ryan tracy, livonia franklin
First-team defense
DL: Ryan Tracy
Livonia Franklin, senior (captain), 6 feet, 260 pounds.
Highlights: Tracy had 65 tackles, 10 for loss, and four sacks. Tracy also played tight end at midseason and made a huge impact on the running game for the state semifinalists. “He was there to block and get the edge for us,” coach Chris Kelbert said. “He’s the kid that put in hours and hours in the weight room in the summer to be the best he could be, and it worked out for him.”
DL: Jalen Cochran
Canton, senior, 6-4, 235.
Highlights: The three-year starter has offers from Iowa, Iowa State and many others. He recovered one fumble, forced another and added an interception to go with 39 tackles, 41/2 sacks and three batted passes. “His biggest asset was how much ground he could cover in the flats on pass coverage or bringing him off the edge,” coach Tim Baechler said. “He also had a knack for making an explosive, momentum-changing play when our team needed it.”
DL: Matt Compeau
Wyandotte, senior, 6-0, 185.
Highlights: Had 74 tackles, 71/2 sacks for 45 yards in losses, and seven forced fumbles. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt and had a safety. Coach Ron Adams: “Matt had a great year for us. What he lacked in size he made up for with strength and speed. Matt was selected our defensive player of the year.”
DL: Matt Komorous
Northville, senior, 6-2, 295.
Highlights: Had 46 tackles, including four sacks and a fumble recovery for a team that won the league title and went undefeated until the district final. The 10-1 record was the most wins in a season for Northville. “Matt’s combination of size, strength and discipline aided him in becoming one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in our school’s recent history,” coach Matt Ladach said.
LB: Demarco McKinney
Livonia Churchill, senior, 6-0, 225.
Highlights: In 10 games, McKinney had 117 tackles, 71 solo, two sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He added two interceptions with a pick-six, plus a safety. Coach Bill DeFillippo: “He’s the heart of our defense at middle linebacker. Had a tremendous year for us and was the obvious leader. Very consistent player, good versus the run but athletic to play against the pass as well. No weaknesses in his game.”
LB: Nate Berrelez
Allen Park, senior, 5-11, 190.
Highlights: The three-year starter made 62 tackles and had an interception for a pick-six. Coach Tom Hoover: “Nate helped set the tone in several games this season with his physical play.” Berrelez also was the leading ballcarrier on offense, gaining 863 yards on 150 carries (5.75 average). The offense averaged 38 points per game.
LB: Trevor Anderson
Lincoln Park, senior, 5-8, 165.
Highlights: He recorded 65 tackles and two interceptions. He also moved to safety when needed. Racked up 1,339 all-purpose yards rushing, receiving and returning kicks. Coach Jamie Grignon: “He was like an iron man, playing with a bad shoulder. Never came out of the game, like having a coach on the field. Would knock down passes on ‘D,’ and he could go from one position to another in the offensive backfield.” Team reached the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.
DB: Hassan Hachem
Dearborn Fordson, senior, 5-11, 185.
Highlights: The team MVP had six interceptions, 15 pass breakups, 25 tackles and a sack. He also scored six touchdowns on special teams, and on offense made 39 catches for 456 yards and three TDs, rushing 27 times for 300 yards and two additional TDs. Coach Fouad Zaban: “Anytime we needed a big play, he was the one who stepped up and made it. Is a leader by example, was always positive with his teammates and worked as hard as anyone in practice.”
DB: Jamal Allen
Livonia Churchill, junior, 6-0, 185.
Highlights: Will be a three-year starter before graduating next year. Had 60 tackles and five INTs, including two pick-six touchdowns. Has early offers from two MAC schools. Coach Bill DeFillippo: “A terrifically talented kid with tremendous ability and good speed. A terrific athlete with the ability to make plays.”
DB: Jared Stephens
Canton, senior, 6-0, 180.
Highlights: Stephens grabbed three interceptions and made 56 tackles. Has one Division II offer. On a team that rarely throws the ball, Stephens was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 279 yards, He also rushed for 701 yards and 14 TDs on 120 carries. Coach Tim Baechler: “He was an explosive playmaker for us this year on both sides of the ball, and he was our team MVP this year. He played sick and hurt and has a lot of football savvy. A true football player.”
DB: Jack Burke
Northville, junior, 6-0, 184.
Highlights: Burke was a leader with 75 tackles, one sack, 12 breakups and five INTs, including a pick-six. In the 28 times he carried the ball, he scored three touchdowns and led the team with a 7.8-yard average. “Jack is one of the best athletes in our program,” coach Matt Ladach said. “He is one of our most intelligent student-athletes, and he is a true leader. He has a thorough understanding of our offense and our defense. He’s like a coach on the field.”
— Teams selected by Mick McCabe; capsules written by Tom Lang.