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.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 8 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 16, 2025
A sense of urgency builds throughout the football regular season – and we’re right on schedule again this fall, although we might be reaching the peak even a little early with another week of games still to play.
Week 8 has it all – a pair of matchups featuring undefeated teams with league titles on the line, several more winner-take-all championship showdowns, and of course plenty of games that could decide who’s in and who’s home when playoff brackets are plugged in Oct. 26.
In addition to following scores on the MHSAA Scores page and watching games on the NFHS Network, you’ll also want to keep a close eye this weekend on the Playoff Point Summary page as it will give you a real-time look at which teams are still in the hunt to continue playing in November.
Bay & Thumb
Davison at Grand Blanc WATCH
Grand Blanc took back the upper hand in this rivalry last season with a 55-49 win after Davison swept regular-season and playoff matchups in 2022 and 2023. These two easily could face off in the postseason again next month as well, but first this meeting will end either with Grand Blanc winning the Saginaw Valley League South outright or Davison claiming a share with one more league game to play. Neither has had a league game closer than 21 points this fall.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Harrison (6-1) at Gladwin (4-3), Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (6-1) at Harbor Beach (7-0) WATCH, Freeland (6-1) at Frankenmuth (6-1) WATCH. SATURDAY Fenton (5-2) at Goodrich (7-0) WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Detroit Martin Luther King (5-2) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (7-0) at Ford Field WATCH
This will be the sixth season in a row these two will meet for a second time in a city championship game, and two of the last three seasons the series has ended in a split. Cass Tech won the first meeting this fall 27-22 in Week 4. That game was played over two days, with Cass Tech taking a 27-0 lead into the stoppage in the middle of the third quarter but King scoring all 22 points when the teams reconvened the following day.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Farmington (6-1) at Clarkston (6-1) WATCH, Grand Ledge (6-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (7-0), Detroit Pershing (5-2) vs. Detroit Denby (5-2) at Ford Field WATCH, Detroit Edison (6-1) at Ecorse (6-1).
Mid-Michigan
Howell (6-1) at Brighton (6-1) WATCH
For the second season in a row, these two will meet in the final week of Kensington Lakes Activities Association West play to decide some portion of the league championship. A year ago, Howell won 36-14 to finish an outright title, and then defeated the Bulldogs again 35-33 in a Division 1 District Final. This time, Brighton is undefeated in league play and Howell has a loss – but with the possibility of a Highlanders’ victory creating a three-way shared championship between these two and Northville.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ithaca (6-1) at Fowler (5-2) WATCH, New Lothrop (5-2) at Ovid-Elsie (5-2), Charlotte (4-3) at Portland (7-0), Midland (4-3) at Mount Pleasant (7-0) WATCH.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Jackson Lumen Christi (4-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (6-1), Saturday
St. Francis is coming off its only loss, 63-38 to reigning Division 5 champion Pontiac Notre Dame Prep a week ago – but that also followed a pair of close wins that resulted in the Gladiators winning the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legends championship. Things obviously don’t get easier this week in this preview of a possible Division 6 playoff showdown. The reigning Division 6 champion Titans do have a win over Notre Dame Prep, 54-34 back in Week 2, and went on to share the Catholic High School League AA title.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Boyne City (5-2) at Charlevoix (7-0) WATCH, Sanford Meridian (5-2) at Ogemaw Heights (6-1) WATCH, Kingsley (5-2) at Kalkaska (5-2) WATCH, Beal City (7-0) at LeRoy Pine River (5-2).
Southeast & Border
Macomb Lutheran North (7-0) at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (7-0)
There are multiple league championship deciders in the southeastern part of the state this week, but this is one of only two matchups statewide of undefeated teams. The winner claims the CHSL Intersectional 1 title outright, with Lutheran North seeking to finish a third-straight perfect run through the league and FGR seeking its first perfect league run since 2009. The Mustangs have given up only 48 points this season, but might see its greatest challenge from a Fighting Irish offense that has scored at least 42 points in every game and at least 50 in six.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (6-1) at Monroe Jefferson (7-0), Ypsilanti Lincoln (6-1) at Chelsea (6-1) WATCH, Temperance Bedford (4-3) at Saline (6-1) WATCH, Napoleon (5-2) at Michigan Center (7-0) WATCH.
Southwest Corridor
White Pigeon (6-1) at Decatur (5-2)
Although White Pigeon’s loss to Bronson last week took a bit of the punch out of this matchup, it’s still packed with possibilities. A Decatur win would give the Raiders an outright Southwest 10 Conference title, while a White Pigeon victory would create a three-way share among them. The Chiefs have won the last two meetings, including 14-6 a year ago, and had given up only 12 points over their first six games before allowing 32 to Bronson. Decatur defeated Bronson in Week 2, 26-20 in double overtime.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hastings (5-2) at Coldwater (6-1) WATCH, Williamston (7-0) at Dowagiac (5-2) WATCH, Paw Paw (4-3) at Three Rivers (4-3) WATCH, Edwardsburg (6-1) at Vicksburg (4-3) WATCH.
Upper Peninsula
Menominee (7-0) at Kingsford (6-1) WATCH
This matchup has title implications in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper for the third season in a row, and is a winner-take-all for the second straight. Kingsford has won 18 straight league games, including 14-12 over Menominee a year ago, and the Flivvers’ only loss this season was 21-18 to Escanaba in their season opener. The Maroons haven’t played a game closer than 10 points this season and is seeking its first win over Kingsford since 2022.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY West Iron County (3-3) at Bark River-Harris (5-1) WATCH, Gladstone (3-4) at Calumet (5-2) WATCH, Negaunee (4-3) at Houghton (2-5).
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0) at Grand Rapids Northview (5-2)
Northview can’t catch Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black. But the Wildcats can break up the Cougars’ perfect season and prevent them from claiming the league title outright. Catholic Central claimed a share last week against Holland Christian and sits a game ahead of East Grand Rapids after winning their Week 4 meeting 10-7. Northview won last year’s matchup 12-3 on the way to claiming the O-K Black title outright, and bounced back from two midseason losses with a win over Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills last week.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hudsonville Unity Christian (7-0) at Grand Rapids South Christian (4-3) WATCH, East Kentwood (5-2) at Grandville (4-3), Howard City Tri County (5-2) at Kent City (7-0) WATCH, Wyoming Kelloggsville (5-2) at Wyoming Godwin Heights (6-1).
8-Player
Merrill (6-1) at Blanchard Montabella (7-0) WATCH
Montabella has enjoyed some of its most consistent success the last two seasons and carries a 10-game league winning streak into this winner-take-all for the Mid-State Activities Conference Blue title. To repeat, the Mustangs must go through Merrill, which gave them their closest league game in 2024, a 20-12 win. The Vandals are seeking their first league championship since 2022 and could also see Montabella in the Division 1 playoffs.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Powers North Central (5-2) at Gogebic (7-0) WATCH, Waldron (5-2) at Pittsford (6-1) WATCH, Climax-Scotts (6-1) at Mendon (7-0) WATCH, Bridgman (6-1) at New Buffalo (7-0).
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 As the rain falls, Pewamo-Westphalia's Ty Thelen celebrates a score during his team's win last week over Fowler. (Photo by Jim Pivarnik.)