1st & Goal: 2026 Week 4 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 18, 2026
We’re just three weeks into the 2026 high school football season, and a great sign that Michigan teams are challenging themselves is that only 116 – or just under 20 percent – are still undefeated.
That total also is guaranteed to be reduced by 15 this weekend, and will likely fall well below the century mark with several high-powered matchups kicking off all over the state. Five of those games are among those featured below.
Games below are Friday unless noted. Tune in to the NFHS Network to watch the majority and follow the MHSAA Scores page for results as they’re submitted.
Bay & Thumb
Linden (3-0) at Holly (3-0)
Holly is 3-0 for the first time since 1984, and a 42-7 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is notable even though the Fighting Irish are struggling early after finishing Division 5 runner-up last season. The Bronchos also haven’t defeated Linden since 2011 and fell last year 42-6. But a win would open up the Flint Metro League Stripes race significantly and provide a giant assist as Holly works to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY North Branch (2-1) at Imlay City (3-0), Caro (3-0) at Millington (3-0), Montrose (2-1) at Chesaning (2-1), Shepherd (2-1) at Gladwin (2-1).
Greater Detroit
Clarkston (3-0) at Rochester Adams (2-1)
Even as Adams has reached Division 1 Semifinals the last two seasons, it hasn’t won the Oakland Activities Association Red since sharing the title with Clarkston and West Bloomfield in 2022. Clarkston won last year’s matchup on the way to the OAA Red championship. Both faced 2025 league champions to open this season, Adams falling to Romeo and Clarkston defeating South Lyon, and there’s always a chance this will be just the first of multiple meetings as they’ve seen each other in the playoffs as well two of the last four years.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Warren De La Salle Collegiate (2-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (3-0), Detroit Denby (2-1) at Detroit Cody (3-0), Romeo (3-0) at Macomb Dakota (2-1), Monroe Jefferson (3-0) at Riverview (3-0).
Mid-Michigan
McBain (2-1) at Beal City (3-0)
Beal City has only three Highland Conference losses since the start of 2019 – all to McBain, but with the most recent in 2024. The Aggies won last season’s meeting 42-7 and are coming off a major defeat last week of Springport plus have downed two more 2025 playoff teams in Ravenna and Manton. McBain’s only Highland loss since the start of 2024 came to Beal City, and the Ramblers’ defeat this season came to unbeaten Division 4 power Edwardsburg.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY McBain (2-1) at Beal City (3-0), Traverse City Central (2-1) at Mount Pleasant (3-0), Birch Run (3-0) at New Lothrop (2-1), Brighton (2-1) at Hartland (2-1), Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2-1) at Ithaca (3-0).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Grand Blanc (3-0) at Traverse City West (2-1)
Grand Blanc has dominated all four games of the recent series between these two, but there’s reason to believe this meeting might be closer. It may start with Grand Blanc having to travel much farther than usual – although the Bobcats also won at West in 2025. But the bigger positive for the Titans may not be 56 points put up in a win last week over Bay City Central but the 35 scored in a Week 1 loss to Howell. Grand Blanc has two straight shutouts but must be ready for another challenge on that side of the ball.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Kingsley (3-0) at Grayling (2-1), Midland Bullock Creek (2-1) at Ogemaw Heights (3-0), Johannesburg-Lewiston (2-1) at Frankfort (2-1), Traverse City St. Francis (1-2) at Maple City Glen Lake (2-1)
Southeast & Border
Tecumseh (3-0) at Chelsea (3-0)
Tecumseh has reached 40 points scored in all three of its games, which is more than it did either of the entire 2024 or 2025 seasons. A win over Chelsea would be a first since 2022, when Tecumseh put together a perfect regular season, and this is the team’s best start since that fall. Chelsea also has strung together an impressive first three weeks with the Bulldogs’ most recent win over Adrian a rematch of last year’s Southeastern Conference White title decider and the Week 1 victory over Harper Woods one that will be referenced all fall.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Jonesville (2-1) at Brooklyn Columbia Central (3-0), Saline (3-0) at Dexter (2-1), Adrian Madison (3-0) at Hudson (3-0), Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (3-0) at Jackson Lumen Christi (3-0), Hanover-Horton (2-1) at Napoleon (3-0).
Southwest Corridor
Edwardsburg (3-0) at Paw Paw (3-0)
Paw Paw has won this Wolverine Conference rivalry game three straight seasons but also finished runner-up in the league to Niles the last three years. The Red Wolves downed Niles 42-14 last week, making them potential frontrunners in the conference unless Edwardsburg spoils that plan. Paw Paw has been impressive giving only 28 points total against teams that went a combined 21-10 a year ago. But the Eddies are ripping through yards again like during their best years, topping 50 points twice already after not doing so once all of last season.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Berrien Springs (3-0) at Buchanan (3-0), Battle Creek Harper Creek (3-0) at Marshall (3-0), Kalamazoo Central (2-1) at Portage Central (2-1), Constantine (2-1) at Schoolcraft (3-0), Quincy (3-0) at Union City (3-0).
Upper Peninsula
Calumet (3-0) at Menominee (3-0)
This game sets up identically as last season’s matchup, won by Menominee 25-15 on the way to claiming the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title. The Maroons have won their games by 54, 30 and 50 points so far, but Calumet should bring that average down especially after giving up only 24 points over its first three victories. A win over Menominee would be the Copper Kings’ first since the 2021 District Semifinals.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Negaunee (2-1) at Kingsford (3-0), Iron Mountain (1-2) at L’Anse (2-1), Petoskey (2-1) at Escanaba (1-2). SATURDAY Cadillac (2-1) at Marquette (1-2).
West Michigan
Ludington (2-1) at Fremont (3-0)
Fremont is staring down a potential first winning season since 2013 and after earning a combined three victories over the last two. They avenged last year’s 56-0 loss to Whitehall with a 32-19 win in Week 2 and with 24 more points will equal their scoring output for all of last year. Enter Ludington, which won the 2025 matchup 49-0 and the West Michigan Conference Lakes title during a perfect regular season. The Orioles graduated a significant senior class in the spring and opened with a loss to Coopersville, but have bounced back with a pair of close wins.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Grand Rapids West Catholic (2-1) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern (3-0), Grand Rapids South Christian (2-1) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (2-1), Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (3-0) at Holland Christian (2-1), East Kentwood (3-0) at Grand Haven (2-1).
8-Player
Mio (3-0) at Mendon (3-0)
Mio has strung together two straight playoff seasons and charged into this one impressively, already avenging one of its two 2025 losses by downing Hillman 30-16 in Week 2. The Thunderbolts now have the opportunity to test themselves against one of the annual elite, as Mendon is a combined 20-3 over the last two years and averaging 51 points per game during this early going despite replacing the leading scorer in MHSAA 8-player history.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Climax-Scotts (3-0) at Colon (3-0), Ishpeming (2-1) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (3-0), Pickford (3-0) at St. Ignace (3-0). SATURDAY Norway (3-0) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (3-0).
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.
PHOTO An Ada Forest Hills Eastern ball carrier attempts to hold off a Flint Elite defender during FHE’s Week 3 win. (Photo by Michigan Sports Photo.)
1st & Goal: 2021 Week 8 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 15, 2021
Some weeks during football season need little introduction. Week 8 this fall qualifies.
By Sunday, the majority of the state’s leagues will have their champions. By Sunday, we also will have a much clearer picture of every team’s chances of making the playoffs with one more regular-season game to go.
Below is a look at many of Friday and Saturday’s matchups that will play parts in determining both.
Bay & Thumb
Lapeer (6-1) at Grand Blanc (7-0)
The Lightning are coming off a solid 37-27 nonleague win over Midland Dow with Saginaw Valley League Red leader Grand Blanc up this week and reigning champion Davison next to finish the regular season. Lapeer likely must defeat both to clinch a third league championship over the last four seasons, but Grand Blanc already has a Davison win and a similarly close one over Dow to match – and closes with winless Saginaw United. That Week 4 win was Grand Blanc’s first over the Cardinals since joining the SVL in 2018, and another tonight would be Grand Blanc’s first victory over Lapeer during the same stretch.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (5-2) at Bad Axe (7-0), Mount Pleasant (7-0) at Bay City Western (6-1), Essexville Garber (5-2) at Frankenmuth (7-0), Durand (5-2) at Montrose (5-2).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Martin Luther King (6-1) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (5-2) at Detroit Northwestern
These two are lined up for a second regular-season meeting for the second season in a row, this one to decide the Detroit Public School League Blue championship after King won the PSL Division 1 title. King did so thanks to winning the first matchup in Week 3, 41-34, and the Crusaders are sitting comfortably in the No. 2 spot in Division 3 playoff points. Cass Tech sits in a much more uncertain spot in Division 1, making this matchup about much more than a championship. The Technicians currently are in the playoff field, but 30th out of 32 teams in Division 1.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Croswell-Lexington (6-1) at Armada (6-1), Royal Oak Shrine (4-3) at Clarkston Everest Collegiate (6-1), Dearborn Fordson (6-1) at Dearborn (5-2), Detroit Central (7-0) vs. Detroit Pershing (5-2) at Detroit Northwestern.
Mid-Michigan
Canton (5-2) at Hartland (6-1)
These two and Howell are tied for first in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West with tonight’s games the last on the league schedule. The Eagles are relative newcomers to this level of late-season anticipation, having guaranteed their first overall winning record since 2015, and they are a one-point Week 3 loss to Brighton from being undefeated. Canton is the reigning league champ and more of a regular in these sorts of games – but also lost to Howell 41-21 in Week 2, whereas Hartland downed the Highlanders 29-7 in Week 6. Canton defeated Brighton 35-32 in Week 6. Howell plays at Brighton tonight.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Howell (6-1) at Brighton (4-3), East Lansing (4-3) at Grand Ledge (6-1), Millington (7-0) at Ithaca (5-2), Cadillac (5-2) at Portland (6-1).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (5-2) at Traverse City Central (6-1)
Central again loaded up this season’s nonleague schedule, which in addition to its perfect run through the Big North Conference has the Trojans sitting in the No. 6 spot in Division 2. They also haven’t had a game closer than 32 points since falling to Division 3 top-ranked DeWitt in the season opener. Of course, Brother Rice is another formidable challenge – the Warriors are No. 10 in Division 3 with notable wins over Macomb Dakota and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and a five-point loss to Division 2 No. 1 Warren De La Salle Collegiate. Central and Brother Rice played each other in 2016 and 2017 – both Rice wins, but by a combined 11 points.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Mancelona (5-1) at Charlevoix (6-1), McBain (4-3) at Manton (3-4), Hopkins (3-4) at Frankfort (6-1), Harbor Springs (1-6) at East Jordan (5-2).
Southeast & Border
Addison (7-0) at Napoleon (5-2)
Last week’s Michigan Center 12-7 win over Napoleon took a bit of thunder out of this matchup, but it still will have plenty of impact in multiple ways. Addison can clinch the Cascades Conference championship outright, which would be the Panthers’ third straight, but a Napoleon win would create a three-way shared title with these two and Michigan Center. As noted a few times this season, the Pirates have bounced way back after going 1-6 last year and a combined 3-13 over the last two, but they remain in a tough spot for playoff qualification at No. 37 in Division 6 with two games to play.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY St. Joseph (5-2) at Chelsea (7-0), Parma Western (5-2) at Jackson Lumen Christi (6-1), Petersburg Summerfield (5-2) at Ottawa Lake Whiteford (6-1), Dexter (5-2) at Saline (7-0).
Southwest Corridor
Kalamazoo United (5-2) at Constantine (7-0)
Constantine is one of the best teams we haven’t talked about enough this season, sitting No. 3 in Division 6 and up to a combined 24-5 over the last three seasons while coming off a 2020 run to the Semifinals. The Falcons have won every game by double digits this fall, but United is likely at least the top in-state team Constantine will see this regular season. Both are undefeated in Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore play, with United able to clinch the title outright and Constantine able to clinch a share with one more league game left. United sits No. 16 in Division 5, its only losses to Division 4 and 3 teams that are both 6-1.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Stevensville Lakeshore (6-1) at Battle Creek Lakeview (4-3), Reading (5-2) at Homer (5-2), Paw Paw (5-2) at Vicksburg (6-1), Portage Central (5-2) at Battle Creek Central (3-4).
Upper Peninsula
Ishpeming Westwood (6-1) at Bark River-Harris (5-2)
Bark River-Harris will face Ishpeming in a Week 9 winner-take-all matchup for the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Iron title, but first will meet the West-PAC Copper-leading Patriots in a game that won’t impact league standings but may impact if the Broncos continue into the postseason. They’re currently in at No. 28 in Division 8, and the Division 7 Patriots are the strongest opponent they’ll have seen so far. Westwood is ranked No. 10 in its division and has clinched a share of the Copper title with a chance to win it outright against Negaunee in Week 9.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hancock (4-3) at Calumet (5-2), Ishpeming (3-3) at Iron Mountain (4-3), Traverse City West (6-1) at Marquette (5-2), Houghton (4-3) at Negaunee (6-1).
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0) at Cedar Springs (6-1)
These two are tied for first in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold with two games to play and the winner tonight clinching a share of the league title. Grand Rapids Catholic Central would be earning a seventh-straight league championship, and the Division 5 top-ranked Cougars also are carrying a 30-game winning streak. But Cedar Springs also has done its work well to get here, sitting No. 11 in Division 3 with its only loss to Division 1 top-ranked Rockford. GRCC won last season’s meeting 42-28.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Byron Center (6-1) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-1), Montague (6-1) at Whitehall (6-1), Coopersville (5-2) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (7-0), Centreville (6-1) at Muskegon Catholic Central (6-1).
8-Player
Peck (5-2) at Kinde North Huron (7-0)
North Huron earned a share of the North Central Thumb League Stripes championship last week and can lock up a repeat outright title. But Peck will be loaded with motivation stretching past a possible championship share. One more win this season will guarantee the Pirates’ best record since 2015 and would break a streak of eight straight losses to the Warriors, who defeated Peck during both the regular season and playoffs the last two years.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Rogers City (7-0) at Mio (6-1), Marion (6-1) at Vestaburg (5-2), Colon (6-1) at Climax-Scotts (5-2). SATURDAY Crystal Falls Forest Park (7-0) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (5-2).
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 Mount Pleasant, here on defense against Holland West Ottawa during a Week 2 win, is among teams that can clinch a league championship this weekend. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)