1st & Goal: 2024 Week 1 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 29, 2024
The captivating West Michigan sunset seen through the camera lens above is characteristic of the first few weeks of Michigan high school football season, when games begin in daylight before “Friday Night Lights” bring a later-night glow to communities all over both peninsulas.
That enchantment returns this weekend with 249 season openers tonight, 58 more Friday and one Saturday for the 603 varsity football teams set to play in our state this season.
More than 225 of those varsity games are scheduled to be broadcast this weekend on MHSAA.tv, including all four being played at Wayne State as part of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic and all four of the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic being played at Grand Blanc High School today or Kettering University on Friday. Click the names of the events for specific broadcast landing pages for those showcases.
As you’ll find at the start of every football weekend, below are glances at several matchups across the state that are most intriguing. All games are tonight unless noted, and follow the MHSAA Scores page all weekend for scores as they’re submitted.
Bay & Thumb
Goodrich (11-2) at Frankenmuth (11-2) WATCH
This is a rematch of last season’s 14-8 Goodrich win, clinched on a score with 18 seconds to play. It was Frankenmuth’s only loss until the Division 5 Semifinals, and the Martians went on to make the Semifinals in Division 4. Big things are expected of both again, as both are ranked No. 3 in their respective divisions in preseason polls by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Harbor Beach (9-2) at Cass City (8-3) WATCH, Ogemaw Heights (9-2) at Ubly (14-0) WATCH, Muskegon Mona Shores (7-4) vs. Grand Blanc (6-5) WATCH, Almont (12-2) at Marysville (8-3).
Greater Detroit
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (11-3) vs. Davison (12-1) at Wayne State WATCH
This is another rematch from a year ago and the premier clash at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic. Last time, Davison trailed 14-0 at halftime before winning 31-26 – and the Cardinals weren’t stopped until the Division 1 Semifinals. De La Salle bounced back to take its season even farther, finishing at Ford Field for the fourth straight and this time as Division 2 runner-up. The Pilots are the favorites in the MHSFCA Division 2 poll, and Davison is ranked No. 5 in Division 1.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (9-3) at West Bloomfield (10-3) WATCH. FRIDAY Belleville (13-1) vs. Clarkston (6-6) at Wayne State WATCH, Redford Union (7-3) at Harper Woods (11-3), Dexter (7-4) at Livonia Franklin (6-4) WATCH.
Mid-Michigan
North Muskegon (12-1) at Pewamo-Westphalia (10-2) WATCH
North Muskegon set the tone for its winningest season all-time last fall with a 17-14 win over the Pirates in the opener, and the Norsemen set the record with a 28-27 victory over P-W in a Division 7 Regional Final rematch before ending their run the next week. Those, of course, were the Pirates’ only losses of 2023, and they enter this fall No. 3 in Division 7 while North Muskegon is unranked.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Portage Central (8-2) at East Lansing (10-3) WATCH, Hudson (8-3) at Fowler (8-2), Lansing Sexton (8-2) at Lansing Everett (5-5) WATCH, DeWitt (7-3) at Haslett (8-4).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Reed City (9-4) at Kingsley (12-2)
Kingsley started its 2023 season with a 46-12 win over Reed City and ended the fall as Division 6 champion – a week after defeating Reed City again in a Semifinal 37-7. That alone should have the Coyotes revved for a big start this time, and after also closing last year with eight wins over their last nine games. Kingsley is ranked No. 2 and Reed City No. 8 heading into this meeting.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Gaylord (11-1) at Traverse City West (4-5) WATCH, Manistee (8-3) at Kalkaska (4-5). FRIDAY Elk Rapids (4-5) at Benzie Central (5-5), Charlevoix (9-2) at Traverse City St. Francis (4-5) WATCH.
Southeast & Border
Gibraltar Carlson (10-2) at Carleton Airport (10-2)
After losing to Airport 31-10 in their season opener a year ago, Carlson went on to win its next 10 games and set a program record for victories to go with league and District titles. Airport’s finish, meanwhile, was its best since 2003 and included a District title as well. The winner tonight could attract some attention quickly; both enter this fall unranked by the MHSFCA.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Adrian (6-4) at Ann Arbor Pioneer (6-4) WATCH, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (6-5) at Clinton (10-2), Michigan Center (7-3) at Jackson Lumen Christi (13-1), Brighton (5-5) at Saline (9-2) WATCH.
Southwest Corridor
Niles (10-2) at St. Joseph (6-4), Friday WATCH
The Vikings’ 55-0 win over St. Joseph to begin last season set the pace for a record-setting run as well as they reached double-digit wins for the first time – and with their lone losses of 2023 by a combined eight points. Niles enters this season No. 6 in Division 4, but the unranked Bears no doubt would love to spoil things after rebounding from last year’s defeat to extend their playoff streak to nine straight seasons.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-4) at Battle Creek Lakeview (3-6) WATCH, Saugatuck (8-3) at Buchanan (7-4) WATCH, Union City (6-4) at Centreville (5-5) WATCH, Berrien Springs (6-4) at Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep (5-5).
Upper Peninsula
Gladstone (9-3) at Marquette (5-4)
These longtime past Great Northern Conference foes went their separate ways again a year ago, but met for a nonconference opener won by Gladstone 36-7 – and that gave Gladstone back-to-back wins in the near-annual series for the first time since 2008 and 2009. Although neither is ranked at the start of this season, both always are expected to be near the top in the Upper Peninsula.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Ishpeming Westwood (1-8) at Bark River-Harris (5-4) WATCH, Escanaba (2-7) at Kingsford (10-2) WATCH, Iron Mountain (11-1) at Houghton (3-6). FRIDAY Marinette, Wis. (3-6) at Menominee (11-3).
West Michigan
Detroit Cass Tech (7-4) at Rockford (11-1) WATCH
This is another of the most anticipated matchups statewide this week, and this is the first time these teams will meet despite both being Division I championship contenders most of the last two decades. Rockford is ranked No. 2 in Division 1 after suffering its only loss last season against Davison in a Regional Final. Cass Tech is ranked No. 4 after ending last year’s run with a District Final loss to eventual champion Southfield Arts & Technology.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Paw Paw (9-2) at Big Rapids (10-2) WATCH, East Grand Rapids (7-3) at Lowell (6-4) WATCH, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (7-3) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (13-1). FRIDAY Zeeland West (9-4) at Muskegon (12-2).
8-Player
Au Gres-Sims (7-3) at Alcona (8-2) WATCH
Alcona ended a two-game losing streak against the Wolverines last season while in the midst of a perfect run to the North Star League Big Dipper title. On the other sideline, that 42-12 loss was Au Gres-Sims’ first of the fall and started a 1-3 run to close the Wolverines’ season as they finished second in the NSL Little Dipper. They remain in different divisions and could both emerge as league champions over the next two months.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Gobles (8-3) at Colon (4-5), Gaylord St. Mary (6-3) at Rudyard (6-4), Climax-Scotts (10-1) at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (6-3). FRIDAY Crystal Falls Forest Park (7-3) at Newberry (7-3).
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(PHOTO by Tim Reilly.)
Bronson Football Raising Bar with Growth in Numbers, Growing String of Successes
By
Scott Hassinger
Special for MHSAA.com
October 6, 2026
BRONSON – Tony Myers remembers the excitement he felt 17 years ago when, as a player, his Bronson football team won a Division 6 District championship.
Years later, Myers, now in his third year as the Vikings' head coach, has fans in this small community located in Branch County buzzing with enthusiasm as Bronson seeks a third-straight playoff berth and upper-tier finish in the Big 8 Conference.
Bronson, 4-2, has big games left on its schedule over the final three weeks of the regular season against league foes Quincy, Reading and East Jackson.
But its lone blemishes came to Division 8 ninth-ranked Springport 35-14 in the season opener and a 22-14 loss a couple weeks later to Union City. The Vikings own an impressive 14-0 win over Division 5 Buchanan in a nonleague battle.
Bronson hasn't won a District since Myers' playing days. The Vikings lost 20-12 to Hanover Horton in a Division 7 District Final last season and fell in a District Semifinal to Schoolcraft 28-14 in 2024.
For several years the program struggled before finally seeing an increase in numbers and players putting in the work during the offseason to make significant changes.
"Our coaching staff has instilled that belief that Bronson can be successful in football. I always talk to the kids about integrity, discipline, honor and those things that aren't mentioned too much outside of football. Men of integrity expect to be believed, and if they aren't then they prove people wrong over time," said Myers, whose wife Kate is a 2012 Bronson graduate; together they have a 7-year-old son Korbin and 5-year-old daughter Charlie June Myers.
He and his coaching staff brought a system and have been successful implementing it across the program. There are solid numbers at the junior varsity and middle school levels.
"It's really exciting to see the growth of this program. We have a new weight room and growth in numbers. Everything has just been really positive, and the community has been very supportive,” said Myers, who is serving as a substitute teacher in Bronson's school district while pursuing an education degree. “There is a huge crowd that follows us, which is great with the situation we're facing this season with no home games."
Due to stadium and field renovations, Bronson has been playing its home games this season at Sturgis, Coldwater and Union City high schools. Thanks to a successful millage vote, renovations to Bronson's stadium are now underway. A new track is being installed, and the field will be re-sodded, along with the addition of new lighting, new goal posts and future plans for upgrades of the press box and seating.
Bronson's defensive unit has forced 14 turnovers in six games. Going into last week's against Maple Valley, the Vikings' hadn't given up a single point during a second half.
Offensively, the Vikings have rolled up 2,428 yards of total offense, with 1,565 rushing yards and 863 passing. Bronson is averaging 30.8 points per game.
"We have a goal for our offense to achieve 5,000 total yards by the end of the season. We've been pretty balanced both passing and running the football," Myers said.
Bronson's backfield is led by the senior duo of Reid Stukey and Ben Stevens.
Stukey, a 5-foot-9, 165-pounder, leads his team in rushing with 97 carries for 809 yards and four touchdowns.
"Our mantra is exactly with Coach Myers preaches in practice, hard work and discipline. These guys all show up every day and ready to work. That's what makes you successful,” Stukey said. “The culture we've built calms my nerves. I'm not nervous about any roles I perform on the field. We want to win titles and play for one another.”
Stevens is the team's second-leading ground gainer with 55 carries for 562 yards and eight TDs. He's also caught 12 passes for 183 yards and two TDs.
"Ben is electric and knows how to read blocks. He's patient and waits until that pulling guard comes around, and after he leads into that linebacker he shoots out of the gap and is off to the races," Myers said.
Stevens, a slot back and tailback, also plays cornerback and safety.
"My leadership and explosiveness, I feel, are two of my biggest strengths. I try to get everyone pumped up after we make a big play and celebrate," Stevens said.
Starting quarterback Owen Losinski separated his shoulder two weeks ago, forcing Myers to move Stukey behind center. Stukey is 9-of-16 passing for 126 yards and two TDs since taking over as signal caller. Losinski is expected back on the field later this week.
"Reid has done a nice job stepping in at quarterback. He provides great leadership and picked things right up and has been able to run our offense effectively," Myers said.
Bronson's most imposing figure on the field is junior offensive tackle and defensive end Kyle Hyska (6-2, 290).
"We have a great deal of size up front with good chemistry within the entire team. Our guys are playing well as a unit and getting better each week,” Hyska said. “We just have to have trust that the guy next to us is doing his job at a high level. I like that with my positions that I get to run through people with controlled aggression.”
Hyska has received a Division I scholarship offer from Harvard.
"Kyle couldn't even squat 185 pounds as a freshman, but he's since grown into his body and increased his strength. He has dreams of playing at the college level and has the right body size, work ethic and mindset to do so," Myers said.
Leading Bronson defensively is senior middle linebacker Caleb Harvey (6-1, 185) with 45 tackles, including nine for loss of yardage and two QB sacks.
"Caleb is one of our toughest kids. He doesn't brag on himself, but he's an absolute animal at linebacker,” Myers said. “He is a great leader, makes quick reads and is always in the backfield making lots of tackles and just gets everyone focused.”
Harvey takes a lot of pride in the Vikings' defense.
"Most of the guys on the team have been playing together since our days in rocket football. At my position I really get to see the field and make big plays. I enjoy leading our defense. We just all need to be in unison to reach our goals," Harvey said.
Thirteen members of Bronson's team went to a summer football camp at Trine University.
"These kids are hungry, but they understand that nothing is given to you in life. We've really tried to ingrain to this group that if there's something you want, that you have to work hard and go after it,” Myers said. “People are going to have their opinions and be critical of you. No one builds statues of critics, so we tell the kids not to let the naysayers hold them down. I'm so thankful our senior group bought into what we're doing at such a young age because now all our underclassmen are seeing they can be successful as well.”
Ultimately, the Vikings want to add some hardware to the school trophy case once the postseason rolls around.
"These kids have talked about getting some trophies to put in their memory bank," Myers said.
Scott Hassinger is a contributing sportswriter for Leader Publications and previously served as the sports editor for the Three Rivers Commercial-News from 1994-2022. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Bronson senior tailback Ben Stevens (2) works to break a tackle against Buchanan on Sept. 25. (Middle) Bronson players (from left) Kyle Hyska, Reid Stukey, Caleb Harvey and Ben Stevens pose for a photo with head coach Tony Myers after a practice. (Below) Reid Stukey (20) tackles a Buchanan receiver following a reception. (Photos by Scott Hassinger.)