Division 4 - Round 1 2017 Playoffs Recap

Overview: The pieces fell into place in an overall expected Round 1 - we would say.

Round 1 summary: #1 seeds Lake Odessa Lakewood and Lake Fenton were shown the door early. Sexton's win over Lakewood isn't an upset as the Big Reds loss to D1 enrolled schools for the most part, so despite less playoff points were still a better team. The score of 39-6 backs our point.

Upsets: Division 4 had several and the defending champs, nearly let their guard down vs. Unity Christian as they escaped by 6 points, 32-26. Williamston beat #1 seed Lake Fenton and Notre Dame Prep beat Goodrich, setting up a #3 seed vs. #4 seed in Round 2. Also in a 3 vs 4 seed on the bottom of the Division will be Plainwell who beat South Christian, they'll play Lansing Sexton at home.

What to look forward to in Round 2: The biggest storyline in the state might be Chelsea hosting River Rouge. The Panthers of River Rouge beat Chelsea in the Prep Kickoff Classic only to be told a few weeks later that Chelsea reported an ineligible player, resulting in a Chelsea win by forfeit. Who knew just 1 year later the two teams would meet again.

Cranbrook didn't need to complete a pass in their Round 1 win, they will need a few if they are to beat a strong Mumford opponent.

Alma travels to the UP to face a slightly higher ranked Escanaba Eskymos opponent. The winner faces the winner of Notre Dame Prep vs. Williamston.

We rank Comstock Park a few spots above their hosts Belding. The two programs outside of Grand Rapids will showdown with a chance to likely play the Division 4 defending champs, GRCC.

The defending D4 champs, #18 Grand Rapids Catholic Central will actually be on the road as they face off vs the #1 seed, Kelloggsville who beat Godwin Heights twice this year.

Edwardsburg could have had a trap game in Benton Harbor but the Eddies demolished Benton Harbor 41-0. They'll rematch Three Rivers who beat them 21-18 a few weeks ago.

Plainwell will look to make it an all Wolverine B Conference Regional as they'll face a tough Lansing Sexton squad at home.