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Drive for Detroit: Week 5 in Review

September 24, 2018

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Friday night football this past week gave us improbable scores like 6-4 and 6-2.

But they only foreshadowed some of the unexpected we’re celebrating in this week’s Drive for Detroit review – including big-time performances by Jenison, Houghton and newly-clinched league champion Manistee, to name just a few.

See below for our look at 45 results from the weekend that particularly stood out. Some are as you’d expect – significant tilts like Davison/Grand Blanc, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley/Macomb Dakota and Brighton/Canton. But many more will become more noteworthy as well as these next four weeks determine league champions and 288 teams that continue into the playoffs.

“Drive for Detroit” is powered by MI Student Aid. 

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Davison 49, Grand Blanc 7 The Saginaw Valley League Blue race, at least for now, is down to Davison and Lapeer after the Cardinals (5-0) came up big in a matchup of previously undefeated teams. It was Davison’s first regular-season matchup with the Bobcats (4-1) since 2011, but extended a winning streak over the new league foe to two including a 2016 playoff victory. Click for more from the Flint Journal and see below for highlights from WJRT.

Also of note: Flint Hamady 46, Swartz Creek 28 The Hawks (5-0) earned some pride for the Genesee Area Conference Blue with a nice win over the Flint Metro League-leading Dragons (4-1).

Remember this one: Beaverton 21, Harrison 0 The Beavers (4-1) held on to first place in the Jack Pine Conference with second-place Clare coming up in two weeks; Harrison (2-3) must win out to guarantee a fifth straight playoff berth.

More shoutouts: Almont 60, Croswell-Lexington 26 The Raiders (5-0) remain tied for first in the Blue Water Area Conference with Richmond after a nice win over the playoff-hopeful Pioneers (3-2). Harbor Beach 36, Ubly 28 The Pirates (4-1) beat Ubly (3-2) for the third time in two seasons (they also met in a playoff opener a year ago) to stay within striking distance of Greater Thumb Conference East leader Sandusky, which they’ll see in Week 8.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 24, Macomb Dakota 17 The Big Reds (5-0) are holding down a first-place tie in the Macomb Area Conference Red with Romeo after handing Dakota (4-1) its first defeat. Chippewa Valley broke free in the third quarter and held off the Cougars in the fourth. Click for more from the Macomb Daily and see highlights below from State Champs Sports Network.

Also of note: Detroit Catholic Central 21, Birmingham Brother Rice 0 It looks like the Shamrocks (4-1) and Warren DeLaSalle will determine the Detroit Catholic League Central title with a solid Brother Rice team taking losses from both in back-to-back weeks to fall to 3-2.

Remember this one: Riverview Gabriel Richard 57, Macomb Lutheran North 54 (4OT) The Pioneers (3-2) set themselves up to play for the Catholic League Intersectional 1 title by outlasting the Mustangs (4-1), who already have more wins than all of last year.

More shoutouts: Detroit Mumford 28, Detroit Cody 22 The Mustangs (3-2) stayed atop the Detroit Public School League Green with a Week 7 matchup with Cass Tech likely to decide the champ – but Cody (4-1) gets a chance against the Technicians first next week. Livonia Churchill 41, Livonia Franklin 35 The Chargers (3-2) avenged last season’s playoff loss to Franklin (3-2), which eventually went on to the Division 2 Semifinals after winning that District title meeting by two.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER: Brighton 23, Canton 17 (OT) Brighton quarterback Will Jontz (also a member of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council) is piling up highlights this season, and a few Friday might eventually lead to his team locking down the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West title. Jontz threw a touchdown pass to put the Bulldogs (4-1) ahead in the fourth quarter and another one in overtime as Brighton stayed atop the league and sent Canton (3-2) into a tie for second. Click for more from the Observer & Eccentric.

Also of note: Portland 16, Lansing Catholic 8 The Capital Area Activities Conference White lead belongs to the Raiders (5-0), who followed Jacob Veale’s 200 yards rushing and a defense that is giving up four points per game. Lansing Catholic (4-1) was strong defensively as well – a great sign especially if these teams meet again in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

Remember this one: DeWitt 37, East Lansing 0 The potential “game of the year” in the Lansing area didn’t turn into a titanic battle this time. DeWitt (5-0) moved into first place alone in the CAAC Blue, but East Lansing (4-1) could have another opportunity if these teams meet in the playoffs as was the case in 2016.

More shoutouts: New Lothrop 28, Ovid-Elsie 10 The Hornets (5-0) have solid footing in the first-year Mid-Michigan Activities Conference after sending the Marauders (3-2) into a tie for second, and having already defeated the other second-place team, Byron. Williamston 28, Haslett 14 The Hornets (4-1) seemed on the outside of the CAAC Red race after falling to St. Johns in Week 4, but might be back in after handing Haslett (4-1) its first loss and with the Vikings taking on the Redwings this week.

Northern Lower Peninsula 

HEADLINER: Manistee 35, Muskegon Orchard View 20 The Chippewas (5-0) clinched a share of the Lakes 8 Conference title as they continue to reverse from last season’s 2-7 finish. The title is Manistee's first in reportedly decades. Click for more from the Manistee News Advocate and see highlights below from MI Sports Now.

Also of note: McBain 12, Leroy Pine River 7 The Ramblers (3-2) fell to reigning champion Lake City 14-12 in Week 3, but are still affecting the Highland Conference race. With this win, McBain knocked Pine River (4-1) out of a tie with Lake City for first place, but the Bucks can take back a share of the top spot this week against the Trojans.

Remember this one: Oscoda 16, Rogers City 0 Since falling to Houghton Lake 30-22 in Week 1, Oscoda hasn’t given up more than eight points in game – and shutting out Rogers City (4-1) put the Owls (4-1) in first place alone in the North Star League.

More shoutouts: Cheboygan 40, Benzie Central 36 The Chiefs (3-2) have won three straight as they seek their first winning record since 2013, and tripping up improved Benzie Central (3-2) should provide additional boost. Traverse City Central 28, Gaylord 0 The Trojans (4-1) bounced back from a seven-point Week 4 loss to Traverse City West by handing Gaylord (4-1) its first defeat.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER: Adrian Lenawee Christian 14, Athens 12 The Indians (3-1) still have given up only 14 points this season. But the Cougars (5-0) will take posting a season low to earn a key win in a Southern Central Athletic Association that is particularly strong defensively this fall – three teams are giving up fewer than six points per game and the fourth a respectable 22. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

Also of note: Jackson 29, Chelsea 20 The Vikings (5-0) are off to their best start at least in modern history, with more wins already than all of last season and now one of their best over reigning Southeastern Conference White champion Chelsea (3-2). Jackson plays league co-leader Ypsilanti Lincoln this week.

Remember this one: Clinton 28, Sand Creek 27 The Redskins (4-1) are back in Tri-County Conference contention for the first time since winning the league four straight seasons from 2012-15. Sand Creek (3-2) can still make some noise as well as both have undefeated Ottawa Lake Whiteford coming up.

More shoutouts: Blissfield 14, Dundee 9 The Royals (4-1) have won four straight to move into a first-place tie in the Lenawee County Athletic Association with Hillsdale, this week’s opponent. Dundee (3-2), however, continued to look capable of earning its first playoff berth since 2012 despite tough competition over the next four weeks. Pittsford 17, Climax-Scotts 16 The other SCAA matchup this week saw Pittsford (5-0) also gain a valuable win against a Panthers team that is 1-3 but with two defeats by a touchdown or less.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER: Schoolcraft 45, Delton Kellogg 21 Five of six teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley have winning records, but Schoolcraft (4-1) knocked Delton Kellogg (4-1) from among the undefeated in their league opener. The Panthers were averaging 42 points per game before Schoolcraft held them to half that. Click for more from FOX 17.

Also of note: Battle Creek Central, 27, Benton Harbor 26 The Bearcats (4-1) bounced back from a tough Week 4 loss to guarantee their best finish since 2015 and edge closer to their first playoff berth since 2008. Benton Harbor fell to 1-3 but can earn a fourth straight playoff berth by winning their last four regular-season games.

Remember this one: Decatur 6, Hartford 0 The Raiders (3-2) avenged a one-point loss from last year and made this one particularly painful as Hartford (4-1) was looking like one of the new contenders in the Southwest 10 Conference.

More shoutouts: Kalamazoo United 77, Watervliet 20 Kalamazoo (5-0) upped its scoring average to nearly 64 points per game in this big win over reigning Valley champ Watervliet (2-3). White Pigeon 18, Mendon 8 White Pigeon (3-2) defeated the Hornets (3-2) for the first time since 1998.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER: Houghton 38, Gwinn 0 This might have caught some off-guard; Gwinn (4-1) was undefeated and Houghton opened this fall 0-3. But with two straight wins, the Gremlins have one more than all of last season – and a chance to keep building heading into the second half of their league schedule. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Also of note: Gladstone 28, Maple City Glen Lake 8 The Braves (3-2) broke through last season for their first playoff berth since 2008, and to earn a return needs wins like this one over Glen Lake (2-3). With only eight games on the regular-season schedule this fall, Gladstone must win two of the next three to secure a repeat bid.

Remember this one: Munising 24, Hancock 21 The Mustangs (2-3) looked headed toward a third straight season without playoffs, but started a potential bounce back by handing Hancock (2-3) another tough defeat. The Bulldogs’ three losses came over the last three weeks and by a combined six points.

More shoutouts: Lake Linden-Hubbell 34, L’Anse 8 It’s been a tough start for the Lakes (1-4), but breaking L’Anse’s three-game winning streak was a nice way to begin a rebound. Ishpeming 36, Negaunee 26 The Hematites (5-0) broke a two-game losing streak against the longtime rival Miners (2-3).

West Michigan

HEADLINER: Jenison 20, Hudsonville 12 This wasn’t a league game – but it was a massive win for the Wildcats (4-1). After two straight 5-4 finishes, Jenison is two wins from earning its first playoff berth since 2003 – and after handing a first loss this season to Ottawa-Kent Conference Red contender Hudsonville, the first time Jenison has defeated the Eagles since 2003 as well. Click for more from WOOD TV and see additional highlights below from WZZM.

Also of note: East Kentwood 37, Grandville 30 Back in the O-K Red, the Falcons (4-1) continued to look like the other team to beat in edging Grandville (2-3). East Kentwood faces Hudsonville in Week 8.

Remember this one: Grand Rapids Northview 33, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 0 This was among the weekend’s surprises as Forest Hills Central (2-3) had won the last two meetings between these teams by 28 and 35 points. Northview (3-2) has more wins this fall than in its last two seasons combined.

More shoutouts: Hopkins 58, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 21 The Vikings (4-1) sit atop the O-K Silver after avenging last season’s 14-point loss to NorthPointe (3-2). Hudsonville Unity Christian 38, Grand Rapids South Christian 14 Also a nonleague game, but downing the Sailors (3-2) was a great way for the Crusaders (5-0) to get ready for the toughest of their O-K Green matchups.

8-Player

HEADLINER: Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 28, Onekama 26 If Tri-unity Christian wins the Midwest Central Michigan Conference West, this one will be looked back upon frequently. The Defenders (5-0) have handed first losses of the season in back-to-back weeks to Suttons Bay and now Onekama (4-1), respectively, and next up get reigning 8-player Division 1 champion Central Lake. Click for more from the Manistee News Advocate.

Also of note: Deckerville 38, Kingston 20 The North Central Thumb League Blue has five teams with winning records out of six total, and Deckerville (3-2) is tied for first after handing Kingston (4-1) its lone defeat.

Remember this one: Engadine 39, Cedarville 26 The Eagles (4-1) already have lost to Great Lakes Conference East leader Pickford, but will be waiting if the undefeated Panthers trip up – especially against the Trojans (3-2) in Week 9.

More shoutouts: Bellevue 48, Portland St. Patrick 35 The Broncos (4-1) made it two straight over the Shamrocks (3-2), last season’s 8-player Division 2 runners-up. Camden-Frontier 42, Battle Creek St. Phillip 20 The Redskins (4-1) had little time to be disappointed after a Week 4 loss to Bellevue, and came back quickly to hand the Tigers (3-2) their second straight defeat.

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: Petoskey's Mason Doe-Nimphie (5) is surrounded by Marquette’s Brady Wright (34), Ethan Hayes (44), and Beau Zorza (56) during the Northmen’s win Saturday. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)

Grand Blanc cheerleaders root for their ball carrier as a Heritage defender attempts to make a tackle Friday.

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 3 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 15, 2025

With at most only nine dates on every football team’s regular-season schedule, every game from August through October can make a difference when it comes to playoff hopes and league title aspirations.

MI Student AidWe just finished up Week 3 this fall, but several of the weekend’s games may end up having that impact – and we dive into that below.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Saginaw Swan Valley 31, Freeland 7 The Vikings bounced back from a seven-point Week 2 loss to Frankenmuth to defeat the Falcons (2-1) for the first time since 2019 – and after losing last year’s meeting 34-0. Swan Valley also is 2-1 after starting 0-3 a year ago, its best start since 2020. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Watch list Saginaw Valley Lutheran 27, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 20 Valley Lutheran qualified for the playoffs last season for the first time since 2012, and the Chargers are 3-0 for the first time according to Michigan-Football.com after their first win over Nouvel (2-1) in program history.

On the move Harbor Beach 33, Ubly 6 The Pirates (3-0) kicked off Big Thumb Conference Black play by winning the matchup that decided last year’s league title, adding to last year’s two wins (regular season and playoff) over the rival Bearcats. Grand Blanc 56, Saginaw Heritage 27 The Bobcats (3-0) moved to 2-0 in the Saginaw Valley League South by winning the matchup that decided last season’s league title in their favor. Caro 46, Marine City Cardinal Mooney 7 The Tigers won two games a year ago and have won no more than three in a season since 2018. But they’re up to 2-1 this fall after a big win over a Cardinal Mooney team that while 0-3 has made the playoffs every year this decade.

Mount Pleasant attempts to block a Midland Dow kick.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Waterford Mott 42, Walled Lake Western 34 While only three games into the Lakes Valley Conference schedule, Mott has defeated the champion and runner-up from last year with this breaking Western’s 28-game LVC winning streak going back to 2021. Mott (2-1) was only 3-5 last season after making the Division 2 Semifinals in 2023. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.

Watch list Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 49, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 10 The Eaglets are 3-0 for the first time since 2021 after downing De La Salle (1-2) for the first time since 2019. It was the best-possible way for St. Mary’s to set up for this week’s titanic matchup with Detroit Catholic Central.

On the move Northville 17, Howell 7 The Mustangs (3-0) avenged last season’s 27-12 loss to Howell, breaking the Highlanders’ 11-game regular-season winning streak. Harper Woods 35, Birmingham Groves 8 The Pioneers (3-0) avenged last year’s loss to Groves (1-2) that ended up deciding the Oakland Activities Association White championship. Gibraltar Carlson 42, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 21 The Marauders’ offense has been rolling during the team’s 3-0 start, putting up a combined 152 to at least double up every opponent including the reigning Division 5 champion Fighting Irish (1-2), whose regular-season schedule is quickly looking like it will end up one of the toughest in the state this fall.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Ithaca 42, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 40 (OT) This Tri-Valley Conference Blue opener ended up being everything it was billed, as Ithaca stopped an MLS two-point conversion try to start overtime and won the night on the next possession. Offense reigned as both teams are averaging more than 40 points per game through these first three weeks. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Watch list St. Johns 27, Fowlerville 26 After opening 5-0 a year ago, St. Johns (3-0) is off to another solid start after a third-straight win over the Gladiators by seven or fewer points. Fowlerville (2-1), off to its best start since 2020, will attempt to rebound against undefeated Williamston this week.

On the move Williamston 28, Mason 0 The Hornets (3-0) have now defeated three 2024 playoff teams and with Mason (1-2) also the reigning Capital Area Activities Conference Red champion. Mount Pleasant 63, Midland Dow 39 The Oilers (3-0) received their strongest challenge of the early season and responded by scoring their most points in a game since 2016 while handing Dow (2-1) its only loss. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 49, Vestaburg 7 Both of these teams returned this season to 11-player football from 8-player, and they will meet again in Week 6.

Bath's Rylen Dixon (10) takes a handoff during his team's game against Pewamo-Westphalia.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Gaylord 28, Marquette 27 (OT) The Blue Devils’ turnaround season continued as they moved to 3-0 after going 0-5 to start 2024, this time avenging a 30-0 loss to the Sentinels (1-2) to open the Big North Conference schedule. Gaylord stopped a two-point conversion try to hold on for the victory. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

Watch list Kalkaska 24, East  Jordan 20 This arguably was the best win of Kalkaska’s first 3-0 start since 2017, as it avenged last year’s 44-13 loss, gave the Blazers as many wins already as all of last season and came against an East Jordan team (2-1) that’s been in the playoffs every season this decade.

On the move Ogemaw Heights 49, Gladwin 14 The Falcons (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to open Jack Pine Conference I play by avenging last year’s District Final loss to Gladwin (0-3). Kingsley 48, Grayling 21 The Stags (2-1) also bounced back from a Week 2 defeat as they began Northern Michigan Football League Legends play by sending Grayling to 1-2 overall. Elk Rapids 8, Oscoda 6 The Elks’ first two games this season came against teams still undefeated, but they got on the board by avenging last year’s 20-0 loss to the Owls (1-2).

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Ypsilanti Lincoln 21, Tecumseh 17 While the season is only three weeks old, Lincoln has handed a first loss this fall to all three of its opponents in opening 3-0 for the first time since 2012. The Railsplitters also are 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference White after playing in the SEC Red the last four seasons. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

Watch list Riverview 38, Carleton Airport 6 The Pirates (2-1) opened with a loss to Division 1 Utica Eisenhower but have started Huron League play 2-0 as they look to take back league supremacy after finishing second a year ago.

On the move Chelsea 29, Adrian 12 The Bulldogs (3-0) also are 2-0 in the SEC White, running their overall league winning streak in the league to 12 in handing Adrian (2-1) its lone loss. Dexter 48, Ann Arbor Huron 16 The Dreadnaughts (3-0) will head into this week’s potential eventual SEC Red-deciding matchup with Saline having won all of their first three games by at least three touchdowns. Michigan Center 53, Hanover-Horton 14 The Cardinals’ playoff hopes last season hinged in part on a pair of losses by two points or fewer, and they avenged the first in a big way by sending the Comets to 1-2.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Schoolcraft 32, Constantine 14 Schoolcraft (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to break Constantine’s three-year hold on this rivalry series. The teams now go their separate ways in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, both as potential champions. Constantine also is 2-1. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Watch list Marshall 41, Parma Western 6 After a close Week 2 loss to Fowlerville, Marshall (2-1) found its stride to open Interstate 8 Athletic Conference play with its first win over Parma Western (1-2) since 2020. The Redhawks need just one more win this fall to equal last year’s season total.

On the move Battle Creek Pennfield 23, Buchanan 20 Pennfield (2-1) already has surpassed last year’s lone victory, handing returning playoff qualifier Buchanan (2-1) its only defeat. Lawton 22, Kalamazoo United 19 The Blue Devils (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss heading into SAC Valley play, defeating the Titans (1-2) for the second-straight season. Niles 30, Paw Paw 14 Although Paw Paw (0-3) is off to a rough start, this matchup did decide the Wolverine Conference title last year. Niles (3-0) has won six straight in the series including in the playoffs the last two years as well.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Calumet 33, Negaunee 18 The Copper Kings (3-0) earned a significant upper hand on Negaunee in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper, moving into an early three-way tie for first with Menominee and Kingsford by breaking a five-game losing streak against the Miners (2-1). Menominee and Kingsley are up next, respectively, for Calumet. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Watch list Escanaba 27, Petoskey 10 Escanaba (3-0) is moving smoothly through the start of Big North Conference play and checking in as the No. 6 team in Division 4 playoff-point average after downing the reigning league champion Northmen (1-2).

On the move Houghton 42, Hancock 0 The Gremlins (1-2) have won six straight in the Copper Bowl and surely hope this one will get them on track with plenty of tough competition ahead. Kingsford 25, Gladstone 13 After starting the season with a close loss to Escanaba, Kingsford (2-1) has opened West-PAC Copper play with two double-digit wins – right in time to face rival Negaunee this week. Menominee 50, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Maroons (3-0) got back on the field after their Week 2 game was canceled, earning some no doubt valuable prep in advance of this week’s matchup with Calumet.

Calumet's Ben Anderson finds a hole and gains several yards against Negaunee.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Whitehall 35, Zeeland West 28 After playing the eventual Division 3 champion to one of last season’s highest-scoring games – a 60-43 loss – Whitehall (2-1) avenged with the go-ahead score during this game’s final minute. The Dux (2-1) hadn’t lost a nonleague game since 2018. Click for more from the White Lake Mirror.

Watch list Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28, Jackson Lumen Christi 14 The Cougars’ first game this season against an in-state opponent was one to remember as they moved to 3-0 in downing the reigning Division 6 champion Titans (1-2).

On the move Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 42, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 10 Forest Hills Northern (1-2) earned its first win over the rival Huskies since 2004 and after FHC had won the last 10 (including once in the playoffs) since the teams began playing each other annually again in 2016. Grand Rapids West Catholic 27, Grand Rapids South Christian 20 The Falcons will take a winning streak into Ottawa-Kent Conference White play this week after avenging last season’s three-point loss to the Sailors (1-2). East Kentwood 54, Jenison 7 East Kentwood is 3-0 for the first time since 2017 after handing Jenison (2-1) its only loss and with this week’s matchup against Rockford a major opportunity to prove it’s an O-K Red contender.

8-Player

HEADLINER Climax-Scotts 44, Adrian Lenawee Christian 41 These two have built a nice cross-state rivalry first in 11-player and now in 8-player over the last six seasons. Climax-Scotts (2-1) broke a 28-28 tie during the closing minutes of the third quarter this time to send the Cougars to 2-1 as well.

Watch list Gogebic 38, Ishpeming 16 The Miners (3-0) have rumbled with 173 points (and only 22 allowed) over their first three games, coming off a 5-3 finish a year ago and seeking their first playoff season since 2014.

On the move Felch North Dickinson 58, Crystal Falls Forest Park 7 The Nordics (3-0) continued to impress, this time with their first win over Forest Park (1-2) since 2012 and the era when these two frequently met in both the regular season and playoffs. Mendon 56, Concord 26 Three of Owen Gorham’s nine carries went for second or third-quarter touchdowns as Mendon (3-0) scored the first points Concord (2-1) had given up. Pickford 53, Newberry 6 Pickford (3-0) appears in midseason form already, outscoring its first three opponents by a combined 168-14 as it opened Great Lakes Eight East play with a big win over previously-undefeated Newberry (2-1).

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.

PHOTOS (Top) Grand Blanc cheerleaders root for their ball carrier as a Heritage defender attempts to make a tackle Friday. (2) Mount Pleasant attempts to block a Midland Dow kick. (3) Bath's Rylen Dixon (10) takes a handoff during his team's game against Pewamo-Westphalia. (4) Calumet's Ben Anderson finds a hole and gains several yards against Negaunee. (Grand Blanc/Heritage photo by Terry Lyons. Mount Pleasant/Dow photo by High School Sports Scene. Bath/P-W photo by John Johnson. Calumet/Negaunee photo by Cara Kamps.)