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Ogemaw Heights senior quarterback Eion Jones runs for a first down during his team’s Division 5 District Final win over Kingsford on Saturday.

1st & Goal: 2025 Playoffs Week 2 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

November 11, 2025

Kent City, Hanover-Horton, Springport, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and Allen Park Cabrini hoisted football District championship trophies for the first time.

MI Student AidBlanchard Montabella brought home its first Regional title and also was among a handful of teams that set school wins records during a highlight-filled second weekend of the MHSAA Football Playoffs.

We checked in with all eight 8-Player Regional Finals below and also glanced at 32 of our 11-Player District championship games as the field was reduced to 72 teams.  

11-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Clarkston 44, Grand Blanc 22 Three players scored multiple touchdowns and Clarkston (10-1) held Grand Blanc to well below half of its season average of 48 ppg in dealing the Bobcats (10-1) their only loss. The District title was the Wolves’ third in four years. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest East Kentwood 49, Howell 41 The Falcons claimed their first District championship since 2014 and ended Howell’s season a win shy of what would have been a second straight for the Highlanders (9-2). Hudsonville 42, Rockford 31 The Eagles (11-0) finished a season sweep of the Rams (8-3) for the first time to repeat as District champs. Rochester Adams 43, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 18 These Highlanders (9-2) won their fourth District title over the last five seasons, pulling away after previously defeating Stoney Creek (7-4) by only six points in Week 6.

11-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Traverse City Central 16, Muskegon 14 The Trojans (7-4) have opened these playoffs with a pair of unforgettable two-point wins, this one to claim their first District title since 2021. The Big Reds closed a solid rebound season also at 7-4 after finishing 3-5 a year ago. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

District Digest Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 35, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 14 The Eaglets (8-2) saw their three-year winning streak over Rice (6-5) end with a 43-31 loss in Week 8, but they reversed that result to win a third District title over four seasons. Dexter 41, South Lyon 27 The Dreadnaughts (10-1) claimed their second District title over the last four years and delivered South Lyon (10-1) its lone loss by overcoming a defense that had given up only 12 points per game. Portage Central 34, Byron Center 7 After allowing more than eight points in a game (19) last week for the first time all season, Central (11-0) was back to its single-digit success in ending this run for last season’s Division 2 runner-up Bulldogs (7-4).

11-Player Division 3

HEADLINER Zeeland West 48, St. Joseph 24 If reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West is going to return to Ford Field, the Dux are going to pile up plenty of miles along the way. West (8-3) went on the road for not only the second time this playoffs, but fifth-straight week and defeated St. Joseph (6-5) in a District Final for the second-straight season. West heads to Lowell next. Click for more from the Holland Sentinel.

District Digest Mount Pleasant 42, Gaylord 0 The Oilers (11-0) put up perhaps their most impressive performance against one of their most notable opponents, claiming their third shutout this season in handing Gaylord (10-1) its lone defeat. Lowell 28, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 21 The Red Arrows (9-2) jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead and held on for a first District title since 2016, ending MTK’s run at 7-4. Fenton 35, Adrian 7 The Tigers (8-3) also earned their first District championship since 2016, ending Adrian’s winningest season since 2010 at 9-2.

11-Player Division 4

HEADLINER Goodrich 27, Chelsea 7 Make that 24 straight wins and four straight District championships for the reigning Division 4 champion Martians, who this week will pursue a fourth-straight Regional title as well. Goodrich (11-0) stopped a Chelsea offense that hadn’t scored fewer than 28 points in a game. The Bulldogs finished 9-2. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

District Digest Big Rapids 48, Escanaba 18 The Cardinals (10-1) made the trip north and came back with their second District title in three seasons, ending Escanaba’s best run this decade at 9-2. Williamston 42, Haslett 21 The Hornets (11-0) trailed 21-7 at halftime but scored 28 unanswered points during the third quarter to clinch a first District title since 2020 and end Haslett’s season at 8-3. Portland 28, Grand Rapids Christian 0 After surviving a first-round matchup with Grand Rapids South Christian 42-41, Portland locked  up its fourth shutout and ninth game giving up seven points or fewer to get past the Eagles (6-5), who were making their first playoff run since 2022.

11-Player Division 5

HEADLINER Grand Rapids West Catholic 21, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 20 (OT) West Catholic (10-1) defeated rival Catholic Central for the first time since 2016, stopping a 2-point conversion try to close it out. Catholic Central (10-1) had ended the Falcons’ last two seasons with playoff losses and won nine straight District titles entering this playoffs. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

District Digest Michigan Center 35, Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard 18 This made nearly as big a wave as West Catholic’s win, as Michigan Center (10-1) won its first District title since 2021 by handing FGR (10-1) its only defeat. Ogemaw Heights 41, Kingsford 6 Ogemaw Heights (10-1) also came back from surviving a one-point playoff-opening win, claiming its first District title since 2012 in ending the Flivvers’ season at 7-4. Kalamazoo United 21, Berrien Springs 6 The Titans (9-2) won this matchup of league champions to repeat as a District title winner after these two met for last year’s as well. Berrien Springs finished 6-3 after making the playoffs this season for the 12th straight.

11-Player Division 6

HEADLINER Kingsley 57, Traverse City St. Francis 6 Kingsley (9-2) hasn’t lost since falling to St. Francis by a point in Week 5, and with this victory avenged that defeat to lock up its second District title in three seasons. The Stags earned another rematch and will face Reed City for the Regional title after defeating the Coyotes in their season opener. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

District Digest Kent City 24, Belding 16 The Eagles (11-0) claimed their first District title while playing their third-straight road game and set a program record for wins while ending Belding’s season at 9-2. Detroit Edison 48, Warren Michigan Collegiate 14 Edison (9-2) managed to still win its league this season despite losing to Michigan Collegiate (6-5) in Week 2 and added a second District title over three seasons by avenging that loss. Ida 28, Ecorse 6 The Bluestreaks (9-2) won their first District title since 2016 with their best defensive showing since September, ending Ecorse’s run at 8-3.

11-Player Division 7

HEADLINER Clinton 22, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 14 More than two months after falling to St. Mary 42-6 in its season opener, Clinton (9-2) also avenged last year’s District Final loss to the Falcons (8-3). The win gave the Redwolves their fifth District title over the last six seasons, and with St. Mary coming off finishing Division 7 runner-up last fall. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

District Digest Hanover-Horton 20, Bronson 12 The Comets (9-2) have won eight straight and now their first District championship as part of that streak, ending Bronson’s best season since 2009 at 8-3. Ithaca 22, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 21 The Yellowjackets (8-3) came back from multiple touchdowns down to win a third District title this decade and end Laker’s run at 8-3 as well. Menominee 49, McBain 6 Menominee’s third-straight District title clincher saw the Maroons (11-0) tie their season-low points allowed while handing McBain (8-3) its first defeat since mid-September.

11-Player Division 8

HEADLINER Bark River-Harris 41, Iron Mountain 20 After entering this season having never defeated Iron Mountain, Bark River-Harris (9-1) downed the Mountaineers for the third time this fall to win a first District title since 2003. Iron Mountain (7-4) had won five District titles over the last six seasons entering the weekend. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

District Digest Springport 35, New Lothrop 13 The Spartans (11-0) added a first District championship to what continues to be their most successful season all-time, doing so in part by holding New Lothrop (7-4) to its fewest points scored this fall. Madison Heights Madison 22, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 17 Madison’s first playoff run this decade has turned into its longest since 2018 as the Eagles (10-1) ended Everest’s season at 6-5. Allen Park Cabrini 52, Riverview Gabriel Richard 0 Cabrini (10-1) also claimed its first District title and scored its most points in a game this season while ending the run for RGR (5-6), last year’s Division 8 runner-up.

8-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 26, Merrill 0 A Week 9 loss to Portland St. Patrick is proving to be just a detour for Montabella as the Mustangs (10-1) may have missed out on a perfect regular season but have now won their first Regional championship. Montabella had taken its Week 8 matchup with Merrill 36-26, but this time claimed its third shutout this season. Click for more from the Greenville Daily News.

Regional Roundup Norway 58, Pickford 12 The Knights have reached 11 wins for the first time since 1979, according to Michigan-Football.com, and will play in their first Semifinal since 2006 after ending this run for last year’s Division 1 runner-up Pickford at 8-2. Martin 36, Climax-Scotts 20 The Clippers (11-0) clinched their fifth Regional title over the last six seasons in part by holding Climax-Scotts (8-3) to a tie for its fewest points scored over the last two years. Kingston 32, Capac 8 After opening the playoffs by avenging a regular-season loss, Capac (8-3) fell short in doing so a second time as Kingston (10-1) added to its 42-0 win from Week 2 to claim a second Regional title over the last three seasons.

8-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Portland St. Patrick 51, Mendon 22 The Shamrocks won their first Regional championship since 2020 by holding Mendon to its fewest points in two years. Both teams were undefeated entering the weekend, and Mendon (10-1) scored first before Brady Leonard scored four of his five touchdowns to help St. Patrick (11-) build a 36-8 lead early in the third quarter. Click for more from the Sturgis Journal.

Regional Roundup Felch North Dickinson 32, Lake Linden-Hubbell 12 The Nordics (11-0) added to their 38-34 Week 1 win over the Lakes (8-3) to claim their first Regional title since 2001 – and, as started previously this season, just two years after not having a varsity team. Onekama 46, Gaylord St. Mary 6 The Portagers (11-0) have won two straight Regional titles and with this one also set a program record for wins while ending the Snowbirds’ season at 8-3. Deckerville 28, Britton Deerfield 8 The Eagles (10-1) are one more win from a return trip to Superior Dome and advanced this time by handing Britton Deerfield (9-2) its first loss since Week 2.

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 Ogemaw Heights senior quarterback Eion Jones runs for a first down during his team’s Division 5 District Final win over Kingsford on Saturday. (Photo by Kolleth Photo.)

A LeRoy Pine River ball carrier finds an opening against Evart on Friday, 9/9/22.

1st & Goal: 2022 Week 3 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 12, 2022

At first glance from a mile-high view last week, Michigan’s Week 3 high school football schedule didn’t have a ton of matchups that popped off the page.

MI Student AidBut when there are only nine regular-season games and only 288 teams that move on to the playoffs, every matchup matters much more.

And of course, plenty found a way to grab our attention. We check in on 45 below.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Croswell-Lexington 34, Armada 12 The reigning Blue Water Area Conference champion Pioneers (3-0) took a big-time step toward a possible repeat, as Armada (2-1) has received a lot of attention for its turnaround over the last two seasons including its fast start this fall. Croswell-Lexington quarterback Gavin Espinoza starred as his team ran its league winning streak to 12. Click for more from The Sports Report.

Watch list Saginaw Heritage 52, Grand Blanc 40 The Hawks are 3-0 for the first time since 2006 and have put up more than 50 points every game, with 52 the most Grand Blanc (1-2) has given up since 2019.

On the move Davison 49, Traverse City Central 14 The Cardinals (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss to Detroit Catholic Central to send the reigning Division 2 runner-up to 1-2. Bay City Western 21, Traverse City West 0 The Warriors (2-1) welcomed Traverse City West (1-2) to the Saginaw Valley League, earning their first shutout since 2019. Saginaw Swan Valley 27, Essexville Garber 21 After a tough start but against two league championship contenders, Swan Valley (1-2) is on the board with this win over the Dukes (2-1). If history holds, they may see each other again in the playoffs for the fourth-straight season.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Clarkston 45, Rochester Adams 35 A score-fest during the first half – Clarkston led 42-28 at the break – did eventually slow down as the Wolves (2-1) handed the reigning Division 1 runner-up Highlanders their first regular-season loss since 2019. The win also gives Clarkston an important edge to start the Oakland Activities Association Red schedule, as Adams (2-1) rejoined the division after winning the OAA White a year ago. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

Watch list Gibraltar Carlson 35, Allen Park 6 The Marauders (3-0) jumped to 9-2 last season, but with 28 and 21-point losses to Allen Park. This win was Carlson’s first in the series since 2018.

On the move Detroit Catholic Central 45, DeWitt 38 (OT) This looks great for both teams; DCC (2-1) for holding on against another of the state’s top programs, and the young but talented Panthers (2-1) for pushing a Division 1 power to overtime. Detroit Country Day 28, Warren Michigan Collegiate 20 All three of Country Day’s wins have come against 2021 playoff qualifiers, with Michigan Collegiate (2-1) last season’s Division 7 runner-up. Plymouth 16, Canton 0 After back-to-back one-win seasons, Plymouth (1-2) earned the first of this fall to avenge losing to rival Canton (1-2) by 50 a year ago.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Hastings 24, Jackson Lumen Christi 21 The Saxons shared last season’s Interstate 8 Athletic Conference championship, a 33-22 loss to Lumen Christi keeping Hastings from the outright title. But the Saxons held off the Titans this time for their second win in the series over the last three seasons – and sent Lumen Christi to 0-3, although those losses have come to teams that sit a combined 8-1. Click for more from The Hastings Banner.

Watch list Ithaca 48, Saginaw Nouvel 6 The Yellowjackets (2-1) started their league title 13-peat pursuit well, stopping a Panthers offense that had scored a combined 93 points over their 2-0 start. Ithaca, currently in the Tri-Valley Conference West 2, has won outright or shared its league’s championship every season beginning with 2009.

On the move Mount Pleasant 27, Cadillac 24 The Oilers (3-0) ran their regular-season winning streak to 15 with their closest victory of the run. Cadillac (1-2), notably, has two one-score defeats. Holt 14, Grand Ledge 6 The Rams’ rebound may be starting as Holt (1-2) ran its winning streak over the rival Comets (2-1) to three. New Lothrop 55, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 0 The Hornets (3-0) are among the most impressive teams in the state through the first third of the regular season, as Everest was 9-3 last fall – but is off to a 1-2 start this time after opening with three 2021 playoff teams.

An Ithaca ball carrier works to break free from a Saginaw Nouvel tackler.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Boyne City 34, Grayling 6 These two go back most of the last two decades as league opponents, then ended up in separate leagues the last two seasons but faced off in the playoffs, splitting those games with Boyne City winning by a point last year. They are still in different divisions of the Northern Michigan Football League, but the Ramblers (3-0) will enter Leaders play with plenty of momentum coming off their best defensive performance. Grayling will take a 1-2 record into the Legends division. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

Watch list Elk Rapids 30, Tawas 14 The Elks (3-0) have now won as many games this season as over the last two combined, and have yet to allow more than two touchdowns this fall.

On the move Kingsley 30, Ogemaw Heights 20 The Stags (2-1) bounced back from a one-point Week 2 loss to Gaylord to set up this week’s matchup with rival Traverse City St. Francis. Traverse City St. Francis 49, Benzie Central 12 The Gladiators (3-0) also are riding high after moving to 2-0 in the NMFL Legends. Lake City 44, Manton 0 After losing the season opener to Cheboygan, Lake City (2-1) hasn’t allowed a point and handed Manton (2-1) its first defeat after the Rangers had topped 30 points both of their first two games.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Tecumseh 35, Pinckney 14 An early slate of three opponents that made the playoffs last season might have seemed a little daunting as Tecumseh was starting this season pursuing its first winning record since 2013. But Tecumseh (3-0) is setting the pace, adding this win to victories over Michigan Center and Richland Gull Lake to start the fall. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

Watch list Carleton Airport 33, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 14 The Jets (3-0) are coming off back-to-back four-win seasons but have nearly equaled that victory total already, with this one also avenging a 35-26 loss to SMCC from last season.

On the move Addison 48, Hanover-Horton 39 The Panthers (2-1) bounced back from their Week 2 loss by grounding a Comets team that was coming off a big win. Clinton 18, Ida 6 The Redwolves (3-0) have added a solid Lenawee Country Athletic Association win to a big overall start, as Ida was the runner-up in the league a year ago. Napoleon 30, Manchester 25 Add the Pirates (3-0) to the list of contenders in the Cascades Conference after their most impressive win so far, as they handed Manchester (2-1) its lone defeat.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Portage Central 16, Battle Creek Lakeview 13 Not so fast, to anyone who had counted out Portage Central after its 0-2 start. The Mustangs began Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference play with this win over the only league team that had begun 2-0. Central (1-2) came back from a 13-0 halftime deficit to catch the Spartans (2-1). Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Watch list Sturgis 55, Plainwell 35 The Trojans (2-1) defeated Plainwell (2-1) for first time since 2015, with Jacob Thompson scoring six touchdowns and throwing for a seventh.

On the move Constantine 47, Lawton 21 The Falcons (2-1) put Lawton’s regular-season winning streak of 12 games to an end with 33 unanswered points. Schoolcraft 33, Kalamazoo United 29 The Eagles trailed by multiple scores but went ahead during the final minutes to get to 3-0. Benton Harbor 28, Muskegon Catholic Central 20 The Tigers (2-1) broke a three-game losing streak against MCC (1-2) and equaled their win total from all of last season.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Gladstone 28, Menominee 6 Make that three 2021 league champions that Gladstone (3-0) has defeated to begin this fall, as the Braves look to be in control in the Great Northern Conference after defeating last season’s co-champions Kingsford and Menominee in successive weeks. Gladstone hadn’t defeated Menominee since 2018, and fell by a point in last year’s meeting. Click for more from RRN Sports.

Watch list Iron Mountain 28, Houghton 6 After a five-point loss to Negaunee in the season opener, the Mountaineers have dominated their next two opponents by a combined score of 62-6. Houghton (2-1) had given up only 18 points total over its first two games.

On the move St. Ignace 28, Frankfort 0 The Saints’ first two wins were over teams that didn’t win a game last year or yet this fall, but defeating Frankfort (2-1) brings another level of impressiveness to St. Ignace’s 3-0 start. Marquette 17, Gaylord 14 The Blue Devils (2-1) were one of the most intriguing teams in the state after two weeks, but Marquette (1-2) pushed past after losing both of its first two games by one score. Escanaba 33, Petoskey 30 After losses to a pair of tough teams to start, Escanaba (1-2) picked up its first victory and will eclipse last year’s win total with another one.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21, Cedar Springs 20 The Cougars’ now 40-game winning streak received its toughest challenge yet as GRCC (3-0) needed a late stop on a 2-point conversion attempt to open the Ottawa-Kent Conference Blue schedule with another win. It was the third one-pointer during the streak; Cedar Springs was part of another when GRCC won last year’s meeting 41-40. Click for more form FOX 17.

Watch list Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 21, Byron Center 13 The Rangers (3-0) may have taken a big step toward repeating in the O-K White, as Byron Center finished third a year ago.

On the move Hudsonville Unity Christian 28, Coopersville 27 After a pair of defeats to strong teams to start the season, Unity started off the O-K Blue schedule right by edging the Broncos (2-1). Ludington 7, Fremont 0 The Orioles (3-0) won a matchup of undefeated teams in the new West Michigan Conference Lakes, with likely favorite Muskegon Oakridge up next. Muskegon 28, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer 20 This was the closest game between these two since 2011, but the Big Reds held on to start off the O-K Green schedule.

8-Player

HEADLINER Norway 40, Lake Linden-Hubbell 26 The Knights (3-0) are climbing the ladder of contenders after getting past another challenger in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West and with also-undefeated Crystal Falls Forest Park up next. Norway reached 40 points for the third time in three games to hand Lake Linden-Hubbell (2-1) its lone defeat. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.

Watch list Bridgman 56, Mendon 50 The Bees (3-0) scored 14 unanswered points during the fourth quarter to extend their winning streak to 16 and earn their second in two years over the Hornets (1-2).

On the move Lawrence 32, Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 28 The Tigers (1-2) hadn’t been close in their first two games, but found their stride in handing the Defenders (2-1) their lone defeat.  Mio 46, Hillman 42 The Thunderbolts (2-1) are putting up some big offensive numbers and needed to this time again against the Tigers (1-2). New Haven Merritt 38, Bay City All Saints 30 The Mustangs (1-2) mounted a major comeback to earn their first victory.

Second Half’s weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. 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 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTOS: (Top) A LeRoy Pine River ball carrier finds an opening against Evart on Friday. (Middle) An Ithaca ball carrier works to break free from a Saginaw Nouvel tackler. (Top photo by Tonya Holmes; middle photo by High School Sports Scene.)