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A Grand Ledge receiver focuses on hauling in a pass during the Comets’ 49-25 Week 4 win over East Lansing.

1st & Goal: 2026 Playoffs Week 1 Preview

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 30, 2026

We’ve landed in a familiar place, but with a slightly different look as we begin the 2026 MHSAA Football Playoffs this weekend.

MI Student AidFor the first time since the 11-player field expanded to 256 teams in 1999, teams in those brackets were seeded regionally before Districts were drawn, resulting in a number of matchups we haven’t seen before, or at least in several seasons, at this stage of the game.

Tickets for all are available on GoFan.co, and more than 100 also will be broadcast on MHSAA.tv. Click to check out all of the matchups in every division, and see below for a few from each that especially jump off the page. 

11-Player Division 1

Hudsonville (6-3) at Portage Central (8-1)

Both have significant recent playoff experience, Portage Central making the Semifinals last fall and Hudsonville finishing Division 1 runner-up in 2024 and reaching the Regional Finals last year. The last few weeks have no doubt felt like playoff games as well for the Eagles, who defeated Rockford in Week 8 and fell to East Kentwood last Friday – with their only other loss to Caledonia. Central’s only loss came Week 1 to Toledo Central Catholic, and they doubled up their next-toughest opponent of the season, downing St. Joseph last week. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Belleville (6-3) at Dearborn Fordson (7-2), Davison (7-2) at Oxford (7-2), Brownstown Woodhaven (7-2) at Northville (7-2).

11-Player Division 2

Walled Lake Western (7-2) at Midland Dow (7-2)

Dow shared the championship this fall in the Saginaw Valley League North, and Western tied for third in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Warriors must bounce back quickly after falling last week to Milford 31-28 in a matchup that cost them a share of the LVC title, but an early win over Livonia Franklin and another over South Lyon East two weeks ago are proof of their capabilities. Dow’s only losses also were to playoff teams, and a 52-24 win over Traverse City West in Week 6 helped set up the shared SVL title.

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY North Farmington (6-3) at Ferndale (7-2), Saginaw Heritage (6-3) at South Lyon East (7-2), Livonia Franklin (7-2) at Allen Park (7-2).

11-Player Division 3

Marquette (6-3) at Cadillac (7-2)

The Sentinels won the Week 4 matchup between these two 33-27 in Marquette on the way to claiming the Big North Conference title outright – with Cadillac finishing runner-up. The Vikings get to host this time thanks to a slight edge in playoff-point average, and their only other loss came to still-undefeated Portland by seven points. Marquette is coming off a loss to undefeated Kingsford, which broke a six-game winning streak, but has won all four meetings with Cadillac since joining the BNC in 2023. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY East Grand Rapids (6-3) at Coopersville (8-1), Battle Creek Central (5-4) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-3), Holly (7-2) at Fenton (7-2).

11-Player Division 4

Vicksburg (7-2) at Edwardsburg (9-0)

Edwardsburg won these rivals’ regular-season meeting 59-27 just two weeks ago to clinch the first share of what ended up an outright Wolverine Conference title. Only Paw Paw – a potential District Final opponent – has gotten within 12 points of catching the Eddies. But only a year ago Vicksburg defeated Edwardsburg during both the regular season and playoffs, and they’ll try to recapture the defensive prowess this weekend that otherwise has given up only 14 points per game this fall.

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Paw Paw (8-1) at Portland (9-0), Marshall (8-1) at Grand Rapids South Christian (8-1), Fruitport (7-2) at Ludington (7-2).

11-Player Division 5

Kalamazoo United (9-0) at Hopkins (8-1)

This is a rematch of a 2025 District Semifinal, won 41-20 by United but in Kalamazoo, while Hopkins earned the home game this time based on its strength of schedule. Both also are league champions, United in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Hopkins in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Silver. This could come down to Hopkins’ offense – averaging nearly 42 points per game – finding a weakness in a Titans defense that has given up 61 points total this fall, and seven or fewer in seven games. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Berrien Springs (8-1) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (8-1), Ida (7-2) at Detroit Voyageur College Prep (6-3), Detroit Denby (6-3) at Redford Union (5-4).

11-Player Division 6

Napoleon (8-1) at Buchanan (7-2)

A bumpy middle of the season saw Buchanan lose consecutive games to playoff teams Berrien Springs and Bronson, but the Bucks rallied to run their postseason streak to five and earn this rematch from last year’s Division 6 bracket. Napoleon won that District Semifinal matchup last season 26-20 and lost this fall only to Cascades Conference overall champion Hanover-Horton, in Week 4. All of its victories have been by double digits.  

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Harbor Springs (8-1) at Gladwin (5-4), Kent City (7-2) at Olivet (6-3). SATURDAY Calumet (6-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (6-3).

11-Player Division 7

Cassopolis (8-1) at Ravenna (7-2)

Cassopolis has emerged from a 1-7 finish just two years ago to win eight straight games heading into this one, its only loss this season by four points in Week 1 to still-undefeated Decatur. That ended up costing the Rangers the Southwest 10 Conference title, but they will begin pursuit of a first District title since 2018 against a Ravenna team also enjoying a nice rebound with its first winning regular season since 2022. The Bulldogs’ losses were to Beal City and North Muskegon, who are a combined 17-1. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Harrison (7-2) at McBain (7-2), Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (7-2) at Burton Bendle (9-0), Union City (7-2) at Detroit Community (8-1).

11-Player Division 8

East Jordan (7-2) at Iron Mountain (7-2)

Northern Michigan Football Conference co-champion East Jordan crosses the Mackinac Bridge to take on the Mountaineers in a rematch of a 2024 District Final won by Iron Mountain. The Red Devils are coming off a tough five-point loss to Harbor Springs, but their only other defeat was to Charlevoix by six in Week 1. Iron Mountain hasn’t lost since Week 3 and its defeats were both five-pointers to league champions, North Muskegon and Bark River-Harris. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Saugatuck (6-3) at Springport (8-1), Marine City Cardinal Mooney (6-3) at Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (8-1). SATURDAY Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (6-3) at Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (6-3).

8-Player Division 1

Bridgman (8-1) at Colon (8-1)

Bridgman’s enrollment has allowed it to be eligible for the 8-player playoffs for the first time, and the Bees will be one of the most dangerous road teams in any division this weekend. They’ve scored 48 or more points six times, with their only loss to another playoff team in Grand Rapids Sacred Heart. Colon is coming in from a similar spot, back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and having dominated the majority of this season with its lone loss to Mendon. 

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ishpeming (7-2) at Rudyard (7-2), Blanchard Montabella (8-1) at Dansville (7-2), Marlette (7-2) at Deckerville (8-1).

8-Player Division 2

Powers North Central (7-2) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (9-0) – Saturday 

Lake Linden-Hubbell has put together its first perfect regular season since 2016 and has played only one single-digit game, defeating Crystal Falls Forest Park 42-38 in Week 7. The Lakes downed North Central 44-27 in Week 5, but the Jets have to be riding high after last week’s 55-36 win over Forest Park that knocked the Trojans out of the playoffs. North Central’s only other defeat came Week 2 to Ishpeming, which enjoyed its best regular season in several this fall.

Keep an eye on these FRIDAY St. Ignace (8-1) at Gaylord St. Mary (9-0), Grand Rapids Sacred Heart (8-1) at Marion (9-0), Britton Deerfield (7-2) at Kinde North Huron (7-2). 

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 A Grand Ledge receiver focuses on hauling in a pass during the Comets’ 49-25 Week 4 win over East Lansing. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)

Mendon’s J.T. Lux (23) follows a blocker and pulls away from a Martin defender during his team’s Regional Final win.

1st & Goal: 2024 Playoffs Week 2 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

November 11, 2024

If at first you don’t succeed … wait until the playoffs?

MI Student AidThat became the storyline for some of the most intriguing rematches during District title weekend for 11-player football and Regional championship weekend for 8-player brackets.

Of 72 MHSAA playoff games total, 23 were rematches from the regular season. A total of 15 teams won both the first meeting and the second – but that means eight teams that lost before advanced this time around, and plenty shaking up brackets in major ways.  

11-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Macomb Dakota 41, Utica Eisenhower 14 Dakota’s only loss this season was Week 7 to Eisenhower, 21-14. But the Cougars (10-1) avenged in a big way with Brady Hamby reaching the end zone four times to lead the team to a District title after these two shared the Macomb Area Conference Red championship. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.

District Digest Howell 35, Brighton 33 Justin Jones broke Howell’s single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns, adding 225 and four, respectively, as the Highlanders (11-0) held off the rival Bulldogs (8-3) in a rematch from Week 8. Hudsonville 19, Grandville 16 The Eagles (10-1) also had to hold on in a rematch from the regular season, adding this to a Week 7 victory over Grandville (6-5). Grand Blanc 29, Oxford 7 Grand Blanc (9-2) won this clash of league champions to secure its first District title since 2021 and end Oxford’s season at 7-4, its winningest since 2018.

11-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Byron Center 30, Muskegon Mona Shores 23 Byron Center (10-1) was only slightly behind Mona Shores (9-2) on the final Division 2 playoff points list, and with this win moves ahead as the highest-ranked team on their side of the bracket. Mona Shores had won their Week 4 meeting 14-12. Click for more from FOX 17.

District Digest East Lansing 50, Dexter 49 East Lansing scored and connected on a 2-point conversion pass with no time left on the clock to claim a third-straight District title and end Dexter’s season at 10-1. Saginaw Heritage 17, Midland 7 This was another rematch reversal, as Heritage (8-3) avenged its 28-13 loss to Midland (9-2) from Week 7. Warren De La Salle Collegiate 35, Grosse Pointe South 21 De La Salle (8-2) clinched a fifth-straight District title by handing Grosse Pointe South (10-1) its only defeat.

11-Player Division 3

HEADLINER Zeeland West 42, St. Joseph 0 West (10-1) ran its District championship streak to three and has outscored its two playoff opponents by a combined 74-6 after posting its first shutout of this season. St. Joseph (9-2) was averaging 36 points per game entering the matchup. Click for more from the Holland Sentinel.

District Digest River Rouge 20, Riverview 14 Rouge (6-4) has won four straight after opening 2-4 and claimed this District title by defeating the same two opponents as a year ago, Southgate Anderson and then Riverview (9-2). Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 28, Coopersville 17 The reigning Division 3 champion Rangers (9-2) earned a rematch with Zeeland West, which won their first meeting in Week 6. Coopersville finished 7-4. Petoskey 38, Mount Pleasant 10 The Northmen (11-0) extended their record-setting season by reaching 11 wins for the first time with their first District title since 2014. Mount Pleasant finished 6-5.

DeWitt’s Traverse Moore (2) eludes a Lowell defender during the Panthers’ 49-35 win in Division 3.

11-Player Division 4

HEADLINER Grand Rapids South Christian 35, Hudsonville Unity Christian 28 In perhaps the upset of the weekend, South Christian avenged a 50-21 loss to Unity (10-1) from Week 7, moving to 7-4 while toppling what was the top team on the Division 4 playoff points list heading into the postseason. Unity led by one at halftime and pulled within one again with 8:21 to play before the Sailors finished the win. Click for more from Michigan Sports Radio.

District Digest Haslett 24, Chelsea 9 The Vikings (8-3) went to Chelsea (8-3) and brought home a District title for the second season in a row, this time adding to a seven-game winning streak to earn a Regional Final rematch with Goodrich. Goodrich 27, Freeland 21 The Martians pulled ahead by two touchdowns with 2:13 to play and held off Freeland’s late comeback attempt to clinch a third-straight District title. The Falcons finished 9-2 after also falling to Goodrich in a District Final last year. Macomb Lutheran North 43, Croswell-Lexington 42 (OT) Lutheran North (10-1) clinched a second-straight District championship and reached 10 wins for the first time, ending Croswell-Lexington’s run at 7-4.

11-Player Division 5

HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21, Grand Rapids West Catholic 18 A late blocked punt and a go-ahead touchdown pass gave Catholic Central (7-4) a ninth-straight District championship with this third-straight playoff win over its rival. West Catholic (7-4) also saw its 2023 season end against the Cougars in a Regional Final. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

District Digest Gladwin 28, Ogemaw Heights 19 Gladwin (8-3) not only avenged last year’s District opener loss but also a 12-7 Week 3 defeat this fall to Ogemaw Heights (9-2). Frankenmuth 37, Belding 7 The undefeated Eagles’ defense continued to shine, this time slowing down a Belding offense that was averaging 46.5 points per game entering the weekend. The Black Knights finished 9-2. Armada 63, Hazel Park 0 Armada (10-1) claimed its first District championship in this sport, also reaching double-digit wins for the first time, while Hazel Park (7-4) capped its first winning season since 2017 and winningest since 2010. 

11-Player Division 6

HEADLINER Boyne City 21, Kingsley 15 The reigning champion is out as Boyne City (9-2) avenged its most recent loss, 26-20 to Kingsley (8-3) from Week 4 in what also was a rematch of two of the three champions from the Northern Michigan Football League Legends. The District title was Boyne’s first since 2014. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

District Digest Newaygo 35, Central Montcalm 34 Newaygo (9-2) claimed its first District title since 2012, thanks in part to stopping Central Montcalm (9-2) on a 2-point conversion attempt after a fourth-quarter touchdown. The Hornets finished their winningest campaign since 1999, according to Michigan-Football.com. Lansing Catholic 31, Ovid-Elsie 28 Lansing Catholic (8-3) finished a run through the elite from the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference, with this win over the runner-up Marauders (8-3) following the District-opening victory over MMAC champion Chesaning. Marine City 38, Warren Michigan Collegiate 28 Marine City (9-2) claimed its first District title since 2021, handing Michigan Collegiate (9-2) its first loss since Week 1. Michigan Collegiate had entered the postseason third on the Division 6 playoff-points average list, and Marine City was fourth.

11-Player Division 7

HEADLINER Menominee 35, Traverse City St. Francis 32 (OT) Menominee (10-1) emerged with arguably its best win this fall as it works to return to Ford Field this month. The Maroons had played only one other single-digit game this season – a two-point Week 8 loss to Kingsford – but held on to get to overtime and then get past the Gladiators (7-4). Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

District Digest Pewamo-Westphalia 17, Ithaca 14 The Pirates (9-2) are repeat District champions as they improved to 3-2 in one-score games this fall, while Ithaca finished 10-1 after its second-straight perfect regular season. North Muskegon 27, McBain 7 The Norsemen (10-1) also finished a second-straight District title run, this one by locking down a McBain offense that was averaging 42 points per game entering the weekend. The Ramblers finished 9-2. Hudson 30, Union City 7 The Tigers (10-1) won their first District title since 2021 with a fifth-straight game holding the opponent to single-digit scoring — and this time while also putting up the most points Union City (9-2) allowed this fall, its winningest since 2011.

Grand Blanc’s Nik Lemons (5) finds the edge as Oxford tacklers pursue.

11-Player Division 8

HEADLINER Harbor Beach 37, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 7 As this season has rolled on, Harbor Beach (11-0) has been more and more impressive. Since a two-point win Week 1 over Cass City, the Pirates haven’t let an opponent closer than 30 points – and Everest (9-2) was arguably its toughest challenge to date, scoring 36 points per game and giving up just under eight before Harbor Beach sailed through. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.

District Digest Iron Mountain 21, East Jordan 18 Iron Mountain (11-0) emerged from its closest challenge this fall to earn a Regional rematch with Beal City, which defeated the Mountaineers a year ago. East Jordan finished 8-3. Reading 30, Springport 29 This was another regular season loss avenged, as Reading (7-4) continued to rebound from last season’s rare sub-.500 finish and after falling 28-24 to Springport in Week 6. Beal City 21, Maple City Glen Lake 14 A second-straight District trophy didn’t come easily for the Aggies (9-2), who went on the road and defeated a league champion that at 9-2 finished its best season since 2019.

8-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Mendon 26, Martin 22 There will be a new Division 1 champion. Martin’s two-year reign came to an end as J.T. Lux ran in the winning score for Mendon (10-1) with two seconds to play. He finished with 147 yards at more than 10 per carry and also had an 84-yard touchdown run during the third quarter – although Martin (9-2) did take the lead during the fourth quarter, setting up Lux’s final heroics. Click for more from the Sturgis Journal.

Regional Roundup Indian River Inland Lakes 32, Alcona 26 Inland Lakes (11-0) played only its second single-digit game this season and its closest to date, but held strong to repeat as a Regional champion and end Alcona’s season at 9-2 with both losses by eight or fewer points. Deckerville 40, Kingston 6 Deckerville (11-0) added to a 44-0 win over Kingston (8-3) from Week 7 to repeat as a Regional title winner. Pickford 44, Ishpeming 6 The Panthers (11-0) also finished a season sweep with a Regional title, having already defeated Ishpeming 65-14 in Week 4. The Hematites ended their first 8-player season 6-3.

8-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Crystal Falls Forest Park 34, Powers North Central 12 In perhaps one the most defining short-range turnarounds of the playoffs so far, Forest Park (10-1) bounced back from losing a league-deciding matchup 45-34 to North Central in Week 9 – and to claim a first Regional title since the Trojans won Division 2 in 2017. The Jets finished 9-2, one win better than a year ago. Click for more from MyUPNow.

Regional Roundup Onekama 48, Au Gres-Sims 44 After four tough seasons during which Onekama won a combined eight games, the Portagers are 10-1 and returning to the Semifinals for the first time since 2018 – and after avenging a 52-30 loss to Au Gres-Sims (9-2) from a year ago. Morrice 46, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 14 The Orioles (10-1) eliminated a league opponent for the second time in two playoff games and this time to win a second Regional title in three seasons. Sacred Heart finished 7-4. Britton Deerfield 60, Pittsford 26 The Patriots (10-1) set a program record for wins with their first Regional championship, handing Pittsford a second defeat after also downing the Wildcats (8-3) in their season opener.

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) Mendon’s J.T. Lux (23) follows a blocker and pulls away from a Martin defender during his team’s Regional Final win. (Middle) DeWitt’s Traverse Moore (2) eludes a Lowell defender during the Panthers’ 49-35 win in Division 3. (Below) Grand Blanc’s Nik Lemons (5) finds the edge as Oxford tacklers pursue. (Top photo by Gary Shook/GSPHOTO. DeWitt/Lowell photo by L.C. Arreguin/Team Arreguin Photos. Grand Blanc/Oxford photo by Terry Lyons.)