Preview: Union City travels to North Muskegon for D7 football playoffs
MUSKEGON – The Union City Chargers put together a solid 2023 season on the gridiron, and in doing so earned themselves a spot in the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association) postseason after finishing 6-3 in the regular season, a mark that included a 5-0 record in the Big 8 conference.
What do the Chargers get for putting together a big season? Well, they get the Associated Press No. 1 team in Division 7, the North Muskegon Norseman in round one of the MHSAA playoffs.
Now some may be asking, how in the world is North Muskegon considered part of Union City’s district? I mean that’s over two hours away, a long trip for any team at any point in the season. Well, the MHSAA football postseason is based on a somewhat complicated formula, assigning playoff points for wins and losses based on opponents' size and record. After a long season full of ups and downs the top 32 teams in each division are invited to the postseason, who are then divided into four team districts based on geography. As luck would have it, for Union City, there are only five teams west of I-69, below the imaginary line running east to west at the bottom part of the thumb, that earned a spot in the postseason in Division 7, so pairings were severely limited. That is why Union City will be making the more than two-hour trip to North Muskegon to take on one of the best teams in the land. (For reference, the other district match up features Schoolcraft traveling to Lawton)
Now that we have that all figured out, let us take a look at what North Muskegon brings to the table, what Union City counters with, and what may happen Saturday at 1 p.m. in the D7 district semifinal with our Branch County High School Football Previews and Picks-Postseason Edition.
Union City (6-3) at North Muskegon (9-0)
At North Muskegon High School, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Preview: Simply put, North Muskegon is good, exceptionally good. You do not finish 9-0 and finish the season as one of the top teams in the division according to the AP for nothing, they are the real deal and one of the few teams many think can challenge Jackson Lumen Christi for the state title.
The Norseman bring a very dynamic offense to the playoffs, one that relies heavily on the pass to move the ball up and down the field. North Muskegon leaves their explosive offense in the capable hands of junior quarterback James Young, all 6’2” and 195 pounds of him. Young has played in all nine games this season, throwing for 2,039 yards and 28 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Young’s best game this season came in a week two 41-21 win over Muskegon Catholic Central where he finished with 19 of 20 passing for 383 yards and four touchdowns.
Young has three main targets, led by junior TJ Byard who has hauled in 33 catches for 699 yards and 8 touchdowns while senior Landon Christensen has caught 24 balls for 593 yards and 9 touchdowns. Junior Senior Alec Newville has also had a big year, adding 21 catches for 387 yards and six scores.
North Muskegon can run the ball, when need be, however, it is the pass they prefer as their leading rusher, Tristan Thomas, has rushed the ball 70 times for 443 yards and 9 touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball the Norseman are lights out, only allowing 10.66 points per game on the season. Leading the way for the North Muskegon defense are the likes of AJ Larkin, Jack McNally, and Henry Husmann, among many others.
Union City counters with a truly diverse offensive set, with the ability to run it with power thanks to their Wing-T, while also throwing the ball out of the spread.
More: No. 1 Whiteford scores 23 unanswered to put away Union City
The Chargers have three very capable backs, including leading rushers Riley Laird and Dylon MacDonald, with fullback Brendan Labar adding some toughness when needed.
The quarterback spot has been a two-headed monster much of the season, with juniors Eli Payne and Rick Austin sharing time. Payne brings the more dynamic arm in terms of passing, while Austin is a threat to take it to the house with his legs anytime he touches the ball.
Austin is a major receiving threat also and led the Big 8 in receiving while teammate Jeremy Zehr is a dangerous possession receiver.
The line is stout and led by center Gavin Kelly, guards Owen Jackson, Caden Hughes and Ryan Zweng, and tackles Hunter Gillies and Reed Goodwin.
On defense the Chargers are led by their linebacking corps, anchored by Owen Jackson, one of the best in the state. Also holding down spots at linebacker are Zweng and Aidan Decker, making for an extremely dangerous set of tacklers.
The secondary will be tested on Saturday, more than they have been tested all season long. Senior Riley Laird leads the team in interceptions while safety Landyn Crance comes up and brings the boom with the best of them. Corners Zehr and Austin will be tested against a particularly good quarterback.
Bottom line, North Muskegon is one of the absolute best to lace them up in Division 7. Union City has struggled with allowing big pass plays and the Norseman are one of the best when it comes to that in the state.
Union City has had a certain swagger all season long, and despite everything going against them, they are going to be ready and strapped up come kick off. Union City has a lot of heart, but sometimes heart just is not enough, and, in the end, I think North Muskegon proves to be just too much for the Chargers.
Prediction: North Muskegon 36, Union City 14
Do you agree with sports editor Troy Tennyson? Disagree? Let him know via email at ttennyson@thedailyreporter.com. Follow Troy on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ttennysonTDR> Follow The Daily Reporter on Facebook or online at thedailyreporter.com for news, notes, stats, and scores from all things sports related in Branch County.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Preview: Union City travels to North Muskegon for D7 football playoffs
