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.
As 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.
UPSET ALERT 💥 BROTHER RICE GETS THE OVERTIME WIN! Powered by @LawrenceTechU https://t.co/FHLinnwnh4
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 25, 2026
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.
Beal City Aggies (9-0) take down the Ithaca Yellow Jackets (8-1) 29-26 in the @ABC12WJRT #highlightzone game of the week https://t.co/jD8gPLFhi9
— Justin Dierkes (@DierkesTV) October 24, 2026
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).

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.)
1st & Goal: 2024 Week 2 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 9, 2024
Every Monday during football season we provide at least a glance at the “story behind the scores” from nearly 50 of the previous weekend’s games across Michigan.
Several of those storylines were obvious during Week 2.
One of the most notable celebrations took place in Okemos, where the Wolves defeated Clio 35-0 to end a 41-game losing streak dating back to the third game of the 2019 season.
Martin, meanwhile, has celebrated two straight 8-player Division 1 championships, and can add ending Bridgman’s 35-game winning streak to the list after the Clippers prevailed 42-36.
Eyes are always on the champions, and five of last season’s Finals title winners fell during Week 2 – Clarkston defeated Southfield Arts & Technology (11-player Division 1), Rockford held off Muskegon (11-D2), Oxford downed Harper Woods (D4), Pontiac Notre Dame Prep defeated Jackson Lumen Christi (D7) and Clarkston Everest Collegiate edged Ubly (D8).
And finally, New Baltimore Anchor Bay and Roseville set the record for most points scored in a single-overtime 11-player game with 131 as Anchor Bay won 66-65. Tawas’ 70-69 win over Shepherd in 2002 – in four overtimes – remains the only higher-scoring 11-player game to go past regulation.
For many more “stories behind the scores” of Week 2, see below.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Armada 14, Croswell-Lexington 0 Armada (2-0) has been on an upward trajectory for the last three seasons, and this first win over Croswell-Lexington since 2004 will certainly be remembered among the most important wins during the ascension. Not only did it end a 19-game losing streak against the Pioneers, but the Tigers handed Cros-Lex its first shutout since 2020. Click for more from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
Watch list Flushing 27, Zeeland East 21 The Raiders are 2-0 for the first time since 2011 and after finishing 3-6 a year ago. This one was especially impressive as East (1-1) was a playoff team last year. Flushing is seeking its first winning season since 2018.
On the move Fenton 21, Haslett 14 The Tigers and especially quarterback Noah Sheil made a series of big plays when needed to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2020 and send the Vikings to 0-2. Saginaw Heritage 28, Midland Dow 27 (OT) Jeremiah Walker was the hero with the overtime touchdown to move Heritage to 2-0 and Dow to 0-2. Bay City Central 12, Flint Kearsley 6 (OT) A tough Saginaw Valley League Blue schedule lies ahead, but Bay City Central (1-1) already has equaled last season’s win total and did so against a Kearsley team that had won impressively in its season opener.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Warren De La Salle 35, Detroit Martin Luther King 13 In arguably the most anticipated matchup of the weekend statewide, De La Salle opened a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and led 28-7 at halftime. The defense especially continued to impress in following up on the three points allowed to Davison in Week 1. Click for more from the Detroit News.
Warren De La Salle, currently ranked number two on our STATE CHAMPS! Top 25, went on the road to Detroit King, and secured a 35-13 victory. 🎥 powered by @reactiontech@DLS_Football | @coachrohn pic.twitter.com/gXJOfTZ6pQ
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 7, 2024
Watch list Oxford 38, Harper Woods 0 The Wildcats (1-1) bounced back from a season-opening defeat with one of the loudest wins in the state over the first two weeks, shutting out last season’s Division 4 champion. Harper Woods (1-1) averaged 34 points per game during last year’s run and had put up 43 against Redford Union to start this fall.
On the move Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 28, Jackson Lumen Christi 24 Notre Dame Prep (2-0) has strung together 11 playoff seasons over the last 15 and lost only once a year ago – but downing the reigning Division 7 champion Titans (1-1) will certainly have the Fighting Irish getting some significant attention, and with last season’s Division 5 champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central coming to town this week. Birmingham Groves 28, West Bloomfield 13 Groves (2-0) avenged last season’s 41-10 loss to West Bloomfield (1-1), made even more impressive by the Lakers’ 42-0 win over Clinton Township Chippewa Valley to start this season. Detroit Catholic Central 21, Toledo Central Catholic (Ohio) 7 It's early, but this is massive in the Catholic High School League Central as TCC was last season’s champion and defeated the Shamrocks 42-21 in 2023.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Durand 22, New Lothrop 16 Coming off a league championship in 2022, Durand fell back to 3-6 a year ago – but that’s becoming a distant memory quickly with the Railroaders (2-0) already having avenged two losses from a year ago. They lost 29-12 to New Lothrop last year but nearly flipped that result this time and have two more possible revenge games coming up with Montrose and Ovid-Else over the next two weeks, respectively. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
Watch list Lansing Sexton 13, Lansing Catholic 9 The J-Dubbs (1-1) quickly bounced back from a 28-0 loss to Everett in their season opener to win an important Capital Area Activities Conference White matchup. Sexton contended with eventual champion Portland last season, but Lansing Catholic (1-1) also looks to be in the mix this fall.
On the move DeWitt 55, Mason 21 The Panthers have scored 124 points over two games and with this one avenging a pair of losses from last season to the eventual Division 3 runner-up Bulldogs (1-1). Hastings 16, Williamston 12 That Hastings is off to a solid start isn’t stunning given its success over the last four seasons, but the Saxons should savor this one after taking the lead for good in the fourth quarter against a Williamston team that has made the playoffs eight straight seasons. Ionia 43, Eaton Rapids 7 Ionia is 2-0 for the first time since 2016 and also avenged a 2023 loss to Belding in Week 1 – two nice boosts heading into this week’s league matchup with Portland.

Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Kingsley 16, Gaylord 0 The reigning Division 6 champion Stags (1-1) got back on track after a Week 1 loss to Reed City, avenging a 42-39 loss to Gaylord from a year ago. The shutout was Kingsley’s first in two years. Gaylord, meanwhile, is 0-2 but has given up only a combined 22 points over those defeats. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Traverse City St. Francis 31, Lawton 14 St. Francis (2-0) is another program that lives among the statewide contenders most seasons, but the Gladiators were just 4-5 a year ago. The rebound is on, as their two wins so far this fall have come against opponents that went a combined 18-4 in 2023.
On the move Cheboygan 35, Sault Ste. Marie 12 Cheboygan’s only win last season came in its final game, but against playoff-bound Benzie Central. The Chiefs (1-1) took another notable step in avenging their 26-0 loss from last year to Sault Ste. Marie (0-2), which is coming off a sixth-straight winning season. Maple City Glen Lake 50, Frankfort 7 After scoring 221 points a year ago, Glen Lake (2-0) has nearly half that over two games and after this one avenging a 28-15 loss to Frankfort (1-1) from last season. Lake City 38, Evart 27 Lake City was another team that didn’t let an opening loss send it off-course. The Trojans (1-1) came back after falling to Hart in Week 1 by avenging last season’s 20-12 loss to Evart (1-1), which is coming off a fourth-straight playoff season.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Saline 34, Dexter 14 Saline (2-0) earned a potentially-important early advantage in the Southeastern Conference Red – so important, that the result of this matchup a year ago ended up deciding the league title in the Hornets’ favor. James Rush had two touchdowns to open the Saline scoring, and the defense held Dexter (1-1) to its fewest points in a game since the 2020 opener. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.
Highlights of Saline's 34-14 win over Dexter from September 6th, 2024. The Hornets improved to 2-0 on the season. 🎥 Delivered by @hungryhowies@SalineAthletics | @SalineFootball pic.twitter.com/2hgUwTWG44
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 8, 2024
Watch list Ida 21, Ottawa Lake Whiteford 6 Keep an eye on Ida, which is 2-0 for the first time since 2018. Whiteford entered this weekend with a 24-game regular-season winning streak, but the Bluestreaks earned their first win in the series since the two began playing each other again in 2021. Whiteford had won last year’s meeting 22-7.
On the move Hanover-Horton 21, Michigan Center 20 Hanover-Horton (2-0) is 2-0 for the first time since 2014, has as many wins this season as all of last, and edged a Cardinals team that while 0-2 is almost annually a league title contender (now on the other side of the two-division Cascades Conference). Manchester 20, Addison 8 In another cross-division Cascades matchup, Manchester (2-0) earned a notable win over last season’s West title winner. Blissfield 20, Tecumseh 19 Both are 1-1 and finished 5-5 a year ago, but there’s some intrigue here for the Division 7 Royals with a solid win over a returning Division 4 playoff team.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER White Pigeon 16, Buchanan 9 White Pigeon (2-0) extended its regular-season winning streak to 15 with its closest win of the string. In doing so, the Chiefs also held Saugatuck (1-1) to single-digit scoring for only the second time since 2021. Click for more from WBET.
Watch list St. Joseph 36, Edwardsburg 29 Two weeks into the season, St. Joseph (2-0) has arguably the best start in the southwest with this win following up its victory over Niles in the opener. This was the first meeting between the Bears and Eddies (1-1) since the 2019 playoffs.
On the move Niles 46, Stevensville Lakeshore 0 Niles (1-1) quickly bounced back from its opening loss to St. Joseph, avenging last season’s 15-14 defeat against Lakeshore (0-2) that ended up the Vikings’ lone loss before the Regional Finals. Schoolcraft 28, Centreville 6 The Eagles (2-0) have opened with a pair of wins over 2023 playoff teams in advance of this week’s matchup with rival Constantine. Bronson 26, Sand Creek 6 Bronson (1-1) is seeking its first winning record since 2012 and has to be pleased with opening Big 8 Conference play by avenging last season’s 8-6 loss to the Aggies (1-1).

Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Escanaba 28, Cadillac 21 (OT) It’s been a tough run lately for Escanaba, but this is the kind of win that could spark things. Escanaba (1-1) had lost to Cadillac the last two seasons, including 43-36 last fall after joining the Vikings in the Big North Conference. Cadillac is 0-2, but with both losses by seven points. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Watch list Calumet 30, Ishpeming Westwood 14 The Copper Kings (2-0) are only one win away from equaling last season’s total, with this their best start since 2019 – when they went on to finish 10-2. A significant test against Negaunee is up next.
On the move Kingsford 28, Houghton 8 The Flivvers (2-0) have begun with another solid opening stretch, outscoring their first two opponents by a combined 49-8. Negaunee 28, Gladstone 7 Negaunee (2-0) certainly enjoyed this start to league play after falling to Gladstone 42-14 a year ago and going on to share the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title with Kingsford because of it. Marquette 51, Alpena 0 Gaylord this week could provide the toughest challenge yet for Marquette (2-0), but the Sentinels are 2-0 for the first time since 2013 and haven’t given up a point.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Rockford 28, Muskegon 21 To no one’s surprise, this was exciting until the end as Muskegon scored the final 14 points of the game but couldn’t come all the way back. Rockford improved to 2-0 with both wins this season by seven points, while Muskegon fell to 0-2 and is off this week before beginning league play. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Rockford stays winning despite a tough battle against Muskegon where the Big Reds nearly came back to win. Rams come out on top 28-21. @RockfordRamsFB https://t.co/lfLN7rjXsw pic.twitter.com/YwBTks3foZ
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) September 7, 2024
Watch list Muskegon Mona Shores 21, River Rouge 6 Mona Shores (2-0) is opening this season with three straight road games (and four over the first five weeks) but added this successful trip to an impressive Week 1 win at Grand Blanc.
On the move Montague 14, Muskegon Oakridge 7 The Wildcats (1-1) are back on top in this rivalry for the first time since 2021 and after losing to Oakridge (1-1) by 21 points in their Week 9 meeting last season. Grand Rapids South Christian 42, East Grand Rapids 28 South Christian (2-0) avenged last season’s 23-21 loss to EGR (1-1), a nice boost heading into this week’s matchup with Grand Rapids West Catholic. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 7, Portage Central 0 The reigning Division 3 champion Rangers (2-0) made a second-quarter touchdown stand in handing Portage Central (0-2) its first shutout since its matchup with FHC in 2022.
8-Player
HEADLINER Martin 42, Bridgman 36 After two losses by a combined three points the last two years, Martin earned this one-score win over Bridgman – and in the process ended the Bees’ 35-game winning streak. The Clippers built a 36-14 lead and held on to defeat the only opponent they hadn’t beaten at least once during their back-to-back Division 1 championship seasons. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Ontonagon 72, Rapid River 22 Ontonagon’s offense couldn’t have started this season more in stride, as the Gladiators (2-0) have scored a combined 158 points over the first two weeks.
On the move Atlanta 38, Whittemore-Prescott 12 For the second-straight week, Atlanta (2-0) avenged a loss from 2023, this time after falling to Whittemore-Prescott 54-34 a year ago. St. Charles 32, Carson City-Crystal 24 St. Charles (1-1) bounced back from a heavy Week 1 loss to down last season’s Mid-State Activities Conference Blue champion in a league opener. Climax-Scotts 54, Newberry 28 Climax-Scotts (1-1) was another Week 2 rebounder, evening its record against a Newberry team that is 0-2 but coming off three straight winning seasons.
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) Okemos' Jamaris Graham (5) works to pull away from a Clio tackler Friday. (Middle) A Belleville defender closes in on Livonia Stevenson's Tasso Kotsogiannis (24). (Below) Grand Rapids South Christian's Owen Burgess (2) works to wrap up an East Grand Rapids ball carrier. (Top photo by John Johnson. Middle photo by Douglas Bargerstock. Below photo by Michigan Sports Photo.)