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.
Add 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.
TRIPLE OVERTIME MADNESS. 😱
Detroit King punches in the two-point conversion to win an absolute thriller over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 44-42.
Powered by @CallSam pic.twitter.com/3RBxBy8Muj— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 5, 2026
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.
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.
East Kentwood (@EastKentwoodFB) is making some noise early. 👀🔥
The Falcons roll past Byron Center, 42-14, and keep their strong start going.
Powered by @LawrenceTechU pic.twitter.com/31KgLJlHF2— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 7, 2026
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.
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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.)
Crampton Hanging Up Official's Whistle After 46 Years of Giving Back
By
Doug Donnelly
Special for MHSAA.com
October 26, 2022
After most high school football games end, the referees typically head for the exits, get to the locker rooms and head home. Rarely do fans, players and coaches notice how they disappear.
Things were a little different Friday night in Ottawa Lake.
After Ottawa Lake Whiteford beat Pioneer (Ohio) North Central 30-0, the fans stayed in their seats, the players stayed in the handshake line and coaches gathered around as retiring referee Tom Crampton received his place in the spotlight. After nearly 50 years as a high school football referee, Crampton had blown his whistle a final time.
“I feel like I’m at that point,” Crampton said. “I wanted to go as long as I could. I’ve been fortunate to get to this stage.”
Crampton turned 76 in September. The Jackson native got his start as an official during the 1977-78 school year after hurting his knee in a flag football game.
“I was just running across the field and heard something pop,” he said. “I realized my playing days were over. I had a friend who was an official. He got me into it.”
For years Crampton was a football referee in the fall, basketball official in the winter and umpire in the spring. He gave up the other sports about a decade ago but never wanted to give up football, the game he learned as a 10-year-old growing up in Jackson under the tutelage of Howdy Woods.
“He brought sports into my life,” Crampton said. “He worked with the juveniles of Jackson County and was an official himself, I believe. All of us kids knew Howdy. He got me started in sports.”
Sports became a lifelong passion for the retired director of pharmacy for Henry Ford Allegiance. When he and his wife Colleen had children, he thought about stepping back from his referee duties, but his family wasn’t having it.
“My wife and children all encouraged me to keep doing sports,” he said. “When the kids were younger, I said, ‘I really need to taper this back,’ and they didn’t want me to. They followed me. My wife was my biggest fan. After I retired from work, I thought maybe it was time, but she would not let me quit.”
For years Crampton was a back judge. He transitioned to umpire a few years ago because he felt he was better equipped for that role than running up and down the field.
Chris Dauterman has been an official for 27 years and was a back judge for years before becoming a crew chief only few years ago. Crampton joined his crew when the group of officials he had been working with for decades disbanded due to retirements.
“It’s hard to imagine being dedicated to a hobby that long,” Dauterman said. “That’s really what it is, a hobby. Nobody who does this is doing it for the money. They are doing it for the love of the kids and game. I give him all the respect in the world for putting up with the things he does for so long.
“His knowledge of the rule book and mechanics of an officiating crew is unbelievable,” Dauterman added. “I’ve worked with a lot of officials over the years. In the three years I’ve worked with Tom, he’s helped me transition from back judge to the crew chief. The knowledge he has is tremendous. It’s nice to have him as a sounding board. As another official, it means the world.”
Crampton lives in Lake Columbia, not far from Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. He primarily has done games in the Jackson area, including the Cascades Conference and Southeastern Conference the last few years. Friday he was doing a nonleague game between Whiteford and a school from northwest Ohio.
The game ended prematurely when North Central pulled its players off the field at halftime due to injuries and lack of available players to continue.
Before anyone left, however, Crampton was presented with a golden whistle and received a standing ovation for his years of service. After the handshakes, players from both sides greeted Crampton at midfield.
Crampton said most kids haven’t changed in the last 45-plus years he’s been on the field with them. Except for just a few players, most are respectful of him and the sport.
“When I played in the 60s, sports were an extension of the classroom,” he said. “It was learning things of life and that things don’t always work right. There are failures sometimes, but you go on and you pick yourself up and you respect those around you and the competition.
“I think that has waned a little over the years, but most of the kids haven’t changed. Being a referee has been a great experience. I love being out with the kids. Most of the kids out there are great kids, great people. You just have to give them a chance.”
Crampton said he realized his time as an official was nearing the end about a year ago when he said he couldn’t quite get into the position that he wanted during a game. He hopes new officials sign up for the gig and continue the tradition of helping high school athletics.
“We’ve tried recruiting some new officials,” he said. “They were moving up fast now from lower levels to varsity. We’ve lost so many officials over the last few years. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the MHSAA. I’ve enjoyed being everywhere and meeting all the people.”
Crampton worked two MHSAA Finals games during his officiating career and has memories of great athletes, great coaches, and great games to last a lifetime.
“I’ve been fortunate my whole life,” he said. “I’ll miss it, there’s no doubt about it. This is my 66th year of football. How lucky can a person be?”
Doug Donnelly has served as a sports and news reporter and city editor over 25 years, writing for the Daily Chief-Union in Upper Sandusky, Ohio from 1992-1995, the Monroe Evening News from 1995-2012 and the Adrian Daily Telegram since 2013. He's also written a book on high school basketball in Monroe County and compiles record books for various schools in southeast Michigan. E-mail him at [email protected] with story ideas for Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Retiring official Tom Crampton, middle, shares a laugh with referee colleague Chris Dauterman and Whiteford varsity football coach Todd Thieken before Crampton’s final game Friday. (Middle) Crampton and Dauterman bring Whiteford and Pioneer North Central players together at midfield prior to Friday’s game. (Photos by Doug Donnelly.)