For Division 1 The D Zone takes a look at the State Finals history for the remaining teams

Written by
Jeff Corrion
Published
11/10/2017
Photo Credit
Jeff Corrion

Region 1:

The West Ottawa Panthers recently made history by winning their first district title and beating Rockford twice in a row for the first time in 20 years.

Clarkston won two state championships in 2013 and 2014. They would beat Catholic Central comfortably the first year before a gutsy 33-25 win over Saline. In the past 2 years Clarkston was knocked out by Romeo.

Region 2:

Where do we even begin with the legendary CHSL program, Catholic Central? The Shamrocks hold 10 state championships since the MHSAA formed the playoffs in 1975 as well as a "mythical" state championship in 1942. CC won their first in Class A in 1979 followed by 5 Class AA titles before Division 1 was formed in 1999. CC is the only Division 1 program to win 3 Division 1 titles in a row (2001-2003). Catholic Central has finished 2011-2013 and 2016 as runner-ups in Division 1, since 1987 CC had 7 runner-up appearances.

Canton has appeared once in the Division 1 state finals where they lost to Rockford in 2005. Canton has only appeared in 3 semi-finals and this week vs. Catholic Central they're 0-5 all-time against the Shamrocks.

Region 3:

Cass Tech is in the middle of living, breathing - juggernaut as they've reached the semi-finals each season since 2010. All of Cass Tech's wins in the state finals have come vs. Catholic Central (2011, 2012, and 2016) while they lost a great game to Romeo in 2015 as their other appearance.

In the early 2000's was the time where Chippewa Valley was at their best as they won the Division 2 title in 2001. They have appeared in 2 other semi-finals, in Division 2 (2000) and since 2002 the Big Reds have been a Division 1 program. They lost to Catholic Central in the 2003 semi-final.

Region 4:

Eisenhower has appeared in 4 Division 1 finals, but have been on the losing end in all 4. Eisenhower has 2 semi-final losses to Cass Tech and 2 to Catholic Central.

West Bloomfield won their first district championship this past week.