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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.)

Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 2 Review

November 11, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

You can stop trying to predict what’s going to happen in the MHSAA Football Playoffs this month.

The first two weeks have showed us that’s pretty much a futile endeavor – and that’s what could make these playoffs some of the most memorable of this decade soon to end.

A couple of observations quickly can be pulled from this weekend’s results. For starters, 12 teams ended their seasons with their first and only loss. Also, there were 16 rematches from the regular season – and 10 teams that lost the first meeting won this time around.

Sure, many of the heavy pre-playoff favorites are still around. But they might now be faced with stopping a few surprise contenders that have found their strides at the right time.

Below is a glance at some of the most notable District Final results from every division of 11-player, plus a thought on all eight 8-player Regional Finals. "Drive for Detroit" is sponsored by MI Student Aid.

11-Player

Division 1

HEADLINER Davison 42, Lapeer 21 Although Lapeer (9-2) did defeat Davison two weeks ago to win the Saginaw Valley League Blue title, the Lightning won that meeting only 24-21 – and the Cardinals more than flipped that result two weeks later. Davison (9-2) locked up its first District title since 2008 by overcoming a Lapeer defense that was giving up only 10.8 points per game and hadn’t surrendered more than 21 (also against Davison) this season. Click for more from the Flint Journal and see highlights below from State Champs Sports Network.

District Digest Utica Eisenhower 27, Lake Orion 20 The Eagles (9-2) have won eight straight and their third District title in four seasons, while Lake Orion (9-2) ended its most successful season since 2012 and with both defeats this fall by just seven points apiece. Belleville 67 Brownstown Woodhaven 14 The Warriors (10-1) led into the second quarter before Belleville (11-0) scored 61 straight points over the final three to repeat as a District champion. Sterling Heights Stevenson 38, Macomb Dakota 35 A week after Dakota shocked reigning Division 1 champion Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Stevenson (7-4) avenged its 40-14 Week 4 loss to the Cougars (6-5) to win its first District title since 2009.

Division 2

HEADLINER Birmingham Seaholm 42, Birmingham Groves 7 While Groves (8-3) has become a playoff regular and made the Division 2 Semifinals last season and in 2016, Seaholm is two seasons removed from a 1-8 finish and had lost seven straight to the rival Falcons – including in last year’s playoff opener. This season’s defeat was only three weeks ago, 35-14, but the Maples (8-3) avenged by holding a Groves offense averaging 30 points per game to its lowest output of the fall. The District title was Seaholm’s first since 2001. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest Muskegon Mona Shores 35, Midland Dow 12 The Sailors (9-2) finished their sweep of SVL Red co-champions by holding Dow (7-4) to its second-fewest points and scoring the second-most the Chargers gave up this fall. Detroit U-D Jesuit 11, Farmington 10 The Cubs (8-3) added a first District title since 2013 to their league championship, ending the Falcons’ season at 8-2 and with both losses by a combined five points. Walled Lake Western 49, Fenton 21 The Warriors (10-1) clinched their fourth District title in five seasons by handing the Tigers (9-2) their first loss since opening night.

Division 3

HEADLINER Edwardsburg 16, Zeeland West 2 – The Eddies – last year’s Division 4 champs – passed a major Division 3 test, and did so holding West (9-2) to its fewest points since the 2014 Semifinals. Granted, Edwardsburg (11-0) also scored way under its usual output, but put up enough while bringing down its defensive average half a point to giving up just 6.9 per game this season. The District title was the Eddies’ fourth straight, continuing a streak that began in Division 3 in 2016 before the team played in Division 4 the last two seasons. Click for more from the Edwardsburg Argus.

District Digest East Grand Rapids 41, Byron Center 14 The Pioneers (8-3) locked up their first District title since 2015 by handing Byron Center (10-1) its only loss during a rebound season that saw the Bulldogs bounce back from two straight sub-.500 finishes. Chelsea 28, Coldwater 21 The Bulldogs (11-0) won their fifth District title in six seasons with their second seven-point victory in two weeks. Coldwater finished 9-2 after going 3-6 a year ago. Allen Park 42, Riverview 26 The Jaguars (9-2) won their fourth District title in five seasons by eliminating Riverview (8-3) for the second straight.

Division 4

HEADLINER Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 54, Ortonville Brandon 40 As an independent during the regular season, Notre Dame Prep (10-1) faced a variety of opponents from a variety of leagues. So it’s gone a little unnoticed that the Fighting Irish are enjoying what has now tied their most successful season ever (with the 2011 team that finished 10-1). This District title was the program’s first since 2004. Brandon (8-3) ended its third season in four with at least eight wins. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest Cadillac 21, Sault Ste. Marie 6 The Vikings (7-4) keep adding highlights to their first winning season since 2016, with this their first District title since 2013. The Blue Devils (7-4), meanwhile, concluded their winningest season since 2013. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 33, Sparta 7 The Cougars (10-1) reached double-digit wins for their fourth-straight season by winning their fourth-straight District title, this time ending the winningest season for Sparta (9-2) since the start of the playoff era in 1975. Milan 56, Romulus Summit Academy North 22 Both of these teams set program records for wins this season, Milan (11-0) reaching 11 for the first time and the Dragons in finishing 8-3.

Division 5

HEADLINER Kingsley 51, Muskegon Oakridge 34 The Stags have been charging since the return of coach Tim Wooer before the 2018 season, and they’re up to a combined 21-2 with two District titles over the last two years after handing Oakridge (10-1) its lone loss of the fall. The Eagles hadn’t given up more than 20 points in a game this season and not 50 since a Semifinal loss in 2013. Kingsley’s offensive performance raised its scoring average this fall to just under 46 points per game. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle and see highlights below from MI Sports Now.

District Digest Almont 22, Marine City 20 The Raiders (11-0) have put together arguably the most impressive playoff runs so far with two wins over rivals on the road, and with the Mariners (10-1) also unbeaten entering the night. A Marine City offense averaging nearly 44 points per game was stopped just enough by an Almont defense still giving up just 9.9 per contest. Lansing Catholic 21, Portland 0 The Cougars (10-1) won their first District title since 2015 by ending a six-game losing streak to the rival Raiders (8-3), the only team that had beaten Lansing Catholic over the last two seasons. Saginaw Swan Valley 21, Frankenmuth 7 The closest win of the Eagles’ perfect league title run was a three-pointer over Swan Valley in Week 5, and the Vikings (8-3) clinched their third-straight District title by taking the rematch. Frankenmuth finished 9-2.

Division 6

HEADLINER Montague 20, Ravenna 13 (OT) Another rematch reversal was as close as anticipated, with Montague avenging its 17-7 Week 6 loss. Ravenna (8-3) scored all of its points during the fourth quarter to send this game to overtime, but the Wildcats (9-2) scored the only points of the extra period. The District title was the third straight for the reigning Division 6 runner-up. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.

District Digest Onsted 35, Grass Lake 21 The Wildcats (9-2) extended their first playoff season since 2014 with their first District title since 2007, while ending Grass Lake’s season also at 9-2. Calumet 39, Menominee 14 The Copper Kings (10-1) have 10 wins for the third time and a District title for the second in four seasons, and earned another home game as they seek their first Regional title. Menominee finished 7-4 after going 2-7 a year ago. Hillsdale 20, Constantine 14 League champion Hillsdale (11-0) joined Onsted as District champs from the Lenawee County Athletic Association, and now they will meet again. Constantine (8-3) ended its season with three defeats all by six points or fewer.

Division 7

HEADLINER New Lothrop 42, Beaverton 7 The legend of New Lothrop continues to grow. The Hornets (11-0) ran their winning streak to 16 going back to last year’s playoff run by handing Beaverton (10-1) its only loss – and scoring nearly half of the 100 points the Beavers gave up all season. New Lothrop has scored at least 40 points in 13 straight games dating back to last year’s Semifinals (and not counting a Week 8 forfeit this fall). Click for more from the Flint Journal.

District Digest Schoolcraft 47, Lawton 10 The Eagles (10-1) repeated as District champs and have now outscored two playoff opponents by a combined 104-16. Lawton (10-1) concluded a great turnaround after two straight 3-6 seasons. Cass City 28, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 2 Playing in its third-straight District Final, Cass City (10-1) made history winning its first championship during the opening round and getting to double-digit victories for the first time. Laker ended its sixth playoff season in seven years at 7-4. Traverse City St. Francis 14, McBain 6 The Gladiators (8-3) have played in four games decided by eight or fewer points, and this win pushed their record to 3-1 in those games as they got past McBain (6-5) for a sixth-straight District title.

Division 8

HEADLINER Reading 28, Cassopolis 6 A rematch of their 2017 Division 7 District Final – won by Cassopolis – was played out two years later, with Reading adding to its contender status as it looks to return to Ford Field after winning Division 8 last year. Cassopolis had given up more than 16 points only two other times over the last three seasons – and the last team to score 16 was Reading when Cassopolis won the 2017 matchup. Reading’s defense also did its part in this meeting, slowing way down a Cassopolis offense that was averaging 40 points per game. Click for more from the Hillsdale Daily News.

District Digest Ubly 34, Harbor Beach 20 The Bearcats (9-2) had lost to Harbor Beach five times over the last three seasons including 29-14 in Week 5 and in District games the last two years. The Pirates finished 10-1 and were a combined 21-3 over the last two seasons. Saginaw Nouvel 46, Breckenridge 28 The Panthers (7-4) clinched their second District title in three seasons by handing reigning Division 8 runner-up Breckenridge (9-2) its first loss since the season opener. Beal City 33, Johannesburg-Lewiston 20 The Aggies (10-1) are another team extending a great turnaround season after they finished 2-7 a year ago. The District title was their first since 2014 and ended another great run for Johannesburg-Lewiston (10-1), which hadn’t given up more than 21 points in a game this fall.

8-Player


Division 1

HEADLINER Morrice 50, Deckerville 24 The reigning Division 1 champion Orioles (10-1) hadn’t been discussed much since seeing a 20-game winning streak end in Week 8 against Crystal Falls Forest Park. But they’re a big part of the conversation again after handing Deckerville (10-1) its only loss, scoring 50 of the 134 points the Eagles gave up this season and stopping an offense that was averaging 46 points per contest. Click for more from the Owosso Argus-Press.

Regional Roundup Suttons Bay 36, Gaylord St. Mary 30 The Norsemen (11-0) ended up with a Week 6 win over Gaylord St. Mary after the Snowbirds (5-6) had to forfeit that 48-47 victory. But Suttons Bay will play in the Semifinals for the first time since 2006 after holding off a late St. Mary’s comeback attempt in this rematch. Kingston 50, Mio 48 The Cardinals (9-2) are headed to the Semifinals for the first time since 1996 after finally overtaking Mio (9-2) late in the fourth quarter. Colon 56, Martin 12 The Magi (11-0) actually saw their average margin of victory fall in defeating the previously unbeaten Clippers (10-1). Colon is winning by 48 points per game with no opponent getting closer than 34.  


Division 2

HEADLINER Pickford 22, Powers North Central 14 The Panthers (10-1) avenged their only loss, a 20-14 defeat to the Jets (10-1) in Week 3, to earn a spot in the Semifinals for the fourth straight year and fourth in five seasons playing 8-player. Pickford, last season’s Division 1 runner-up, scored the go-ahead points during the final minute and held off the Jets’ final attempt to pull even. Click for more from the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News.

Regional Roundup Hillman 48, Cedarville 44 Playing in its 14th straight playoffs, Hillman (10-1) has advanced to its first Semifinal by avenging last season’s 44-6 first-round loss to the Trojans (6-5). The Tigers also reached double-digit wins for the first time. Climax-Scotts 34, Onekama 22 The Panthers (9-2) will play in their first Semifinal since 2007 after eliminating last season’s Division 2 runner-up Portagers (7-4), whose four losses all came to teams still alive in the playoffs. Portland St. Patrick 51, Kinde North Huron 16 The Shamrocks (11-0) are headed back to the Semifinals for the third straight season after denying the Warriors (7-4) an opportunity to get back for the second time in three years.

Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews 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.

PHOTO: Ishpeming offensive linemen Victavian Hansen (77), Ben Pruett (14), and Dawson Delongchamp (17) make a hole for quarterback John Corkin (40), who gains several yards. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)