Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
Best Player: Edwin Baker, Sr., RB, Oak Park
Baker should be the top running back in Michigan this year after gaining 1,295 yards on just 113 carries with eight touchdowns last season. He has committed to play at Michigan State. Returning Stat Leaders – Passing: Jason Pratt, Merrill, 198-283, 2,871 yards, 30 TDs; Rushing: Zach Galloway, Tecumseh, 206-1,748 yards, 17 TDs.
Best All-Time Player: Ron Kramer, End, East Detroit
He twice was named an All-American at the University of Michigan where he was a two-way end, punter and place kicker. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound tight end played 10 years in the NFL, mostly with the Green Bay Packers. He caught 53 passes for 880 yards and nine touchdowns, averaged 43 yards as a punter and 41.3 yards on punt returns, in addition to being an outstanding blocker. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
2008 Must See: Can King Repeat?
King was the first Detroit public school in history to win a state football title, going 14-0 last year. Can coach James Reynolds’ team do it again?
On The Throne: Macomb Dakota
Macomb Dakota has won the last two Division I state titles and has posted a 51-13 record during the past five years. Its current winning streak is 23 games.
Best Rivalry: Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Novi Catholic Central
These Detroit-area Catholic rivals annually turn out many Division I college prospects and draw big crowds. Al Fracassa (Brother Rice) and Tom Mach (Catholic Central) are two of the finest high school coaches in the country.
Future Star: Jimmy Pickens, So., Safety, Brother Rice
He had 51 solo tackles, three recovered fumbles and three interceptions as the first freshman to start for legendary coach Al Fracassa in 35 years.
Fun Fact
Highly-successful Menominee coach Ken Hofer not only is 73 years old, but he still baffles Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin foes with a sterling single-wing attack. Despite suffering a broken leg during a practice session last fall, Hofer guided his team to its second consecutive Division V state title and a winning streak which has reached 28 games. He ranks No. 9 in state history with 281 victories.
MaxPreps Preseason All-State Team
WR – Cameron Gordon, Inkster
WR – James Jackson, Grand Ledge
WR – Jamone Chester, Redford Covenant
TE – Dion Sims, St. Mary’s Prep
OL – Tevon Conrad, Pershing
OL – Blake Treadwell, East Lansing
OL – Zac Matthias, Hemlock
OL – Charles Chapman, Airport
OL – Eric Fudge, Henry Ford
QB – Andrew Maxwell, Midland
QB – Isiah Grimes, South Haven
RB – Edwin Baker, Oak Park
RB – Larry Caper, Battle Creek Central
RB – Teric Jones, Cass Tech
ATH – Hersey Jackson, Allendale
K – Kevin Muma, Troy
DL – William Campbell, Cass Tech
DL – Aaron McCord, Crockett
DL – Dylan Farrington, Adrian
DL – Serxhio Guralecci, Sterling Heights Stevenson
LB – Christian Norman, Renaissance
LB – Jeremy Gainer, Clarenceville
LB – Adam Fenton, Seaholm
LB – Will Schwarz, Troy
LB – Austin Gray, Warren Fitzgerald
DB – Bobby Lowry, Allen Park
DB – Kyle Podvin, Milford
DB – Delano Collins, Renaissance
DB – Shamari Benton, Brother Rice
P – Jerome Sullivan, North Branch
State Preview Video