MHSAA Division 1 Regional Round Preview
Presented by Motor City Sports Network
The chase for Ford Field continues as eight of Michigan’s premier Division 1 programs battle in the Regional Round. Powerhouse programs like Detroit Catholic Central, Cass Tech, and Clarkston remain undefeated or red-hot, while challengers like Hudsonville, Saline, and Rochester Adams aim to play spoiler. Here’s a breakdown of every matchup, top players, and what to expect this weekend.
Hudsonville (11-0) vs East Kentwood (9-2)
Hudsonville Athletic Complex — Saturday, November 15, 2025 1:00 PM
“Westside Heavyweight”
Hudsonville (11-0), led by head coach Brent Sandee, remains unbeaten after taking down Rockford 42–31 to claim the District title. The Eagles boast playmakers all over the field, including class of 2026 WR #18 Brady Van Laecke, a Ferris State commit, and class of 2026 OLB #34 Ryan Aukeman, another Ferris State pledge anchoring the defense.
East Kentwood (9-2), under head coach Tyrone Spencer, brings firepower of its own. Class of 2026 QB #8 Kayd Coffman, a Michigan State commit, leads a dynamic offense that scored 49 points in a district-clinching shootout over Howell. Expect this one to be a high-scoring, physical battle that could come down to the final drive.
Detroit Catholic Central (11-0) vs Clarkston (10-1)
Clarkston High School — Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00 PM
“Oakland County Collision”
This is the marquee matchup of the weekend — two historic programs colliding under the lights.
Detroit Catholic Central (11-0) is led by head coach Justin Cessante and class of 2027 QB Duke Banta, who already holds offers from Central Michigan, Toledo, Miami (OH), and Kent State. The Shamrocks are stacked with next-level talent:
• Class of 2026 TE/DE Jack Janda, a Wisconsin commit with 25+ offers.
• Class of 2026 WR #5 Samson Gash, a Michigan State commit with 17 offers.
Their balanced attack and elite defense have powered DCC’s unbeaten run, including a 35–7 win over Hartland in Districts.
Clarkston (10-1), led by head coach Justin Pintar, is surging after a 44-22 victory over previously undefeated Grand Blanc to claim the District Championship. Sophomore QB/CB Alex Waszczenko (Class of 2027) continues to impress as a dual-threat leader for the Wolves. Clarkston also features the Boman twins — Griffin and Lukas — both Ferris State commits, and rising two-way playmaker Ty Duffy (Class of 2027).
Saline (10-1) vs Detroit Cass Tech (11-0)
Saline High School — Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00 PM
“Clash of the Titans”
Two powerhouse programs collide in a can’t-miss regional matchup.
Saline (10-1), led by head coach Kyle Short, has been one of the most efficient teams in the state. Their only loss came in Week 7 — a 41–32 shootout at home against powerhouse Harper Woods. The Hornets rebounded strong, beating Brownstown Woodhaven 57–17 to win Districts. Players to watch include:
QB #3 Tommy Carr (Class of 2026) — Miami (OH) commit
DE/OLB/RB #1 Isaiah Harris (Class of 2026) — Miami (OH) commit
On the other sideline, Detroit Cass Tech (11-0), led by head coach Marvin Rushing, looks like a juggernaut. The Technicians feature elite talent across the field:
#2 Corey “CJ” Sadler Jr. (Class of 2026) — North Carolina commit, ranked #1 player in Michigan with 30 offers.
#55 Khalief Canty Jr. (Class of 2026) — Missouri commit, ranked #2 player in Michigan with 24 offers.
QB #8 Donald Tabron II (Class of 2028) — a 6’4”, 192 lb. sophomore with 25+ offers.
#5 William Sykes Jr. (Class of 2026) — Ferris State commit.
Cass Tech is coming off a 48–8 rout over Dearborn Fordson to capture the District title. Their physicality and explosiveness will challenge Saline from the opening snap.
Rochester Adams (9-2) vs Romeo (8-3)
Adams High School — Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00 PM
“Battle of the North”
a matchup rooted in tradition and toughness, Rochester Adams hosts Romeo in what promises to be a grind-it-out playoff battle.
Adams (9-2), coached by Tony Patritto (in his 23rd season), earned its spot after beating Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 43–18. Leading the way is QB/MLB #10 Ryland Watters (Class of 2027), a Ferris State commit who leads both the offense and defense.
Romeo (8-3), led by head coach Curt Reimann (also in his 23rd season), continues to thrive on physical football. Their key playmaker is #8 Ryan Rohrborn (Class of 2026), a versatile RB/OLB/DE who can change a game on either side of the ball. Romeo punched their ticket to Regionals with a 56–0 statement win over Macomb Dakota.
This one could come down to who controls the line of scrimmage — and who wins the battle of attrition late.
The Final Whistle
The 2025 Division 1 Regional Round is loaded with storylines — unbeaten streaks, rising stars, and power programs all converging for a shot at the semifinals.
Can Detroit Catholic Central and Cass Tech stay on course for an epic collision at Ford Field? Will Clarkston, Saline, or Hudsonville crash the championship picture? By the end of this weekend, only four teams will remain — and the road to a state title will be clearer than ever.
