Since 2016, Grand Rapids Catholic Central has been one of the most dominant programs in the state with a record of 61-4 and Division 4 state championships in 16’, 17’ and 19’ with a runners-up finish in 18’. Now in Division 5, the Cougars face a Frankenmuth team playing in its first-ever state title game. This will be the second-ever meeting between Frankenmuth and Catholic Central, with the first being a 41-7 semifinal win for the Cougars in the 1987 Class B playoffs.
Both Catholic Central and Frankenmuth have dynamic quarterbacks and a number of weapons at the skill positions fueling its offenses. Catholic Central’s Joey SilveriJoeySilveri6'0" | QBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI has torched opposing defenses this season, passing for 1,730 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 468 yards and four touchdowns. Frankenmuth’s offensive attack features a one-two punch in quarterback Davin Reif and running back Cole Lindow, who’ve combined to rush for over 2,000 yards. Needless to say, The 2021 Division 5 State Championship should be one of the higher-scoring state title games this weekend. Below, I’ll get into the top prospects for each team, keys to the game, and my prediction.
Playoff Road
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (10-0 OK Gold):
Since 2016, Grand Rapids Catholic Central has been one of the most dominant programs in the state with a record of 61-4 and Division 4 state championships in 16’, 17’ and 19’ with a runners-up finish in 18’. Now in Division 5, the Cougars face a Frankenmuth team playing in its first-ever state title game. This will be the second-ever meeting between Frankenmuth and Catholic Central, with the first being a 41-7 semifinal win for the Cougars in the 1987 Class B playoffs.
Both Catholic Central and Frankenmuth have dynamic quarterbacks and a number of weapons at the skill positions fueling its offenses. Catholic Central’s
Joey SilveriJoeySilveri6'0" | QBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI has torched opposing defenses this season, passing for 1,730 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 468 yards and four touchdowns. Frankenmuth’s offensive attack features a one-two punch in quarterback Davin Reif and running back Cole Lindow, who’ve combined to rush for over 2,000 yards. Needless to say, The 2021 Division 5 State Championship should be one of the higher-scoring state title games this weekend. Below, I’ll get into the top prospects for each team, keys to the game, and my prediction.
Playoff Road
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (10-0 OK Gold): Pre-District: Bye, District Semi: Defeated Belding 41-6, District Final: Defeated Portland via Forfeit, Regional Final: Defeated Muskegon Oakridge 58-7, Semifinal: Defeated Freeland 49-14.
Frankenmuth (11-0 Tri-Valley Conference East) Pre-District: Defeated Bridgeport 55-12, District Semi: Defeated Almont 28-0, District Final: Defeated Corunna 56-14, Regional Final: Defeated Marine City 31-7, Semifinal: Defeated Lansing Catholic Central 35-14.
Top Prospects
Jace WilliamsJaceWilliams6'3" | WRGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2021StateMI, WR, GRCC
Joey SilveriJoeySilveri6'0" | QBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI, QB, GRCC
Nick HollernNickHollern5'8" | RBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2021MI, RB, GRCC
Brady RedmerBradyRedmer6'0" | DLGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022MI, DL, GRCC
Nolan ZieglerNolanZiegler6'4" | DBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI, DB, GRCC
John Passinault, WR, GRCC
Kyle Martin, OL, Frankenmuth
Cole Lidow, RB, Frankenmuth
Davin Raif, QB, Frankenmuth
Ashton Benkert, DL, Frankenmuth
Michael Carter, DL, Frankenmuth
Ethan JacobsEthanJacobs6'2" | TEFrankenmuth | 2021MI, LB, Frankenmuth
Cole Jankowski, DB, Frankenmuth
Keys To The Game
Catholic Central’s offense features bonafide stars at quarterback in
Joey SilveriJoeySilveri6'0" | QBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI, wide receiver in
Jace WilliamsJaceWilliams6'3" | WRGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2021StateMI, and running back
Nick HollernNickHollern5'8" | RBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2021MI. Opposing defenses haven’t found a way to minimize the Cougar’s big three in 22 straight games, a winning streak that dates back to the early stages of the 2019 season. Defensively, the Cougars have a defensive line that creates havoc led by
Brady RedmerBradyRedmer6'0" | DLGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022MI and
Isaiah HicksIsaiahHicks6'0" | LBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2021StateMI, and a secondary that can hold its own against anyone, highlighted by Notre Dame commit
Nolan ZieglerNolanZiegler6'4" | DBGrand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022StateMI. This type of cohesion combined with top-end talent has made the Cougars one of the most complete teams in recent memory.
Frankenmuth will have to have big days from Reif and Lindow, and hope they can put together long time-consuming drives. If the Eagles can win the time of possession battle and create a few turnovers, their chances of winning this game will drastically increase. Ultimately, Catholic Central has enough talent to play with anyone in the state, regardless of Division. I’ll take the Cougars to win their fourth championship since 2016.
Prediction: Catholic Central 35, Frankenmuth 14
