1st & Goal: 2026 Week 4 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 21, 2026
There's always a week during high school football season when league championship races begin to become clearer.
Week 4 seems a little early for that most years. But several conference title scenarios may have begun to unfold with the results of this weekend's games.
Of course we have several more weeks to go; we haven't reached midseason yet. But read on for more on how many matchups from Week 4 may end up being the deciding ones when this regular season is complete.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Imlay City 17, North Branch 14 Imlay City sits atop the Blue Water Area Conference with Almont and Macomb Lutheran North, which are all 3-0 in league play. The Spartans (4-0) won only three games total last season and a combined 11 since their last four-win season in 2020. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
Watch list Saginaw Valley Lutheran 31, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 28 The Chargers (4-0) have gone from a winless 2021 and a one-victory 2022 to a perfect regular season a year ago and an equally impressive start this fall.
On the move Linden 49, Holly 35 The Week 7 matchup between Linden and Fenton is lining up as the potential Flint Metro League Stripes decider as the Eagles (4-0) sent Holly (3-1) a game back of the leaders. Croswell-Lexington 20, Richmond 14 The Pioneers (1-3) opened against teams that are a combined 11-1 but started making their move by avenging last season’s 18-point loss to Richmond (0-4), which has three defeats by seven points or fewer. Saginaw Swan Valley 15, Whitehall 14 A late safety kept Swan Valley (4-0) undefeated and among the highest-ranking teams in Division 5 playoff points as we approach midseason.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Romeo 36, Macomb Dakota 26 This matchup – and a similar result – ended up deciding the Macomb Area Conference Red title in Romeo’s favor last season, and the Bulldogs (4-0) are hoping for a similar bump as they’ll carry the momentum into this week’s matchup with league co-leader Grosse Pointe South. Dakota (2-2) took an early 14-0 lead before Romeo rallied the lockdown defense that has otherwise given up only 17 points this season. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
Watch list Detroit Denby 12, Detroit Cody 6 Two games into the league schedule, Denby (3-1) is the only team undefeated in Detroit Public School League Gold play as it pursues a fourth-straight title. Circle the Week 7 home game against Detroit Central as the big one.
On the move Dearborn Fordson 24, Dearborn 17 The Tractors (3-1) bounced back from a Week 3 loss to Belleville to down the rival Pioneers and have now seen all four of their games this season decided by seven points or fewer. Redford Thurston 47, Redford Union 6 These two had shared the Western Wayne Athletic Conference championship a year ago, and Thurston took a big step toward making it a one-team title this fall, with the Week 6 matchup against Garden City a potential showdown. Clarkston 45, Rochester Adams 0 The Wolves (4-0) are riding a two-game shutout streak and opened the Oakland Activities Association Red schedule in a big way, but Adams (2-2) also lost to Clarkston last season and still went on to reach the Division 1 Semifinals.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Leslie 34, Michigan Center 32 Leslie (3-1) sits atop the Cascades Conference North thanks to the game-winning touchdown pass with nine seconds to play. A 36-32 loss to Michigan Center (2-2) in Week 5 last season stopped the Blackhawks’ season-opening winning streak, and they went 1-5 the rest of the way, but this time Leslie will look to extend their early-season success against winless Grass Lake this week before a big Week 6 matchup against Manchester. Click for more from WLNS.
Watch list Saranac 21, Laingsburg 0 The Red Hawks are 4-0 for the first time since 2011 and haven’t allowed a point since Week 2 – and only 20 total this fall. Against Fowler this week, Saranac will have its first chance to avenge a 2025 defeat.
On the move Beal City 35, McBain 16 If recent history holds, this could end up deciding the Highland Conference title for the Aggies (4-0), although Evart has re-entered the conversation and hosts Beal City in Week 7. Hartland 36, Brighton 21 The Eagles (3-1) defeated Brighton for the first time since 2015 to become Howell’s primary challenger in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Gold; they face off in two weeks. Okemos 35, Lansing Everett 20 The Wolves bounced back from a Week 3 loss to Grand Ledge to get to 3-1, that third victory marking the team’s most since 2018 and after winning a combined five games over the last seven seasons. Okemos’ next three opponents are a combined 3-9.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 39, Maple City Glen Lake 20 The Gladiators’ first-half schedule has been one of the state’s toughest, and the second half may not get much easier – which made this victory especially important, even as the team is stacking up playoff bonus points for taking on such tough competition. Glen Lake (2-2) should continue to contend in the Northern Michigan Football Conference, while St. Francis (2-2) has Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Grand Rapids West Catholic among others over the next five weeks. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Petoskey 34, Escanaba 0 The Big North Conference is looking more unpredictable by the week, and the Northmen (3-1) find themselves tied with Marquette atop the early standings after finishing fourth a year ago.
On the move Frankfort 44, Johannesburg-Lewiston 16 Six of nine teams in the NMFC are 2-2 are better, including both of these, and matchups like this likely will help determine who qualifies for the playoffs. Harbor Springs 34, Tawas 6 The Rams (3-1) are another of those NMFC teams in the early playoff hunt as they pursue a first postseason appearance this decade. Ogemaw Heights 35, Midland Bullock Creek 0 The Falcons (4-0) built on a steady start defensively this season with their first shutout and did the work on offense as well after Bullock Creek (2-2) entered coming off two shutout wins.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Adrian Madison 21, Hudson 12 Madison trailed 12-7 at halftime but came back to defeat last season’s Division 8 runner-up Tigers for the first time. The pair has been in the Lenawee County Athletic Association together the last three seasons and Hudson (3-1) had scored at least 50 points in all three of those LCAA meetings including during a 56-7 win over the Trojans (4-0) a year ago. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Monroe Jefferson 36, Riverview 24 These two are among five teams at 2-1 in the Huron League race with the midpoint coming up this week, and Jefferson (4-0 overall) leads with Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central at 3-0 in Huron play. Riverview (3-1) shared last year’s league title with both and will be hoping for a few slip-ups.
On the move Chelsea 63, Tecumseh 6 The Bulldogs (4-0) stand alone atop the Southeastern Conference White standings after their highest-scoring performance yet while also holding down a Tecumseh offense that reached 40 points every game of a 3-0 start. Jackson Lumen Christi 40, Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard 10 Every win is important in the Catholic High School League AA this season and especially as Lumen Christi (4-0) works to keep pace with Dearborn Divine Child. Brooklyn Columba Central 31, Jonesville 14 Jonesville had won all three meetings since these two joined the same Cascades Conference division in 2023, and the timing couldn’t have been better this time for Columbia Central which will take some added energy into this week’s key matchup at Hanover-Horton.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Marshall 28, Battle Creek Harper Creek 26 A dramatic fourth quarter that included a long Marshall scoring drive and 2-point conversion stop put the Redhawks (4-0) at the top of the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference standings and ended a run of three straight losses to the Beavers (3-1) – who have won the last two league titles. Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Watch list Constantine 41, Schoolcraft 21 Just as we were anticipating a Week 6 Schoolcraft/Kalamazoo United matchup for first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Falcons swooped in and changed things up, with United now alone in first place and Constantine and Schoolcraft both just a game behind at 3-1.
On the move Berrien Springs 30, Buchanan 20 The Shamrocks (4-0) no doubt were waiting for this Lakeland Athletic Conference rematch after losing last season to the Bucks and ending up as part of a three-team title share. Edwardsburg 21, Paw Paw 14 The Eddies (4-0) broke a three-game losing skid against Paw Paw (3-1) and in doing so whittled the leaders in the Wolverine Conference down to only themselves and Vicksburg, their Week 8 opponent. Union City 22, Quincy 18 The Chargers (4-0) are undefeated through the first half of their Big 8 Conference schedule after claiming their closest league win since 2022 and handing Quincy (3-1) its first defeat.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Menominee 22, Calumet 8 The Maroons (4-0) have run their winning streak to 18, but with this victory their second-closest during the last two regular seasons – ranking just behind the 10-point victory over the Copper Kings from a year ago. The victory kept Menominee atop the Division 7 playoff-point rankings and sent Calumet (3-1) from No. 4 to No. 14 in Division 6. Click for more from the Marinette/Menominee Eagle Herald.
Watch list Marquette 33, Cadillac 27 After opening this season with a pair of losses to Upper Peninsula rivals, Marquette has added a pair of victories to begin Big North Conference play after finishing third in the league a year ago.
On the move Kingsford 21, Negaunee 16 This one always seems to have league title implications, and the Flivvers (4-0) kept themselves among the undefeated in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper. Iron Mountain 42, L’Anse 22 After a pair of one-score losses heading into this matchup, Iron Mountain (2-2) ran its winning streak over L’Anse (2-2) to six, although they meet again Week 7. Ishpeming Westwood 38, Houghton 26 The Patriots (1-3) got on the board after opening this fall with losses to three teams that are currently a combined 11-1.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Grand Rapids South Christian 34, Hudsonville Unity Christian 33 Unity led 14-0 early and by as many as 20 before Austin Burgess scored the go-ahead touchdown on fourth down with 1:34 to play and Brody Shilts iced the win for South Christian (3-1) with an interception in the end zone. Unity (2-2) had won their last two meetings by 28 and 29 points. Click for more from WOOD TV.
1-800-CALL-SAM PLAY OF THE WEEK NOMINEE
ONE LAST CHANCE… DENIED. ❌
Brody Shilts picks off Unity Christian’s final end-zone attempt to slam the door and seal the win for South Christian! 🔒🏈
Powered by @CallSam pic.twitter.com/acTvBzzbhA— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 20, 2026
Watch list Hamilton 28, Spring Lake 7 The schedule won’t get easier for the Hawkeyes (3-1), but they’ve already improved substantially on last year’s 2-7 finish, especially considering their first three opponents are a combined 11-5.
On the move Big Rapids 27, Reed City 7 This matchup decided the last two Central State Activities Association Red championships, and the Cardinals (2-2) have an important edge again as they prepare to play current co-leader Remus Chippewa Hills this week. Grand Rapids West Catholic 42, Ada Forest Hills Eastern 34 West Catholic (3-1) delivered Forest Hills Eastern’s first defeat in the matchup that might end up deciding the Ottawa-Kent Conference White title. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 26, Holland Christian 7 TK also has some major opponents ahead, but sits 4-0 for the first time since 2018 and delivered Hamilton’s lone loss and Hastings’ first this season.
8-Player
HEADLINER Colon 32, Climax-Scotts 8 Colon coach Robbie Hattan previously led the Magi to the Division 1 championship in 2019 and has the team rumbling again in his return as it downed a Climax-Scotts team that had averaged 31 points per game during its 3-0 start and won last year’s meeting 77-33. Colon has another big one this week against undefeated Mendon. Click for more from WTHD.
Watch list Dansville 38, Morrice 25 The Aggies (4-0) are playing their first season of 8-player after winning one game total over their last three 11-player seasons. The switch suits them, as they’ve claimed all of their games this fall by at least 12 points.
On the move Ishpeming 38, Crystal Falls Forest Park 22 It’s a good time to say Ishpeming is all the way back from last season’s uncharacteristic down year as the Hematites (3-1) are now the only contender to defeat traditional powers Forest Park (3-1) and Powers North Central this season. Mendon 50, Mio 34 The Hornets (4-0) won this matchup of unbeatens by giving up their season high but also topping 45 points for the fourth straight week. Lake Linden-Hubbell 60, Norway 32 The Lakes already had a win over Ishpeming and this was another massive achievement as Norway’s only defeat over the last two years was during last season’s Division 1 Semifinals.
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PHOTOS (Top) Grand Rapids West Catholic takes the field prior to last week's win over Forest Hills Eastern. (Middle) A Davison pass rusher pursues the Saginaw Heritage quarterback Friday. (Below) Marquette's Winston Leonard keeps the ball as Cadillac's Westin Hamp pursues and eventually tackles him. (West Catholic photo by Michigan Sports Photo. Davison/Heritage photo by Terry Lyons. Marquette/Cadillac photo by Cara Kamps.)
After Reaching Historic Heights, Niles Eager to Continue Climb Under Shaw
By
Scott Hassinger
Special for MHSAA.com
September 9, 2025
NILES – Scot Shaw admits he was just looking to have a little fun when he accepted Matt Brawley's offer five years ago to become the new football coach at Niles.
But anyone aware of his past success knew it wouldn't take long for Shaw – a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association's Hall of Fame – to affect change in the culture of the Niles program.
Shaw, a former head coach at Elkhart Memorial, Ind., from 2015-2019, returned to the sidelines after sitting out 2020 during COVID-19.
Prior to Shaw's arrival, Niles hadn't had a winning season since 2014. Following six consecutive sub-.500 finishes, Niles compiled a 5-4 mark in Shaw's first season as several underclassmen played key roles and set the Vikings up for future success.
Not counting the shortened 200 season – when all schools were playoff eligible – Niles secured its first postseason berth since 2003 and went 6-5 in Shaw's second season, losing 24-17 in a Division 4 District Final to Edwardsburg. The Vikings improved to 10-2 in 2023, losing a heartbreaking 21-14 Regional decision to Portland but winning the first of now two straight Wolverine Conference titles.
Their hard work came to further fruition last fall as they finished 12-2 and secured league, District and Regional tiles, the latter by avenging the 2023 loss to Portland 37-34. Niles then doubled up perennial state power Grand Rapids South Christian 62-30 in a Semifinal at Armstrong Field in Three Rivers before falling to Goodrich a week later in the Division 4 championship game at Ford Field, 35-6.
Shaw is 35-13 at Niles with a career win-loss record of 246-120.
"When I got here, I was coming off a one-year retirement. I just wanted to have some fun and run a different offense. My son Kyle is an assistant coach at Mishawaka (Ind.), and they run the flexbone," Shaw said. "Coming in … I don't think the expectations were that high, so as a coaching staff you think about what you can do to improve things. So at least in my past experience, we've always been pretty good and have had high expectations. We changed the culture here at Niles by asking our players to come to practice, do the best they can every day and be more physical than the people we play. So far those three principles have worked out well and put this program where it is now."
Shaw used the 2024 home playoff win over Portland to describe how everything has come full circle.
"In that game we were ahead of Portland, then gave the lead up and we could've given up. But we came back and scored in the last few seconds to win in the Regional Finals,” Shaw said. “Having a belief that you can win despite all odds is a huge thing now and instilled in our kids. They don't doubt themselves or each other any longer.”
Niles outscored opponents 535-160 in 2024, posting six shutouts. The Vikings averaged 38.2 points per game while allowing just 11.4 per contest.
Freshman quarterback Will Turnbull now controls the Vikings' flexbone attack following the graduation of Talen Bennett. So far, Turnbull has met the challenge by completing 10-of-27 passes for 117 yards and one TD with three interceptions. He's also run for a pair of TDs.
"The quarterbacks we've had so far at Niles have been very intelligent, smart and very good at reading opposing defenses. Will is an excellent athlete who throws the ball well and is a little water bug when he runs it. He's been able to pick up our offense pretty quickly," Shaw said.
Niles also graduated 1,000-yard rusher Sam Rucker, but sophomore Brandon Walsh has stepped up at that spot with 63 carries for 303 yards and four TDs. Anderson also handles some of the rushing load, along with Elijah Norris, who had 23 touches for 120 yards during a 16-0 Week 2 win over Stevensville Lakeshore – Niles’ first victory on Lakeshore’s home field.
Junior wideout Max Rucker, along with senior tight end Brenden Olsen, are two other key ingredients on both sides of the ball for Niles.
Olsen (6-foot-7, 180 pounds) is also a standout basketball and baseball player for Niles who recently received a Division I baseball scholarship off from the University of Houston.
"It’s been a wonderful experience playing football with several cool guys and a great coaching staff. They key is just showing up every day ready to work and getting better,” Olsen said. "Our state finals loss just showed that we need to dig deeper and prepare better for teams like that down the road.
“Building good chemistry with the new guys has been easy because we have so many returners. My goals are to be more of a leader and be more involved in plays this season."
Senior all-staters Chase Brawley (6-1, 280) and Brandon Hamilton (5-11, 245) both return on the Vikings' offensive line. Knee injuries to both Hamilton and senior Trenton Scott (6-2, 280) kept them on the sidelines during the Vikings' push through the end of the 2024 regular season and playoffs. Evan Williams (5-10, 200) is another key part of the Vikings' blocking group, and junior kicker Ben Bruckner is another returning offensive weapon.
"Getting to state last year really motivated us to prepare well for this season,” Brawley said. “The experience I gained playing varsity these last three years has been invaluable. Our team motto this season is 'All In,' so we just have to remain focused to attain our goals."
Perhaps no one was more motivated to get back on the field than Hamilton, who was sidelined with that injury after Week 6.
"Last year I learned it takes all 11 guys to win a football game. Coaching from the sidelines really taught me a great deal,” Hamilton said. “I'm playing right guard and outside linebacker. We have four out of our five offensive linemen back, so we are experienced. Defensively we can fly to the ball, and we have some dudes who can really hit. That's exciting.”
Cheney, Jayelin Vawter, RJ Fielder, Bryce Zache, Malachi Burris, Rucker and Bradley Wolverton are among the team's top tacklers so far.
"It takes everyone on the team to make a big difference. The main thing we have to remember is it’s a new year,” Cheney said. “Last year's achievements don't matter, but it prepared us well for any success we have this time around."
Cheney, a senior, anchors the Niles' defense after earning all-state honors as a junior. Freshman Vaughn Ausmus also has seen time at linebacker. Other returning starters on the Vikings' defensive front include Fielder, Burris and Bryce Young.
Niles' defensive secondary will be anchored by Olsen, Rucker and Anderson.
"We have a lot of good kids coming back defensively, and the kids who are stepping up to fill in different spots realize what their responsibilities are and they have become part of our rotation," Shaw said.
Many successful stops
Shaw is a 1975 graduate of Mishawaka, where he played basketball for legendary coach Marvin Wood. Shaw also lettered in football and received the prestigious Phil Askew Mental Health Award his sophomore year at the 1973 Indiana state football finals. He then attended and played football at Butler University, earning all-Pioneer Football Conference honors in 1978 and 1979 and serving as senior captain.
From 1979-1986, Shaw taught social studies and physical education at Concord High School (Ind.) serving as an assistant coach in football, wrestling and baseball. He served as Three Rivers' varsity football coach from 1986-2004, leading that team to the MHSAA Playoffs 15 times and the Division 4 title in 2003. Shaw also served as the Wildcats' head boys track & field coach, leading them to 2000 and 2002 MITCA team championships.
Shaw then served as Grandville's head football coach from 2005-2010, leading the Bulldogs to two Ottawa-Kent Conference Red titles and two playoff appearances. He was an assistant coach at Hope College for three seasons, then served a one-year stint in 2014 as the head coach at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Ind., where the Generals went 9-2, won the Summitt Conference and made it to the third round of the state playoffs.
He moved on to coach four seasons at Elkhart Memorial before the school consolidated with Elkhart Central. After the one-year coaching hiatus in 2020, he took over at Niles.
Brawley, who was hired as the school's athletic director just three days before Shaw, remembers football participation nearly doubling after Shaw and his staff took over.
"Basically, Scot had only a month to put together his coaching staff and prepare the kids that first season. I accompanied the coaching staff to a three-day coaches clinic down south at Harding University. Scot is very detailed, and I remember he filled several notebooks with notes on running the Flexbone offense," Brawley recalled.
"Scot relates very well to his players and has a special knack for being able to motivate them with positive words, and he understands that kids have more going on in their life besides football. We couldn't ask for a better situation. Scot does a great job of mentoring his coaches, getting kids into the weight room. It’s truly amazing what Scot and his coaching staff have been able to do here at Niles in such a short time."
Shaw has been successful in building Niles' program in much the same manner that he developed Three Rivers into a perennial conference and state power.
"It's my sincere belief that kids want to be successful, be good and to win,” Shaw said. “It’s not enough to want to do it, but they must be taught how to do so. You are off to a great start if you have that belief that you can win, do the things that are required of you to win and then carry that out with a tremendous work ethic. The next step is to develop that talent, and it’s easier if you have the right attitude. I've been very fortunate to be able to mold attitude, a strong work ethic and a team-first attitude in building this program.”
Shaw's current group of players closely resemble some of the teams he had years ago at Three Rivers. This year’s Niles team features big, strong, physical and athletic athletes with quickness who succeed because of an extraordinary work ethic.
Niles' school enrollment increase pushed the Vikings into Division 3 this fall. They quickly have proved they belong with victories over St. Joseph (28-18) and Lakeshore (16-0). Niles could very well see either one of them again come playoff time.
"Bumping up to D3 is going to be another challenge, but it also means we're going to see some different teams in the playoffs. The community is going to expect the same type of results,” Shaw said. “As a team, we have to be able to carry on that tradition with the same type of attitude and commitment to excellence that we preach every day. You have to do that in each step along the way, and if you're lucky enough to make the playoffs then you have to be able to do whatever you can to earn yourself another Monday.”
Shaw's coaching staff includes Kyle Mikel, Dan Brawley, Dave Landon, Austin Weber, Lonnie Jones, Thane Typer, Zach Fillwock, Joel Brawley, Scott Swanson, Shane Brown and Chase Andres.
"I’m really happy with our coaching staff. They are very dedicated and they work hard during the offseason in the weight room, attending clinics, and they are very knowledgeable at the positions they coach,” Shaw said. “When we got here, we had a hard time getting coaches because of previous results. But now we have a loyalty to the guys who have helped build this while we were going through the growing pains. I had been there before at the Finals, and last year it was fun to gauge the excitement our other coaches felt.”
Honoring a community icon
Niles held its annual community-wide pep rally Sunday, Aug. 17 where all 2025 Vikings fall sports teams were introduced and long-time Niles' No. 1 fan Johnny Morrison was honored for his years of support of the athletic program. Hundreds of people attending the event wore Gold T-shirts with the words "Johnny Morrison Vikings' Legend" across the front.
"Johnny is one of the most outstanding human beings I've ever been around in my life. When you see him, he always is eager to talk about our coaching staff or our athletes. He has the biggest heart in the world," Brawley said.
Morrison, who has Down syndrome, has served as manager on the sidelines for the Vikings' football, basketball and baseball teams since 1986.
Scott Hassinger is a contributing sportswriter for Leader Publications and previously served as the sports editor for the Three Rivers Commercial-News from 1994-2022. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Niles senior tailback Alex Anderson scores a touchdown during last season's 62-30 Semifinal win over Grand Rapids South Christian at Armstrong Field in Three Rivers. (2) Fifth-year Niles head coach Scot Shaw, third from left, is pictured with seniors Chase Brawley (71), Brandon Hamilton (78), Brenden Olsen (3) and Ward Cheney (5). (3) Members of the Niles cheerleading squad and student body get the crowd pumped up and showing their school spirit at a community-wide pep rally on Aug. 17. (4) The Niles athletic department and sports boosters held the pep rally to introduce the 2025 fall sports teams and honor longtime Niles' No. 1 fan Johnny Morrison. (Action photos by Scott Hassinger. Pep rally photos by Max Harden/Leader Publications.)