1st & Goal: 2026 Week 3 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 14, 2026
The highest-scoring game, potentially, in Michigan high school history will put Week 3 in the record books at the end of this season.
But several more results could send the second weekend of September into school record books across the state if the rest of the regular season plays out as past history dictates it might.
Several matchups that decided 2025 league titles were played at the one-third point this fall. And while we will have to wait another month or more to know for sure, many noted below might end up deciding which teams hoist conference championship trophies later this fall.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Montrose 35, New Lothrop 33 Montrose (2-1) ran its Mid-Michigan Athletic Conference winning streak to 11 with its closest league victory in two years. After only two weeks of league play there are only two teams 2-0 in the MMAC – Montrose joined by Birch Run, and they’ll meet in a Week 8 league finale. Click for more from WJRT.
Watch list Imlay City 22, Croswell-Lexington 0 Imlay City (3-0) already has as many wins as a year ago and with one more victory will match its highest total since 2020. This win reversed a 42-7 loss to Croswell-Lexington (0-3) a year ago and was the Spartans’ first over the Pioneers since 2014.
On the move Armada 28, North Branch 6 The Tigers (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss to Almont to hand North Branch (2-1) its first defeat. Davison 54, Traverse City Central 28 The Cardinals also enjoyed an impressive bounce-back coming off a Week 2 defeat to Detroit Catholic Central with a notable win over a Central team that reached the Regional Finals last fall. Millington 43, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 16 Last season’s Cardinals win over Laker (1-2) in the league finale decided the Big Thumb Conference White title. This season they played in the league opener, and the result might end up doing the same although Caro and Cass City are both undefeated as well and up next for Millington (3-0).
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 31, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 28 A Marcus Hayes interception returned for a touchdown was the highlight play from this Catholic High School League Central matchup. The end result of the game was Brother Rice (3-0) taking a step as a candidate to be top contender in the league race against Detroit Catholic Central, although Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in Week 5 will present another major challenge. Click for more from the Detroit News.
1-800-CALL-SAM PLAY OF THE WEEK NOMINEE 🏈
Brother Rice's Marcus Hayes with the GAME-CHANGING PICK 6 against Warren De La Salle to defeat them 31-28!
Vote this Friday on the State Champs! Instagram 🗳️
Powered by @CallSam pic.twitter.com/es8s5htcfu— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 12, 2026
Watch list Northville 35, Brighton 34 Northville (3-0) finished second in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West last year thanks in part to a loss to Brighton (2-1), but may be the team to beat in the new KLAA Black after securing this one with a 2-point conversion stop with 24 seconds to play.
On the move Detroit Edison 41, Romulus Summit Academy North 14 After these two shared the championship a year ago Edison (2-1) now joins Ecorse with the early lead in the Charter School Conference Gold, with those two set to meet in Week 8. South Lyon 35, Walled Lake Western 14 This was one of the two big matchups when South Lyon won the Lakes Valley Conference last season, and might prove a decider again although upcoming games with Milford and South Lyon East will influence the race as well. Dearborn Divine Child 14, Detroit Country Day 7 Divine Child (3-0) marched late for the go-ahead score to run its current streak over Country Day to three wins in three seasons, but the close loss also showed how dangerous the Yellowjackets (1-2) could be the rest of the way.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Beal City 42, Springport 13 The Aggies (3-0) stepped away from their Highland Conference repeat pursuit for a week to take on the reigning champion from the Big 8 Conference and busted out in a big way during the second half after leading only 14-7 at the break. It was the first regular-season loss for Springport (2-1) since Week 8 of 2024. Click for more from WLNS.
Watch list Mount Pleasant 28, Midland Dow 7 The Oilers (3-0) began their Saginaw Valley League North repeat pursuit with their best defensive game of the young season as they faced last year’s league runner-up in Dow (1-2).
On the move Grand Ledge 45, Okemos 7 The Comets (3-0) won this matchup of previously undefeated opponents to open Capital Area Activities Conference Blue play. Mason 20, Haslett 7 The Bulldogs (3-0) didn’t let down after a big Week 2 win over DeWitt, opening CAAC Red play by avenging one of last season’s two league losses. Howell 54, Dearborn 14 The Highlanders have reached 40 points all three games this season and 35 points in 11 straight dating back to Week 4 of last fall.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER East Jordan 20, Maple City Glen Lake 19 The last three regular-season meetings between these Northern Michigan Football Conference rivals have been decided by a combined four points – and Glen Lake (2-1) also won last year’s District Final matchup by 14 – but this went East Jordan’s way for the first time since 2023. The Red Devils (2-1) quickly have become the only team in the one-division NMFC still without a league loss. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Harbor Springs 14, Frankfort 10 Frankfort (2-1) has made the playoffs every season this decade and Harbor Springs (2-1) hasn’t once, but that could be changing as the Rams defeated the Panthers for the first time since 2020.
On the move Kingsley 39, Charlevoix 13 The Stags (3-0) have looked especially impressive in the early going and may have won the eventual decider in the Northern Shores Conference with Charlevoix (2-1) another contender. Cadillac 28, Gaylord 0 The Vikings (2-1) made a big splash against the reigning Big North Conference champion Blue Devils (1-2), and in doing so equaled their win total of a year ago. Oscoda 20, Johannesburg-Lewiston 8 After falling to East Jordan and Harbor Springs to start the fall, the Owls (1-2) are on the board thanks to avenging last season’s 12-point loss to the Cardinals (2-1).
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Chelsea 49, Adrian 21 These two decided last season’s Southeastern Conference White title, and the early edge this fall goes to reigning champion Chelsea which is now tied for first with Tecumseh. Those co-leaders will meet this week in one of the biggest matchups regionally and beyond. Click for more from the Chelsea Sun Times News.
Watch list Jackson Lumen Christi 45, Traverse City St. Francis 0 The Titans (3-0) have won five straight over the Gladiators (1-2) but handed St. Francis its first shutout since these two met in 2023.
On the move Napoleon 32, Jonesville 12 Napoleon (3-0) moved from the Cascades Conference East to West this season and opened by slowing down a Jonesville offense that had scored 98 points during a 2-0 start. Michigan Center 22, Manchester 16 The reigning Cascades West champion Cardinals (2-1) got an important league win out of the way as Manchester also had impressed during a 2-0 start. Quincy 67, Stockbridge 21 After a rough first half of the decade, Quincy finished it up last season with a solid 5-4 run – and at 3-0 this fall may be in the mix to take another step although the schedule has a number of challenges the rest of the way.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Marshall 52, Hastings 45 The Interstate 8 Athletic Conference race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the southwest with three of seven teams 3-0 overall and others capable of making noise on a given night. Marshall is 3-0 for the first time since 2009 with this win over annual league contender Hastings, which is 1-2 against opponents a combined 8-1 this fall. Click for more from WWMT.
Watch list Union City 22, Bronson 14 Union City is setting up well as a Big 8 Conference contender, moving to 3-0 with this win over Bronson (1-2), which finished second in the Southwest 10 Conference a year ago.
On the move Mattawan 77, Battle Creek Central 76 (5OT) This was definitely the highest-scoring overtime game in MHSAA football history, the highest-scoring for two teams combined when the loser scores at least 40, and very likely the highest-scoring high school football game in Michigan overall since 1912 (before the MHSAA was formed 12 years later). Kalamazoo United 28, Lawton 7 This was another major step for United (3-0) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, with the Week 6 date against Schoolcraft now shaping up as a potential league title decider. Lawton (2-1) still gets a shot against Schoolcraft as well, in Week 9. Portage Central 25, Portage Northern 14 Central (2-1) has taken a notable edge in this rivalry with a fifth-straight win, and these two will not meet again this season as they’re in different playoff divisions.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Bark River-Harris 38, Iron Mountain 33 Bark River-Harris’ repeat hopes in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Iron got a major boost as this matchup has been the title decider the last two seasons. The Broncos (3-0) defeated Iron Mountain three times a year ago and certainly could see the Mountaineers (1-2) again in the playoffs in two months. Click for more from My UP Now.
Watch list Houghton 54, L’Anse 8 This could be a turning point for the Gremlins (1-2), who topped 50 points for the first time since 2022 and held a L’Anse team that had scored 90 over a 2-0 start.
On the move Calumet 21, Negaunee 18 The Copper Kings (3-0) opened a stretch of Negaunee/Menominee/Kingsford the best way, and for the second-straight season, with the next two games to tell their fortunes in the West-PAC Copper. Escanaba 29, Alpena 12 Escanaba (1-2) ran its winning streak against Alpena (1-2) to five and evened its record in the BNC after opening against the reigning champ. Kingsford 35, Gladstone 0 The Flivvers (3-0) have outscored their first three opponents by a combined 104-22 margin with Negaunee and Calumet up next.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Caledonia 35, Rockford 23 The Fighting Scots (2-1) impressively bounced back from the disappointment of taking a forfeit loss Week 1 by defeating the Rams (1-2) for the first time since their 2022 Division 1 District Final. Caledonia capitalized on three turnovers and a blocked punt, and also returned a kickoff for a score. Click for more from WOOD TV.
Watch list Muskegon Orchard View 22, Whitehall 8 The Cardinals (2-1) didn’t even have a team five seasons ago, but they won five of their last six games last fall and continued this early surge by defeating Whitehall for the first time in their five years together in the West Michigan Conference Lakes.
On the move Grand Rapids West Catholic 45, Grand Rapids South Christian 34 The Falcons (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss to hand the Sailors (2-1) their first this season. Coopersville 20, Petoskey 17 (OT) The Broncos are now 3-0 against teams that went a combined 27-4 a year ago. Hudsonville 42, Grand Haven 14 Six of eight Ottawa-Kent Conference Red teams are 2-1 or better, including both of these after Hudsonville handed Grand Haven its first loss.
8-Player
HEADLINER Rudyard 42, Indian River Inland Lakes 36 (3OT) It took three overtimes, but Rudyard (2-1) ended Inland Lakes’ 25-game regular-season winning streak dating back to 2023. This was their first meeting since 2013, and an important one as they are both in the first-year Bridge Alliance Straits this fall. Click for more from the Cheboygan Daily Tribune.
Watch list Litchfield 28, Battle Creek St. Philip 6 The Terriers are 3-0 for the first time since 2022 as they seek their first playoff berth since 2011. They’ve actually won six of their last seven games going back to last season.
On the move Bay City All Saints 33, Kinde North Huron 14 The Cougars (3-0) took a major step as they pursue a fourth-straight league title, even as North Huron (2-1) gave them their closest game in the series since 2022. Ishpeming 80, Stephenson 42 The Hematites (2-1) equaled their win total from a year ago and are just 18 points shy of equaling their scoring for all of 2025. Bridgman 48, Marcellus 18 The Bees (3-0) picked up what might end up a key win in the Southern Michigan 8-Man Football League Red, as Marcellus (2-1) was coming off a victory over reigning Division 1 champ Martin.
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) Fenton defenders close in on a tackle during the Tigers’ 26-14 win over Flushing. (Middle) Ithaca’s Greyson Merchant (6) follows senior Harper Merchant for a first down during the Yellowjackets’ 63-7 win over Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central. (Below) Ishpeming’s Donovan Snyder (1) pulls in a pass against Stephenson. (Fenton/Flushing photo by Terry Lyons. Ithaca/Nouvel photo by Kolleth Photography. Ishpeming/Stephenson photo by Randy Ritari.)
1st & Goal: 2023 Week 8 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 16, 2023
The sun is setting – and lately, a ton of rain has been falling – on the 2023 football regular season.
Week 8 saw most of the rest of the remaining league championships decided, and tons of movement up and down the list of potential playoff qualifiers as 20 teams moved into (and 20 out of) the possible field of 288.
Several more teams moved up and down their respective division lists, nearly as important as projections of which teams will be going where and which will be hosting playoff games begin to fly with more frequency this week and we draw closer to Sunday's 6 p.m. "Selection Sunday Show" on Bally Sports Detroit Extra.
Below is our latest look at the most recent results that caused notable shifts in the landscape.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Davison 35, Grand Blanc 21 Davison clinched a share of the Saginaw Valley League Red championship, moved to 8-0 overall this season and jumped three spots back to No. 3 on the Division 1 playoff-points average list. That’s a strong haul from a third-straight win over the Cardinals’ biggest rival, but their regular-season work isn’t done yet. Grand Blanc (5-3) still could end up with a share of the Red title if Lapeer is able to catch Davison this week. Click for more from WJRT.
Watch list Ubly 42, Cass City 8 After reaching Ford Field two of the last three season, Ubly (8-0) appears locked in for another run. The Bearcats won this matchup of Greater Thumb Conference division champions to jump to a season-best No. 3 on the Division 8 playoff-points average list. Cass City (6-2) remains firmly in the middle of the Division 7 list.
On the move Harbor Beach 18, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 6 Its only loss to Ubly, Harbor Beach (7-1) further set itself up for a possible playoff rematch with this win over the Division 7 hopeful Lakers (4-4). Midland 41, Lapeer 24 Midland (5-3) has been a mainstay on the Division 2 playoff-points average list but firmed up its position with its best win this season, as Lapeer also is 5-3. Saginaw Swan Valley 14, Birch Run 10 A three-game winning streak has Swan Valley (5-3) up to No. 18 on the Division 5 playoff-points average list after sitting just outside the top 32 after Week 3. Birch Run (5-3) remains No. 4 on the same list.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Detroit Cass Tech 24, Detroit Martin Luther King 23 Cass Tech (6-2) finished a season sweep of its rival to complete a Detroit Public School League Blue championship. Five of the last six meetings between these PSL powers have been decided by seven points or fewer, and Corey Sadler Jr. was a difference maker in several ways as the Technicians firmed up their position in the Division 1 playoff field. King (4-4), meanwhile, moved up in Division 3 as well. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Check out the moments from Detroit Cass Tech's victory over King in the Detroit Public School League Blue Division Championship game on October 13th, 2023! Watch as Mr. Football candidate Corey Sadler Jr. showcases his skills with a touchdown pass and run in the nail-biting 24-23… pic.twitter.com/arhssBMuGA
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 15, 2023
Watch list Gibraltar Carlson 20, Allen Park 18 Carlson (7-1) has guaranteed itself at least a share of the Downriver League championship for the third straight season and can claim it outright for the first time during this streak this week against Lincoln Park. In handing Allen Park (7-1) its only loss, the Marauders capitalized with a five-position boost to No. 2 on the Division 2 playoff-points average list.
On the move Detroit Denby 29, Detroit Central 28 Denby (8-0) played by far its closest game of an otherwise dominating run to earn the PSL Blue championship. Central (4-4), which also lost to Denby 38-24 in Week 4, is one of only two opponents to score on Denby this fall. Northville 28, Novi 14 The winner-take-all for the Kensington Lakes Activities Association East title went to Northville (8-0), which continued its ascension after finishing second in the league a year ago and 3-6 in 2021. Novi (6-2), similarly, has guaranteed its best finish since 2016. West Bloomfield 31, Southfield Arts & Technology 20 In handing the Warriors (7-1) their only loss, West Bloomfield was able to nearly switch spots with A&T on the Division 1 playoff-points average list – the Lakers moved from No. 11 to 7, and Southfield moved from No. 4 to 11.\
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Mason 30, Walled Lake Western 7 Walled Lake Western was top-ranked and Mason tied with Zeeland West for No. 2 in last week’s Division 3 coaches poll, but Mason (8-0) didn’t allow a point after the first quarter while its offensive stars found their footing including senior running back AJ Martel a week after setting the school’s career rushing record. Walled Lake Western (7-1) remains No. 1 on the Division 3 playoff-points average list, with Mason No. 4 but with another chance to gain this week against Fenton. Click for more from WILX.
Check out the highlights from Mason High School's 30-7 victory over Walled Lake Western! Mr. Football contender had two rushing touchdowns and a blocked FG. Not to be outdone, Cason Carswell and Kaleb Parrish delivered a spectacular duo with two touchdown connections. Delivered… pic.twitter.com/BKoVGgd3AL
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 14, 2023
Watch list Corunna 57, Fenton 7 In commanding fashion, Corunna (8-0) won the Flint Metro League championship game and put itself in position to play for a first perfect regular season since 2002. Fenton (6-2), as noted above, will face another undefeated team in its regular-season finale in Mason.
On the move Portland 41, Lansing Sexton 0 In another dominating performance, Portland (8-0) won this winner-take-all for the Capital Area Activities Conference White championship, stopping Sexton (7-1) and an offense that was averaging 37 points per game. Mount Pleasant 42, Midland Dow 7 After a big Week 1 loss to Saginaw Heritage, Mount Pleasant may have faded from the championship focus a bit – but the Oilers are back in a big way, having clinched the SVL Blue title outright and sitting in the No. 3 spot on the Division 3 playoff-points average list for the second-straight week after putting Dow (4-4) back outside the field at No. 34 in Division 2. Hastings 51, Jackson Northwest 14 Despite a 1-2 start in nonleague play, Hastings (6-2) also has bounced back in a big way and with this win clinched the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference title while moving to No. 8 on the Division 4 playoff-points average list.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Gaylord 24, Jackson Lumen Christi 21 During a stunning season for Gaylord (8-0), and a weekend with plenty of stunners statewide, the Blue Devils made another headline by remaining undefeated while handing Lumen Christi (7-1) its only loss. The reigning Division 7 champion Titans had won 18 straight games going back to September 2022. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.
Watch list East Jordan 38, Frankfort 36 This was similarly massive among the small schools up north, as East Jordan (7-1) scored during the closing seconds to take a winner-take-all and its second Northern Michigan Football Conference Legacy title over the last three seasons. Frankfort (6-2) finished second for the third consecutive season.
On the move Benzie Central 28, Maple City Glen Lake 14 A third-straight win sent Benzie (5-3) up six spots on the Division 7 playoff-points average list to No. 15 and Glen Lake (4-4) down seven spots to No. 29 in Division 8. Petoskey 27, Sault Ste. Marie 7 With another tough opponent in Clare this week, there was some added urgency in this matchup for Petoskey – and the Northmen (5-3) jumped eight spots on the Division 3 playoff-points average list to No. 24 while Sault Ste. Marie (5-3) fell six spots in Division 4 to No. 32. Boyne City 28, Oscoda 0 Despite still falling one spot on the Division 6 list to No. 27, Boyne City (4-4) also connected on a must-win as it seeks to reach the playoffs for the 10th time in 12 seasons.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Dundee 22, Hudson 16 (OT) After losing to Hudson the last three years by 14, 28 and then 29 points last fall, respectively, Dundee took its opportunity to impact this week’s Lenawee County Athletic Association championship decider between Hudson and Clinton, with Hudson (7-1) now needing a win to share the title instead of winning it outright. More importantly, the Vikings (5-3) also jumped two spots into No. 32 on the Division 5 playoff-points average list. Click for more from the Monroe News.
Watch list Ann Arbor Pioneer 40, Ann Arbor Huron 38 Pioneer, 5-3 this fall after going a combined 2-22 over the last three seasons, had lost three straight to Huron (4-4) including 57-0 a year ago. Thanks to this win, Pioneer also jumped five spots to No. 20 on the Division 1 playoff-points average list.
On the move Chelsea 17, Trenton 14 (OT) Myles Bieber made three field goals for Chelsea (7-1), including one to tie the score with 34 seconds left in regulation and then the game-winner in overtime after Trenton (4-4) threw an interception. Michigan Center 42, Manchester 27 After its league title chances all but ended with a Week 7 loss to Napoleon, Michigan Center (6-2) bounced back to secure second place and move to No. 17 on the Division 6 playoff-points average list while Manchester (6-2) is No. 12 in Division 7. Ottawa Lake Whiteford 45, Union City 7 Whiteford (8-0) won a matchup of league champions and maintained its top spot on the Division 8 playoff-points average list while Union City (6-2) fell to No. 15 on the Division 7 tracker.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Lawton 21, Saugatuck 0 By handing Schoolcraft and Saugatuck (7-1) their only league losses over the last two weeks, Lawton (7-1) secured the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley championship for the third straight season. Caleb Mallory had two of the Lawton scores, and the Blue Devils stopped a Saugatuck offense averaging 37.3 points per game. See below for more from WZZM.
Watch list Constantine 20, South Haven 0 Constantine (7-1) pushed its SAC Lakeshore winning streak to 20 and its championship streak to five straight with its second shutout in four league games. The Falcons earned a share and can clinch the title outright this week against Parchment, with South Haven (5-3) and Kalamazoo United a game back and hoping for an upset while they also face off.
On the move Berrien Springs 38, Benton Harbor 14 After finishing runner-up last season, Berrien Springs finished an outright championship in the Lakeland Conference and moved up four spots to No. 23 on the Division 5 playoff-points average list. Edwardsburg 34, Vicksburg 20 The Eddies bounced back from two straight losses to keep their playoff hopes alive as they attempt to extend their streak to 14 straight postseasons. After falling out of the top 32 on the Division 4 playoff-points average list in Week 7, the Eddies moved back to No. 30 while Vicksburg fell from No. 30 to 35. Portage Northern 38, Stevensville Lakeshore 17 Coming off a tough loss to rival Portage Central, Northern (7-1) climbed back up the Division 2 playoff-points average list to No. 9, while Lakeshore fell to No. 16 on the Division 3 tracker.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Kingsford 41, Menominee 32 Trailing at halftime, Kingsford (7-1) turned to powerful back Elizin Rouse and followed his historic performance to a share of the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title in the first season in the league for both teams after previously playing football in the Great Northern Conference. Kingsford is the No. 16 team on the Division 6 playoff-points average list, and Menominee (6-2) fell only to No. 7 in Division 7. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Watch list Bark River-Harris 56, Manistique 14 After falling back as far as No. 38 on the Division 8 playoff-points average list, Bark River-Harris (5-3) has won three straight and is back to No. 26, with Manistique (4-4) still on the bubble in Division 7 at No. 36.
On the move Negaunee 13, Houghton 6 Negaunee (7-1) also secured a share of the Copper title while holding off a potential spoiler in Houghton (2-6). Marquette 28, Cadillac 13 The bounce-back season continued as Marquette (5-2) secured at least second in the Big North Conference with a chance at a league title share if Sault Ste. Marie can catch Gaylord this week. Cadillac (4-4) remains in the postseason running in Division 3 at No. 30 on that playoff-points average list, while Marquette moved up to No. 20. Gladstone 28, Calumet 21 Gladstone (6-2) is back to No. 7 on the Division 6 playoff-points average list, while Calumet (3-5) sits No. 36.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Rockford 34, Grandville 13 Make that five straight Ottawa-Kent Conference Red championships for the Rams (8-0), who clinched a share and can finish an outright title this week against Hudsonville. Grandville (6-2) did give the Rams their closest league game so far, but quarterback Drake Irwin continued to shine with two rushing and two passing touchdowns for Rockford. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Check out the performance by Rockford as they beat Grandville 34-13 on October 13th, 2023! Mr. Football candidate Drake Irwin scored 4 touchdowns (2 rushing and 2 passing). Delivered by @hungryhowies
Cast your vote for Drake Irwin in the Mr. Football Award Contest at… pic.twitter.com/3H16hMnKe6— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 14, 2023
Watch list Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21, Grand Rapids South Christian 12 A year ago it was South Christian (6-2) winning this matchup and eventually the O-K Gold title, but this time GRCC (7-1) took it back and needs only to defeat winless Ottawa Hills this week to finish an outright championship run.
On the move Byron Center 9, East Grand Rapids 0 Six of eight teams in the O-K White remain .500 or better overall, but Byron Center (7-1) is tied at the top with Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central with one league game left for both and East Grand Rapids (6-2) now tied for third. Muskegon Mona Shore 14, Zeeland West 6 Both are left chasing Muskegon in the O-K Green after both falling to the Big Reds, but from a playoffs point of view this was huge as Mona Shores (6-2) moved up six spots to No. 13 on the Division 2 list and Zeeland West (6-2) fell back only three to No. 13 in Division 3. Montague 24, Manistee 22 Montague (4-4) got a big boost as it bounces back from a 2-4 start, as this win vaulted the Wildcats five spots on the Division 6 list for the second week in a row, this time to No. 16. Manistee fell back only three spots to No. 5 with a possible rematch ahead.
8-Player
HEADLINER Adrian Lenawee Christian 41, Pittsford 0 It’s been this kind of season for Lenawee Christian (8-0), which for the second time in three weeks handed the first loss to a highly-ranked opponent. Pittsford (7-1) had given up only 54 points total over its seven victories, but the Cougars got to 35-0 by halftime of this Southern Central Athletic Association East clincher. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Bay City All Saints 47, Akron-Fairgrove 6 The winner would claim the North Central Thumb League Stripes title outright, and All Saints did so – with the championship its first since sharing the Greater Thumb Conference West title in 2003. These two flip-flopped on the Division 2 playoff-points average list, with All Saints (7-1) moving to No. 8 and Akron-Fairgrove (6-2) at No. 13.
On the move Norway 32, Powers North Central 26 The Knights (6-2) clinched a share of the Great Lakes Eight Conference West title with this win over the reigning champion Jets (6-2). Pickford 60, Newberry 52 Tommy Storey made the record book multiple times in leading Pickford to this outright clincher in the GLEC East, as Newberry (6-2) fell to third. Alcona 66, Rogers City 0 Alcona (7-1) claimed the North Star League Big Dipper title outright after losing by 16 to finish second to Rogers City (4-4) a year ago.
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 X (Twitter) @mistudentaid.
PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Cass Tech celebrates during its PSL Gold championship win at Ford Field. (Middle) Davison defenders swarm during their win over Grand Blanc. (Below) An Otsego rusher charges into the line during a rainy 47-6 win by Paw Paw. (Top photo by Olivia B. Photography, middle photo by Terry Lyons, below photo by Gary Shook.)