1st & Goal: 2026 Week 7 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 9, 2026
It’s an enjoyable coincidence that several football games we annually forecast to be the most consequential of the regular season generally are played near the end, even as league schedules rotate when teams face off year to year.
Season-long anticipation is being fulfilled in many parts of the state this week, as numerous league championships are set to be decided, including by most of the matchups we glance at below.
Games highlighted 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
Fenton (5-1) at Linden (5-1)
Fenton has clinched a share of the Flint Metro League Stripes championship, but Linden has a chance to do the same if it can break a 13-year regular-season Tigers winning streak in the series. Of the teams’ last 16 regular-season meetings, 13 have been decided by eight points or fewer, including Fenton’s 46-41 victory a year ago. Intriguing as well: These two also met in the playoffs in 2022 and 2024, and Linden won both rematches. Both are Division 3 this season.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Macomb Lutheran North (6-0) at Almont (6-0), Ovid-Elsie (3-3) at Montrose (5-1), New Lothrop (5-1) at Chesaning (4-2), Cass City (5-1) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (4-2).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Catholic Central (6-0) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (5-1)
This matchup of the reigning Division 1 and 2 champions, respectively, has been one of the state’s most anticipated all season. The Shamrocks have won the last six meetings, including 29-14 a year ago. DCC’s closest challenge this fall came a week ago in a 31-12 win over Toledo Central Catholic, while the Eaglets similarly have marched through the Catholic High School League Central since falling to Detroit Martin Luther King 44-42 in Week 2.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Northville (5-1) at Belleville (4-2), Allen Park Cabrini (4-2) at Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (6-0), Detroit Central (5-1) at Detroit Denby (5-1), Brownstown Woodhaven (5-1) at Gibraltar Carlson (6-0).
Mid-Michigan
Saginaw Valley Lutheran (5-1) at Ithaca (6-0)
Valley Lutheran’s 23-22 win in last year’s matchup gave the Chargers the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title and also was Ithaca’s first league loss since 2019. Ithaca certainly has stormed back this fall and already clinched a share of the league championship, shutting out three opponents this season and allowing only 19 points over six games total while scoring at least 47 in all of them. Valley Lutheran will attempt to rebound quickly from a 35-0 loss to Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary last week, but otherwise has been mostly dominant with three shutouts as well.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Harrison (5-1) at Farwell (4-2), Brighton (4-2) at Howell (6-0), Mason (6-0) at Williamston (4-2), Pewamo-Westphalia (6-0) at Saranac (5-1).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Gladwin (4-2) at Ogemaw Heights (5-1)
Three teams are tied for first in the Jack Pine Conference Division 1 with 3-1 league records, and at least one will end up with a share or more of the championship this weekend. Bullock Creek is the third team in the hunt and defeated Gladwin last week, while Ogemaw’s lone league loss came to Shepherd two weeks ago. A Falcons title would be their fourth straight, including the last three in the JPC1 with last season’s outright thanks to an early 49-14 win over the eventual runner-up Flying Gs.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Johannesburg-Lewiston (3-3) at East Jordan (5-1), Boyne City (3-3) at Kingsley (6-0), Frankfort (5-1) at Maple City Glen Lake (4-2), Mount Pleasant (6-0) at Traverse City West (3-3).
Southeast & Border
Union City (6-0) at Springport (5-1)
A Union City win would clinch the Chargers a share of the Big 8 Conference title, while Springport would still need one more victory after this weekend to accomplish the same. The Spartans clinched last year’s with a 35-34 victory over Union City in the league finale. A 42-13 Week 3 loss to undefeated Beal City remains Springport’s only regular-season loss over the last two years, while Union City has thrived this fall with a defense giving up only 7.7 points per game.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ypsilanti Community (3-3) at Adrian (5-1), Ida (6-0) at Clinton (5-1), Leslie (4-2) at Hanover-Horton (5-1), Brooklyn Columbia Central (5-1) at Napoleon (5-1).
Southwest Corridor
Lawton (5-1) at Constantine (5-1)
Both are chasing Kalamazoo United with three league games left on the Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule, and the winner of this matchup will have a chance to claim a share of the league title if the Titans slip up. Lawton has taken the last three meetings with Constantine, including in back-to-back weeks last fall with the regular-season finale followed by a Division 7 District Semifinal.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Portage Central (5-1) at Battle Creek Central (3-3), Vicksburg (6-0) at Niles (3-3), Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (4-2) at Stevensville Lakeshore (5-1), Redford Union (4-2) at St. Joseph (5-1).
Upper Peninsula
Menominee (6-0) at Negaunee (4-2)
Arguably the most anticipated matchup in the Upper Peninsula this season will pit Menominee against also potentially undefeated Kingsford next week. But Negaunee can make a mess of that scenario if it can end the Maroons’ 20-game winning streak. Menominee has claimed the last two meetings between this pair, including 40-12 a year ago, but the Miners are just a combined eight points from being undefeated as well this fall.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Calumet (4-2) at Escanaba (2-4), Bark River-Harris (5-1) at Hancock (3-3), L’Anse (3-3) at Iron Mountain (4-2), Gaylord (3-3) at Marquette (4-2).
West Michigan
East Kentwood (6-0) at Caledonia (5-1)
This is another one we’ve been waiting for, as these two have separated themselves in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red. East Kentwood is seeking its first league title since 2018 and also must still face reigning champion Hudsonville in Week 9. Caledonia earned a 13-7 win over the Eagles two weeks ago, the middle result of three straight victories decided by seven points or fewer. The Falcons have won the last two in this series, including 42-6 in 2025.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Battle Creek Harper Creek (5-1) at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (5-1), Berrien Springs (6-0) at Hopkins (6-0), Zeeland West (5-1) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (4-2), Muskegon Mona Shores (5-1) at Muskegon (3-3).
8-Player
Blanchard Montabella (5-1) at Merrill (6-0)
Montabella has several strong reasons to be dreaming of another run to the Superior Dome next month, and last year’s on the way to finishing Division 1 runner-up included 36-26 and 26-0 victories over Merrill, the first that decided the Mid-State Activities Blue championship. This weekend’s matchup will do the same as both enter 4-0 in league play and full of playmakers who have allowed them to break 50 points regularly.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Rudyard (5-1) at St. Ignace (5-1), Pickford (5-1) at Indian River Inland Lakes (4-2), Pittsford (4-2) at Litchfield (6-0). SATURDAY Crystal Falls Forest Park (5-1) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (6-0).
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 Ithaca senior quarterback Gibson Rondy (2) releases a pass under pressure during the first half of his team’s Week 3 win over Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central. (Photo by Kolleth Photography.)
Drive for Detroit: Week 5 Preview
September 21, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Big things are ahead in Michigan high school football.
Not much will be decided this week as we cruise into the midpoint of the regular season. But teams all over Michigan are setting the foundations to celebrate soon – either as league champions or playoff qualifiers (and AuGres-Sims, 4-0 and playing eight games this season, can become our first this weekend).
Below is our weekly look at the games that appear most intriguing from every region of the state, powered by MI Student Aid. Keep these links handy for the weekend: MHSAA Score Center for scores as they come in (and links to each team’s schedule, league standings and playoff-points average), and MHSAA.tv, which again will broadcast nine games this weekend – click here for the schedule.
Bay & Thumb
New Lothrop (4-0) at Flint Hamady (3-1), Friday
The Genesee Area Conference Blue was decided last season by New Lothrop’s 51-16 Week 4 win over Hamady, and this matchup could be the eventual clincher again. The Hornets have now won 65 of their last 66 regular-season games going back to the start of 2010, and they haven’t given up a point this fall since downing GAC Red leader Lake Fenton in Week 1. But Hamady has held its last three opponents to single-digit scoring since losing to still-undefeated Cass City on opening night, signaling this might be closer than last year’s meeting.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Byron (3-1) at Lake Fenton (3-1), Midland (3-1) at Bay City Central (3-1), Flint Beecher (2-2) at Saginaw Nouvel (4-0), Harbor Beach (3-1) at Sandusky (2-2).
Greater Detroit
Birmingham Groves (3-1) at Farmington Hills Harrison (3-1), Friday
After falling to Oakland Activities Association White co-leader Oak Park last week, Groves has one more chance to mix up the top of the standings as it hopes to repeat as the league champion – this time likely sharing the title. Harrison is the other team currently in first, and longtime coach John Herrington is just two wins from tying retired Birmingham Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa for most wins (430) in MHSAA football history. A victory tonight for the Hawks could make Week 7 versus Oak Park the first opportunity for Herrington to break the record.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Utica Eisenhower (4-0) at Romeo (3-1), Clinton Township Clintondale (4-0) at Hazel Park (3-1), Marine City (4-0) at Madison Heights Madison (4-0), West Bloomfield (2-2) at Rochester Adams (4-0).
Mid-Michigan
Portland (3-1) at Lansing Catholic (4-0), Friday
The Cougars kept this rivalry game as a potential league title decider by surviving a one-point game against Williamston last week. Portland won the last two Capital Area Activities Conference White titles after handing Lansing Catholic its lone league loss both seasons. Both teams are led by dynamic quarterbacks again – Michael Lynn III for Lansing Catholic and Austin Allison for Portland – and both also are giving up only 15 points per game.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Okemos (4-0) at Grand Ledge (3-1), Montrose (3-1) at Corunna (3-1), Clare (3-1) at Harrison (3-1), Fulton (3-1) at Pewamo-Westphalia (3-1).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Grayling (4-0) at Boyne City (4-0), Friday
The Northern Michigan Football League’s Legends division is again loaded, with three undefeated teams and two more at 3-1 out of seven teams total. This matchup should help break up some of the top pack. These two and two-time reigning champion Traverse City St. Francis are the co-leaders, after St. Francis downed Boyne City in Week 9 last year to secure the title. Grayling’s last league title came in 2013 in the old Lake Michigan Conference and Boyne won the Legends in 2014 – making it hardly surprising they’re among those battling the Gladiators again. Grayling gets St. Francis next week; Boyne City has its shot in Week 9.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Frankfort (3-1) at Johannesburg-Lewiston (3-1), Beal City (3-1) at Lake City (4-0), Whittemore-Prescott (2-2) at Lincoln Alcona (3-1), SATURDAY Gaylord (2-2) at Traverse City Central (2-2).
Southeast & Border
Michigan Center (3-1) at Addison (4-0), Friday
Addison’s best start since 2006 has made the Cascades Conference race one of the most intriguing of the first half of the regular season. Last season’s co-champions, Grass Lake and Napoleon, remain in the mix, but Addison’s two-point win over Napoleon last week put the Panthers in first place alone. After six straight sub-.500 seasons, Addison is a win from breaking that streak. Michigan Center, meanwhile, is one of three teams tied for second in the league and only a three-point loss to Napoleon in Week 3 from being tied for first.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Adrian (3-1) at Chelsea (3-1), Quincy (3-1) at Reading (3-1), Homer (3-1) at Springport (2-2), SATURDAY Temperance Bedford (3-1) at Ann Arbor Pioneer (2-2).
Southwest Corridor
Kalamazoo Hackett (4-0) at Watervliet (4-0), Friday
The Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley is another league that has enjoyed a great nonconference run – five teams are 3-1 or 4-0, and the sixth is 2-2. Watervliet has won or shared its league’s championship six straight seasons and is on pace to break 500 points offensively for the third straight year. Hackett’s path has been different – the four wins this fall tie their most in nine of the last 10 seasons. But the Fighting Irish clearly are up to the challenge this year – and both will have to be up to the challenges of Constantine, Coloma, Delton Kellogg and new league foe Schoolcraft over the next five weeks.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY White Pigeon (3-1) at Mendon (4-0), Athens (4-0) at Climax-Scotts (3-1), St. Joseph (3-1) at Mattawan (3-1), Three Rivers (3-1) at Paw Paw (3-1).
Upper Peninsula
Bark River-Harris (3-1) at Norway (4-0), Friday
The Mid-Eastern Conference continues to produce some of the U.P.’s top matchups every week, and this one again could go far in figuring out the eventual champion. Norway is the only one of five teams that hasn’t played a league game; it’s also the only one undefeated and has the highest playoff-point average of the five. Bark River-Harris’ loss came to current M-EC leader Newberry; the Broncos interestingly have wins over teams from multiple states – Wisconsin and Illinois – a rarity on either peninsula.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Hancock (3-1) at Calumet (3-1), Gladstone (4-0) at Ishpeming (2-2), Negaunee (1-3) at Gwinn (2-2), Newberry (3-1) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (0-3).
West Michigan
Grandville (3-1) at East Kentwood (4-0), Friday
The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red easily could be headed for another split title – three teams shared last year, two in 2015 and 2014. And there appear to be four contenders again – these two obviously included. Grandville was one of those three champs a year ago, and minus a painful defeat to Warren DeLaSalle has given up only 27 points over its three wins. The Falcons have been nearly as stellar on that side of the ball, shutting out reigning Division 3 champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in Week 2 and despite giving up 32 last week to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (which is averaging 30 per game).
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Cedar Springs (3-1) at Grand Rapids Christian (4-0), Coopersvile (3-1) at Grand Rapids West Catholic (3-1), Grant (3-1) at Remus Chippewa Hills (3-1), Montague (4-0) at Whitehall (3-1).
8-Player
Morrice (4-0) at Flint International Academy (4-0), Friday
Similar to last season, no one has slowed down Deckerville yet. But the winner of this game will have the most meaningful chance. All three are 3-0 in the North Central Thumb League Stars division, Morrice bouncing back from a 4-5 finish last season and Flint International picking right back up after going 6-3 in its first season of 8-player football in 2016. The Flames already have put up 190 points, more than half their total over nine games a year ago. They’ll face a great challenge in a Morrice defense that is giving up 4.5 points per game – a rarity in this high-scoring, wide-open format.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Rudyard (3-1) at Brimley (3-1), North Adams-Jerome (2-2) at Camden-Frontier (4-0), Lawrence (3-1) at Kingston (2-2), Onekama (4-0) at Suttons Bay (3-1).
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau 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, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Bark River-Harris, right, will take on Norway in this weekend’s most intriguing game in the Upper Peninsula. (Photo by Jeff Rochefort.)