Drive for Detroit: Week 1 in Review
September 3, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Let’s start our first weekly review of MHSAA football action with some of the results you won’t see among our list of most significant from opening weekend:
Kent City’s first opening night win over Ravenna in 15 tries and Beal City’s incredible 61-0 win over rival Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart. Kalamazoo Central’s 14-13 win over neighbor Loy Norrix and Kinde-North Huron’s 28-14 win over reigning MHSAA 8-player champion Deckerville.
All are big-time results, no doubt. But below I’ve tried to tell you about five more from each region of our state, organized by the winner in each game, that might have bigger impacts as we move immediately forward with most leagues schedules kicking off in three days.
West Michigan
Zeeland West 44, Detroit Country Day 28
Country Day came into this season with plenty of deserved hype returning most of its star power from last season’s run to the MHSAA Division 4 Final. But Zeeland West has plenty of championship experience too, and its tough running proved too much for the Yellowjackets. Click to read more from the Oakland Press.
Also noted:
East Grand Rapids 24, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 7 – The Pioneers began making up for last season’s first playoff miss since 2000 with a solid win over another perennial power.
Grand Rapids Christian 41, Grand Rapids South Christian 13 – New faces abound, but the reigning Division 3 champion won big over last season’s Division 4 title winner.
Muskegon Oakridge 31, Grand Rapids West Catholic 25 – The Eagles are soaring high to start this fall after finishing 2012 with a 13-6 District Final loss to West Catholic.
Rockford 23, Utica Eisenhower 6 – Given these teams’ histories, no one would be stunned if they met again in 13 weeks in the MHSAA Division 1 Final.
Greater Detroit
Oak Park 25, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 20
Oak Park entered its opener with the opportunity to show last season’s historic run wasn’t over with 2012’s final horn. Four touchdowns during the second half against the reigning MHSAA Division 3 runner-up proved the Knights will be talked about plenty again in 2013. Read more in the Detroit Free Press.
Also noted:
Detroit Cass Tech 18, Southfield 14 – Two-time reigning Division 1 champion Cass Tech and quarterback Jayru Campbell edged an improved Bluejays team to start 1-0.
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 27, Dearborn 20 (2 OT) – Chippewa Valley also beat Dearborn on opening night last season on the way to its first playoff berth in three seasons; this one could be prove just as important.
Rochester Adams 12, Clarkston 7 – Coming off its first playoff miss since 1996, Adams won for the first time in its last four tries against one of the biggest and best programs in the state.
Lake Orion 35, Oxford 30 – If this was an indication, these two should again be contenders in their respective divisions of the Oakland Activities Association. Lake Orion has held the Double "O" Pigskin Trophy three of four seasons since the series was restarted in 2010; the teams formerly played for the prize from 1962-83.
Southwest and Border
Battle Creek Harper Creek 27, Mattawan 7
Both of these teams should be contenders in their respective divisions of the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference, and both will run their way to success again this fall. It will be interesting to see in eight weeks just how similar their paths finish after a game that would’ve been much closer if not for some untimely Mattawan turnovers. Click to read more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Also noted:
Battle Creek Central 15, Benton Harbor 0 – The Bearcats ended their 18-game winless streak with their first shutout since 2007.
Portage Central 55, Sturgis 0 – Sturgis has a Division 1 college prospect in quarterback Chance Stewart, which made this arguably the most impressive defensive performance statewide.
Watervliet 43, Gobles 14 – Simply put, this was a solid nonleague matchup between teams that each won eight games last season. Watervliet has the head start on repeating that feat.
Edwardsburg 34, Otsego 7 – Different teams, same story as above as both are playoff regulars that should again be in the mix by the end of the season.
Bay and Thumb
Saginaw Swan Valley 27, Saginaw Nouvel 20
Both might end this season at Ford Field after Swan Valley missed by one win a year ago and Nouvel missed by two after winning Division 7 in 2011. But as for the best in Saginaw, it looks like the Vikings at this point after running back Alex Grace ran for more than 200 yards in one of the state’s most intriguing openers. Click to read more from the Saginaw News.
Also noted:
New Lothrop 28, Traverse City St. Francis 7 – The Hornets traveled north for a tough opener and came back with plenty of momentum for the Genesee Area Conference Blue schedule.
Hemlock 19, Frankenmuth 12 – Hemlock, the 2012 Tri-Valley Conference Central champion, held on to beat the 2012 TVC East winner.
Montrose 38, Reese 8 – This looked to be a close game between 10-win teams from a year ago, but Montrose instead avenged last season’s 21-point loss to the Rockets in a bigger way.
Saginaw Arthur Hill 24, Goodrich 14 – Arthur Hill has struggled since it last playoff berth in 2008, but appears on the rebound with this reversal of a 41-6 loss to Goodrich in 2012.
Mid-Michigan
Ithaca 57, Williamston 13
This wasn’t really close, but was significant nonetheless. The win was Ithaca’s 43rd straight, tying the record for longest victory streak in MHSAA history in which all games were won during the playoff era. This week, the Yellowjackets face rival St. Charles with a chance to move up the list again. Click to read more from the Lansing State Journal.
Also noted:
Jackson Northwest 35, Hillsdale 20 – Only a record performance by Ithaca could trump what might be Northwest’s best football win since the mid-2000s. Hillsdale is coming off an 11-win season, and Northwest has won one game in each of the last three years.
Lansing Sexton 21, Chelsea 14 – Beating a team with 14 straight playoff berths will no doubt help the Big Reds return to the postseason after missing last season.
Pewamo-Westphalia 20, Lansing Catholic 7 – This reversed a 24-point loss to the Cougars last season as the Pirates began their quest for a third straight MHSAA Semifinals run.
Eaton Rapids 44, Leslie 0 – New Greyhounds coach Mike Smith, most known from his success at Holt, started his Eaton Rapids rebuilding effort with the team’s biggest win since 1996.
Upper Peninsula
Negaunee 36, Manistique 30
Negaunee had to be on its game for a tough Mid-Peninsula Conference opener against another playoff team from 2012. But the Miners held on through a late Manistique run and scored last to open league play and the season 1-0. Big plays were key, as Negaunee scored on an 80-yard kickoff return and 66-yard run. The Miners continued claim of the Oscar Wassberg Trophy, named for the former coach of both teams. Click to read more from the Marquette Mining Journal.
Also noted:
Cedarville 42, Posen 40 – The Trojans didn’t feel much of a challenge until Week 8 last season, but survived this one to kick off its 8-player season.
Ishpeming 36, Iron Mountain 0 – The reigning MHSAA Division 7 champion kept rolling with a win over another playoff team from last season.
Bessemer 28, Hancock 26 (OT) – The last three games between these two have been decided by a touchdown or less, but all in favor of the Bessemer-led co-op.
Marquette 31, Traverse City Central 23 – Marquette should get a solid boost at playoff selection time from this win as it goes for a fourth straight postseason berth.
Lower Up North
Reed City 39, Big Rapids 26
As stated earlier last week, this game eventually decided last season’s Central State Activities Association title in favor of Reed City. This was the fourth straight opening-night win for the Coyotes over rival Big Rapids. This game is played for the Pioneer Trophy. Click to read more from the Cadillac News.
Also noted:
Alpena 15, Escanaba 7 – Alpena has won only one game in each of the last two seasons and was outscored by Escanaba by a combined 72-0 over 2011 and 2012.
Hillman 55, Gaylord St. Mary 54 – These teams combined for only 41 points when they met to open 2012. This time, they qualified for the MHSAA record book.
Charlevoix 20, St. Ignace 0 – Coming off one win in 2012, and against a team that was 24-2 combined over the last two seasons, Charlevoix pulled off one of the biggest upsets statewide.
Maple City Glen Lake 27, Boyne City 13 – Glen Lake continued rolling off last season’s best finish in more than a decade by beating again the team it defeated to open the 2012 playoffs.
Trophy Games
Each week the MHSAA highlights trophy games played across the state. A few were mentioned above, with these the rest we knew about heading into the weekend.
- Bull Bowl – This is one of our newest trophies, established in 2011 for the opener between Fremont and Sparta. The Spartans gained a 2-1 advantage in the series last week. Final: Sparta 6, Fremont 0.
- Battle of 127 Trophy – Hudson and Addison have met for a number of years for this trophy sponsored by a local insurance company and local automotive group. Final: Hudson 46, Addison 0.
- Battle for The Paddle – Neighbors Sanford Meridian and Bullock Creek have met on opening night for the last dozen seasons. Bullock Creek owns a 7-5 advantage during that time. Final: Meridian 26, Bullock Creek 22.
- State Bank Traveling Trophy – Linden and Fenton have played for this prize dating to 1976, including on opening night the last two seasons. Final: Fenton 39, Linden 27.
- Little Brown Jug – Two games were played for these last week: Napoleon and Brooklyn Columbia Central continuing a series begun in 1967, and Manton and Mesick. Finals: Manton 29, Mesick 0; Columbia Central 26, Napoleon 18.
- Border Battle Cheese Trophy – Hurley (Wis.) made it eight straight opening-night wins over rival Ironwood. Final: Hurley 47, Ironwood 7.
PHOTO: Grand Ledge made this stop, but fell a few short in a 16-14 opening-night loss at home against East Kentwood.
Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 1 Preview
October 26, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Michigan’s high school football championship quest is set to begin this weekend in historic fashion, with a record 288 teams taking part in this 43rd MHSAA Playoffs.
So let’s get right to it. Our “Drive for Detroit” previews powered by MI Student Aid will follow a similar format as during the regular season, except that instead of organizing the must-watch games by region we’ll pick out some of the most intriguing from every division – including the two 8-player divisions in something of a “March to Marquette.”
There are a variety of options to watch 13 playoff games live tonight – click Prep Zone for four free broadcasts from FOX Sports Detroit and check out the MHSAA.tv schedule – and be sure to keep up with all of the scores and new pairings as they’re created on the MHSAA playoff scoreboard page. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard.
11-Player Division 1
Saline (7-1) at Canton (8-1), Friday
This is a rematch of last season’s District Final, a 37-31 Saline win. The Hornets are coming back from a week off after winning the Southeastern Conference Red. They’ve won seven straight since falling to Rockford on opening night, and few teams have had as much playoff success of late – Saline has played in three straight Regional Finals and four over the last five seasons. Like Saline, Canton also fell on opening night – to Muskegon Mona Shores – but has won eight straight on the way to the overall Kensington Lakes Activities Association title. The Chiefs also are quietly are as familiar with the playoffs as any program; Canton will be making its 16th appearance in 17 seasons.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Grandville (6-3) at Holland West Ottawa (8-1), Bloomfield Hills (6-3) at West Bloomfield (7-2), Romeo (7-2) at Rochester Adams (8-1), Rockford (6-3) at Grand Ledge (8-1).
11-Player Division 2
Birmingham Brother Rice (6-3) at Birmingham Groves (7-2), Friday
These two have met in District games in 2016, 2014 and 2013, with Groves winning last season’s 24-0 to claim a District Final after falling badly in their first two recent meetings. The Falcons are Oakland Activities Association White co-champions but coming off a 49-26 loss to OAA Red co-champ West Bloomfield. Brother Rice has rattled off four straight wins including two over playoff teams and could be hitting stride offensively. The Warriors’ combined 97 points over the last two weeks were 43 percent of their total this season.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Portage Central (7-2) at Muskegon Mona Shores (8-1), Lowell (6-3) at Flushing (7-2), Livonia Churchill (7-2) at Pinckney (8-1), Warren DeLaSalle (7-2) at Ferndale (8-1).
11-Player Division 3
Grand Rapids Christian (7-2) at DeWitt (8-1), Friday
This is a rematch from opening night, when Grand Rapids Christian got up big and held off DeWitt’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt to win 38-30. The Panthers rebounded immediately to defeat Grand Ledge the next week for the unofficial title of Greater Lansing’s best team, and they haven’t given up more than 14 points in a game since falling to the Eagles. Christian mostly navigated the competitive Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold schedule, falling only to East Grand Rapids until last week’s unexpected 24-20 loss to two-win Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. Many eyes will be watching to see if the Eagles bounce back this time as the winner has the possibility of seeing EGR in the District Final.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Zeeland West (6-3) at Zeeland East (9-0), Coldwater (6-3) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (9-0), St. Joseph (7-2) at Stevensville Lakeshore (8-1), Redford Thurston (6-3) at Romulus (6-3).
11-Player Division 4
Wyoming Godwin Heights (7-2) at Wyoming Kelloggsville (9-0), Friday
Few rivalries have enjoyed the level of back-and-forth this one has rolled out over the last four seasons, and this will be the first playoff rematch. Kelloggsville won this season’s first meeting in Week 6 by a point, last season’s by two points and the 2014 game by four. In the middle, Godwin Heights claimed a two-point win in 2015. In part because of that 21-20 victory four weeks ago, Kelloggsville went on to finish as champ of an O-K Silver that sent four teams to the playoffs.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Williamston (5-4) at Lake Fenton (8-1), Coopersville (6-3) at Comstock Park (6-3), Benton Harbor (5-4) at Edwardsburg (8-1), Vicksburg (7-2) at Three Rivers (7-2).
11-Player Division 5
Gladstone (7-2) at Kingsford (7-1), Friday
Gladstone has enjoyed its best season since 2008, winning the Mid-Peninsula Conference after moving into that league this season from the Great Northern Conference. Despite taking its two losses over the last three weeks, the Braves tuned up for the offseason against former GNC foe Escanaba and Calumet, two more of the best in the Upper Peninsula. They’ll hope that extra prep work pays off against arguably the number one team north of Mackinac Bridge, GNC champion Kingsford, which has beaten Gladstone in 18 straight.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Grant (6-3) at Newaygo (7-2), Carrollton (6-3) at Freeland (6-3), Lansing Catholic (7-2) at Olivet (8-1), Richmond (7-2) at Marine City (7-2).
11-Player Division 6
Detroit Henry Ford (6-3) at Warren Michigan Collegiate (9-0), Friday
This District provides an interesting gauge for a pair of Detroit leagues that don’t frequently cross paths. Henry Ford and Central in the other Pre-District opener are from the Detroit Public School League – Ford finished fourth in the Green behind Division 1 Cass Tech, Division 3 Cody and Division 4 Mumford. Michigan Collegiate, from the Charter School Conference, built the highest playoff point average in Division 6 by winning that league ahead of Division 4 Harper Woods Chandler Park while also earning significant nonleague wins over Division 4 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Division 1 Walled Lake Central.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Maple City Glen Lake (6-2) at Boyne City (9-0), Morley Stanwood (7-2) at Kent City (9-0), Schoolcraft (5-4) at Watervliet (9-0), Detroit Central (7-2) at Clinton Township Clintondale (7-2).
11-Player Division 7
Riverview Gabriel Richard (8-1) at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (9-0), Friday
This is another opportunity for two programs already enjoying historic success this fall. Gabriel Richard is 8-1 for the first time since 1980 after finishing second in the Detroit Catholic League Intersectional I and has won a playoff game only once before – two seasons ago. Lutheran Northwest won the Michigan Independent Athletic Conference title with its second 9-0 season since starting the program in 1987 – and a win tonight also would be its second playoff win ever, adding to the first that came after starting 10-0 in 2008.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (6-3) at Pewamo-Westphalia (8-1), Flint Hamady (7-2) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (8-1), Clinton (6-3) at Hudson (8-1). SATURDAY Ishpeming Westwood (8-1) at Elk Rapids (7-2).
11-Player Division 8
Ubly (7-2) at Harbor Beach (8-1), Friday
Only two weeks ago, Harbor Beach downed Ubly 26-14 to win the outright Greater Thumb Conference East championship. How much has changed in 14 days? Perhaps not much, but the rematch could be even closer especially considering Ubly won the previous two meetings before falling Oct. 13. The rivals are plenty familiar with each other, but Ubly more so with the playoffs – the Bearcats made the Semifinals a year ago, while Harbor Beach’s last playoff berth turned into the Semifinal run of 2014.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Newberry (6-2) at Frankfort (6-2), Johannesburg-Lewiston (6-3) at Lincoln Alcona (7-2), Petersburg-Summerfield (6-3) at Morenci (6-3), Waterford Our Lady (6-2) at Clarkston Everest Collegiate (7-2).
8-Player Division 1
Rudyard (7-2) at Cedarville (7-2), Friday
These two tied for second place (with Engadine) in the Bridge Alliance and also had the same playoff point average; Cedarville broke the tie to host this Pre-Regional with its 46-28 opening night win over the Bulldogs. A year ago, the Trojans lost their last three regular-season games and were out of the playoffs the first week; this season they lost two straight in Weeks 7 and 8 but rebounded last week to beat a Brimley team by 50 that may have made the playoffs with a win. Rudyard, on the other hand, fell to league champion Pickford 53-14 last week and has to bounce back quickly to continue its best season since 2011 in 11-player.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Mayville (5-4) at Deckerville (8-1), Kingston (7-2) at Morrice (8-1), Lawrence (4-5) at Camden-Frontier (9-0), SATURDAY Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (6-3) at Suttons Bay (6-3).
8-Player Division 2
Powers North Central (6-2) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (6-2), Friday
These two (with Stephenson) also tied for second place in their league, the Western Eight Conference, behind Rapid River. North Central, the reigning 8-player champion, handed the Rockets a first of two straight losses two weeks ago – and the winner of this game could face Rapid River again in the Regional Final. Forest Park won the first meeting with North Central, 66-58 in Week 2, as both were breaking in new playmakers who now have plenty of experience and lots of opportunity in a division that appears wide open.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Engadine (7-2) at Rapid River (7-2), Bay City All Saints (6-3) at Marion (7-2), Bellaire (5-4) at Onekama (8-1), SATURDAY Battle Creek St. Philip at Flint International Academy (7-2).
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: Deckerville downed league rival Mayville 42-8 on Sept. 8; they will meet again this weekend in an 8-player Division 2 opener. (Click for more from Varsity Monthly.)