1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Semifinals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 22, 2024
It’s pretty simple for football teams still playing this late into November.
All 32 that have reached this season’s MHSAA 11-Player Semifinals have accomplished something special while taking their communities on an unforgettable ride.
But those 16 that emerge victorious Saturday will have an opportunity to finish this four-month drive with the ultimate experience in Michigan high school football.
All 16 Semifinals kick off at 1 p.m. except for the Division 7 matchup between Schoolcraft and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, which will begin at noon. Follow along in person or watch all of them on MHSAA.tv, and keep up with the scores as they come in on the Football Playoff Scoreboard. See below for a glance at all 16 Semifinals.
Division 1
Rochester Adams (10-2) vs. Hudsonville (11-1) at Okemos
Hudsonville’s first Semifinal run since 2005 saw the Eagles avenge their lone loss this fall, downing undefeated Howell last week 35-6 after falling to the Highlanders in their season opener. Senior quarterback Griffin Baker has thrown for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns and run for 13 scores leading a balanced attack. Adams is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2021, with two midseason losses by a combined four points. Senior Matteo Humbert carries a lot of the offensive load, rushing for 1,204 yards and 18 TDs.
Detroit Cass Tech (10-2) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Troy Athens
These two are playing each other for the first time since the 2016 Division 1 championship game. Detroit Catholic Central gives up only 10.5 points per game and attacks on the ground and through the air, with senior running back Jaden Pydyn (1,158 yards, 23 TDs rushing) among notable standouts. Cass Tech is giving up only 6.8 points per game and has avenged one of its two losses, with freshman quarterback Donald Tabron II quickly drawing attention throwing for 1,318 yards and 13 TDs to arguably the strongest group of receivers in the state.
Division 2
East Lansing (9-3) vs. Byron Center (11-1) at Greenville
East Lansing is playing in a Semifinal for the second straight season, and these teams have some familiarity with each other as the Trojans won their Regional matchup a year ago 42-20. East Lansing senior running back Jace Clarizio has remained one of the state’s elite with 1,574 yards and 28 TDs rushing. Byron Center will counter with senior quarterback Landon Tungate, who will go down as one of the best in his program’s history throwing for 1,727 yards and 23 scores this fall and running for 1,237 yards and 19 more TDs.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-3) vs. Birmingham Groves (12-0) at West Bloomfield
Groves defeated reigning champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 21-19 to advance to its second Semifinal in three seasons. The Falcons also rely on a balanced offensive attack, led by senior running back Noah Sanders (821 yards/11 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Ryan Counts (1,363 yards/16 TDs passing). St. Mary’s has reached the Semifinals for the first time since 2016, giving up only a combined 10 points over three playoff wins, and with senior receiver Bryson Williams a dynamic playmaker with nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing and two apiece on kickoff and punt returns.
Division 3
Zeeland West (11-1) vs. DeWitt (12-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern
After missing last season, DeWitt will play in its sixth Semifinal over the last seven years, and with an offense that upped its average scoring this fall to nearly 57 points per game with 70 more last week. Senior quarterback Elliott Larner is one of several standouts and has thrown for 2,085 yards and 32 touchdowns and run for 1,812 yards and 24 scores. Zeeland West’s power running style could help keep the Panthers’ offense off the field; the Dux have run for 3,458 yards led by senior Keaton Hendricks with 1,419 and 18 touchdowns on the ground.
Mason (10-2) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (9-3) at Chelsea
These two have met in the playoffs three years in a row, with the Bulldogs emerging 25-20 in a Semifinal last fall. While Mason graduated most of the starting lineup that led the team to a Division 3 runner-up finish, senior quarterback Cason Carswell is finishing his fourth as a starter in a big way with 1,989 yards and 31 scores through the air as his younger teammates have grown into another standout unit. King’s defense perhaps stands out most this season, as senior defensive ends Xavier Newsome (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and Willie Fletcher (6-2, 230) are one of the state’s top pairs.
Division 4
Grand Rapids South Christian (8-4) vs. Niles (11-1) at Three Rivers
South Christian emerged from a four-game losing streak near the end of the regular season to reach the Semifinals for the third straight, and will attempt to make it three straight trips to Ford Field. Senior quarterback Carson Vis continues to impress with 2,371 yards and 22 touchdowns passing and 1,186 yards and 18 scores rushing. Niles’ season-opening loss to St. Joseph proved to be just a momentary detour during its first trip to the Semifinals. Seniors Peyton Gordon, Paul Hess and Sam Rucker have combined to run for 2,738 yards and 44 touchdowns,
Goodrich (11-1) vs. Harper Woods (9-3) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
This is a rematch of a 2023 Semifinal, won by Harper Woods 35-24 on the way to claiming the Division 4 title. Many of the major players are the same. Senior Chase Burnett is the top rusher behind an impressive offensive line for Goodrich, powering for 1,340 yards and 22 scores. Harper Woods’ attack is again directed by junior quarterback Nate Rocheleau, who has thrown for 1,503 yards and 29 touchdowns. Goodrich’s lone loss and two of Harper Woods’ came to teams still playing.
Division 5
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-4) vs. Frankenmuth (12-0) at Mount Pleasant
This will be the fourth time these two have met in the playoffs over the last five seasons. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won their Semifinal meeting last season 35-0 and rebounded from three straight losses to finish this regular season to claim a ninth-straight Regional title. Odin Spencer is another impressive freshman quarterback, throwing for 1,585 yards and 17 touchdowns and running for 531 yards and three scores. Frankenmuth has given up only 13 points through three playoff games, with senior Derrick Simmons (6-4/275) a force at defensive end. The Eagles have won five straight Regional championships.
Flat Rock (10-2) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (10-1) at Westland John Glenn
Notre Dame Prep showed itself to be a title contender with back-to-back wins over Jackson Lumen Christi and Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, and hasn’t let up. Junior quarterback Sam Stowe has thrown for 2,249 yards and 30 touchdowns and run for six scores. Flat Rock is playing in a Semifinal for the second-straight season, this time with its most wins since 1976. Senior Graham Junge is another standout quarterback, throwing for 2,468 yards and 36 touchdowns and also running for six scores.
Division 6
Boyne City (10-2) vs. Lansing Catholic (9-3) at Clare
Both of these contenders have recaptured past success to return to the Semifinals, Boyne City for the first time since 2014 and Lansing Catholic for the second time in four seasons but after going only 4-7 a year ago. Senior running back Ryan Spate is one from a collection of playmakers who have emerged for the Ramblers, running for 1,809 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior Alex Fernandez has powered the Cougars, throwing for 2,664 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 925 yards and 16 scores.
Marine City (10-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (11-1) at Novi
Lumen Christi moved to Division 6 this fall after winning Division 7 the last two seasons, and hasn’t been stopped aside from a four-point loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in Week 2. The Titans have their highest-powered offense in a decade and have scored at least 42 points in all three of their playoff wins. Marine City is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2021, powered by a high-scoring offense as well. The Mariners have topped 50 points seven times this season, including twice during the playoffs, led by a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in senior Paul Muscat (1,237/22 TDs) and junior Austin Brown (1,042/17).
Division 7
North Muskegon (11-1) vs. Millington (11-0) at Lansing Eastern
Millington is seeking a first trip to the Finals, and North Muskegon its first since 1981. Both also played in Semifinals a year ago, on opposite sides of the Division 7 bracket. Senior quarterback Truk Terbush is part of a loaded Cardinals backfield, throwing for 1,298 yards and 19 touchdowns and running for 453 yards and 10 scores. The Norsemen turn to a standout quarterback as well, as junior Bryce Colbert has thrown for 2,003 yards and 22 scores. North Muskegon’s lone defeat came in its season opener, by a point, to Pewamo-Westphalia.
Schoolcraft (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Monroe St. Mary is making its longest playoff run since its most recent championship season in 2019 and has scored more points this fall than the last two combined. Senior running back Drew Harris has played a large role in that resurgence, rushing for 1,348 yards and 21 touchdowns. Schoolcraft is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2020, its only loss to Constantine by two points in Week 3. Sophomore quarterback Jack DeVries has emerged impressively, throwing for 1,402 yards and 15 scores.
Division 8
Beal City (10-2) vs. Fowler (12-0) at Ithaca
Fowler’s first trip to the Semifinals since 2019 got a bit of a jumpstart in Week 9 with a 35-28 win over McBain – one of the two teams to defeat Beal City, 29-25 in Week 4. But like Fowler, the Aggies also eliminated an undefeated opponent to win a Regional title last week. They’ve both continued to be known for strong running games as well, Beal City following seniors Drew Block and Owen McKenny (1,625 yards/22 TDs rushing combined) while Fowler has had a bit more balance but also must replace injured lead rusher Ford Phillips (1,153 yards/25 TDs rushing). The Eagles also have been able to turn to senior quarterback Jacob Halfmann (1,671 yards/18 TDs passing, 8 TDs rushing).
Decatur (11-1) vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard (10-1) at Jackson
Decatur has advanced to the Semifinals for the first time since 2002, its only loss to White Pigeon by just eight points in Week 4. The Raiders have three rushers who have combined for more than 3,000 yards, led by junior Brody Mead (1,152/18 TDs) and senior Danny Camarillo (1,047/10). Gabriel Richard is returning to the Semifinals for the second-straight season, improving statistically on both sides of the ball from last fall and with its only loss to a Division 4 District champ in Macomb Lutheran North. Senior Joey Calhoun has averaged more than nine yards per carry for 1,140 and 16 TDs total on the ground.
MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO North Muskegon takes the field for its District Final against McBain on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
1st & Goal: 2026 Playoffs Week 2 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 5, 2026
Rematch week often means rivalry week and frequently includes a side of revenge as well when teams earn the opportunity to see each other a second time during the MHSAA Football Playoffs.
Our 11-Player District and 8-Player Regional Finals this season feature notable rematches between rivals and neighbors that will surely rev up those communities. No matter what was on the line the first time around, this time the winner will hoist a mitten trophy – and the team that doesn’t will put away the helmets and pads for the winter.
Tickets for all games are available on GoFan.co, and 70 will be broadcast on MHSAA.tv. Click to follow scores as they are reported and next week’s matchups as they’re determined, and see below for more on a game in each division that could make the most major impact on its bracket.
11-Player Division 1
Grand Ledge (10-0) at East Kentwood (10-0) – Saturday WATCH
The champions of the Capital Area Activities Conference Red and Ottawa-Kent Conference Red, respectively, will meet in a rematch of a 2025 District opener won by East Kentwood 49-15. The Falcons’ closest games this season were 21-point victories over Grandville and Rockford, the latter also defeated by Grand Ledge last week 34-31. That was the Comets’ first game closer than 14 points this fall, and it will be interesting to see if that experience pays off if this matchup is decided by a similarly small margin.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Grand Blanc (10-0) at Clarkston (9-1) WATCH, Rochester (7-3) at Romeo (10-0) WATCH, Rochester Adams (7-3) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (8-2) WATCH.
11-Player Division 2
South Lyon East (8-2) at South Lyon (8-2) WATCH
South Lyon defeated rival East during both the regular season and District last season and will attempt to finish a repeat this fall after downing the Cougars 21-10 in Week 7. That win eventually allowed South Lyon to claim a share of the Lakes Valley Conference title and kept East from doing the same, and that victory also was the second in a current string of five that has seen the Lions give up no more than 15 points in a game. East has hit its stride offensively again and opened the playoffs by nearly doubling up Saginaw Heritage.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Muskegon Mona Shores (9-1) at Caledonia (8-2) WATCH, Midland Dow (8-2) at Milford (9-1) WATCH, Temperance Bedford (8-2) at Grosse Pointe South (9-1) WATCH.
11-Player Division 3
Detroit Martin Luther King (7-3) at Harper Woods (8-2) WATCH
Several eyes statewide will be on this District Final thanks to the star power on the field and potential for the winner to end up the eventual Division 3 champion. Both of Harper Woods’ losses were against teams still in this field as well, Chelsea and Mason, and the Pioneers bounced back from a Week 9 defeat to the latter to get past Warren Fitzgerald in its District opener. King lost its final two regular-season games, to Detroit Cass Tech and Cincinnati Moeller, but also bounced back well last week against Grosse Pointe North to earn this opportunity to win a 12th-straight District title.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Redford Thurston (9-1) at Chelsea (10-0) WATCH, Cadillac (8-2) at Mount Pleasant (9-1) WATCH, Warren De La Salle Collegiate (6-4) at Port Huron (10-0) WATCH.
11-Player Division 4
Portland (10-0) at Edwardsburg (10-0) WATCH
CAAC White champion Portland will attempt this week to finish a run through the elite of the Wolverine Conference, having defeated runner-up Paw Paw 22-13 in a District opener to set up this matchup with league leader Edwardsburg. Despite both having plenty of playoff success in the recent past, they’ve never met before, and this matchup will pit a pair of teams known for their offensive efficiency and rushing power, and ability to withstand both on the other side of the ball.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Grand Rapids South Christian (9-1) at Stevensville Lakeshore (9-1) WATCH, Adrian (9-1) at Dearborn Divine Child (9-1) WATCH, St. Clair (8-2) at Detroit Country Day (7-3).
11-Player Division 5
Negaunee (6-4) at Kingsford (10-0) – Saturday WATCH
Kingsford proved itself to be undoubtedly the best team in the Upper Peninsula during the regular season, especially with wins during the final two weeks over Menominee and Marquette. But the Flivvers’ closest game this fall – and in fact, one of only three decided by single digits – was 21-16 over Negaunee in Week 4. The Miners have played several tough teams in nail-biters this season, defeating Marquette by two and losing to Calumet, Kingsford, Menominee and Iron Mountain by a combined 19 points.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hopkins (9-1) at Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-2) WATCH, Imlay City (8-2) at Saginaw Swan Valley (9-1) WATCH, Ida (8-2) at Monroe Jefferson (9-1).
11-Player Division 6
Gladwin (6-4) at Sanford Meridian (10-0) WATCH
The Jack Pine Conference division champs will meet for a second time in four weeks, and this is hardly the mismatch their records might seem to indicate. Meridian has been outstanding, 10-0 for the first time since 2015 and defeating six playoff teams to get here, including Gladwin 28-13 in their league crossover Oct. 16. But look at who the Flying Gs have played as well; they’ve defeated four playoff teams and lost to four more, and they opened their postseason last week with a 40-19 win over Northern Michigan Football Conference co-champion Harbor Springs.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Traverse City St. Francis (7-3) at Kingsley (10-0) WATCH, Montrose (8-2) at Marine City (10-0) WATCH. SATURDAY Clinton (9-1) at Detroit Edison (9-1) WATCH.
11-Player Division 7
Ithaca (9-1) at Millington (10-0) WATCH
Millington has shined on both sides of the ball in reaching 10-0 for the third time in four seasons, and the defense has made arguably the bigger impression. The Cardinals have given up more than 16 points only once, to Ubly which is also still alive, and their success in stopping Ithaca could decide this power-packed matchup. The Yellowjackets have scored at least 35 points in every game but one – their 29-26 loss to still-undefeated Beal City in Week 9 – and Ithaca also gave up only 26 points total over its other eight games this fall.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ottawa Lake Whiteford (8-2) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (9-1) WATCH. SATURDAY North Muskegon (9-1) at Schoolcraft (8-2) WATCH, Ravenna (8-2) at Constantine (9-1) WATCH.
11-Player Division 8
Springport (9-1) at Decatur (10-0) WATCH
Springport’s Week 3 loss to Beal City is the only defeat between these two teams, who together have put together impressive two-year stretches – Springport is a combined 20-2 with two Big 8 Conference titles, and Decatur a combined 17-3 with a pair of Southwest 10 Conference championships. They do have one shared opponent this fall; Decatur defeated Vermontville Maple Valley 22-6 last week and Springport downed the Lions 21-14 in Week 4. But that’s just another sign of their similar strengths – both teams have multiple-touchdown wins over quality opponents, and both also have shut down the majority of offenses they’ve faced. This could be low-scoring and close.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Unionville-Sebewaing (8-2) at Ubly (7-3) WATCH, East Jordan (8-2) at Beal City (10-0) WATCH. SATURDAY Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-1) at Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (9-1) WATCH.
8-Player Division 1
Deckerville (9-1) at Dryden (10-0) WATCH
Dryden’s most successful season since 2008 already includes a 44-38 win over Deckerville in Week 5 that ended up deciding the Big Thumb Conference Blue title, and a repeat result would give the Cardinals their first Regional title since 1996. Deckerville is more familiar with this stage of the postseason, as the Eagles are seeking a fourth-straight Regional title, but they must show they can further slow down a Dryden attack that averages 55 points per game and has gone over 80 twice.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Ishpeming (8-2) at Pickford (8-2) WATCH, Colon (9-1) at Climax-Scotts (8-2), Blanchard Montabella (9-1) at Merrill (9-2) WATCH.
8-Player Division 2
Gaylord St. Mary (10-0) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (10-0) – Saturday WATCH
Both teams are chasing history with this titanic matchup. Lake Linden-Hubbell last won a Regional title just a few seasons ago, in 2023, but an 11th win would give the Lakes their most since their Class D championship season of 1997. Gaylord St. Mary is playing to reach 11 for the first time since 2002 – when the Snowbirds won their most recent Regional title. Lake Linden-Hubbell has played only one single-digit game this fall and follows an offense that has reached 42 points in all 10. St. Mary has played only one single-game digit too and will attempt to match Lakes scores with an attack that’s reached 50 points seven times.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Britton Deerfield (8-2) at Bay City All Saints (9-1) WATCH. SATURDAY Grand Rapids Sacred Heart (9-1) at Portland St. Patrick (10-0) WATCH, Marcellus (7-3) at Mendon (10-0) WATCH.
MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO Southfield Bradford’s Dalon Lyons carries the ball during his team’s 30-0 Week 2 win over Detroit Pershing. (Photo by Olivia B. Photography.)