Logo

Drive for Detroit: Week 4 Preview

September 15, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Predicting anything after three weeks of a high school football season is a fruitless endeavor, as so much can change over the next six weeks of play.

But no fewer than 16 leagues across Michigan could eventually see this fall’s championship races affected significantly by what plays out on fields over the next 48 hours.

This week’s “Drive for Detroit” preview – powered by MI Student Aid – highlights a handful of key matchups and mentions many more below; we’ll discuss all of the ramifications that emerge in Monday’s weekend in review.

(Games below are Friday; for the full weekend schedule including Thursday and Saturday games, visit the MHSAA Score Center.)

Bay & Thumb

Alma (3-0) at Freeland (3-0)

Freeland is 7-1 against Alma over the teams’ last eight meetings and off to another fast start after making Division 5 Regional Finals and losing only one regular-season game over the last two seasons. But Alma beat Saginaw Swan Valley last week for the first time since 2011 to earn a 3-0 start for the first time since 2012 – the same season the Panthers got that most recent win against tonight’s Tri-Valley Conference Central opponent.  

Others that caught my eye: Roscommon (3-0) at Beaverton (2-1), Almont (2-1) at Croswell-Lexington (2-1), Linden (2-1) at Flushing (2-1), Saginaw Nouvel (2-1) at Bay City John Glenn (2-1).

Greater Detroit

West Bloomfield (2-1) at Farmington Hills Harrison (2-1)

These Oakland County neighbors re-stoked their rivalry last season for the first time since 2006, with West Bloomfield claiming a 20-14 Week 9 win. The Lakers are following the strong arm of quarterback Bryce Veasley, who has thrown for 543 yards and five touchdowns over his team’s last two games. But he’s taking on a defense this week that has given up more than 20 points only three times – twice to East Kentwood and the third in a Division 2 Semifinal – over its last 17 games.  

Others that caught my eye: Detroit East English (2-1) at Detroit Denby (3-0), St. Clair Shores South Lake (3-0) at Warren Fitzgerald (3-0), Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (2-1) at Utica Eisenhower (3-0), Birmingham Brother Rice (2-1) at Warren DeLaSalle (2-1).

Mid-Michigan

Lansing Catholic (3-0) at Portland (3-0)

This Capital Area Activities Conference White rivalry game is always a matchup of differing styles, and the result has been an even split of their last eight meetings. The Cougars’ wide open attack is led this year by dual-threat quarterback Michael Lynn III, with Portland’s physical running game paced by Logan Lefke among a collection of backs. Lynn threw for 161 yards and ran for 80 and two touchdowns in last week’s win over Everett, but the Raiders didn’t give up a point over the last two weeks to Hillsdale and Fowlerville – and are able to control the clock by grinding out yards on the ground.

Others that caught my eye: DeWitt (2-1) at Mason (3-0), Lake City (2-1) at Beal City (1-2), Flint Hamady (2-1) at New Lothrop (3-0), Bath (2-1) at Pewamo-Westphalia (3-0).

Northern Lower Peninsula

Portage Central (3-0) at Traverse City Central (3-0)

Some potential league title-deciding games from this region are mentioned below, but it’s tough not to highlight a matchup of undefeated powers who went a combined 17-3 a year ago. Traverse City Central is coming off an emotional 10-8 win over rival West last week and is giving up a meager 174 yards of offense per game. That sounds a lot like Portage Central, which downed rival Stevensville Lakeshore 37-0 in Week 3 and has given up eight points this season.

Others that caught my eye: Leroy Pine River (2-1) at McBain (3-0), St. Ignace (2-1) at East Jordan (3-0), AuGres-Sims (3-0) at Lincoln Alcona (2-1), Maple City Glen Lake (2-1) at Onekama (3-0).

Southeast & Border

Temperance Bedford (3-0) at Saline (3-0)

The difference in Bedford this season can be measured in part by its results against the same early opponents over the last two years; the Mules have outscored Toledo St. Francis de Sales, Fenton and Ann Arbor Pioneer by a combined 117-70 this fall after those three outscored Bedford by a combined 109-76 in kicking the Mules off to an 0-3 start a year ago. Next up is Saline, which beat Bedford 43-0 in 2015 and just got past winless Ann Arbor Skyline 24-21 last week – but also is 26-2 without a regular-season loss since falling on opening night in 2014.

Others that caught my eye: Ida (3-0) at Brooklyn Columbia Central (2-1), Hudson (3-0) at Dundee (2-1), Manchester (2-1) at Grass Lake (3-0), Sand Creek (3-0) at Morenci (2-1).

Southwest Corridor

Paw Paw (2-1) at Edwardsburg (3-0)

The Eddies are absolutely rolling, again, with three wins by a combined 145-14 score to take the lone lead in the Wolverine Conference. But Paw Paw has come closer than most over the last few seasons, and after Vicksburg in Week 3 of 2014 was the next most-recent team, in Week 9 of 2012, to hand Edwardsburg a regular-season defeat. The Redskins did drop a 14-6 heartbreaker to Sturgis last week, but scored first and outgained the Trojans before a late touchdown led to the final result.

Others that caught my eye: Niles (3-0) at Portage Northern (1-2), St. Joseph (3-0) at Stevensville Lakeshore (2-1), Berrien Springs (1-1) at Cassopolis (3-0), Sturgis (2-1) at Three Rivers (2-1).

Upper Peninsula

Negaunee (3-0) at Iron Mountain (3-0)

This may decide, and at the least will play a major role, in determining the Mid-Peninsula Conference title winner. Iron Mountain is back in the mix thanks to a Week 1 win over three-time reigning champion Ishpeming and has to be confident again having split the last six meetings with the powerful Miners. Negaunee has finished league runner-up two of the last three seasons and will bring a bullish attack that’s run for nearly 900 yards already this season; Neal Violetta had 475 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and Shane Ring has run for 228 yards and five scores.

Others that caught my eye: Newberry (3-0) at Felch North Dickinson (2-1), Calumet (2-1) at Houghton (3-0), Escanaba (3-0) at Marquette (1-2), Ishpeming (1-1) at Ishpeming Westwood (1-2).

West Michigan

Grandville (3-0) at Hudsonville (3-0)

Not only is Grandville off to its best on-field start since 2001 (the Bulldogs opened 2012 3-0 but received a forfeit win), but they’ve dominated giving up only 22 points total and scoring at least 44 in all three of their first games. The numbers don’t flash as much for Hudsonville because of the quality opponents the Eagles have beaten, including handing the only losses so far to 2015 playoff teams Grand Ledge and East Kentwood. The winner tonight will earn an enviable, although not entirely secure position atop the competitive Ottawa-Kent Conference Red.  

Others that caught my eye: Grand Rapids South Christian (2-1) at Grand Rapids Christian (3-0), Byron Center (3-0) at Muskegon (2-1), Ludington (3-0) at Muskegon Catholic Central (3-0), Rockford (1-2) at Caledonia (1-2).

8-Player

Peck (3-0) at Deckerville (3-0)

This is the top 8-player rivalry of a strong 8-player thumb area, and Peck no doubt has been aching to get another shot at the Eagles after falling to them 50-6 in Week 8 and then 30-6 in the first round of last season’s playoffs. Deckerville is off to another dominating start, outscoring its first three opponents by a combined 128-20 after reaching MHSAA Semifinals the last two years.

Others that caught my eye: Onaway (2-1) at Cedarville (3-0), Rudyard (2-1) at Posen (2-1).

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: Alma ran past Birch Run in Week 1 and hopes to move to 4-0 this weekend against Freeland. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)

Grand Blanc quarterback Jake Morrow throws a pass Friday with a Davison rusher in pursuit.

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.)