Logo

Drive for Detroit: Week 7 in Review

October 15, 2013

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Numbers are part of most conversations at the end of high school football season. We keep an eye on movements within league standings, monitor daily playoff point averages and watch in awe as some of our biggest stars put up incredible statistical performances.

Consider a few numbers from Week 7 that fascinate:

  • Lawrence and Kingston combined for 132 points in their 8-player game, won 88-48 by the Tigers.
  • In Detroit Cesar Chavez's 64-41 win over Mayville, receiver Nate Drew caught 17 passes for 459 yards and seven touchdowns. Once confirmed, the 459 yards would be a national single-game record.
  • Cesar Chavez quarterback Omar Salih completed 32 of 52 passes for 689 yards and nine touchdowns. The yards and touchdowns would be MHSAA records.
  • With all results in, there are 71 teams qualified for the 11-player playoffs, but another 231 that have the opportunity to make the 256-team field by winning the rest of their regular season games.


Those scratched the surface of significant numbers put up as champions continued to be crowned and postseason berths were earned.

Read on for more of those reports from all over the state.

Greater Detroit and Southeast

Canton 34, Plymouth 23

If recent history is an indication, these neighbors will see each other again in a few weeks – they’ve met in the playoffs as well the last five seasons. But Canton has bragging rights for now after moving to 7-0 overall and claiming the Kensington Lakes Activities Association South title outright by edging the second-place Wildcats (5-2). Click to read more from MLive Detroit.

Also noted:

Farmington Hills Harrison 60, Oak Park 52: Although Harrison (6-1) has only a dim chance of catching Southfield in the Oakland Activities Association White, the Hawks did make the playoffs with this win while leaving Oak Park (5-2) needing one more victory to qualify.

Detroit Cass Tech 41, Detroit Mumford 6: The Technicians (7-0) claimed their fourth straight league championship, earning the Detroit Public School League West title by one win thanks to this victory over second-place Mumford (6-1).

Belleville 20, Dearborn Fordson 17: Belleville (5-2) earned a share of the Western Wayne Athletic Conference Blue title, with Fordson (4-3) now needing to beat Edsel Ford this week to also claim a share.

Clinton Township Clintondale 37, Mount Clemens 22: The Dragons (7-0) solidified at least a share of the Macomb Area Conference Bronze title with Mount Clemens (3-4) falling into a second-place tie with Clawson, its opponent this week.

West Michigan

Muskegon Mona Shores 49, Zeeland East 26

One of our favorite watch lists is made up of teams seeking their first appearance in the MHSAA playoffs, which began in 1975. Cross off Mona Shores, which improved to 6-1 and earned its first postseason berth thanks to this victory. The Sailors also remain only one win back of the co-leaders in the O-K Black. Despite falling out of that race, Zeeland East (5-2) still can extend its three-year postseason streak with one more win. Click to read more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Also noted:

Spring Lake 36, Ludington 26: The Lakers (6-1) can do no worse than share the Lakes Eight Conference title and can win it outright this week; Ludington (4-3) must win out to guarantee a playoff bid.

Allendale 38, Sparta 7: The Falcons (6-1) beat Sparta to earn a playoff berth, and would love the Spartans (5-2) to join them in the postseason if it means Sparta beats O-K Blue frontrunner Comstock Park in Week 9 – which could then give Allendale a share of the league title.

East Kentwood 34, Holland West Ottawa 18: The Falcons (5-2) guaranteed their first winning regular season since 2009 and remain atop the O-K Red, tied with Rockford, while West Ottawa (4-3) fell to fourth.

Lowell 53, Caledonia 25: The Red Arrows (7-0) needed to survive a challenge from Caledonia (5-2) to set up this week’s O-K White decider against also first-place Grand Rapids Christian.     

Southwest and Border

Paw Paw 15, Plainwell 13

These teams have dominated defensively all fall, and that remained the theme when they met with a share of the Wolverine B East on the line. The win gave the Redskins (7-0) nine in nine games over Plainwell (6-1) since the two became league foes in 2006 – although Paw Paw has to beat co-second place Otsego this week to win the league title outright. Click to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Also noted:

Battle Creek Pennfield 15, Olivet 14: This turned the Kalamazoo Valley Association race back into a three-team battle with Pennfield, Olivet and Schoolcraft all 6-1 and having played each other; fourth place Constantine plays Olivet and then Pennfield and could have a giant impact on the final order.

Dowagiac 14, Three Rivers 7: The Chieftains (6-1) needed to beat third-place Three Rivers (4-3) to remain undefeated in the league heading into this week’s Wolverine B West deciding game against also first-place Edwardsburg.

Hartford 17, Decatur 14: It’s still possible for four of five teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference South to earn playoff berths, but Hartford (4-3) needed this win over Decatur (5-2) to keep that hope alive.

Niles Brandywine 24, St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic 6: With seven wins, Brandywine (7-0) equaled last season’s total and its most since winning eight 1997, while handing the Lakers (5-1) their first loss of the season.

Lower Up North

Cadillac 26, Traverse City West 21

This Big North Conference showdown literally came down to the final seconds and a few yards, with Cadillac’s defense making a final stand at its 3-yard line to stay ahead as the game ended. By doing so, the Vikings (7-0) claimed a share of the Big North championship while dropping Traverse City West (4-3) one win back with one more league game to play. Click to read more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Also noted:

Grayling 35, Kalkaska 18: Three of seven teams in the Lake Michigan Conference could still have a hand in the league title, but Grayling (6-1) remained tied for first while eliminating Kalkaska (5-2) from contention.

Evart 31, McBain 28: The Wildcats (6-1) earned a second straight playoff berth while leaving McBain (4-3) needing to win out to qualify.

Ogemaw Heights 41, Standish-Sterling 28: Ogemaw Heights (5-2) pulled within one more win of making the playoffs by handing Standish-Sterling (6-1) its first loss.

Maple City Glen Lake 55, Suttons Bay 14: By beating third-place Suttons Bay (3-4), Glen Lake (7-0) finished a second straight undefeated run through the Northwest Conference.

Thumb and Bay

Montrose 34, Flint Beecher 18

The Rams (7-0) ran their Genesee Area Conference Red winning streak to 17 over the last three-plus seasons and set themselves up well to play for a third straight league title, with seventh-place Perry up next before a face-off with also first-place Lake Fenton in Week 9. Beecher (5-2) fell two games back and needs one more win to make the playoffs, with opponents a combined 9-5 left on the schedule. Click to read more from the Flint Journal.

Also noted:

Reese 55, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port 13: This decider in the Greater Thumb Conference West didn’t end up close, as Reese (6-1) claimed a share of the title and the Lakers (5-2) fell one game back with one to play.

Saginaw Nouvel 28, Traverse City St. Francis 14: The Panthers (6-1) made it six straight wins since falling on opening night, while putting St. Francis (4-3) in position of having to win out to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

Gladwin 19, Sanford Meridian 14: The Flying G’s (5-2) are back in the Jack Pine Conference title hunt, tied with Sanford Meridian at one game behind leader Clare, with Clare and Meridian (6-1) set to meet in Week 9.

Grand Blanc 17, Hartland 7: Grand Blanc (6-1) missed out on the KLAA West title last year by falling to eventual champion Hartland (2-5) in the final league game of the schedule; this time the title belongs to the Bobcats thanks in part to a win over the Eagles.

Upper Peninsula

Ishpeming 28, Negaunee 24

This one had been circled since the end of last season, even as Ishpeming claimed the MHSAA Division 7 championship despite losing out on the Mid-Peninsula Athletic Conference title to Negaunee earlier in the fall. Alex Briones, who quarterbacked that MHSAA title run, was the star of this one for the Hematites (7-0), who clinched a share of the league title and need to beat only fourth-place Gwinn in Week 9 to claim it outright. Negaunee (6-1) will be cheering Gwinn on in hopes of still claiming a share. Click to read more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Also noted:

Iron River West Iron County 30, Eagle River Northland Pines, Wis. 6: The Wykons (7-0) remained undefeated in winning a share of their second West Peninsula Athletic Conference title in three seasons.  

Felch North Dickinson 36, Powers North Central 20: The Nordics (6-1) finished a second straight perfect run through the Mid-Eastern Conference schedule by beating the second-place Jets (5-2).

Sault Ste. Marie 34, Cheboygan 14: The Blue Devils (4-3) kept playoff hopes alive by beating a likely qualifier in Cheboygan (5-2).

Houghton 32, Lake Linden-Hubbell 26 (OT): The Gremlins (4-3) needed overtime to keep their playoff hopes alive against another team in Lake Linden-Hubbell (4-3) that also must now win out.

Mid-Michigan

Beal City 42, Lake City 35 (OT)

One of the most highly-anticipated small-school games this season lived up to the billing, with Beal City not taking its first lead until earning the advantage for good in overtime. In what was certainly the toughest test this season so far for both teams, the Aggies’ offensive prowess proved superior to Lake City’s stingy defense. Beal City (7-0) claimed a share of the Highland Conference title, while Lake City (6-1) fell to second place. Click to read more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.

Also noted:

Carson City-Crystal 51, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 49: The Eagles (7-0) hung on after opening a big early lead to not only beat Sacred Heart (5-2) but claim the Mid-State Activities Conference South title, its first league title since 1961.

Pewamo-Westphalia 25, Fowler 0: The Pirates (7-0) avenged last season’s loss to their biggest rival and in the process won a share of the Central Michigan Athletic Conference title; Fowler (5-2) remains in second place, a game back with one to play.

Hillsdale 31, Ida 14: Four teams are tied atop the Lenawee County Athletic Association standings with two games to play, and that’s thanks to Hillsdale (4-3), which toppled Ida (5-2) from its former spot in first place alone.

Grand Ledge 41, Lansing Everett 19: The Comets (4-3) continue to battle back from an 0-3 start and now are a game behind first-place Lansing Sexton in the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue, with Everett (5-2) facing the Big Reds this week.

Trophy Games

Each week the MHSAA highlights trophy games across the state. Last week’s slate included:  

Little Brown Jug: Brighton vs. Howell. These KLAA rivals have faced each other every season but one dating to 1977. Final: Brighton 27, Howell 20.

Baseline Jug: Northville vs. Novi. In the KLAA Central, Northville won this rivalry game to claim the league title outright. Final: Northville 40, Novi 13.

Cedar Log: Menominee vs. Marinette, Wis. These old rivals played for the 107th time, with Menominee tying the series record at 50-50-7. Final: Menominee 56, Marinette 27.

Champions of the North: Traverse City Central vs. Alpena. The Trojans claimed this trophy game for the fourth consecutive season. Final: Traverse City Central 45, Alpena 0.

Ford Cup: Newberry vs. Manistique: This series restarted in 2012 after eight seasons off with a big Manistique win, now followed by a close one by Newberry. Final: Newberry 7, Manistique 6.

Pioneer-Thunderbird Spirit Bowl:  Dearborn vs. Dearborn Edsel Ford. The Pioneers own a four-game winning streak in this city rivalry game between teams 2.5 miles apart. Final: Dearborn 41, Edsel Ford 14.

Battle of Bogie Lake Road:  White Lake Lakeland vs. Walled Lake Northern. These two both sit, logically, on Bogie Lake Road separated by a 1.6-mile trip around said lake. Final: Walled Lake Northern 45, Lakeland 26.

Skipper's Oar:  Waterford Mott vs. Waterford Kettering. The Captains have claimed five of the last six against their rivals located a mere 3.9 miles away. Final: Kettering 27, Mott 0. 

PHOTO: Beal City (white jerseys) remained undefeated and claimed a share of the Highland Conference championship by edging Lake City in overtime. (Click to see more from High School Sports Scene.)

Hudsonville’s Bryce Fox (9) emerges from the grasp of multiple Howell defenders Saturday.

1st & Goal: 2024 Playoffs Week 3 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

November 18, 2024

We’ve rounded the final turn toward the finish of this 2024 football season.

MI Student AidAll four 8-player finalists are decided, and we lead off today’s “Review” with a look back and how they earned their trips this weekend to Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome.

We also glanced at all 32 Regional Finals in the 11-player bracket as those winners pulled within one more victory of booking Thanksgiving weekend at Ford Field.

8-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Pickford 34, Indian River Inland Lakes 18 This proved to be Pickford’s closest game so far this season, but the Panthers (12-0) advanced to their first MHSAA Final since 2019 when they won Division 1 – and also avenged a 12-0 Semifinal loss to Inland Lakes from a year ago. Pickford did so by holding the Bulldogs (11-1) well below its average of 53 points per game heading into the weekend. Click for more from WLUC.

HEADLINER Deckerville 49, Mendon 32 Mendon scored first and trailed by only three at halftime, but Deckerville outscored the Hornets 20-6 over the final two quarters. The Eagles (12-0) slowed down a Mendon rushing attack that hadn’t run into too many obstacles this season, and Deckerville quarterback Hunter Garza ran for 228 yards and three touchdowns and threw for two fourth-quarter scores. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.

8-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Crystal Falls Forest Park 49, Onekama 24 The Trojans are headed back to the Finals for the first time since winning Division 2 in 2017. Forest Park put up more points than Onekama had given up in a game this season and held the Portagers (10-2) to eight fewer than their season average. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.

HEADLINER Morrice 36, Britton Deerfield 0 Morrice (11-1) dominated on both sides of the ball and with Wyatt Cartier finding the end zone from his positions on offense and defense, running for three scores and returning an interception for a fourth. The Patriots (10-2) were averaging 53 points per game entering the weekend. Click for more from the Lansing Herald.

11-Player Division 1

HEADLINER Detroit Catholic Central 35, Belleville 21 As anticipated, and evidenced by the sizable crowd filling the stands, this was a game many had hoped to see for some time – and they watched DCC (12-0) win its first Regional title since 2017 while ending the career of one of the most accomplished players in MHSAA football history. Belleville (10-2) finished a combined 50-4 with three trips to Ford Field and two Division 1 titles during quarterback Bryce Underwood’s four seasons on varsity. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

Regional Roundup Hudsonville 35 Howell 6 The Eagles (11-1) won their first Regional title since 2005 and ended Howell’s winningest season at 11-1, holding the Highlanders scoreless until the fourth quarter. Rochester Adams 21, Grand Blanc 14 Adams (10-2) improved to a combined 9-3 in the playoffs over the last four seasons by winning its first Regional title since 2021. Grand Blanc finished 9-3, its defeats by a combined 10 points. Detroit Cass Tech 21, Macomb Dakota 14 Alex Graham snagged the game-winning touchdown pass above two defenders with 19 seconds to play to lead Cass Tech (10-2) to its second Regional title in three seasons. Dakota finished 10-2.

11-Player Division 2

HEADLINER Birmingham Groves 21, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 19 Groves (12-0) took a seven-point lead into halftime and a one-point advantage into the fourth quarter on the way to claiming its second Regional title in three seasons. The Falcons’ victory also meant the end of De La Salle’s four-year streak of reaching Ford Field; the Pilots (8-3) were Division 2 runners-up a year ago. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.

Regional Roundup Byron Center 52, Portage Central 14 Byron Center (11-1) won its first Regional championship and set a program record for wins, taking the next step after falling in a Regional Final last year. Portage Central finished 8-4 after winning its first District title since 2021. East Lansing 49, Saginaw Heritage 27 East Lansing (9-3) repeated as a Regional champion by scoring more points than Heritage (8-4) had given up in a game since Week 3 of the 2023 season. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 27, Gibraltar Carlson 3 St. Mary’s (9-3) won its first Regional title since 2016, thanks in part to holding the Marauders (10-2) to 39 points below their average and single digits for the first time since 2022.  

East Lansing’s Jace Clarizio (0) works to break the tackle of Saginaw Heritage’s Anthony Fries.

11-Player Division 3

HEADLINER Zeeland West 36, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 20 West (11-1) repeated as a Regional winner and this time ended the season for the reigning Division 3 champion, after having lost to FHC 18-14 in the Semifinal a year ago that sent the Rangers to Ford Field. The Dux also had won their regular-season meeting in Week 6, as FHC finished this fall 9-3. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Regional Roundup Mason 22, Walled Lake Western 17 After falling to Western 20-17 in Week 8, Mason (10-2) avenged to clinch its fourth-straight Regional title and end the Warriors season at 11-1. DeWitt 70, Petoskey 34 DeWitt (12-0) ended Petoskey’s longest playoff run since 2014 by tying its highest-scoring output this fall – and moving into a tie for eighth all-time for single-season scoring by an 11-player team, with 682 points. The Northmen finished 11-1. Detroit Martin Luther King 34, River Rouge 0 King (9-3) ran its Regional title streak to four with a fourth-straight season defeating Rouge during the playoffs since falling to the Panthers (6-5) in a 2020 Regional Final.

11-Player Division 4

HEADLINER Niles 37, Portland 34 Niles (11-1) not only avenged last season’s 21-14 loss to Portland in this round, but in doing so won its first Regional title and set a program record for wins for the second-straight season. Portland is a combined 43-7 over the last four after completing its fourth-straight double-digit finish at 11-1 as well. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.

Regional Roundup Grand Rapids South Christian 28, Whitehall 21 In another one-score Regional Final, Whitehall (8-4) came back to get within striking distance but fell to the Sailors in a Regional Final by this score for the second time in three seasons. South Christian (8-4) needs one more win to reach Ford Field for a third-straight year. Goodrich 42, Haslett 13 Goodrich (11-1) repeated in winning this Regional Final matchup from a year ago as well, controlling the line to run for five touchdowns and adding a sixth on a turnover. Haslett finished 8-4 after beginning 1-3, and with three losses this season to teams playing in Semifinals. Harper Woods 48, Macomb Lutheran North 3 The reigning champion is one win from returning to Ford Field, as Harper Woods (9-3) held Lutheran North to 30 points fewer than its season average. The Mustangs set a program record for wins in finishing 10-2.

Goodrich’s Chase Burnett (25) takes on a pair of Haslett defenders.

11-Player Division 5

HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 21, Kalamazoo United 14 Dale Gant’s touchdown with 3:04 to play was the decider as Catholic Central (8-4) claimed a ninth-straight Regional title. United finished 9-3, with its highest win total since 2018 and two of those losses to opponents still playing. Click for more from Michigan Sports Radio.

Regional Roundup Frankenmuth 35, Gladwin 0 The Eagles (12-0) added a second win over Gladwin (8-4) over the last four weeks to clinch a fifth-straight Regional championship. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 45, Armada 19 In winning their first Regional title, the Fighting Irish (10-1) tied their school record for wins. Armada (10-2) also set a school record for wins this fall. Flat Rock 41, Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard 0 Flat Rock won a second-straight Regional title with its second shutout this season. FGR finished 7-5 after winning its first District title since 2012.

11-Player Division 6

HEADLINER Lansing Catholic 49, Newaygo 36 Lansing Catholic (9-3) is another team that has entered the spotlight these playoffs, with three wins over opponents that entered those matchups a combined 26-4. The Cougars took advantage of turnovers to get a quick jump this time and followed quarterback Alex Fernandez to their second Regional title in four seasons. Newaygo finished its winningest since 2012 at 9-3. Click for more from MLIVE.

Regional Roundup Boyne City 34, Reed City 21 Boyne City (10-2) rushed to its first Regional title since 2014 on the legs of Owen Hewitt, who scored four touchdowns. Reed City finished 9-3, reaching nine wins for the fifth-straight season. Jackson Lumen Christi 42, Constantine 6 Last season’s Division 7 champion is enjoying similar success in Division 6 as Lumen Christi (11-1) is seeking to make the Ford Field trip for the third-straight year. Constantine finished 8-4. Marine City 52, Detroit Central 26 Marine City (10-2) downed Central for the second time in four weeks after previously defeating the Trailblazers (8-4) in Week 9, 37-15. The Regional title was the Mariners’ second in four seasons.

11-Player Division 7

HEADLINER North Muskegon 23, Menominee 0 North Muskegon made the long drive to the western Upper Peninsula, which allowed additional time to celebrate one of the most notable wins in recent program history. The Norsemen (11-1) claimed their second-straight Regional title and avenged last year’s Semifinal loss to Menominee (10-2), which ended up finishing Division 7 runner-up. This time, North Muskegon shut down a Maroons offense that was averaging 45.5 points per game and put 32 on the Norsemen last season. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.

Regional Roundup Millington 28, Pewamo-Westphalia Defense also was the story in this matchup, as the Cardinals (12-0) posted their fifth shutout this fall, holding the Pirates (9-3) without a point for the first time since 2012. Schoolcraft 28, Hudson 16 Schoolcraft (11-1) will play in the Semifinals for the first time since 2020 after taking the lead during the closing minute of the first half and holding off the Tigers (10-2) the rest of the way. Hudson entered the game giving up only 8.4 points per game and hadn’t allowed more than 17. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 55, Leslie 18 St. Mary (12-0) won its first Regional title since 2019 as it continued to surge offensively – the Falcons topped 50 points for the second time this season and also second week in a row. Leslie finished its first winning season since 2012 at 10-2, totaling one more win than the last three seasons combined.

Fowler’s Joe Epkey (78) wraps up a Harbor Beach ball carrier Saturday. 

11-Player Division 8

HEADLINER Fowler 25, Harbor Beach 7 Fowler (12-0) has impressed all season and now will play in a Semifinal for the first time since 2019. But this might have been the Eagles’ best win so far this fall. Fowler held a Pirates offense averaging 44 points per game to a single score and put 25 points on a defense that was giving up just 5.5 ppg entering the weekend. Harbor Beach finished 11-1, its best since 2018. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Regional Roundup Beal City 14, Iron Mountain 7 Beal City (10-2) also handed the lone loss of this season to its opponent, traveling to Iron Mountain to win its second-straight Regional title and third in four seasons. The Aggies also defeated the Mountaineers (11-1) in a 2023 Regional Final. Decatur 41, Reading 0 Decatur (11-1) claimed its first Regional title since 2002, continuing a tremendous improvement from 4-5 a year ago. The Raiders have given up only 13 points over three playoff games. Reading finished 7-5, also a considerable turnaround from 2-7 last fall. Riverview Gabriel Richard 30, Detroit Loyola 12 RGR (10-1) was another repeat Regional champion, and this time set a program record for wins in adding a second this fall over Loyola (5-7). The Pioneers also had defeated Loyola 29-8 in Week 5.

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) Hudsonville’s Bryce Fox (9) emerges from the grasp of multiple Howell defenders Saturday. (2) East Lansing’s Jace Clarizio (0) works to break the tackle of Saginaw Heritage’s Anthony Fries. (3) Goodrich’s Chase Burnett (25) takes on a pair of Haslett defenders. (4) Fowler’s Joe Epkey (78) wraps up a Harbor Beach ball carrier Saturday. (Top and East Lansing/Heritage photos by L.C. Arreguin/Team Arreguin Photos. Goodrich/Haslett photo by Terry Lyons. Fowler/Harbor Beach photo by Kolleth Photo.)