PLAYOFFS: Dearborn at Walled Lake Western

**Michael Hatcher powers his way pass the goal line for 1 of his 7 TDs**
**Gilvanni Johnson did what he could to carry Walled Lake**
**Khalil Hazime is a hard nosed football QB**

**Michael Hatcher had a memorable playoff performance**

Walled Lake- it wasn't uncommon to see Michael Hatcher run a player over last night against Walled Lake Western, but most of the people in attendance will remember all of the times the Dearborn tailback bobbed and weaved his way downfield while leaving Walled Lake hugging air. Hatcher amazed the crowd to a performance that saw the senior rush for 285 yards and 7 touchdowns, 6 rushing and 1 receiving.

And while its Hatcher's numbers that stoodout it was a full team effort as the visiting Pioneers trounced the Warriors 49-26 to advance in the Division 2-Region 4-District 1 finals next week against Southfield.

Walled Lake actually got on the board first when they took advantage of the game's opening drive and used two big pass receptions to John Popa to move the ball downfield. Gilvanni Johnson capped the drive with a 17 yard dash to give Western a 7-0 lead with 8:14 in the first quarter.

Dearborn's offense got on the field they didn't waste anytime to tie the game as Hatcher made the first of his gamebreaking plays by shaking off a handful of Western defenders as he trotted 66 yards. The Pioneers then took the lead off of a Hatcher 36 yard run with 3:41 to go in the first quarter.

Special teams doomed Walled Lake in the second quarter, allowing Dearborn to take a big lead that the Pioneers would never relinquish. First Walled Lake was set to punt the ball but the snap was off target and the punter was tackled at the Walled Lake 8 yard line. Hatcher scored his third touchdown on the very next play for a 21-7 lead.

Panic then forced Walled Lake to attempt a fake punt run that was stuffed by linebacker Nores Fradi to give Dearborn the ball on the Walled Lake 24 yard line. Dearborn took advantage on Hatcher's 5 yard touchdown run that gave the Pioneers a 28-7 lead with 6:34 in the second quarter. Walled Lake's third special team miscue came right before the half ended when they put together a solid drive and tried to attempt a short 23 yard field goal that sailed left.

Dearborn showed no let up in the second half as Hatcher added three more scores to put the game away.

BREAKDOWN

Dearborn- the offense looked very explosive as the Pioneers didn't wasted any time to move the ball downfield by picking up huge chunks of yardage on a consistent basis. Coach Mifsud does a solid job of spreading the field and giving his playmakers space to make big plays. Defensively I like how Dearborn's players all just focus on their job and everyone is held accountable.

Dearborn had an obvious speed advantage over Walled Lake but that'll change next week against Southfield.

Western- Walled Lake killed theirselves with mistakes in the second quarter and trying to pull off the fake punt so early in the game was suicidal. The defensive game plan looked solid but Western just couldn't finish the tackles, allowing Dearborn to make big plays.

Offensive MVP: Michael Hatcher, Dearborn- the numbers alone give Hatcher this honor- 7 TDs and over 300 yards all purpose. Hatcher did an phenomenal job of making guys miss by hitting the breaks and quickly getting back in motion.

Defensive MVP: Nores Fradi, Dearborn- the 6-1/ 200 pound junior linebacker finished with 16 tackles. He did a good job of sniffing out plays and he has good speed to get around the field. I would like to see him bulk up a little more before I label him as a D-1 prospect.

Khalil Hazime, Dearborn- the senior linebacker only stands 5-9 but he seems to have a solid grip on the offense. He made good throws all night and I also liked how he tried to deliver the hit when he ran the ball.

Walter Knapp, Dearborn- Knapp (6-4/194 pounds) is a deep field threat and really opened up stuff underneath for Hatcher. He made a real nice catch 30 yards downfield and also broke open a simple hitch route for a big play after shaking off a tackle.

Sam Welch, Western- the 5-11/200 pound junior was Western's starting QB. He's a tough runner and a handful to bring down out of the spread option but he had his struggles reading the defense and delivering the ball downfield. Welch just has a little homework to do over the off season.

Gilvanni Johnson, Western- I don't have an exact number but I am sure the senior back had well over 100 yards rushing. He's a good every down back but just lacks that true breakout speed.

John Popa, Western- Popa also had his share of big plays. The 6-3 receiver did a good job of finding space and then shielding his defender to make the catch.