Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson — It begins in the heat of August, officially, anyway.
And from that first whistle of that first practice of that first football day, teams across the state take aim at one thing — a shot to make the postseason.
Nine weeks of games later, the haves and have nots have been officially determined.
On Sunday night, the MHSAA released its 256-team field for the 2016 playoffs, and here’s a quick look at all the Jackson-area teams.
Dates and times for each game will likely be set Monday.
In Division 5, Region 4, Columbia Central (7-2) plays host to Southfield Bradford Academy.
The winner faces Stockbridge (5-4) or Ida (8-1) in a district final.
In Division 6, Region 4, Lumen Christi (7-2) will play host to Watervliet (7-2).
If there’s one thing the Panthers do well, it’s score.
The team averaged 55.1 points per game this year, and scored 58 or more on five different occasions.
Lumen and Watervliet have never faced one another.
The winner faces Constantine (6-3) or Schoolcraft (9-0) in a district final.
In the same region, Michigan Center (6-3) travels to play at Napoleon (7-2).
The Pirates started the year 0-2 before winning seven in a row, the first of which was a 33-20 win over Center in Week 3.
Napoleon hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000.
The winner faces either Manchester (5-4) or Grass Lake (8-1), who will meet in Grass Lake.
“We’ve been in this situation a number of times,” Warriors coach Randy Cole said. “I think that team that was beaten the first time has that extra motivation. For us, we have to make sure this game means just as much to us as it does anyone else.”
Grass Lake defeated Manchester 26-0 in Week 4.
This is the fourth time these teams have met in the postseason since 2009.
Manchester eliminated Grass Lake 43-40 in last year’s pre-district.
“Always like to play a rival game like this,” Cole said. “It’s out of our hands who we face. But to take on a team like this is something you enjoy.”
In D-7, Region 2, Springport (7-2) travels to play at Concord (7-2).
The Spartans won 20-16 in Week 6.
“That’s how it goes when teams in the same area have good years,” Springport coach Matt Schwartzkopf said. “We’re going to face a good team, and that’s all we can control. For us, we’ve traveled all across Michigan before, so we won’t have to go far this time. The focus for us is getting that first playoff win for our program.”
That game’s winner will face the winner of Danville (6-3) and Homer (7-2).
Dansville eliminated Homer 35-21 in last year’s district final.
For a complete schedule, and to find out where JTV will be in the pre-district round, check back here later in the week.
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.
Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.
