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.
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: 2021 Week 7 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 8, 2021
Rivalries play out every week of the nine-game football regular season – but a few we watch for every fall top the Week 7 schedule.
Neighbors Port Huron and Port Huron Northern will face off with a league title on the line, as will Marquette and Menominee, and the Muskegon High/Mona Shores matchup will decide first place in their conference as well. Saline/Temperance Bedford and St. Joseph/Stevensville Lakeshore will have similar impacts.
MHSAA.tv will carry more than 175 games live this weekend, with Bally Sports Detroit broadcasting Friday's Rockford/Caledonia game on its primary cable channel and State Champs! Sports Network streaming Saturday's Warren Michigan Collegiate/Harper Woods Chandler Park matchup. See the full schedule from the MHSAA Score Center.
Also, circle Oct. 24 on your calendars and tune your TVs to Bally Sports Detroit’s primary channel for the MHSAA’s annual football playoff selection show, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. The fields and full brackets for 11 and 8-player will be announced.
(Games below are Friday unless noted.)
Bay & Thumb
Port Huron (5-1) at Port Huron Northern (6-0)
This rivalry this season will be a championship decider with the winner tonight claiming the Macomb Area Conference Blue title outright. Port Huron is the reigning champion and won last year’s meeting 20-7, and actually has claimed the last two matchups as these teams split regular season and playoff games in 2019. It’s very possible this will be just the first chapter again this fall; Northern is ranked No. 5 in Division 2 and the Big Reds are No. 14. They’re succeeding with different strengths; Port Huron has scored 28 or more points in five straight games since an opening-night loss to Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, while the Huskies are scoring less but giving up only eight points per game.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Reese (5-1) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (5-1), Goodrich (5-1) at Lake Fenton (5-1), Midland Dow (4-2) at Lapeer (5-1), Swartz Creek (3-3) at Flushing (3-3).
Greater Detroit
Romeo (5-1) at Sterling Heights Stevenson (5-1)
After a few tough seasons playing in one of the state’s strongest leagues, Stevenson got rolling last fall and hasn’t stopped. The Titans shared the 2020 MAC Red title but can finish an outright championship tonight – while a Romeo win would mean a shared title between the two as the Bulldogs fell by three points to Clinton Township Chippewa Valley two weeks ago. Stevenson has scored at least 30 points every game, including a Week 1 loss to still-unbeaten Rockford, while Romeo excels defensively and has given up 13 or fewer points in all of their five wins (but 37 in the loss to the Big Reds). Stevenson won last season’s meeting with Romeo 14-7.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Livonia Churchill (6-0) at Dearborn Fordson (5-1), Allen Park (5-1) at Harper Woods (5-1), Detroit Osborn (4-2) at Detroit Pershing (4-2). SATURDAY Harper Woods Chandler Park (4-2) at Warren Michigan Collegiate (4-2).
Mid-Michigan
Gladwin (6-0) at Clare (4-2)
The Flying G’s also took a big jump in 2020 and have guaranteed their most successful finish since 2014. They can add tonight a share of their first Jack Pine Conference championship since 2002, their first season in the league. Gladwin is scoring nearly 63 points per game and has five shutouts in six games – the only points given up were 18 three weeks ago in a 40-point win. But the JPC road always goes through reigning champ Clare, and the Pioneers have defeated the Flying G’s all 19 seasons they’ve been in the league together, including 41-30 a year ago. Clare’s defeats this season are to Freeland and Marquette teams that are a combined 10-2.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Carson City-Crystal (6-0) at Breckenridge (4-2), Lansing Catholic (6-0) at Charlotte (4-2), New Lothrop (4-2) at Durand (5-1), Olivet (4-2) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (4-2).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Boyne City (5-1) at Mancelona (5-0)
Mancelona’s best start since back-to-back 10-1 finishes in 2011 and 2012 fast forwards this week into what could be an unforgettable regular-season conclusion with Boyne City this week also undefeated in Northern Michigan Football Conference Leaders play and Week 8 opponent Charlevoix only a game back. The Ironmen are coming off an open date and have had a little more time to prepare for a Ramblers team that lost only to Traverse City St. Francis two weeks ago but bounced back big last week against Kalkaska. Boyne City has played one more league game than Mancelona and can clinch a share of the league title if victorious tonight; the Ramblers already own a 27-8 Week 2 win over Charlevoix as well. Boyne City won last season’s meeting 48-6.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Petoskey (3-3) at Cadillac (4-2), Harbor Springs (1-5) at Frankfort (5-1), Traverse City Central (5-1) at Alpena (1-5), Charlevoix (5-1) at Kalkaska (1-5).
Southeast & Border
Saline (6-0) at Temperance Bedford (5-1)
The last time Saline lost a Southeastern Conference Red game was Week 5 of 2013 – to Temperance Bedford. This matchup has determined the league champion three times since the Kicking Mules claimed the title that season, and Saline has a one-game edge heading into this weekend thanks to Bedford’s one-point loss to Ann Arbor Huron in Week 4. Three of the last five games between these two have been decided by one score – although Saline won last season 56-14. The Hornets are ranked No. 3 in Division 1, while Bedford is No. 6 in Division 2 from a league that also has Huron at No. 10 in Division 1, Dexter slated to make the playoffs and Monroe only one spot away from doing the same with three games to play.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Sand Creek (4-2) at Erie Mason (4-2), Napoleon (5-1) at Michigan Center (5-1), Dundee (4-2) at Clinton (4-2), Chelsea (6-0) at Tecumseh (3-3).
Southwest Corridor
Stevensville Lakeshore (5-1) at St. Joseph (5-1)
The Bears lost an overtime heartbreaker last week to Portage Central but have had to rebound quickly with this game now pitting two of the three teams sitting in first place in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference. Lakeshore has defeated St. Joseph in nine of their last 10 meetings, including 26-0 and then 14-9 in the playoffs a year ago – when the Lancers were the only team to defeat the Bears. Lakeshore’s loss this fall came against Portage Northern in Week 4, and it won by four against Portage Central in the season opener. St. Joseph downed Northern 21-3 in Week 3.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY South Haven (5-1) at Berrien Springs (6-0), Vicksburg (5-1) at Plainwell (5-1), Cassopolis (4-2) at White Pigeon (5-1), Watervliet (4-2) at Kalamazoo United (4-2).
Upper Peninsula
Menominee (4-2) at Marquette (5-1)
This matchup once again will decide the Great Northern Conference title, as Marquette can clinch the championship outright with a win and Menominee can clinch a share with a Week 9 meeting with Kingsford left on the GNC schedule. Marquette has won the last two league titles outright after sharing with Escanaba in 2018, and its only loss this season came Week 2 against Traverse City Central, which can clinch the Big North Conference title outright this week. Menominee’s losses both qualify as good ones – both came to Wisconsin teams that are 6-1, and because of that the Maroons are No. 13 in Division 6. Marquette is No. 16 in Division 3 coming off a one-point win last week over Clare (mentioned above).
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hancock (3-3) at Iron Mountain (3-3), L'Anse (3-3) at Ishpeming Westwood (5-1), Traverse City St. Francis (6-0) at Sault Ste. Marie (4-2). SATURDAY Calumet (4-2) at Houghton (4-2).
West Michigan
Muskegon (5-1) at Muskegon Mona Shores (5-1)
Undefeated Caledonia and Rockford meet with first place on the line in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red, but it’s tough these days to not call Muskegon High/Mona Shores this region’s top game of any week. They are tied atop the O-K Green, both having lost to Detroit Public School League powers (Muskegon to Cass Tech and Mona Shores to Martin Luther King). The Big Reds haven’t given up a point since Week 3 and before that allowed just 20 to a Zeeland West team averaging nearly 40 per game. Mona Shores will counter with an offense averaging 47 points per game. The Sailors won last season’s meeting 21-14 on the way to eventually claiming their second-straight Division 2 championship.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Caledonia (6-0) at Rockford (6-0), Manistee (4-2) at Muskegon Catholic Central (5-1), Grand Rapids Christian (3-3) at Byron Center (6-0), Grand Rapids West Catholic (6-0) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (6-0).
8-Player
Mendon (5-1) at Martin (6-0)
The winner receives a share of the Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League Tier 1 title, and this will be their first meeting since 1997. Martin is in the midst of its third season as a force in 8-player football, and Mendon made the format switch this fall and has only a nonleague loss to Bridgman keeping it from a matching perfect start. Subtract that defeat, when the Hornets were shut out, and they’re averaging 58 points per game in their wins. Martin no doubt will incorporate a little bit of what worked for the Bees to augment a defense that has given up only a combined 18 points in five games played (the sixth win was a forfeit).
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Suttons Bay (6-0) at Marion (6-0), Waldron (5-1) at Tekonsha (4-2), Pickford (5-1) at Newberry (5-1), Genesee (4-1) at Morrice (6-0).
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.
PHOTO Muskegon's defense readies for the snap this season against Detroit Cass Tech. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)