The top two football teams in the Foster power poll are undefeated and run the Triple Option. Forgive me, Howell runs the Power T, which is another name for the Triple Option. The difference is Chelsea passes more out of the run dominate formation and has a slightly better defense.


1. CHELSEA BULLDOGS (9-0): Chelsea switched from a spread to the Triple Option – the same as Howell. The difference is the Bulldogs incorporated the pass more with speedy quarterback Jax Ichesco. Jax and his older brother Gibby kill with speed. The Bulldogs open the playoffs against Waterford Mott.
2. HOWELL HIGHLANDERS (9-0): The Highlanders have been my top choice the last two years. One-point wins against Hartland and Brighton dropped them behind the Bulldogs. Running back Jack Gondick is every bit as dangerous as star player Bryce Kish who is headed to Clemson to play ball. Howell is a three-time KLAA champion and opens the state playoffs against Grandville.
3. HARTLAND EAGLES (7-2): The goal this season was to be the best team in Livingston County. The Eagles were one-point away following a heartbreaking loss to Howell. Defensive end Michael Horton is a joy to watch as is speed demon running back Nic Honeycutt. The Eagles open the state playoffs at Brand Blanc.
4. SOUTH LYON (8-1) The Lions tied Milford for the Lakes Valley Conference title but crushed the Mavericks in their head-to-head meeting. South Lyon plays host to Flushing to begin the state playoffs in the Jungle.
5. FENTON TIGERS (7-2): The Tigers are a sneaky little regional power, having won the Flint Metro League Stripes Division outright the last five years. The Tigers are known for their high scoring, down to the wire with rival Linden. The Tigers always seem to find a way to win. Fenton plays host to Holly in the state playoffs.