1st & Goal: Week 6 Preview
October 1, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
We may have only just begun this abbreviated Michigan high school football season, but this weekend we’ll reach the midway point – and the beginning of another October full of opportunities.
Every game matters even more with a six-game schedule, and early league leaders are meeting everywhere over the next two days – including in five leagues in the Grand Rapids/Muskegon areas alone.
Below is a quick look at some of the especially intriguing matchups. Check out the MHSAA Score Center beforehand for kickoff times and locations of all games, and come back Friday and Saturday for scores as they’re reported.
This week’s broadcast schedule includes 48 varsity football games on MHSAA.tv; click the link for listings.
Bay & Thumb
Mount Pleasant (2-0) at Midland (2-0)
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these Saginaw Valley League Blue foes have been decided by eight points or fewer, including Midland’s 22-21 win a year ago that helped the Chemics to a shared conference title. Along with matchups both still face with Midland Dow, tonight’s should significantly shape this season’s league race.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY New Lothrop (2-0) at Montrose (2-0), Grand Blanc (1-1) at Lapeer (2-0), Midland Bullock Creek (1-1) at Hemlock (2-0). SATURDAY Croswell-Lexington (2-0) at North Branch (2-0).
Greater Detroit
West Bloomfield (2-0) at Clarkston (2-0)
The Wolves quickly are making last season’s uncharacteristic 3-6 finish – their first below .500 since 2002 – a distant memory, but this matchup will allow them the opportunity to avenge a 2019 loss for the first time. West Bloomfield claimed last year’s matchup 24-0 on the way to finishing 10-2, and more interestingly hasn’t lost a game by more than seven points since 2016. With both programs surging again, we could be in for another close contest.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Detroit Denby (2-0) at Detroit Martin Luther King (1-1), North Farmington (1-1) at Birmingham Groves (1-1), Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (1-1) at Sterling Heights Stevenson (2-0). SATURDAY Warren De La Salle Collegiate (1-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (2-0).
Mid-Michigan
Lansing Catholic (2-0) at Portland (1-1)
Lansing Catholic rode last year’s first win in this rivalry since 2015 all the way to the Division 5 championship, and the Cougars have tuned up on both sides of the ball outscoring their first two opponents by a combined 85-3. The Raiders will hope for a result similar to last year’s first meeting with Lansing Catholic, a 21-20 win, before they fell 21-0 in that District Final rematch. Portland last week bounced back with a shutout of Charlotte after falling big in its opener to DeWitt.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Reed City (2-0) at Central Montcalm (2-0), Canton (2-0) at Brighton (1-1), Stockbridge (1-1) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (1-1), Ortonville Brandon (2-0) at Corunna (1-1).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Kingsley (2-0) at Traverse City St. Francis (1-1)
The Stags ended their six-game losing streak to St. Francis last season with a 26-7 victory that eventually decided the Northern Michigan Football League Legends title. Kingsley hasn’t slowed down, running its regular-season winning streak to 16 last week. But St. Francis’ 14-7 loss to new league member Sault Ste. Marie in the season opener is looking even better after the Sault’s win over Marquette, and the Gladiators still have reason to hope for at least a three-way tie for the Legends championship.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Traverse City Central (2-0) at Cadillac (2-0), Harbor Springs (2-0) at Manistee (2-0), Frankfort (1-1) at Johannesburg-Lewiston (2-0), Charlevoix (2-0) at Boyne City (1-1).
Southeast & Border
Clinton (2-0) at Blissfield (2-0)
Reshuffling among southeastern Lower Peninsula leagues took these teams’ regular Week 2 nonconference meeting up a few levels. It already was a solid nonleague matchup – they’ve played regularly since 2012 and split the last four meetings with Clinton winning last season 45-13. Now they find themselves tied for the early lead in the Lenawee County Athletic Association, with Blissfield coming off a 31-14 win over reigning champion Hillsdale last week.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Saline (2-0) at Monroe (2-0), Hillsdale (1-1) at Ida (1-1), Battle Creek Harper Creek (1-1) at Jackson Lumen Christi (1-1). SATURDAY Schoolcraft (2-0) at Chelsea (2-0).
Southwest Corridor
Cassopolis (2-0) at Centreville (2-0)
The Rangers are up to 26-1 in league play since the Southwest 10 Conference was formed in 2017, and that means even more considering five of the remaining six 11-player football members made the playoffs in 2019. Cassopolis’ closest league win last year was 15-0 over Centreville, which has continued its rejuvenation and could have its sights set on more after losing four games in 2019 by a combined 28 points. The Bulldogs avenged one of those defeats downing White Pigeon 14-8 last week.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Sturgis (2-0) at Paw Paw (2-0), Portage Central (0-2) at St. Joseph (2-0), Constantine (1-1) at Watervliet (2-0), Stevensville Lakeshore (1-1) at Battle Creek Central (1-1).
Upper Peninsula
Gladstone (1-0) at Sault Ste. Marie (2-0)
Gladstone provided an uplifting story last weekend, coming off short prep time to edge Negaunee 22-20 and after also missing out on opening weekend. Next up is the team generating the most buzz in the Upper Peninsula. Sault Ste. Marie has wins over Traverse City St. Francis and Marquette – and will be looking to avenge last season’s 20-8 loss to the Braves.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Marquette (1-1) at Kingsford (2-0), L'Anse (1-1) at Negaunee (1-1), Menominee (1-1) at Escanaba (0-0), Norway (0-2) at Bark River-Harris (0-2).
West Michigan
Zeeland East (2-0) at Zeeland West (2-0)
This next-door showdown always means a lot. It might mean even more now that Muskegon Mona Shores and Muskegon High have joined the Zeeland schools to make what was a strong Ottawa-Kent Conference Green now one of the most powerful football leagues in the state. West won both meetings last year, by 20 and then 31 points in a Division 3 playoff opener.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Cedar Springs (2-0) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0), Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (2-0) at Byron Center (2-0), Grandville (2-0) at Hudsonville (2-0), North Muskegon (2-0) at Whitehall (2-0).
8-Player
Whittemore-Prescott (2-0) at Gaylord St. Mary (2-0)
Whittemore-Prescott was a late addition to 8-player before the start of this fall. But it looks like the Cardinals made a sound decision. Their two wins in two weeks equal their total for the entire 2019 season. That said, St. Mary certainly will be W-P’s biggest challenge to date. The Snowbirds have put 111 points on the board over just two games and could be prepping for a serious run in their second season of this format.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Adrian Lenawee Christian (2-0) at Climax-Scotts (2-0), Brethren (1-1) at Mesick (1-1), Indian River Inland Lakes (2-0) at Onekama (1-1). SATURDAY Hillman (1-1) at Portland St. Patrick (2-0).
PHOTO: Lapeer is looking to improve to 3-0 after downing Flint Powers Catholic 36-21 last week. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 4 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 19, 2025
Could Week 4 be the one we look back on as the most important this regular season?
It’s certainly possible.
The two biggest games this weekend might take place about 35 miles apart, as likely league title favorites in both the Detroit Public School League Blue and Catholic High School League Central face off. And several more conferences also eventually may recall tonight as the one that decided which schools add a trophy in October.
Scores for every game across the state this weekend will be posted on the MHSAA Scores page as they conclude. Tune into several on the NFHS Network, including those with “WATCH” linked below.
Bay & Thumb
Richmond (3-0) at Armada (3-0) WATCH
This decade has seen Armada join the contenders in the Blue Water Area Conference; the Tigers finished second last season with only a one-point loss to champion Almont. Richmond could be on its way to becoming a factor again. The Blue Devils last week defeated Croswell-Lexington, avenging last year’s 41-10 loss in defeating the Pioneers for the first time since 2019. Richmond also opened this season by avenging a 2024 loss to St. Clair – and hasn’t defeated Armada since 2019 as well.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Saginaw Swan Valley (2-1) at Bay City John Glenn (3-0) WATCH, Owosso (3-0) at Clio (3-0) WATCH, Holly (2-1) at Linden (3-0) WATCH, Bay City Western (2-1) at Midland Dow (2-1) WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-0) at Detroit Catholic Central (3-0)
Cass Tech/King this week should be another classic, but this is a rare instance when another Metro Detroit game carries similar clout. St. Mary’s is the reigning Division 2 champion but lost three Catholic High School League Central games last season including 27-22 to eventual champion DCC. The Shamrocks already have a win this fall over 2024 CHSL Central runner-up Toledo Central Catholic, but OLSM already has avenged last year’s loss to Warren De La Salle Collegiate – rebounding from a 10-point loss for a 39-point victory.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Detroit Cass Tech (3-0) at Detroit Martin Luther King (2-1), Sterling Heights Stevenson (3-0) at Macomb Dakota (3-0) WATCH, Gibraltar Carlson (3-0) at Trenton (2-1) WATCH, Dearborn Heights Robichaud (3-0) at Redford Union (2-1) WATCH.
Mid-Michigan
Grand Ledge (3-0) at Holt (2-1) WATCH
Grand Ledge has won three straight in this rivalry, starting with its Division 1 District Final matchup in 2022. But the Rams can make a nice statement to kick off the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue schedule, especially as they are seeking their first playoff berth since that fall. The Comets opened league play last week by downing East Lansing 45-27 after having fallen to the Trojans the last two seasons. Holt’s loss came in its season opener to reigning CAAC Red champion Mason.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ovid-Elsie (2-1) at Durand (2-1) WATCH, Haslett (2-1) at Mason (1-2), Kalkaska (3-0) at Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (2-1), Fowlerville (2-1) at Williamston (3-0) WATCH.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Kingsley (2-1) at Boyne City (3-0)
These two and Traverse City St. Francis shared the Northern Michigan Football League Legends championship last season, and all of that started with Kingsley’s 26-20 win over Boyne City. The Stags have won four straight against the Ramblers, including the last two with both back in the same NMFL division, but Boyne City last year didn’t lose again until the Division 6 Semifinals and has given up only 27 points total over its first three games this fall. Kingsley took a Week 2 loss to much-improved Gaylord but bounced back big last week against Grayling.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Mount Pleasant (3-0) at Traverse City Central (2-1), East Jordan (2-1) at Maple City Glen Lake (2-1) WATCH, Beal City (3-0) at McBain (2-1) WATCH, Shepherd (3-0) at Ogemaw Heights (2-1) WATCH.
Southeast & Border
Dexter (3-0) at Saline (3-0) WATCH
This matchup has played a major role in deciding the Southeastern Conference Red title the last three seasons. Dexter has scored at least 48 points in all three of its games so far this fall, including during a 50-27 opening win over Brighton. Saline started this season with a 37-28 win over Rockford and then has reached 50 points the last two weeks – while not allowing any.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Michigan Center (3-0) at Manchester (2-1) WATCH, Riverview (2-1) at Monroe Jefferson (3-0), Hastings (2-1) at Parma Western (1-2), Chelsea (3-0) at Tecumseh (2-1) WATCH.
Southwest Corridor
Battle Creek Pennfield (2-1) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (2-1)
Pennfield is 2-1 for the first time since 2021 and after winning one game all of last season, and last week’s 23-20 victory came over a Buchanan team that made the playoffs a year ago. A win over Harper Creek would be the Panthers’ first since 2020. The Beavers are reigning Interstate 8 Athletic Conference champions and bounced back from a Week 2 loss to Cedar Springs by downing Coldwater in a league opener.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Portage Central (3-0) at Battle Creek Central (2-1), Marshall (2-1) at Dowagiac (2-1), Plainwell (2-1) at Three Rivers (3-0) WATCH, Centreville (2-1) at White Pigeon (3-0) WATCH.
Upper Peninsula
Menominee (3-0) at Calumet (3-0) WATCH
The Maroons are marching again and looking to extend a winning streak over Calumet to four, with the last two wins coming in Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper play. Those two victories both came by at least 40 points, but the Copper Kings should make this a much closer game, off to their best start since 2019 and riding the momentum of a 33-18 win last week over Negaunee.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Kingsford (2-1) at Negaunee (2-1) WATCH, L’Anse (3-0) at Manistique (1-2) WATCH, Escanaba (3-0) at Sault Ste. Marie (0-3) WATCH, Houghton (1-2) at Ishpeming Westwood (0-3) WATCH.
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Northview (3-0) at Holland Christian (3-0) WATCH
It would be easy to argue East Kentwood/Rockford is a bigger game area-wide. But the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red looks full of those this season, and this O-K Black matchup may end up having larger league title implications. These two and Grand Rapids Catholic Central all have started 3-0, with two more teams 2-1. Northview defeated the Maroons last season 35-20 on the way to winning the league and finishing the regular season undefeated.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY East Kentwood (3-0) at Rockford (2-1) WATCH, Muskegon Oakridge (3-0) at Ludington (3-0), Zeeland East (3-0) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (3-0), Cedar Springs (3-0) at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (3-0) WATCH.
8-Player
Martin (3-0) at Gobles (3-0) WATCH
This has become one of the most intriguing rivalries in all of 8-player over the last two seasons, with Gobles winning regular-season matchups both times but Martin then winning playoff rematches. The Tigers have continued their offensive surge of the last two seasons, putting up nearly 52 per game over their first three including 54 in a 22-point win over Climax-Scotts. Martin has averaged 55 points per over its first three games, but perhaps more notably hasn’t given up more than 20 in any contest.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Brown City (3-0) at Deckerville (3-0) WATCH, Fulton (3-0) at Portland St. Patrick (3-0), Colon (2-1) at Climax-Scotts (2-1), Britton Deerfield (2-1) at Concord (2-1) WATCH.
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PHOTO East Kentwood's Ahman Edmonds bursts into the open during his team's Week 3 win over Jenison. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)