As October comes to a close, high school football playoffs are just beginning. Because of the abbreviated season, all teams have been given a spot in the playoffs. Dakota (5-1), take on the L’Anse Creuse North Crusaders (0-4) at Dakota on 10/30 at 7:00 P.M.

What to expect:

Both LCN and Dakota have similar game plans going into the game. Neither team is known for passing the ball very often, so this game will be decided on the ground, rather than in the air. While Dakota favors a more traditional ground game, LCN prefers sweeps and screen passes. This means that on the defensive side of the ball, LCN should attempt to load up the box against the Cougars. Dakota will most likely have their corners play close to the line of scrimmage, in order to stop any runs to the side.

Who to look out for:  

L’Anse Creuse North’s David Gattine (WR): Though Gattine is listed as a Wide Receiver, his best work is done when he is given the ball before the line of scrimmage.  If you see number 5 in motion before the snap, expect LCN QB Joey Monte to look his way.  

L’Anse Creuse North’s Blake Stoutermire (CB): Stoutmire’s film is filled with him blowing up big plays. He is a bright spot in a poor Crusader’s defense and should be tracked by the Cougar’s offense. Because of the holes at other defensive positions, throwing in the direction of Stoutermire is not recommended.  

Dakota’s De’Javion Stepney (FS, RB): As a dynamic player, Stepney will be seen on both sides of the ball in this matchup. Seeing as the L’Anse Creuse North offense prefers to stay away from deep passes except for in dire situations, Stepney’s impact on defensive may not show up on that stat sheet. What I am most excited about, is his snaps as running back. Stepney is averaging more than a touchdown a game, and while playing a defense that is particularly bad against the run, expect some explosive big plays out of this Central Michigan Commit.  

Dakota’s Caiden Sloan (RB, SB, SS): Even as a Junior, Sloan has had a major impact on the Cougar’s run game. Currently holding Dakota’s 2nd most all-purpose yards and points in this season, Sloan could see major reps this game, especially if the cougar’s pull ahead to an early lead.

Dakota’s Aiden Mata (Defense): Mata had a stellar performance against Traverse City Central last week, and will look to continue his success in this game. Mata has a high likelihood of blowing up some plays, especially on designed blitzes.

Expectations: 

 Any outcome that does not see Dakota coming out on top would be surprising. Dakota is ranked 5th best in the state of Michigan, and L’anse Creuse has not won a single game. A stat that truly shows the gap in success in these two teams is season point differential (The number of points a team scores minus the number of points scored on them). LCN has a season PD of (-82), while Dakota has a season PD of (+64). 

With all due respect to all players playing for L’Anse Creuse North, this game should be over before halftime.  

Final Score Prediction:  48-7 Cougars.