Cadillac Volleyball, Football Ready for the State Semis

CADILLAC — As the high school fall sports postseason continues this week, there are only two schools in the state that have both their volleyball and football teams remaining in the state semifinals: Cadillac and Schoolcraft.

The Vikings will play on Thursday in the state semifinals in volleyball against reigning champion, Grand Rapids Christian, while their football team will take on Edwardsburg in the Vikings’ first semifinal game.

“I can speak for our group of guys like we’ve had to fight through adversity this year, and we’ve just come through in a great way and responded really well,” Cadillac senior Ryan Wood said. “Volleyball I’m sure is the same way. It just goes to show how good of a group of kids we got out here and it’s just a great experience.”

“For both of us to be rewarded for keeping to the grind and keeping the faith and keeping our kids and our kids making good decisions, it’s a credit to everybody involved,” Cadillac volleyball coach Michelle Brines said.

The Cadillac volleyball team came off a thrilling comeback in the quarterfinals to advance to the semis for the first time since 2016. The Vikings will have their hands full with Grand Rapids Christian, who has won the last two state titles.

“There’s been so many things we’ve had to overcome and get through,” Cadillac senior Macy Brown said. “Obviously, we want to play our best game as best as we can. Hopefully that leads to a win, but as long as I think we put everything on the court, that’s all we can do.”

The Cadillac football team defeated Forest Hills Eastern for their first regional title. They will travel down to Edwardsburg on Saturday, ready to face a team that will make its sixth semifinal appearance in the last decade and won a state title in 2018.

“For us, it’s just one play at a time and just making sure that mental focus is there and that’s gonna be enough,” Cadillac football head coach Cody Mallory said. “No single guy is gonna win this game for us and so we need to buy into that team concept and make sure that we’re doing our little part to contribute.”

Cadillac will play Grand Rapids Christian in volleyball on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Battle Creek. The Vikings will play at Edwardsburg at 1 p.m. on Saturday.