Drive for Detroit: Week 1 in Review
August 27, 2012
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Two months from now, the majority of successes and failures from the opening weekend of high school football won't have made or broken most of the more than 600 teams playing in the MHSAA this fall.
But players, coaches and fans all over the state will still be talking about some of the tremendous matchups that once again marked the first nights of the season.
To identify the best of those games, it was easy to simply point toward Detroit or Grand Rapids. But that would've been too easy; below, the most significant results from every corner of our expansive state.
Greater Detroit
Detroit Cass Tech 25, Birmingham Brother Rice 18
A late start was worth the wait for those who stuck around for the finale of the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State. Not that anyone was doubting Cass Tech’s defense, but it was especially impressive given the standouts the Technicians graduated after last season’s Division 1 championship run. The loss will no doubt pay off for the reigning Division 2 champion Warriors too – they’ve made the playoffs with at least three losses the last four seasons, and made it to at least the Semifinals in two of those four. Click to read more from the Detroit Free Press.
Also noted:
Southfield 21, Martin Luther King 20 (2 OT) – The Bluejays edged another Detroit PSL favorite in the second-best game of the Classic; the teams combined for 17 wins last season.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 17, Almont 14 – University of Michigan women’s soccer prospect Taylor Timko drilled a 35-yard field goal for the final lead with 2:48 to play.
Troy 24, Romeo 20 – Romeo has made the playoffs eight straight seasons, so Troy has additional reason to be glad after a losing season in 2011.
Carleton Airport 25, Adrian 24 – After finishing last season with a 28-21 playoff-opening loss to Adrian, Airport edged the Maples in a game that will no doubt have rankings implications.
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 59, Zeeland West 58
The Dux hadn’t lost since the 2010 playoffs after going undefeated in winning Division 4 last season. But Forest Hills Central got a start on its drive for a third-straight playoff berth as these teams combined for 117 points – tied for 11th in the MHSAA record book for games in which the losing team scored at least 40. Click to read more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
Grand Rapids Catholic Central 33, East Grand Rapids 14 – Interesting “did you know” ... the Cougars were 2-10 against East Grand Rapids going back to 1987 before this impressive win.
Fruitport 21, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer 20 – The Trojans hung on for their fourth straight opening-night win over the Rockets.
Lowell 16, Rockford 6 – Lowell had a new quarterback and Rockford was missing its starter, but both will no doubt be putting up many more points as the fall goes on.
Muskegon 21, Orchard Lake St. Mary 14 – The Big Reds’ first four opponents include three of the best teams in the state regardless of division, but they got off to a quick start by downing the reigning Division 3 champion.
Mid-Michigan
DeWitt 38, Mount Pleasant 14
The Panthers stacked impressive offensive numbers against the reigning Division 3 runner-up Oilers, who had won 32 straight regular-season games. New quarterback Jordan Johnson, a sophomore, threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for two scores for DeWitt.
Also noted:
Farwell 61, Coleman 54 – This ranks 13th in the MHSAA record book for total combined points in games in which the losing team scored at least 40.
Mendon 27, Fowler 7 – This replay of last season’s Division 8 Final again went Mendon’s way, but was much closer throughout.
Holt 24, Hudsonville 21 – With its annual game against Rockford no doubt a little on their minds, Holt’s Rams went to Hudsonville and first avenged another 2011 loss.
Lansing Catholic 45, Pewamo-Westphalia 21 – The Cougars look to be the quicker of the two reigning MHSAA runners-up to rebuild, with plenty of points potential despite a new quarterback and a number of other first-year starters.
Bay and Thumb
Richmond 25, Marine City 24
Knocking off the reigning Division 4 runner-up is a great way for Richmond to get rolling after two straight losing seasons. The Blue Devils recovered an on-side kick to get the ball back for the go-ahead drive. Read more from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
Also noted:
Midland 29, Canton 28 (OT) – This big-time matchup might’ve gotten lost in the Detroit and Grand Rapids area slugfests, but Midland’s win was one of the most solid of the weekend as both teams stand to be among the best in Division 1 this fall.
Deckerville 32, Carsonville-Port Sanilac 12 – The Eagles might find themselves fans of the 8-player game quickly after beating the reigning MHSAA champion in their first game since switching from 11 players.
Linden 17, Fenton 15 – These two have been playoff regulars, but this win could be especially key for Linden after it lost to Fenton by three in 2011 and just got into the postseason at 5-4.
Reese 47, Montrose 26 – Both of these teams could find themselves atop league standings when the regular season is done.
Upper Peninsula
Ishpeming 34, Iron Mountain 0
Last season Iron Mountain won this matchup and finished a game ahead of Ishpeming in the Mid-Peninsula Athletic Conference. But it appears the Hematites could be heavy favorites this fall after this dominating performance. Read more from the Marquette Mining Journal.
Also noted:
Rock Mid-Peninsula 26, Bellaire 22 – The Wolverines went 2-8 last season after three years without a team, making this win over an 8-player power all the more significant.
Norway 12, Niagara (WI) Northern Elite 9 – Norway scored with less than a minute remaining to avenge last season’s one-point loss.
Marquette 34, Detroit Denby 12 – The home team prevailed, but the neater part was that this game was played at all between opponents with a nine-hour drive between them.
Iron River West Iron County 19, Pittsford 16 – Opponents from even farther apart than Marquette and Denby met somewhat in the middle Saturday in St. Ignace for a hard-fought contest.
Lower Up North
Kingsley 18, Traverse City St. Francis 0
This was one of the state’s biggest stunners for a few reasons: Kingsley lost to St. Francis 57-8 last season, with the Gladiators then going on to the Division 7 Semifinals; Kingsley then lost an all-state running back early Friday. But the defense didn’t break. Read more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Also noted:
Boyne City 22, McBain 14 – Boyne City bounced back quickly from its 2011 losing season by beating a team that had a combined 19 wins over the last two.
Manistee 36, Ludington 34 – This made two seasons in a row that Manistee won by less than a field goal; in 2011 the score was 40-39.
Johannesburg-Lewiston 28, Atlanta 26 – The Cardinals had beaten Atlanta by an average of nearly 47 points over the last three seasons before having to survive this one.
Southwest and Border
Portage Central 36, Battle Creek Harper Creek 32
The Mustangs had a hard fall last season from 9-2 in 2010 to just 3-6, and were shut out by Harper Creek 24-0; Harper Creek went on to finish 12-1 and advance to the Division 3 Semifinals. But Portage Central again could be in at least its league title mix after coming back from a three-score deficit in this opener. Click to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Also noted:
Dowagiac 21, Vicksburg 7 – Dowagiac had its best finish in 15 years last season, but lost to Vicksburg 6-3; the Chieftains hope this revenge win is the start of another special run.
Quincy 7, Bronson 6 – The Orioles had lost five straight to Bronson, and missed qualifying for the playoffs last season by just a win.
Lawton 21, Cassopolis Ross Beatty 19 – Lawton made it two straight on opening night over the Rangers; both made the playoffs last season.
Trophy Games
Each week, the MHSAA highlights trophy games around the state. Here's a list of those from Week 1.
- The Sword: Bloomfield Hills Andover and Bloomfield Hills Lahser met on the gridiron for the last time in the regular season. The two schools will merge next year. The teams annually played for The Sword. Final: Lahser 70, Andover 7.
- Brown Jug Games: Two such games were played last week, Mesick at Manton and Brooklyn Columbia Central at Napoleon. Finals: Manton 41, Mesick 6; Columbia Central 28, Napoleon 6.
- Totem Pole: Battle Creek Central was at Kalamazoo Central on Friday. This is said to be the longest running rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains, with the two schools playing games since 1893. Final: Kalamazoo Central 20, Battle Creek Central 0.
- Addison and Hudson met on Friday in Hudson, and the two teams have played for a trophy for a number of years sponsored by a local insurance company and a local automotive group. Final: Hudson 41, Addison 0
- Cheese Log: A border battle between Ironwood and Hurley (WI) took place at Ironwood on Friday, and a cheese log has historically been on the line in this game. Final: Hurley 49, Ironwood 7.
PHOTO: East Lansing junior running back Kenny Washington took a hand-off and looked to turn the corner during Friday's 38-18 win at Haslett.
1st & Goal: 2025 11-Player Semifinals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 20, 2025
One more win.
For all 32 teams playing in 11-Player Semifinals on Saturday, that's all it will take to reach the final weekend of this season and an opportunity to play their last game of 2025 at Ford Field.
But it means so much more as well. For 11 teams, its means continuing an undefeated season. For five teams, it means a chance to repeat as a champion.
For six teams, it means continuing the longest playoff run in school history – and for one more, in guarantees that team will accomplish the same when it steps on the field for an MHSAA Final for the first time.
Here's a glance at all 16 games and some of the standouts who could make the difference. All games kick off at 1 p.m. unless noted below, and all can be watched on the NFHS Network at the links provided.
Division 1
East Kentwood (10-2) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Jackson WATCH
East Kentwood’s first Semifinal run since 2014 has been partly on the shoulders of senior quarterback Kayd Coffman, who has thrown for 2,599 yards and 34 touchdowns and also run for a team-high 686 yards and eight scores. Detroit Catholic Central is making a repeat trip to the Semifinals with a big-armed quarterback directing as well. Junior Duke Banta has thrown for 2,091 yards and 26 scores.
Detroit Cass Tech (12-0) vs. Rochester Adams (10-2) at Troy Athens WATCH
Reigning Division 1 champion Cass Tech relies on some especially notable familiar faces, among them senior Corey Sadler Jr., who is averaging 27.5 yards per catch with 1,406 yards and 19 touchdowns receiving total. Adams also is a repeat semifinalist and led by dual-threat senior quarterback Ryland Watters. He’s thrown for 1,348 yards and 13 touchdowns and run for a team-high 14 scores.
Division 2
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-2) vs. Portage Central (12-0) at Haslett, 12:30 p.m. WATCH
Portage Central is giving up only 5.3 points per game this season, but will receive potentially its greatest challenge from St. Mary’s and junior quarterback Jabin Gonzales – he’s thrown for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns and run for seven scores. The Mustangs will counter in part with sophomore running back Cam Noe, who’s totaled 1,563 yards and 19 touchdowns to pace a rushing attack that’s stacked nearly 3,500 yards.
Birmingham Groves (9-3) vs. Dexter (11-1) at Ypsilanti Lincoln WATCH
Groves is playing in its third Semifinal over the last four seasons and seeking to reach the championship round for the first time. Junior running back Jeremiah Whitley has carried much of the offensive load, running for 1,402 yards and 17 touchdowns. Dexter also is seeking its first Finals appearance after just missing with a close 2022 Semifinals loss. Senior quarterback Cooper Arnedt is just the fourth 11-player quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards, totaling 4,022 and 48 touchdowns through the air this fall. Those 48 TD passes are tied for third-most all-time.
Division 3
Lowell (10-2) vs. Mount Pleasant (12-0) at Greenville WATCH
Senior quarterback Logan Dawson has helped bring Lowell within a win of reaching the Finals for the first time since 2015. He’s run for 1,756 yards and 33 touchdowns and thrown for 923 yards and 14 scores. The Oilers are seeking their first trip to Ford Field since 2011, and follow a dual-threat quarterback as well. Junior Xavier Creguer has thrown for 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns and run for 927 yards and eight scores.
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (6-6) vs. DeWitt (12-0) at Grand Blanc WATCH
Playing in Semifinals is plenty familiar to both of these programs, but this will be their first time facing off in the playoffs. Senior quarterback Trav Moore is one of two 1,000-yard rushers pacing the Panthers, and he’s run for 1,768 yards and 25 touchdowns and thrown for 12 more scores. Sophomore Grayson Thurston has taken over directing the Pilots this season and thrown for 1,788 yards and 17 touchdowns, and run for seven more TDs.
Division 4
Vicksburg (8-4) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (11-1) at Caledonia WATCH
Vicksburg is playing in its first Semifinal after a one-point win over previously-undefeated Portland, and the Bulldogs showed again they’re capable of lighting up the scoreboard led by junior quarterback Easton Moughton (2,748 yards/32 TDs passing). Unity is seeking to return to the Finals for the first time since 2021 and is closing in on 4,000 yards rushing as a team, led by senior quarterback Justin Febus (979 yards/16 TDs rushing, 1,014 yards/18 TDs passing).
Dearborn Divine Child (11-1) vs. Goodrich (12-0) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek WATCH
Reigning champion Goodrich has won 25 straight games and remains physically tough to take down with senior running back Jakoby Lagat (1,973 yards/27 TDs) one of two 1,000-yard rushers this fall. Divine Child has held four of its last five opponents to single digits and opened this fall with five shutouts over its first six games. Senior safety/running back Marcello Vitti is among leaders on both sides of the ball.
Division 5
Ogemaw Heights (11-1) vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic (11-1) at Clare WATCH
West Catholic’s first run to the Semifinals since winning the 2022 Division 6 title has been keyed in part by a pair of 1,000-yard runners and senior quarterback Grady Augustyn, who has thrown for 2,015 yards and 19 touchdowns. Ogemaw Heights is playing in its first Semifinal since 2009, with senior running back Calvin Marshall helping set the pace with 1,140 yards and 21 scores on the ground.
Monroe Jefferson (11-1) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (10-2) at Westland John Glenn WATCH
Reigning champion Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has been led on offense by a familiar standout this fall, as senior quarterback Sam Stowe has completed 70 percent of his passes for 2,498 yards and 38 touchdowns. Jefferson has dominated in the run game – the Bears have rushed for nearly 4,000 yards – but led by a talented quarterback as well, with junior Luke Beaudrie running for a team-high 1,974 yards and 31 touchdowns and throwing for 1,130 yards and 13 more scores.
Division 6
Kingsley (10-2) vs. Kent City (12-0) at Cadillac, Noon WATCH
Kent City’s best season keeps getting better, as the Eagles will play in their first Semifinal and coming off one of their highest-scoring games of the season. Senior Logan Thompson leads a talented set of rushers with 1,121 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Kingsley’s defense should be a good matchup; the Stags have allowed just 24 touchdowns – an average of two per game – with nine interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.
Almont (12-0) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (9-3) WATCH
Reigning champion Jackson Lumen Christi has allowed a combined 21 points over the last four games and can wear down opponents with a rushing attack led by senior running back Paul Sattler (1,153 yards/14 touchdowns). Almont succeeds similarly, with Brody Corneau (1,129 yards/17 touchdowns rushing) helping to set the pace on offense and a defense that has given up just 20 points over three playoff games.
Division 7
Pewamo-Westphalia (11-0) vs. Menominee (12-0) at Gaylord, 2 p.m. WATCH
These undefeated contenders also are no strangers to this late stage of the playoffs, as both have played at Ford Field this decade. Menominee has allowed just 23 points during the playoffs and scored 43 or more in every game, and quarterback Tanner Theuerkauf has done his share of the damage all season with 1,379 yards and 22 TDs passing. P-W also can pile up points, and senior quarterback Ty Thelen has been the catalyst throwing for 1,113 yards and 30 touchdowns and running for 1,163 yards and 23 scores.
Schoolcraft (10-2) vs. Clinton (10-2) at Coldwater WATCH
Schoolcraft is seeking its first trip to the Finals since 2001 and has a penchant for making big plays, with junior quarterback Jack DeVries throwing for 2,105 yards and 27 touchdowns – and averaging more than 20 yards per completion. Over the last two weeks, Clinton has defeated both teams that played for last year’s championship – reigning Division 7 title winner Millington and runner-up Monroe St. Mary – and sophomore quarterback Gradyn Whelan averages 19 yards per completion and is among his team’s leading rushers as well.
Division 8
Bark River-Harris (10-1) vs. Harbor Beach (12-0) at Alpena WATCH
Bark River-Harris is playing in its first Semifinal since 2003, with its only loss this season to Pewamo-Westphalia. Juniors Gionni McDonough (1,353 yards/22 TDs rushing) and Andrew Johnson (1,022/13) pace the offense, and the Broncos are holding opponents to just 88 yards per game running the ball. Harbor Beach is averaging nearly 277 yards rushing per game, with senior quarterback Caden Bucholtz running for 20 touchdowns as one of three Pirates who have scored at least 10 on the ground.
Allen Park Cabrini (11-1) vs. Hudson (12-0) at Adrian College WATCH
Hudson is defeating its opponents by an average of 40 points per game, with Grayson Bills (1,601 yards/21 TDs rushing) leading an offense that has topped 4,800 yards on the ground this fall. Cabrini has held opponents to single-digit scoring eight times during this first run to the Semifinals and lost only to Division 5 Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard. The Monarchs also can turn to junior quarterback Evan Bergdoll, who has thrown for 2,175 yards and 36 touchdowns.
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PHOTO Goodrich's Jakoby Lagat charges upfield during his team's 63-42 Week 9 win over Gladwin. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)