Mick McCabe picks the state's top-25 teams. Here are Nos. 11-15 (come back Wednesday for Nos. 6-10); all players are seniors unless noted:
East Grand Rapids
Top players: TB Jahaan Brown, 5-11, 187; junior OT Connor Conaboy, 5-11, 260; WR Marcus Hall, 6-3, 190; junior OG Terry Gotch; TE Pat Cvengros, 6-1, 170; DT Andrew Nelson, 6-3, 205; DL Miles Bower, 6-1, 240.
All-time state playoff record: 61-10.
Coach: Peter Stuursma 138-17, 13th season.
Biggest game: Oct. 5 at Lowell, 7 p.m.
* Related: Players 16-20
* Related: Players 21-25
Overview: East will have a dynamic running attack with Brown running behind a talented offensive line. The Pioneers will have fine receivers for whomever emerges from the quarterback battle. There are some defensive holes to fill, especially at linebacker.
Southfield
Top players: WR/DB Brandon Bean, 6-2 1/2, 200; QB Trey Walton, 5-11, 185; OT Colin Buchanan, 6-5, 305; LB Jeff Madison, 6-1, 205; LB Willie Duncan, 5-10, 175; junior LB Lawrence Madison, 6-4, 220; junior LB Jordan Cry, 6-1, 195; junior DB Carteris Carter, 5-11, 190.
All-time state playoff record: 9-9.
Coach: Tim Conley 45-28, eighth season.
Biggest game: Aug. 31 vs. Farmington, 4 p.m.
Overview: Expect a breakout season at wide receiver from Bean. Walton moving from receiver to QB will provide the Bluejays with a dual threat. The linebackers should be excellent.
Detroit King
Top players: S/WR Mycial Allen, 6-0, 190; WR/DB James Alexander, 6-1, 190; QB Davaun Williams, 6-1, 205; OT Lance Perry, 6-4, 320; junior LB Carl Fuller, 6-3, 215; DE Nick Davenport, 6-4, 215; CB Robert Wallace, 5-9, 170.
All-time state playoff record: 26-19.
Coach: Dale Harvel 27-16; 23-11, fourth season at King.
Biggest game: Aug. 31 vs. East English Village Prep, 7 p.m.
Overview: The Crusaders are the top team in the PSL East. QB Williams possesses a strong arm and has some impressive wins in his first two seasons as a starter. As usual, defense will be king at King. The secondary will be exceptional.
Lowell
Top players: DE Pierce Watson, 6-1, 185; junior DB Jeff Houston, 6-1, 180; sophomore DE Josh Colegrove, 6-0, 220; OG Dan Dyer, 6-4, 230; LB Reed Stormzand, 6-4, 220; DT Ryan Shaefer, 5-10, 195; LB Shannon Massey, 5-11, 190; junior DB/WR Kyler Shurlow, 6-2, 190.
All-time state playoff record: 35-11.
Coach: Noel Dean 183-55; 161-29, 17th season at Lowell.
Biggest game: Oct. 19 at Grand Rapids Christian, 7 p.m.
Overview: There are a lot of pieces to replace at Lowell, most notably QB Gabe Dean, but what else is new? The Red Arrows will play excellent defense again, and it is just a matter of time before the offense jells.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Top players: RB/LB Grant Niemiec, 6-1, 225; OG/DT Austin Johnson, 6-2, 265; QB Matt Linehan, 6-3, 185; junior WR/CB Jalen Watts-Jackson, 5-11, 175; OG/DT Andrew Koterba, 6-3, 295; RB Parker McInnes, 6-0, 190.
All-time state playoff record: 50-13.
Coach: George Porritt 206-57, 24th season at St. Mary's.
Biggest game: Oct. 12 vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 7 p.m.
Overview: The defending Division 3 state champs will be good again. The Eaglets have a veteran offensive line that enabled Niemiec to runs for over 1,000 yards last season. He and McInnes will form the state's best running back duo.
