Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 2 Review

November 6, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

From 288 to 144 to 72, these MHSAA Football Playoffs are shaking out a little differently than the last few seasons.

All in all, this fall’s postseason over the first two weeks has included more surprises than what seem usual. This week’s action was endured through uncharacteristic stormy weather – and saw two more of last season’s finalists leave the field, meaning this month’s championship games will include at least nine teams that didn’t play for titles a year ago.

Below is a look at games from every division that especially jumped out as 11-player District champions and 8-player Regional champions were celebrated. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard, and “Drive for Detroit” is sponsored by MI Student Aid.

11-Player Division 1

Canton 28, Belleville 25

The Chiefs (10-1) ran their winning streak this fall to 10 straight and reached 10 wins for the second time in three seasons by putting up the second-most points given up by a stellar Belleville defense this fall. The Tigers (10-1) were allowing only 7.5 points per game heading into the District Final, and finished with their best record since also going 10-1 in 1995. Click for more from the Detroit News.

Also noted:

Holland West Ottawa 33, Rockford 28 – The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red champion Panthers (10-1) downed runner-up Rockford (7-4) the second time this season as both games were decided by five points.

Detroit Cass Tech 27, Dearborn Fordson 22 – A late score and then defensive stand gave Cass Tech (8-2) its eighth straight District title and Fordson (9-2) only its second loss of its best season since 2014.

Utica Eisenhower 10, Rochester Adams 6 – Eisenhower (11-0) crossed for the game’s only touchdowns with 1:33 to play in what was the lowest-scoring game for both teams this fall; Adams finished 9-2.

Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 45, Macomb Dakota 20 – Chippewa Valley (10-1) reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2003 with its second victory this season over rival Dakota (7-4). 

11-Player Division 2

Traverse City Central 17, Traverse City West 14

Central ran its recent record against neighbor West to five wins in six games by avenging the 29-27 Week 3 defeat to the Titans (9-2) that ended up deciding the Big North Conference. Central (8-3) scored the eventual winning points with just under two minutes to play as the teams met in the playoffs for the second straight season. The District title was Central’s first since West opened in 1997. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Also noted:

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 28, Muskegon Mona Shores 21 – The Rangers (11-0) tied a program record for wins set in 1994 by holding Mona Shores (9-2) to its fewest points this season.

Flushing 28, Fenton 21 – Flushing (9-2) hadn’t beaten rival Fenton (9-2) during their four years together in the Flint Metro League, including a 52-35 defeat in Week 7, but did so this time to win a District title after not making the playoffs the last two years.

Livonia Franklin 21, Livonia Churchill 19 – Franklin’s 14-point loss to Churchill in Week 4 ended up deciding the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Gold title for the Chargers (8-3), but this rematch win gave Franklin (9-2) its second District title in three seasons.

Ypsilanti Lincoln 21, Wyandotte Roosevelt 19 – Lincoln (9-2) is making history every week, first with its first playoff win ever on Oct. 27 and now with its first District title after stopping a two-point conversion that would’ve pulled previously-undefeated Roosevelt (10-1) even late. 

11-Player Division 3

Riverview 38, Gibraltar Carlson 14

The Pirates (10-1) have enjoyed one of the best turnaround seasons in Michigan this fall. This win gave them their first District title since 2004 and double-digit wins in a season also for the first time since that season, to go with a Huron League title – all after finishing just 2-7 a year ago. Carlson (9-2) also has reason to be pleased despite the loss; the Marauders were 4-5 a year ago and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2009. Click for more from the Southgate News-Herald.

Also noted:

DeWitt 36, Cedar Springs 12 – The Panthers (10-1) reached double-digit wins for the 13th time in 17 seasons by stopping an offense that was scoring 40 points per game heading into the night; Cedar Springs finished 7-4.

Battle Creek Harper Creek 42, Stevensville Lakeshore 24 – Harper Creek (11-0) won a matchup of league champions to claim its first District title since 2012, also the last season it had faced (and lost to) Lakeshore (9-2).

Farmington Hills Harrison 33, Warren Woods-Tower 0 – The Hawks (8-3) secured their third District title in five years but first since 2014 by shutting down a Titans offense averaging nearly 34 points per game; Woods-Tower finished 8-3.

Muskegon 55, Zeeland West 20 – West (7-4) scored first, but Muskegon (11-0) scored the next 28 to claim a sixth straight District title. 

11-Player Division 4

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 45, Wyoming Kelloggsville 34

The reigning Division 4 champion Cougars (11-0) held off a serious threat from Kelloggsville, which came back from a big deficit to lead in the third quarter. But the Rockets (10-1) ultimately couldn’t stop GRCC standout back Nolan Fugate, who shined again against a defense giving up only 14 points per game entering the night. Click for more from WOODTV.

Also noted:

Williamston 47, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 21 – It’s seemed like there was something to be said for the Hornets (7-4) losing four games this season by a combined 21 points; they made a statement winning their first District title since 2010 by putting up the most points allowed this season by Notre Dame Prep (8-3).

Belding 55, Comstock Park 49 – Belding (9-2) has won its playoff games by a combined eight points to get to its best record since 1998; Comstock Park (7-4) capped a great run coming back from 2-7 a year ago.

Edwardsburg 30, Three Rivers 12 – The best of the Wolverine Conference have been taking turns dealing each other heartache, but Edwardsburg (10-1) ended up with the league and now also a District title by avenging a Week 7 loss to Three Rivers (8-3).

River Rouge 35, Chelsea 10 – The Panthers (9-2) clinched their fourth straight District title while denying Chelsea (9-2) the same accomplishment. 

11-Player Division 5

Frankenmuth 42, Marine City 23

This wasn’t nearly as dramatic as Frankenmuth’s first-round win over Almont, when the Eagles (11-0) scored the winning points with just more than two seconds to play. But a second-half comeback still was required to get this District Final win, which helped Frankenmuth tie its record for victories in a season. Marine City finished 8-3, bouncing back from 4-5 a year ago and with its best record since 2014. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Also noted:

Menominee 24, Kingsford 21 – The Flivvers (8-2) were the best of the Great Northern Conference during the regular season, but Menominee (8-3) is moving on with a ninth straight District title thanks to avenging its 42-21 loss to Kingsford from Week 8.

Portland 35, Lansing Catholic 0 – The Raiders (10-1) avoided a similar fate in facing rival Lansing Catholic (8-3) for the second time, posting a third straight shutout to claim their first District title since 2012.

Algonac 24, Ida 16 – The Muskrats (10-1) have won 10 or more games now for the third straight season, this time by outlasting an Ida team hoping to accomplish the same; the Bluestreaks finished 8-3 and are 20-6 over the last three seasons.

Reed City 34, Clare 7 – The Coyotes (10-1) made it six 10-win seasons over the last seven with a third District title in four seasons; Clare (9-2) still finished with its best record since 2012. 

11-Player Division 6

Montague 37, Kent City 13

For the second time in three weeks, Montague dealt an opponent the first loss of its season – and in this case, the only loss this fall for Kent City. The Eagles (10-1) hadn’t given up more than 29 points in a game, and Montague (11-0) also shut down a Kent City offense averaging 43 points per contest entering the weekend. The District title was Montague’s first since 2011. Click for more from Local Sports Journal.

Also noted:

Traverse City St. Francis 13, Maple City Glen Lake 0 – Although closer in the rematch, St. Francis (10-1) finished a sweep of the Lakers (7-3), last year’s Division 6 runner-up.

Watervliet 58, Delton Kellogg 50 – After three weeks scoring only 36 points in each game, Watervliet (11-0) popped back over 50 for the eighth time this season and just in time to hold off a second try from league foe Delton (6-5) – which earned its most wins this fall since 2001.

Blissfield 27, Brooklyn Columbia Central 17 – The Royals (7-4) also finished a sweep of a league mate, downing Columbia Central (7-4) for the second time to win a first District title since 2007 and after going only 4-5 a year ago.

Warren Michigan Collegiate 38, Detroit Central 34 – The Cougars (11-0) tied their school record for wins, and this was a big one for the Charter School Conference as well against a Detroit Public School League tournament winner in Central (8-3).  

11-Player Division 7

Pewamo-Westphalia 35, New Lothrop 14

Reigning Division 7 champion P-W has won 24 of its last 25 games, and the Pirates leapt another giant obstacle on their repeat quest by handing New Lothrop (10-1) its lone defeat of the fall. The Hornets had won four straight District titles but were held to their fewest points since last season’s Regional Final loss. P-W has won six straight District titles. Click for more from FOX17.

Also noted:

Lake City 25, Ishpeming Westwood 16 – The Trojans (11-0) reached 11 wins for the first time with their first District title since 2013 as Westwood (9-2) ended its winningest season.

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 18, Cass City 14 – The two meetings between the best in the Greater Thumb Conference West went similarly this season; champion Laker (7-3) won in Week 5 by six points and this time by four over league runner-up Cass City (9-2).

Cassopolis 31, Reading 16 – The Rangers (10-1) won their third straight District title by holding Reading (8-3) to only 130 yards and while gaining only 186.

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 19, Hudson 16 – The Falcons (7-4) earned their first District title since 2014 on a field goal during the final seconds after Hudson (9-2) came back to tie the score late. 

11-Player Division 8

Mendon 26, Muskegon Catholic Central 15

Mendon made the weekend’s biggest football splash by eliminating the reigning four-time champion in this division. The Hornets (11-0) muscled to 364 yards rushing while throwing the ball only once to win their first District title since 2014 and beat MCC for the first time since 2011. The Crusaders (8-2) did manage 338 total yards, going to the air nine times during a rainy afternoon, but were able to put up only their second-fewest points over the last two seasons. Click for more from JoeInsider.com.

Also noted:

Frankfort 53, Gaylord St. Mary 30 – The Panthers (8-2) broke 50 points for the fourth time but first since Week 5 to win a third straight District title and end the best season for St. Mary (10-1) since 2003.

Lincoln Alcona 56, Hillman 34 – The Tigers (9-2) secured their first District championship against a familiar opponent, having also beaten Hillman (6-5) to open the North Star League schedule in Week 2.

Saginaw Nouvel 27, Harbor Beach 26 – The Panthers (11-0) won their first District title since 2012 thanks to a fourth-down touchdown with just more than a minute to play after Harbor Beach (9-2) built a 12-point lead.

Climax-Scotts 14, Pittsford 13 – The Wildcats (9-2) handed Climax-Scotts its first league loss since 2008 in Week 8, but the Panthers (9-2) avenged to earn a third straight District title. 

8-Player Division 1

Deckerville 38, Morrice 0

The Eagles (10-1) left no doubt in this rematch of North Central Thumb League Stars champions, avenging the 33-32 loss to the Orioles suffered in Week 6. The win also gave Deckerville its fifth Regional title in six seasons since making the switch from 11-player, while Morrice ended 9-2 after going only 4-5 a year ago. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.

Also noted:

Stephenson 30, Cedarville 24 – The Eagles (9-2) earned their first Semifinal berth as the last Upper Peninsula team standing in this division, handing Cedarville (8-3) its second loss by six or fewer points this fall.

Central Lake 58, Suttons Bay 26 – The Trojans (11-0) tied their program record for wins set in 2006 with a second victory this season over another first-year 8-player program in Suttons Bay (7-4).

Bellevue 60, Lawrence 24 – This postseason has featured Bellevue’s first playoff win since 2010 and now its first advancement ever to the third round plus its first time reaching double-digit wins (at 10-1); Lawrence ended 5-6 after opening the playoffs by upsetting Camden-Frontier. 

8-Player Division 2

Pickford 26, Onekama 14

Pickford earned a second straight trip to the Semifinals with one of the most impressive defensive performances in 8-player this season. The Panthers (11-0), who are giving up only 10 points per game, held to 14 an Onekama offense that entered averaging 51. The Portagers finished their first season of 8-player at 9-2. Click for more from the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News.

Also noted:

Crystal Falls Forest Park 62, Engadine 20 – The Trojans are 9-2 for the second season in a row after making the switch to 8-player and put more points on Engadine (8-3) than the Eagles had given up in a game since Week 2 of 2015.

Kinde-North Huron 38, Bay City All Saints 36 – This rematch of the NCTL Stripes’ top teams fell the same way, although closer than when champion North Huron (10-1) beat runner-up All Saints (7-4) by 10 points in Week 9.

Portland St. Patrick 50, Flint International Academy 0 – The Shamrocks (10-1) advanced to their first Semifinal since 2012 with their second shutout of the season, limiting a Blazers offense averaging 44 points per game entering the weekend; International finished 8-3.

Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews and reviews 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: Mendon and Muskegon Catholic Central locked up for a rainy, muddy Division 8 District Final on Saturday. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 8 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 20, 2025

The words “winner-take-all” appears in this week’s 1st & Goal Review 10 times referring to games played this weekend.

MI Student AidAs schedules tend to rotate annually or every few years, in just about every league across Michigan, to have that many winner-take-all conference championship matchups work out to fall during the same weekend is just incredible luck.

They certainly were the theme of Week 8, as we nearly finished up those races and turned even more of our attention to the playoff chase soon to begin.  

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Grand Blanc 57, Davison 29 In one of two games statewide between undefeated teams, Grand Blanc (8-0) dominated in clinching the Saginaw Valley League South championship. Quarterback Jake Morrow was among headliners as the Bobcats scored a season high in handing Davison (7-1) its lone defeat. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

Watch list Frankenmuth 27, Freeland 13 The Eagles (7-1) ran their winning streak over rival Freeland (6-2) to seven by locking up this winner-take-all matchup for the outright Tri-Valley Conference Red championship. Frankenmuth hasn’t lost a league game since 2014.

On the move Goodrich 21, Fenton 20 This concluded Sunday because of Saturday night storms, and the Martians (8-0) held on to claim a second-straight overall Flint Metro League title and after also facing Fenton (5-3) for the championship a year ago. Harbor Beach 20, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 6 The Pirates (8-0) need one more win – albeit against a tough Millington team this week – to lock up a second-straight perfect regular season after downing another solid opponent in Laker (6-2). Flint Elite 34, Burton Bendle 8 Elite, a cooperative of New Standard Academy and Burton Madison Academy, improved a 7-1 and clinched a share of the Genesee Area Conference championship with a solid win over Bendle (5-3), which also can clinch a share this week. 

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Detroit Cass Tech 35, Detroit Martin Luther King 19 The Technicians (8-0) finished a season sweep of King (6-3) and ran their winning streak over the Crusaders to three with a fourth-straight Public School League Blue city championship. One more win this weekend would will give Cass Tech its first perfect regular season (not including shortened 2020) since 2018. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.

Watch list Warren Fitzgerald 36, Port Huron Northern 23 Fitzgerald (7-1) added to its perfect run through the Macomb Area Conference Gold with this notable victory over the MAC Blue champion Huskies (6-2). Although the Spartans did make the playoffs the last two seasons, this is guaranteed to be their first with a winning record since 2021.

On the move Detroit Denby 20, Detroit Pershing 6 After opening this season 0-2, Denby (6-2) began and finished PSL play with wins over Pershing (5-3), this one in the Gold city championship game. Detroit Edison 27, Ecorse 8 The Pioneers (7-1) finished an outright league title run in the Charter School Conference Gold, winning the tie-breaker over Romulus Summit Academy North because of a 26-14 victory in their Week 3 matchup. Utica 26, Macomb Dakota 17 After losing its league opener, Utica (6-2) still ended up with a share of the MAC White title and ran its winning streak to five games by avenging 35-0 and 31-0 losses to Dakota (6-2) from a year ago.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Howell 37, Brighton 28 The Highlanders (7-1) had been chasing the lead in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West since falling to Northville during the second week of the league schedule. They finally caught up and earned a share of the title by getting past co-champ Brighton (6-2), extending their winning streak over the Bulldogs to four. Click for more from the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.

Watch list Mount Pleasant 10, Midland 0 The Oilers (8-0) finished a perfect run through the SVL North with their closest win of the season, avenging last year’s 10-7 loss to the Chemics (4-4).

On the move Fowler 48, Ithaca 28 These two small-school powers most recently met in a 2023 playoff opener, won by Ithaca 28-27, but they won’t see each other again this fall with Fowler (6-2) in Division 8 and Ithaca (6-2) in Division 7. Beal City 49, LeRoy Pine River 6 The Aggies (8-0) finished their Highland Conference championship run with four shutouts in seven league games and giving up only 21 total in league play. Portland 49, Charlotte 7 The Raiders (8-0) capped another perfect run through the Capital Area Activities Association White, while Charlotte (4-4) will need to jump seven spots this week to make the Division 4 playoff bracket. 

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Charlevoix 13, Boyne City 12 With both teams already done with league competition, this played like a playoff game as Charlevoix (8-0) moved within one more win of achieving a first perfect regular season since 1977 (not counting shortened 2020). The Rayders also had lost three of their previous four against the Ramblers (5-3), including last year’s matchup 45-21. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

Watch list Harbor Springs 34, Oscoda 22 After three straight winless seasons, Harbor Springs is 4-4 with a chance for its winningest since 2019.

On the move Ogemaw Heights 34, Sanford Meridian 0 The Falcons (7-1) posted their second-straight shutout in downing Meridian (5-3) in this matchup of Jack Pine Conference division champions. East Jordan 25, Frankfort 14 East Jordan (5-3) is No. 19 on the Division 8 playoff list and Frankfort (5-3) is No. 23 after the Red Devils’ fourth-straight win in the series. Kingsley 63, Kalkaska 8 The Stags (6-2) prepped to face Charlevoix this week by scoring their most points this season and holding Kalkaska (5-3) to its fewest.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richad 44, Macomb Lutheran North 19 Matthew Hoban and James Milanovich both scored three touchdowns as FGR (8-0) finished a perfect run through the Catholic High School League Intersectional #1, ending Lutheran North’s two-year reign and also handing the Mustangs (7-1) their only loss. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 20, Monroe Jefferson 15 The Huron League finished play with three champions as the Falcons (7-1) bounced back from a Week 7 loss to Riverview to hand Jefferson (7-1) its lone defeat – giving all three a share of the title.

On the move Springport 35, Union City 34 The Spartans (8-0) capped a Big 8 Conference outright championship march by getting past second-place Union City (5-3) by the closest of margins, as a few points the other way would’ve meant a shared title. Michigan Center 46, Napoleon 14 These two faced off in a winner-take-all for the Cascades Conference East title, with the Cardinals (8-0) reversing the scenario from when Napoleon (5-3) won their matchup and the league in 2023. Jackson Lumen Christi 27, Traverse City St. Francis 12 No championship was on the line with this showdown, but this could end up the preview of a late-playoff Division 6 matchup as Lumen (5-3) sits No. 2 on that division’s list and St. Francis (6-2) is No. 11.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Decatur 22, White Pigeon 14 Decatur’s first win over White Pigeon in three seasons gave the Raiders the outright championship in the Southwest 10 Conference – after White Pigeon defeated Decatur in a winner-take-all for last year’s title. They may meet again; Decatur (6-2) is No. 9 and White Pigeon (6-2) is No. 13 on the Division 8 playoff list. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Watch list Battle Creek Harper Creek 41, Marshall 22 The Beavers (7-1) clinched a share of the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference title and can claim the championship outright this week at Jackson Northwest. A perfect run through league play would be their first since 2017.

On the move Paw Paw 43, Three Rivers 0 The Red Wolves (5-3) have now won five straight after opening 0-3 against opponents that are a combined 22-2. Vicksburg 38, Edwardsburg 35 The Bulldogs (5-3) bounced back from a pair of tough losses to defeat Edwardsburg (6-2) for the first time since 2014. St. Joseph 37, Battle Creek Central 18 The Bears (5-3) have won five of their last six games and put Central in position as one of several 4-4 teams working for a playoff spot in Division 2.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Menominee 49, Kingsford 14 Another hard-fought race in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper was decided as Menominee came up big in a winner-take-all after Kingsford (6-2) did the same versus the Maroons to clinch the outright title a year ago. Menominee (8-0) also remains in the hunt for its first perfect regular season since 2015. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily Reporter.

Watch list Marquette 21, Cadillac 12 The Sentinels (5-3) are sitting No. 27 on the Division 3 playoff list after a fourth win over their last five games – but with Kingsford up next to complete the regular season.

On the move Bark River-Harris 44, West Iron County 7 The Broncos (6-1) completed a perfect run through the West-PAC Iron and sit No. 12 on the Division 8 playoff list, with the Wykons (3-4) still holding out hope at No. 36. Negaunee 42, Houghton 6 The Miners (5-3) are holding at No. 26 on the Division 5 playoff list, with a tough home matchup with Iron Mountain this week. Calumet 46, Gladstone 3 Calumet (6-2) ended up third in the West-PAC Copper, its losses to the league leaders, but one more win will give the Copper Kings their most since 2021.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Hudsonville Unity Christian 42, Grand Rapids South Christian 14 When last these two met, South Christian (4-4) avenged a 50-21 regular-season loss by ending Unity’s 2024 season with a 35-28 District Semifinal defeat. They may meet again in these Division 4 playoffs as well – but at this moment, Unity (8-0) is the repeat Ottawa-Kent Conference Green outright champion. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Wyoming Godwin Heights 41, Wyoming Kelloggsville 22 A ninth-straight win over the rival Rockets (5-3) sent Godwin Heights (7-1) into one of the few remaining league championship games this weekend as the Wolverines will face Belding in a winner-take-all for the O-K Silver title.

On the move Kent City 24, Howard City Tri County 21 After surviving its closest game this season, Kent City (8-0) this week against Grant will pursue its first perfect regular season since 2017. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 35, Grand Rapids Northview 7 The Cougars (8-0) finished a perfect run through the O-K Black by avenging last season’s loss to Northview (5-3). Grand Rapids West Catholic 31, Ada Forest Hills Eastern 21 The Falcons have won 19 straight league games and now four straight league championships including two consecutive in the O-K Green.

8-Player

HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 36, Merrill 26 Montabella (8-0) wrapped up a repeat championship in the Mid-State Activities Conference Blue by claiming this winner-take-all matchup, and can complete a first perfect regular season during the playoff era this week against Portland St. Patrick. Montabella also is No. 3 on the Division 1 playoff list, while Merrill (6-2) is tied for the No. 11 spot. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.

Watch list Pittsford 52, Waldron 44 The Southern Central Athletic Association Blue title belongs to Pittsford after another winner-take-all matchup. The Wildcats (7-1) finished a second-straight perfect run through the league and handed Waldron (5-3) its only conference defeat.

On the move Powers North Central 38, Gogebic 34 The Jets (6-2) have swooped in to create a three-way tie for first in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West with the Miners (7-1) and Lake Linden-Hubbell and one league game left to play. Mendon 46, Climax-Scotts 20 The Hornets (8-0) won a winner-take-all in the SCAA Red, further avenging a 46-44 loss to Climax-Scotts last season that allowed the Panthers to do the same. Bridgman 44, New Buffalo 8 The Bees (7-1) handed the Bison (7-1) their only loss this season in claiming a winner-take-all for the Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League title.

MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). 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 scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTO Grand Blanc quarterback Jake Morrow throws a pass Friday with a Davison rusher in pursuit. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)