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Ada Forest Hills Eastern defenders close in on a Ypsilanti Community ball carrier during the Hawks' 46-22 win on Friday.

1st & Goal: 2026 Week 9 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 26, 2026

Every game counts. Week 9 provided 11 more examples of why. 

MI Student AidAs Michigan’s high school football teams concluded their regular-season schedules – and more than 300 took the field for the last time in 2026 – a total of 11 teams earned opportunities to continue playing this week, with 11 also falling out of the final playoff mix.

We detail several of those deciders below, as well as a few final league championship games and others that helped determine how brackets were drawn for our title drives beginning Friday with 11-Player Districts and 8-Player Regionals.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Port Huron 13, Port Huron Northern 10 The Red Hawks stacked memorable accomplishments with this win. They defeated rival Northern for the first time since 2023. They finished the regular season 9-0 for the first time since 1952, according to Michigan-football.com. (Port Huron also was perfect during the COVID-shortened 2020 regular season, over six games). And the Red Hawks held onto the top spot on the Division 3 playoff-points list, giving them home games for the first three rounds.

Watch list Marine City 21, Marysville 6 The Mariners (9-0) capped a perfect regular season for the first time since 2021, and they did so by defeating another league champion in Marysville (5-4) while holding the Vikings to their season-low scoring total. 

On the move Goodrich 28, Gladwin 20 The Martians (9-0) ran their regular-season winning streak to 26 going back to Week 1 of 2024, and also did so by defeating another league champion in Gladwin (5-4). Grand Blanc 31, Macomb Dakota 24 The Bobcats’ 9-0 regular-season finish also was their second straight and moved them up to No. 7 on the Division 1 playoff-points list. Ubly 30, Cass City 8 The Bearcats (6-3) bounced back from a Week 8 loss to avenge last season’s 42-6 defeat to Cass City (6-3) and secure the possibility of playing home games this week and next. 

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 31, Detroit Catholic Central 25 (OT) The regular season ended with this Catholic High School League Prep Bowl stunner, as Deondre Hills scored the game-winner in overtime to give the Division 1 Shamrocks (8-1) their only loss. DCC still ended up sharing the CHSL Central championship with Toledo Central Catholic, and the Warriors (7-2) tied for third but jumped six spots to No. 9 on the Division 2 playoff-points list – giving them the possibility of three home playoff games. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.

Watch list Dearborn Divine Child 28, Jackson Lumen Christi 21 The Falcons (8-1) won a matchup of 2025 Finals champions in another Prep Bowl battle, clinching the CHSL AA title with a second league win by seven points this fall. Divine Child is lined up to host two playoff games, while Lumen Christi (7-2) would be home through its Division 6 Regional Final. 

On the move Gibraltar Carlson 17, Allen Park 10 Carlson (9-0) navigated a third win this fall by seven points or fewer to finish a fourth-straight outright championship in the Downriver League and sixth-straight including shared titles. Milford 31, Walled Lake Western 28 Milford (8-1) battled back from a Week 4 loss to South Lyon to share the Lakes Valley Conference title with the Lions, while ending that opportunity for Western (7-2). Romeo 56, Oxford 24 Romeo (9-0) finished its first perfect regular season since 1977, moving up to a tie for No. 2 on the Division 1 playoff-point list, and against an Oxford team that ranks No. 6 at 7-2. 

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Beal City 29, Ithaca 26 Only one team could finish the regular season undefeated, but both will be championship contenders next month. Beal City clinched the perfect regular season and will be home for the first three rounds at No. 5 on the Division 8 playoff-points list, while Ithaca (8-1) did take the slim loss but fell only one spot to No. 11 on the Division 7 list. Click for more from WJRT.

Watch list Howell 35, Northville 22 The Highlanders avenged last season’s loss to Northville to claim a third-straight Kensington Lakes Activities Association overall championship – and more. Howell held onto the top spot on the Division 1 playoff-points list, guaranteeing three home playoff games in a bracket that also includes undefeated East Kentwood and Grand Ledge.

On the move Portland 28, Hudsonville Unity Christian 24 The Raiders (9-0) have won 43 straight regular-season games after finishing perfect for the fourth-straight year – and with this their second-closest win this season but third-closest during the 43-game run. Grand Ledge 35, Temperance Bedford 7 The Comets finished 9-0 for the first time since 2015, winning their toughest two games the last two weeks by downing Bedford (7-2) and DeWitt in Week 8. Mason 24, Harper Woods 18 The Bulldogs (8-1) bounced back from a Week 8 loss and avenged last season’s defeat to Harper Woods (7-2), although they could see each other again in a Division 2 Semifinal. 

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Harbor Springs 34, East Jordan 29 Harbor Springs (8-1) broke a five-game losing streak against the Red Devils (7-2) to clinch a share of the Northern Michigan Football Conference title along with East Jordan, and Maple City Glen Lake as well. The championship was Harbor Springs’ first since 1987, according to the Petoskey News-Review.

Watch list Traverse City West 38, Traverse City Central 27 The annual Patriot Game didn’t disappoint, as West (6-3) was able to clinch a share of the Saginaw Valley League North title and both teams qualified for the Division 2 playoffs on opposite sides of their Regional bracket.

On the move Oscoda 22, Frankfort 21 The Owls (6-3) were 0-6 against Frankfort (5-4) this decade, but they picked a great time for a first win as this one helped secure their spot in the Division 7 playoff field. McBain 29, Fowler 28 McBain (7-2) survived a major challenge from a Fowler team that finished 6-3 with its losses to Division 7 opponents with a combined 23-3 record. Manistee 34, Ludington 28 Manistee (4-5) jumped 11 spots to No. 17 on the Division 7 playoff-point list and earned a home game this week with this impressive win over Division 4 Ludington (7-2), one of seven teams on the Mariners’ schedule to finish with a winning regular-season record.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Clinton 52, Monroe Jefferson 28 Over the last three weeks, Clinton has turned away Ida to remain in contention in the Lenawee County Athletic Association, then defeated Adrian Madison to clinch a share of the title, and Friday handed Jefferson (8-1) its only loss in a big way – which also sent the Redwolves (8-1) up to No. 9 on the Division 6 playoff-points list. Huron League champ Jefferson is still set to host three games in Division 5. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

Watch list Hudson 39, Berrien Springs 0 The Tigers (8-1) haven’t given up a point in three weeks, and after also clinching a share of the LCAA title in Week 8 handed Berrien Springs (8-1) its only defeat. The Shamrocks entered the game averaging 44 points per contest. 

On the move Chelsea 56, Linden 48 Chelsea (9-0) finished its first perfect regular season since 2021, defeating five playoff teams along the way including Linden (6-3). Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 42, Hanover-Horton 6 SMCC (8-1) missed out on the Huron League title but bounced back from a Week 8 defeat to down Cascades Conference overall champion Hanover-Horton (7-2) – with these two potentially meeting again in a Division 7 Regional Final. Adrian 35, New Boston Huron 22 The Maples (8-1) bumped up to No. 12 on the Division 4 playoff-points list with this win over Division 3 Huron (6-3) and will host league foe Tecumseh to open the postseason.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Portage Central 28, St. Joseph 14 This matchup of Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference division champions ended with Portage Central (8-1) becoming the first of the pair to win this rivalry game for a second-straight year since St. Joseph claimed four in a row from 2017-20. St. Joseph (7-2) is set to be home for three playoff rounds in Division 3, while Central will be home this week but may travel after as the fourth seed in its Division 1 Regional. Click for more from WSJM.

Watch list Paw Paw 14, Vicksburg 7 They ended up finishing second and third, respectively, in the Wolverine Conference, as Edwardsburg finished an outright championship with a win over Niles. But this did affect who the Eddies see next – they’ll face Vicksburg (7-2) after Paw Paw (8-1) moved past the Bulldogs on the Division 4 playoff-points list. 

On the move Decatur 32, Parchment 24 The Raiders (9-0) capped their first perfect regular season since 2002 with their closest win since Week 1. Parchment ended 5-4, a two-win improvement from a year ago. Schoolcraft 35, Lawton 7 Schoolcraft (7-2) finished third in the Southwestern Athletic Conference but fourth on the Division 7 playoff-points list, earning the opportunity to be home for both District rounds including a possible rematch with Lawton (5-4) in two weeks. Stevensville Lakeshore 21, Portage Northern 14 Lakeshore (8-1) has enjoyed a phenomenal comeback season after winning a combined six games over the last two. This avenged last year’s 25-point loss to Northern (5-4).

A Lansing Catholic ball carrier works to break away as Pewamo-Westphalia defenders swarm during a 35-13 victory.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Kingsford 42, Marquette 26 The Flivvers (9-0) won this matchup of league champions, in doing so finishing off their second perfect regular season over the last three and jumping five spots to No. 3 on the Division 5 playoff-points list. Amazingly, these former Great Northern Conference rivals have split their last 16 games, with Marquette (7-2) last season’s winner. Click for more from Upper Michigan’s Source.

Watch list Iron Mountain 21, Negaunee 20 After opening this season 1-2, Iron Mountain has strung together six straight wins (including a forfeit victory), with this over the Division 5 Miners (5-4) the big one. It helped push the Mountaineers (7-2) past East Jordan on the Division 8 playoff-points list, giving Iron Mountain the home game in their matchup this week.

On the move Menominee 38, Bark River-Harris 30 The Maroons (8-1) bounced back from a league-deciding loss in Week 8 to defeat another league’s champion and will be home in the Division 7 playoffs until Semifinals. Hancock 16, Houghton 10 The Bulldogs (4-5) ended a six-game losing streak against Houghton with this Copper Bowl win, capping a season of improvement after Hancock won a combined three games over the last three years. Calumet 50, L’Anse 8 The Copper Kings (6-3) closed the regular season with three wins over their last four games, this one over another playoff qualifier in L’Anse (4-5).

West Michigan

HEADLINER East Kentwood 42, Hudsonville 14 East Kentwood (9-0) clinched the outright Ottawa-Kent Conference Red championship, ending Hudsonville’s two-year reign and climbing into a tie for the No. 2 spot on the Division 1 playoff-points list, earning the Falcons home games this week and next. East Kentwood broke away during a massive fourth-quarter run to cap its first perfect regular season since 2002 and send the Eagles to 6-3. Click for more from WOOD TV.

Watch list Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 44, Coopersville 0 Kenowa Hills (8-1) finished a repeat run in the River Cities Alliance in a big way, downing Coopersville (8-1) in a winner-take-all for the championship. Kenowa Hills has given up a combined 67 points over the last eight games after allowing 59 in a season-opening loss to DeWitt. 

On the move Spring Lake 35, Zeeland West 26 In upsetting the Dux (7-2), Spring Lake vaulted from No. 35 on the Division 4 playoff-points list into the field tied for the No. 27 spot. Grand Rapids Christian 24, Holland Christian 22 This win gave the Eagles (4-5) a similar jump, from No. 36 on the Division 4 list into the field in the No. 32 slot. Grand Rapids South Christian 42, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 26 These two enter as contenders in their respective playoff divisions, South Christian (8-1) at No. 5 on the Division 4 playoff-points list and Catholic Central (7-2) still holding down the top line in Division 5 by a substantial margin.

8-Player

HEADLINER Mio 26, Rogers City 14 Mio clinched the North Star League Big Dipper championship outright in claiming this winner-take-all, and also jumped from a tie for the No. 16 spot into the field for sure at No. 13. The league title was Mio’s second straight after it shared the Little Dipper championship in 2025. Click for more from the Bay City Times. 

Watch list Powers North Central 55, Crystal Falls Forest Park 36 This rivalry added a chapter that won’t soon be forgotten, as North Central’s second-straight win in the annual series improved the Jets to 7-2 and sent Forest Park out of the Division 1 playoff field with a final record of 6-3.

On the move Gaylord St. Mary 54, Indian River Inland Lakes 6 The Snowbirds (9-0) capped their first perfect regular season since 2017 having given up a combined 14 points over eight games played (one win was a forfeit) – and having pushed Inland Lakes (5-4) out of the Division 1 bracket. St. Ignace 62, Central Lake 40 St. Ignace finished off a second 8-1 season over the last four years, moving up to No. 5 on the Division 2 playoff-points list while keeping Central Lake (6-3) from moving into the Division 1 field. Portland St. Patrick 35, Dansville 7 The Aggies (7-2) moved to 8-player football this season and have found great success, but St. Patrick (9-0) earned the win in this first matchup with Dansville since 2011 in 11-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) Ada Forest Hills Eastern defenders close in on a Ypsilanti Community ball carrier during the Hawks' 46-22 win on Friday. (Middle) A Lansing Catholic ball carrier works to break away as Pewamo-Westphalia defenders swarm during a 35-13 victory. (FHE/Ypsilanti photo by Michigan Sports Media. Lansing Catholic/P-W photo by TCP Photography.)

North Muskegon takes the field for its District Final against McBain on Nov. 8.

1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Semifinals Preview

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

November 22, 2024

It’s pretty simple for football teams still playing this late into November.

MI Student AidAll 32 that have reached this season’s MHSAA 11-Player Semifinals have accomplished something special while taking their communities on an unforgettable ride.

But those 16 that emerge victorious Saturday will have an opportunity to finish this four-month drive with the ultimate experience in Michigan high school football.

All 16 Semifinals kick off at 1 p.m. except for the Division 7 matchup between Schoolcraft and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, which will begin at noon. Follow along in person or watch all of them on MHSAA.tv, and keep up with the scores as they come in on the Football Playoff Scoreboard. See below for a glance at all 16 Semifinals.

Division 1

Rochester Adams (10-2) vs. Hudsonville (11-1) at Okemos

Hudsonville’s first Semifinal run since 2005 saw the Eagles avenge their lone loss this fall, downing undefeated Howell last week 35-6 after falling to the Highlanders in their season opener. Senior quarterback Griffin Baker has thrown for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns and run for 13 scores leading a balanced attack. Adams is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2021, with two midseason losses by a combined four points. Senior Matteo Humbert carries a lot of the offensive load, rushing for 1,204 yards and 18 TDs.

Detroit Cass Tech (10-2) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Troy Athens

These two are playing each other for the first time since the 2016 Division 1 championship game. Detroit Catholic Central gives up only 10.5 points per game and attacks on the ground and through the air, with senior running back Jaden Pydyn (1,158 yards, 23 TDs rushing) among notable standouts. Cass Tech is giving up only 6.8 points per game and has avenged one of its two losses, with freshman quarterback Donald Tabron II quickly drawing attention throwing for 1,318 yards and 13 TDs to arguably the strongest group of receivers in the state.

Division 2

East Lansing (9-3) vs. Byron Center (11-1) at Greenville

East Lansing is playing in a Semifinal for the second straight season, and these teams have some familiarity with each other as the Trojans won their Regional matchup a year ago 42-20. East Lansing senior running back Jace Clarizio has remained one of the state’s elite with 1,574 yards and 28 TDs rushing. Byron Center will counter with senior quarterback Landon Tungate, who will go down as one of the best in his program’s history throwing for 1,727 yards and 23 scores this fall and running for 1,237 yards and 19 more TDs.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-3) vs. Birmingham Groves (12-0) at West Bloomfield

Groves defeated reigning champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 21-19 to advance to its second Semifinal in three seasons. The Falcons also rely on a balanced offensive attack, led by senior running back Noah Sanders (821 yards/11 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Ryan Counts (1,363 yards/16 TDs passing). St. Mary’s has reached the Semifinals for the first time since 2016, giving up only a combined 10 points over three playoff wins, and with senior receiver Bryson Williams a dynamic playmaker with nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing and two apiece on kickoff and punt returns.

Division 3

Zeeland West (11-1) vs. DeWitt (12-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern

After missing last season, DeWitt will play in its sixth Semifinal over the last seven years, and with an offense that upped its average scoring this fall to nearly 57 points per game with 70 more last week. Senior quarterback Elliott Larner is one of several standouts and has thrown for 2,085 yards and 32 touchdowns and run for 1,812 yards and 24 scores. Zeeland West’s power running style could help keep the Panthers’ offense off the field; the Dux have run for 3,458 yards led by senior Keaton Hendricks with 1,419 and 18 touchdowns on the ground.

Mason (10-2) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (9-3) at Chelsea

These two have met in the playoffs three years in a row, with the Bulldogs emerging 25-20 in a Semifinal last fall. While Mason graduated most of the starting lineup that led the team to a Division 3 runner-up finish, senior quarterback Cason Carswell is finishing his fourth as a starter in a big way with 1,989 yards and 31 scores through the air as his younger teammates have grown into another standout unit. King’s defense perhaps stands out most this season, as senior defensive ends Xavier Newsome (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and Willie Fletcher (6-2, 230) are one of the state’s top pairs.

Division 4

Grand Rapids South Christian (8-4) vs. Niles (11-1) at Three Rivers

South Christian emerged from a four-game losing streak near the end of the regular season to reach the Semifinals for the third straight, and will attempt to make it three straight trips to Ford Field. Senior quarterback Carson Vis continues to impress with 2,371 yards and 22 touchdowns passing and 1,186 yards and 18 scores rushing. Niles’ season-opening loss to St. Joseph proved to be just a momentary detour during its first trip to the Semifinals. Seniors Peyton Gordon, Paul Hess and Sam Rucker have combined to run for 2,738 yards and 44 touchdowns,

Goodrich (11-1) vs. Harper Woods (9-3) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

This is a rematch of a 2023 Semifinal, won by Harper Woods 35-24 on the way to claiming the Division 4 title. Many of the major players are the same. Senior Chase Burnett is the top rusher behind an impressive offensive line for Goodrich, powering for 1,340 yards and 22 scores. Harper Woods’ attack is again directed by junior quarterback Nate Rocheleau, who has thrown for 1,503 yards and 29 touchdowns. Goodrich’s lone loss and two of Harper Woods’ came to teams still playing.

Division 5

Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-4) vs. Frankenmuth (12-0) at Mount Pleasant

This will be the fourth time these two have met in the playoffs over the last five seasons. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won their Semifinal meeting last season 35-0 and rebounded from three straight losses to finish this regular season to claim a ninth-straight Regional title. Odin Spencer is another impressive freshman quarterback, throwing for 1,585 yards and 17 touchdowns and running for 531 yards and three scores. Frankenmuth has given up only 13 points through three playoff games, with senior Derrick Simmons (6-4/275) a force at defensive end. The Eagles have won five straight Regional championships.

Flat Rock (10-2) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (10-1) at Westland John Glenn

Notre Dame Prep showed itself to be a title contender with back-to-back wins over Jackson Lumen Christi and Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, and hasn’t let up. Junior quarterback Sam Stowe has thrown for 2,249 yards and 30 touchdowns and run for six scores. Flat Rock is playing in a Semifinal for the second-straight season, this time with its most wins since 1976. Senior Graham Junge is another standout quarterback, throwing for 2,468 yards and 36 touchdowns and also running for six scores.

Division 6

Boyne City (10-2) vs. Lansing Catholic (9-3) at Clare

Both of these contenders have recaptured past success to return to the Semifinals, Boyne City for the first time since 2014 and Lansing Catholic for the second time in four seasons but after going only 4-7 a year ago. Senior running back Ryan Spate is one from a collection of playmakers who have emerged for the Ramblers, running for 1,809 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior Alex Fernandez has powered the Cougars, throwing for 2,664 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 925 yards and 16 scores.  

Marine City (10-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (11-1) at Novi

Lumen Christi moved to Division 6 this fall after winning Division 7 the last two seasons, and hasn’t been stopped aside from a four-point loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in Week 2. The Titans have their highest-powered offense in a decade and have scored at least 42 points in all three of their playoff wins. Marine City is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2021, powered by a high-scoring offense as well. The Mariners have topped 50 points seven times this season, including twice during the playoffs, led by a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in senior Paul Muscat (1,237/22 TDs) and junior Austin Brown (1,042/17).

Division 7

North Muskegon (11-1) vs. Millington (11-0) at Lansing Eastern

Millington is seeking a first trip to the Finals, and North Muskegon its first since 1981. Both also played in Semifinals a year ago, on opposite sides of the Division 7 bracket. Senior quarterback Truk Terbush is part of a loaded Cardinals backfield, throwing for 1,298 yards and 19 touchdowns and running for 453 yards and 10 scores. The Norsemen turn to a standout quarterback as well, as junior Bryce Colbert has thrown for 2,003 yards and 22 scores. North Muskegon’s lone defeat came in its season opener, by a point, to Pewamo-Westphalia.

Schoolcraft (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Monroe St. Mary is making its longest playoff run since its most recent championship season in 2019 and has scored more points this fall than the last two combined. Senior running back Drew Harris has played a large role in that resurgence, rushing for 1,348 yards and 21 touchdowns. Schoolcraft is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2020, its only loss to Constantine by two points in Week 3. Sophomore quarterback Jack DeVries has emerged impressively, throwing for 1,402 yards and 15 scores.

Division 8

Beal City (10-2) vs. Fowler (12-0) at Ithaca

Fowler’s first trip to the Semifinals since 2019 got a bit of a jumpstart in Week 9 with a 35-28 win over McBain – one of the two teams to defeat Beal City, 29-25 in Week 4. But like Fowler, the Aggies also eliminated an undefeated opponent to win a Regional title last week. They’ve both continued to be known for strong running games as well, Beal City following seniors Drew Block and Owen McKenny (1,625 yards/22 TDs rushing combined) while Fowler has had a bit more balance but also must replace injured lead rusher Ford Phillips (1,153 yards/25 TDs rushing). The Eagles also have been able to turn to senior quarterback Jacob Halfmann (1,671 yards/18 TDs passing, 8 TDs rushing).

Decatur (11-1) vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard (10-1) at Jackson

Decatur has advanced to the Semifinals for the first time since 2002, its only loss to White Pigeon by just eight points in Week 4. The Raiders have three rushers who have combined for more than 3,000 yards, led by junior Brody Mead (1,152/18 TDs) and senior Danny Camarillo (1,047/10). Gabriel Richard is returning to the Semifinals for the second-straight season, improving statistically on both sides of the ball from last fall and with its only loss to a Division 4 District champ in Macomb Lutheran North. Senior Joey Calhoun has averaged more than nine yards per carry for 1,140 and 16 TDs total on the ground.

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 North Muskegon takes the field for its District Final against McBain on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)