1st & Goal: 2025 Week 5 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 29, 2025
Some weekends, it's easy to identify the game or few across the state that everyone will be talking about Monday morning.
Some weekends, we get to Friday night and still don't have one that necessarily sticks out – and then several emerge with an argument for being considered the most notable matchup.
Week 5 this season definitely resembled the latter. And often, those weekends are the most fun from a spectator's point of view. Of our "headliner" games below, six were decided by seven points or fewer and could end up deciding league championships.
And as always, there was much more to tell.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Port Huron Northern 21, Port Huron 7 Northern (4-1) took a 7-0 lead into halftime but pulled away during the second and secured not only this win but first place alone in the Macomb Area Conference Blue with a chance to clinch a share of the league title this week at Fraser. Port Huron (3-2) is one of three teams a game back and hoping for help to get back into the championship mix. Click for more from the Port Huron Times Herald.
Watch list Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 13, Central Montcalm 0 There were a handful of matchups across the state featuring undefeated teams facing off, and Laker won this one with its third shutout of the season, and against a Hornets team (4-1) that entered the weekend averaging 42 points per game.
On the move Grand Blanc 41, Lansing Everett 6 This also was a matchup of undefeated teams, with the Bobcats moving to 5-0 for the first time since 2021. Goodrich 65, Clio 14 The Martians moved to 5-0 and a win away from potentially clinching the Flint Metro League Stars title while sending Clio (4-1) into a tie for second with two others. Montrose 14, Ovid-Elsie 10 The Rams (5-0) avenged last season’s 42-7 loss to the Marauders (3-2) to move into first place alone in the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Dearborn Divine Child 17, Jackson Lumen Christi 13 Divine Child (5-0) gave up its first points this season, but again scored more to continue its best start since 2017. The Falcons opened Catholic High School League AA play by avenging last season’s 35-0 loss to the reigning champion Titans (2-3). Click for more from the Detroit News.
Watch list South Lyon 24, Walled Lake Western 21 The Lions (5-0) took their resurgence this season up a level with their first win over reigning Lakes Valley Conference champion Western (3-2) since 2021.
On the move Clarkston 21, Rochester Adams 7 The Wolves (4-1) are tied for first with West Bloomfield halfway through the Oakland Activities Association Red slate after avenging regular-season and playoff losses last season to Adams (3-2). Farmington 42, Birmingham Seaholm 19 The Falcons (4-1) can clinch a share of the OAA Blue title this week after avenging last season’s loss to the Maples (4-1). Redford Thurston 12, Redford Union 6 Thurston put an end to Union’s 35-game winning streak in the Western Wayne Athletic Conference and after having been shut out by the rival Panthers the last three seasons by a combined score of 63-0. Both are 3-2 overall but among four teams now tied for first in the league. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech 32, Detroit Community 6 ABT (5-0) won a matchup of undefeated teams to move into first alone in the Charter School Conference Silver.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Brighton 21, Northville 14 Brighton (4-1) sits in the top spot alone in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West thanks to turning away another tough challenge from Northville (4-1) after also emerging with a one-point win in the teams’ 2024 meeting. Brighton also has handed a first league loss to Hartland, with Week 8 opponent Howell the third team tied for second place. Click for more from the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.
Watch list Pewamo-Westphalia 49, Bark River-Harris 0 A potential open date for both was salvaged with a meeting in Gaylord instead, and the Pirates (5-0) added one of their most impressive victories with a third shutout this fall to go with 12 points surrendered overall. The loss was Bark-River Harris’ first.
On the move Williamston 43, St. Johns 0 The Hornets (5-0) posted their third-straight shutout as they set up this week’s matchup at Haslett with a share of the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title on the line. St. Johns (4-1) remains just a game back. Lansing Sexton 34, Charlotte 18 Four of Sexton’s first five opponents have winning records, and this victory by the J-Dubbs (2-3) was Charlotte’s first in CAAC White play. Stockbridge 32, Reading 20 With a second-straight Big 8 Conference victory, the Panthers (2-3) suddenly have created some league title possibilities with leader Springport next up.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 21, Kingsley 20 This literally came down to inches as St. Francis stopped Kingsley (3-2) short on what would have been a go-ahead two-point conversion during the closing minutes. St. Francis (5-0) can finish its Northern Michigan Football Conference Leaders schedule undefeated this week against Boyne City, which joins Kingsley a game back in the standings. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Traverse City West 27, Midland 21 (OT) The Titans (3-2) have navigated a pair of losses to top teams, and perhaps that paid off as they handed Midland (4-1) its only loss.
On the move Elk Rapids 15, Mancelona 14 Elk Rapids (2-3) has played a tough schedule and with undefeated Charlevoix up next. This win over Mancelona (3-2) was significant enough to jump the Elks six spots on the Division 6 playoff-points list. Ogemaw Heights 41, Clare 7 With a third-straight win over a possible contender, Ogemaw Heights (4-1) held on to the top spot alone in the Jack Pine Conference Division 1. East Jordan 34, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 12 The Red Devils (3-2) ended a two-game skid as they readied to jump back into NMFL Legacy play this week.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Michigan Center 36, Leslie 32 The Cardinals (5-0) remain undefeated overall and midway through the Cascades Conference East schedule thanks to winning their first close game this fall with a notable comeback. Leslie (4-1) led 20-8 at halftime before Michigan Center surged ahead and then held off a late Leslie charge. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Watch list Adrian 3, Ypsilanti Lincoln 0 The Maples (4-1) equaled last season’s win total by handing Lincoln (4-1) its lone defeat thanks to Zach Hassan’s field goal during the closing seconds.
On the move Dexter 42, Chelsea 28 In one of the most power-packed matchups in the state, Dexter (4-1) bounced back from its Week 4 loss to hand Chelsea (4-1) its first this fall. Monroe Jefferson 44, Flat Rock 22 Jefferson (5-0) remains tied with Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central atop the Huron League standings after breaking a seven-game losing streak against the Rams (3-2). Hudson 56, Adrian Madison 7 Midway through the Lenawee County Athletic Association schedule, Hudson (5-0) is tied with Clinton for first, as Madison (3-2) has fallen to both but remains a solid 26th on the Division 6 playoff-points list thanks to bonus points earned during both defeats.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Buchanan 16, Berrien Springs 13 The Bucks (4-1) took a serious step toward claiming a first Lakeland Conference title since 2022, edging two-time reigning champion Berrien Springs (3-1). Next up for Buchanan is reigning Division 7 champion Millington before a Week 7 matchup with Dowagiac that will decide the Lakeland title outright for one or both teams, depending on how Dowagiac does this week against the Shamrocks. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.
Watch list Coldwater 28, Parma Western 21 The Cardinals (4-1) are seeking their first playoff berth this decade and picked up what could end up a significant win toward earning that postseason invite – Coldwater’s first victory over Western (1-4) since 2019.
On the move Battle Creek Harper Creek 37, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 15 The Beavers’ quick break in the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference schedule put them up against undefeated Kenowa Hills (4-1), and Harper Creek (4-1) avenged a 34-30 loss from a year ago. Vicksburg 28, Three Rivers 24 The Bulldogs (4-1) came up big in their toughest Wolverine Conference game yet, avenging last year’s 14-11 loss by handing Three Rivers (4-1) its first defeat. Union City 38, Quincy 14 The Chargers (4-1) bounced back quickly from a Week 4 loss to hand Quincy (4-1) its first this fall.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINIER Kingsford 17, Calumet 15 The Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper race continued to sort itself out as Kingsford moved into a first-place tie with Menominee and Calumet joined three other teams tied for third. The Flivvers capped this win with a go-ahead field goal during the final minute. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Watch list Iron Mountain 30, L’Anse 26 This was easily the closest game these two have played against each other since becoming annual foes in 2018, and the win was especially significant for the Mountaineers (4-1) as they prepare for a rematch with Bark River-Harris in two weeks – while L’Anse (4-1) sees BR-H on Friday.
On the move Gladstone 59, Ishpeming Westwood 22 Gladstone (2-3) has found its stride offensively with two straight games reaching 50 points as the team surpassed last year’s win total before the end of September. Escanaba 42, Cheboygan 13 Escanaba (5-0) equaled last season’s win total in advance of this week’s matchup with rival Marquette. Marquette 48, Sault Ste. Marie 6 The Sentinels also set up for this week’s showdown with a big win including their most points scored in a game this season.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Big Rapids 40, Reed City 13 Big Rapids is 5-0 for the first time since 2009 and ran its Central State Activities Association winning streak to 17 with a third-straight victory over Reed City, having started this league run after falling to the Coyotes in 2022. The Cardinals can clinch a share of the CSAA Red title this week against Remus Chippewa Hills. Click for more from the Big Rapids Pioneer.
Watch list Rockford 28, Grandville 0 The Rams’ Week 1 loss to still-undefeated Saline is looks better every Friday, and Rockford has responded to that defeat by reducing the number of points it has given up for four weeks straight. The Rams have handed lone Ottawa-Kent Conference Red losses to East Kentwood and now Grandville (3-2), all great news heading into Friday’s showdown with undefeated Hudsonville.
On the move East Grand Rapids 10, Grand Rapids Northview 3 The O-K Black is going to be an interesting follow over the next three weeks as East Grand Rapids (3-2) handed Northview (4-1) its first loss to create a four-team tie for second behind Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 10, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 0 The Cougars (5-0) remain atop their league after a close win over a Trojans team (3-2) that already has equaled its win total from last year. Byron Center 42, Muskegon Mona Shores 35 (OT) After a tough start facing a loaded first-half schedule, Byron Center (2-3) might be on the verge of a nice run back to the playoffs and potentially shook up the O-K Green with this victory over the Sailors (3-2).
8-Player
HEADLINER Norway 44, Pickford 6 Pickford’s wins over the Knights had come by 45, 18 and 22 over the last two seasons (including once in the playoffs), but Norway (5-0) avenged in a big way with arguably its most impressive win this fall and over the last three playoff seasons. Pickford (4-1) had given up only 14 points total over its first four games.
Watch list Grand Rapids Sacred Heart 33, Gobles 14 Sacred Heart is a combined 14-1 over the last two seasons, but defeating a program of Gobles’ caliber adds more serious punch to an already impressive run.
On the move Onekama 30, Bay City All Saints 24 The Portagers (5-0) have defeated four teams with winning records, including All Saints (3-2), on the way to being tied for first on the Division 2 playoff-points list. Indian River Inland Lakes 49, Hillman 14 In handing Hillman (4-1) its first loss, Inland Lakes (5-0) kicked off a run that will send it against three more teams with winning records (at this point) to finish the regular season. Kingston 48, Brown City 20 The Cardinals (5-0) moved closer to a potential Week 7 showdown with rival Deckerville to decide the Big Thumb Conference Blue title.
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PHOTOS Davison defenders pursue a Saginaw United ball carrier during the Cardinals' 49-8 win Friday. (Middle) A Holt ball carrier works to get outside during the Rams' 42-14 win over Okemos. (Below) Ishpeming Westwood's Ethan Marta and Gladstone's Trevor Thorbahn jump up for a ball intended for Thorbahn, but Marta is able to hit it away. (Davison/Saginaw United photo by Terry Lyons. Holt/Okemos photo by John Johnson. Westwood/Gladstone photo by Cara Kamps.)
DCC Closes Season by Avenging 2024 Semifinal Loss to 'Finish What We Started'
By
Scott DeCamp
Special for MHSAA.com
December 1, 2025
DETROIT – The featured matchup of 2025 MHSAA Football Finals weekend at Ford Field pitted unbeaten heavyweights Detroit Catholic Central and Detroit Cass Tech in the Division 1 title bout.
DCC coach Justin Cessante used a boxing metaphor with his team in the days leading up to the main event. The Shamrocks essentially won by unanimous decision, although a knockout punch came from an unlikely source.
A 61-yard pick-6 by 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior noseguard Benny Eziuka with 3:12 remaining got the party started early and put the finishing touch on DCC’s dominant 42-19 victory over reigning champ Cass Tech to close Sunday night.
“We had a theme all week that our special teams and run game are going to be the body shots,” Cessante said. “Our uppercut is going to be making big plays on offense, and our defense – brick wall – was going to be the head shots.
“We talked about that all week and how we were going to play a physical, disciplined brand of football. I think we did that in all three phases.”
DCC did just that in capping a 14-0 season and capturing its first Finals title since 2009. The Shamrocks, who made their first championship game appearance since 2016, now have 11 wins in 18 trips to the final round.
Cass Tech (13-1) outgained DCC, 358-311, but the Shamrocks’ stingy defense forced multiple Technicians miscues, including two interceptions and a lost fumble.
Cass Tech suffered only its second Finals defeat in six overall trips to the championship game.
“We left a lot of stuff on the field,” Cass Tech coach Marvin Rushing said. “We’ll come back in a couple weeks and watch some of this stuff and we’ll be pounding the table a little bit with some of the stuff that we left on the field.
“To be a champion, you’ve got to beat the man to be the man today. They get to hoist the trophy, and they deserve it.”
DCC junior quarterback Duke Banta and classmate Gideon Gash connected on three touchdown passes: 41 yards with 7:44 left in the first quarter, 37 yards with 7:36 left in the third, and 48 yards with 4:52 remaining in the contest.
Banta finished 9-of-11 passing for 156 yards and no interceptions. All three of Gash’s receptions went for scores. Older brother, senior Samson Gash, had five receptions for 25 yards.
DCC senior Cedric Williams led all rushers with 72 yards on 18 carries with a one-yard TD midway through the fourth quarter. Senior Joshua Peters scored on a five-yard run to give the Shamrocks a 13-0 lead late in the first half, while junior kicker Ty Goddard booted a 21-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for the champions.
It was Eziuka who stole the show, however. The two-way starting lineman and Penn State commit realized a big man’s dream. Junior linebacker Jalen Montlouis pressured Cass Tech’s backfield near the Technicians’ 45-yard line and forced a risky throw, which Eziuka caught at his own 39. Eziuka got a couple blocks, rumbled down the DCC sideline, and stomped into the end zone to the roar of the crowd.
“You know, I was just in the right place at the right time. I caught the ball, my teammate Connor Ryan was throwing me a block, so I was like, ‘I mean, he made the effort, so I’ve got to try to score,’” Eziuka said. “You know, I made the cut and saw green grass. I was like, ‘That’s a long way, but I’ve got to try.’ I kept going. I saw one of their guys catching up to me. My teammate, Jack Janda, made a great block for me to get in there.
“When I was in the end zone, I had to make my way to the barrier because I was not standing up for very long. (The barrier) was supporting me. I definitely needed oxygen,” Eziuka added with a chuckle. “It was a great play for the entire team.”
Samson Gash was asked if he felt threatened by Eziuka and a potential claim of being fastest player on the team.
“A little bit. Low key, a little bit,” Gash said to laughter in the interview room.
In addition to its interceptions, DCC’s defense sacked talented sophomore quarterback Donald Tabron II three times and limited Cass Tech to 73 rushing yards. Tabron finished 25-of-37 for 285 yards with two TDs – one to senior Corey Sadler Jr. from 15 yards out with 5:24 left, and the other to senior William Sykes Jr. from 12 yards out with 14 seconds remaining.
Sadler, a North Carolina commit, wrapped up his storied four-year varsity career with 11 receptions for 130 yards and made a co-team-high seven tackles.
“The four years have been great,” Sadler said. “I’m probably one of the best players to come through Detroit in the PSL league, so … it was a sad outcome today. You know, college is next. I just have to keep my head high. We fought. CC had a great game.”
Senior Justin Bonner also made seven stops for Cass Tech. For DCC, Montlouis led the way with eight tackles.
Sunday’s victory also represented a measure of revenge for DCC, which fell to Cass Tech in last year’s Semifinals, 17-14.
In the 2016 Final, the Shamrocks fell to the Technicians, 49-20.
“It’s a tremendous feeling,” said Cessante, who capped his fourth year leading DCC’s program. “Other than being married and my children, bringing a championship back to my alma mater, Detroit Catholic Central, where this championship belongs, obviously against a team (where) we just had enough over the years in regards to the rivalry that’s been built and them being really a nemesis and us getting over the hump and finishing what we started (is special).”
The Gash brothers have been double trouble for DCC opponents.
While it was Gideon’s turn to shine Sunday, the siblings reflected on what it means to share in the Shamrocks’ long-awaited championship and how special it was to share in it.
“It means everything to us. After we lost last year to Cass Tech, we knew we should have beat them. But like Coach Cessante said, we didn’t prove it,” Samson Gash said. “Our motto this year was, ‘Finish what we started.’
“Our seniors did a great job last year, and we needed to bring a state championship for this year and just working every single day with my brothers, my best friends for life, it means everything to us to go out on top, for sure.”
PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Catholic Central players celebrate Sunday while hoisting their championship trophy. (Middle) The Shamrocks’ Samson Gash (5) attempts to put space between himself and a Cass Tech defender. (Below) Cedric Williams (26) picks his path as Gash blocks in front of him.