It was history in the making at Westland John Glenn as one of the Flat Rock Rams or the Notre Dame Prep Fighting Irish would make it to the state finals. For Flat Rock, it would have been the first time since 1976, and for Notre Dame Prep, it would be the first time in school history. Who would win it and punch a ticket to Ford Field? The Fighting Irish would come out on top in this one by a final of 49-7 to make their way to Ford Field for the first time in school history.
Flat Rock
Shot in the Foot
While the Rams of Flat Rock have a great team, they shot themselves in the foot early in this one, setting the tone for the game. On the opening drive of the game, they had a big kickoff return, but that was called back due to a block in the back. The first drive for the Rams was more of the same penalty after penalty that put a damper on the game for the Rams.
Graham the Great
The Rams season ending in the semifinals also ends the high school football career of Quarterback Graham Junge. Junge has been a stellar player for the Rams, having passed for over 6000 yards and 100 touchdowns in his career with the Rams. The Senior signal caller for the Rams has brought football back to the Flat Rock community in a big way and has a bright future ahead of him. You can next see Junge on the basketball court as he will look to lead the Rams basketball team deep into the playoffs.
Notre Dame Prep
Hard Hitting
The Fighting Irish might be one of the most physical teams we’ve seen this year as they were laying on the hit stick. With each hit that Notre Dame Prep put on one of the Flat Rock players, you could hear the hit down on the other end of the field. One of the hardest-hitting players in the Fighting Irish was Drew Heimbuch. Heimbuch was all over the field on defense, and he made his presence felt.
Have It Your Way
The offense of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Prep definitely had it their way in the win over Flat Rock. They were able to pass the ball with authority as Sam Stowe completed 13 of the 16 passes he attempted for 209 yards and three touchdowns, including completing all eight of the passes to his top target, Joey Decasas, who finished the game with 129 yards and a score. Then, in the running game, it was more of the same, especially with two giant run plays that showed off their speed as running back Billy Collins was able to break off a 94-yard run that went for a score, and Decasas broke off a run for 58 yards that also resulted in a touchdown. Stowe would also add in a touchdown run of his own, and the hard-hitting Heimbuch would also find his way to the endzone.