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Drive for Detroit: Week 7 Preview

October 5, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Week 7 has a couple of contrasting meanings in the grand scheme of Michigan high school football.

On one hand, we're drawing to a close of the regular season. On the other, we're just reaching the midpoint of the 14-week drive that carries us through the MHSAA Finals.

So here's where we sit. Fifty-one 11-player teams have qualified for the 11-player Playoffs. Another 94 are on the verge, needing one more victory. League titles will be decided all over Michigan again this weekend, and pairs of the best in all of the Upper Peninsula face off in both 11 and 8-player games.

Keep an eye on the statewide scene by following the MHSAA Score Center for scores as they come in tonight and Saturday, and check out MHSAA.tv for six live broadcasts – click here for the schedule. Drive for Detroit is powered by MI Student Aid.

Sidenote: With a win tonight against Oak Park (5-1) by his Hawks (4-2), Farmington Hills Harrison coach John Herrington would tie retired Birmingham Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa for the MHSAA record with 430 wins. Stay tuned.

Bay & Thumb

Frankenmuth (6-0) at Millington (6-0), Friday

This is the game, again, in the Tri-Valley Conference East as Frankenmuth has won 22 straight in the league dating to a loss to Millington in 2014. That season was the first of what is now four straight that these two have entered their annual meeting both undefeated. Coincidentally this time, both have scored 246 points this year, with Millington giving up 112 and Frankenmuth 102. And it gets closer still: In a projected Division 5 playoff field, Frankenmuth is third in playoff point average, with Millington next trailing by a mere 1.600. It’s fair to say a league title and possible home District Final are on the line.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Flushing (5-1) at Fenton (6-0), Lapeer (5-1) at Davison (5-1), Ortonville Brandon (4-2) at Linden (5-1), Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (5-1) at Unionville-Sebewaing (4-2).

Greater Detroit

Detroit Central (5-1) at Detroit Martin Luther King (5-1), Friday

Detroit Central is much smaller than even a decade ago when it had more than 1,000 students; the Trail Blazers played in the Division 6 playoffs last season. But they’ve got a chance to take a share of the Detroit Public School League Black division title from King, which has three times as many students these days and is the two-time reigning Division 2 champion. Both have talented offenses, but defense may reign; King has given up six points total over four league games, Central just 25. King is coming off a 27-6 win over previously-undefeated Denby, which handed Central its lone loss, 12-6, in Week 3.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (6-0) at Dearborn Divine Child (5-1), Warren Fitzgerald (5-1) at Madison Heights Madison (6-0), Clarkston Everest Collegiate (5-1) at Waterford Our Lady (4-1), Clarkston (5-1) at Rochester Adams (5-1).

Mid-Michigan

DeWitt (5-1) at Haslett (5-1), Friday

For the first time in a decade, one of this region’s most heated rivalries is relevant again, as the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title is on the line. That’s hardly all. Six of these teams’ first 11 meetings this century were decided by seven or fewer points; only two of the last 10 have been that close, and DeWitt has won 16 straight. But Haslett is 5-1 for the first time since 2007 and already has one more win than all of last season, and DeWitt moves to the CAAC Blue next fall – making this the most significant regular-season meeting these two might enjoy against each other for a while.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Wyoming Godwin Heights (5-1) at Belding (5-1), Lansing Sexton (4-2) at Holt (3-3), Lake Fenton (5-1) at Corunna (3-3), Carrollton (5-1) at Alma (6-0).

Northern Lower Peninsula

Johannesburg-Lewiston (4-2) at Gaylord St. Mary (6-0), Friday

Despite a couple of nonleague losses, Johannesburg-Lewiston has bounced back nicely from last season’s 4-5 finish, which was its first below .500 since 2007. Although Harbor Springs could figure into the mix – both the Cardinals and St. Mary face the Rams over the final two weeks of the regular season – tonight’s matchup could go a long way in deciding the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legacy champ. St. Mary is enjoying that opportunity after starting 2016 5-0 and finishing it 1-4. But that one win was over Johannesburg-Lewiston and by 28 points, perhaps a bit of a confidence builder with these two now the main contenders.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Elk Rapids (5-1) at Grayling (4-2), Beal City (4-2) at McBain (5-1), Hillman (3-3) at Oscoda (4-2), Cheboygan (3-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (6-0).

Southeast & Border

Hudson (6-0) at Ida (5-1), Friday

The Tigers are looking to run through the Lenawee County Athletic Association schedule undefeated for the fifth time in nine seasons, but 2015 league champion Ida is standing in the way after both teams also shared last season’s title – Ida fell to Hudson by a point (and Hudson fell to Hillsdale). After a pair of impressive nonleague wins, the Tigers have won every LCAA game so far by at least 22. The Bluestreaks took an eight-point loss to Brooklyn Columbia Central two weeks ago and surely won’t mind sharing the title again as a result of handing Hudson its first defeat tonight.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Ann Arbor Pioneer (3-3) at Saline (5-1), Athens (5-1) at Pittsford (5-1), Parma Western (4-2) at Jackson Lumen Christi (5-1), Grass Lake (4-2) at Addison (5-1).

Southwest Corridor

Edwardsburg (6-0) at Three Rivers (5-1), Friday

Edwardsburg’s 34-game Wolverine B Conference winning streak just keeps growing, but a few challengers are lined up. Three Rivers fell to the Eddies 38-0 just a year ago, but already has avenged its other 2016 league loss this season, flipping a 29-point defeat to Plainwell into a 20-point win on opening night. Granted, the Wildcats followed that with a 14-point loss to Dowagiac, which fell to the Eddies by eight two weeks later in giving them their first significant league challenge in two years. But if nothing else, this should be closer than a year ago – and Vicksburg (5-1) will be waiting for Edwardsburg in Week 8.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Coldwater (4-2) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-0), Schoolcraft (5-1) at Coloma (4-2), Cassopolis (6-0) at Hartford (5-1), Decatur (4-2) at Mendon (6-0).

Upper Peninsula

Gladstone (6-0) at Escanaba (5-1), Friday

It’s an interesting coincidence that the season these two are considered arguably the best teams in the Upper Peninsula is also the first time they aren’t in the same league since the mid-1980s, but that hardly lessens the significance of this matchup. The Eskymos are laying claim to the top spot after doubling up annual top U.P. team Menominee last week. Gladstone is staring down its best season since at least 2008 – and it can only get better with this opportunity against its old Great Northern Conference foe.

Others that caught my eye: FIRDAY Newberry (3-2) at Norway (6-0), Calumet (3-3) at L'Anse (4-2), Charlevoix (2-4) at Munising (3-3), Bark River-Harris (3-3) at Bessemer Gogebic (2-4).

West Michigan

Rockford (4-2) at Holland West Ottawa (5-1)

Pick a league, any league, on the west side and it seems like there is a game that will determine a league champion either this week or eventually. These are the best from the elite Ottawa-Kent Conference Red; Rockford is 3-0 in the league and West Ottawa is 4-0. The Panthers especially have to be thinking historically; they haven’t beaten the Rams since 2002. But West Ottawa also has more wins this fall than the last two seasons combined and has yet to give up more than seven points in a league game – an impressive enough feat to make this look like a much closer matchup than last year’s 51-14 Rockford win.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Lowell (4-2) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (6-0), Comstock Park (4-2) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (6-0), Wyoming Kelloggsville (6-0) at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (5-1), Muskegon Oakridge (5-1) at Montague (6-0).

8-Player

Stephenson (6-0) at Rapid River (6-0)

Similar to Powers North Central and Crystal Falls Forest Park in 2016, these two have an argument that they are the best in all of 8-player football even as relative neighbors. But only one (most likely) will finish as champion of the Western Eight Conference – although at this point, both could have a chance to finish as MHSAA champions as they project to play in different playoff divisions. Stephenson has two straight wins over the Rockets and hasn’t allowed an opponent closer than 24 points this season. Rapid River certainly has more experience in close games – with three wins by eight or fewer – and that could pay off.

Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Engadine (4-2) at Cedarville (6-0), Marion (5-1) at Manistee Catholic Central (2-3), Kingston (4-2) at Morrice (6-0), Pickford (6-0) at Onaway (3-3).

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: DeWitt, here against Grand Ledge in Week 2, will try to win its 17th straight over rival Haslett. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)

Ogemaw Heights senior quarterback Eion Jones runs for a first down during his team’s Division 5 District Final win over Kingsford on Saturday.

1st & Goal: 2025 Playoffs Week 2 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

November 11, 2025

Kent City, Hanover-Horton, Springport, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and Allen Park Cabrini hoisted football District championship trophies for the first time.

MI Student AidBlanchard Montabella brought home its first Regional title and also was among a handful of teams that set school wins records during a highlight-filled second weekend of the MHSAA Football Playoffs.

We checked in with all eight 8-Player Regional Finals below and also glanced at 32 of our 11-Player District championship games as the field was reduced to 72 teams.  

11-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Clarkston 44, Grand Blanc 22 Three players scored multiple touchdowns and Clarkston (10-1) held Grand Blanc to well below half of its season average of 48 ppg in dealing the Bobcats (10-1) their only loss. The District title was the Wolves’ third in four years. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest East Kentwood 49, Howell 41 The Falcons claimed their first District championship since 2014 and ended Howell’s season a win shy of what would have been a second straight for the Highlanders (9-2). Hudsonville 42, Rockford 31 The Eagles (11-0) finished a season sweep of the Rams (8-3) for the first time to repeat as District champs. Rochester Adams 43, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 18 These Highlanders (9-2) won their fourth District title over the last five seasons, pulling away after previously defeating Stoney Creek (7-4) by only six points in Week 6.

11-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Traverse City Central 16, Muskegon 14 The Trojans (7-4) have opened these playoffs with a pair of unforgettable two-point wins, this one to claim their first District title since 2021. The Big Reds closed a solid rebound season also at 7-4 after finishing 3-5 a year ago. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

District Digest Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 35, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 14 The Eaglets (8-2) saw their three-year winning streak over Rice (6-5) end with a 43-31 loss in Week 8, but they reversed that result to win a third District title over four seasons. Dexter 41, South Lyon 27 The Dreadnaughts (10-1) claimed their second District title over the last four years and delivered South Lyon (10-1) its lone loss by overcoming a defense that had given up only 12 points per game. Portage Central 34, Byron Center 7 After allowing more than eight points in a game (19) last week for the first time all season, Central (11-0) was back to its single-digit success in ending this run for last season’s Division 2 runner-up Bulldogs (7-4).

11-Player Division 3

HEADLINER Zeeland West 48, St. Joseph 24 If reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West is going to return to Ford Field, the Dux are going to pile up plenty of miles along the way. West (8-3) went on the road for not only the second time this playoffs, but fifth-straight week and defeated St. Joseph (6-5) in a District Final for the second-straight season. West heads to Lowell next. Click for more from the Holland Sentinel.

District Digest Mount Pleasant 42, Gaylord 0 The Oilers (11-0) put up perhaps their most impressive performance against one of their most notable opponents, claiming their third shutout this season in handing Gaylord (10-1) its lone defeat. Lowell 28, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 21 The Red Arrows (9-2) jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead and held on for a first District title since 2016, ending MTK’s run at 7-4. Fenton 35, Adrian 7 The Tigers (8-3) also earned their first District championship since 2016, ending Adrian’s winningest season since 2010 at 9-2.

11-Player Division 4

HEADLINER Goodrich 27, Chelsea 7 Make that 24 straight wins and four straight District championships for the reigning Division 4 champion Martians, who this week will pursue a fourth-straight Regional title as well. Goodrich (11-0) stopped a Chelsea offense that hadn’t scored fewer than 28 points in a game. The Bulldogs finished 9-2. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

District Digest Big Rapids 48, Escanaba 18 The Cardinals (10-1) made the trip north and came back with their second District title in three seasons, ending Escanaba’s best run this decade at 9-2. Williamston 42, Haslett 21 The Hornets (11-0) trailed 21-7 at halftime but scored 28 unanswered points during the third quarter to clinch a first District title since 2020 and end Haslett’s season at 8-3. Portland 28, Grand Rapids Christian 0 After surviving a first-round matchup with Grand Rapids South Christian 42-41, Portland locked  up its fourth shutout and ninth game giving up seven points or fewer to get past the Eagles (6-5), who were making their first playoff run since 2022.

11-Player Division 5

HEADLINER Grand Rapids West Catholic 21, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 20 (OT) West Catholic (10-1) defeated rival Catholic Central for the first time since 2016, stopping a 2-point conversion try to close it out. Catholic Central (10-1) had ended the Falcons’ last two seasons with playoff losses and won nine straight District titles entering this playoffs. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

District Digest Michigan Center 35, Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard 18 This made nearly as big a wave as West Catholic’s win, as Michigan Center (10-1) won its first District title since 2021 by handing FGR (10-1) its only defeat. Ogemaw Heights 41, Kingsford 6 Ogemaw Heights (10-1) also came back from surviving a one-point playoff-opening win, claiming its first District title since 2012 in ending the Flivvers’ season at 7-4. Kalamazoo United 21, Berrien Springs 6 The Titans (9-2) won this matchup of league champions to repeat as a District title winner after these two met for last year’s as well. Berrien Springs finished 6-3 after making the playoffs this season for the 12th straight.

11-Player Division 6

HEADLINER Kingsley 57, Traverse City St. Francis 6 Kingsley (9-2) hasn’t lost since falling to St. Francis by a point in Week 5, and with this victory avenged that defeat to lock up its second District title in three seasons. The Stags earned another rematch and will face Reed City for the Regional title after defeating the Coyotes in their season opener. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

District Digest Kent City 24, Belding 16 The Eagles (11-0) claimed their first District title while playing their third-straight road game and set a program record for wins while ending Belding’s season at 9-2. Detroit Edison 48, Warren Michigan Collegiate 14 Edison (9-2) managed to still win its league this season despite losing to Michigan Collegiate (6-5) in Week 2 and added a second District title over three seasons by avenging that loss. Ida 28, Ecorse 6 The Bluestreaks (9-2) won their first District title since 2016 with their best defensive showing since September, ending Ecorse’s run at 8-3.

11-Player Division 7

HEADLINER Clinton 22, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 14 More than two months after falling to St. Mary 42-6 in its season opener, Clinton (9-2) also avenged last year’s District Final loss to the Falcons (8-3). The win gave the Redwolves their fifth District title over the last six seasons, and with St. Mary coming off finishing Division 7 runner-up last fall. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

District Digest Hanover-Horton 20, Bronson 12 The Comets (9-2) have won eight straight and now their first District championship as part of that streak, ending Bronson’s best season since 2009 at 8-3. Ithaca 22, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 21 The Yellowjackets (8-3) came back from multiple touchdowns down to win a third District title this decade and end Laker’s run at 8-3 as well. Menominee 49, McBain 6 Menominee’s third-straight District title clincher saw the Maroons (11-0) tie their season-low points allowed while handing McBain (8-3) its first defeat since mid-September.

11-Player Division 8

HEADLINER Bark River-Harris 41, Iron Mountain 20 After entering this season having never defeated Iron Mountain, Bark River-Harris (9-1) downed the Mountaineers for the third time this fall to win a first District title since 2003. Iron Mountain (7-4) had won five District titles over the last six seasons entering the weekend. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

District Digest Springport 35, New Lothrop 13 The Spartans (11-0) added a first District championship to what continues to be their most successful season all-time, doing so in part by holding New Lothrop (7-4) to its fewest points scored this fall. Madison Heights Madison 22, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 17 Madison’s first playoff run this decade has turned into its longest since 2018 as the Eagles (10-1) ended Everest’s season at 6-5. Allen Park Cabrini 52, Riverview Gabriel Richard 0 Cabrini (10-1) also claimed its first District title and scored its most points in a game this season while ending the run for RGR (5-6), last year’s Division 8 runner-up.

8-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Blanchard Montabella 26, Merrill 0 A Week 9 loss to Portland St. Patrick is proving to be just a detour for Montabella as the Mustangs (10-1) may have missed out on a perfect regular season but have now won their first Regional championship. Montabella had taken its Week 8 matchup with Merrill 36-26, but this time claimed its third shutout this season. Click for more from the Greenville Daily News.

Regional Roundup Norway 58, Pickford 12 The Knights have reached 11 wins for the first time since 1979, according to Michigan-Football.com, and will play in their first Semifinal since 2006 after ending this run for last year’s Division 1 runner-up Pickford at 8-2. Martin 36, Climax-Scotts 20 The Clippers (11-0) clinched their fifth Regional title over the last six seasons in part by holding Climax-Scotts (8-3) to a tie for its fewest points scored over the last two years. Kingston 32, Capac 8 After opening the playoffs by avenging a regular-season loss, Capac (8-3) fell short in doing so a second time as Kingston (10-1) added to its 42-0 win from Week 2 to claim a second Regional title over the last three seasons.

8-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Portland St. Patrick 51, Mendon 22 The Shamrocks won their first Regional championship since 2020 by holding Mendon to its fewest points in two years. Both teams were undefeated entering the weekend, and Mendon (10-1) scored first before Brady Leonard scored four of his five touchdowns to help St. Patrick (11-) build a 36-8 lead early in the third quarter. Click for more from the Sturgis Journal.

Regional Roundup Felch North Dickinson 32, Lake Linden-Hubbell 12 The Nordics (11-0) added to their 38-34 Week 1 win over the Lakes (8-3) to claim their first Regional title since 2001 – and, as started previously this season, just two years after not having a varsity team. Onekama 46, Gaylord St. Mary 6 The Portagers (11-0) have won two straight Regional titles and with this one also set a program record for wins while ending the Snowbirds’ season at 8-3. Deckerville 28, Britton Deerfield 8 The Eagles (10-1) are one more win from a return trip to Superior Dome and advanced this time by handing Britton Deerfield (9-2) its first loss since Week 2.

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 Ogemaw Heights senior quarterback Eion Jones runs for a first down during his team’s Division 5 District Final win over Kingsford on Saturday. (Photo by Kolleth Photo.)