Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Menominee and Schoolcraft battle it out in the Division 7 football state final—a game that promises to be a clash of titans! But here's where it gets intense: both teams are hungry for their fourth state title, and neither is backing down. This live blog will keep you on the edge of your seat with play-by-play updates, highlights, and insights that you won’t want to miss. So, buckle up and refresh often for the latest action!
THIRD QUARTER
7:55 -- Clayton Miller is on fire! The Menominee senior explodes through the middle for a 31-yard touchdown—his third of the day. Dylan Beal connects with Tanner Theuerkauf for the two-point conversion, and the Maroons extend their lead to 21-0. And this is the part most people miss: Menominee’s offense is clicking, but it’s their defense that’s truly stealing the show.
10:00 -- Safety Tanner Theuerkauf comes up big with a pass breakup on third and long, keeping Schoolcraft’s offense in check. Menominee’s defense remains the story of the game, holding a 13-0 lead. After a punt and a penalty, the Maroons’ offense gets back to work in Schoolcraft territory.
10:43 -- Schoolcraft finally moves the chains with a connection between Jack DeVries and Landon DeVries, but they’ve got a long way to go to catch up.
HALFTIME
Menominee dominates with 127 total yards, including 120 on the ground. Clayton Miller leads the charge with 15 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns. Maverick Geniesse shines on defense with an interception and a pass breakup.
Schoolcraft trails with 88 total yards. Jack DeVries is 4 of 8 passing for 55 yards, while Evan Feller (10 tackles) and Dane Ostlund (9 tackles) anchor the defense.
SECOND QUARTER
:00 -- Maverick Geniesse breaks up a pass in the end zone to end the half, preserving Menominee’s 13-0 lead. Controversial question: Could this be the turning point that seals Schoolcraft’s fate?
:03 -- Menominee is forced to punt from their own end zone, but the ball squirts out of bounds at the 13-yard line, giving Schoolcraft a golden opportunity. It’s a rare sight for the Maroons, who haven’t punted much this season.
1:01 -- Luck seems to be on Menominee’s side as QB Tanner Theuerkauf fumbles on third-and-5 but recovers for the first down. A potential momentum shift is avoided, but is this a sign of things to come?
1:20 -- Schoolcraft’s defense delivers two bone-crushing hits, pinning Menominee deep in their own territory. Cael Powers, Schoolcraft’s star D-Lineman, is helped off the field with an injury—a tough blow for the Eagles.
2:05 -- Jack DeVries punts the ball to the 1-yard line, where Cooper Howard downs it. A small victory for Schoolcraft, but will it be enough?
4:21 -- Schoolcraft reaches midfield, marked by the Michigan State University Spartans logo. Fun fact: MSU’s win over Maryland on Saturday pushed this game to Sunday.
6:09 -- Clayton Miller powers in from 2 yards out for another Menominee touchdown. The PAT is blocked by Cody Priest, but the Maroons lead 13-0. Bold prediction: Miller could be the game’s MVP.
9:36 -- A fumble by Menominee’s Landen Daigneau is recovered by Schoolcraft, but the play is overturned as the defender was out of bounds. Another close call for the Maroons.
10:44 -- Dane Ostlund recovers a fumble for Schoolcraft, but the call is upheld in Menominee’s favor. The Maroons retain possession, but is this a sign of Schoolcraft’s growing momentum?
11:32 -- A late hit penalty on Schoolcraft pushes Menominee into enemy territory for the second time today.
FIRST QUARTER
0:00 -- Menominee leads 7-0 after one quarter. Both teams are chasing their fourth state title, but only one will emerge victorious. Who will it be?
2:26 -- Maverick Geniesse intercepts a pass at the goal line, stopping Schoolcraft cold. A game-changing play that sets the tone for Menominee’s defense.
3:15 -- Jack DeVries connects with TE Landon DeVries for a first down on fourth-and-10. Fun fact: The DeVries family has two players and three coaches on Schoolcraft’s roster—talk about a family affair!
5:30 -- Evan Feller powers through for a fourth-and-1 conversion, keeping Schoolcraft’s drive alive.
6:15 -- Schoolcraft starts strong with QB Jack DeVries, aided by a defensive holding call on a deep ball.
8:18 -- Clayton Miller caps Menominee’s opening drive with a 5-yard touchdown run and adds the PAT for a 7-0 lead. A statement play for the Maroons.
9:20 -- Menominee’s ground game shines as Jackson Myszak, Clayton Miller, Dawson Bardowski, and QB Tanner Theuerkauf take turns pounding the rock into the red zone.
11:49 -- Menominee opens with a single-wing formation—a throwback to the 1930s. While it’s not their go-to anymore, it’s a fun nod to their history.
PREGAME
Ford Field is buzzing for the Division 7 state title, even without the Detroit Lions in attendance. Schoolcraft kicks off to start the game. Let’s rock!
DIVISION 7 STATE FINAL
Who: No. 1 Menominee (13-0) vs. Schoolcraft (11-2)
When: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Where: Detroit’s Ford Field
What: Two storied programs battle for the state championship. Both have three titles and three runner-up finishes, but only one will add to their legacy today.
Menominee seeks their first title since 2007 after a thrilling 32-28 semifinal win over Pewamo-Westphalia. Schoolcraft, under first-year coach and alum Dan DeVries, aims to reclaim glory after their 2001 win. They crushed Clinton 43-14 in the semifinal.
Thought-provoking question: Which team’s tradition and hunger will prevail? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more coverage:
- How to watch the Michigan high school football state championships
- West Catholic’s unique championship opportunity
- The DeVries legacy at Schoolcraft
- Photos: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s wins the D2 title
- Big plays in the Division 2 final
