Traverse City Central linebacker Jordan Fisher made a crucial pick in the Trojans’ biggest game of the season.

Lake Area Offensive Player of the Week

Matt Ellis  Sr  RB  Grand Rapids Christian: When GR Christian and Zeeland West meet in the postseason it’s always entertaining. While they didn’t combine to top 100 points like in 2012, the Eagles’ win came down to a winning score with 18 seconds to go in this D3 opener. Ellis had nine carries for 195 yards including TDs of 78 and 72 yards.

Lake Area Defensive Player of the Week

Grand Rapids West Catholic: Have to give it to a unit after what the Falcons did to commence the defense of the Division 5 crown. For the fourth time in the playoffs in as many years they beat Lansing Catholic holding a Cougars offense that had topped 40 points for the past month to a sole TD 28-6. LCC junior QB Michael Lynn III came in highly regarded in the Capital Area but ended up with enough interceptions to match the numeral in his name including one returned 36 yards for a TD by West Catholic’s Sam Neville.

Lake Area Small School Player of the Week

Ricky Clark  Sr  QB  Schoolcraft: He didn’t let a repeat of last year, when Constantine upset Schoolcraft, occur, leading them to a D6 district final with a 40-28 win. Clark threw for 226 yards and four TDs and ran in a pair of scores for unbeaten Schoolcraft.

Lake Area Northern Michigan Player of the Week

Jordan Fisher  Sr  LB  Traverse City Central: He made the crucial fourth-quarter interception against Traverse City West. It set up the Trojans’ winning score to beat their crosstown rival 13-12. They advance in Division 2 to play Lowell.

Lake Area Coach of the Week

Randy Vanderveen, Rockford: In his 20th season as the defensive coordinator for HOF coach Ralph Munger, Vanderveen continues to shut ’em down in one of the state’s ultimate grinder leagues. The latest victim was Hudsonville as a week after giving up two TDs losing the Rams gave up just one to Hudsonville this time to advance in the Division I playoffs 24-7. They held the O-K Red’s most explosive running QB, Hudsonville senior Jack Mandryck, to 32 yards on 20 carries.