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The D Zone predicts the Division 7 State Title game, Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Saugatuck
Division 7 State Championship Overview: Pewamo-Westphalia has cruised to get their first opportunity to defend the Division 7 State Title after winning it for the first time in 2016. In their way will be a hungry Saugatuck squad who after the district finals, no one would have guessed that they would have gotten this far, the highest they've scored in the past 3 weeks has been 14 points, but it's been enough.
State Finals history:
Pewamo-Westphalia won the only title in school history in 2016 vs. Loyola in Division 7. In 2015 P-W lost to Ishpeming and in 2011 they lost to Nouvel both in the Division 7 finals.
Saugatuck's lone appearance was a loss in 2010 to Sacred Heart Academy in Division 8.
Last weeks predictions: 1-1 (14-4 Overall in Division 7)
Breakdown: Pewamo-Westphalia enters this week hot as can be as they completely shutdown a high-powered offense at Lake City last week and a few weeks prior vs. New Lothrop which was impressive. P-W has consistently been a power in the state since 2010 but has had tough playoff losses late in the year. Saugatuck is definitely the biggest shocker across all 8 divisions to get to this point, they have some insane defense in these playoffs so far. The defensive dominance has limited the amount of points their offense has needed to score. The Indians normally have a high-powered offense but with 351 points this year is almost half less than what they scored in just 11 games last year with 588 points.
Prediction: Pewamo-Westphalia 21-7
Explanation: Pewamo-Westphalia doesn't have a quick strike offense so they know if they go 3 and out, they can fix what they did wrong and execute better on their next drive while Saugatuck does run a wing-t offense. Saugatuck could have huge drives and an occasional big play, but unlike most of their opponents, P-W will be prepared to stop their offense and defend their Division 7 title.