1st & Goal: 2025 Week 7 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 13, 2025
Football is the only head-to-head MHSAA sport requiring teams to qualify for the playoffs. And that makes October unlike any other month across any of the school year's three seasons.
Not only are teams competing for and celebrating league championships – see all nine of our "headliners" below and several more games we noted – but several more hopefuls are maneuvering to either break into playoff fields, hold onto spots they've currently earned, or move up on their respective division lists high enough to potentially earn a home game or few when the playoff brackets are selected later this month.
We highlight some of those scenarios below, and will focus on them much more over the final two weeks of the regular season.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Millington 14, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 3 Millington (6-1) battled back from a Week 4 overtime loss to Cass City to clinch a share of the Big Thumb Conference White title – and clinch a share for Cass City as well – by handing Laker (6-1) its only loss this season. All three teams finished tied for first and league champions, Millington after winning the title outright last season. The Cardinals and Lakers have met in the playoffs the last two and could face off again in Division 7. Click for more from the Bay City Times.
Watch list Almont 35, Richmond 14 The Raiders (7-0) over the last two weeks have taken down contenders Armada and Richmond (6-1) by identical 35-14 scores to run their Blue Water Area Conference winning streak to 23 and their league title streak to three by clinching a share of this year’s with this win.
On the move Fenton 46, Linden 41 The Tigers (5-2) ran their Flint Metro League Stars winning streak to 18 games and finished their third-straight perfect run through the league while denying Linden (5-2) a chance at a title share. Harbor Beach 33, Reese 14 The Pirates (7-0) have won all 10 of their BTC Black games over the last two seasons, this time preventing Reese (4-3) and Unionville-Sebewaing from also claiming title shares. Montrose 28, New Lothrop 14 The Rams (7-0) clinched a share of the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference championship after finishing third the last two seasons, and with a second-straight win over rival New Lothrop (5-2).
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Gibraltar Carlson 27, Brownstown Woodhaven 23 The Marauders followed running back Izaiah Wright to this Downriver League title share-clinching win. Wright scored three touchdowns, his last the game-winner during the final minute. Carlson (7-0) ran its league championship streak to five with a chance to finish this run with the outright title this week at Lincoln Park. Woodhaven (6-1) fell a game back. Click for more from the Southgate News-Herald.
IZAIAH WRIGHT DOING IZAIAH WRIGHT THINGS. The Carlson senior — Purdue commit and Mr. Football candidate — scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final minute as Carlson beats rival Woodhaven 27-23 to stay unbeaten at 7-0. Delivered by @hungryhowies… pic.twitter.com/rKQ3dBZOpj
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 11, 2025
WATCH LIST Harper Woods 41, Saline 32 Harper Woods (7-0) has had its share of notable wins over the last three seasons – especially on the way to winning the Division 4 title in 2023. But downing Division 1 contender Saline (6-1) might be considered the best of the regular season during that time, or at least equal to wins over another Division 1 contender Clarkston in Week 2 and two years ago.
On the move Clarkston 38, West Bloomfield 10 A Wolves loss would have meant a shared Oakland Activities Association Red title between these two, but a win gave Clarkston (6-1) the outright title and its first of any degree since sharing in 2022. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech 18, Hamtramck 8 The Gators (7-0) won a combined seven games over the last two seasons, and this victory over second-place Hamtramck (4-3) gave ABT the outright championship in the Charter School Conference Silver. Riverview 14, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 13 The Huron League title race jumped the tracks a bit as Riverview (5-2) moved into position to potentially earn a share if SMCC (6-1) can defeat leader Monroe Jefferson this week.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Pewamo-Westphalia 37, Fowler 6 The Pirates pulled away over the final three quarters to clinch a share of the Central Michigan Athletic Conference title and also avenge last season’s loss to Fowler (5-2) – P-W’s only league defeat over the last three. The Pirates (6-0) also continued a run of not allowing more than six points in any game this fall, and have surrendered a grand total over 18 over six games. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Watch list Portland 54, Eaton Rapids 6 The Raiders (7-0) ran their Capital Area Activities Conference White winning streak to 25 in clinching a share of a fourth-straight league title. They’ve given up just 31 points over six games played (with the seventh a forfeit win).
On the move DeWitt 59, Grand Ledge 7 The Panthers (7-0) moved within a win of clinching the CAAC Red championship by handing the Comets (6-1) their only defeat. Mount Pleasant 29, Traverse City West 8 The Oilers (7-0) secured a share of the Saginaw Valley League North title and can make it outright this weekend against reigning champion Midland. Belding 28, Muskegon Oakridge 7 The Black Knights (6-1) are in the running for what would be a fourth-straight Ottawa-Kent Conference Silver title, and fit in this win over West Michigan Conference Lakes contender Oakridge (5-2) to hold onto the No. 3 spot in the Division 6 playoff-point rankings.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Gaylord 34, Escanaba 30 The Blue Devils (7-0) played a fourth-quarter comeback into a share of the Big North Conference championship in what was a matchup of first-place teams. Gaylord can make the title outright against Sault Ste. Marie in Week 9. It’s been a great comeback run for both contenders, as Gaylord was 3-6 a year ago and Escanaba (6-1) was 2-7 two years ago before improving to 5-4 last season. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.
Watch list LeRoy Pine River 34, Manton 30 The Bucks (5-2) haven’t had a winning season since 2018 and opened this one with two losses. But they’ve strung together five straight victories to guarantee their best finish since 2018 while also moving up to the No. 20 slot on the Division 7 playoff-point list. Manton (4-3) as well has guaranteed its best record since 2022 and with one more win would tie its best since 2014.
On the move Charlevoix 15, Mancelona 12 This was a matchup of league leaders and Charlevoix (7-0) ran its winning streak over Mancelona (4-3) to nine, but not without surviving its closest game this season. Grayling 38, Kalkaska 15 The Vikings (2-5) came out of a tough league run with an impressive win over the Blazers (5-2), who finish with two more strong opponents in Kingsley and Boyne City. Traverse City Central 47, Bay City Western 21 Central (4-3) has fallen out of the Division 2 playoff hunt only once over the last five weeks but is back up to No. 21 on that playoff-points list with a second-straight win coming off an earlier three-game losing streak.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Hudson 32, Clinton 16 The Tigers (7-0) clinched a share of the Lenawee County Athletic Association title and avoided a possible three-team share if they’d fallen to Clinton (5-2), which with Ida will hope for help this week from Hillsdale as Hudson plays for the outright title. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Springport 36, Quincy 20 Springport (7-0) clinched a share of the Big 8 Conference title, against a Quincy team (4-3) enjoying its best season since 2019. The Spartans can make it outright this week against second-place Union City and have given up only 38 points this season over six games (with a forfeit win as well).
On the move Ypsilanti Lincoln 36, Jackson 32 The Railsplitters (6-1) earned their fourth win by one score or less to set up the possibility this week of taking a share of the Southeastern Conference White title from Chelsea, which has clinched a share already. Temperance Bedford 31, Ann Arbor Huron 28 Bedford (4-3) also held on in a close game to gain an opportunity in the SEC Red, as it trails leader Saline by a game and travels to play the Hornets this week. Napoleon 30, Leslie 26 Likewise, Napoleon’s close win sets it up to play Michigan Center this week in a winner-take-all matchup for the Cascades Conference East title.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Portage Central 30, Portage Northern 0 Central added a share of the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West title to a dominating fall, holding Northern scoreless in what was a matchup of first-place teams. The shutout also was Central’s fifth this season, and the Mustangs have given up just 10 points total. They’ll play for an outright championship Week 9 at St. Joseph. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Dowagiac 40, Buchanan 26 Dowagiac (5-2) made the playoffs last season for the first time this decade, and now has added its first championship in the Lakeland Conference – rebounding from a Week 6 loss to Berrien Springs to take a share from Buchanan (4-3), which previously had clinched a share. Berrien Springs also can claim a share with a win over Niles Brandywine this week.
On the move Kalamazoo Central 31, Battle Creek Central 12 This is the oldest rivalry in Michigan high school football history, starting in 1893, and game 122 between these two ended in Kalamazoo Central (4-3) owning a share of the SMAC East title as Battle Creek Central (4-3) also entered the night undefeated in league play. Battle Creek Harper Creek 29, Hastings 15 This win didn’t clinch the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference title for Harper Creek (6-1), but it was a giant step toward potentially doing so. Hastings (5-2) also hadn’t lost in league play heading into the night. Bronson 32, White Pigeon 6 With this win by Bronson (6-1), Decatur claimed a share of the Southwest 10 Conference championship – although White Pigeon (6-1) can make it a three-team shared title by defeating Decatur this week.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Bark River-Harris 38, Iron Mountain 14 After defeating Iron Mountain in Week 2 for the first time in program history, Bark River-Harris made it a sweep – this time clinching a share of the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Iron championship as well. The Broncos (5-1) can make the title outright this week against West Iron County, which like Iron Mountain (4-2) has just one loss in league play (as the first Bark River-Harris meeting did not count toward the league standings).
Watch list West Iron County 49, L’Anse 40 In avenging a 20-14 loss to L’Anse from Week 2, West Iron County (3-3) jumped four spots to No. 37 on the Division 8 playoff-points list with two weeks to play. The Wykons had won just three games total over the last two seasons and are seeking their first playoff berth this decade.
On the move Menominee 40, Negaunee 12 This along with Kingsford’s win over Ishpeming Westwood sets up those two to meet for a winner-take-all title matchup this week in the West-PAC Copper. Menominee moved to 7-0, while Negaunee is 4-3. Gladstone 34, Houghton 22 Gladstone (3-4) also bumped up to No. 37 on a playoff-points list, in Division 6, with two games to play and chances to move up significantly. Marquette 27, Petoskey 17 While Marquette (4-3) can’t catch Gaylord in the BNC, the Sentinels did move back into playoff contention at No. 29 on the Division 3 list, sending Petoskey (3-4) to No. 34.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Kent City 46, Central Montcalm 14 In a winner-take-all for the Central State Activities Association Silver title, Kent City (7-0) seized it in a big way. In doing so, the Eagles also avenged losses to Central Montcalm (5-2) that decided last year’s league title and then ended Kent City’s season in the District opener. Click for more from WZZM.
Watch list Ludington 32, Whitehall 7 The Orioles (7-0) clinched a share of the West Michigan Conference Lakes title by avenging the loss that cost them the championship last season. Whitehall (4-3) won’t repeat but remains firmly in the Division 5 playoff hunt at No. 14 on that playoff points list.
On the move Hudsonville 43, East Kentwood 42 The Eagles (7-0) won by the slimmest of margins to pull within one more victory of clinching the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red title, moving past the Falcons (5-2) with a late rally. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 35, Holland Christian 7 The Cougars (7-0) clinched a share of the O-K Black title, improving on last season’s tie for second place. Grand Rapids West Catholic 48, Wayland 19 The Falcons (6-1) locked up a share of the O-K White title, their fourth-straight league championship.
8-Player
HEADLINER Deckerville 22, Kingston 14 Defense reigned as Deckerville clinched a share of the Big Thumb Conference Blue title for the second-straight season. Both teams were held well below their season scoring averages as the Eagles (7-0) added to last year’s regular-season/playoff sweep of the rival Cardinals (6-1). Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.
Watch list St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy 47, Hillman 26 Heston’s record for wins in a season over its first 11 was four a year ago, but the Patriots (5-2) bested it in this matchup of North Star League champions – both Heston and Hillman (5-2) have clinched shares of their division titles.
On the move Norway 34, Newberry 14 Norway (7-0) pulled within one more win of claiming a share of the Great Lakes Eight Conference East championship after finishing second a year ago. Gogebic 42, Lake Linden-Hubbell 12 The Miners (7-0) also can clinch a share of a league title this week, in the GLEC West, after handing LL-H (5-2) its only conference loss. Mio 36, Rogers City 22 There are 13 teams in Division 2 with zero or one loss, and Mio (6-1) remains right in the middle of that group on the playoff-points average list with two games against sub-.500 opponents left before the playoffs.
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PHOTOS (Top) DeWitt’s backs make a read on a handoff during their team’s 59-7 win over Grand Ledge on Friday. (Middle) Laingsburg’s Julian Smith (7) launches a pass during his team’s 34-14 loss to Bath. (DeWitt/Grand Ledge photo by Terry Lyons. Laingsburg/Bath photo by John Johnson.)
1st & Goal: 2022 Week 2 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 6, 2022
We don’t keep track of losing streaks at the MHSAA. But we’re plenty glad to celebrate teams after those streaks have been broken.
Holland West Ottawa and Litchfield surely are enjoying these first few weeks, as both have started the fall 2-0 after multiple seasons without a victory.
Theirs are among several potential turnaround stories beginning to be told, and we highlight more below as we review Week 2 across Michigan.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Lapeer 56, Traverse City Central 42 The Lightning (2-0) scored first and impressively on the road against last season’s Division 2 runner-up. Quarterback Zak Olejniczak ran for a touchdown and threw for seven more, including four scoring passes to Connor Brown. Although Central (1-1) went over 40 points for the second week in a row, Lapeer’s defense was the difference during the fourth quarter with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Swartz Creek 36, Lake Fenton 14 The Dragons are 2-0 for the first time since 2018 and after starting 1-3 a year ago but still eventually making the playoffs. This win avenged a 13-0 loss to Lake Fenton (0-2) from last fall.
On the move Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 39, Cass City 12 The Lakers (2-0) have opened with two commanding wins as they head into Greater Thumb Conference West play, while Cass City is 1-1 heading into GTC East action. Standish-Sterling 31, Ithaca 27 The Panthers (2-0) trailed throughout the first half before making their move during the second to earn a one-score win over Ithaca (1-1) for the second-straight season. Marlette 38, Unionville-Sebewaing 12 Marlette (2-0) last played USA in a 2020 playoff opener, and the Red Raiders hadn’t come within 40 of the Patriots (0-2) two of the three times they’d faced each other over the last seven seasons.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Clarkston 62, Southfield Arts & Technology 56 Southfield A&T (1-1) is becoming must-see football this fall – and that’s a strong vote of confidence for Clarkston after the Wolves held on to move to 1-1. Warriors quarterback Isaiah Marshall is up to nine touchdowns passing and five rushing over two games, but Clarkston running back Ethan Clark ran for four scores as the Wolves put up the game’s last points during the final minute to prevail. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
Clarkston senior Mike Hein with the go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds to go in the 4th quarter as the Wolves beat Southfield A&T 62-56 on Thursday.
Powered by @MIArmyGuard @themikehein8 @TheeJungle @ClarkstonWolves pic.twitter.com/bm1fTHPUDz— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 2, 2022
Watch list Birmingham Seaholm 21, Detroit U-D Jesuit 20 (OT) The Maples won one game a year ago, but are up to 2-0 after edging the Division 2 No. 6-ranked Cubs (1-1).
On the move Oxford 17, Birmingham Groves 14 On an emotion-filled night at Oxford, the Wildcats (1-1) opened their home schedule by defeating the No. 10 team in Division 2, sending the Falcons to 1-1. Detroit Catholic Central 44, Davison 34 The early hierarchy in Division 1 should see movement as Davison (1-1) was ranked No. 6 and DCC (1-1) was unranked before defeating the Cardinals for the second-straight season. Warren De La Salle Collegiate 49, Muskegon 16 These two have a combined seven appearances in MHSAA Finals over the last five seasons, which on its own to explains the heaviness of this matchup and significance of this win for the Pilots (2-0) over the Big Reds (1-1)
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER DeWitt 39, Portland 34 This has become one of the best games every fall in the Lansing area – this time DeWitt entered No. 2 in Division 3 and Portland was No. 4 in Division 5 – and the 2022 chapter was another classic. The Panthers (2-0) won for the first time in three recent matchups with the Raiders (1-1) as Elliott Larner took a handoff and found Bryce Kurncz on a 22-yard halfback pass for the game-winning score with 14 seconds to play. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Watch list Durand 56, Montrose 52 The Railroaders have strung together three straight playoff seasons but have something extra to be excited about so far this fall. Durand (2-0) defeated Montrose (1-1) for the first time since 2009, perhaps the best win since the program’s turnaround got rolling after an 0-9 finish in 2017.
On the move East Lansing 28, Fenton 14 The Trojans (2-0) have loaded their nonleague slate again, and after posting one of Week 1’s most impressive debuts doubled up a Tigers team that also had opened in a big way. Mount Pleasant 51, Midland 29 The Oilers’ immediate schedule gets no easier with Cadillac and Traverse City Central over the next two weeks, but Mount Pleasant (2-0) has started as impressively as anyone in the Saginaw Valley League North as Midland (1-1) also was among the Week 1 high achievers. Williamston 22, Lansing Catholic 0 Although the Cougars (0-2) are off to a rough start, this remains a win over a reigning Finals champion for the Hornets (2-0).
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Gaylord 17, Kingsley 16 If Gaylord’s Week 1 one-point win over Lake Fenton turned a few heads, the encore against Kingsley (1-1) should have all of northern Michigan taking notice. At 2-0, Gaylord already has won as many games as it did any of the last three seasons – but getting the second victory this fall over a Stags team that had six losses total over the last four seasons gives this story some statewide spark. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.
Watch list Traverse City St. Francis 42, Jackson Lumen Christi 35 A matchup of 2021 Division 7 semifinalists played out like one, with the Gladiators winning the fourth quarter to move to 2-0 while sending Lumen Christi to 0-2, but with those losses to the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the statewide rankings.
On the move Alpena 18, Marquette 16 The Wildcats (1-1) were 2-14 over their last two seasons but could be in for some major improvement after avenging last season’s 49-14 loss to Marquette (0-2). Maple City Glen Lake 34, Oscoda 28 The Lakers (1-1) bounced back from a disappointing opener to win a game that could come into play as the Northern Michigan Football League Legacy standings sort out. The Owls (1-1) should still have a part to play too over the next six weeks. Elk Rapids 20, East Jordan 13 The Elks (2-0) had won a high of two games over the past three seasons, and they’ve equaled that already with this one over a Red Devils program that’s 0-2 but went 6-3 a year ago.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Hudson 22, Constantine 20 The Tigers (2-0) ran their overall winning streak to 16 with one of the best regular-season victories of the run. Hudson trailed by 20 points late in the third quarter before coming all the way back against a Constantine program that had won 15 straight regular-season games and remains ranked No. 6 in Division 6. Hudson, last season’s Division 8 champion, is No. 3 in Division 7. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Grosse Ile 21, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 14 The Red Devils (2-0) won just two games a year ago, and hadn’t defeated the Falcons (0-2) since 2018.
On the move Manchester 29, Addison 26 The Flying Dutchmen (2-0) followed up a solid win over Whitmore Lake in the opener by defeating three-time reigning Cascades Conference champion Addison (1-1) for the first time since 2016. Saline 35, Ann Arbor Huron 24 This matchup ended up deciding last season’s Southeastern Conference Red championship, and Saline (2-0) is off to the right start as it looks to repeat while Huron (0-2) is coming off losses against two potential Division 1 contenders. Hanover-Horton 27, Michigan Center 20 The Comets (1-1) have had a tough run over most of the last decade, but started Cascades play by defeating a Michigan Center team that’s 0-2 but made the Division 6 Semifinals last year.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER St. Joseph 41, Hudsonville Unity Christian 28 The Bears loaded their nonleague schedule with two opponents that finished the 2021 season at Ford Field. They opened by falling to last year’s Division 2 runner-up Traverse City Central, but came back from a double-digit deficit to claim this win over the reigning Division 4 runner-up. St. Joseph may be the favorite and is certain among the few entering Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference play, while Unity (0-2) should still contend as well in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Blue after opening with a pair of losses to top competition. Click for more from the St. Joseph Herald-Palladium.
Watch list Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 8, Kalamazoo Central 7 The Knights (1-1) have struggled more than most over the last 10 seasons, but this was their first win since 2019 and first over rival Central since 2017.
On the move Kalamazoo United 33, Stevensville Lakeshore 27 The Titans (1-1) reversed last season’s 41-19 loss to Lakeshore (0-2) as it bounced back from a season-opening defeat to Berrien Springs. Niles 28, Buchanan 18 The Vikings (1-1) also bounced back from a season-opening loss to hand the Bucks (1-1) their first defeat. Schoolcraft 22, Centreville 2 It’s fair to say defense reigned but both should score some playoff points as these two go on to successful seasons. Schoolcraft improved to 2-0, and Centreville is 1-1.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Negaunee 40, Calumet 15 The Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper sent four teams to the playoffs last season. Negaunee was one and now has defeated two more, with Calumet also the reigning league co-champion. The victory over the Copper Kings (0-2) actually was the Miners’ second straight, and they don’t face the other co-champion Ishpeming Westwood until Week 9 – although Week 8 opponent Houghton also is making some noise at 2-0 and becoming one to watch in that league. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.
Watch list St. Ignace 48, Johannesburg-Lewiston 0 The Saints (2-0) have worked through some tough seasons of late as well, winning a combined three games over the last two years. But they’re riding some momentum this time as the schedule begins getting tougher this week.
On the move Gladstone 34, Kingsford 20 The Braves (2-0) have simply impressed over their first two wins, this one over the reigning co-champion of the Great Northern Conference. Iron Mountain 34, Ishpeming Westwood 0 As noted above, Westwood (0-2) was a Copper co-champion last season, and Iron Mountain bounced back after falling Week 1 to Negaunee. Sault Ste. Marie 16, Grayling 7 The Blue Devils (2-0) had fallen 36-32 last season in their first NMFL Legends meeting with Grayling (1-0).
West Michigan
HEADLINER Rockford 31, Muskegon Mona Shores 27 The Rams (2-0) – No. 6 in Division 1 – came all the way back after trailing 20-0 late in the second quarter, as quarterback Mac VandenHout threw three touchdown passes including the go-ahead score 59 yards to Brody Thompson with 4:07 to play. Mona Shores, No. 4 in Division 2, moved to 1-1. Click for more from FOX 17.
Watch list East Kentwood 19, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 17 The Falcons (1-1) are playing for their first winning season since 2019 and looking strong after also opening with a close defeat against Muskegon. East Kentwood had lost to Brother Rice (0-2) last season 33-0.
On the move Grandville 45, Byron Center 27 That’s two weeks and two notable wins from the Bulldogs (2-0), who followed up a season-opening victory over Grand Blanc by defeating another 2021 playoff team in Byron Center (1-1). Holland West Ottawa 21, Portage Northern 10 The Panthers are 2-0 after bringing a 26-game losing streak into this season. Grand Rapids Christian 41, Fruitport 34 The Eagles (1-1) trailed by 27 points late in the first half before scoring the final 34 points of the game to get past the Trojans (1-1).
8-Player
HEADLINER Litchfield 36, Burr Oak 14 The Terriers (2-0) are one of the best stories of the early going this season, opening with a pair of victories after losing 20 straight games from 2019-21. Litchfield hadn’t defeated Burr Oak (0-2) since 2011 and lost their matchup last season 44-22. Click for more from the Hillsdale Daily News.
Watch list Merrill 36, Breckenridge 14 This could end up developing into a great rivalry game, and Merrill (2-0) now owns a 1-0 lead in the 8-player series after Breckenridge (1-1) won their last four meetings as 11-player teams.
On the move Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 51, Indian River Inland Lakes 18 The Mustangs (2-0) are another team that has been especially impressive over the first two weeks, this time adding 51 points to the 65 they put up against Suttons Bay in the season opener. Inland Lakes (1-1) gave up that many only twice in going 10-1 last season. Pittsford 28, Camden-Frontier 6 The Wildcats (2-0) could quickly become contenders with their switch to 8-player, and they’ve looked good so far outscoring their first two opponents by a combined 78-6. Munising 14, Newberry 0 The Mustangs’ defense deserves plenty of praise after stopping a Newberry offense that scored 58 points last week and averaged 36 points per game a year ago.
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 Mount Pleasant ball carrier works to pull away from a Midland defender during the Oilers' Week 2 win. (2) An official readies for a play during Sanford Meridian's 14-0 win over Shepherd. (3) Paw Paw runs the ball on the way to its first victory, 33-27 over Otsego. (4) A Morrice ball carrier pulls away during a 68-14 win over Vestaburg. (Top and photos 2 and 4 by High School Sports Scene; photo 3 by Gary Shook.)