WEEK 5: Top 10 Games and Picks

10. Swan Valley at Ovid-Elsie   

Winner more than likely wins the Tri-Valley Central.  I like O-E’s chances with Chris Robinson in the backfield. 

NGS PICK: Ovid-Elsie 35-26

9. Brighton at #6 Grand Blanc

Right when G-Blanc thinks they have the conference wrapped up comes the emergence of Brighton.  But one again too much Bobcat offense.   

NGS PICK: Grand Blanc 40-28

8. #36 Marshall at #37 Jackson Lumen Christi

Jackson has been on a roll since being embarrassed on opening night.  They’ve outscored their opponents 133-16 in three games, and as good as Marshall is I don’t see Christi slowing down.   

NGS PICK: Jackson Lumen Christi 21-7

7. #38 Southfield at #26 Rochester Adams

Both teams are trying to keep pace with Harrison in the conference standings.  I like Southfield’s ground attack but they’ll struggle to run the ball against Adam’s defense.   

NGS PICK: Adams 31-26

6. #9 Ann Arbor Pioneer at #47 Temperance Bedford

Southeastern conference red championship is on the line in this game. Pioneer has been in the spotlight since week 1 win over Inkster while Bedford raised some eyebrows by stomping Saline last week.   

NGS PICK: Pioneer 24-21

5. #35 Dearborn Edsel Ford at #18 Dearborn Fordson

Ford could easily win this game, especially without Baquer Sayed suiting up for Fordson.  But I’m still going with Fordson…I think their defense will get the job done.    

NGS PICK: Fordson 28-14

4. Inkster at #23 Highland Park

Highland Park is legit and plays hungry.  Inkster finally got in the win column and is playing with desperation.  Two teams that play fast.  This should be a good one.      

NGS PICK: Inkster 26-18

3. #12 Midland at #17 Mt. Pleasant

Saginaw Valley crown up for grabs in this one as these two are the clear favorites.  Midland got a scare last week against Bay City Central…how will they bounce back? Mt. Pleasant seems to get better each week.      

NGS PICK: Mt. Pleasant 32-21

2. #11 Grand Haven at #3 Rockford

Grand Haven is the surprise team this year with impressive, but close, wins over Muskegon and Holland West Ottawa.  For the third straight week Grand Haven will face an undefeated power and that toll will finally catch up to them.   

NGS PICK: Rockford 35-13

1. #4 Macomb Dakota at #1 Sterling Heights Stevenson

I’m expecting a shootout but not sure if Stevenson will be able to keep pace because their defense has been suspect lately.  Rick Bye is a heck of a coach for Stevenson but Dakota’s Mike Giannone always has his boy’s prepared for the big game.   

NGS PICK: Dakota 38-36