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Detroit Cass Tech's Peyton Robinson (10) attempts to pull away from King's Gerald Thomas (34)

1st & Goal: 2026 Week 8 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 19, 2026

Week 8 of this Michigan high school football season was billed to be spectacular, with league-deciding matchups all over the state. 

MI Student AidSpectacular was just the start.

In fact, as happens every week, more headliners emerged than originally anticipated. Read on for several as we next prepare for regular-season finales and playoff selection over the next five days.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Grand Blanc 28, Davison 21 The Bobcats clinched a third-straight Saginaw Valley League South championship as these rivals decided the title for the third-straight season. The next time they play each other for a football title will be similar but different; this also was the last game for both before they join the Oakland Activities Association next fall. Click for more from the Flint Journal. 

Watch list Frankenmuth 41, Saginaw Swan Valley 22 The top challenger has shifted the last few seasons, but Frankenmuth (7-1) remains the Tri-Valley Conference Red champion as the Eagles won their 78th consecutive league game dating back to 2014 while handing the Vikings (7-1) their lone loss. 

On the move Burton Bendle 39, Flint Elite 0 After sharing the Genesee Area Conference title a year ago, these two met to decide it again with Bendle (8-0) avenging last season’s 34-8 loss to clinch a share and earn a chance to finish as outright champion this week. Goodrich 49, Fenton 14 Goodrich (8-0) finished its third-straight Flint Metro League overall championship run against a familiar opponent as these two have faced off in the deciding game all of the last three seasons. Sanford Meridian 28, Gladwin 13 The Mustangs (8-0) added the Jack Pine Conference overall championship while earning an opportunity this week to finish the regular season perfect for the first time since 2015. 

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Detroit Cass Tech 21, Detroit Martin Luther King 20 For the second time in four seasons, these two played a city championship rematch that came down to a single point – and Cass Tech (8-0) prevailed with a fifth-straight Detroit Public School League title game victory, adding to its Week 4 20-7 PSL Blue win over the Crusaders (7-2). Click for more from the Detroit Free Press. 

Watch list Harper Woods 28, Clarkston 13 Harper Woods (7-1) is undefeated since losing its season opener to Cheslea, and this OAA Red/Blue crossover of league champions ended with the Pioneers celebrating a second win in two years over the Wolves (7-1). 

On the move Detroit Edison 30, Ecorse 20 Edison (7-1) clinched the Charter School Conference Gold championship outright with a perfect run through the league schedule, handing Ecorse (7-1) its lone defeat. Walled Lake Western 42, South Lyon East 14 Western (7-1) maintained its position among three teams tied for first in the Lakes Valley Conference, and knocked East (6-2) out of that mix. Detroit Central 8, Detroit Denby 6 These two met for the second-straight week, this time for the PSL Gold city championship, and with another low-scoring result after Central (7-1) defeated Denby (5-3) seven days earlier 6-2. 

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Grand Ledge 28, DeWitt 14 The Comets claimed the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue title outright by downing DeWitt (6-2) in this winner-take-all matchup, and also avenged last season’s 59-7 loss that ended up deciding the league championship. Grand Ledge (8-0) is one of eight undefeated teams left in Division 1. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Hastings 54, Mason 49 The Saxons started this season 1-2, but they’ve won five straight and this was certainly the most notable of the run as the Bulldogs (7-1) haven’t let any other opponents come within 12 points. 

On the move Ithaca 35, Fowler 0 The Yellowjackets (8-0) have outscored their opponents by a combined 412-26, and in this one shut out a Fowler team that has scored 42 or more points five times during its 6-2 start. Mount Pleasant 34, Midland 10 The Oilers (7-1) clinched a share of the SVL North title, but will be rooting for Midland (4-4) this week to defeat Dow – which with Traverse City West also can clinch a share. Lake Odessa Lakewood 31, Olivet 21 Lakewood (7-1) has reached seven wins for the first time since 2018 and is up to No. 5 on the Division 5 playoff-points list, with its only loss to undefeated Portland by three points. 

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Traverse City West 27, Bay City Western 26 After putting themselves in position to claim a share of the SVL North title in Week 7 with a two-point win over league leader Mount Pleasant, West maintained that possibility in similar fashion. The Titans (5-3) scored during the final minute in this one and face rival Traverse City Central this week hoping to become a league champion as well. Bay City Western (3-5) faces Bay City Central seeking to move back into the Division 3 playoff field after falling out of the top 32. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list East Jordan 13, Frankfort 0 The Red Devils’ defense posted its second shutout this fall as East Jordan (7-1) clinched a share of the Northern Michigan Football Conference championship. Frankfort (5-3) also ranks among the top 20 on the Division 8 playoff-points list, so these two could meet again. 

On the move Charlevoix 9, Elk Rapids 0 The Rayders (6-2) do not have a game this week but finished the regular season with three straight shutouts, this one to stay ahead of the Elks (5-3) for second place in the Northern Shores Conference. Kingsley 50, Kalkaska 6 Kingsley (8-0) locked up, outright, the first NSC football championship. Harbor Springs 41, Johannesburg-Lewiston 0 Harbor Springs’ ascension the last two seasons has been speedy and impressive, from going a combined 0-26 from 2023-25 to setting up a matchup with East Jordan this week for a share of the NMFC title.

Grayling's Jaden Peters (7) winds up to throw a pass during his team's 42-0 win at Bath.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Saline 35, Temperance Bedford 21 Saline finished a repeat run through the Southeastern Conference Red with this winner-take-all championship clincher against the previously undefeated Kicking Mules (7-1). The Hornets (8-0) can finish a first perfect regular season since 2021 with a win this week over Lake Orion. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Monroe Jefferson 8, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 6 By nearly the slimmest of margins, Jefferson (8-0) clinched the Huron League title in another winner-take-all matchup against a previously undefeated opponent. The Bears will face Clinton this week seeking to finish a first perfect regular season since 1993.

On the move Clinton 24, Adrian Madison 21, Hudson 26, Ida 0 With these victories, Clinton and Hudson broke a four-team tie for first in the Lenawee County Athletic Association, finishing as co-champions. Hanover-Horton 36, Manchester 30 The Comets (7-1) clinched the overall Cascades Conference championship for the second-straight season, coming back from a 30-12 deficit to catch Manchester (6-2). Jackson Lumen Christi 28, Detroit Country Day 27 Lumen Christi (7-1) held on to set up a winner-take-all for the Catholic High School League AA title this week against co-leader Dearborn Divine Child. 

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Edwardsburg 59, Vicksburg 27 The Eddies (8-0) are Wolverine Conference champions for the first time since 2022, clinching a share with this victory and earning an opportunity to finish as outright title winner this week against Niles. Edwardsburg had broken 40 points five times this fall entering the night but scored its season high in handing Vicksburg (7-1) its only loss. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.

Watch list Cassopolis 34, Saugatuck 14 A Week 1 loss to Decatur ended up derailing the Rangers’ Southwest 10 Conference title hopes, but there are more championship  opportunities ahead as Cassopolis (7-1) moved up to No. 20 in Division 7 playoff points by sending Saugatuck to 5-3. 

On the move Parchment 41, Lawton 34 The Parchment/Richland Gull Lake co-op improved to 5-3, two more wins than those two schools combined for last season. Bronson 42, Reading 16 Bronson (6-2) opened this season 1-2 falling to the top contenders in the Big 8 Conference, but has won five straight to jump up to No. 16 on the Division 7 list. Portage Northern 46, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 13 Portage Northern (5-3) has climbed all the way to No. 16 on the Division 2 playoff points list with four wins over its last five games including two straight over Division 1 opponents. 

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Kingsford 21, Menominee 14 Kingsford has accomplished plenty throughout its storied history, but this must go down as one of the program’s most memorable wins over the last three decades as the Flivvers clinched the winner-take-all outright championship in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper by ending Menominee’s 21-game winning streak. Kingsford (8-0) can finish a perfect regular season this week against another league champion in Marquette. Click for more from My UP Now.

Watch list Marquette 19, Petoskey 10 The Sentinels (6-2) are Big North Conference champions now outright after ending Petoskey’s pursuit to earn a share. These two could see each other again though, with Marquette No. 18 on the Division 3 playoff-points list and Petoskey (5-3) remaining at No. 26. 

On the move L’Anse 34, Hancock 26 The Purple Hornets (4-4) leaped back into the Division 8 playoff mix, jumping 11 spots to No. 26 on that playoff list after breaking a two-game losing streak. Bark River-Harris 45, Manistique 16 The Broncos (7-1) finished a West-PAC Iron outright title run and will conclude the regular season against Menominee. Calumet 44, Gladstone 28 The Copper Kings (5-3) bounced back from a Week 7 loss as they build toward the Division 6 playoffs. 

West Michigan

HEADLINER North Muskegon 21, Ravenna 13 Make that 28 wins in 28 chances for North Muskegon in the West Michigan Conference Rivers, as the Norsemen came back and held on in this winner-take-all matchup to clinch a fifth-straight league title. Ravenna (6-2) led 13-0 at halftime before North Muskegon began climbing back. Click for more from the Local Sports Journal. 

Watch list Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 35, Lowell 21 A winner-take-all is set in the River Cities Alliance as Kenowa Hills (7-1) will take on Coopersville this week for the outright league championship. The Knights had to get past third-place Lowell (5-3) to make that happen and scored the most points the Red Arrows have given up this fall. 

On the move Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21, Holland Christian 20 (OT) The Cougars (7-1) eluded a major scare from Holland Christian (3-5), with that one deciding point also giving Grand Rapids Catholic Central the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black title outright. East Grand Rapids 28, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 27 EGR (6-2) was right there waiting for a Catholic Central slip but finished second in the O-K Black by edging third-place MTK (6-2) by the same margin. Hudsonville 17, Rockford 14 Hudsonville got past its longtime rival to hold onto hope of grabbing a share of the O-K Red title from Week 9 opponent East Kentwood, which clinched a share Friday against Holland West Ottawa. (Caledonia remains in the mix as well.) The Rams (4-4) still control their ability to extend their record playoff streak to 32 straight seasons, as they sit No. 24 on the Division 1 playoff-points list.

8-Player

HEADLINER Mendon 28, Climax-Scotts 24 The Hornets (8-0) scored the only points of the fourth quarter with 6:11 to play to push past Climax-Scotts (6-2) and clinch the outright Southern Central Athletic Association Red title. The game-winner was Zak Iobe’s fourth touchdown run of the game, and he finished with 104 yards rushing. Click for more from WTHD. 

Watch list Waldron 48, Pittsford 28 Waldron (5-3) upended Pittsford in the SCAA Blue, cementing a third-place tie in the league for the Spartans but leaving Pittsford (5-3) to share the championship with Litchfield – which the Wildcats had defeated the week before. It was Waldron’s first win in five games against Pittsford as 8-player opponents. 

On the move Gaylord St. Mary 42, Pickford 0 The Snowbirds (8-0) have six shutouts in seven games on the field (one win was a forfeit), but this certainly was the most impressive as Pickford (6-2) entered averaging 41 points per game. Powers North Central 42, Felch North Dickinson 34 The Jets (6-2) picked up an important win as they moved up to No. 12 on the Division 2 playoff list, and they also pushed last season’s Division 2 runner-up North Dickinson (4-4) down to No. 18 and out of the potential field with one week to play. Marion 64, Onekama 6 Marion (8-0) will have an opportunity to finish the regular season perfect this week thanks to avenging last year’s 22-point defeat against the Portagers (6-2).

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) Detroit Cass Tech's Peyton Robinson (10) attempts to pull away from King's Gerald Thomas (34). (Middle) Grayling's Jaden Peters (7) winds up to throw a pass during his team's 42-0 win at Bath. (Cass Tech/King photo by Olivia B. Photography. Grayling/Bath photo by TCP Photography.)

Clarkston players celebrate in the Wayne State end zone during their win over Belleville.

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 1 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 2, 2025

The 51st season of MHSAA playoff-era football kicked off over the weekend with multiple matchups of teams that finished last season at Ford Field and nearly 600 teams total bringing championship dreams into this fall.

MI Student AidEvery one of them remains in the hunt after the first week. But below we have 45 first impressions as we begin our search for the next contenders.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Goodrich 17, Frankenmuth 14 The reigning Division 4 champion Martians ran their record to 2-3 against the Eagles during this recent opening-day series, going ahead for good on Jacob Daggett’s 30-yard field goal. Goodrich’s only defeat last season was 22-0 to Frankenmuth, which went on to finish Division 5 runner-up. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

Watch list Grand Blanc 35, Muskegon Mona Shores 20 The Bobcats didn’t let a two-point loss to Mona Shores last year slow them down on the way to league and District titles, so this win could provide significant momentum as they look to build on that success.

On the move Armada 21, Marine City 14 The Tigers ran their season-opener win streak over Marine City to four with a third win by seven points or fewer during that stretch. Saginaw Swan Valley 55, Croswell-Lexington 35 After starting 2024 with three straight losses – including a third in a row to Croswell-Lexington – the Vikings broke through this weekend with their second highest-scoring game over the last four seasons. Midland Dow 38, Fenton 6 The Chargers broke a streak of three straight season-opening losses to the Tigers in another matchup of annual playoff teams.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Clarkston 38, Belleville 7 These two met for a second-straight year in an opener at Wayne State, this time as part of the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic, and this time with Clarkston coming up big after the Tigers won 35-28 in 2024. The loss was only the third regular-season defeat for Belleville over the last nine years. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

Watch list Detroit Cass Tech 28, Toledo Central Catholic (Ohio) 27 The reigning Division 1 champion Technicians held off a 2024 Ohio state runner-up that also should be among favorites again in the Catholic High School League Central this fall.

On the move Warren Michigan Collegiate 32, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 6 Michigan Collegiate avenged its only regular-season loss of the last two years. Northville 14, Lake Orion 13 The Mustangs also rebounded from a 2024 defeat, having opened last year with a 21-13 loss to the Dragons. Walled Lake Western 51, Milford 26 This matchup determined the Lakes Valley Conference championship last season and could end up key again this fall as Western attempts to win a fourth-straight title.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER DeWitt 21, Haslett 3 This was a much different game than when the teams combined to score 111 points a year ago. This time, the Panthers held Haslett to its first single-digit output since midway through the 2023 season, while Haslett’s defense also proved tougher than most against the often high-scoring Panthers. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Williamston 46, Lansing Catholic 14 After reaching the playoffs last year at 3-6, the Hornets got off to a stronger start by avenging last season’s loss to Lansing Catholic, which went on to finish as Division 6 runner-up in 2024.

On the move Pewamo-Westphalia 35, North Muskegon 6 P-W got a solid jump on the season with a second-straight win over North Muskegon, which made the Semifinals for the second-straight season last fall. Mount Pleasant 35, Saginaw Heritage 13 The Oilers broke a two-game losing streak against the Hawks as they look to build on a seven-year playoff streak. Howell 23, Traverse City West 13 The Highlanders made the long drive north but ran their regular-season winning streak to 10 after finishing last year’s without a loss.

A pair of North Muskegon defenders wrap up a Pewamo-Westphalia ball carrier.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Kingsley 24, Reed City 6 The Stags got off to an impressive start, avenging last season’s 24-22 loss to Reed City, which went on to win a District title in 2024. The pair have met in the playoffs three of the last five seasons and will both play in Division 6 again if they qualify in two months. Click for more from the Cadillac News.

Watch list Traverse City St. Francis 30, Maple City Glen Lake 6 These are two more potential playoff teams after both won league titles a year ago, with this their first meeting since 2021.

On the move Cheboygan 19, Sault Ste. Marie 7 After at one point losing nine straight to Sault Ste. Marie, Cheboygan has now won two in a row and is 1-0 for the first time since 2022. Harbor Springs 18, Morley Stanwood 16 Harbor Springs won for the first time since Week 9 of the 2021 season, breaking a 26-game losing streak. Petoskey 21, Greenville 13 Petoskey also ran its regular-season winning streak to 10 to build on last year’s perfect pre-playoff run.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Saline 37, Rockford 28 These Division 1 titans hadn’t met since the 2020 playoffs, and Saline took a massive opening step with an impressive comeback to kick off this season. After Rockford took a 28-21 third-quarter lead on a blocked punt return, Saline rallied to re-tie the score, move ahead with a safety on a Rams miscue and then score one more time to pull away. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Adrian Madison 56, Grass Lake 0 A 4-1 start turned into a 4-5 finish for Madison last fall, but excitement should be renewed after this win over a Grass Lake team coming off two straight six-win seasons.

On the move Dexter 50, Brighton 27 Add the Dreadnaughts to the short list of teams that finished 9-0 during the 2024 regular season and are off to the right start again. Hudson 44, Fowler 8 The Tigers made a loud statement by avenging last season’s opening 20-6 loss to Fowler, which like Hudson is annually one of the top small-school teams in the state. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 42, Clinton 6 The reigning Division 7 runner-up Falcons actually have won 13 straight regular-season games going back to 2023 – and three matchups with Clinton since falling to the Redwolves in the District Final that fall.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Niles 28, St. Joseph 18 Niles picked up just about where it left off last season when the Vikings finished Division 4 runners-up. Their only loss before Ford Field was 30-7 to St. Joseph, but this time Niles pulled away to avenge and add a second win over the Bears over the last three seasons. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.

Watch list Berrien Springs 20, Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep 13 These two combined to win 16 games last season, and Berrien Springs had lost its last two openers to Hackett by a combined five points – and also last season’s Division 5 District Final to the Fighting Irish by 17.

On the move Edwardsburg 28, McBain 21 The Eddies opened with a close win over the reigning Highland Conference champion Ramblers. Portage Central 45, East Lansing 0 These two now have split their last four meetings, but East Lansing had won last year’s 31-7. Union City 16, Parchment 14 The reigning Big 8 Conference champion Chargers won this matchup of 2024 playoff teams.

Negaunee's Marshall Peters carries the ball before getting tackled by Marquette's Ben Rayhorn (7), Bodi Bennett (15), and Alex Brennen (9).

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Negaunee 30, Marquette 22 Meeting 142 between these neighbors went to the Miners, who improved to 71-60-11 in the series by winning their first matchup against each other since 2017. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Watch list Escanaba 21, Kingsford 18 Escanaba came into this fall off its first winning season since  2019, and the good times are still rolling after this first win over the Flivvers since 2019 as well. Kingsford had won last year’s matchup 21-0.

On the move L’Anse 26, Hancock 6 The Purple Hornets won just once over the last two seasons, but started 1-0 with their first win over Hancock since 2022. Bark River-Harris 52, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Broncos bounced back big from last year’s 24-point loss to Westwood. Iron Mountain 41, Houghton 22 The Mountaineers will roll into this week’s matchup with Bark River-Harris carrying a 27-game regular-season winning streak.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Hudsonville 27, Byron Center 21 In another matchup of teams that finished at Ford Field last November, reigning Division 1 runner-up Hudsonville held off Division 2 runner-up Byron Center, handing the Bulldogs just their third regular-season loss in three years. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Grand Rapids Northview 32, Grand Rapids West Catholic 21 Northview is showing no signs of slowing down coming off arguably its best season in at least recent program history. The Wildcats followed up last year’s perfect regular season by starting a new one downing an annual championship contender.

On the move Grandville 44, Muskegon 40 The Big Reds might be coming off their first sub-.500 season since 1999, but Muskegon is still Muskegon – which means a memorable start for Grandville, with Cass Tech up next. Hudsonville Unity Christian 55, Whitehall 14 The Crusaders’ only loss last season came in their District Final, and an offense that averaged 43 points per game during that run looks ready to roll again. Lowell 40, East Grand Rapids 7 After three straight losses to EGR, including last season by 19 points, the Red Arrows served some early notice.

On Ontonagon's first possession of the game, Jack Nelson (30) catches a pass from Brody Bobula (not shown), while being defended by Ishpeming's Grady Gauthier (3), and runs it in for a touchdown.

8-Player

HEADLINER Newberry 22, Crystal Falls Forest Park 20 Newberry ended last season with two straight wins to come in at 2-7 overall and ran its winning streak to three over the weekend by edging last season’s Division 2 champion. The victory also avenged a 37-6 loss to the Trojans from a year ago and gave Forest Park its first season-opening defeat since 2019. Click for more from the NFHS Network.

Watch list Central Lake 44, Marion 38 The Trojans – also 2-7 in 2024 – provided a strong indication that this could be a turnaround season by avenging last year’s 64-6 loss to Marion, which at a combined 40-6 has been one of the state’s top 8-player programs the last four years.

On the move Britton Deerfield 60, Pittsford 22 The Patriots made it three wins in three tries over the last two years against Pittsford in claiming this rematch of last season’s Division 2 Regional championship matchup. Gobles 54, Climax-Scotts 32 The Tigers are posted a perfect regular season a year ago and started this one with a notable win over a Climax-Scotts team that is coming off an 8-2 overall finish. Ontonagon 21, Ishpeming 14 Ontonagon claimed its fifth-straight opening-night win, this time downing an Ishpeming team that reached the Division 1 Regional Finals last year in its first playing 8-player.

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) Clarkston players celebrate in the Wayne State end zone during their win over Belleville. (2) A pair of North Muskegon defenders wrap up a Pewamo-Westphalia ball carrier. (3) Negaunee's Marshall Peters carries the ball before getting tackled by Marquette's Ben Rayhorn (7), Bodi Bennett (15), and Alex Brennen (9). (4) On Ontonagon's first possession, Jack Nelson (30) catches a pass from Brody Bobula while being defended by Ishpeming's Grady Gauthier (3), and runs it in for a touchdown. (Top photo courtesy of State Champs! Sports Network. P-W/North Muskegon photo by Jim Pivarnik. Negaunee/Marquette and Ontonagon/Ishpeming photos by Cara Kamps.)