Another big week for high school playoffs. All three Hawkeye commits in Iowa that played on Friday night won and are head to the semifinals. Around the country Coker's team makes the playoffs, Hardy's team is on to the semis, and Poggi and Ferguson win their conference.
Iowa High School Playoffs:
James Morris: Solon 42 – Regina 7
Solon cruised to another victory (39th in a row) on Friday night by a score of 42-7 over Regina…coincidentally the exact same score of the week 8 match-up between the two. Morris had a monster game scoring a touchdown on all 5 of Solon’s first half possession. He had TD runs of 32, 10, 12, 1, and 57 yards and finished the night with 17 carries for 164 yards. Solon moves on to the semi-finals for 2A where they will play also undefeated North Fayette next Monday.
A.J. Derby: City High 35 – CR Washington 17
Derby was responsible for every City High score in a big win on Friday Night over Washington. He threw 4 touchdowns, including 1 on a fake punt (it must be nice to have your QB and punter be the same guy), and ran in another. Derby finished the game 9-17 for 198 yards and added 89 yards on 12 carries. The Little Hawks will play CR Xavier on Friday night in the UNI-Dome.
Matt Hoch: Harlan 21 - Bishop Heelan 14
Harlan gave up 404 passing yards but forced 4 turnovers and came out victorious against Heelan on Friday night. Hoch contributed with 14 carries for 68 of Harlan's 185 rushing yards.
Other Commits:
Marcus Coker: DeMatha 10 - McNamara 7
DeMatha had previously only been held under 35 points once this season (a 24-21 win over Good Counsel), but they were given all they could handle on Saturday needing a late 4th quarter TD to beat the McNamara Mustangs. Coker was back after missing time with pulled groin, and scored the game winning touchdown from 7 yards out. He finished with the day with 89 yards on 15 carries. DeMatha finishes the regular season a perfect 10-0 and moves on to the WCAC playoffs this week where they will play Gonzaga.
Jim Poggi & Anthony Ferguson: Gilman 34 - McDonogh 27
Gilman won a thrilling game against rival McDonogh. The victory wrapped up a conference title for Gilman who finished 4-1 in the MIAA A Conference. Ferguson gets a mention as he and a teammate combined for a win-preserving sack with under 3 minutes to go on Gilman's own 15 yard-line.
Mike Hardy: Kimberly 42 – Pulaski 21
Kimberly stays on a roll and powers its way into the semifinals with a big win over Pulaski. The Papermakers were down 14-7 at halftime but got the offense going in the second half putting up 28 points in the 4th quarter alone. Kimberly will play Merrill in the semifinal round.
Stephane N’goumou Milford 12 - South Alabama 64
Milford was absolutely dominated by the South Alabama Jaguars. The defense could not stop the Jaguar offense as 7 different players scored a TD. Milford will close out its season next week at Navy.
Carl Davis Stevenson 35 - Warren Mott 21
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before Stevenson rolled off 4 touchdowns in the 3rd quarter in route to a victory in the district finals of the playoffs. Stevenson will face off against Detriot Southeastern in the regional finals on Friday.
Donovan Johnson Martin 42 - Lamar 19
Martin clinched a playoff birth with a victory over cross-town rivals Lamar. Martin jumped out early to a 21-0 lead and never looked back.
De’Andre Johnson Monsignor 27 – Gulliver Prep 28
Johnson still out and Monsignor pace lost in a close one and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. They finished their season 6-3.
Christian Kirksey & Don Shumpert: Hazelwood East 21 - Chaminade 24
Hazelwood East carried a 21-14 lead into halftime, but gave up 10 points in the fourth quarter and fell in the first round of the Missouri playoffs. Shumpert caught a pass for a 2-point conversion, but that was the only stat I could find. Hazelwood East finished their season 6-5
Note: Some players are already done for the season so are not included in this roundup.
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