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Defensive Duo Spurs PHN's Historic Run

By Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com

November 7, 2018

Gameplanning around Braiden McGregor seemed like a no-brainer coming into the season for Port Huron Northern’s opponents.

While avoiding the 6-foot-5, 250-pound junior linebacker and defensive end is still pretty wise, it’s not exactly working thanks to the emergence of senior defensive lineman Maurice Powell and an overall outstanding supporting cast.

“I think it’s just the whole team – I don’t think it’s one person or anything like that. It’s just us working together as a team every day and every game,” said McGregor, who has 16 Division I college offers, including from the Big Ten’s elite and Notre Dame. “I don’t think they can really gameplan around one person, because we have another person that steps up and makes plays.”

The Huskies will play for their first Regional title Friday night at home against Warren DeLaSalle. With a pair of playoff wins and a Macomb Area Conference Blue title already under their belt, this already has been the most successful season in program history regardless of what happens against the reigning Division 2 champion.

That success can be attributed in large part to the Northern defense, which is allowing 11.6 points per game, its best effort since 2010 when the team allowed a paltry 9.8 per contest. 

“It’s been truly energetic throughout the whole wave of the defense,” Powell said. “We all feed off of each other’s energy, and we work hard in practice every day. We don’t give in, and we play hard every game.”

Powell has been a problem for opposing offenses all fall, as he racked up 75 tackles with 16 tackles for loss, 6½ sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (including one returned for a touchdown) during the regular season.

His outstanding season has led to interest from Division I and II collegiate programs. While he doesn’t have an offer yet, he has taken recent trips to Eastern Kentucky and Eastern Michigan University. He’ll head to Northwood for an official visit in December.

“It’s been nice, of course to have the talent with those kids, and also the supporting cast they have around them,” Northern coach Larry Roelens said. “Those two guys right there are leaders, too. They come out and work just as hard as anyone else, if not harder than anyone else, and kids see that and they feed off it. It’s been amazing. The kids are buying in and feeding off each other, and the school and the staff and the students, it’s been phenomenal.”

Both players are versatile, and defensive coordinator Brett VanDrew has used Powell all over the defensive line, while using McGregor essentially everywhere but cornerback. Their abilities, along with the emergence of players like middle linebacker Austin Eagle (who had the game-clinching interception in overtime of the District title game against St. Clair Shores Lakeview), has made gameplanning that much more difficult for opposing offenses.

The defense’s play as a whole, meanwhile, has made things easier for Roelens, who calls the offensive plays.

“Knowing you have a good defense and knowing we run the ball 70 percent of the time, it helps control the game and dictate the clock, and that’s kind of how we’re built,” Roelens said. “We just kind of methodically make our way down the field and put some points on the board, and know our defense is going to hold strong. If we just keep chewing clock and playing field position, we’ll be all right.”

Neither player has shied away from the spotlight their success, and that of the team, has brought upon them. When asked if they have to block out all of the eyes that now are watching them on the field, both smiled and laughed it off.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Powell said. “You just have to make it happen. … You have to have fun while you’re playing.”

Both also realize the eyes on them aren’t just those of college scouts, but a younger generation of players in Port Huron. They’re excited to help show them the way.

“All this recruiting stuff has really helped out with bringing football back to Port Huron, especially with the younger kids like TAFL (Thumb Area Football League, the area’s youth program),” McGregor said. “My mom and dad’s friend, he’s a coach there and they all just want to be like No. 17 (McGregor), I guess. I went to a couple of their practices, and it’s cool, but I’m just happy that football is starting to pick up in the area again. I hope that next year, we can be a pretty big powerhouse again, then keep it going.”

The attention given highly-recruited prospects and a winning program also benefits the other current players on the team.

“Everything goes hand in hand,” Roelens said. “The more football games you win, the more exposure you’re going to get, and you have a good supporting cast of the other kids on the team that just keep working in the weight room in the offseason and the winter time, because they never know when they’re going to get seen, too.”

Northern’s next opponent – DeLaSalle – is no stranger to the spotlight winning and top recruits can bring to a program. The Pilots ended Northern’s season in the District Final a year ago and will be considered favorites by most Friday night, despite having to travel to Northern’s home field.

After spending the entire season playing as if everyone was watching, the Huskies feel they’re ready for the spotlight.

“We’re not afraid of anybody,” Powell said. “We’ll play anybody – we're not scared of anybody. We play with heart night in and night out, and we won’t back down from a challenge. We love challenges, and we live for stuff like this.”

Paul Costanzo served as a sportswriter at The Port Huron Times Herald from 2006-15, including three years as lead sportswriter, and prior to that as sports editor at the Hillsdale Daily News from 2005-06. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Bay, Arenac, Midland and Gladwin counties.

PHOTO: Port Huron Northern’s Braiden McGregor (17) and Maurice Powell celebrate a big play during the Oct. 5 21-14 win over Port Huron. (Photo by Delta Imaging.)

Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. 

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 6 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 6, 2025

The high school football season always seems to speed up when we reach October.

As forecast Friday, a handful of Week 6 matchups resulted in at least the start of league championships being decided for this fall. Other games fast-forwarded title races as we turned toward the final one-third of the 2025 regular season.

MI Student AidMix in rivalries, revenge tours, program wins or just the games to set up an even bigger one coming up. This weekend had them all, and we dive into the details below.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Saginaw Valley Lutheran 23, Ithaca 22 To call this the best win in Valley Lutheran history likely isn’t an understatement. The Chargers (6-0) clinched a share of the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title, with only sixth-place Carrollton standing in the way of an outright title. They did so by defeating Ithaca (5-1) for the first time and breaking the Yellowjackets’ 23-game league winning streak going back to 2020 – and accomplished it with a game-winning field goal during the closing seconds, the only three points scored during the second half. Valley Lutheran’s six wins this season also equal their highest total in program history. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Watch list Almont 35, Armada 14 The Raiders (6-0) took a solid step toward a potential third-straight Blue Water Area Conference title, defeating last season’s runner-up Armada (4-2) and setting up a possible eventual winner-take-call this week against also-undefeated Richmond.

On the move Goodrich 49, Owosso 13 The Flint Metro League Stars title – at least a share at this point – belongs to Goodrich again after the Martians (6-0) held Owosso (4-2) to a season low. Midland Dow 31, Traverse City West 13 The Chargers (5-1) kept pace with Saginaw Valley League North leader Mount Pleasant and no doubt will be rooting for the Titans (3-3) this week as they face the Oilers with a chance to open the title race back up. Millington 35, Buchanan 8 The Cardinals (5-1) can still earn a share of the Big Thumb Conference White title this week and now coming off a win over the Lakeland Conference-leading Bucks (4-2), who will play Friday to make their league championship outright.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Romeo 39, Macomb Dakota 20 The Bulldogs (4-2) own a share of the Macomb Area Conference Red championship for the first time since 2021, thanks to their first win over Dakota (5-1) since that same season. Romeo’s offense was especially impressive; Dakota had given up just 31 points total over its first five games and not more than 38 in one game since 2018. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.

Watch list Madison Heights Madison 42, Hazel Park 14 Madison (5-1) won this matchup for first place in the MAC Bronze, clinching a share of the league title and continuing its best season since 2019. Hazel Park (4-2) was one of three co-champs last fall and can still earn another share if Clinton Township Clintondale can catch Madison this week.

On the move South Lyon 21, Waterford Mott 20 South Lyon (6-0) moved ahead of Mott (3-3) during the final minute to move one game away from claiming a share of the Lakes Valley Conference title. Oxford 34, West Bloomfield 33 The Wildcats (4-2) actually leant Clarkston a hand in clinching a share of the Oakland Activities Association Red championship, although West Bloomfield (5-1) can still earn a share by defeating the Wolves this week. Harper Woods 41, Rochester 7 The Pioneers (6-0) finished a perfect run through the OAA White to clinch their first title in four seasons playing in the league.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Williamston 20, Haslett 14 Williamston’s turnaround season now includes a share of the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title, as Haslett (4-2) also entered the evening tied for first. The Hornets (6-0) went up 14-0 and then held off the Vikings’ comeback charge, scoring the go-ahead points during the fourth quarter. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Grand Ledge 36, Lansing Everett 8 The Comets are 6-0 for the first time since 2015 and set up this week’s matchup with DeWitt for first place in the CAAC Blue by avenging last year’s 23-point loss to Everett (4-2).

On the move Mount Pleasant 28, Bay City Western 17 As noted above, Mount Pleasant (6-0) leads the SVL North and can clinch a share of the league title this week. Western (3-3) already has tied last year’s win total and is holding tight to a spot in the Division 3 playoff field. Howell 35, Hartland 7 The Highlanders (5-1) kept pace behind Brighton in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West with their matchup against the Bulldogs coming up in Week 8. Mason 31, St. Johns 20 Mason (3-3) also is holding onto a spot in the Division 3 playoffs, and this win over the Redwings (4-2) may eventually decide if the Bulldogs make the field this season.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 20, Boyne City 13 With a pair of close games over the last two weeks, St. Francis (6-0) secured the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legends title, adding this victory over the Ramblers (4-2) to a one-pointer over Kingsley in Week 5. This is the last season for the league; the rest of the Legends division will play in the Northern Shores Conference in 2026. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list Maple City Glen Lake 16, Kalkaska 12 This nonleague matchup was significant nonetheless, as Kalkaska (5-1) was undefeated and Glen Lake (4-1) won by less than a score for the second straight game (after an open date last week). The Lakers are tied with Week 9 opponent Mancelona for first in the NMFC Legacy.

On the move Mancelona 36, East Jordan 16 The Ironmen held onto the share of first in the Legacy noted above by defeating East Jordan (3-3) for the first time since 2021. Traverse City Central 28, Midland 14 The Trojans (3-3) gave their Division 2 playoff hopes a serious boost as they moved up 10 spots back into the potential field at No. 26 and sent Midland (3-3) outside the top 32. Petoskey 20, Cadillac 13 Neither can make up enough ground to win the Big North Conference, but Petoskey (3-3) moved up five spots to get to No. 32 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings.

A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Chelsea 35, Ypsilanti Community 6 The Bulldogs (5-1) ran their league winning streak to 15 and cleared one more obstacle as they attempt to close in on a third-straight Southeastern Conference White championship. The loss also dropped Ypsilanti (3-3) to No. 33 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings, although the Grizzlies have some great opportunities to move back up as they seek their first postseason appearance (not counting COVID-shortened 2020) since 2014. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Ida 40, Adrian Madison 19 The Bluestreaks (5-1) need help in the Lenawee County Athletic Association title race with Hudson and Clinton both still undefeated in league play. But they are continuing to climb the Division 6 playoff-points list and are up to No. 15 after downing Madison (3-3) – which is hanging onto the No. 30 spot.

On the move Saline 42, Ann Arbor Huron 14 The Hornets (6-0) clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference Red title with one league game to play in Week 8 and undefeated Harper Woods up next. Adrian 23, Tecumseh 7 The Maples (5-1) stayed a game back of Chelsea in the SEC White by avenging last year’s loss to Tecumseh (3-3), and surpassed last year’s win total as well. Manchester 30, Leslie 29 The Flying Dutchmen (3-3) needed this one in a big way, coming off two straight losses, and they jumped 11 spots to No. 26 on the Division 8 playoff-point list.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Schoolcraft 18, Lawton 14 It looks as though the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley title will go through Schoolcraft (5-1) again as the Eagles pulled within one more win of clinching a repeat championship. Schoolcraft led 6-0 at halftime, fell behind 14-6 into the final minutes of the third quarter but pulled ahead for good midway through the fourth. Lawton (4-2) fell into a second-place tie with Coloma. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Watch list Portage Northern 42, St. Joseph 36 The Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West shifted over the weekend with this win helping Northern (5-1) move into a first-place tie with Portage Central and those two set to face off this weekend with a share of the league title on the line. St. Joseph (3-3) still has a slight chance at a share if a few results fall into place.

On the move Berrien Springs 21, Dowagiac  0 While Buchanan has guaranteed itself a share of the Lakeland Conference title, there’s potentially still a lot to be decided as a Dowagiac win over Buchanan this week would give Dowagiac (4-2) and Berrien Springs (4-1) shares as well. Kalamazoo United 34, Constantine 7 The Titans (4-2) also can clinch this week in the SAC Lakeshore with Constantine (4-2) among three teams one game back. Niles 49, Three Rivers 0 Niles (6-0) has continued to impress; Three Rivers (4-2) entered the week in the Wolverine Conference title mix as well.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Escanaba 38, Marquette 20 Not only did Escanaba (6-0) defeat rival Marquette for the first time since 2019, but by doing so it set up this week’s matchup with also-undefeated Gaylord for a share of the Big North Conference championship. Escanaba also moved up to No. 5 on the Division 4 playoff-points list as it seeks its first postseason appearance this decade. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

Watch list Bark River-Harris 44, L’Anse 16 The Broncos (4-1) bounced back from a Week 5 loss to set up their biggest game of the season, a rematch this week with Iron Mountain. L’Anse is 4-2.

On the move West Iron County 27, Manistique 22 The Wykons (2-3) are starting to climb as they broke a two-game losing streak against Manistique (1-4). Calumet 46, Houghton 0 The Copper Kings (4-2) got back on the right foot coming off back-to-back losses this fall to run their winning streak over the Gremlins (2-4) to 12. Menominee 61, Gladstone 6 The Maroons (6-0) remain atop the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper with massive matchups against Negaunee and then Kingsford up next.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Hudsonville 35, Rockford 28 An awe-inspiring one-handed catch by Lawsyn Weber and an all-around stunning performance by quarterback Brady Van Laecke helped Hudsonville get past Rockford and left the Eagles (6-0) alone atop the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red. The Rams (4-2) are one of three teams tied for second place halfway through the league schedule. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Hudsonville Unity Christian 14, Zeeland West 6 Unity (6-0) moved to the top of the O-K Gold with a second win in two years over reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West and can clinch a share of a repeat league title this week.

On the move Grand Rapids West Catholic 51, Grand Rapids Christian 14 The Falcons (5-1) moved into first alone in the O-K White with a chance to clinch a share of the league title this week and only Christian (3-3) a game back with two to play. Muskegon 28, Muskegon Mona Shores 12 The Big Reds (4-2) ran their winning streak to four as they remained in the top spot in the O-K Green with this rivalry win over Mona Shores (3-3). Muskegon Oakridge 14, Whitehall 13 Both are still chasing Ludington in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, but Oakridge (5-1) definitely will be cheering for Whitehall (4-2) against the Orioles this week.

8-Player

HEADLINER Lake Linden-Hubbell 52, Powers North Central 34 Lake Linden-Hubbell (5-1) avenged a 60-8 loss to the Jets from a year ago to set up a potential championship decider against Gogebic this week in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West. The pair also entered last week at Nos. 15 and 16 on the Division 2 playoff-points list, but Lake Linden-Hubbell now is tied for No. 10 and North Central (4-2) is tied for 17th. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Watch list Kinde North Huron 38, Peck 32 The Warriors (4-1) are tied for first in the Big Thumb Conference Red with Bay City All Saints and sent Peck (4-2) into third place. North Huron and All Saints meet in Week 8.

On the move Onekama 36, Central Lake 14 Onekama (6-0) sits in the top spot on the Division 2 playoff-points list, and Central Lake (3-3) is just one spot outside the field in Division 1. Pittsford 44, Concord 24 The Wildcats (5-1) ran their winning streak to five with a nonleague stop before jumping back into Southern Central Athletic Association Blue play. Indian River Inland Lakes 51, Rogers City 0 Inland Lakes (6-0) sits first on the Division 1 playoff-points list and Rogers City (4-2) is holding onto the No. 16 spot after the Bulldogs posted their fifth shutout of the season.

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PHOTOS (Top) A Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. (Middle) A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City. (Top photo by Terry Lyons. Middle photo by High School Sports Scene.)