BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB) – Three Branch County teams will play opening round games in the MHSAA football playoffs on the road this evening. Coldwater and Union City will have rematches with conference rivals in hopes of reversing regular season outcomes while Quincy will be facing the defending Division Six state champs.
Coldwater (6-3) at Harper Creek (9-0)
In Division Three, Coldwater will play at Interstate 8 champion Harper Creek. The Beavers went undefeated during the regular season. One of their victories was a 17-7 triumph over the Cardinals on October 6th which ended a four game losing streak to Coldwater.
To add more fuel to the fire, Coldwater knocked Harper Creek out of the playoffs last year in the opening round when they defeated the Beavers at Cardinal Field 35-14.
Game time is at 7:00 p.m. Coverage here on AM-1590 and FM 95.5 WTVB and on line at www.wtvbam.com starts at 6:30 p.m.
Union City (7-2) at Reading (7-2)
In Division Seven, Union City is making its 12th playoff appearance since 2001. The Chargers play at Big 8 Conference champion Reading in a rematch of a game September 29 that turned into a long night for Union City. The Rangers took advantage of seven turnovers as they won at Alumni Field 36-12.
Quincy (5-4) at Jackson Lumen Christi (7-1)
In Division Six, Quincy overcame a number of injuries to qualify for the playoffs at 5-4. Lumen will be starting defense of their Division Six state title. They did not play last week after going 7-1. Their only loss came on September 8th when they were edged by Harper Creek 22-21 in a game that ultimately decided the Interstate 8 title.
In other area games Friday night….
Division 3
R2-D1 St Joseph (7-2) 83.778 at Stevensville Lakeshore (8-1) 94.778 F 7:00 PM
R2-D2 Parma Western (6-3) 59.750 at Haslett (7-2) 78.667 F 7:00 PM
Division 4
R3-D1 Vicksburg (7-2) 73.444 at Three Rivers (7-2) 75.000 F 7:00 PM
Division 6
R3-D2 Hillsdale (5-4) 52.444 at Michigan Center (8-1) 72.667 F 7:00 PM
Division 7
R3-D1 Springport (6-3) 50.000 at Saugatuck (6-3) 50.444 F 7:00 PM
R3-D2 Homer (6-3) 52.333 at Cassopolis (8-1) 68.444 F 7:00 PM
Division 8
R3-D2 Athens (5-4) 30.333 at Pittsford (8-1) 66.333 F 7:00 PM
