Top 5 WBCK High School Football Games in 2018

The 2018 High School Football season provided tons of excitement for local fans. Now that the season is complete with 10 state champions, it is time to recap the great season among the local squads.

WBCK was proud to broadcast 15 games this season, and we've narrowed it down to the top five contests of the year. It was a challenge to narrow it down to just five games, because there were several that were closely contested this season.

To help in the process we reviewed the games themselves, regardless of record of the teams involved. Final scores were also considered, but the biggest factors were game flow, what stake the game had for both teams and certain plays that made each game unique.

Before we start the countdown, we would like to give honorable mentions to Week 1's contest between St. Philip and Tekonsha, and Week 8's contest with Coldwater and Harper Creek. Each game went down to the wire, providing exciting plays that shifted the balance for both teams involved.

Another thing that you will notice is that we had a LOT of overtime games this year, which is very rare for the High School ranks. It does go to show that there were several teams that were evenly matched.

Finally, congratulations to the 10 state champions determined the last two weeks at Ford Field in Detroit and the Superior Dome in Marquette -

Division 1 - Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (2^nd title, 1^st since 2001)
Division 2 - Warren DeLaSalle (2^nd straight, 3^rd overall in football)
Division 3 - Detroit Martin Luther King (4^th overall, 3^rd in four years)
Division 4 - Edwardsburg (1^st title in football, 1^st state title in any sport since 1977)
Division 5 - Hudsonville Unity Christian (1^st title in 16-year program)
Division 6 - Jackson Lumen Christi (3^rd straight, 11^th overall in football)
Division 7 - New Lothrop (2^nd title, other came in 2006)
Division 8 - Reading (1^st football title, 1^st state title in any sport since 2007)
8-Man Division 1 - Morrice (1^st football title, 1^st state title in any sport since 1998)
8-Man Division 2 - Rapid River (1^st title in three total 8-Man finals)

Without further ado, here's the top five games of the 2018 season...

The Lakeview Spartans and Harper Creek Beavers battle through the mist October 19, 2018. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
The Lakeview Spartans and Harper Creek Beavers battle through the mist October 19, 2018. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
5
Week 9 - Lakeview at Harper Creek
These two young squads brought everything to this crosstown rivalry, even though they had not met since 2013 (1983 as non-conference foes). It had Mother Nature, stout defense and an extra period to determine the winner.
The St. Philip Tigers prepare for their next place against the Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
The St. Philip Tigers prepare for their next place against the Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
4
Week 7 - Portland St. Patrick at St. Philip
After a key injury to another starter, St. Philip crawled their way back into this contest with 2017's runner-up in 8-Man Division 2. The game-winning play set the tone for the remainder of the Fighting Tigers season.
Battle Creek Central looks to defend Kalamazoo Central in their game September 28th. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
Battle Creek Central looks to defend Kalamazoo Central in their game September 28th. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
3
Week 6 - BC Central at Kalamazoo Central
The oldest rivalry in Michigan had another fantastic installment, thanks to the significance of the game for both the Bearcats and Maroon Giants. And, yet another overtime.
The Marshall Redhawks walk to the field before their Week 2 battle with Harper Creek. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
The Marshall Redhawks walk to the field before their Week 2 battle with Harper Creek. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
2
Week 2 - Harper Creek at Marshall
This game set the tone for the 2018 season. It also proved that in the High School ranks, you play the full 48 minutes. Also, one of the best finishes we've broadcast at WBCK.
The Battle Creek Central Bearcats look to continue their drive in the second half against Middleville Thornapple Kellogg October 26, 2018. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
The Battle Creek Central Bearcats look to continue their drive in the second half against Middleville Thornapple Kellogg October 26, 2018. (Photo - Nathan Adams)
1
Playoffs-Week 1 - BC Central at Thornapple Kellogg
This was no question the best game of the year. It was the first playoff appearance for Central in a decade. It also had yet another phenomenal finish.