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.)
Unbeaten Rochester Finding Stride
By
Tom Markowski
Special for Second Half
October 15, 2020
Long treading near the bottom of the highly-competitive Oakland Activities Association, Rochester football has parlayed a revamped practice schedule with a young quarterback and a break in scheduling into one of the best starts in program history.
Erik Vernon in his 11th season as Rochester’s head coach, and he and his staff – notably defensive coordinator Nick Reed – were confident that this season had the potential to be something special.
The Falcons (4-0) are averaging 49 points a game, the defense has earned two shutouts, and Rochester is on the verge of completing what would be the fourth undefeated regular season in school history.
Not since 1993 had Rochester won its first four games. That season the Falcons finished 9-0 before losing to Detroit Henry Ford in an MHSAA Class AA Pre-Regional.
Beyond Vernon, his staff and players, few would have imagined Rochester starting this season in such dominating fashion, highlighted by a 42-20 victory over Bloomfield Hills on Oct. 2. Should Rochester defeat two other much-improved teams – Ferndale (3-1) and Berkley (4-0) – in its final two regular-season games, the Falcons would finish 6-0.
Rochester was 1-8 last season and has just three winning seasons since 1999. Of its eight losses in 2019, just one – a 44-38 defeat to Troy Athens – was close. Its season ended with a 35-14 loss to Bloomfield Hills.
Nevertheless, Vernon said much was accomplished despite these rather disappointing results.
“It’s been fun,” Vernon said of his team’s quick start. “We’ve had some rough years. We’ve been lucky. The offensive line is playing well, and our skill players are good.
“The guy who really makes us go is a sophomore. He’s our quarterback, Alex Bueno. He’s completed 80 percent of his passes and thrown 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions. It’s impressive. He’s the one who makes the difference.”
At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Bueno won’t wow anyone with his size. But don’t be misled. Bueno is a playmaker and has shown the upperclassmen he has the leadership qualities expected of his position.
The experience Bueno gained last season playing against teams like Birmingham Seaholm and Lake Orion has paid dividends; Lake Orion was 9-2 last fall and Seaholm was 9-4 and reached an MHSAA Division 2 Semifinal. Rochester and Bueno took their lumps in both, but there were lessons to be learned.
“(Bueno) has a presence on the field,” Vernon said. “He’s got a lot of confidence. That confidence piece is huge. We got beat bad by Seaholm and Lake Orion, but he made some plays.”
Bueno has had help. Lots of it. Let’s start at the receiver spot, where all four starters return led by senior Bobby Kronner. Kronner led his team in receptions as a junior and is the leading receiver again. He has average size (6-0, 160) but, like the vast majority of his teammates, he’s a multi-sport athlete who uses his athleticism to create opportunities.
Senior left tackle Noah Howes (6-4, 260), a heavyweight wrestler, is one of two starters back on the offensive line. And the defense is one of the best Vernon has had during his tenure. This unit has recorded 27 tackles for losses to this point. Last season the defense recorded 24 TFLs.
Much of the credit for the improvement on defense goes to Reed, a starting linebacker the last time Rochester qualified for the playoffs in 2010.
“We stop the run really well,” Vernon said. “We rotate kids in and out, and they read their keys well. We’re tackling well, and we play fast.”
Safety Kavan Troy is the sparkplug of the defense. A senior, Troy was an undefeated Division 1 wrestling champion (103 pounds) as a sophomore. He’s weighs 145 pounds now, and it is that toughness earned on the mat that makes Troy such a rugged competitor.
Vernon, like Reed, teaches at the high school, and he also doubles as the head wrestling coach. He attributes much of the success this season to a change in his practice schedule. Two years ago, when these seniors were sophomores, Vernon began having the junior varsity practice with the varsity. The result is the younger players have the opportunity to test their skills against players much bigger, faster and more experienced than themselves.
It was a learning, and often humbling, process. But the switch has produced positive results.
Kronner was on the junior varsity then and is convinced he’s a better player having acquired that experience.
“Sure, you’re getting your butt kicked in practice,” Kronner said. “But you’re going against kids who are bigger than you, and when you’re practicing with the varsity, you’re learning what they do. Usually on JV you run what the varsity runs, but just the basic stuff. It’s a completely different game at the varsity level. It’s faster. Now, it’s become second nature for me.”
Vernon also went to a two-platoon system, and this has helped to create depth on his 40-player squad.
He also said the new rule that allows athletes to play five quarters per week has aided his staff in using players, perhaps on the bubble between the junior varsity and varsity levels, more freely. For example, if a sophomore plays three quarters in a junior varsity game, that player is allowed to play in two quarters of a Friday night varsity contest. Even if that player doesn’t see action, it allows him or her to be a part of the varsity and experience, in uniform, a varsity game.
Scheduling has played a factor. While a recent member of the OAA White (2014-15, 2017-19) Rochester had a combined 8-37 record. When it competed in the Blue (2016), a step below the White in competitiveness, Rochester finished 5-4. This season the Falcons were again moved down to the Blue. The result was Rochester doesn’t have Oakland County traditional powers like Oak Park, Rochester Adams, Birmingham Groves and Lake Orion on its schedule.
But the league move doesn’t diminish the success the Falcons have had to this point.
Regardless of the circumstances, the players, specifically the 15 seniors, have made significant progress over three seasons. These seniors were 1-8 as members of the freshmen team. The next season the junior varsity was 6-3. Yes, Rochester was 1-8 last season, but the returnees have matured and the addition of Bueno as a full-time starter can’t be overlooked.
“Going into this season the attitude was different,” Kronner said. “(Bueno) has gotten a lot better. He’s bigger, physically. He was tiny last year. You know, he was that little freshman kid. What I did notice last year was that he had a cannon. Even as a freshman, he was reading the defenses. For most freshmen, you’re not reading the defenses. He had more football knowledge than your normal freshman. He’s emerged as a leader. He’s leading some of the older guys. He leads verbally and by example. He’s confident in his abilities. He should be. He’s talented.
“As a senior, our class wanted to go 9-0. With COVID(-19) that’s not possible, so we want to go 6-0. We have room to grow,” Kronner added. “Now we’re not practicing to beat the teams we’re playing. ... We’re practicing to beat the teams we’ll play in the playoffs.”
Tom Markowski is a correspondent for the State Champs! Sports Network and previously directed its web coverage. He also covered primarily high school sports for the The Detroit News from 1984-2014, focusing on the Detroit area and contributing to statewide coverage of football and basketball. Contact him at [email protected] with story ideas for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Rochester players celebrate during their undefeated start this season. (Middle) Aiden Harris makes his move into the open field. (Photos courtesy of the Rochester football program.)