Belleville defeats Saline in Michigan high school football playoff district finals

Bryce Underwood and the Belleville Tigers put on a dominant performance in front of a packed crowd against Saline in the Division 1 Michigan high school football district finals.

Going into the game, it was hailed as one of the most anticipated matchups in the state as both teams were contenders for the state title but only one could move on in the playoffs.

The stadium was packed with Michigan fans who came to show their support for the number one high school player in the class of 2025 who is committed to LSU, quarterback Bryce Underwood, and senior safety who is committed to Pittsburgh, Elijah Dotson.

They sported maze and blue t-shirts that read, “Michigan wants Bryce and E Dot!” on the front and “Stay Home!” on the back in hopes that Underwood and Dotson will flip their commitments to Michigan ahead of next season.

Belleville received the ball first and wasted no time putting points on the board. The drive was led by number one ranked recruit Bryce Underwood who delivered accurate passes with his arm and scrambled with his legs. The Tigers capped the drive off with an 11-yard touchdown run by senior running back Ray-mond Smith. After the extra-point, Belleville led 7-0.

Saline started its possession on their own 26 yard-line but quickly went three-and-out as the Belleville defense bottled up the run game.

Belleville got the ball back and quickly drove down the field and into the red zone but Underwood threw an interception.

Saline took over from their own six yard-line and put together a solid drive. However, the Hornets fumbled and Belleville recovered.

The Tigers responded by driving down the field with an up-tempo pace. Belleville went for it on fourth and 10 from the Saline 11-yard-line. Underwood was flushed out of the pocket by the pressure and ran straight for the goal line. Underwood was met by a wall of Saline defenders but managed to stay upright and power through them for the touchdown.

The score was 14-0 with just over five minutes remaining in the first half.

Saline needed to respond with a score before the half to get some momentum but the opposite happened. Saline junior quarterback Tommy Carr was picked off by senior linebacker Andre Thomas Jr and he returned it 64 yards for a touchdown.

Saline showed resiliency by putting together a scoring drive making the score 21-7.

However, with only 28 seconds remaining in the first half, Underwood launched an 87-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Antwon Thomas. The score was 28-7 at halftime.

Saline received the ball at the start of the second half and put together another solid drive but again couldn’t capitalize in the red zone. Belleville stopped Saline on fourth down and took over from their own five yard line.

By this point in the game, Belleville was in complete control and drove 95-yards down to field for another scoring drive capped off by an Underwood passing touchdown to senior receiver Trey Graham.

The score was 35-7 with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Saline took over the ball but once again couldn’t gain yardage against the stout Tigers defense. The Hornets turned the ball over in their own territory.

Belleville took over and quickly ran the ball for a rushing touchdown making the score 42-7.

The Tigers won their final home game of the season comfortably in front of a packed crowd. Belleville has now won three straight district championships against Saline.

Underwood completed 11 of 19 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Belleville will play against the undefeated Catholic Central Shamrocks Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals round.