1st & Goal: 2026 Week 2 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 8, 2026

Two three-overtime games and one four-overtime record setter would have been enough to kick off the story of this season’s Week 2.

MI Student AidAdd in a few dramatic comebacks, wins over five 2025 Finals champions and a few more rivalry nail-biters, and we’re still only getting started unfolding the emerging stories of this fall – but there certainly are plenty to tell.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Almont 14, Armada 0 Almont (2-0) ran its Blue Water Area Conference winning streak to 25, and even though it was the league opener took what might be a massive step toward running its BWAC championship streak to four. Also notable, the shutout lowered Almont’s points-allowed average against league teams during that run to 13.8 ppg. Click for more from the Port Huron Times Herald.

Watch list Saginaw Swan Valley 16, Freeland 6 Swan Valley is 2-0 for the first time since 2018, and by defeating the Falcons to start the Tri-Valley Conference Red schedule assumes the role as top contender to take on reigning champion Frankenmuth after finishing second to the Eagles last season. They play in Week 8.

On the move Caro 28, Harbor Beach 6 The Tigers are 2-0 for the first time since 2009 after giving up just six points for the second-straight week – this time against the reigning Division 8 champion Pirates (0-2). Fenton 27, Haslett 20 These two have split their meetings over the last four seasons, the last three all decided by seven points or fewer. Saginaw Heritage 32, Midland Dow 30 The Hawks (1-1) avenged last season’s 15-point loss to Dow (1-1) and bounced back from a 10-point Week 1 defeat against Mount Pleasant.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Detroit Martin Luther King 44, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 42 (3OT) This matchup between statewide giants didn’t disappoint. Neither team scored during the final eight minutes of regulation, which ended in a 22-22 deadlock, but the Crusaders (2-0) emerged with a 2-point conversion after doubling their score during overtime. Click for more from the Detroit News.

Watch list Detroit Catholic Central 56, Davison 14 The reigning Division 1 champion Shamrocks (2-0) have topped 50 points in both of their first two games, this one especially impressive over a Davison team (1-1) that went 8-2 last season.

On the move Rochester Adams 21, Rochester 19 The Falcons (1-1) scored with 15 seconds to play to reach the doorstep of a first win over Adams since 1996, but the Highlanders (1-1) stopped the 2-point conversion try to tie. Wyandotte Roosevelt 35, Trenton 21 With its first win over Trenton (1-1) since 2019, Roosevelt (2-0) likely shook up the Downriver League a bit as it looks to get back to its successful past. Detroit Cass Tech 48, Grandville 21 The Technicians (2-0) spread the scoring wealth, but Julian Taylor led with three touchdowns on the ground as Cass Tech built on last season’s three-point win over Grandville (1-1).

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Mason 30, DeWitt 17 The Lansing area’s current power matchup played out in another headlining chapter as Mason (2-0) evened the recent series at 2-2 by handing the reigning Division 3 champion Panthers (1-1) their first loss since the 2024 Semifinals. The Bulldogs, who also gave DeWitt its closest game a year ago, led this one 27-0 at halftime. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list New Lothrop 23, Durand 14 The Hornets (2-0) ended a two-game skid against Durand (1-1) as they look to contend again in the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference after finishing fourth, tied for sixth, second and third over the last four seasons.

On the move Howell 41, Belleville 31 The Highlanders (2-0) are back to piling up points this season with a combined 90 over two games. These two could meet again as they’ll begin league play this week in opposing divisions of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association. Hastings 50, Williamston 21 The Saxons (1-1) bounced back from a Week 1 loss and avenged last year’s seven-point defeat against the Hornets (1-1) in a matchup of playoff regulars. Pewamo-Westphalia 35, Ottawa Lake Whiteford 0 The Pirates (2-0) are quickly making an impression, especially defensively as they’ve given up a combined nine points over the last two weeks to opponents that finished a combined 15-6 a year ago.

Saginaw Heritage senior running back Daijon Wynn takes a handoff from quarterback Anthony Fries during the first quarter of the Hawks’ eventual victory over Midland Dow.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Ogemaw Heights 33, Traverse City St. Francis 13 Ogemaw Heights (2-0) has had plenty of major moments over the last few seasons, but this fall’s start might end up ranking high among them especially if the Falcons continue to build on last year’s Division 5 Semifinals march. Their only regular-season loss last season came against St. Francis (1-1) in Week 2. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list Johannesburg-Lewiston 14, Benzie Central 8 The Cardinals (2-0) already have surpassed last season’s win total and with one more victory will guarantee their best finish since 2020.

On the move Gaylord 35, Escanaba 25 After opening this season with a one-score loss to North Branch, reigning Big North Conference champion Gaylord (1-1) bounced back with a nice win over last year’s BNC runner-up. Cadillac 34, Alpena 21 The Vikings (1-1) also bounced back from a Week 1 loss to kick off BNC play as they look to rebound from a tough 2025. Charlevoix 28, Boyne City 12 The Rayders (2-0) opened play in the new Northern Shores Conference the best way, especially heading into this week’s mega matchup with Kingsley that could eventually decide the league title.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Brooklyn Columbia Central 34, Michigan Center 14 Columbia Central (2-0) nearly won the Cascades Conference West a year ago after starting the fall 0-2, and anticipation is growing for the upcoming league schedule especially with the Golden Eagles winning this one over last season’s Cascades East champion. This also avenged last year’s 49-14 loss to the Cardinals (1-1). Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Watch list Jonesville 64, Leslie 62 (3OT) This tied for the fifth highest-scoring overtime game in MHSAA history, and Leslie (1-1) has piled up a combined 119 points over its first two games with the Comets (2-0) just slightly behind with a combined 98.

On the move Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 29, Flat Rock 19 These were two of four teams the Huron League sent to the playoffs last season, and this was a key win for the Falcons (2-0) after finishing last year as one of three co-champions as well. Ypsilanti Community 12, Ypsilanti Lincoln 7 After falling by just a point in this rivalry matchup a year ago, YCS (1-1) defeated Lincoln (0-2) for the first time since 2019. Union City 41, Reading 8 Union City (2-0) quickly has moved into the lead pack in the Big 8 Conference and done so impressively outscoring its first two opponents by a combined 89-8.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Battle Creek Central 31, Lansing Everett 26 The Bearcats are 2-0 for the first time since 2018 thanks to avenging last season’s loss to the Vikings by nearly the same score. They’ll seek to avenge a second 2025 defeat in a row this week against Mattawan. Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Watch list Stevensville Lakeshore 21, Niles 16 Lakeshore is 2-0 coming off back-to-back three-win seasons and downed the Vikings (2-0) after being shut out by Niles both of the last two years.

On the move Sturgis 27, Battle Creek Pennfield 8 After falling by just a point in its season opener, Sturgis (1-1) earned its first victory since Week 8 of 2023 and after falling to Pennfield (0-2) by 22 a year ago. Battle Creek Harper Creek 19, Cedar Springs 0 The Beavers (2-0) begin Interstate 8 Athletic Conference play this week and have yet to allow a point this fall. Portage Central 42, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 21 After opening with a loss to Ohio power Toledo Central Catholic, Portage Central (1-1) rebounded just in time for this week’s rivalry matchup with Portage Northern.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Menominee 49, Marquette 19 These longtime rivals met again for the first time since 2022, and four years later the Maroons avenged a loss to the Sentinels in that most recent matchup. Dylan Beal threw five passes to help the reigning Division 7 champions run their winning streak to 16. Click for more from the Eagle Herald.

Watch list Hancock 58, West Iron County 0 The Bulldogs (1-1) have totaled one win each of the last three seasons and lost to West Iron by 10 points to finish last fall. But this big victory certainly is a positive sign with two more league opponents Manistique and Gwinn up next.

On the move L’Anse 35, Manistique 22 The Purple Hornets (2-0) are off to another fast start as they look to build on last year’s playoff return. Calumet 27, Ishpeming Westwood 8 Calumet (2-0) has especially shined on defense so far, holding its first two opponents to one touchdown apiece and with high-scoring Negaunee up next. Negaunee 42, Gladstone 6 The Miners (2-0) found their stride especially defensively as they prepped for a much-anticipated matchup this week against the Copper Kings – who defeated Negaunee a year ago.

West Michigan

HEADLINER East Kentwood 42, Byron Center 14 Just like a year ago, East Kentwood (2-0) is off to a dominating start on both sides of the ball, up to a combined 97 points scored over two games and giving up just these 14 over the first two weeks. Byron Center (1-1) scored the only points of the first quarter, but East Kentwood erupted for 28 straight to build its lead. Click for more from WZZM.

Watch list Coopersville 41, Grand Rapids West Catholic 21 Coopersville is 2-0 after starting 0-3 last season and still reaching the Division 3 District Finals. Both wins this fall avenged 2025 losses, including this one after the Broncos fell last year to the eventual Division 5 champion Falcons by 20.

On the move Ravenna 28, Oakridge 27 Oakridge (0-2) rallied late to get within a point, but Ravenna (1-1) held on with a 2-point conversion stop to win this rivalry matchup for the second-straight season. Lowell 35, St. Joseph 34 The Red Arrows were able to come all the way back, scoring 21 unanswered points to move to 1-1 and send the Bears to the same. Rockford 42, Muskegon 6 The Rams (1-1) rebounded from a Week 1 loss to Saline for a fourth-straight win over Muskegon (0-2) since those two renewed their rivalry in 2023.

8-Player

HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 52, Portland St. Patrick 24 Montabella faced both of last season’s 8-Player Finals champions to start this fall and has emerged 2-0 with a combined margin of victory of 113-36. This one also avenged the Mustangs’ 26-point loss to the eventual Division 2-winning Shamrocks from a year ago. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.

Watch list Ishpeming 50, Powers North Central 22 The Hematites fell back to two wins last season, although with a series of close defeats, and can definitely build on this triumph over the Jets, one of the most consistently successful 8-player programs with 11 straight playoff seasons.

On the move Fulton 70, St. Charles 68 (4OT) This easily set the record for highest-scoring overtime game in MHSAA 8-player history, a combined 12 points higher than the previous record holders. Merrill 54, Morrice 7 The Vandals (2-0) are off to a nice start with a combined 94-15 score over opponents that finished a combined 14-5 a year ago. Climax-Scotts 36, Britton Deerfield 26 The Panthers’ followed a solid Week 1 win over Concord with an even louder statement as Climax-Scotts (2-0) became one of only five teams to hold the Patriots (1-1) under 40 points since the start of 2024.

Ishpeming's Kian Gauthier (5) is able to find a hole before he gets tackled by North Central's Pryar LaBonte.

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) Menominee's Jackson Myszak is able to hold onto the ball to score a 2-point conversion while closely covered by Marquette's Josiah Youngren. (Middle) Saginaw Heritage senior running back Daijon Wynn takes a handoff from quarterback Anthony Fries during the first quarter of the Hawks’ eventual victory over Midland Dow. (Below) Ishpeming's Kian Gauthier (5) is able to find a hole before he gets tackled by North Central's Pryar LaBonte. (Menominee/Marquette and Ishpeming/North Central photos by Cara Kamps. Heritage/Dow by Kolleth Photo.)

1st & Goal: 2022 Playoff Week 1 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 31, 2022

The first week of the MHSAA Football Playoffs features 144 games across the state – and again this weekend, we enjoyed plenty of the intriguing and unexpected.

MI Student AidOf those 144 games, 31 were won by teams playing on the road.

Five undefeated teams lost for the only time this season.

Three teams that entered the postseason at 3-6 or 3-5 were victorious, as were three more teams that entered 4-5.

And to help finish things off Saturday, Waterford Mott defeated Saginaw Heritage 77-63 – with those combined 140 points the second-most ever scored in an MHSAA 11-player game, six off the record set by Climax-Scotts and Fulton in 2017 when Climax-Scotts won 84-62.

There are stories behind all of this weekend’s scores, and we glance at several of them below.  

11-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Detroit Cass Tech 38, West Bloomfield 13 Although both are among the most highly-regarded programs in Michigan, this certainly qualified as an upset as West Bloomfield (8-2) was ranked No. 4 in Division 1 in the state coaches poll while Cass Tech (7-3) was unranked. With big-time athletes all over the field for both teams, the Technicians’ speed stood out as running back Sean Hodges was among stars. Click for more from the Detroit News.

District Digest Grand Ledge 38, Brighton 3 Any other week this would be the “headliner” above as unranked Grand Ledge (8-2) continued to impress in advancing to a District Final for the first time since 2015. No. 10 (tie) Brighton finished 8-2, its only two losses coming in its final two games. Clarkston 62, Lapeer 41 These two met for the second time in three weeks, with No. 7 Clarkston (8-2) adding to its 48-13 win over the Lightning (7-3) the first time. Rochester 21, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 20 Just two weeks earlier, Stoney Creek (5-5) won the regular-season matchup 43-22. But the Falcons (6-4) not only avenged that loss but four straight to this rival.

11-Player Division 2

HEADLINER South Lyon 30, South Lyon East 27 (2 OT) Just a week after falling to East 27-21, South Lyon avenged with this double-overtime win over its neighbor. The Cougars (7-3) seemed on their way to another victory leading into the fourth quarter before the game went to overtime and the Lions (7-3) eventually prevailed. Click for more from Hometown Life.

District Digest East Lansing 24, Battle Creek Central 0 The Trojans went on the road coming off two straight losses that sunk their league title chances, but posted their third shutout of the fall to end Battle Creek Central’s first winning season since 2018 at 7-4. Portage Northern 44, Byron Center 22 The Huskies quietly have been bouncing back impressively from last season’s 3-6 finish, and they moved to 7-3 with this upset of No. 8 Byron Center (7-3). St. Clair Shores Lakeview 33, Port Huron Northern 27 Lakeview (7-3) also enjoyed a road upset in leaving No. 10 PHN with a berth in the District Finals for the first time since 2019.

11-Player Division 3

HEADLINER Detroit Martin Luther King 41, River Rouge 28 Crusaders standout quarterback Dante Moore started his final playoffs with four touchdown passes against a Rouge defense that was giving up only 8.5 points per game in entering the postseason 5-3. The Panthers’ offense elevated as well against a King defense that was allowing just 15 points per game, but couldn’t keep up as the Crusaders (6-3) improved to 13-2 in the playoffs during Moore’s four seasons. King entered the postseason ranked No. 1 in Division 3, while Rouge was No. 4. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.

District Digest Coopersville 28, Cedar Springs 0 The Broncos (7-3) reached seven wins for the first time since 2008 after shutting out a Cedar Springs attack that had averaged 42 points per game during a five-game winning streak that had gotten the Red Hawks into the playoffs at 5-4. Jackson 32, Parma Western 25 The Vikings (6-4) guaranteed their winningest season since 2018 with their first playoff victory since 2015, while ending Western’s season at 6-4. Zeeland West 36, Lowell 28 The Red Arrows (6-4) came back from a double-digit deficit to tie things up in the fourth quarter, but the No. 6 Dux (9-1) scored one more time with just more than eight minutes to play and held off Lowell the rest of the way.

11-Player Division 4

HEADLINER Livonia Clarenceville 48, Redford Union 46 (OT) The Trojans (6-4) entered the playoffs coming off two straight losses during which they’d scored a combined 102 points but lost by six and then one. This opener played out similarly, but this time Clarenceville hung on for the win after putting up its points on a Union defense that had given up only 50 total during a 9-0 regular season that saw the Panthers enter the playoffs ranked No. 4 in the coaches poll. Click for photos from Hometown Life.

District Digest Charlotte 27, Chelsea 15 The Orioles (9-1) added to their best season since 2004 this win over last season’s Division 4 champion. This was Chelsea’s earliest season conclusion since not making the playoffs in 2013; the Bulldogs finished 5-5. Freeland 61, North Branch 41 The No. 6 Falcons (8-2) bumped their average scoring per game to 41 points with a season high against the Blue Water Area Conference co-champion Broncos (8-2). Niles 56, Three Rivers 32 The Vikings (6-4) have won five straight games, and this avenged a 27-21 Week 3 loss to the Wildcats (5-5).

11-Player Division 5

HEADLINER Flint Hamady 36, Armada 35 The Hawks earned their best win of an outstanding season, edging the other Blue Water Area Conference co-champion (see North Branch above) despite trailing by a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter. Hamady (9-1) is heading to the District Finals for the first time since 2018. The 36 points were the most allowed by Armada (7-3) this season. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.

District Digest Kingsford 34, Kingsley 30 The Flivvers (7-3) scored with 23 seconds to play to earn their first District Final trip since 2017. Kingsley finished 7-3, with two of its three losses decided by a combined five points. Corunna 34, Williamston 27 The No. 10-ranked Cavaliers (8-2) edged the No. 9 Hornets (7-3) to earn their third-straight trip to a District Final. All three Williamston losses this season were by eight points or fewer. Flat Rock 27, Dundee 22 The Rams (7-3) earned their first playoff win since their Class C championship season of 1976 – and after going a combined 9-25 over the last four years. Dundee finished 6-4.

11-Player Division 6

HEADLINER Lansing Catholic 28, Durand 21 It’s tough to say if this was the most stunning of two Division 6 wins over teams that finished the regular season undefeated. Lansing Catholic entered 4-5, but also is the reigning Division 6 champion – and the Cougars have come on strong with three straight wins and despite opening this season 0-3. No. 7 Durand had won four games decided by a touchdown or less on the way to its 9-0 start, but couldn’t hold onto an early lead this time. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

District Digest Manistee 28, Boyne City 27 This was the other win over an undefeated opponent, as Manistee (7-3) earned its first trip to the District Finals after hitting the road to deal Boyne City (9-1) its only loss in also the No. 6 Ramblers’ only game decided by fewer than 15 points. Standish-Sterling 30, Clare 29 (OT) The No. 10 (tied) Panthers (8-1) saw their potential perfect regular season stopped short in Week 9, but extended their playoffs with an overtime 2-point conversion to edge the Pioneers (5-5). Constantine 54, Buchanan 12 The Falcons’ continued to dominate on both sides of the ball, besting their points for and points against averages in stopping the Bucks (8-2) and improving to 9-1. Menominee 44, Calumet 39 In running 38 times for 330 yards and five touchdowns, Brayden Nelson broke or tied three Calumet school records. But Landon Bardowski scored with less than a minute left to put the Maroons (6-4) ahead for good. Calumet finished 6-4.

11-Player Division 7

HEADLINER Ravenna 10, North Muskegon 7 Three weeks after falling to North Muskegon 28-7 in the game that eventually decided the West Michigan Conference Rivers title, Ravenna (7-3) is headed back to the District Finals for the third time in four seasons after one of its strongest defensive performances of the fall. North Muskegon ended 8-2, its best record since 2006. Click for more from CatchMark SportsNet.

District Digest Benzie Central 21, Charlevoix 14 This was right up there with the biggest stunners of the weekend as Benzie (4-6) entered 3-6 but edged the No. 9-ranked Rayders (8-2). Manchester 22, Grass Lake 19 Two weeks after falling to Grass Lake 35-19, Manchester avenged to move to 6-4 and guarantee its winningest season since 2015. Grass Lake ended 5-5. Hudson 50, Union City 13 The No. 3 Tigers (8-1) fell short in their league title bid this season, but defeated a league champion in Union City (7-3) to reach the District Finals.

11-Player Division 8

HEADLINER Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 34, Harbor Beach 20 As noted in Friday’s preview, these two made up half of one of the strongest Districts in any division, and No. 5 MLS (9-1) will now meet undefeated and top-ranked Ubly after holding on against the No. 6 Pirates (8-2). Harbor Beach had given up more than 16 points in only one other game – against Ubly – and MLS continued a marvelous turnaround after going a combined 5-11 over the last two seasons. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

District Digest Detroit Community 38, Mount Clemens 28 The Battling Bathers (7-3) had won the Week 8 matchup for the Charter School Conference East title, 44-24, but Community (6-4) avenged with its first playoff win in 12 years as a program. East Jordan 6, Frankfort 0 (OT) The Red Devils (6-4) secured their first playoff win since 1999 by earning their first shutout of the season and scoring the game’s only points after regulation. Frankfort (8-2) had won their Week 6 meeting 20-14. Bark River-Harris 44, St. Ignace 20 This matchup of league champions went to the Broncos (8-2), who will see Iron Mountain in a District Final for the second time in three seasons. St. Ignace finished 7-3, its best since 2016 and after going a combined 3-13 over the last two seasons.

8-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Deckerville 14, Kingston 8 The No. 5-ranked Cardinals’ run to their first perfect regular season since 1999 included a 56-20 Week 6 win over Deckerville, their first victory over the Eagles over the last 13 seasons of playing them annually. But Deckerville (7-3) hasn’t lost since, and this actually was the Eagles’ third-straight victory by eight points or fewer. It was also the only single-digit game this fall for Kingston (9-1). Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.

Regional Roundup Newberry 54, Rogers City 6 What seemed heading in as arguably the top matchup of the weekend in Division 1 didn’t end up that way as No. 6 Newberry allowed single-digit scoring for the sixth-straight game and with No. 4 Rogers City (9-1) averaging 46 points per game entering the contest. Breckenridge 36, Fulton 32 After Breckenridge (8-2) won their Week 1 meeting 40-36, the Huskies similarly edged the Pirates (7-3) in their first 8-player playoff game. Brown City 66, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian 38 The No. 9 Green Devils (9-1), also in their first season of 8-player, earned their first playoff win since 1997. No. 7 Oakland Christian (8-2), in its second season of 8-player, also was making its first playoff appearance in its new format.

8-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Mendon 44, Climax-Scotts 18 The No. 7 Hornets opened with a strong move, defeating No. 3 Climax-Scotts to reach the Regional Finals for the second time in two seasons of 8-player. Climax-Scotts (8-2) was averaging 42 points per game entering the weekend, but couldn’t find that stride against a defense that hasn’t given up more than 17 points in a game since Week 3. Mendon (8-2) is now a combined 16-5 over its two 8-player seasons. See below for more from FOX 17.

Regional Roundup Lake Linden-Hubbell 44, Crystal Falls Forest Park 12 The No. 5 Trojans (7-3) had won these teams’ Week 6 meeting 22-14. With this win, the Lakes (7-3) earned another rematch – against top-ranked Powers North Central. Morrice 62, Peck 6 Two regular-season losses took No. 9 Morrice out of its league’s title mix, but the Orioles opened the playoffs with this win over the No. 8 Pirates (7-3), winners of the North Central Thumb League Stripes. Gaylord St. Mary 47, Central Lake 6 The No. 10 Snowbirds (8-2) have won six straight and by an average margin of 45 points during the run. St. Mary also won the first meeting with Central Lake (7-3) in Week 2, 48-36.

MHSAA.com'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. 

PHOTO A Swartz Creek ball carrier looks for an opening during Friday’s playoff game against Midland. (Photo by Melody Cook.)