Drive for Detroit: Playoff R2 Preview
November 3, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
It's predictable perhaps – and yet still intriguing – how the MHSAA Football Playoffs just a week into the five-week run.
Of 38 teams selected for at-large bids to the 256-team 11-player field, only seven remain.
Of 36 undefeated teams at the end of the regular season, including six in 8-player, 34 are still alive.
At least for now. Two matchups of undefeated opponents are among games highlighted in this week's "Drive for Detroit" preview – powered by MI Student Aid. See those below, and remember to tune in to MHSAA.com for all of this weekend's matchups, scores and next week's matchups as they're determined. All games below are Friday unless noted.
Division 1
Clarkston (8-2) at Davison (10-0)
It’s been four years since these M-15 powers faced off. Clarkston has enjoyed the success since that last matchup, winning Division 1 back-to-back in 2013 and 2014, and now stands in the way of Davison extending its first 10-win season since 2006. Junior Tariq Reid has run for 2,003 yards and 36 touchdowns this fall, and no doubt will be called upon heavily as the Cardinals go for their first District title since 2008.
Others that caught my eye: Rockford (7-3) at Grandville (9-1), Detroit Cass Tech (10-0) at Dearborn (9-1), Macomb Dakota (7-3) at Utica Eisenhower (10-0).
Division 2
Traverse City Central (9-1) at Lowell (10-0)
This could be a history-making evening for Traverse City Central, which is looking to advance to the Regional round for the first time since old Traverse City High did so in 1991. The Trojans vanquished for good rival Traverse City West by a point last week but now face another team that has survived close games as well; reigning Division 2 champion Lowell pulled off a couple of impressive comebacks this fall on the way to a fourth straight season with at least 10 wins.
Others that caught my eye: Birmingham Brother Rice (7-3) at Birmingham Groves (9-1), Grosse Pointe North (8-2) at Grosse Pointe South (7-3), Oak Park (7-3) at Detroit Martin Luther King (8-2) on Saturday.
Division 3
East Grand Rapids (8-2) at Muskegon (9-1)
The west side of the state has earned its football reputation from high-powered matchups like this one could be; these are two of the storied programs in state history, although both also are hungry to add to their legacies. East Grand Rapids is seeking its first MHSAA championship since 2010 and Muskegon is playing to contend for its first since 2008. The Big Reds won their recent meetings in 2014 and 2015, and have yet to be challenged much aside from a Week 2 loss to Lincolnshire, Ill. East Grand Rapids has won seven straight since opening 1-2 with losses to Grand Rapids Catholic Central and later Lowell.
Others that caught my eye: Romulus (9-1) at Allen Park (10-0), Grand Rapids Christian (9-1) at Byron Center (9-1), Coldwater (8-2) at Chelsea (10-0).
Division 4
Marysville (10-0) at Detroit Country Day (10-0), Saturday
Country Day is surging as it seeks its first MHSAA title since 1999; the Yellowjackets have played arguably their three toughest opponents of the season the last three weeks, and handed Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood a decisive 35-7 defeat to open the playoffs. But a defense giving up only eight points per game will face its toughest challenge from a Marysville offense led by 1,000-yard rushers Danta Chrcek (1,595) and Phillip Griffor (1,073). The Vikings are playing for their first 11-win season since 1992.
Others that caught my eye: Hudsonville Unity Christian (8-2) at Benton Harbor (10-0), Lansing Sexton (7-3) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (9-1), Detroit Mumford (8-2) at River Rouge (9-1).
Division 5
Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-2) at Portland (10-0)
It’s hard to not see this as one of the key games in the entire Division 5 bracket. Reigning champion West Catholic opened with a big road win 42-20 last week over Lansing Catholic and now gets the Cougars’ main league rival in Portland, which beat Lansing Catholic by only a point way back in Week 4. The deciding matchup tonight could be the Raiders’ powerful run game and its ability to hold onto the ball (and keep the Falcons' offense off the field) against a West Catholic defense that has given up more than seven points only once since Week 3. (Watch this game tonight on the PrepZone on FoxSportsDetroit.com.)
Others that caught my eye: Remus Chippewa Hills (9-1) at Reed City (10-0), Frankenmuth (9-1) at Freeland (10-0), Muskegon Oakridge (9-1) at Ithaca (10-0) on Saturday.
Division 6
Jackson Lumen Christi (8-2) at Schoolcraft (10-0), Saturday
This could show Schoolcraft’s stature as a contender for its first MHSAA championship since 2001. The Eagles have rumbled to nearly 47 points per game and beat rival Constantine twice in the last three weeks, but can show their stuff on a grander level against one of the state’s best-known powerhouse programs. Lumen Christi hasn’t lost since Week 3 and after opening 1-2 with defeats to West Catholic and Battle Creek Harper Creek. A win this week could be a key confidence boost for the Titans too as they pursue a first Finals trip since 2009.
Others that caught my eye: Maple City Glen Lake (8-2) at Roscommon (9-1), Calumet (9-1) at Negaunee (10-0), Napoleon (8-2) at Grass Lake (9-1).
Division 7
Saugatuck (10-0) at Pewamo-Westphalia (10-0), Saturday
A matchup of offensive stars Jared Smith and Blake Dunn make this one of the state’s most intriguing matchups in any division, regardless of the fact it’s also a rematch of last season’s District Final. Smith is up to 2,108 yards rushing this season on just 166 carries – for a 12.7 yards per carry average – and will go down as one of the top running backs in state history after setting an MHSAA record for single-season yardage as a junior with more than 3,000 as the Pirates finished Division 7 runners-up. Dunn has run for only 1,916 yards this season – 16.1 per carry – and thrown for 729 more.
Others that caught my eye: Detroit Loyola (8-2) at Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (10-0), Flint Hamady (8-2) at New Lothrop (9-1), Unionville-Sebewaing (9-1) at Ubly (10-0).
Division 8
Mendon (8-2) at Climax-Scotts (10-0)
Climax-Scotts finally broke a four-year playoff losing streak to Mendon last season with an 8-6 first-round win, and should be confident heading into a possible repeat, this time for a District title. The Panthers haven’t been challenged much, aside from a 20-point win over Pittsford in Week 6. Mendon has had to do a little more work under first-year coach and alum Robert Kretschman, but is riding a six-game winning streak and three-win improvement from a year ago. (Watch this game tonight on the PrepZone on FoxSportsDetroit.com.)
Others that caught my eye: Saginaw Nouvel (7-3) at Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (8-2), Newberry (8-2) at St. Ignace (9-1), Lincoln Alcona (9-1) at Frankfort (10-0).
8-Player
Crystal Falls Forest Park (9-1) at Powers North Central (10-0)
Forest Park in Week 2 gave North Central its closest game in two seasons of 8-player football, which means this rematch could go a couple different ways. The Jets, who won that night 60-42 and have scored 56 or more points in every game, may need quarterback Jason Whitens to add significantly to his 36 touchdown passes on only 91 completions this fall if the offenses come out firing again. Or Forest Park and senior running back Dan Nocerini (2,181 yards/39 TDs rushing) could work to keep Whitens off the field and the score a little lower this second time around.
Other Regional Finals: Pickford (9-1) at Engadine (10-0), New Haven Merritt (10-0) at Deckerville (9-0), Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (10-0) at Portland St. Patrick (10-0) on Saturday.
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau 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, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Lowell downed Greenville in a Division 2 playoff opener last week. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
1st & Goal: 2026 Week 7 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 12, 2026
One play does not decide a game. But one play also can make all the difference.
Several Week 7 games showed that to be true once again, as a number of league champions were decided during the first full weekend of October, and multiple by one-score margins.
A few league races were reshuffled as well, and those results earned their places in our "Review" too as we move toward the final two weeks of the regular season.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Almont 28, Macomb Lutheran North 27 Almont (7-0) has clinched a share of the Blue Water Area Conference title and can finish a fourth straight as outright champion this week against Croswell-Lexington. The Raiders have won 30 straight BWAC games, this the third by one point during that time. Lutheran North (6-1) has made a run at the title in its first season in the league after previously playing in the Catholic High School League. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
Watch list Gladwin 26, Ogemaw Heights 20 The Flying Gs (5-2) capped a dramatic run to the Jack Pine Conference Division 1 title, falling to Midland Bullock Creek in Week 6 but bouncing right back to win this one on Jacob Pahl’s walk-off touchdown catch from Preston Newman. Ogemaw (5-2) had entered the night with the opportunity to clinch as well.
On the move Fenton 49, Linden 42 Fenton (6-1) finished an outright championship in the Flint Metro League Stripes with another of several close games against Linden (5-2) over the last two decades. Montrose 42, Ovid-Elsie 14 The Rams (6-1) clinched a share of a second-straight Mid-Michigan Activities Conference title and kept Ovid-Elsie (3-4) just outside the Division 6 playoff picture. Bay City Western 27, Traverse City Central 21 Western (3-4) jumped 13 spots to tied for No. 31 in the Division 3 playoff-points list with this first win over the Trojans (3-4) in five years of Saginaw Valley League play together.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Detroit Catholic Central 27, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 20 This matchup definitely lived up to season-long anticipation, as Detroit Catholic Central came back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to pull closer to a potential third-straight Catholic High School League Central title – the Shamrocks (7-0) can clinch a share this week against one-win Toledo St. Francis de Sales. Gideon Gash scored twice during the fourth quarter and Ryan Jaafar ran for the eventual game-winner with 10 seconds to play against the Eaglets (5-2). Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
COMEBACK COMPLETE WITH 10 SECONDS LEFT! 🚨 Down 14 in the fourth quarter, No. 1 Detroit Catholic Central (@DCCfootball) storms back and takes the lead on Ryan Jaafar's (@ryanjaafar5) 4-yard touchdown against No. 4 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s! 🤯 Powered by @CallSam https://t.co/KmHK0oUIJk
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 10, 2026
Watch list Gibraltar Carlson 31, Brownstown Woodhaven 28 The Marauders (7-0) have won 17 straight Downriver League games and are working toward a potential sixth-straight conference championship with two games to play – including a Week 9 matchup with second-place Allen Park. Austyn Lawrence threw three touchdown passes to help send Woodhaven (5-2) into a tie for third place.
On the move Northville 30, Belleville 7 Three teams are tied for first in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Black – these two and Dearborn Fordson – with one league game to play. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic 42, Allen Park Cabrini 21 Shrine (7-0) clinched a share of the CHSL Intersectional 2 title by winning this matchup of teams that entered the night undefeated in league play. Detroit Central 6, Detroit Denby 2 These two finished the conference schedule among three teams tied atop the Detroit Public School League Gold standings (with Detroit Cody) and will meet again this week in a city championship game.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Howell 14, Brighton 13 This rivalry filed away another exciting chapter as the Highlanders clinched a share of the KLAA Gold title. Howell (7-0) has now defeated Brighton (4-3) in four straight, including twice in 2024, and can claim the league title outright this week against Dearborn Heights Crestwood. Click for more from State Champs! Sports Network.
Watch list Ithaca 48, Saginaw Valley Lutheran 7 The Yellowjackets (7-0) avenged last season’s one-point loss to Valley Lutheran (5-2) to this time clinch the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title outright. Ithaca this season has now given up only 26 points – fewer than four per game.
On the move Mason 45, Williamston 14 The Bulldogs (7-0) completed a similarly defense-dominated run through the Capital Area Activities Conference Red, clinching an outright title with this win while giving up no more than 17 points in any game this fall. Clare 48, Midland Bullock Creek 35 The Pioneers (3-4) are pushing back toward a potential spot in the Division 5 playoff field and gave Gladwin an assist in its outright championship by knocking Bullock Creek (4-3) out of the race for a share of the JPC1 title. Okemos 45, Lansing Waverly 12 From 2020-23, Okemos didn’t win a game, which helps explain how the Wolves’ five wins this fall equal their total from the last seven seasons combined.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Traverse City West 31, Mount Pleasant 29 The Titans (4-3) threw a curveball into the Saginaw Valley League North race as Mount Pleasant (6-1) entered this game with an opportunity to clinch a share of the title, but now has become one of three teams with a chance to win it outright. West is another, thanks in part to Landon Henfling’s last-minute go-ahead field goal. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list East Jordan 53, Johannesburg-Lewiston 16 The Red Devils (6-1) pulled to within one more win of clinching a share of the Northern Michigan Football Conference title but do face fourth-place Frankfort this week and second-place (tie) Harbor Springs in the regular-season finale.
On the move Maple City Glen Lake 33, Frankfort 0 Glen Lake (5-2) is tied for Harbor Springs for second in the NMFC and will be rooting for Frankfort (5-2) this week and hoping for an East Jordan misstep. Kingsley 55, Boyne City 12 Kingsley (7-0) clinched a share of the Northern Shores Conference title, but Boyne City (3-4) also moved up one spot to No. 36 on the Division 6 playoff-points average list. Petoskey 35, Alpena 0 The Northmen (5-2) kept themselves in play to clinch a share of the Big North Conference championship with a win over first-place Marquette this week.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Clinton 30, Ida 22 Amazingly, four teams are tied for first in the Lenawee County Athletic Association with one more week of league games to play, in part thanks to Clinton’s win over Ida (6-1) – with those two joined by Adrian Madison and Hudson at the top of the standings. Clinton (6-1) scored on a 66-yard pass midway through the fourth quarter to go ahead for good and play a major part in creating a scenario guaranteed to produce two co-champions. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Springport 28, Union City 14 The Spartans (6-1) still need one more win to clinch a share of the Big 8 Conference title, but now sit alone atop the standings after handing second-place Union City (6-1) its lone defeat.
On the move Hanover-Horton 52, Leslie 28 Hanover-Horton (6-1) won this matchup of Cascades Conference divisional champions, and now faces Manchester, which shared the North title with the Blackhawks (4-3). Napoleon 50, Brooklyn Columbia Central 15 The Pirates (6-1) won this matchup for second place in the Cascades Conference South, but also maintained valuable position in the Division 6 playoff hunt in case these two meet again in the postseason. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 27, Riverview 14 The Falcons (7-0) did their part to set up a winner-take-all this week in the Huron League against Monroe Jefferson, while also sending Riverview (4-3) out of the top 32 on the Division 3 playoff-points average list.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Vicksburg 37, Niles 21 The Bulldogs had lost by 35, 35 and 50 points to Niles the last three seasons as Niles went on to win three straight Wolverine Conference championships. But with this win, Vicksburg maintained its share of first place heading into this week’s matchup with co-leader Edwardsburg. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Berrien Springs 35, Hopkins 0 Aside from clinching a share of the Lakeland Conference title, this has to be Berrien Springs’ most notable win this season as Hopkins also entered undefeated. The victory sent the Shamrocks (7-0) from No. 7 to No. 3 on the Division 5 playoff-points list, while dropping Hopkins (6-1) only two spots to No. 7.
On the move Constantine 39, Lawton 6 Constantine (6-1) will need help from Coloma this week against first-place Kalamazoo United to gain a share of the Southwestern Athletic Conference title, but downing third-place Lawton (5-2) did earn the Falcons that opportunity. Bronson 40, Quincy 24 Bronson (5-2) remains mathematically in the hunt for a share of the Big 8 Conference title, but more importantly at this point bumped up six spots to No. 20 in the Division 7 playoff-points list by downing Quincy (4-3). Stevensville Lakeshore 35, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 0 The Lancers (6-1) jumped six spots to No. 4 on the Division 4 playoff-points list with a big win over Division 1 Loy Norrix (4-3).
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Marquette 49, Gaylord 13 Marquette has earned a share of the Big North Conference championship, its first since joining the league four years ago, and as noted above can clinch the title outright this week against Petoskey. The Sentinels (5-2) also avenged last season’s one-point loss to Gaylord (3-4) to move up two spots in the potential Division 3 playoff field to No. 21. Click for more from Upper Michigan’s Source.
Watch list Escanaba 21, Calumet 20 Escanaba (3-4) received a major boost to its playoff chances as this win bumped the team up four spots to No. 38 on the Division 4 playoff points list while Calumet (4-3) fell six spots in Division 6 to No. 20.
On the move Menominee 38, Negaunee 28 The Maroons (7-0) played their closest game of the season but held on to set up a winner-take-all in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper this week against Kingsford. Kingsford 15, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Flivvers (7-0) did their part as well to set up that matchup, surviving only their second single-digit challenge this fall. Westwood (2-5) still moved up two spots to No. 38 on the Division 6 playoff points list despite the defeat. Bark River Harris 44, Hancock 14 The Broncos (6-1) secured a share of the West-PAC Iron title after withstanding Hancock (3-4), which is tied for third in the league.
West Michigan
HEADLINER East Kentwood 49, Caledonia 27 East Kentwood (7-0) still must win one of the next two games to clinch a share of the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red title, but this one was a major obstacle as Caledonia (5-2) also entered the weekend undefeated in league play. The Falcons face seventh-place Holland West Ottawa this week before closing against reigning champ Hudsonville. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Watch list Grand Rapids Christian 29, Grand Rapids West Catholic 28 (OT) The Eagles (2-5) still have work to do to climb into the playoff hunt, but this came off 37 and 22-point losses to West Catholic (5-2) over the last two years and pushed Forest Hills Eastern back into a tie for first with the Falcons in the O-K White with one week of league games to play.
On the move Muskegon Mona Shores 44, Muskegon 21 Mona Shores (6-1) clinched a share of the O-K Green title by avenging last season’s 16-point loss to the Big Reds (3-4). Zeeland West 36, Hudsonville Unity Christian 0 The Dux (6-1) will need a win by Zeeland East over Grand Rapids South Christian this week to pick up a share of the O-K Gold title, but set themselves up for that opportunity by sending Unity (4-3) into a tie for third. Muskegon Orchard View 19, Fremont 16 Orchard View (5-2) ended Fremont’s title chances in the West Michigan Conference Lakes and while doing so jumped seven spots to No. 12 on the Division 5 playoff points list.
8-Player
HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 60, Merrill 20 Montabella (6-1) claimed this winner-take-all for the Mid-State Activities Conference Blue title with another stunning offensive performance, but may have been even more impressive on defense. Merrill (6-1) was averaging nearly 52 points per game entering the title decider. The Mustangs have won three straight league championships. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Watch list Pittsford 60, Litchfield 54 Pittsford (5-2) bounced back from a big Week 6 nonleague loss to Concord to hand Litchfield (6-1) its only defeat this fall and clinch a share of the Southern Central Athletic Association Blue title. Pittsford has won 17 straight league games and can claim a third-straight outright championship this week against Waldron.
On the move Lake Linden-Hubbell 42, Crystal Falls Forest Park 38 Lake Linden-Hubbell (7-0) guaranteed itself a share of a second-straight league title and can claim the Great Lakes Eight Conference West outright by winning just one of its next two games. Forest Park (5-2) is one of three league teams with two league losses and slim hopes of still gaining a share. Pickford 36, Indian River Inland Lakes 30 (2OT) Pickford finished an outright championship in the Bridge Alliance Straits by navigating its most substantial league challenge, from Inland Lakes (4-3). St. Ignace 34, Rudyard 18 While the Saints (6-1) weren’t able to catch Pickford in the Straits, they did continue to strengthen their position in the Division 2 playoff chase with this win over the Bulldogs (5-2).
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PHOTOS (Top) A pair of Muskegon Mona Shores players breaks up a play during their win against Muskegon. (Middle) Fowler’s Eli Thelen (8) is brought down by Bath’s Lorenzo Gonzalez (23) and Hunter Tolliver (2) during the Eagles’ 53-0 win. (Below) Menominee’s Kiefer Chouincard (11) gets a hand on the ball and dislodges it as he and Nathan Nelson (44) make a tackle against Negaunee. (Mona Shores/Muskegon photo by Tim Reilly. Fowler/Bath photo by John Johnson. Menominee/Negaunee photo by Cara Kamps.)