D1 Quarterfinals: On Paper

#1 Detroit Catholic Central vs #8 Romeo

Outlook: The Shamrocks are making their 17th straight team state appearance, with the last two ending in state championships. Catholic Central shouldn't have any issue winning their 10th straight quarterfinal, although this is a tough Romeo team. Romeo has 7 state qualifiers, with a handful more that made it to regionals. Although there are a handful of ranked matches down low, #1 vs #2 at 190 should be the match of the dual. DCC's 14 state qualifiers should get the job done.

‍Prediction: Detroit CC +36

#2 Brighton vs #7 Dakota

Outlook: These two teams have become quite familiar with the team state tournament as of late. Dakota has made 10 trips since 2013, while Brighton has made 7 trips in that same timeframe. Brighton should win this one, although Dakota is going to pick up a decent number of wins along the way. Nihranz, Wilson, Criteser, and Hamby are all extremely tough outs for Dakota, and state qualifiers Smith, Tucker, and Harper also provide opportunities for wins. Brighton likely just has too solid of a lineup from top to bottom and should roll.‍

Prediction: Brighton +18

#3 Davison vs #6 Rockford

Outlook: Davison is making their 14th straight appearance and 22nd overall trip to the team state tournament. Rockford has won their quarterfinal each of the last 3 years, but this will be their toughest test in that stretch. Lineups are especially tough to predict in this one, as Davison has been without Keeney, Brown, and Dunaway this postseason. The Cardinals may need wins at 106 (from either Hamlin or Keeney) and from Dunaway at 285 otherwise this dual could get interesting. We will assume Davison has their lineup more intact than they have so far this postseason, and if they do, they should win this one. Expect this dual to be very competitive though.

Prediction: Davison +15

#4 Clarkston vs #5 Bedford

Outlook: Probably the best QF dual in D1 is a rematch of Week 1. Clarkston won the opening night dual by a score of 37-30, but both lineups do look a little different this late in the year. Bedford is always tough to beat at team state, as they have as much experience as anyone. The Mules are making their 28th overall trip, but they have not won a quarterfinal since 2020. Clarkston is making their 10th appearance, and they haven't won a quarterfinal since 2019, so someone will be breaking their streak in this one. The winner will see DCC in the semis, so they need to be conscious of weighing in for a semifinal, which makes this dual interesting. Ultimately, Clarkston may have just a little bit more flexibility.

Prediction: Clarkston +5