Division 1 Semifinal Preview: The Final Four Battle for Ford Field

By Donovan Fann - Detroit Varsity Sports

We’ve reached the final four in Division 1, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This week’s semifinal matchups will be played at neutral sites, with each winner punching its ticket to Ford Field for the MHSAA State Finals. Only two teams will survive, here’s how the field stacks up.

East Kentwood (10–2) vs Detroit Catholic Central (12–0)

Location: Jackson High School (Withington Stadium) - November 22, 2025 at 1:00pm

*Winner advances to Ford Field.

East Kentwood Falcons

East Kentwood enters the semifinal round riding a wave of momentum after shocking previously undefeated Hudsonville (11–1) with a commanding 52–28 victory in the Regional Final. In Week 7, EK lost to Hudsonville in a thriller, 42–43, but the Falcons flipped the script when it mattered most.

They proved the old saying true, it’s hard to beat a good team twice.

Their explosive offense and physicality make them a legitimate threat to spoil another perfect record.

Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks

Detroit Catholic Central continues to look like a machine. The Shamrocks are fresh off a 42–13 statement win over Clarkston (10–2)—a game in which Clarkston struck first but couldn’t keep up with DCC’s relentless deep passing attack and balanced offensive firepower.

At 12–0, DCC has dominated all season long, combining a dangerous air attack with one of the most disciplined defenses in the state.

This semifinal has all the ingredients for a classic: power vs power, momentum vs perfection, with a trip to Ford Field hanging in the balance.

Detroit Cass Tech (12–0) vs Rochester Adams (10–2)

Location: Troy Athens High School - November 22, 2025 at 1:00pm

*Winner advances to Ford Field

Detroit Cass Tech Technicians

Cass Tech has been rolling all season, and they’re entering this week exactly the same way. The Technicians defeated Saline (10–2) by a score of 42–28, marking only the second time this season an opponent has scored 28 points against them. The first was in their dramatic 31–28 OT win over Grandville earlier in the year.

Cass has one of the most talented and explosive rosters in the state, and they continue to respond every time they’re challenged. At 12–0, they are two wins away from completing a perfect season.

Rochester Adams Highlanders

Rochester Adams steps into the semifinals as the underdog, but they are not to be overlooked. The Highlanders are coming off a strong 29–13 win over Romeo (8–4) and have played their best football when it matters most.

If Adams can pull off the upset, it would be one of the biggest storylines of the postseason. Their disciplined defense and smashmouth style could make this matchup tighter than many expect.

This one will be decided by toughness, execution, and which team handles the moment better.

Final Thoughts

Four teams. Two tickets to Detroit.

Every mistake matters. Every drive matters. Legacies are on the line.

This weekend, the road to Ford Field runs through Jackson and Troy — and Division 1 football fans are in for a heavyweight showdown.