Prep Football Week 4 Recap: Predictions for Week 5 Games and new rankings
HILLSDALE COUNTY — Big upsets and major wins marked week four as a turning point for several teams in Hillsdale County. Let's take a look at the top performers from week four and see what lies ahead for each prep football team in week five.
Before diving into our look at each team, let's take a look at the latest additions of the AP and Coaches' state rankings.
Week 5 Coaches' Poll
Division 1
Belleville
West Bloomfield
Caledonia
Macomb Dakota
Rockford
Chippewa Valley
Rochester Adams
Grandville
Clarkston
Saline
Division 2
Warren De LaSalle Collegiate
Dexter
Livonia Franklin
Muskegon Mona Shores
Forest Hills Central
East Lansing
Roseville
Birmingham Seaholm
South Lyon
Saginaw Heritage
Division 3
Detroit Martin Luther King
Zeeland West
Walled Lake Western
River Rouge
Mt. Pleasant
Mason
Muskegon
Gibraltar Carlson
DeWitt
Birmingham Brother Rice
Division 4
Whitehall
Croswell-Lexington
Chelsea
Grand Rapids South Christian
Freeland
Tecumseh
Edwardsburg
Hastings
Riverview
Charlotte/Divine Child
Division 5
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Frankenmuth
Gladwin
Portland
Detroit Country Day
Belding
Corunna
Muskegon Oakridge
Berrien Springs
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep /Williamston
Division 6
Grand Rapids West Catholic
Millington
Clinton
Standish Sterling
Almont
Gladstone
Boyne City
Kent City
Constantine
Warren Mich.Collegiate /Bishop Foley
Division 7
Traverse City St. Francis
New Lothrop
Hudson
Detroit Central
Pewamo Westphalia
Lawton
Charlevoix
Ithaca
Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port
Napoleon
Division 8
Ottawa Lake Whiteford
Ubly
Beal City
Fowler
Saginaw Mich. Lutheran Sem.
Bark-River Harris
Addison
Centreville
Reading
Iron Mountain
Division 8-Player D1
Martin
Adrian Lenawee Christian
Munising
Merrill
Brown City
Norway
Breckenridge
Deckerville
Kingston
Indian River Inland Lakes
Division 8-Player D2
Powers North Central
Colon
Climax Scotts
Morrice
Marion
Crystal Falls Forest Park
Lake Linden Hubbell
Athens
Portland St. Patrick
Mendon
AP Michigan football poll
Division 1
School Record Points
1. Belleville (5) (4-0) 50
2. West Bloomfield (4-0) 40
3. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (4-0) 37
4. Caledonia (4-0) 35
5. Rockford (4-0) 34
6. Macomb Dakota (4-0) 29
7. Brighton (4-0) 13
8. Grandville (4-0) 9
(tie) Detroit Catholic Central (3-1) 9
10. Saline (4-0) 6
Others receiving votes: Lapeer 5. Rochester Adams 3. Romeo 2. Davison 2. Clarkston 1.
Division 2
School Record Points
1. Dexter (4) (4-0) 48
2. Warren De La Salle (1) (3-1) 42
3. East Lansing (4-0) 38
4. Livonia Franklin (4-0) 35
5. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (4-0) 31
(tie) Muskegon Mona Shores (3-1) 31
7. South Lyon (3-1) 19
8. Port Huron Northern (4-0) 9
9. Birmingham Seaholm (4-0) 8
10. Saginaw Heritage (3-1) 5
Others receiving votes: Muskegon Reeths-Puffer 4. Roseville 3. Midland 2.
Division 3
School Record Points
1. Detroit King (4) (2-1) 49
2. Mount Pleasant (1) (4-0) 43
3. Walled Lake Western (4-0) 40
4. Zeeland West (4-0) 37
5. Muskegon (3-1) 30
6. River Rouge (3-0) 24
7. Mason (4-0) 21
8. Gibraltar Carlson (4-0) 14
9. DeWitt (2-2) 9
10. Birmingham Brother Rice (2-2) 3
Others receiving votes: Coopersville 2. Haslett 2. St. Joseph 1.
Division 4
School Record Points
1. Grand Rapids South Christian (5) (4-0) 50
2. Whitehall (4-0) 45
3. Croswell-Lexington (4-0) 38
4. Freeland (4-0) 34
5. Riverview (4-0) 33
6. Redford Union (4-0) 25
7. Charlotte (4-0) 16
8. Edwardsburg (3-1) 10
9. Carleton Airport (4-0) 7
10. GR Forest Hills Eastern (4-0) 6
Others receiving votes: Chelsea 4. Ludington 3. North Branch 3. Three Rivers 1.
Division 5
School Record Points
1. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (5) (4-0) 50
2. Frankenmuth (4-0) 44
3. Muskegon Oakridge (4-0) 40
4. Gladwin (4-0) 25
5. Detroit Country Day (3-1) 23
6. Belding (4-0) 22
(tie) Portland (3-1) 22
8. Berrien Springs (4-0) 20
9. Corunna (4-0) 12
10. Williamston (3-1) 10
Others receiving votes: Olivet 2. Dundee 2. Flint Hamady 2. Armada 1.
Division 6
School Record Points
1. Grand Rapids West Catholic (5) (4-0) 50
2. Clinton (4-0) 45
3. Millington (4-0) 37
4. Standish-Sterling (4-0) 34
(tie) Gladstone (4-0) 34
6. Negaunee (4-0) 19
7. Durand (4-0) 17
8. Boyne City (4-0) 14
9. Kent City (4-0) 8
10. Madison Heights Bishop Foley (4-0) 5
(tie) Warren Michigan Collegiate (3-1) 5
Others receiving votes: Ecorse 4. Constantine 3.
Division 7
School Record Points
1. Traverse City St. Francis (4) (4-0) 40
2. New Lothrop (4-0) 32
3. Hudson (4-0) 28
4. Detroit Central (4-0) 27
5. Pewamo-Westphalia (3-1) 25
6. Elkton-Pigeon Bay Port Laker (4-0) 18
(tie) Ithaca (3-1) 18
8. Charlevoix (4-0) 16
9. Napoleon (4-0) 8
10. Schoolcraft (3-1) 4
Others receiving votes: Erie-Mason 3. Union City 1.
Division 8
School Record Points
1. Ottawa Lake Whiteford (4) (4-0) 40
2. Beal City (4-0) 36
3. Ubly (4-0) 29
(tie) Fowler (4-0) 29
5. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (4-0) 22
6. Evart (4-0) 18
7. Iron Mountain (3-1) 16
8. Centreville (3-1) 8
9. Detroit Leadership Academy (4-0) 6
10. Bark River-Harris (3-1) 5
Others receiving votes: Reading 4. Addison 3. Frankfort 3. Saginaw Nouvel 1.
Division 1 (8-player)
School Record Points
1. Adrian Lenawee Christian (2) (3-1) 35
2. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (4-0) 34
3. Merrill (1) (4-0) 30
4. Martin (1) (4-0) 29
5. Norway (4-0) 15
6. Munising (4-0) 10
(tie) Breckenridge (3-1) 10
(tie) Bridgman (4-0) 10
9. Pickford (4-0) 9
10. Pittsford (2-2) 7
(tie) Rogers City (4-0) 7
(tie) Lincoln-Alcona (4-0) 7
Others receiving votes: Kingston 6. Farwell 5. Gobles 3. Deckerville 1. Litchfield 1. Newberry 1.
Division 2 (8-player)
School Record Points
1. Powers North Central (3) (4-0) 39
2. Colon (1) (4-0) 37
3. Marion (4-0) 29
4. Morrice (4-0) 28
5. Climax-Scotts (4-0) 23
6. Lake Linden-Hubbell (3-1) 1
(tie) Crystal Falls Forest Park (3-1) 10
8. Portland St Patrick (3-1) 8
9. Peck (3-1) 7
10. Mio (3-1) 6
Others receiving votes: Posen 5. Athens 5. Au Gres-Sims 4. Mendon 4. Gaylord St. Mary 3. Cedarville 2.
11-Player
Hillsdale (2-2)
Week 4 Result: Hillsdale 35 - Blissfield 16 Week 5 Schedule: At Ida Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Kodi Zuver: 74 rushing yards 2 TD; 7 tackles, Peter Moore: 57 rushing yards 2 TD; 50 receiving yards; 1 INT returned for TD, Hunter Wilson: 56 rushing yards, Stephen Petersen: 50 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards; 12 tackles, Trevor Wagler: 10 tackles; Jack Bowles: 34 rushing yards; 73 passing yards; 1 INT and 1 FR
Notes: The Hornets homestand has ended, and the team begins a two-game road trip starting with Ida High School on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Ida High School enters the matchup with a 0-4 record record. However, if there's one team that could contend with the Hornets' claims to the toughest opening schedule of an LCAA team, it's the Bluestreaks.
The Bluestreaks opened the season with a matchup with Carleton Airport (4-0). They followed it up with a game against Ottawa Lake Whiteford (4-0). They took on Clinton (4-0) and Hudson (4-0) in their previous two matchups. The Bluestreaks have only lost those matchups by two scores or less, with the Bluestreaks giving the Tigers a run for their money in week four. The Bluestreaks could be motivated by their 14-6 loss to Hudson as they return home for their first home game since the start of September.
The Hornets will have to play strong defense and continue to prove to be a top rushing threat in the LCAA. Last season, the Ida Blustreaks had three touchdowns of over 60-plus yards against the Hornets. Those big plays would prove to be the major difference that saw a game go from a 14-10 Bluestreak lead to a 36-17 double-digit win. If the Hornets can eliminate the big plays, the Hornets could find themselves traveling back home with a victory.
Prediction: The matchup between the Bluestreaks and the Hornets are going to battle in the Hillsdale Daily News Week five Game of the Week. Read an extended preview this Thursday that will include the final score prediction.
Jonesville (1-3)
Week 4 Result: Jonesville 51 - Bronson 0 Week 5 Schedule: At Springport Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Dominic Aponte: 16 carries 300 yards 4 TD; 2 2-pt Conversions, Braeden Trine: 3 receptions 30 yards 2 TD; 7 tackles, Warrick Elder: 3 extra points, Brady Wright: 3 receptions 50 yards; 1 INT, Cowen Keller: 9 passes for 90 yards 2 TD, Kyler Harrington: 1 INT, Austin Bowers: 8 tackles
Notes: The Comets have a strong chance to earn their second win of the season next week on the road against Springport. Springport dropped their fourth game of the season and the Spartans have only scored 24 points in four contests.
Comet senior quarterback Cowen Keller returned to deliver efficient quarterback play for the Comets to balance their rushing attack. Dominic Aponte may be on-schedule to run for another 1,000 yards this season. The Comets can continue their path to get back on track with a quality matchup with the 0-4 Spartans. The Comets should have plenty of matchup advantages against the Spartans and that could lead to a 2-3 Comet team heading into a big week 6 matchup at home with the Rangers.
Prediction: Jonesville 42 - Springport 7
Reading (3-1)
Week 4 Result: Union City 18 - Reading 16 Week 5 Schedule: At Bronson Sept. 22 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Maverick Messenger: 69 rushing yards; 71 receiving yards; 2 TD, Joey Campbell: 16 tackles, Willoughby: 8 tackles, Tayshawn Bester: 7 tackles, Colton Wiler: 7 tackles, Jacob Hamilton: 1 INT
Notes: The Rangers have a path to rebound and stay within the fight for a Big 8 title and head into the final stretch of the season as a top 10 team in Division 8. With time, the Union City loss could look better on the Rangers' resume, especially if the surging Chargers go on a run to end the season as Big 8 champs. Reading will face another potential player for the Big 8 title in Bronson this Thursday.
The 7 p.m. showdown was moved to Thursday night and sees the Rangers travel to their fourth away game in five weeks. Bronson faced a relentless Jonesville rushing attack in week four and were unable to score a point.
The Rangers should have a stronger effort from the Viking offense on Thursday. The Rangers will need to have a more complete offensive game if they want to take control of the contest in the way the Comets did in week four. The game should prove to be a strong prep game for their week six matchup with a surging Jonesville Comet team that cannot afford another loss this season.
Prediction: Reading 42 - Bronson 14
8-Player
Camden-Frontier (2-2)
Week 4 Result: C-F 66 - Bellevue 14 Week 5 Schedule: At Adrian Lenawee Christian Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Mikey Roe: 5 passes for 191 yards 4 TD, Alex Hall: 3 receptions for 98 yards 3 TD; 1 rushing TD; 62 yard KR TD; FR, Kaiden Conroy: 4 carries for 63 yards; 1 reception for 62 yards 2 TD; 1 FR and 1 INT; Logan Leggett 125 offensive yards; 1 INT; Brandon Hall: 59 rushing yards 1 TD; Worm Wickham: 1 reception for 30 yards 1 TD
Notes: Camden-Frontier looks to use their homecoming victory as fuel to try and steal a win against the powerhouse Lenawee Christian Cougars in week five. The Cougars lost their first game of their 8-player football era against Colon on Friday night and the Cougars could be looking for a revenge game against whoever ends up in their way in week five.
The dangerous Cougar offense will welcome the Camden-Frontier football team for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Even with the loss, the Cougars should still be a threat to win the SCAA and state finals. Camden-Frontier hopes their offensive firepower in week four carries over and helps C-F pull of the biggest upset win of the Rob Wickham era. The Cougars should be the favorites heading into the Friday matchup.
Prediction: Lenawee Christian 48 - C-F 14
Litchfield (3-1)
Week 4 Result: Tekonsha 60 - Litchfield 6 Week 5 Schedule: Home vs. Waldron Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Tyler Bills: 16 passes for 137 yards; 66 rushing yards, Logan Buerhle: 1 rushing TD; 2 receptions for 40 yards; 7 tackles 1 FF, Miguel Pedroza: 11 receptions for 35 yards, Brandon Campbell: 4 receptions for 63 yards; 4 KR for 67 yards; Junior Alvarez: 12 receiving yards; 8 tackles
Notes: The Terriers have a strong chance to bounce back and win the final four games of the season. They look to start that path with a home game against rival county foe Waldron next Friday. The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23.
Waldron found their first win of the season in week four against North Adams-Jerome. With the Terriers reeling from their week four loss, Waldron could be in play for an upset win over what should be a favorited Terrier team. Waldron's playmaker Jacobi Gonzalez continues to prove to be an unstoppable force. The Terriers have strong playmakers themselves on the outside and in the backfield. If Mikey Pedroza and quarterback Tyler Bills can connect for multiple receptions and big plays, the Terriers can extend their record to 4-1.
Prediction: Check out our week five Impact Matchup preview for the score prediction this Thursday
North Adams-Jerome (0-4)
Week 4 Result: Waldron 46 - NA-J 24 Week 5 Schedule: Home vs. Burr Oak Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Casey Loper: 68 rushing yards 1 TD; 2 two-point conversions, Will Thielen: 1 rushing TD, Kaleb Hale: 2 rushes for 53 yards 1 TD
Notes: After their second-half rally fell short in week three against the Terriers, the Rams had a harder struggle running the ball against a tough Spartan defense. The Rams have been unable to prevent offenses from scoring in their first four matchups but they welcome another 0-4 team in week five. The Burr Oak Bobcats have not been able to put together a strong offensive and defensive effort this season and the Rams could have a strong rushing effort from senior Casey Loper, Will Thielen and Kaleb Hale.
The Rams finish the year with a tough schedule that includes Tekonsha, Pittsford, Camden-Frontier and a matchup with Litchfield. Their week five game should be one that the Rams enter as the favorites to win.
Prediction: North Adams-Jerome 35 - Burr Oak 21
Pittsford (2-2)
Week 4 Result: Athens 42 - Pittsford 22 Week 5 Schedule: At Colon Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Top Performers: Gavyn Carden: 27 passing yards; 94 rushing yards 1 TD; 4 tackles, Legend Gore: 107 rushing yards; 7 tackles, Lane Lewis: 82 rushing yards 2 TD; Bryce Williams: 27 receiving yards; 8.5 tackles
Notes: Five turnovers would prove to be the downfall for the Wildcats in their week four matchup against the playoff hopeful Athens. The Wildcats sit at 2-2 in their first season of 8-player football, and the schedule doesn't get any easier next week. The Wildcats head to the Colon Magi on Sept. 23 for a matchup with the SCAA leaders who are 4-0 this season.
The Magi beat the reigning state champions Lenawee Christian 40-24, handing the Cougars their first loss since they transitioned to 8-player football. The Magi are now one of the top three teams in the state in 8-player football and the Wildcats will need to clean up every aspect of their game if they want to earn the upset victory.
Prediction: Colon 51 - Pittsford 24
Waldron (1-3)
Week 4 Result: Waldron 46 - NA-J 24 Week 5 Schedule: At Litchfield
Top Performers: Jacobi Gonzalez: 129 rushing yards 1 TD; 3 receptions for 66 yards 1 TD; 13 tackles 1 FR, Kaiden Depew: 138 rushing yards 2 TD; 2 two-point conversions; 6 tackles, Frank Duelo: 38 rushing yards 2 TD; 10 tackles, Collin Williams: 12 tackles; 1 FF
Notes: The Spartans look to add to their season win total when they travel to the Litchfield Terriers on Sept. 23. Litchfield lost their first game of the season to Tekonsha and the matchup should prove to be another close county rival contest.
Head coach Anthony Roney and the Spartans have relied on Jacobi Gonzalez' offensive production to compete and it was efforts from Kaiden Depew and Frank Duelo who helped Gonzalez carry the Spartan offense to victory. Spartan defensive playmaker Collin Williams continues to dominate opposing offenses and Williams and the rest of the Spartan defense will be crucial to stopping a dangerous Terrier offense.
The Terriers are looking to rebound against a county rival in week five after losing to Tekonsha. If the Spartans are able to play hard-nose football on both sides of the ball, the Terriers may be in for a tougher matchup on their home turf than they may be expecting. The Terrier offense still remains one of the strongest amongst the five county 8-player teams. If the Terriers are able to bypass the big and strong Spartan lines in the trenches, the Terriers could be in a comfortable position to win. However, fans should not count out the Spartans to pull of the surprise rivalry victory.
Prediction: Check out our week five Impact Matchup preview for the score prediction this Thursday
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Football Week 4 Recap: Predictions for Week 5 Games and new rankings
