in Michigan. Many are saying that SMCC is a year away but the Falcons time may be now. Pick: SMCC 22 Grass Lake 21
28-21 SMCC game over.
28-21 SMCC w 11:55 left to play.
21-21 @ end of the 3rd.
21-21 @ the half.
21-7 SMCC 1:03 left in the 1st.
Major traffic in Ann Arbor,
Hopefully SMCC made it out there without a problem. Hope bus driver knows back roads.
The PASSING will get you though.
See you at GI game next week, watching last Huron league team.
the last two teams SMCC played was BIGGER AND FASTER !! same results tonite !!!!!!!!!!!! go FALCONS
2:18 there is no way…this will be close but I don't think cc can deal with grass lakes talent and size- grass lake 35, smcc 19
I said one of the best.
its lookin bad for cc as they lost to grosse ile, a good spread passing team. grass lake might take this simply because of the talent at qb and stopping power of big time linemen. could be a close game though
I'll take the Falcons 35-28
Nice coverage, good job on research. I work in Ann Arbor, lots of Grass Lake folks around. They are very good. More impressive individuals than SMCC, but its a team sport.
Grass Lake 35 SMCC 21
Yes, they are very impressive in the power conference of the Cascades! Not a fan of CC, however Milan, GI, Airport and the View are probably better then every team Grass Lake has played this year. CC wins and represents the stronger league! 42-21
Best in Michigan? Wow !
Give him the trophy now.
SMCC wins this one by 3 TD's!!
Grass Lake is the better team with better talent. This wont be easy at all. I have GL winning.
Sounds like it will be a close nail biting game. GO FALCONS!
I said competitive
I'll take SMCC 21-14. Also, the Milan game was not that close.
wkhm.com is broadcasting the game online.
#1 Vuocolo is the real deal. He plays WR/RB and LB. He was honorable mention all state last year and sure to be 1st team this year. The Falcons will have to find a way to keep him in check. Special player.