1st & Goal: Week 8 Preview
October 15, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The midpoint of every other regular season is crunch time during this abbreviated fall of 2020.
Teams across Michigan will play their fifth games this weekend – but a week from Saturday, all of this year’s league championships and playoff profile boosting will be complete.
Every game has meant even more, and below are a number of games this weekend that could end up meaning the most.
Find the schedule and then results this weekend as they’re reported via the MHSAA Score Center. This week’s broadcast schedule includes 53 varsity football games on MHSAA.tv; click the link for listings
Bay & Thumb
Hemlock (4-0) at Millington (4-0)
This will decide the Tri-Valley Conference West I championship, with Hemlock seeking its first league title since 2012 and Millington its first since 2014. To finish first, the Huskies will need to break a recent three-game losing streak against the Cardinals, who won last year’s matchup 15-6. Millington’s defense might be the key this time; it has given up just 34 points over its other three league matchups.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Marine City (4-0) at Marysville (4-0), North Branch (4-0) at Imlay City (3-1), Bad Axe (3-1) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (3-1), Fenton (4-0) at Swartz Creek (3-1).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Cass Tech (4-0) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (3-1) at Detroit Collegiate Prep, Saturday
They opened this season with their closest result since 2015, Cass Tech winning 34-26, and now meet again in the Detroit Public School League 1-2 championship game. Both cruised through their league schedules, both giving up only seven points over their other three games this fall.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Detroit U-D Jesuit (2-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (4-0), Garden City (3-1) at Dearborn Heights Crestwood (4-0), Detroit Central (4-0) vs. Detroit Southeastern (4-0) at Detroit Collegiate Prep. SATURDAY Clarkston Everest Collegiate (4-0) at Royal Oak Shrine (4-0).
Mid-Michigan
McBain (4-0) at Beal City (4-0)
The Aggies were well on their way to a perfect run through the Highland Conference last season when third-place McBain stunned with a 27-0 win in the league finale – which sent Beal into a shared championship with Houghton Lake instead. McBain and Beal City are meeting in the league finale again, with the winner taking the championship outright.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Pewamo-Westphalia (4-0) at Fowler (4-0), Harrison (3-1) at Clare (4-0), Durand (4-0) at New Lothrop (4-0), Williamston (4-0) at Olivet (4-0).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Sault Ste. Marie (3-1) at Kingsley (4-0)
The Blue Devils have launched an impressive chase of reigning champion Kingsley in their first season as part of the Northern Michigan Football Conference, as both are the only teams still unbeaten in Legends division play. Both have wins over Traverse City St. Francis, but Sault Ste. Marie’s victory over Marquette in Week 5 may turn out to have been even more important prep for the powerful Stags.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY East Jordan (3-1) at Johannesburg-Lewiston (4-0), Manistee (3-1) at Ludington (3-1), Cadillac (3-1) at Traverse City West (3-1). SATURDAY Ogemaw Heights (3-1) at Traverse City St. Francis (2-2).
Southeast & Border
Erie Mason (4-0) at Sand Creek (4-0)
The Eagles, first-year members of the Tri-County Conference, are in a league title conversation for the first time since winning the Lenawee County Athletic Association in 2003. They also can tie their winningest finish since 2003 with a victory this week or next, having won a combined eight games over the last seven seasons before this fall. Sand Creek is used to more success, but still is hoping to clinch its first league championship since 2011. Both have scored at least 46 points in every game this fall.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Homer (4-0) at Reading (3-1), Monroe (3-1) at Temperance Bedford (3-1), Ida (2-2) at Blissfield (4-0), Michigan Center (1-1) at Manchester (2-2).
Southwest Corridor
Lawton (4-0) at Schoolcraft (3-1)
In 2019, Lawton won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley title, and Schoolcraft the SAC Lakeshore championship. This fall, Schoolcraft moved into the Valley, and Lawton this weekend no doubt is rolling up the welcome mat – recalling as well how the Eagles defeated the Blue Devils 47-10 in last season’s Division 7 District Final.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Constantine (3-1) at Kalamazoo United (4-0), Battle Creek Lakeview (4-0) at Stevensville Lakeshore (3-1), Cassopolis (2-2) at Mendon (3-1), Watervliet (2-2) at Coloma (3-1).
Upper Peninsula
Escanaba (0-1) at Marquette (3-1)
Arguably the Upper Peninsula’s most famed rivalry will add one of its more interesting chapters, as Marquette has clinched a share of the Great Northern Conference championship while Escanaba is finally getting an opportunity to play its first game this fall. This could go a few ways. The Eskymos could show some rust against their game-sharpened rivals. They also could unleash a month’s worth of wanting to get back on the field now that they’ve finally gotten the chance.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Gladstone (2-1) at Menominee (2-2), West Iron County (4-0) at Gwinn (2-2), Negaunee (3-1) at Houghton (1-1), Calumet (1-2) at Hancock (1-2).
West Michigan
Whitehall (4-0) at Montague (4-0)
Tonight’s winner will clinch a share of the West Michigan Conference title, and Montague is a frequent part of the championship conversation. Whitehall is seeking its first WMC title since 1999, but has had a big role is making this one of the most competitive leagues in the state as well with five playoff appearances over the last six seasons. This matchup could be a test of defensive wills – the Vikings have allowed only three points this season, and Montague has given up a mere 12.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Zeeland West (4-0) at Muskegon (3-1), Allendale (3-1) at Grand Rapids West Catholic (3-1), Hamilton (2-2) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (4-0), Ada Forest Hills Eastern (3-1) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (4-0).
8-Player
Kinde-North Huron (4-0) at Peck (3-1)
This showdown will decide at least a share of the North Central Thumb League Stripes championship, with North Huron able to clinch outright what would be its second title in four seasons. The Warriors have won six straight times over Peck, including in last season’s playoff opener – although the team’s regular-season meeting was decided by just eight points.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Munising (4-0) at Cedarville (3-1), Deckerville (3-1) at Genesee (3-1), Pickford (4-0) at Rapid River (3-1). SATURDAY Merrill (4-0) at Portland St. Patrick (4-0).
PHOTO: Muskegon Catholic Central is another undefeated team this fall; here the defense surrounds Sparta’s quarterback during the Oct. 2 victory. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
1st & Goal: 2026 Week 6 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 2, 2026
Fall clearly has reached Michigan this week with temperatures beginning to dive, leaves falling to the ground, and the football regular season driving into its second half with league and playoff races taking shape.
This week’s schedule includes four matchups of 5-0 teams and several others that will further how those league championships could shake out, and also how the playoff field of 288 could unfold at the end of this month.
Games below are Friday unless noted. Tune in to the NFHS Network to watch the majority and follow the MHSAA Scores page for results as they’re submitted.
Bay & Thumb
Harrison (5-0) at Sanford Meridian (5-0)
The winner will claim a share of the Jack Pine Conference Division 2 title, with these two deciding the champion for the second season in a row as Meridian’s 20-6 victory last fall ended up giving the Mustangs the league title by a game over Harrison. Meridian is coming off an impressive 36-29 win over Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood in what was a meeting of undefeated teams, and the Mustangs have scored at least 34 points every week – although that likely will be challenged by a Harrison defense giving up 8.4 ppg.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Cass City (4-1) at Caro (3-2), Gladwin (4-1) at Midland Bullock Creek (3-2), Traverse City West (3-2) at Midland Dow (3-2), Ubly (4-1) at Unionville-Sebewaing (3-2).
Greater Detroit
Toledo Central Catholic (5-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (5-0), Saturday
Both teams are off to 2-0 starts in the Catholic High School League Central, but neither has much time to let up the rest of the way. DCC follows this matchup with a road game at reigning Division 2 champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in Week 7 and still must face Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice in Week 9. Last week was the first DCC didn’t reach 50 points – scoring a plenty respectable 36 – and it will be interesting to see how matchups translate as TCC is coming off a 49-7 win over Jackson Lumen Christi.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Detroit Martin Luther King (4-1) at Detroit East English (4-1), Dearborn Fordson (4-1) at Northville (5-0), Monroe Jefferson (5-0) at New Boston Huron (4-1), Port Huron (5-0) at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North (4-1).
Mid-Michigan
Pewamo-Westphalia (5-0) at Fowler (5-0)
These two started playing each other annually in 1966, and Fowler is the only league team that’s given the Pirates much trouble over the last several seasons. In fact, the Eagles are the only team that has defeated P-W in Central Michigan Athletic Conference play since 2010 – doing so four times. If last week’s 59-14 neutral-site win over Bark River-Harris is an indication, the Pirates are once again continuing to get stronger as the year goes on. But the Eagles already have three shutouts this fall, and as the teams have traded the last four meetings this would be Fowler’s turn on top after P-W won 37-6 a year ago.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hopkins (5-0) at Belding (5-0), Hartland (4-1) at Howell (5-0), Ovid-Elsie (3-2) at New Lothrop (4-1), Montrose (4-1) at Durand (3-2).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Maple City Glen Lake (3-2) at Oscoda (3-2)
Five teams in the Northern Michigan Football Conference are 3-2 or better, and while neither of these leads the league currently (that’s East Jordan), both have a chance to shake up the standings over the next four weeks. Oscoda has rebounded from two losses to already surpass last season’s win total, while Glen Lake is a reigning league champion but can’t afford a misstep after falling to East Jordan by a point in Week 3.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Elk Rapids (3-2) at Boyne City (3-2), Evart (3-2) at Manton (3-2), Gaylord (3-2) at Petoskey (3-2). SATURDAY Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (2-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (3-2).
Southeast & Border
Clinton (5-0) at Hudson (4-1)
Clinton and Ida are tied for first in the Lenawee County Athletic Association and meet in Week 7. But Hudson could throw a wrench into that matchup deciding a league championship share by extending its winning streak over Clinton to three. While the Redwolves have been impossible to stop so far scoring 43 or more points in every game and holding opponents to a combined 33 over five weeks, Hudson has reached 48 points three times in four games and given up more than six points just once.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Adrian (4-1) at Tecumseh (4-1), Leslie (4-1) at Manchester (4-1), Springport (4-1) at Reading (3-2), Ypsilanti Community (3-2) at Chelsea (5-0).
Southwest Corridor
Decatur (5-0) at Galesburg-Augusta (5-0)
Decatur is attempting to close in on a second-straight Southwest 10 Conference title and has won 14 straight league games over the last three seasons including what’s turned into a significant one in Week 1 this fall, 29-25 over Cassopolis. Galesburg-Augusta is among teams that came over from the Southwestern Athletic Conference for football this season and is enjoying its best run in decades – and a win over the Raiders would be the biggest highlight yet.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Schoolcraft (4-1) at Kalamazoo United (5-0), St. Joseph (4-1) at Portage Northern (3-2), Coldwater (4-1) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (4-1), Dowagiac (3-2) at Berrien Springs (5-0).
Upper Peninsula
L’Anse (3-2) at Bark River-Harris (4-1)
L’Anse is one of three teams in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Iron chasing Bark River-Harris, which fell last week to Division 7 contender Pewamo-Westphalia on a neutral field but otherwise is undefeated. The Broncos also have won all three recent meetings with L’Anse, but the Purple Hornets bounced back from two straight losses this fall to down Gwinn last week and are working to build on last season’s playoff appearance.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Kingsford (5-0) at Hancock (3-2), Negaunee (3-2) at Ishpeming Westwood (2-3), Menominee (5-0) at Gladstone (1-4), Calumet (3-2) at Houghton (1-4).
West Michigan
Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (5-0) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (4-1)
Middleville has built well on last season’s 7-3 finish, already avenging last year’s one-point loss to Holland Christian and hoping for a similar result in this week’s matchup after falling to Grand Rapids Catholic Central 10-0 a year ago. The Trojans and Cougars are the early leaders in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black, and Catholic Central is coming off a notable 10-point win over East Grand Rapids – with its lone regular-season loss over the last two seasons in Week 2 to Chicago Kenwood Academy.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Rockford (3-2) at East Kentwood (5-0), Zeeland East (3-2) at Zeeland West (4-1), Byron Center (4-1) at Muskegon Mona Shore (4-1), Coopersville (5-0) at Sparta (3-2).
8-Player
Portland St. Patrick (5-0) at Pickford (5-0)
These two won’t meet in the playoffs as they are in different divisions, but they both might end up playing on the last day of the season at the Superior Dome. St. Patrick is a contender in Division 2, undefeated in part thanks to a forfeit win from Blanchard Montabella but also now riding an 18-game winning streak. Pickford is hoping for a title run in Division 1 and like the Shamrocks is annually capable of chasing that high bar.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Bridgman (4-1) at St. Joseph Our Lady of the Lake Catholic (4-1), Norway (4-1) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (4-1), Kingston (4-1) at Deckerville (4-1), Climax-Scotts (4-1) at Marcellus (4-1).
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PHOTO Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary sophomore quarterback Mason Krager (13) scrambles to elude Fowler senior linebacker Jack O’Hare (52) during the second quarter of their season opener Aug. 28 in Saginaw. (Photo by Kolleth Photography.)