BOYS SOCCER: Finals to showcase interesting matchups
Dan Stickradt takes a glance at the four MHSAA boys soccer state finals.
DIVISION 1
NO. 5 NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL (20-2-4) VS. NO. 15 WALLED LAKE CENTRAL (22-1-2), 12 noon Saturday at Rochester Stoney Creek: This game features two first-time state finalists. CC is a veteran squad led by lightning-quick forward Ryan Pierson, a lock for the All-State Dream Team. WL Central has yielded only six goals all season and goalkeeper Brian Ostepanko has been stellar, winning two games in the tournament via a shootout. Overtime could happen here.
PICK: Catholic Central 1-0 (OT)
DIVISION 2
NO. 8 HOLLAND (18-5-2) VS. EAST LANSING (17-9-1), 12 noon Saturday at Comstock Park: East Lansing is one of the most successful programs in the state, but ventured through a rebuilding campaign before getting hot in the postseason. Holland is a first-time finalist that boasts one of Michigan’s most explosive offenses. Daniel Arellano, Sam Arrcardo, Jose Penaloza and Co. will be too much to overcome.
PICK: Holland 3-1
DIVISION 3
NO. 15 LUDINGTON (18-4-2) VS. NO. 3 FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC (20-2-1), 3 p.m. Saturday at Comstock Park: After losing to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in last year’s D-3 finals, Powers brought back 16 players and nine starters. The Chargers have allowed two goals in their last 10 games and have not yielded a goal in the postseason. Ben Knoer is a load up top for Ludington.
PICK: Powers Catholic 3-1
DIVISION 4
NO. 5 ANN ARBOR GREENHILLS (19-6-1)
NO. 4 KALAMAZOO HACKETT CATHOLIC CENTRAL (19-1-2), 3 p.m. Saturday at Rochester Stoney Creek: Longtime power Greenhills lost in the semifinals last season and is making its fourth all-time appearance in the finals, most recently in 2010. Zachary Zimmerman is one Michigan’s points leaders (31 goals, 24 assists) and is the engine that makes the Gryphons go. Hackett reached the finals in 2015 with a young squad and now the junior-driven Irish are led by the duo of Max Keenen and Brennan Creek, both who have 40 goals on the campaign. Let the fireworks begin.
PICK: Hackett 3-2
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