Drive for Detroit: District Semis in Review
November 5, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Upsets seemed to fall with the raindrops that unexpectedly cropped up in spurts during the first weekend of the 2013 MHSAA football playoffs.
From Romeo to Dowagiac, Britton-Deerfield to Wayland with Parchment and Bath in between, teams celebrated wins that probably weren't expected by most when the brackets were revealed during the Sunday Selection Show.
A telling stat: While teams with higher playoff points averages host during the first three rounds, nearly 23 percent (31 of 136) of road teams won last weekend.
Here’s a look at the results from each division that stuck out most from the 11-player District openers and 8-player Regional Semifinals:
Division 1
Detroit Catholic Central 35, Northville 14
Detroit Catholic Central (8-2) opened the playoffs against Northville (8-2) for the second time in three seasons and with hopes of again starting off smoothly on a third straight trip to the MHSAA Finals. This opener certainly was closer than the 2011 56-6 DCC win, but the result was the same as the Shamrocks ended an outstanding run by the Kensington Lakes Activities Association overall champion. Click to read more from the Detroit Free Press.
Also noted:
Macomb Dakota 19, Warren DeLaSalle 14: DeLaSalle (6-4) gave Dakota (10-0) its closest game this season and was the first to come within single digits of the Cougars since opening night.
Walled Lake Western 44, Canton 41: Western (9-1) advanced to the District Final for the third straight season but only after holding off a late comeback by Canton (8-2).
Romeo 24, Lake Orion 21: Likely considered an upset because of Lake Orion’s playoff history, there is some back story. In three playoff games during 2005-08, Lake Orion (7-3) beat Romeo all three times by a combined six points – but this time the Bulldogs (6-4) captured a close one.
Brighton 14, Grand Blanc 7: Grand Blanc (7-3) won the KLAA West thanks to a 44-21 win over Brighton in Week 4, but the Bulldogs remain alive after entering the postseason 5-4.
Division 2
Birmingham Seaholm 17, Southfield 16
Seaholm (9-1), the Oakland Activities Association Blue champion, scored twice during the final seven minutes to eliminate OAA White winner Southfield (7-3). The Maples will play in their first District Final since 2001, the last time the team also won nine or more games. Click to read more from The Oakland Press.
Also noted:
Wyandotte Roosevelt 45, Ypsilanti Lincoln 40: Downriver League champion Roosevelt (10-0) outlasted another league title winner, Southeastern Conference White winner Lincoln (7-3).
Midland Dow 30, Fenton 21: The Chargers (8-2) returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 and opened by beating Flint Metro League co-champ Fenton (8-2).
Pinckney 14, South Lyon 10: In its first playoff appearance since 2001, Pinckney (7-3) won its first playoff game ever and finished a season sweep of South Lyon (6-4), also its opening-night opponent.
Detroit U-D Jesuit 37, Warren Woods Tower 14: Jesuit’s first winning season since 2002 will continue; the Cubs (6-4) ended quickly the first playoff appearance for Warren Woods Tower (6-4) since 2007.
Division 3
Grand Rapids Christian 14, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 13
The reigning Division 3 champion got a scare from Forest Hills Northern (7-3), which led 13-0 in the third quarter of its first playoff game since 2002. The Eagles (8-2) made an impressive comeback to move on to their fourth straight District Final. Click to read more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
Zeeland West 44, Zeeland East 13: The Dux (9-1) received their lone loss from East (5-5) in Week 2, but this one wasn't as close as that six-point defeat.
Byron Center 28, Battle Creek Harper Creek 3: Harper Creek (7-3) made the Semifinals the last two seasons, but were stopped quickly this time by the Bulldogs (7-3).
Wayland 38, Plainwell 28: A year after finishing 0-9 (after three straight ending 1-8), Wayland is 6-4 and knocked out a solid contender in Plainwell (8-2).
Eaton Rapids 49, Charlotte 21: Although Eaton Rapids (6-4) beat Charlotte in Week 3, it was expected by at least a few that the Greyhounds’ first playoff appearance would be a short one since Charlotte (7-3) had won five straight.
Division 4
Dowagiac 21, Edwardsburg 17
Dowagiac has been exceptional over the last three seasons – the Chieftains (7-3) are playing to reach 10 wins for the third straight. But it was hard to see this one coming with Edwardsburg (9-1) undefeated and having beaten Dowagiac 36-0 only two weeks ago to decide the Wolverine B West championship. Click for to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Also noted:
Belding 21, Spring Lake 20: This spoke to the strength of the O-K Blue, as third-place Belding (7-3) beat Lakes 8 Conference champion Spring Lake (8-2).
Allendale 24, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21 (OT): Also from the O-K Blue, league runner-up Allendale (8-1) survived a scare from frequent playoff power GRCC (6-4).
Battle Creek Pennfield 21, Paw Paw 17: The Kalamazoo Valley Association was pretty strong too, with Pennfield (9-1) one of three co-champs and the winner in this one over Wolverine B East champ Paw Paw (8-2).
Saginaw Swan Valley 14, Yale 13: Swan Valley’s hope of returning to the Semifinals – and going to Ford Field – nearly ended until the Vikings (10-0) scored the go-ahead points with two minutes to play to escape Yale (6-4).
Division 5
Parchment 40, Jackson Lumen Christi 35
In a weekend full of upsets, this was the one that rang the statewide bell loudest. Parchment has had a nice run in a tough KVA and is 7-3 overall after finishing 3-6 only a year ago. But Lumen Christi had the highest playoff point average in Division 5 by a substantial chunk and was considered a definite contender as it pursued its first MHSAA championship since 1999. Click to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Also noted:
Reed City 49, Clare 7: The Central State Activities Association champion Coyotes (10-0) continued their dominating play in eliminating Jack Pine Conference champ Clare (7-3).
Millington 28, Almont 21: The Cardinals’ two regular season losses were their most since 2006, but Millington (8-2) is looking strong again after opening with a win over Blue Water Area Conference runner-up Almont (8-2).
Grand Rapids West Catholic 27, Portland 14: This rematch of last season’s Division 5 Final ended the opposite way, with West Catholic (6-4) continuing a five-game winning streak while Portland (7-2) closed with two straight defeats.
Detroit University Prep 42, Clinton Township Clintondale 34: University Prep (8-2) equaled its 2012 record in only its eighth season as a program and handed a first loss to Macomb Area Conference Bronze champion Clintondale (9-1) in one of its best wins during that brief history.
Division 6
Grandville Calvin Christian 14, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 12
These two and Hopkins played to a three-way tie for the O-K White championship during the regular season, which resulted in part because of NorthPointe’s 13-8 win over Calvin Christian (7-3) in Week 3. This time the Squires came out on top in a matchup of teams both looking for their first playoff wins. NorthPointe finished 8-2. Click to read more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
Montrose 42, Reese 13: The Rams (10-0) won their 10th game for the third straight season and made it two this fall over solid Reese (8-2).
Shelby 35, Montague 23: Montague (6-4) played West Michigan Conference champion Shelby (9-1) closer than in Week 4, but the Tigers (9-1) bounced back from its lone loss, in Week 9, against Division 4 Spring Lake.
Schoolcraft 28, Niles Brandywine 21: Co-KVA champ Schoolcraft (9-1) hasn't lost in two months, although Brandywine (8-2) gave the Eagles one of their closest games in a while.
Constantine 41, Michigan Center 26: This win over Michigan Center (8-2) gave Constantine (6-4) at least one postseason victory in each of the last 12 seasons.
Division 7
Britton-Deerfield 42, Hudson 28
Britton-Deerfield has made the playoffs all three seasons since its creation from the merging of the Britton-Macon and Deerfield districts. In fact, the Patriots reached the Regional Final in just their second season last fall. But Lenawee County Activities Association co-champion Hudson has reached the MHSAA Semifinals three of the last five seasons and had to be considered a possibility to get back again this month. Click to read more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Also noted:
Iron River West Iron County 21, Traverse City St. Francis 7: Given St. Francis’ history of postseason success, this seemed ripe for an upset – but West Iron (10-0) broke away from the Gladiators (5-5) in the second half.
Pewamo-Westphalia 57, Saugatuck 21: The Central Michigan Athletic Conference champion Pirates (9-1) bounced back from their lone loss the week before to finish the season for Southwestern Athletic Conference North winner Saugatuck (8-2).
Bath 27, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port 14: This is not only Bath’s first playoff run since 2000, but first winning season since that fall – and the Bees (6-4) continued with a stunner against Greater Thumb Conference West runner-up Laker (7-3).
Madison Heights Bishop Foley 42, Royal Oak Shrine 10: A Week 3 loss to Shrine (6-4) got Bishop Foley off to a rough start in the Catholic League Intersectional, but the Ventures (7-3) scored their second-most points of the season in this rematch.
Division 8
Detroit Allen 54, Adrian Lenawee Christian 32
Detroit Allen (7-2) built on its first playoff berth with its first playoff win, ending a similarly historic season for Lenawee Christian – the Cougars set a team record for wins in finishing 7-3. Both programs have been in existence for only six seasons, and this fall Allen finished second to much larger River Rouge in the Michigan Metro Athletic Conference. Click to read more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Also noted:
Waterford Our Lady, 34, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 7: These two previously were one as a co-op team before splitting this season; Our Lady (8-2) will move on while Everest (7-3) finished an impressive first season on its own.
Powers North Central 35, Munising 21: Although Munising (6-4) made the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, neither of these teams has much recent postseason history – but Powers (8-2) made its own with this first playoff win.
Crystal Falls Forest Park 30, Bessemer 16: The Trojans (10-0) beat the Miners (6-4) for the second time in three weeks and have 10 wins again for the first time since 2010.
L’Anse 52, Lake Linden-Hubbell 34: The Purple Hornets (8-2) bounced back from a Week 9 loss with their most points of the season to outlast one of the best offensive performances as well by Lake Linden-Hubbell (5-5).
8-Player
Engadine 28, Cedarville 26
Perhaps a little under the radar, Engadine has been arguably the hottest team in 8-player football with five straight wins after beginning this season 1-4. The Eagles’ third loss this fall was 42-16 to Cedarville (8-2) – but in six weeks, Engadine (6-4) found a way to reverse the tide just enough. Click for more from WWTV 9&10.
Also noted:
Peck 32, Deckerville 14: The 8-player champion could come from the Thumb area for the third straight season; in 2012 it was Deckerville (5-5), and Peck (10-0) is looking like a favorite this time.
Carsonville-Port Sanilac 54, Portland St. Patrick 18: The Tigers (7-3) made it two straight wins and two straight over the Shamrocks (7-3) after also beating St. Patrick 45-12 in Week 9.
PHOTO: Detroit Catholic Central running back Connor Holton (22) prepares to sprint through a hole in the line while Northville linebacker Jack Ernst works to stop him. (See more at Terry McNamara Photography.)
1st & Goal: 2023 Week 1 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 24, 2023
This Michigan high school football season is heating up in a hurry.
Of course, this is always one of the most highly-anticipated opening weekends on the school sports schedule – and we kick off this fall’s 14-week run with 493 teams playing 11-player football and 106 playing 8-player.
More literally concerning the heat wave affecting much of the state, the list of games changing days or kickoff times as a precaution is growing; check out the MHSAA Scores page for updates as we receive them.
More than 250 varsity games are scheduled to be broadcast this weekend on MHSAA.tv, including all 16 being played at Wayne State as part of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, University of Michigan as part of the Battle at the Big House and Kettering University as part of the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic. Click the names of the events for specific broadcast landing pages for those showcases.
Here’s a look at some of the matchups with the most intrigue from all over the state, including headliners from the three events referred to above. What you see below may not represent all of the schedule changes we are receiving, but again follow the MHSAA Scores page for updated dates and times – and all weekend for scores as they’re submitted.
Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic – Wayne State University – Tom Adams Field
Belleville (14-0) vs. River Rouge (5-4), Friday
Expectations couldn’t be higher for Belleville, which has won the last two Division 1 championships and 25 straight games and returns quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back/linebacker Jeremiah Beasley among standouts, and that makes this 7 p.m. kickoff arguably the most highly-anticipated in the state. But River Rouge was much better than its record last season, losing to two eventual Finals champions over its final three games as it finished its first season under a new coach – a scenario Belleville finds itself in this fall.
More Xenith games: THURSDAY Walled Lake Western (9-2) vs. Waterford Mott (8-3), Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (7-3) vs. West Bloomfield (8-2). FRIDAY Allen Park (7-4) vs. Taylor (4-5). SATURDAY Detroit Cass Tech (9-4) vs. Southfield Arts & Technology (8-3), Detroit Martin Luther King (10-3) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier (5-7).
Battle at the Big House – University of Michigan – Michigan Stadium
Goodrich (12-2) vs. Frankenmuth (13-1), Friday
Both finished their 2022 seasons at Ford Field, Frankenmuth the runner-up in Division 5 after a last-second Gladwin game-winning field goal and Goodrich runner-up in Division 4 after Grand Rapids South Christian dealt the Martians their only loss since opening night. That opening night had seen Frankenmuth defeat Goodrich 27-2, and several contributors from that game will find themselves in bigger roles as this season begins on a big stage.
More Big House games: THURSDAY Lake Orion (4-6) vs. Livonia Stevenson (4-5), South Lyon East (7-3) vs. White Lake Lakeland (4-5), Lapeer (7-3) vs. Ann Arbor Huron (5-5). FRIDAY Caledonia (12-2) vs. Romeo (8-3), Clarkston (10-3) vs. Northville (8-3).
Vehicle City Gridiron Classic – Kettering University – Atwood Stadium
Davison (9-2) vs. Warren De La Salle Collegiate (13-1), Friday
Like Belleville, De La Salle is on a two-season championship streak after claiming the last two Division 2 titles by large margins, and the Pilots’ only loss over the last two years was by a point last September to league opponent Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. There will be new faces in key places in these lineups as well, especially after De La Salle graduated its quarterback of the last three seasons and Davison has a new starter at that position as well.
More Vehicle City games: THURSDAY Mt. Morris (2-7) vs. Clio (2-7). FRIDAY Flint Hamady (10-2) vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park (4-5), Flint Carman-Ainsworth (2-7) vs. Flint Kearsley (3-6).
Bay & Thumb
Mount Pleasant (9-2) at Saginaw Heritage (7-3)
After spending most of the last two decades as part of a one-division Saginaw Valley League or in the same division when the league was split, these two are heading into a second-straight season in different divisions with Mount Pleasant a reigning co-champion in the North (now Blue) and Heritage coming off finishing third in the Red. They didn’t face each other last season, but the Oilers had won this matchup nine straight times before that – although expectations are rising in Saginaw Township as the Hawks won their most games last season since 2006.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-4) at Ubly (13-1), Saginaw Swan Valley (7-4) at Croswell-Lexington (7-3), Millington (10-2) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (10-2). FRIDAY Harbor Beach (8-2) at Marine City Cardinal Mooney (8-3).
Greater Detroit
Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (5-6) at Roseville (8-3)
Roseville has posted its winningest two seasons over the last two years and rolled through the second half of 2022 before running into eventual Division 2 champion De La Salle in a District Final. A win over Rice in this season opener would be considered another serious step, as the Warriors were much better than their record last year may have seemed to indicate. Rice, as noted above, is the only team to defeat De La Salle over the last two seasons.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Parma Western (6-4) at Dearborn Divine Child (9-3). FRIDAY Rochester Adams (10-2) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (5-6).
Mid-Michigan
Haslett (6-4) at DeWitt (9-4)
The rivalry got some juice again last season at Michigan Stadium, as the Panthers hung on for a 21-14 victory. Two sets of siblings will be the main focus as this one kicks off. Haslett will pursue its first win in the series since 2005 paced by dynamic playmaker Nakai Amachree, who returned a kick and a punt for touchdowns in last year’s meeting, and younger brother Kory will be tough to stop as well. Junior twins Elliott and Abram Larner, meanwhile, shined as sophomores on a DeWitt team that reached the Division 3 Semifinals in November.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Saline (8-3) at Brighton (8-2), Holt (7-4) at Mason (12-1), Portland (10-2) at Ovid-Elsie (8-3).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Midland (10-2) at Cadillac (5-5)
These two were league champions last season, Midland sharing in the SVL North and Cadillac winning the Big North Conference while also playing one of the most crushing nonleague schedules in the state – five of the Vikings’ opponents finished the regular season 8-1. Midland won last year’s matchup, 27-21 at home, but this time must make the trip west.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Traverse City St. Francis (13-1) at Charlevoix (8-2), Standish-Sterling (8-2) at Boyne City (9-1), Traverse City West (2-7) at Gaylord (6-4).
Southeast & Border
Livonia Franklin (10-2) at Dexter (12-1), Friday
Dexter graduated serious star power from the group that produced the program’s longest playoff run and just missed making the Division 2 Final. But long forgotten are the days when the Dreadnaughts were among the last teams seeking to make the playoffs for the first time – and after five straight postseason appearances, this fall will provide another chance to show how far the program has come. Franklin has made the playoffs eight straight seasons and also is coming off one of its best as it reached double-digit wins last fall for the fourth time – making this one of the most intriguing season openers statewide outside of the three weekend showcases.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Warren Michigan Collegiate (10-2) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (6-6), Whitmore Lake (6-3) at Manchester (6-5). FRIDAY Tecumseh (10-1) at Jackson Northwest (5-4).
Southwest Corridor
Grand Rapids West Catholic (13-1) at Edwardsburg (11-2), Friday
This is another one many have had circled, especially after West Catholic last season won the matchup 28-20 – handing Edwardsburg its first regular-season defeat since 2017. The Falcons went on to win the Division 6 championship, while the Eddies reached the Division 4 Semifinals and were a touchdown from returning to Ford Field as well. West Catholic graduated much of its offensive firepower but returns important leaders on defense, and they’ll be tested right away by an Edwardsburg offense that has topped 4,000 yards rushing eight of the last nine seasons (with COVID-shortened 2020 the only exception during that time.)
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Lawton (9-3) at Benton Harbor (4-5), East Lansing (8-4) at Portage Central (4-5). FRIDAY Portage Northern (7-4) at Vicksburg (5-5).
Upper Peninsula
Houghton (6-4) at Iron Mountain (11-2)
These two are playing a nonleague game this time after finishing fourth and second, respectively, in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper in 2022. Iron Mountain reached the Division 8 Semifinals last fall and has moved into the Iron division of the league this season as the West-PAC has added three teams to the Copper from the Great Northern Conference. Houghton remains in the Copper and will be looking to avenge last season’s 28-6 loss to the Mountaineers, which was followed by the Gremlins’ best finish since 2013.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Ishpeming (4-6) at Negaunee (13-1). FRIDAY Bark River-Harris (8-3) at Ishpeming Westwood (4-5), Marquette (3-6) at Gladstone (9-3).
West Michigan
Rockford (10-1) at Muskegon (11-3), Friday
A few others listed above are in contention, but this has to be the most highly-anticipated opening-weekend matchup outside of the showcase events. League opponents most recently in 2011, these west-side powers haven’t faced each other since 2013. Muskegon returned to Ford Field last season, finishing Division 3 runner-up, and returns the majority of its offensive playmakers from that lineup including quarterback M’Khi Guy and running back Jakob Price. Rockford’s only loss last fall was by a point in a District Final to eventual Division 1 runner-up Caledonia, and the Rams also return a major player on both sides of the ball in senior Ryan Ahern.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Hudsonville Unity Christian (6-5) at Whitehall (11-1), New Lothrop (10-3) at Muskegon Catholic Central (8-3), Cedar Springs (5-5) at East Grand Rapids (4-6). FRIDAY Kingsley (7-3) at Reed City (11-2).
8-Player
Martin (11-2) at Colon (10-1), Friday
These have become two of the strongest programs in 8-player football, but they head into this fall with some unfamiliarity. Martin is 40-6 in 8-player football and the reigning Division 1 champion, but graduated much of its nucleus from that title-winning team. Colon is 51-7 in 8-player but enters with a new coach for the first time since making the format switch in 2018. The Magi’s only loss last season came by two points in a Regional Final to eventual Division 2 runner-up Mendon.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Brown City (10-2) at Peck (7-3), Gaylord St. Mary (8-3) at Pickford (6-3). FRIDAY Morrice (9-3) at Breckenridge (8-3), Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (8-0) at Climax-Scotts (8-2), Rudyard (6-3) at Munising (11-1).
Second Half’s weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. 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 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and X (Twitter) @mistudentaid.
PHOTO Mount Pleasant takes the field during the 2022 season. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)