The stage is set for a heavyweight showdown Saturday afternoon at John Duke Memorial Stadium, where the Howell Highlanders (9-1) will face the visiting East Kentwood Falcons (8-2) in a MHSAA Division 1 playoffs district final.

Both teams enter on impressive winning streaks, with Howell riding seven consecutive victories and East Kentwood having won three in a row.

The Highlanders, who reached the state quarterfinals in 2024, downed Kalamazoo Central 45-20 in last week’s district semifinal behind standout performances from seniors Preston Barb and Brody Stack, along with junior Palmer Vandeven.

The Falcons, who were eliminated in the first round of last year’s playoffs, come in with momentum after a dominant 49-15 victory over Grand Ledge , powered by their explosive senior

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