By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Grass Lake — Both teams have secured a playoff spot and locked up a conference title.
Both coaches spoke about how much is still on the line.
That was the resounding theme Wednesday as Grass Lake’s Randy Cole and Springport’s Matt Schwartzkopf talked about Friday night’s tilt.
The teams are both 7-1.
Grass Lake won the Cascades Conference title, while Springport claimed a share of the Big Eight’s crown with Homer and Concord.
“But there’s still plenty on the line,” Cole said. “When you look at hosting a playoff game, for example, that’s huge.”
“Playoff points are huge,” Schwartzkopf said.
But he took it a step further.
“Since we started the crossover games, we haven’t won a game and the conference hasn’t won a championship,” Schwartzkopf added. “So there is a lot on the line with this game. We have a chance to host a playoff game, which is big for us.”
Either team, at 8-1, would likely host in the first, and maybe even second, round of the state playoffs.
But first things first.
“That’s always a good team,” Schwartzkopf said of Grass Lake. “They have an offense that’s real similar to ours. They have good backs, and good players. We have to be geared up and ready to go.”
The Warriors won seven in a row to start the season before last week’s 24-22 setback to Michigan Center.
“You have to get past it and move on,” Cole said. “It’s something your glad you had happen then, instead of a week or so from now.”
But Cole knows his guys will be tested again Friday.
Springport’s only loss was a 28-26 loss to Homer four weeks ago. The Spartans are fresh off a 46-34 victory at Quincy in which they rushed for a program record 515 yards.
Dallas Burger set an individual program record with 341 yards on the ground.
“You have to find ways to limit that,” Cole said. “They have an offense, and a player (Burger) who can beat you in many different ways.”
Springport also has a defense susceptible to giving up points too, roughly 23 per game.
“We have to do what we do,” Cole said. “If we can be two dimensional, that’s what we’d prefer.”
Check back with JTV Sunday night for a complete listing of all local playoff teams and opening-round battles.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
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