1st & Goal: 2026 Week 7 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 12, 2026
One play does not decide a game. But one play also can make all the difference.
Several Week 7 games showed that to be true once again, as a number of league champions were decided during the first full weekend of October, and multiple by one-score margins.
A few league races were reshuffled as well, and those results earned their places in our "Review" too as we move toward the final two weeks of the regular season.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Almont 28, Macomb Lutheran North 27 Almont (7-0) has clinched a share of the Blue Water Area Conference title and can finish a fourth straight as outright champion this week against Croswell-Lexington. The Raiders have won 30 straight BWAC games, this the third by one point during that time. Lutheran North (6-1) has made a run at the title in its first season in the league after previously playing in the Catholic High School League. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
Watch list Gladwin 26, Ogemaw Heights 20 The Flying Gs (5-2) capped a dramatic run to the Jack Pine Conference Division 1 title, falling to Midland Bullock Creek in Week 6 but bouncing right back to win this one on Jacob Pahl’s walk-off touchdown catch from Preston Newman. Ogemaw (5-2) had entered the night with the opportunity to clinch as well.
On the move Fenton 49, Linden 42 Fenton (6-1) finished an outright championship in the Flint Metro League Stripes with another of several close games against Linden (5-2) over the last two decades. Montrose 42, Ovid-Elsie 14 The Rams (6-1) clinched a share of a second-straight Mid-Michigan Activities Conference title and kept Ovid-Elsie (3-4) just outside the Division 6 playoff picture. Bay City Western 27, Traverse City Central 21 Western (3-4) jumped 13 spots to tied for No. 31 in the Division 3 playoff-points list with this first win over the Trojans (3-4) in five years of Saginaw Valley League play together.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Detroit Catholic Central 27, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 20 This matchup definitely lived up to season-long anticipation, as Detroit Catholic Central came back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to pull closer to a potential third-straight Catholic High School League Central title – the Shamrocks (7-0) can clinch a share this week against one-win Toledo St. Francis de Sales. Gideon Gash scored twice during the fourth quarter and Ryan Jaafar ran for the eventual game-winner with 10 seconds to play against the Eaglets (5-2). Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
COMEBACK COMPLETE WITH 10 SECONDS LEFT! 🚨 Down 14 in the fourth quarter, No. 1 Detroit Catholic Central (@DCCfootball) storms back and takes the lead on Ryan Jaafar's (@ryanjaafar5) 4-yard touchdown against No. 4 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s! 🤯 Powered by @CallSam https://t.co/KmHK0oUIJk
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 10, 2026
Watch list Gibraltar Carlson 31, Brownstown Woodhaven 28 The Marauders (7-0) have won 17 straight Downriver League games and are working toward a potential sixth-straight conference championship with two games to play – including a Week 9 matchup with second-place Allen Park. Austyn Lawrence threw three touchdown passes to help send Woodhaven (5-2) into a tie for third place.
On the move Northville 30, Belleville 7 Three teams are tied for first in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Black – these two and Dearborn Fordson – with one league game to play. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic 42, Allen Park Cabrini 21 Shrine (7-0) clinched a share of the CHSL Intersectional 2 title by winning this matchup of teams that entered the night undefeated in league play. Detroit Central 6, Detroit Denby 2 These two finished the conference schedule among three teams tied atop the Detroit Public School League Gold standings (with Detroit Cody) and will meet again this week in a city championship game.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Howell 14, Brighton 13 This rivalry filed away another exciting chapter as the Highlanders clinched a share of the KLAA Gold title. Howell (7-0) has now defeated Brighton (4-3) in four straight, including twice in 2024, and can claim the league title outright this week against Dearborn Heights Crestwood. Click for more from State Champs! Sports Network.
Watch list Ithaca 48, Saginaw Valley Lutheran 7 The Yellowjackets (7-0) avenged last season’s one-point loss to Valley Lutheran (5-2) to this time clinch the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title outright. Ithaca this season has now given up only 26 points – fewer than four per game.
On the move Mason 45, Williamston 14 The Bulldogs (7-0) completed a similarly defense-dominated run through the Capital Area Activities Conference Red, clinching an outright title with this win while giving up no more than 17 points in any game this fall. Clare 48, Midland Bullock Creek 35 The Pioneers (3-4) are pushing back toward a potential spot in the Division 5 playoff field and gave Gladwin an assist in its outright championship by knocking Bullock Creek (4-3) out of the race for a share of the JPC1 title. Okemos 45, Lansing Waverly 12 From 2020-23, Okemos didn’t win a game, which helps explain how the Wolves’ five wins this fall equal their total from the last seven seasons combined.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Traverse City West 31, Mount Pleasant 29 The Titans (4-3) threw a curveball into the Saginaw Valley League North race as Mount Pleasant (6-1) entered this game with an opportunity to clinch a share of the title, but now has become one of three teams with a chance to win it outright. West is another, thanks in part to Landon Henfling’s last-minute go-ahead field goal. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list East Jordan 53, Johannesburg-Lewiston 16 The Red Devils (6-1) pulled to within one more win of clinching a share of the Northern Michigan Football Conference title but do face fourth-place Frankfort this week and second-place (tie) Harbor Springs in the regular-season finale.
On the move Maple City Glen Lake 33, Frankfort 0 Glen Lake (5-2) is tied for Harbor Springs for second in the NMFC and will be rooting for Frankfort (5-2) this week and hoping for an East Jordan misstep. Kingsley 55, Boyne City 12 Kingsley (7-0) clinched a share of the Northern Shores Conference title, but Boyne City (3-4) also moved up one spot to No. 36 on the Division 6 playoff-points average list. Petoskey 35, Alpena 0 The Northmen (5-2) kept themselves in play to clinch a share of the Big North Conference championship with a win over first-place Marquette this week.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Clinton 30, Ida 22 Amazingly, four teams are tied for first in the Lenawee County Athletic Association with one more week of league games to play, in part thanks to Clinton’s win over Ida (6-1) – with those two joined by Adrian Madison and Hudson at the top of the standings. Clinton (6-1) scored on a 66-yard pass midway through the fourth quarter to go ahead for good and play a major part in creating a scenario guaranteed to produce two co-champions. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Springport 28, Union City 14 The Spartans (6-1) still need one more win to clinch a share of the Big 8 Conference title, but now sit alone atop the standings after handing second-place Union City (6-1) its lone defeat.
On the move Hanover-Horton 52, Leslie 28 Hanover-Horton (6-1) won this matchup of Cascades Conference divisional champions, and now faces Manchester, which shared the North title with the Blackhawks (4-3). Napoleon 50, Brooklyn Columbia Central 15 The Pirates (6-1) won this matchup for second place in the Cascades Conference South, but also maintained valuable position in the Division 6 playoff hunt in case these two meet again in the postseason. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 27, Riverview 14 The Falcons (7-0) did their part to set up a winner-take-all this week in the Huron League against Monroe Jefferson, while also sending Riverview (4-3) out of the top 32 on the Division 3 playoff-points average list.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Vicksburg 37, Niles 21 The Bulldogs had lost by 35, 35 and 50 points to Niles the last three seasons as Niles went on to win three straight Wolverine Conference championships. But with this win, Vicksburg maintained its share of first place heading into this week’s matchup with co-leader Edwardsburg. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Berrien Springs 35, Hopkins 0 Aside from clinching a share of the Lakeland Conference title, this has to be Berrien Springs’ most notable win this season as Hopkins also entered undefeated. The victory sent the Shamrocks (7-0) from No. 7 to No. 3 on the Division 5 playoff-points list, while dropping Hopkins (6-1) only two spots to No. 7.
On the move Constantine 39, Lawton 6 Constantine (6-1) will need help from Coloma this week against first-place Kalamazoo United to gain a share of the Southwestern Athletic Conference title, but downing third-place Lawton (5-2) did earn the Falcons that opportunity. Bronson 40, Quincy 24 Bronson (5-2) remains mathematically in the hunt for a share of the Big 8 Conference title, but more importantly at this point bumped up six spots to No. 20 in the Division 7 playoff-points list by downing Quincy (4-3). Stevensville Lakeshore 35, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 0 The Lancers (6-1) jumped six spots to No. 4 on the Division 4 playoff-points list with a big win over Division 1 Loy Norrix (4-3).
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Marquette 49, Gaylord 13 Marquette has earned a share of the Big North Conference championship, its first since joining the league four years ago, and as noted above can clinch the title outright this week against Petoskey. The Sentinels (5-2) also avenged last season’s one-point loss to Gaylord (3-4) to move up two spots in the potential Division 3 playoff field to No. 21. Click for more from Upper Michigan’s Source.
Watch list Escanaba 21, Calumet 20 Escanaba (3-4) received a major boost to its playoff chances as this win bumped the team up four spots to No. 38 on the Division 4 playoff points list while Calumet (4-3) fell six spots in Division 6 to No. 20.
On the move Menominee 38, Negaunee 28 The Maroons (7-0) played their closest game of the season but held on to set up a winner-take-all in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper this week against Kingsford. Kingsford 15, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Flivvers (7-0) did their part as well to set up that matchup, surviving only their second single-digit challenge this fall. Westwood (2-5) still moved up two spots to No. 38 on the Division 6 playoff points list despite the defeat. Bark River Harris 44, Hancock 14 The Broncos (6-1) secured a share of the West-PAC Iron title after withstanding Hancock (3-4), which is tied for third in the league.
West Michigan
HEADLINER East Kentwood 49, Caledonia 27 East Kentwood (7-0) still must win one of the next two games to clinch a share of the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red title, but this one was a major obstacle as Caledonia (5-2) also entered the weekend undefeated in league play. The Falcons face seventh-place Holland West Ottawa this week before closing against reigning champ Hudsonville. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Watch list Grand Rapids Christian 29, Grand Rapids West Catholic 28 (OT) The Eagles (2-5) still have work to do to climb into the playoff hunt, but this came off 37 and 22-point losses to West Catholic (5-2) over the last two years and pushed Forest Hills Eastern back into a tie for first with the Falcons in the O-K White with one week of league games to play.
On the move Muskegon Mona Shores 44, Muskegon 21 Mona Shores (6-1) clinched a share of the O-K Green title by avenging last season’s 16-point loss to the Big Reds (3-4). Zeeland West 36, Hudsonville Unity Christian 0 The Dux (6-1) will need a win by Zeeland East over Grand Rapids South Christian this week to pick up a share of the O-K Gold title, but set themselves up for that opportunity by sending Unity (4-3) into a tie for third. Muskegon Orchard View 19, Fremont 16 Orchard View (5-2) ended Fremont’s title chances in the West Michigan Conference Lakes and while doing so jumped seven spots to No. 12 on the Division 5 playoff points list.
8-Player
HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 60, Merrill 20 Montabella (6-1) claimed this winner-take-all for the Mid-State Activities Conference Blue title with another stunning offensive performance, but may have been even more impressive on defense. Merrill (6-1) was averaging nearly 52 points per game entering the title decider. The Mustangs have won three straight league championships. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Watch list Pittsford 60, Litchfield 54 Pittsford (5-2) bounced back from a big Week 6 nonleague loss to Concord to hand Litchfield (6-1) its only defeat this fall and clinch a share of the Southern Central Athletic Association Blue title. Pittsford has won 17 straight league games and can claim a third-straight outright championship this week against Waldron.
On the move Lake Linden-Hubbell 42, Crystal Falls Forest Park 38 Lake Linden-Hubbell (7-0) guaranteed itself a share of a second-straight league title and can claim the Great Lakes Eight Conference West outright by winning just one of its next two games. Forest Park (5-2) is one of three league teams with two league losses and slim hopes of still gaining a share. Pickford 36, Indian River Inland Lakes 30 (2OT) Pickford finished an outright championship in the Bridge Alliance Straits by navigating its most substantial league challenge, from Inland Lakes (4-3). St. Ignace 34, Rudyard 18 While the Saints (6-1) weren’t able to catch Pickford in the Straits, they did continue to strengthen their position in the Division 2 playoff chase with this win over the Bulldogs (5-2).
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) A pair of Muskegon Mona Shores players breaks up a play during their win against Muskegon. (Middle) Fowler’s Eli Thelen (8) is brought down by Bath’s Lorenzo Gonzalez (23) and Hunter Tolliver (2) during the Eagles’ 53-0 win. (Below) Menominee’s Kiefer Chouincard (11) gets a hand on the ball and dislodges it as he and Nathan Nelson (44) make a tackle against Negaunee. (Mona Shores/Muskegon photo by Tim Reilly. Fowler/Bath photo by John Johnson. Menominee/Negaunee photo by Cara Kamps.)
1st & Goal: 2024 Playoffs Week 3 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 14, 2024
Winter practices have started, and high school hockey teams actually began games this week.
But for 72 schools across the state, it’s still football season – and they’d like to continue playing as many November games as possible.
This third week of MHSAA Playoffs features four Semifinals in 8-player – and we switch up the “1st & Goal” format to feature those games first below. We also have 32 11-Player Regional Finals, with winners this weekend needing just one more to book trips to Ford Field.
Games are tonight unless noted. Tickets for 11-Player Regional Finals are $9, and $10 for 8-player Semifinals, and more than 35 of the 36 games to be played will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Scores and pairings will be updated all weekend at MHSAA.com.
8-Player Division 1
Indian River Inland Lakes (11-0) at Pickford (11-0), 1 p.m. Saturday
This is rematch from a year ago, when Inland Lakes won 12-0 on the way to finishing Division 1 runner-up. The Bulldogs have had only two single-digit games all season, including defeating Alcona 32-26 last week. Senior quarterback Aiden Fenstermaker is leading the march again, running for 1,463 yards and 22 touchdowns and throwing for 831 and 19, respectively. Pickford is seeking to make the Finals for the first time since 2019 and hasn’t played a game closer than 28 points. Senior quarterback Tommy Storey also is a two-way force, running for 1,341 yards and 24 TDs and throwing for 898 and 16 scores.
Mendon (10-1) at Deckerville (11-0), 1 p.m. Saturday
Mendon is just two years removed from playing for the Division 2 title, and avenged its only loss this fall by downing Climax-Scotts to open the playoffs. Junior Owen Gorham has run for 2,114 yards and 42 touchdowns – the rushing TDs already ranking third all-time in MHSAA history – and junior JT Lux follows with 1,160 yards and 14 scores on the ground. Deckerville is playing in its second-straight Semifinal and looking to make its first Final since 2017. The Eagles are averaging 49 points per game and haven’t scored fewer than 30.
8-Player Division 2
Onekama (10-1) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (10-1), Noon Saturday
Forest Park also avenged its lone loss during the playoffs, downing Powers North Central 34-12 last week, and the Trojans also are playing to get back to a championship game for the first time since 2017. Running back Dax Huuki is just a sophomore but leads the rushing attack with 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns. Onekama won a combined eight games over the past four seasons before bouncing back big to reach the Semifinals for the first time since 2018, when the Portagers finished Division 2 runner-up. Junior quarterback Luke Bradford stands tall at 6-foot-5 and has thrown for 1,175 yards and 11 TDs and run for nine scores. Onekama fell to Marion in Week 2 but defeated the Eagles to open the postseason.
Morrice (10-1) at Britton Deerfield (10-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
Britton Deerfield is another fascinating comeback story, having finished 2-7 a year ago. The Patriots are in their fourth season of 8-player football and playing in their first Semifinal in either format since the school formed from its predecessors in 2011. They’ve run for 4,140 yards this fall, led by senior Luke Wiser with 1,549 with 27 touchdowns. Morrice will play in its third Semifinal over the last six seasons seeking to reach the championship game for the first time since winning Division 1 in 2018. The Orioles too have avenged their lone loss this fall, to Portland St. Patrick, and get it done with a defense giving up only 11.4 points per game and a pair of senior 1,000-yard rushers in Joel Fisher (1,464/18 TDs) and Wyatt Cartier (1,253/24).
11-Player Division 1
Belleville (10-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (11-0)
Even with Belleville’s loss to Howell in Week 9, this has remained one of the most anticipated matchups in the state all season as it’s been assumed these two powers would meet at some point. The last time, Belleville defeated DCC in a 2022 Regional Final, 33-10. After facing seven playoff teams plus an Ohio state title contender, the Shamrocks shouldn’t be daunted by Belleville’s success and star power. But that said, the Tigers are striding coming off their best win this fall, 42-7 last week over Saline.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Blanc (9-2) at Rochester Adams (9-2), Detroit Cass Tech (9-2) at Macomb Dakota (10-1). SATURDAY Hudsonville (10-1) at Howell (11-0).
11-Player Division 2
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (8-2) at Birmingham Groves (11-0)
De La Salle has finished at Ford Field seven of the last 10 seasons, and two of the last six years did so after defeating Groves in Semifinals – including 43-15 in 2022. Groves is playing to reach a championship game for the first time, and the Falcons have never been in better position taking on the Pilots after tying their program record for wins last week. Groves hasn’t been challenged in a while, but does have victories over Harper Woods and West Bloomfield this fall. De La Salle is coming off handing Grosse Pointe South its only loss this season and will attempt a repeat performance tonight.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Portage Central (8-3) at Byron Center (10-1), Saginaw Heritage (8-3) at East Lansing (8-3), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-3) at Gibraltar Carlson (10-1).
11-Player Division 3
Petoskey (11-0) at DeWitt (11-0)
Petoskey also has set a record for wins this season and will play in a Regional Final for the third time and first since 2014. The Northmen have navigated only two single-digit games this fall and prepped for this run in part with a 41-21 win over Clare in Week 9 – notable as Clare also was a league champion. DeWitt presents arguably their mightiest challenge as the Panthers are undefeated this late for the first time since their Division 3 championship season of 2020 and putting up 55.6 points per game despite a schedule that has three opponents also playing for Regional titles.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (9-2) at Zeeland West (10-1), Mason (9-2) at Walled Lake Western (11-0), River Rouge (6-4) at Detroit Martin Luther King (8-3).
11-Player Division 4
Portland (11-0) at Niles (10-1)
For the second-straight season, Portland is undefeated playing Niles for a Regional championship, and last year advanced with a 21-14 win over the Vikings. The Raiders actually have played an identical playoff schedule as 2023 so far, and Niles has enjoyed plenty of familiarity as well with District wins over a pair of regular-season opponents from the Wolverine Conference. The Vikings’ shutout of Edwardsburg last week was their third in four weeks and sixth of the season, providing an intriguing challenge for a Raiders offense almost keeping pace with last year’s scoring at 41.5 points per game.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Rapids South Christian (7-4) at Whitehall (8-3), Haslett (8-3) at Goodrich (10-1), Macomb Lutheran North (10-1) at Harper Woods (8-3).
11-Player Division 5
Kalamazoo United (9-2) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-4)
This will be the fourth time United will play for a Regional title over the last seven seasons, and if the Titans are to advance for the first time they’ll have to deal with a GRCC program that has reached Ford Field six of the last eight years. After ending the regular season on a three-game skid but with all three defeats by single digits, the Cougars have impressed in the playoffs including squeaking past Grand Rapids West Catholic 21-18 last week. The Titans have won two rematches to open this postseason and faced playoff teams their last six games, losing only to Jackson Lumen Christi (39-21 in Week 9) along the way.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Gladwin (8-3) at Frankenmuth (11-0), Armada (10-1) at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-1), Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (7-4) at Flat Rock (9-2).
11-Player Division 6
Detroit Central (8-3) at Marine City (9-2)
Only three weeks ago, Marine City closed the regular season with a 37-15 win over Central. But as we’ve seen over the first two rounds of the playoffs, rematches can flip quickly, and the Mariners surely won’t be looking past this one as they pursue what would be a first Regional title since 2021. That first matchup arrived with Central coming off a close win over Detroit Denby for a Detroit Public School League City championship, and since that defeat the Trailblazers have won their playoff games by a combined 69-24. Marine City has picked up momentum as well, especially with last week’s 38-28 win over Warren Michigan Collegiate.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Boyne City (9-2) at Reed City (9-2). SATURDAY Lansing Catholic (8-3) at Newaygo (9-2), Constantine (8-3) at Jackson Lumen Christi (10-1).
11-Player Division 7
Schoolcraft (10-1) at Hudson (10-1)
The eight teams remaining in Division 7 have a combined seven losses, making all four matchups among the most intriguing as a group. These two are meeting for the first time since facing off in a 2001 Division 6 Semifinal, Hudson on a 10-game winning streak this season and Schoolcraft losing only in Week 3 by two points to Division 6 Constantine. Defense may dominate; the Eagles are giving up 9.9 points per game and just shut out a Lawton offense that averaged 35, while Hudson is giving up 8.4 ppg and hasn’t allowed more than seven since the first weekend in October.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Leslie (10-1) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (11-0). SATURDAY North Muskegon (10-1) at Menominee (10-1), Pewamo-Westphalia (9-2) at Millington (10-0).
11-Player Division 8
Harbor Beach (11-0) at Fowler (11-0), Saturday
While featuring two of the state’s smallest 11-player schools, this might draw an above-proportion amount of attention as one of only two matchups of undefeated contenders in any 11-player bracket. Harbor Beach is seeking its first Regional title since 2018, and Fowler its first since 2019. Fowler finished the regular season third in Division 8 playoff-point average, and Harbor Beach downed top-ranked Clarkston Everest Collegiate 37-7 last week. The Eagles’ best three wins were against Division 7 teams, including two still playing.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Detroit Loyola (5-6) at Riverview Gabriel Richard (9-1). SATURDAY Beal City (9-2) at Iron Mountain (11-0), Reading (7-4) at Decatur (10-1).
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 Armada’s Jackson Malburg breaks into the open during last week’s District Final win over Hazel Park. (Photo by Adam Sheehan Photography.)