By Mike Moore
Staff Writer Photo: Ryan Kerwin, JTV
Jackson — The playoffs are officially on the line.
Yes, that’s a bit dramatic as the sixth week of the MHSAA football season is just a day away, but for the Lumen Christi squad, it’s also true.
Scheduled to play just eight regular season games this fall, the Titans, 4-1 through five games, can officially secure a spot in the 2017 postseason with a win Friday night over Coldwater.
Easier said than done.
“That’s a very well-coached team with some hard-nosed kids,” Lumen coach Herb Brogan said. “They are a tough team to play against.”
Coldwater started the season with three consecutive wins before getting upset by Western 28-21. The Cardinals bounced back last week with a 35-7 win over Northwest, and roll into Friday’s game seeking a bit of revenge.
Don’t forget last year’s 21-20 Lumen win in this series.
“Defensively, they are very aggressive,” Brogan said. “They’re physical up front, and really, are the same on the offensive side of the ball.”
Coldwater’s defense has been impressive in the games it won, allowing seven points or less in three of them.
Offensively, the Cardinals can score in bunches, on the ground and through the air.
“They spread things out a little more than usual,” Brogan said. “They use many of the same plays, but have different formations. They throw the ball a little more and a little better as well.”
Lumen can boast many of the same facts, allowing six points or less in three of its four wins and rolling with an offense that’s scored 75 points the past two weeks.
“We’ve opened things up a bit, and that’s helped,” Brogan said. “We’re running the ball. We’re passing more effectively, which is huge.”
The game’s winner will keep hopes alive for a conference title, while the loser will be all-but-eliminated from contention.
For Lumen, a win also secures a playoff spot for the 20th season in a row, which would be one of the longest running streaks in the MHSAA.
“This is a big game,” Brogan said simply. “Our goal is to get into the playoffs, and when you start getting this late into a season, everything starts to mean a little more.”
Friday marks the 30th meeting all-time between these teams. Coldwater’s only victory in that span came in 2015.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Realtor with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.
