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Drive for Detroit: Week 9 in Review

October 27, 2014

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The biggest news of this weekend undoubtedly came Sunday night, when the field for this season’s MHSAA Football Playoffs was announced.

But before we move on, let’s pay a final homage to another regular season – and some memorable highlights that made their way in before Week 9 came to a close Saturday night.

Consider these appetizers:

  • Hanover-Horton defeated Quincy 50-48 in six overtimes Thursday; it was the sixth game in MHSAA history to go at least six overtimes, with the record nine and six tied for second-longest.


  • Crystal Falls Forest Park beat rival Lake Linden-Hubbell 36-22 to finish second in the Great Western Conference but remain undefeated in Michigan this fall – the Trojans' lone loss was to league champion Hurley, from Wisconsin.


  • Saginaw Arthur Hill beat rival Saginaw High 28-0. Neither of these teams will move on – this was the only win this fall between the two – but this ended a rivalry that began in 1894, as the schools will combine beginning next summer.

Read on for the main course, including some of the details behind the final league championships decided this fall. 

West Michigan

Muskegon Mona Shores 48, Muskegon 27

Muskegon has been able to make the argument the last two seasons for being the best of the always-strong west Michigan football scene – the Big Reds (8-1) were a combined 24-4 in 2012 and 2013, finishing Division 2 runner-up both seasons. That’s part of why Mona Shores’ win Friday sent statewide shockwaves. Although the Sailors (8-1) played Muskegon to within six points last season and later earned their first playoff berth ever, and have risen this fall to the cusp of elite as well, defeating the Big Reds gave Mona Shores its first league title since 1968 and a school record for victories with arguably its best win in program history. It also was Mona Shores’ first over Muskegon since 1982 Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.

Also noted:

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 26, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 13 – The Cougars (6-3) added to a now seven-season playoff streak despite opening 2-3.

Caledonia 38, Grand Rapids Christian 14 – Despite its impressive run over the last five weeks, Caledonia (7-2) still could’ve lost its share of the O-K White title against the dangerous Eagles (5-4) – who did make the playoffs with an at-large bid.

Grandville 22, Hudsonville 7 – Five of six O-K Red teams finished with overall winning records this fall, which makes a good case why both of these earned at-large playoff bids with matching 5-4 records.

Muskegon Catholic Central 45, Ravenna 0 – The Crusaders (9-0) have won 21 straight and are the likely Division 8 favorite again with four shutouts including this latest of solid Ravenna (7-2). 

Bay and Thumb

Midland Dow 35, Midland 17

There’s joy on one side of this Midland rivalry, but both schools should share a sense of pride. Dow has been solid over the years, but had fallen to its neighbor 11 times in their past 12 games – so beating the Chemics was probably the best possible scenario for Dow as it finished its first perfect regular season since its MHSAA championship year of 1976. The Chargers also helped put to an end one of the most incredible runs in MHSAA regular-season history; Midland finished 4-5 and sub-.500 for the first time since 1976. Click for more from the Midland Daily News.

Also noted:

Fenton 35, Linden 29 – The Tigers (9-0) edged another playoff team in Linden (6-3) to finish perfect for the regular season for the first time since 1985.

Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 27, Birch Run 20 – The Cardinals (8-1) beat another playoff team in the Panthers (7-2) to guarantee their best finish since 1994.  

New Lothrop 35, Montrose 21 – The Hornets (9-0) finished their fifth straight perfect regular season with one of the most impressive wins of the run, over arguably one of the best six-win teams in the state in Montrose (6-3).

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 14, Beal City 13 – The Lakers finished their first 9-0 regular season since 2002 against the two-time reigning Division 8 runner-up Aggies (7-2) after both decided to play instead of claiming forfeit wins from their original Week 9 opponents. 

Greater Detroit

Birmingham Brother Rice 35, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 28

What a way to finish the regular season – the final 11-player game before the start of the 2014 playoffs was even better than billed, considering the Warriors had defeated the Eaglets 28-20 only three weeks ago. Brother Rice (9-0) pulled within 28-27 on Grant Perry’s fourth touchdown catch and with only 24 seconds left in the Detroit Catholic League Prep Bowl at Ford Field, then decided to go for two points and the win. Perry caught the conversion pass from quarterback Alex Malzone to take the lead, and the Warriors added their final points off a turnover on the final play of the game. St. Mary’s only losses in going 7-2 are to Brother Rice. Click for more from the Detroit News.

Also noted:

Detroit Cass Tech 39, Detroit Martin Luther King 7 – The Detroit Public School League championship game matched undefeated teams and proved again the strength of Division 1 contender Cass Tech (9-0), with Martin Luther King (8-1) still expected to contend in Division 2 as well.

Clarkston 31, Farmington Hills Harrison 24 – The Wolves (9-0) have won 22 straight with this against Harrison (7-2) only the third game of that streak decided by seven points or fewer.

Dearborn Fordson 17, Monroe 6 – The Tractors (9-0) held strong again against one of their toughest opponents so far, Monroe (6-3), to finish undefeated for the third regular season over the last seven.

Hudson 34, Hillsdale 14 – The Lenawee County Athletic Association title came down to the final week, and this time Hudson (8-1) clinched it outright after sharing last season with both Hillsdale (7-2) and Ida.

Upper Peninsula

Menominee 48, Marquette 28

Menominee (9-0) is Great Northern Upper Peninsula Conference champion for the second straight season, although not without facing one of its toughest challenges in some time. Second-place Marquette (7-2) gave the Maroons arguably their best regular-season game since a 14-13 loss to Kingsford in 2012 and scored the most points given up by the Maroons in the regular season since 2011. Menominee’s offense keeps churning, averaging 48 points per game with its 48 against Marquette the most the Redmen had given up since 2009. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Also noted:

Negaunee 27, Ishpeming Westwood 9 – The Miners (5-4) kept their three-year playoff string going, but needed this win over Westwood (6-3) to take full advantage of the Patriots’ best regular-season finish since 2011.

Bark River-Harris 8, Iron River West Iron County 6 – The Broncos (7-2) added another highlight to their best season since 2009 by handing West Iron (8-1) its first regular-season loss since Week 7 in 2012.

Bessemer 51, Ironwood 6 – The Miners (Bessemer’s nickname as part of its football co-op, Gogebic) won their sixth game to advance to the playoffs for the third straight season.

Iron Mountain 21, Norway 20 – The Mountaineers (6-3) are back in the playoffs after a one-year miss, but needed to edge a Norway (4-5) team that was playing for an at-large bid but still finished with its best record since 2010. 

Lower Up North

Cadillac 15, Traverse City Central 14

This is the way a league title should be decided – one-point game between first and second-place teams on the final night of the regular season. Never mind that Cadillac had already earned a share of the Big North Conference title and that Central ended up tied for second with Petoskey; Cadillac’s go-ahead score with 4.6 seconds to play makes this one of the most exciting finishes in Michigan so far this season. The score came after Central had forced Cadillac into a turnover on downs at the Trojans’ 4-yard line a minute and a half prior. A Central win would've made them co-champions. Click for more from the Cadillac News.

Also noted:

Boyne City 55, Grayling 36 – The Ramblers (9-0) celebrated not only their first perfect regular season since 2001, but also the end of a five-game losing streak to the Vikings (4-5).  

Johannesburg-Lewiston 42, Indian River Inland Lakes 6 – The South-winning Cardinals (8-1) can call themselves second-best in the Ski Valley Conference overall, having fallen to North champ St. Ignace in Week 5 before beating North runner-up Inland Lakes (7-2) impressively.

Onekama 40, Frankfort 22 – The Portagers (6-3) are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2007 with also their first winning record since that season; Frankfort (5-3) had previously qualified.

Traverse City West 35, Walled Lake Northern 14 – The Titans earned enough playoff points downing Northern (4-5) to earn an at-large postseason bid and extend its streak to three seasons despite opening this fall 1-3.  

Southwest and Border

Gobles 51, Saugatuck 49

This Southwestern Athletic Conference North finale had all kinds of implications. While Fennville cruised into a share of the league title with a 42-0 win over Bloomingdale (after beating Gobles 22-12 in Week 8 and despite losing the Saugatuck the week before that), a Saugatuck win in this one would have changed things substantially by giving the Indians (5-4) both a share of the league title and a playoff berth. Instead, Gobles (7-2) shared the championship with Fennville, and those two will continue into the postseason while Saugatuck will not despite notching an eighth-straight winning season. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Also noted:

Mendon 28, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 7 – The Hornets (8-1) beat six teams that finished the regular season .500 or better, including the Irish (5-4), who earned a playoff at-large bid.

Schoolcraft 28, Reed City 14 – Schoolcraft (6-3) closed the season on a 5-1 run to make the playoffs, but still needed to beat a co-league champion in Reed City (7-2) to guarantee a spot.

Berrien Springs 7, Dowagiac 0 – The Shamrocks (6-3) are back in the playoffs after a two-season hiatus also thanks to a 5-1 run to close the regular season and the first win over Dowagiac (3-6) of their recent three-game series.

Battle Creek Central 18, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 15 – The Bearcats (5-4) didn’t make the playoffs, but did guarantee their first winning season since 2008 and after winning a combined five games over the last five years. 

Mid-Michigan

Lansing Catholic 27, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 21

The talk about rejuvenated Lansing Catholic (9-0) of late has focused on if the Cougars are set to take the step into MHSAA title contender status. This victory seems to indicate yes. St. Mary (8-1) also entered undefeated and led by a strong group of seniors who should make it a player again in Division 6. Lansing Catholic is looking good to make a similar run in Division 5 after surviving its only game closer than 24 points this season. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Also noted:

Okemos 20, East Lansing 13 – The Chieftains (6-3) secured their first playoff berth since 2011 after a 2-3 start, by riding in part their best defensive performance in a decade (16.7 ppg) despite facing five eventual playoff qualifiers.

Grand Ledge 41, Holt 7 – The Comets (6-3) are another bounce-back playoff team, in after a year off and despite a 1-2 start to this fall and having to face their biggest rival in the finale.

Eaton Rapids 35, Charlotte 6 – Despite new leagues for both this fall, they kept the series alive; Eaton Rapids (6-3) also kept alive a playoff streak after making the postseason for the first time a year ago.

Manchester 47, Union City 27 – This matchup of champions from the Cascades and Big 8 conferences saw Cascades winner Manchester (8-1) hand Union City its lone loss. 

8-Player

Lawrence 40, Battle Creek St. Philip 19

Beating St. Philip (8-1) didn’t bump Lawrence (9-0) up enough to get it a home game if these two meet again in the Regional Final – but did push Lawrence past Portland St. Patrick so it will host the Shamrocks this week. The win also showed Lawrence is the team to beat from this quarter of the bracket, regardless of where the games are played. Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Also noted:

Rapid River 42, Bellaire 28 – The Rockets (9-0) tuned up for what they hope will be another playoff run with Bridge Football Alliance runner-up Cedarville to start October and third-place Bellaire (7-2) to finish it.

Webberville 44, Burr Oak 16 – This unofficial playoff game got Webberville (4-5) into the field in the 16th and final spot, while Burr Oak (4-5) ended up 17th in playoff point average and just outside.

PHOTO: Muskegon Mona Shores ran away in the third quarter Friday to defeat rival Muskegon for the first time since 1982 and claim its first league title since 1968. (Photo courtesy of Eric Sturr.)

Fowler's Jacob Halfmann pulls away from a Pewamo-Westphalia defender Friday.

1st & Goal: 2024 Week 6 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 7, 2024

We don’t track margin of victory week to week during the Michigan high school football season. So only anecdotally we will say that Week 6 felt like it was filled with several more close games than usual across the state.

MI Student AidTotal, 57 games were decided by eight points or fewer – in essence, a touchdown and 2-point conversion, or less – and those 57 games including 113 Michigan teams (with River Rouge playing an Ohio opponent).

In other words, 19 percent of our varsity teams were part of games decided by such a slim margin – including many of the results of intriguing matchups we highlight below.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Almont 29, Armada 28 Almont’s last-minute go-ahead score may end up deciding the Blue Water Area Conference championship as the Raiders (6-0) held on to win this matchup of undefeated teams. They can clinch a share of the title this week against Richmond, while Armada (5-1) fell into a second-place tie with North Branch – but with some hope as North Branch plays Almont in Week 8. Click for more from the Port Huron Times Herald.

Watch list Marysville 39, Marine City 20 Marysville (5-1) rebounded from a 35-0 opening-night loss to Almont to win five straight and clinch a share of the Macomb Area Conference Silver title – with an opportunity to win it outright this week against second-place St. Clair.

On the move Davison 35, East Lansing 10 Davison (5-1) built a strong nonleague schedule again for this season, and this final nonconference win bumped the Cardinals up to No. 9 in Division 1 playoff-point average while keeping East Lansing (3-3) still firmly in the Division 2 mix. Grand Blanc 35, Lapeer 21 The undefeated atop the Saginaw Valley League Red standings are down to Grand Blanc (5-1) and Davison, with Lapeer (4-2) holding on to a sliver of title share hope after taking its second league loss. Fenton 24, Linden 21 Fenton (6-0) took a field goal lead during the first quarter and continued to maintain that advantage to the end to clinch a share of the Flint Metro League Stripes title and send Linden to 3-3 – but with some title share hope as Fenton faces the other second-place team, Flushing, this week.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Trenton 28, Gibraltar Carlson 14 Trenton (4-2) has strung together a nice comeback over the last month, with this win the necessary first step toward a possible – and what not long ago probably seemed improbable – opportunity to claim a share of the Downriver League title. The Trojans started this fall 0-2 with both losses in the league, but handed Carlson (5-1) its first. This week Trenton faces Downriver leader Allen Park – and with Allen Park and Carlson still to play as well. Click for more from the Southgate News-Herald.

Watch list Clawson 27, Clinton Township Clintondale 14 Reigning MAC Bronze champion Clawson (4-2) broke this season’s league standings open again, denying Clintondale (4-2) the opportunity to clinch a share of the title and setting up the possibility of three winners this season with Hazel Park also tied for first, one league game left for all three, and none of those three playing each other.

On the move Detroit Lincoln-King 50, Mount Clemens 0 Lincoln-King (6-0) posted its third straight shutout on the field (with a forfeit win during that run as well) and can clinch the Charter School Conference Silver title this week after sending Mount Clemens (4-2) into a tie for third place. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 34, Utica Eisenhower 31 (2 OT) All of a sudden the Big Reds (2-4) are only five spots out of making the Division 1 playoff field after stunning Eisenhower (5-1), which can still claim a share of the MAC Red title by defeating first-place Macomb Dakota this week. Oxford 18, Rochester Adams 17 After opening Oakland Activities Association Red play with an eight-point loss to Clarkston, Oxford has pushed back into a tie for first with a chance to clinch a share of the title this week against West Bloomfield. Oddly enough, Adams – with two league losses by a combined four points – could be part of a five-team title share if all five in the division finish 2-2 in league play.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Fowler 14, Pewamo-Westphalia 11 Fowler (6-0) pulled into first place in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference and nearly pulled even with P-W (5-1) in their longstanding series. This was the Eagles’ second win in their last 10 meetings with the Pirates, but pulled Fowler to within one of tying P-W for wins in the 59-year rivalry. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Leslie 36, Napoleon 28 With this win over reigning Cascades Conference East champion Napoleon (3-3), Leslie pulled within one more of clinching a share of this year’s title and with winless East Jackson up next. The Blackhawks (6-0) also have their most victories in a season since 2012, the last time they finished with a winning record.

On the move Ionia 21, Lansing Sexton 20 After this second-straight one-point win, Ionia (4-2) has avenged three of its losses from a year ago and needs two more victories to guarantee its best finish since 2013. Lansing Everett 35, Grand Ledge 12 Everett (5-1) bounced back from its loss to Grand Blanc with its first win over Grand Ledge (4-2) since 2019 – and with one more victory, would have its best finish since 2014. Mason 40, St. Johns 10 Mason (5-1) clinched a share of a sixth-straight Capital Area Activities Conference Red title by winning this matchup of league leaders, and also delivered St. Johns (5-1) its lone loss during what has been the Redwings’ best season since 2019.

Chesaning's Brayden Florian (11) finds a seam during his team's 50-0 win over Montrose.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Petoskey 42, Cadillac 18 The Northmen played themselves into a championship matchup in the Big North Conference this week, as they’ll face co-leader Marquette with two leagues games remaining for both. Petoskey also is 6-0 for the first time since 2011, tied last season’s win total with this one, and remains seventh in Division 3 playoff-point average while Cadillac (3-3) fell only one spot to No. 29. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

Watch list Boyne City 21, Grayling 18 Boyne City (4-2) kept its destiny in its own hands, and it will face first-place Traverse City St. Francis in Week 9 with a chance to earn a share of the Northern Michigan Football League Legends championship.

On the move East Jordan 43, Mancelona 28 The Red Devils (4-2) bounced back from two-straight one-score losses to solidly reassert themselves in the middle of the potential Division 8 playoff field, with Mancelona (3-3) remaining in that mix as well. Traverse City St. Francis 55, Cheboygan 6 The Gladiators (5-1) won their third straight to clinch a share of the NMFL Legends title and send Cheboygan to 3-3. Charlevoix 28, Elk Rapids 0 The Rayders (4-2) are league champions as well with this clinching a share in the NMFL Leaders.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 34, Riverview 15 Two straight power-packed weeks in the Huron League have left Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in first place and Riverview and Flat Rock both a game back, with SMCC facing Flat Rock this week with at least a share of the league title on the line. This was billed as Riverview’s powerful offense against the Falcons’ unyielding defense, and the latter won out to give SMCC its first victory over the Pirates since 2019. Click for more from the Monroe News.

Watch list Dexter 42, Ann Arbor Pioneer 6 Dexter (6-0) clinched the Southeastern Conference Red championship, in part by sending Pioneer (4-2) into a tie for second place. The Dreadnaughts can claim the title outright this week at Monroe.

On the move Jackson Lumen Christi 63, Toledo St. Francis de Sales 35 In a winner-take-all for the Catholic High School League AA championship, Lumen Christi (5-1) clinched it and has won all six of its CHSL games since entering the league last fall. Ottawa Lake Whiteford 65, Erie Mason 8 Petersburg Summerfield clinched a share of the Tri-County Conference title by way of this Whiteford win, but the Bobcats (5-1) no doubt will be cheering for Mason next week to defeat Summerfield, which would create a shared title among all three. Chelsea 38, Tecumseh 14 Chelsea has strung together five straight wins after losing its season opener, and this one, combined with Adrian’s 17-14 victory over Jackson, gave the Bulldogs (5-1) the outright SEC White title.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Kalamazoo United 33, Constantine 21 United’s first win over Constantine since 2018 ended the Falcons’ 23-game winning streak in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore and put the Titans (5-1) in position to clinch a share of the league title this week if Constantine (5-1) defeats co-leader Parchment. United faces Parchment in Week 8. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Watch list Schoolcraft 17, Lawton 3 Schoolcraft (5-1) will face Saugatuck this week for a share of the SAC Valley title after sending Lawton (4-2) into third place by ending a five-game losing streak against the Blue Devils. Lawton had defeated the Eagles in both the regular season and playoffs the last two years.

On the move Battle Creek Harper Creek 32, Parma Western 13 Harper Creek (5-1) has played itself into a similar spot as last season – set to face Hastings with major Interstate 8 Athletic Conference implications. But this time, the Beavers have a win over Parma Western out of the way as they avenged last year’s loss to the third-place Panthers. Paw Paw 21, Edwardsburg 7 The Wolverine Conference race is likely to go to the end of the regular season, but this was a major obstacle to overcome as Paw Paw (6-0) moved closer to a Week 9 matchup with current co-leader and reigning champion Niles – which faces Edwardsburg (4-2) this week. Berrien Springs 31, Buchanan 6 Berrien Springs (3-3) won its second straight over the Bucks (3-3) and will face Dowagiac this week for a share of the Lakeland Conference championship.

Negaunee's Hank Tincknell (35) gets read to take on an Ishpeming Westwood defender.Negaunee's Hank Tincknell (35) gets read to take on an Ishpeming Westwood defender.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Marquette 28, Escanaba 7 As Petoskey accomplished against Cadillac (noted above), Marquette (5-1) did its work to set up this weekend’s Big North Conference matchup of coleaders. The seven points scored by Escanaba (3-3) were the first given up by the Sentinels in BNC play – impressive again versus an offense that was averaging 31 per game. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Watch list Bark River-Harris 54, L’Anse 0 After opening with losses to Ishpeming Westwood and Iron Mountain, Bark River-Harris (4-2) has won four straight and its last three games by shutout. The 54 points scored were a season high.

On the move Calumet 29, Houghton 0 The Copper Kings (3-3) broke a three-game losing streak and in doing so bumped up from No. 40 in Division 6 playoff-point average to No. 32. Manistique 33, West Iron County 0 The Emeralds will finish off the regular season with a pair of still-undefeated opponents and will get a nice bump from those matchups win or lose, but this one paid off big as well as they jumped six spots to No. 30 in Division 8 playoff-point average. Negaunee 42, Ishpeming Westwood 6 With a Week 4 loss to co-leader Kingsford, but co-leader Menominee coming up this week, Negaunee still has some hope for a share of the title in Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper – and if that doesn’t work out, wins like this one over Westwood (2-4) will continue to boost the Miners in Division 6. They currently rank No. 12 on that playoff-point average list, up two spots from last week.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 42, Holland Christian 18 The Cougars may have made the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black title pursuit a two-team race by sending Holland Christian out of a tie for first and with co-leader Grand Rapids Northview up next for the Cougars (5-1). Holland Christian (5-1) also will see Northview, in Week 8, as it continues building its guaranteed best season since 2018. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Zeeland East 22, Grand Rapids South Christian 15 The O-K Green is loaded and several other contenders have received a lot of the attention this fall. But the Chix (4-2) are right there as well, with this easily their most impressive win of the fall and a great way to push into the final two league games against Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central and leader Hudsonville Unity Christian. South Christian (4-2) has lost two straight after a strong start.

On the move Zeeland West 28, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 7 The Dux (5-1) bounced back after losing to Unity Christian in Week 5 and remain one game back in the Green with two league games to play. Rockford 34, Caledonia 14 Rockford (4-2) bounced back from its first back-to-back losses since 2018 by downing the Fighting Scots (4-2) to move back up to No. 15 in Division 1 playoff-point average. Grandville 33, East Kentwood 25 After opening with three losses, Grandville has three wins and the No. 22 spot in Division 1 playoff-point average thanks to a jump of 10 spots. East Kentwood (3-3) would be part of the field as well if the season ended today.

8-Player

HEADLINER Norway 40, Munising 28 The Great Lakes Eight Conference East has plenty of power with four of six teams .500 or better, and at the top are Norway and Pickford with the Knights (5-1) handing Munising (5-1) the latter’s first loss of the season. Circle Norway vs. Pickford in Week 8 as one of the biggest 8-player regular-season games of this fall. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.

Watch list Grand Rapids Sacred Heart 28, St. Joseph Our Lake of the Lake Catholic 20 Sacred Heart (6-0) emerged from one of its toughest tests of this program-defining season, the Falcons’ second overall and first playing a full varsity schedule. Our Lady (4-2) is one of five Sacred Heart opponents so far that sits at .500 or better.

On the move Mendon 66, Bellevue 42 Two strong offensive teams not surprisingly combined to score a lot of points, with Owen Gorham totaling 256 yards and six touchdowns rushing for Mendon (6-0) and Seth Keson running for two touchdowns, scoring a third on a kick return and throwing for two more for Bellevue (4-2). Fulton 60, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 33 The Pirates (5-1) have finished with winning seasons three of their four in 8-player football, and this has been their best start with this victory avenging a seven-point loss to the Irish (4-2) from a year ago. Marion 48, Suttons Bay 0 Marion (6-0) has won its games by an average of 38 points per, and this first shutout of the season came against one of its most successful opponents so far in the Norsemen (4-2).

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PHOTOS (Top) Fowler's Jacob Halfmann pulls away from a Pewamo-Westphalia defender Friday. (Middle) Chesaning's Brayden Florian (11) finds a seam during his team's 50-0 win over Montrose. (Below) c (Top photo by Jim Pivarnik. Chesaning/Montrose photo by Terry Lyons. Negaunee/Westwood photo by Cara Kamps.)