2019 Week 9 Football Playoff Listing
October 22, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Here is a list of Michigan High School Athletic Association football playing schools, displaying their win-loss records and playoff averages through the eighth week of the season.
Schools on this list are in enrollment order for 11-player teams, with 8-player teams ordered by playoff average. An asterisk (*) beside a record indicates a team has eight or fewer games scheduled.
Those schools with 11-player teams with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules, or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer, will qualify for the MHSAA Football Playoffs beginning Nov. 1. Schools with 5-4, 4-3 or 4-4 records may qualify if the number of potential qualifiers by win total does not reach the 256 mark. Schools with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer may be subtracted from the field based on playoff average if the number of potential qualifiers exceeds the 256 mark.
Once the 256 qualifying schools are determined, they will be divided by enrollment groups into eight equal divisions of 32 schools, and then drawn into regions of eight teams each and districts of four teams each. Those schools with 8-player teams will be ranked by playoff average at season’s end, and the top 32 programs will then be divided into two divisions of 16 each based on enrollment. The playoffs in those divisions also begin Nov. 1.
To review a list of all football playoff schools, individual school playoff point details and to report errors, visit the Football page of the MHSAA Website.
The announcement of the qualifiers and first-round pairings for both the 11 and 8-player playoffs will take place Oct. 27 on the Selection Sunday Show on FOX Sports Detroit PLUS. The playoff qualifiers and pairings will be posted to the MHSAA Website following the Selection Sunday Show.
11-Player Playoff Listing
1. Macomb Dakota, 3034, 4-4, 51.875
2. Dearborn Fordson, 2868, 7-1, 92.875
3. Grand Blanc, 2719, 5-3, 65.125
4. East Kentwood, 2673, 5-3, 62.750
5. Utica Eisenhower, 2617, 6-2, 78.375
6. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 2498, 4-4, 57.500
7. Rockford, 2443, 7-1, 96.750
8. Lake Orion, 2416, 7-1, 93.750
9. Howell, 2391, 4-4, 50.625
10. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 2386, 8-0, 115.000
11. Detroit Cass Tech, 2372, 4-4, 52.500
12. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 2250, 4-4, 47.750
13. Canton, 2228, 4-4, 50.375
14. Brighton, 2224, 7-1, 90.875
15. Dearborn, 2152, 4-4, 50.625
16. Plymouth, 2090, 8-0, 103.000
17. Southfield Arts & Technology, 2067, 4-4, 50.375
18. Grand Haven, 2066, 4-4, 55.625
19. West Bloomfield, 2042, 7-1, 99.750
20. Detroit Catholic Central, 2024, 4-4, 65.875
21. Hartland, 2021, 4-4, 50.750
22. Hudsonville, 1930, 5-3, 70.875
23. Detroit Western, 1888, 5-3, 48.750
24. Saline, 1861, 7-1, 89.875
25. Utica Ford, 1812, 4-4, 49.250
26. Lapeer, 1792, 7-1, 99.750
27. Grandville, 1719, 7-1, 101.500
28. Holt, 1713, 6-2, 83.250
29. Rochester Adams, 1710, 6-2, 76.500
30. Davison, 1694, 7-1, 94.500
31. White Lake Lakeland, 1693, 6-2, 79.500
32. Belleville, 1692, 8-0, 105.000
33. Romeo, 1692, 6-2, 77.500
34. Traverse City West, 1663, 6-2, 82.625
35. Waterford Mott, 1658, 5-3, 59.125
36. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 1638, 5-3, 61.000
37. Brownstown Woodhaven, 1623, 8-0, 108.000
38. Warren Mott, 1513, 6-2, 74.625
39. Saginaw Heritage, 1512, 4-4, 47.875
40. Grosse Pointe South, 1510, 7-1, 91.750
41. Detroit U-D Jesuit, 1486, 5-3, 61.804
42. Temperance Bedford, 1466, 6-2, 77.125
43. Sterling Heights, 1464, 5-3, 65.125
44. Farmington *, 1444, 7-1, 87.875
45. Livonia Franklin, 1435, 6-2, 77.625
46. Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, 1434, 5-3, 65.250
47. Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 1404, 4-4, 44.500
48. St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 1404, 6-2, 74.125
49. Traverse City Central, 1404, 7-1, 95.625
50. Warren De La Salle Collegiate, 1404, 5-3, 72.925
51. Livonia Churchill, 1392, 4-4, 51.000
52. Lansing Everett, 1388, 4-4, 48.625
53. Wyandotte Roosevelt, 1386, 6-2, 74.500
54. North Farmington, 1371, 8-0, 102.000
55. Birmingham Seaholm, 1370, 5-3, 65.125
56. Portage Central, 1359, 4-4, 50.875
57. Battle Creek Lakeview, 1350, 8-0, 101.000
58. Flushing, 1326, 4-4, 50.875
59. Birmingham Groves, 1310, 7-1, 98.750
60. Midland, 1309, 8-0, 102.000
61. Port Huron, 1309, 5-3, 57.125
62. Midland Dow, 1287, 5-3, 61.625
63. Port Huron Northern, 1284, 7-1, 88.625
64. Oak Park, 1276, 7-1, 94.750
65. South Lyon, 1276, 7-1, 92.750
66. Portage Northern, 1274, 7-1, 87.625
67. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 1237, 4-4, 48.250
68. Jackson *, 1231, 5-3, 55.250
69. Walled Lake Western, 1228, 7-1, 98.750
70. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1227, 6-2, 78.625
71. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 1219, 6-2, 77.500
72. Dexter, 1214, 7-1, 85.875
73. Detroit Renaissance, 1205, 4-4, 48.161
74. Alpena, 1194, 4-4, 53.500
75. Ferndale, 1180, 4-4, 49.750
76. Mattawan, 1173, 4-4, 50.375
77. Fenton, 1168, 7-1, 94.750
78. Detroit Martin Luther King, 1158, 6-2, 83.250
79. Lowell, 1152, 4-4, 47.304
80. Byron Center, 1145, 8-0, 105.000
81. Auburn Hills Avondale, 1133, 4-4, 45.375
82. Grand Rapids Northview, 1130, 5-3, 59.625
83. Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, 1129, 5-3, 58.250
84. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, 1128, 5-3, 74.891
85. Allen Park, 1127, 6-2, 80.250
86. Gibraltar Carlson, 1127, 6-2, 72.929
87. East Lansing, 1119, 6-2, 88.375
88. Redford Thurston, 1084, 7-1, 81.750
89. Zeeland West, 1054, 7-1, 94.875
90. Pinckney, 1053, 6-2, 69.625
91. Mount Pleasant, 1048, 6-2, 69.375
92. Garden City, 1030, 5-3, 57.875
93. St. Joseph, 1019, 6-2, 76.500
94. Cedar Springs, 1018, 7-1, 94.250
95. DeWitt, 1013, 6-2, 87.375
96. Detroit Mumford, 1007, 5-3, 53.000
97. River Rouge, 992, 7-1, 77.845
98. Mason, 964, 8-0, 99.000
99. East Grand Rapids, 959, 5-3, 60.250
100. Marquette, 957, 4-4, 52.875
101. Muskegon, 954, 8-0, 109.000
102. Flint Kearsley, 951, 6-2, 76.500
103. Zeeland East, 943, 5-3, 59.946
104. Orchard Lake St. Mary's, 942, 7-1, 100.931
105. Coldwater, 940, 7-1, 84.875
106. St. Johns, 938, 5-3, 60.125
107. Eastpointe, 926, 5-3, 68.750
108. Riverview, 915, 6-2, 65.625
109. Trenton, 914, 4-4, 53.875
110. Stevensville Lakeshore, 904, 4-4, 46.625
111. Dearborn Divine Child, 878, 4-4, 52.054
112. Parma Western, 870, 6-2, 68.625
113. Marysville, 869, 5-3, 57.375
114. Edwardsburg, 856, 8-0, 90.000
115. Spring Lake, 856, 4-4, 41.875
116. Chelsea, 847, 8-0, 104.000
117. Fowlerville, 834, 6-2, 70.625
118. Marshall, 825, 4-4, 46.875
119. Ortonville Brandon, 825, 7-1, 79.625
120. Cadillac, 824, 5-3, 57.250
121. Redford Union, 823, 5-3, 60.000
122. Grand Rapids Christian, 822, 6-2, 75.500
123. Carleton Airport, 815, 5-3, 55.250
124. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, 811, 5-3, 58.161
125. Plainwell, 808, 4-4, 43.750
126. Fruitport, 805, 4-4, 44.000
127. Ada Forest Hills Eastern, 789, 4-4, 48.250
128. Imlay City, 780, 4-4, 37.625
129. Sparta, 780, 7-1, 75.750
130. St. Clair, 780, 7-1, 81.875
131. Hamilton, 778, 4-4, 40.250
132. Vicksburg, 764, 5-3, 53.250
133. Allendale, 756, 5-3, 52.000
134. Goodrich, 741, 6-2, 68.375
135. Milan, 738, 8-0, 93.000
136. North Branch, 736, 6-2, 62.625
137. Croswell-Lexington, 719, 4-4, 44.000
138. Holland Christian, 713, 4-4, 46.500
139. Escanaba, 708, 6-2, 76.458
140. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 705, 7-1, 85.159
141. Otsego, 683, 5-3, 54.125
142. Romulus Summit Academy North, 681, 6-2, 68.500
143. Sault Ste. Marie, 679, 5-3, 60.250
144. Detroit Country Day, 677, 8-0, 94.429
145. Paw Paw, 662, 8-0, 90.000
146. Ludington, 656, 6-2, 56.446
147. Warren Lincoln, 653, 4-4, 35.625
148. Flint Powers Catholic, 652, 6-2, 72.500
149. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 647, 4-4, 47.875
150. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 628, 7-1, 89.625
151. Williamston, 621, 5-3, 58.000
152. Hudsonville Unity Christian, 618, 5-3, 61.000
153. Livonia Clarenceville, 602, 5-3, 39.875
154. Muskegon Orchard View, 602, 8-0, 84.714
155. Grand Rapids South Christian, 599, 4-4, 47.125
156. Benton Harbor, 598, 4-4, 44.641
157. Dowagiac, 596, 5-3, 58.250
158. Ogemaw Heights, 588, 6-2, 61.375
159. Portland, 580, 7-1, 82.875
160. Freeland, 579, 6-2, 66.500
161. Hancock, 579, 4-4, 32.875
162. Macomb Lutheran North, 574, 4-4, 45.250
163. Muskegon Oakridge, 574, 8-0, 83.000
164. Detroit Communication Media Arts, 567, 5-3, 40.500
165. Kingsford, 566, 4-4, 42.125
166. Essexville Garber, 561, 5-3, 54.125
167. Frankenmuth, 547, 8-0, 93.000
168. Saginaw Swan Valley, 544, 6-2, 68.625
169. Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 542, 7-1, 84.500
170. Midland Bullock Creek, 541, 6-2, 60.375
171. Grant, 539, 6-2, 62.125
172. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, 536, 4-4, 46.661
173. Remus Chippewa Hills, 526, 4-4, 43.875
174. Marine City, 521, 8-0, 103.000
175. Lansing Catholic, 520, 7-1, 76.750
176. Whitmore Lake, 520, 6-2, 48.000
177. Clawson, 515, 5-3, 49.625
178. Almont, 514, 8-0, 88.000
179. Hopkins, 514, 8-0, 84.000
180. Carrollton, 509, 4-4, 38.625
181. Detroit Denby, 508, 7-1, 82.625
182. Berrien Springs *, 505, 7-0, 84.000
183. Olivet, 505, 7-1, 75.500
184. Dundee, 497, 5-3, 51.875
185. Detroit Henry Ford, 492, 6-2, 67.500
186. Reed City, 490, 5-3, 56.750
187. Mt. Morris, 488, 4-4, 41.375
188. Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep, 483, 4-4, 40.482
189. Richmond, 476, 7-1, 82.875
190. Central Montcalm, 457, 7-1, 79.500
191. Kingsley, 454, 8-0, 90.000
192. Shepherd, 454, 5-3, 46.250
193. Onsted, 449, 6-2, 65.500
194. Montague, 446, 6-2, 60.500
195. Hillsdale, 445, 8-0, 89.000
196. Durand, 444, 4-4, 38.500
197. Clare, 442, 7-1, 71.875
198. Detroit Osborn, 441, 5-3, 50.875
199. Newaygo, 438, 5-3, 55.000
200. Menominee, 425, 5-3, 55.889
201. Boyne City, 423, 4-4, 42.125
202. Tawas *, 421, 4-4, 31.500
203. Flint Hamady *, 420, 6-1, 65.625
204. Perry, 420, 4-4, 35.875
205. Detroit Voyageur Prep, 415, 4-4, 35.375
206. Brooklyn Columbia Central, 414, 4-4, 38.625
207. Constantine, 412, 6-2, 59.732
208. Ishpeming Westwood, 412, 6-2, 62.625
209. Negaunee, 407, 6-2, 62.625
210. Adrian Madison, 398, 4-4, 36.625
211. Jonesville, 395, 6-2, 55.625
212. Clinton Township Clintondale, 392, 5-3, 46.125
213. Maple City Glen Lake, 389, 7-1, 69.875
214. Muskegon Catholic Central *, 387, 5-2, 57.768
215. Lake City, 386, 5-3, 45.250
216. Sanford Meridian, 386, 6-2, 63.625
217. Millington, 384, 4-4, 42.500
218. Harrison, 382, 4-4, 34.750
219. Blissfield, 381, 6-2, 67.750
220. Niles Brandywine, 378, 8-0, 80.000
221. Calumet, 377, 7-1, 78.875
222. Warren Michigan Collegiate, 375, 7-1, 78.589
223. Montrose, 374, 7-1, 77.875
224. Hemlock, 367, 6-2, 62.000
225. Ithaca, 362, 7-1, 68.625
226. Morley Stanwood, 360, 6-2, 62.482
227. Delton Kellogg, 358, 4-4, 38.250
228. Hanover-Horton, 352, 4-4, 34.375
229. Manchester, 349, 5-3, 44.375
230. Grass Lake, 347, 7-1, 64.750
231. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central *, 347, 7-1, 81.875
232. Ravenna, 347, 6-2, 61.750
233. Byron, 342, 5-3, 55.125
234. Hartford, 341, 5-3, 37.125
235. Kent City, 340, 6-2, 53.500
236. Laingsburg, 338, 6-2, 51.625
237. North Muskegon, 338, 5-3, 45.125
238. Traverse City St. Francis, 337, 6-2, 67.625
239. Pewamo-Westphalia, 335, 8-0, 81.000
240. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, 333, 5-3, 38.250
241. Clinton, 328, 8-0, 82.000
242. Houghton Lake, 328, 6-2, 55.500
243. Schoolcraft, 328, 8-0, 83.000
244. L'Anse, 324, 4-4, 35.500
245. Detroit Leadership Academy, 322, 7-1, 76.750
246. Beaverton, 318, 8-0, 88.000
247. Charlevoix, 318, 5-3, 48.000
248. Ecorse, 317, 4-4, 37.750
249. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 316, 5-3, 40.607
250. Springport, 316, 4-4, 30.375
251. Jackson Lumen Christi *, 314, 8-0, 101.000
252. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 313, 7-1, 70.500
253. McBain, 308, 5-3, 47.000
254. Homer, 307, 6-2, 54.375
255. Madison Heights Madison, 307, 4-4, 46.875
256. New Lothrop, 307, 8-0, 88.000
257. Iron Mountain, 303, 8-0, 92.000
258. Bad Axe, 302, 4-4, 37.750
259. Detroit Central, 299, 7-1, 66.375
260. Oscoda, 295, 7-1, 64.750
261. Sandusky, 289, 5-3, 39.000
262. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 286, 4-4, 37.232
263. Mancelona, 282, 4-4, 31.375
264. Centreville, 281, 6-2, 52.625
265. Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, 279, 6-2, 54.250
266. Harbor Springs, 279, 6-2, 55.458
267. Lawton, 275, 8-0, 68.000
268. Evart, 271, 4-4, 31.375
269. Brown City, 270, 4-4, 31.500
270. Cass City, 269, 7-1, 66.750
271. Cassopolis, 268, 8-0, 72.000
272. Concord, 259, 4-4, 35.250
273. Carson City-Crystal, 256, 4-4, 39.500
274. Sand Creek, 256, 6-2, 60.375
275. Unionville-Sebewaing, 250, 5-3, 49.375
276. Beal City, 249, 7-1, 63.500
277. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 249, 6-2, 66.232
278. Blanchard Montabella, 247, 4-4, 31.875
279. Addison, 238, 7-1, 66.375
280. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 235, 5-3, 45.375
281. West Iron County, 235, 6-2, 50.375
282. Reading, 232, 7-1, 68.875
283. Mount Clemens, 225, 4-4, 33.875
284. Flint Beecher *, 224, 5-2, 51.893
285. Bark River-Harris, 223, 5-3, 39.000
286. Ishpeming, 217, 6-2, 51.250
287. White Pigeon, 213, 7-1, 60.875
288. Johannesburg-Lewiston, 212, 8-0, 77.000
289. Harbor Beach, 207, 8-0, 76.000
290. St. Ignace, 205, 4-4, 33.875
291. Adrian Lenawee Christian, 199, 7-1, 59.181
292. Ubly, 198, 7-1, 61.875
293. Breckenridge, 197, 7-1, 65.875
294. Merrill, 197, 6-2, 52.125
295. Detroit Public Safety Academy, 191, 5-3, 49.125
296. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 189, 5-3, 42.375
297. Britton Deerfield, 188, 4-4, 43.125
298. Saginaw Nouvel, 188, 4-4, 37.125
299. Mendon, 184, 6-2, 47.625
300. Fowler, 180, 7-1, 60.875
301. Pittsford, 176, 4-4, 30.875
302. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 175, 6-2, 54.482
303. Detroit Southeastern, 158, 4-4, 39.500
304. Lake Linden-Hubbell, 131, 5-3, 42.625
305. Clarkston Everest Collegiate *, 121, 7-0, 72.429
8-Player Playoff Listing
1. Colon, 160, 8-0, 66.429
2. Deckerville, 195, 8-0, 64.429
3. Powers North Central, 107, 8-0, 64.000
4. Martin, 187, 8-0, 60.571
5. Pickford, 138, 7-1, 57.875
6. Portland St. Patrick, 99, 8-0, 57.571
7. Climax-Scotts, 145, 7-1, 56.875
8. Suttons Bay, 205, 8-0, 56.333
9. Mio, 168, 7-1, 55.393
10. Morrice, 182, 7-1, 54.625
11. Hillman, 124, 7-1, 53.750
12. Pellston, 173, 7-1, 49.893
13. Crystal Falls Forest Park, 121, 6-2, 47.625
14. Mesick, 193, 7-1, 47.083
15. Engadine, 108, 7-1, 45.750
16. Mayville, 193, 6-2, 44.625
17. Kingston, 197, 6-2, 43.625
18. New Haven Merritt Academy, 174, 7-1, 42.500
19. Bellevue, 171, 5-3, 39.500
20. Cedarville, 154, 5-3, 36.875
21. Peck, 119, 5-3, 36.750
22. Posen, 71, 5-3, 36.393
23. Onekama, 142, 5-3, 36.054
24. Camden-Frontier, 175, 5-3, 35.125
25. Brethren, 141, 5-3, 33.625
26. Kinde North Huron, 126, 5-3, 33.554
27. Marion, 133, 5-3, 33.321
28. Brimley, 166, 5-3, 32.750
29. Burr Oak, 70, 5-3, 32.125
30. Hale, 113, 5-3, 31.143
31. Genesee, 179, 4-4, 30.875
32. Newberry, 186, 5-3, 29.750
33. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, 100, 4-4, 27.893
34. International Academy of Flint, 185, 4-4, 27.804
35. Webberville, 182, 4-4, 27.661
36. Onaway, 182, 4-4, 26.643
37. Rapid River, 131, 3-5, 26.125
38. Gaylord St. Mary, 162, 3-5, 25.333
39. Bay City All Saints, 136, 4-4, 25.161
40. Vestaburg *, 186, 4-3, 25.036
41. Manistee Catholic Central, 177, 4-4, 24.625
42. Ashley, 90, 3-5, 23.554
43. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart *, 113, 3-4, 22.714
44. Carney-Nadeau, 132, 3-5, 21.208
45. Tekonsha, 159, 3-5, 20.750
46. Battle Creek St. Philip, 179, 3-5, 20.643
47. Lawrence, 180, 3-5, 20.625
48. Central Lake, 169, 3-5, 20.333
49. Rudyard, 164, 3-5, 20.125
50. Akron-Fairgrove, 90, 3-5, 17.750
51. Litchfield, 179, 3-5, 17.125
52. Au Gres-Sims, 129, 2-6, 16.625
53. Eben Junction Superior Central, 177, 2-6, 16.375
54. Bellaire, 122, 2-6, 15.000
55. Atlanta, 74, 2-6, 13.476
56. Burton Madison Academy, 164, 2-6, 13.036
57. Fife Lake Forest Area *, 175, 1-5, 12.583
58. Felch North Dickinson, 86, 2-6, 12.125
59. Baldwin, 106, 2-6, 11.875
60. Owendale-Gagetown, 49, 2-6, 11.000
61. Waldron, 77, 2-6, 11.000
62. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 92, 1-7, 9.875
63. North Adams-Jerome, 145, 1-7, 9.804
64. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran, 103, 1-7, 8.875
65. New Buffalo *, 178, 1-6, 8.482
66. St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy *, 181, 1-6, 7.571
67. Ontonagon, 165, 1-7, 7.250
68. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 188, 1-7, 7.125
69. Bear Lake, 98, 0-8, 3.250
70. Caseville, 79, 0-8, 3.125
71. Stephenson *, 175, 0-6, 1.875
Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Semis Preview
November 22, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The "Drive for Detroit" will take one last turn this weekend on the way to the final destination for 16 teams fortunate enough to finish this fall at Ford Field.
This season's Semifinal field is a mix of teams that have made this trip plenty of times in the past – along with a few traveling this path for the first time, or the first time in a long while.
We're expecting great weather across most of the state, so find a seat in the bleachers and root on your favorite team. But if you’d rather watch from the comforts of home, this weekend we again will have all 16 Semifinals available, either on FOXSportsDetroit.com or MHSAA.tv. (Click for the full schedule.)
All games are 1 p.m. Saturday unless noted. “Drive for Detroit” is powered by MI Student Aid
Division 1
Belleville (12-0) vs. Brighton (10-2) at Howell High School
For the second straight season, Belleville is one more win from reaching the Finals for the first time. Junior quarterback Christian Dhue-Reid (2,706 yards/33 TDs passing) has led a return Semifinal march that’s seen the Tigers go unbeaten since falling in last year’s Semifinal to eventual champion Clinton Township Chippewa Valley. Brighton also is playing to reach its first championship game in this sport and also follows a dynamic quarterback in senior Colby Newburg (1,140 yards/17 TDs rushing, 1,319 yards/17 TDs passing).
Davison (10-2) vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson (8-4) at Troy Athens
The Cardinals are playing in their fifth Semifinal and for their first trip to a championship game. Davison is riding the arm of another quarterback getting a lot of attention – junior Brendan Sullivan has thrown for 2,635 yards and 31 touchdowns and run for eight more scores. Stevenson will be the third team from the vaunted Macomb Area Conference Red to see Davison this playoffs. The Titans are one of the state’s best comeback stories coming off three straight sub-.500 seasons. They have a number of versatile weapons, among them senior running back Nick Wingfield (1,018 yards/15 TDs rushing), as they seek their first Finals trip since 2009.
Division 2
Walled Lake Western (11-1) vs. Muskegon Mona Shores (10-2) at Okemos
The Warriors are a Week 3 three-point loss to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s from undefeated this fall as they seek their second trip to Ford Field in four seasons. Quarterback Zach Trainor (2,685 yards/32 TDs passing) to receiver Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen (1,443 yards/18 TDs receiving) has been one of the state’s top scoring combinations. Mona Shores will need to slow Western down to return to Ford Field after finishing Division 2 runner-up a year ago. The Sailors will counter with an attack led by running back Tre Hatcher (1,257 yards/12 TDs rushing) and veteran quarterback Caden Broersma (406 yards/10 TDs rushing, 908 yards/11 TDs passing).
Detroit Martin Luther King (10-2) vs. Birmingham Seaholm (9-3) at Novi, 3 p.m.
Despite moving back to Division 2 after winning Division 3 a year ago, King will play in its fifth straight Semifinal and is riding a 10-game winning streak after early losses to Detroit Catholic Central and Muskegon. Freshman Dante Moore (2,240 yards/30 TDs) has more than fulfilled preseason media build-up, and senior Peny Boone (903 yards/15 touchdowns) is regarded as one of the top backs in the state. Seaholm is seeking its first championship game berth and playing its first Semifinal since 1997. Chaz Strecker has carried the load with 1,493 yards and 20 touchdowns for a Maples team approaching nearly 4,000 yards on the ground.
Division 3
Muskegon (12-0) vs. DeWitt (10-2) at East Kentwood
Muskegon has appeared on a mission since falling to King in last season’s Division 3 Final, and senior quarterback Cameron Martinez (1,735 yards/32 TDs rushing, 1,122 yards/10 TDs passing) again has led the charge. The only team to come within 20 points of the Big Reds this season was East Grand Rapids in Week 3, and Muskegon won the rematch last week 49-10. But DeWitt as a program has more experience at this level of the playoffs than most in the state, and the Panthers are coming off a 35-14 win over Edwardsburg that ended the reigning Division 4 champion’s winning streak at 25. The Panthers haven’t given up more than 15 points in a game since Week 5, and senior quarterback Andrew Schorfaar leads the team both in passing (1,458 yards/18 TDs) and rushing (1,058/14).
Chelsea (12-0) vs. River Rouge (11-1) at Dearborn
Chelsea has advanced to MHSAA Finals in both Divisions 3 and 4 over the last five years. The Bulldogs have won three games by seven points or fewer this playoffs to come within another victory of a second-straight trip to Ford Field after finishing Division 4 runners-up a year ago. A steady defense gives up just more than 12 points per game, while running back Brennan Van Riper (952 yards/13 TDs rushing) is among a number of offensive options. Rouge has won 11 straight since falling by three in its opener to Division 4 contender Grand Rapids Catholic Central and will play in its fourth Semifinal in five years. Running back Deandre Bulley (1,820 yards/20 TDs) has been tough to bring down at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, and quarterback Mareyohn Hrabowski has reached 1,000 yards both rushing and passing. Meanwhile, the defense is giving up just 8.3 points per game.
Division 4
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (11-1) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (9-3) at Jenison
The Cougars are playing in their fourth-straight Semifinal and seeking their third championship game trip during this string after missing out last year with a two-point loss to Edwardsburg. GRCC is unbeaten in-state this fall, with its lone loss to a team from Illinois. Quarterback Joey Silveri drives the offense, throwing for 2,491 yards and 31 touchdowns and running for 704 yards and 13 scores. But Unity Christian has plenty of experience at this level too coming off last season’s Division 5 championship. Running back Malekhi Obande is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry (1,311 total, with 14 TDs rushing), and like GRCC the Crusaders won their first three playoff games all by at least three touchdowns.
Detroit Country Day (12-0) vs. Flint Powers Catholic (10-2) at Howell Parker Middle School
The Yellowjackets are playing in their fourth Semifinal in six seasons and advanced after handing Milan its only loss this season last week. The defense shined again, giving up just six points, which actually upped its average to 5.6 points given up per game. On the other side of the ball, running back Anthony Ammori (822 yards/14 TDs) leads a rushing attack that’s gained more than 2,200 yards. Powers’ defense during the regular season against much larger opponents in the Saginaw Valley League Blue didn’t stand out, but during the playoffs the Chargers have given up only 28 points over three games. Quarterback Luke Phillpotts has run and passed both for more than 700 yards to lead the team in both categories.
Division 5
Kingsley (12-0) vs. Lansing Catholic (11-1) at Greenville
Kingsley has won all of its games by double digits including in Week 7 against Division 6 semifinalist Maple City Glen Lake, and eliminated unbeaten Muskegon Oakridge in a 17-point win two weeks ago. Running backs Ayden Mullin (1,451 yards/21 TDs rushing) and Owen Graves (713 yards/12 TDs) are both averaging more than nine yards per carry as the team works toward making the Finals for the first time since 2005. But Lansing Catholic, now free of rival Portland after falling to the Raiders the last two District Finals, is aiming for its first Ford Field trip since 2014 with its most productive offense since that season. Quarterback Zach Gillespie has thrown for 2,247 yards and 24 touchdowns and run for another 18 scores.
Almont (12-0) vs. Detroit Denby (10-2) at Walled Lake Central
The Raiders have put together a 22-1 run over the last two seasons as they seek their first trip to the Finals. Almont long has been known for defense, and this year’s unit is giving up just 10 points per game. But the offense has reached 500 points for the first time since 2014 with four rushers gaining at least 500 yards and quarterback Josh Hellebuyck providing a nice complement with 1,194 yards and 22 TDs through the air. Denby also is seeking its first Finals berth, while playing in its first Semifinal, and has lost this season to only King, twice. The Tars have given up only 97 points this season – and subtract the King losses, they are allowing only 3.8 points per game.
Division 6
Maple City Glen Lake (11-1) vs. Montague (10-2) at Clare
Glen Lake’s only defeat this season was to Kingsley, as noted above, and the Lakers are seeking their second trip to Ford Field in four years. After dominating most of the regular season, Glen Lake has won close the last three weeks – with that experience possibly paying off in what’s sure to be a challenging matchup with last season’s Division 6 runner-up. Quarterback Reece Hazelton towers over most defenders at 6-6 and has thrown for 1,012 yards and 14 touchdowns, with Jonathan Wright adding 1,112 yards and 17 scores on the ground for the Lakers. Montague quarterback Drew Collins started during last season’s run and is starring with 2,354 yards and 27 TDs passing and 663 yards and 14 scores rushing.
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (10-1) vs. Onsted (10-2) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
The Falcons opened this decade with three Semifinal appearances over the first five years, and will close with one more thanks in part to a defense that hasn’t given up more than 16 points since Week 3. St. Mary also has scored its most points since its championship season of 2014 despite playing one fewer game so far than the last two years (because of an open date). Alex Morgan leads that effort with 1,571 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing. Onsted has made its first Semifinal since 1993 by avenging losses to Blissfield and formerly-undefeated Hillsdale during the playoffs. The Wildcats finished only 3-6 a year ago but have rebounded in part because of a ground attack featuring two 1,000-yard rushers, Travis Hill (1,312 yards/14 TDs) and Rourke Barth (1,025/16).
Division 7
Iron Mountain (12-0) vs. Pewamo-Westphalia (12-0) at the Superior Dome, 7 p.m. Friday
Pewamo-Westphalia will see its second-straight undefeated opponent after handing the first and only loss of the season last week to reigning champion New Lothrop. Iron Mountain won a league that sent four teams total to the playoffs and also has won all of its playoff games by at least two scores. Caleb Evosivich-Hynes is the team’s leading rusher (1,289 yards/12 TDs) and receiver (435/8), catching passes from quarterback and also basketball standout Marcus Johnson (1,037 yards/14 TDs passing). The Pirates got up big on New Lothrop before holding off the Hornets down the stretch to win by a point 36-35, but otherwise P-W has locked down all of its opponents, giving up only 56 points on the season. Expect to see the ball often in running back Tanner Wirth’s hands, as he has run for nearly 10 yards per carry and 1,499 and 24 touchdowns overall.
Jackson Lumen Christi (11-0) vs. Cass City (11-1) at Novi, 11 a.m.
The Titans have won 24 straight games and the last three Division 6 championships, and they impressed in a major test last week holding off Schoolcraft 35-30. It’s hardly a surprise that Lumen Christi runs the ball well – the latest in its string of star runners is Walker Plate, who has rushed for 2,279 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cass City is playing in its first Semifinal boasting a defense that has given up only 52 points all year – and just two over three playoff games. The Red Hawks have given up more than eight points only once, in a two-point opening-night loss to Montrose.
Division 8
Beal City (11-1) vs. Ubly (10-2) at Mount Pleasant
Both of these teams have reached the Semifinals previously this decade, Beal City most recently in 2014 and Ubly in 2016. Both also bounced back from late losses this time to make their runs – Beal City against McBain and Ubly to Cass City (see Division 7 above). Beal City has gained more than 3,200 yards this season showing impressive balance with no one rushing for more than 750 or throwing for more than 450. Ubly has four backs with at least 600 yards rushing, but the main ball carrier for an offense with nearly 4,300 yards total is Carson Heleski (1,447 yards/19 TDs rushing).
Reading (11-1) vs. Fowler (11-1) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
There are a lot of similarities in how these two small-school powers conduct business on the field. Fowler, in its first Semifinal since reaching the Division 8 championship game in 2011, has for decades been known for its powerful running. This season that’s come in the forms of Kyle Snyder (1,481 yards/21 TDs rushing) and Caiden Pung (1,222 yards/21 TDs). Reading rode the same to last season’s Division 8 title and is back in the hunt led by Hunter Midtgard (1,212 yards/15 TDs) among others running behind 6-3, 307-pound Nick Affholter. The key may be who stops whom; the Rangers have given up only 79 points, and the Eagles only 137.
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PHOTO: Beal City's Logan Chilman (10) breaks away from an Ishpeming's Dawson Delongchamp during last weekend's Division 8 Regional Final win. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)