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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.)

Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. 

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 6 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 6, 2025

The high school football season always seems to speed up when we reach October.

As forecast Friday, a handful of Week 6 matchups resulted in at least the start of league championships being decided for this fall. Other games fast-forwarded title races as we turned toward the final one-third of the 2025 regular season.

MI Student AidMix in rivalries, revenge tours, program wins or just the games to set up an even bigger one coming up. This weekend had them all, and we dive into the details below.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Saginaw Valley Lutheran 23, Ithaca 22 To call this the best win in Valley Lutheran history likely isn’t an understatement. The Chargers (6-0) clinched a share of the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title, with only sixth-place Carrollton standing in the way of an outright title. They did so by defeating Ithaca (5-1) for the first time and breaking the Yellowjackets’ 23-game league winning streak going back to 2020 – and accomplished it with a game-winning field goal during the closing seconds, the only three points scored during the second half. Valley Lutheran’s six wins this season also equal their highest total in program history. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Watch list Almont 35, Armada 14 The Raiders (6-0) took a solid step toward a potential third-straight Blue Water Area Conference title, defeating last season’s runner-up Armada (4-2) and setting up a possible eventual winner-take-call this week against also-undefeated Richmond.

On the move Goodrich 49, Owosso 13 The Flint Metro League Stars title – at least a share at this point – belongs to Goodrich again after the Martians (6-0) held Owosso (4-2) to a season low. Midland Dow 31, Traverse City West 13 The Chargers (5-1) kept pace with Saginaw Valley League North leader Mount Pleasant and no doubt will be rooting for the Titans (3-3) this week as they face the Oilers with a chance to open the title race back up. Millington 35, Buchanan 8 The Cardinals (5-1) can still earn a share of the Big Thumb Conference White title this week and now coming off a win over the Lakeland Conference-leading Bucks (4-2), who will play Friday to make their league championship outright.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Romeo 39, Macomb Dakota 20 The Bulldogs (4-2) own a share of the Macomb Area Conference Red championship for the first time since 2021, thanks to their first win over Dakota (5-1) since that same season. Romeo’s offense was especially impressive; Dakota had given up just 31 points total over its first five games and not more than 38 in one game since 2018. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.

Watch list Madison Heights Madison 42, Hazel Park 14 Madison (5-1) won this matchup for first place in the MAC Bronze, clinching a share of the league title and continuing its best season since 2019. Hazel Park (4-2) was one of three co-champs last fall and can still earn another share if Clinton Township Clintondale can catch Madison this week.

On the move South Lyon 21, Waterford Mott 20 South Lyon (6-0) moved ahead of Mott (3-3) during the final minute to move one game away from claiming a share of the Lakes Valley Conference title. Oxford 34, West Bloomfield 33 The Wildcats (4-2) actually leant Clarkston a hand in clinching a share of the Oakland Activities Association Red championship, although West Bloomfield (5-1) can still earn a share by defeating the Wolves this week. Harper Woods 41, Rochester 7 The Pioneers (6-0) finished a perfect run through the OAA White to clinch their first title in four seasons playing in the league.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Williamston 20, Haslett 14 Williamston’s turnaround season now includes a share of the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title, as Haslett (4-2) also entered the evening tied for first. The Hornets (6-0) went up 14-0 and then held off the Vikings’ comeback charge, scoring the go-ahead points during the fourth quarter. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Grand Ledge 36, Lansing Everett 8 The Comets are 6-0 for the first time since 2015 and set up this week’s matchup with DeWitt for first place in the CAAC Blue by avenging last year’s 23-point loss to Everett (4-2).

On the move Mount Pleasant 28, Bay City Western 17 As noted above, Mount Pleasant (6-0) leads the SVL North and can clinch a share of the league title this week. Western (3-3) already has tied last year’s win total and is holding tight to a spot in the Division 3 playoff field. Howell 35, Hartland 7 The Highlanders (5-1) kept pace behind Brighton in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West with their matchup against the Bulldogs coming up in Week 8. Mason 31, St. Johns 20 Mason (3-3) also is holding onto a spot in the Division 3 playoffs, and this win over the Redwings (4-2) may eventually decide if the Bulldogs make the field this season.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 20, Boyne City 13 With a pair of close games over the last two weeks, St. Francis (6-0) secured the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legends title, adding this victory over the Ramblers (4-2) to a one-pointer over Kingsley in Week 5. This is the last season for the league; the rest of the Legends division will play in the Northern Shores Conference in 2026. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list Maple City Glen Lake 16, Kalkaska 12 This nonleague matchup was significant nonetheless, as Kalkaska (5-1) was undefeated and Glen Lake (4-1) won by less than a score for the second straight game (after an open date last week). The Lakers are tied with Week 9 opponent Mancelona for first in the NMFC Legacy.

On the move Mancelona 36, East Jordan 16 The Ironmen held onto the share of first in the Legacy noted above by defeating East Jordan (3-3) for the first time since 2021. Traverse City Central 28, Midland 14 The Trojans (3-3) gave their Division 2 playoff hopes a serious boost as they moved up 10 spots back into the potential field at No. 26 and sent Midland (3-3) outside the top 32. Petoskey 20, Cadillac 13 Neither can make up enough ground to win the Big North Conference, but Petoskey (3-3) moved up five spots to get to No. 32 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings.

A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Chelsea 35, Ypsilanti Community 6 The Bulldogs (5-1) ran their league winning streak to 15 and cleared one more obstacle as they attempt to close in on a third-straight Southeastern Conference White championship. The loss also dropped Ypsilanti (3-3) to No. 33 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings, although the Grizzlies have some great opportunities to move back up as they seek their first postseason appearance (not counting COVID-shortened 2020) since 2014. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Ida 40, Adrian Madison 19 The Bluestreaks (5-1) need help in the Lenawee County Athletic Association title race with Hudson and Clinton both still undefeated in league play. But they are continuing to climb the Division 6 playoff-points list and are up to No. 15 after downing Madison (3-3) – which is hanging onto the No. 30 spot.

On the move Saline 42, Ann Arbor Huron 14 The Hornets (6-0) clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference Red title with one league game to play in Week 8 and undefeated Harper Woods up next. Adrian 23, Tecumseh 7 The Maples (5-1) stayed a game back of Chelsea in the SEC White by avenging last year’s loss to Tecumseh (3-3), and surpassed last year’s win total as well. Manchester 30, Leslie 29 The Flying Dutchmen (3-3) needed this one in a big way, coming off two straight losses, and they jumped 11 spots to No. 26 on the Division 8 playoff-point list.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Schoolcraft 18, Lawton 14 It looks as though the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley title will go through Schoolcraft (5-1) again as the Eagles pulled within one more win of clinching a repeat championship. Schoolcraft led 6-0 at halftime, fell behind 14-6 into the final minutes of the third quarter but pulled ahead for good midway through the fourth. Lawton (4-2) fell into a second-place tie with Coloma. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Watch list Portage Northern 42, St. Joseph 36 The Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West shifted over the weekend with this win helping Northern (5-1) move into a first-place tie with Portage Central and those two set to face off this weekend with a share of the league title on the line. St. Joseph (3-3) still has a slight chance at a share if a few results fall into place.

On the move Berrien Springs 21, Dowagiac  0 While Buchanan has guaranteed itself a share of the Lakeland Conference title, there’s potentially still a lot to be decided as a Dowagiac win over Buchanan this week would give Dowagiac (4-2) and Berrien Springs (4-1) shares as well. Kalamazoo United 34, Constantine 7 The Titans (4-2) also can clinch this week in the SAC Lakeshore with Constantine (4-2) among three teams one game back. Niles 49, Three Rivers 0 Niles (6-0) has continued to impress; Three Rivers (4-2) entered the week in the Wolverine Conference title mix as well.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Escanaba 38, Marquette 20 Not only did Escanaba (6-0) defeat rival Marquette for the first time since 2019, but by doing so it set up this week’s matchup with also-undefeated Gaylord for a share of the Big North Conference championship. Escanaba also moved up to No. 5 on the Division 4 playoff-points list as it seeks its first postseason appearance this decade. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

Watch list Bark River-Harris 44, L’Anse 16 The Broncos (4-1) bounced back from a Week 5 loss to set up their biggest game of the season, a rematch this week with Iron Mountain. L’Anse is 4-2.

On the move West Iron County 27, Manistique 22 The Wykons (2-3) are starting to climb as they broke a two-game losing streak against Manistique (1-4). Calumet 46, Houghton 0 The Copper Kings (4-2) got back on the right foot coming off back-to-back losses this fall to run their winning streak over the Gremlins (2-4) to 12. Menominee 61, Gladstone 6 The Maroons (6-0) remain atop the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper with massive matchups against Negaunee and then Kingsford up next.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Hudsonville 35, Rockford 28 An awe-inspiring one-handed catch by Lawsyn Weber and an all-around stunning performance by quarterback Brady Van Laecke helped Hudsonville get past Rockford and left the Eagles (6-0) alone atop the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red. The Rams (4-2) are one of three teams tied for second place halfway through the league schedule. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Hudsonville Unity Christian 14, Zeeland West 6 Unity (6-0) moved to the top of the O-K Gold with a second win in two years over reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West and can clinch a share of a repeat league title this week.

On the move Grand Rapids West Catholic 51, Grand Rapids Christian 14 The Falcons (5-1) moved into first alone in the O-K White with a chance to clinch a share of the league title this week and only Christian (3-3) a game back with two to play. Muskegon 28, Muskegon Mona Shores 12 The Big Reds (4-2) ran their winning streak to four as they remained in the top spot in the O-K Green with this rivalry win over Mona Shores (3-3). Muskegon Oakridge 14, Whitehall 13 Both are still chasing Ludington in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, but Oakridge (5-1) definitely will be cheering for Whitehall (4-2) against the Orioles this week.

8-Player

HEADLINER Lake Linden-Hubbell 52, Powers North Central 34 Lake Linden-Hubbell (5-1) avenged a 60-8 loss to the Jets from a year ago to set up a potential championship decider against Gogebic this week in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West. The pair also entered last week at Nos. 15 and 16 on the Division 2 playoff-points list, but Lake Linden-Hubbell now is tied for No. 10 and North Central (4-2) is tied for 17th. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Watch list Kinde North Huron 38, Peck 32 The Warriors (4-1) are tied for first in the Big Thumb Conference Red with Bay City All Saints and sent Peck (4-2) into third place. North Huron and All Saints meet in Week 8.

On the move Onekama 36, Central Lake 14 Onekama (6-0) sits in the top spot on the Division 2 playoff-points list, and Central Lake (3-3) is just one spot outside the field in Division 1. Pittsford 44, Concord 24 The Wildcats (5-1) ran their winning streak to five with a nonleague stop before jumping back into Southern Central Athletic Association Blue play. Indian River Inland Lakes 51, Rogers City 0 Inland Lakes (6-0) sits first on the Division 1 playoff-points list and Rogers City (4-2) is holding onto the No. 16 spot after the Bulldogs posted their fifth shutout of the season.

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.

PHOTOS (Top) A Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. (Middle) A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City. (Top photo by Terry Lyons. Middle photo by High School Sports Scene.)