We're not done yet. Mid-Michigan hasn't sent three teams to state finals in at least a decade, but that's the number headed to Ford Field next weekend after Saturday's five local semifinals. Here are some quick observations on each.
SEMIFINAL FIVE
1. Division 3: Orchard Lake St. Mary 41, DeWitt 20 -- There's a reason it's believed that Division 3 is both the strongest and most competitive in the state. Orchard Lake St. Mary is a big part of that, but so is DeWitt.
2. Division 4: Williamston 33, Detroit Crockett 13 -- The best state final prediction in mid-Michigan in August was that an area Division 4 team could make it. The Hornets have been consistently strong from start to finish.
3. Division 5: Olivet 21, Millington 14 -- The Eagles have to be the biggest surprises of the state tournament this side of also-unranked Plymouth in Division 1. Olivet now faces No. 1 Grand Rapids West Catholic, but who believes rankings anymore after this final month?
4. Division 6: Ithaca 27, Iron Mountain 13 -- Going to Marquette is a taller task for Lower Peninsula teams than maybe it appears. But the Yellowjackets remain a team of destiny after a slow start, and big finish.
5. Division 8: Saugatuck 20, Fulton 14 (OT) -- The Pirates needed one more ounce of magic to continue their unexpected run. But we won't soon forget the dose of excitement they brought to what continues to be an incredible playoffs for area teams.
Game Ball: Big-time players do the job when it's needed most. With his team trailing 13-0 and staring down what would've been its first and only loss this season, Ithaca quarterback Alex Niznak tossed two TD passes and ran for a third score to make sure the dream season continues.
Upset alert: Add No. 7 Millington to Olivet's elimination list this season, along with No. 6 Buchanan, honorable mention Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard and a Hopkins team that has made the playoffs four years running.
WOW factor: How 'bout those Hornets? I was asked before the game what their strength is ... and my answer was skill. There's some size, there's some speed, there's some strong leadership. But above all there are a bunch of skilled, athletic parts and coach Steve Kersten and his staff have figured out how to get the most out of all of them and in a cohesive way.
High school sports editor 
