Kosmo makes his playoff predictions
It’s been a tough week for football programs.
Unfortunately over the last week we have seen two Oakland County teams have to step out of the playoffs because of COVID-19. We had another ruled to have played ineligible players.
Around the state, two other programs had to forfeit due to the virus.
It’s certainly not the way the kids and coaches wanted their season to end, but they can hold their heads high.
The 2020 season has brought its challenges and the most important thing is keeping people safe.
Let’s hope that the remaining portion of the playoffs go without any more teams having to forfeit.
Despite all the struggles, there are still some great playoff matches to break down this weekend in Oakland County.
Let’s get to the picks:
DIVISION 1
Romeo at Stoney Creek: The Cougars won their first playoff
game last week and proved they are for real. Cam Burford is also proving to be one of the top backs in the state. Behind a physical offensive line, Kosmo expects Stoney Creek to continue to pound the rock on Romeo. The Bulldogs had a nice win over Dakota last week, but the Cougars are going to be too strong for Romeo.
Kosmo Says: Stoney Creek Detroit Catholic Central at Lakeland: This game kicks off on Saturday at 1 p.m. and should be a real physical battle. Both teams like to use their physicality to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Eagles have found ways to win and go 7-0, but the same can be said for Catholic Central at 8-0. The Shamrocks have been improving with each game and their offense has really raised its game in recent weeks. CC’s playmaking ability should carry it to the win.
Kosmo Says: Catholic Central West Bloomfield at Sterling Heights Stevenson: The Lakers hit the road for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday. Both teams have a common opponent of Southfield A&T and each earned a narrow victory. In the end, Kosmo has to side with West Bloomfield. The
Lakers still have the talent to go all the way, they just have to find a way to put it all together. Kosmo Says: West Bloomfield
DIVISION 2
Oak Park at Wyandotte Roosevelt: The Knights have been quite a story. After an 0-6 regular season, they now find themselves competing for a district championship. The Knights healed up and are looking more like the team we all expected them to. Wyandotte is a playoffproud program that won’t overlook Oak Park, but Kosmo likes the momentum the Knights have right now. Oak Park has the talent, the Knights just need to execute.
Kosmo Says: Oak Park
DIVISION 3
Birmingham Brother Rice at Chelsea: The Warriors can earn their first district championship since 2014 on Friday night. Brother Rice has found its stride after a challenging CHSL schedule to open
the year. The Warriors have some great playmakers and a lockdown defense. Chelsea is unbeaten, but Rice has played the tougher schedule and should be ready for what the Bulldogs will throw at them. Kosmo Says: Brother Rice
DIVISION 4
Detroit Country Day at Madison Heights Lamphere: The Rams of Lamphere have been a great story. Their eight wins is the most in a season since 1984. Despite all the wins, Lamphere now faces its toughest challenge yet. Country Day is a power in the state and the Yellowjackets have a tremendous offensive and defensive line. It’s the poise and history of the Jackets that should carry them to a victory. Kosmo Says: Country Day Ortonville Brandon at North Branch: The Blackhawks have never won a district title since the MHSAA moved to a new playoff format. This would be the next logical step for a program that has been showing improvement season after season. North Branch has been dominant defensively this season, but the Broncos haven’t faced an offense quite like Brandon’s. Kosmo likes the Blackhawks to
use their potent offense to lead it to victory.
Kosmo Says: Brandon
DIVISION 7
Detroit Loyola at Madison Heights Bishop Foley: While Foley is the lower seed, the Ventures get to host on Saturday night. That should provide a nice little
boost to the team. Loyola has played some tough competition as a Division 7 program and that experience will be what helps it get past Foley. The Ventures have been cutting it close during the playoff season, but Loyola isn’t a team you can leave an opening for. Kosmo Says: Detroit Loyola
DIVISION 8
Royal Oak Shrine at Clarkston Everest Collegiate: These two met about
a month ago and Everest Collegiate was able to dominate. The Knights have had a great season, especially when you consider the roster challenges they have faced. However, Everest Collegiate already has proven it can execute efficiently against the Knights. The Mountaineers look as good as they ever have and are marching toward another playoff win.
Kosmo Says: Clarkston Everest Collegiate