Finals Preview: Champs' Stories Unfold
November 26, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
If you're looking for a few good stories to finish off this high school football season, make sure you're glued to this weekend's MHSAA 11-Player Finals at Ford Field.
Ithaca will attempt to win a fourth straight MHSAA title and re-tie the nation's longest winning streak of 56. The Yellowjackets are one of nine teams back from the 2012 Finals, and one of four reigning champions playing to repeat.
The Division 2 and Division 7 Finals are rematches from last fall and carry plenty of intrigue; Brother Rice just edged Muskegon in Division 2 last season and Ishpeming stunned at least a few by beating to-that-point unstoppable Detroit Loyola in Division 7. DeWitt, Clinton and Clarkston are seeking their first titles, with the latter two heading to the Finals for the first time.
The Division 8,4,6 and 2 games are Friday, with the odd-numbered divisions playing Saturday. All four Friday games will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Detroit's Plus channel (check cable/satellite box listings for your specific channel), with Saturday's games live on Fox Sports Detroit's main station. Audio broadcasts will be available on the MHSAA Network website. Tickets cost $10 and are good for all four games on one day. Click for a full schedule.
Here’s a look at all 16 finalists. (Rankings were voted upon by The Associated Press’ media panel.)
Division 1
CLARKSTON
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Kurt Richardson, 27th season (202-78)
League finish: First in Oakland Activities Association Red
Finals history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 56-28 over Rochester Adams in the Regional Final, 30-27 over Oxford in the District Semifinal, 20-10 over Division 2 No. 6 Southfield.
Players to watch: QB D.J. Zezula, 6-0/185, jr. (2,156 yards/17 TDs passing); RB Ian Eriksen, 5-11/190, sr. (1,410 yards/25 TDs rushing); K/P Shane Hynes, 5-10/150, sr. (56-56 XP, long FG 46); WR/DB Tim Cason, 6-2/190, sr. (747 yards/6 TDs receiving); OL/DL Nick Matich, 6-3/297, sr.; OT/DT David Beedle, 6-5/285, sr.
Outlook: Clarkston’s strong football tradition now will include an appearance at the MHSAA Finals thanks to a playoff run that included avenging its lone loss, on opening night, to Rochester Adams. This is the third time the Wolves have won 12 games under Richardson, who also has led them to three straight league and two straight District titles and has coached in the program since 1977. A number of players are committed to continue at the Division I college level: Eriksen for Eastern Michigan, Beedle at Michigan State, Cason at Purdue, Matich at Western Michigan and Hynes to kick for Kent State. He’s made five field goals of 34 yards or longer this fall.
DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 6
Coach: Tom Mach, 38th season (340-82)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Finals history: 10 championships (most recent 2009), five runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-14 over No. 9 Northville in the District Semifinal, 28-0 over No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech in the Semifinal, 20-14 over Division 2 honorable mention Warren DeLaSalle.
Players to watch: QB/DB Sean Birney, 6-1/175, sr. (769 yards/11 TDs passing); RB/DB/K Zach Bock, 6-0/190, sr. (721 yards/5 TDs rushing, 255 yards/4 TDs receiving); RB/LB Connor Holton, 6-0/200, sr. (1,040 yards/11 TDs rushing); FB/DE Dyaln Roney, 6-2/230, sr. (579 yards/11 TDs rushing); DT Christopher Okoye, 6-6/320, sr.
Outlook: The Shamrocks are back in the Division 1 Final for the third straight year after finally dispatching of Detroit Cass Tech – the team that beat DCC in the last two championship games. Most of the team’s playmakers have been in those roles this season for the first time, but they and a solid defense has come through when it counted most in four wins by 10 points or fewer – including a one-point nail-biter over Temperance Bedford in the Regional Final. Roney, and standout defensive end, has committed to play at Navy in 2014. DCC’s only losses this season were to Birmingham Brother Rice, which will play for the Division 2 title.
Division 2
BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Al Fracassa, 45th season (384-98-2)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League Central
Finals history: Eight championships (most recent 2012), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 43-20 over No. 10 Martin Luther King in the Semifinal, 26-24 over honorable mention Warren DeLaSalle, 28-21 and 20-7 over Division 1 No. 6 Detroit Catholic Central.
Players to watch: QB Alex Malzone, 6-3/200, jr. (2,525 yards/21 TDs passing); C Sage Baltrusaitis, 6-1/260, sr.; DB/K Jason Alessi (6-1/180) sr. (54-55 XP/15 FG); RB Brian Walker, 5-9/225, sr. (817 yards/14 TDs rushing); WR Corey Lacanaria, 5-9/180, sr. (991 yards/7 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Some stars change, many stay the same for Brother Rice, which is seeking its third straight MHSAA title. Alessi, a safety and special teams standout (three return touchdowns this fall) scored the game-winning TD in last season's Final on a cross-field lateral during a return, while Walker and senior Shon Powell are back as the top runners and Malzone and Lacanaria have continued as one of the state’s top passing combinations. But this will be the last game for the brightest star in Brother Rice history – Fracassa will retire after the game.
MUSKEGON
Record/rank: 12-1, No 32
Coach: Shane Fairfield, fourth season (40-10)
League finish: First in O-K Black
Finals history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2008), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 28-21 over No. 2 Lowell in the District Final, 24-7 over No. 9 Midland in the Regional Final, 41-35 over No. 8 Portage Central in the Quarterfinal, 35-13 over Division 3 No. 3 Grand Rapids Christian, 45-0 over Division 1 No. 3 Rockford.
Players to watch: RB Javauntae Thomas, 5-11/210, sr. (926 yards/9 TDs rushing); OL Malik King, 6-4/275, sr.; QB/DB Deshaun Thrower, 6-2/200, sr. (1,706 yards/27 TDs rushing, 1,110 yards/12 TDs passing); DL Kenny Finley, 6-3/285, sr.
Outlook: The Big Reds no doubt have been looking forward to this rematch after falling to Brother Rice by a score in last season’s championship game. Muskegon has been successful in its other revenge games this season, beating Lowell in the District Final after falling to the Red Arrows 31-20 in Week 4 and Zeeland East 54-0 after falling to the Chix by a point in 2012. Thrower came on in relief during last season’s championship game second half and nearly led Muskegon to the victory; he’s been nearly impossible to stop this season. Finley has committed to Western Michigan and King to Ball State for 2014.
Division 3
DEWITT
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Rob Zimmerman, 15th season (149-34)
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference Red
Finals history: Four runner-up finishes (most recent 2004)
Best wins: 28-16 over No. 4 Mount Pleasant, 43-7 over honorable mention Ionia, 21-20 over No. 7 St. Clair in the Semifinal, 13-7 over Division 5 No. 2 Portland.
Players to watch: QB Jake Johnson, 6-2/188, jr. (1,736 yards/28 TDs passing, 527 yards/1 TD rushing); RB Ben Heinritz, 5-11/200, jr. (1,353 yards/17 TDs rushing); WR/DB Chris Ruby, 5-10/181 sr. (950 yards/14 TDs receiving); LB Zach Deak, 5-8/182, sr.; WR Josh Borta, 6-3/177, sr. (651 yards/14 TDs receiving).
Outlook: The Panthers are back in the Finals for the first time since finishing a three-year streak from 2002-04 and seeking their first championship. Offense has been the calling card most seasons under crafty quarterback guru Zimmerman and has been strong again this fall – but the defense also has been on task with four shutouts and five more games giving up only on score in each. Johnson is the latest star quarterback, but while he was injured part of this season senior Jacob Heath stepped in and threw for 726 yards and nine touchdowns.
ZEELAND WEST
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 2
Coach: John Shillito, ninth season (84-21)
League finish: First in O-K Green
Finals history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2011).
Best wins: 48-35 over No. 3 Grand Rapids Christian in the District Final, 62-27 over No. 4 Mount Pleasant in the Regional Final, 44-28 over Division 4 honorable mention Detroit Country Day.
Players to watch: QB Casey Brinks, 5-10/165, soph. (636 yards/5 TDs rushing, 587 yards/10 TDs passing); DB Grant Postma, 5-10/165, sr. (9 interceptions); RB/DB Danny Bauder, 5-9/185, sr. (1,652 yards/27 TDs rushing, 383 yards/7 TDs receiving); TE/NG Jordan VanDort, 6-5/300, sr.
Outlook: Zeeland West has won championships in 2011 and 2006 under Shillito, one of the most revered offensive coaches in the state. The Dux have run for an astounding 5,159 yards this season. VanDort, who has committed to play at Western Michigan next fall, is a two-way starter and a force in the wing-T offense and middle of West’s defense. The Dux did avenge that lone loss, to Zeeland East in Week 2, by beating the Chix 44-13 in their playoff opener.
Division 4
GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Mark Tamminga, fifth season (35-19)
League finish: First in O-K Gold
Finals history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2012), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 34-14 over No. 8 Allendale in the District Final, 35-19 over No. 9 Battle Creek Pennfield in the Regional Final, 20-6 over No. 5 Comstock Park in the Semifinal, 34-17 over Division 5 finalist Grand Rapids West Catholic.
Players to watch: QB Jon Wassink, 6-2/190, jr. (2,802/22 TDs passing, 1,094 yards/22 TDs rushing); RB/DB Geff Plasman, 5-10/180, jr. (1,152 yards/15 TDs rushing); WR/DB Eric VanVoorst, 6-3/180, jr. (956 yards/9 TDs receiving); LB David Boomsma, 6-2/180, sr.
Outlook: Since opening the season with a 28-point loss to reigning Division 3 champion Grand Rapids Christian, the Sailors have won all but one game by multiple scores. Wassink had led in a big way after missing last season’s championship game victory with an injury. Boomsma was the team’s second-leading tackler in that win over Detroit Country Day and is the leading tackler this fall for a defense that’s given up a combined 44 points in four playoff wins.
MARINE CITY
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 5 in Division 5
Coach: Rob Glodich, second season (20-3)
League finish: Second in Macomb Area Conference Gold
Finals history: Division 4 champion 2007, Division 4 runner-up 2011.
Best wins: 35-22 over Marysville in the District Semifinal, 35-21 over Richmond in the District Final, 33-28 over honorable mention Detroit Country Day in the Regional Final, 12-7 over No. 4 Sexton in the Semifinal.
Players to watch: S/WR Pete Patsalis, 6-0/180 sr. (982 yards receiving); RB/S Jarrett Mathison, 5-10/175, jr.; (1,160 yards rushing, 537 yards receiving); QB Alex Merchant, 6-0/181, jr. (1,338 yards/15 TDs passing); RB Tait Sapienza, 5-9/160, sr. (1,272 yards rushing).
Outlook: Marine City was ranked in Division 5 by The Associated Press for the regular season before moving into Division 4 when the playoff field was determined. This will be the team’s third championship game appearance in seven seasons and comes after it fell to Richmond in a playoff opener in 2012. The team’s only loss this fall was 43-33 to eventual Division 3 Semifinalist St. Clair. Marine City has rumbled to 3,285 yards rushing this season with its top two leading rushers each averaging at least 7.5 yards per carry.
Division 5
GRAND RAPIDS WEST CATHOLIC
Record/rank: 9-4, unranked
Coach: Dan Rohn, seventh season (72-17)
League finish: Tied for first in O-K Bronze
Finals history: Division 5 champion 2010, two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 27-14 over No. 2 Portland in the District Semifinal, 35-17 over No. 7 Olivet in the Regional Final, 35-0 over No. 6 Livonia Clarenceville in the Semifinal.
Players to watch: QB Travis Russell, 6-2/185, jr. (2,274 yards/20 TDs passing, 555 yards/9 TDs rushing); RB/DB Andy Corey, 5-9/180, sr. (894 yards/15 TDs rushing); WR Drake Wooten, 6-1/180, sr. (738 yards/7 TDs receiving); RB Lasavian Majewski, 5-8/185, jr. (941 yards/9 TDs rushing); TE/DE Mitchell Stanitzek, 6-5/235, sr. (278 yards/7 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Just like last season, West Catholic started slowly but has made it all the way to the Finals despite entering the playoffs unranked – and this time just got in at 5-4. Once in the field, a group of veterans took over, led by Russell and Corey, the top offensive players on last season’s team. This fall’s slow start certainly can be viewed as relative: West Catholic opened with three losses, but they all came to teams that ended up making Semifinals last weekend including reigning Division 4 champion Grand Rapids South Christian.
MENOMINEE
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Joe Noha, second season (24-2)
League finish: First in Great Northern U.P. Conference
Finals history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2007).
Best wins: 59-28 over No. 3 Muskegon Oakridge in the Semifinal, 49-27 over Standish-Sterling in the Regional Final, 42-13 over honorable mention Kingsford, 40-21 over Division 8 No. 3 Harbor Beach.
Players to watch: QB/DE Justin Brilinski, 6-0/180, jr. (1,200 yards/14 TDs rushing, 1,461 yards/16 TDs passing); RB/DB Devon Harris, 5-11/165, sr. (673 yards/11 TDs rushing, 252 yards/5 TDs passing, 771 yards/10 TDs receiving); RB/DE James Brown, 6-2/197, sr. (1,035 yards/29 TDs rushing).
Outlook: Menominee has become a semi-regular at the MHSAA Finals with its three titles over the last 15 seasons, but this is its first trip without longtime coach Ken Hofer, who retired after 2011. But Noha certainly knows how to bring a team to Detroit after serving as an assistant for 19 seasons before taking over the program. Menominee hasn’t scored fewer than 40 points since opening night and won its league games by a combined 193-26 in a conference featuring most of the biggest schools in the Upper Peninsula.
Division 6
CLINTON
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 4
Coach: Scott McNitt, 29th season (174-108-1)
League finish: First in the Tri-County Conference
Finals history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 39-14 over No. 8 Grass Lake in the Regional Final, 47-28 over Constantine in the Regional Final, 49-3 over No. 9 Shelby in the Semifinal, 33-8 over Ottawa Lake Whiteford.
Players to watch: QB/DB T.J. Baker, 6-1/180, sr. (719 yards/17 TDs rushing, 1,874 yards/23 TDs passing); WR/LB Mathew Sexton, 6-0/170, soph. (500 yards/8 TDs rushing, 1,059 yards/15 TDs receiving); RB/DB Collin Poore, 5-9/160, jr. (1,599 yards/18 TDs, 281 yards/4 TDs receiving); RB/LB Brett Tschirhart, 6-0/205, jr. (556 yards/13 TDs rushing).
Outlook: It’s somewhat shocking to look back and see three straight 1-8 seasons for Clinton from 2002-04, given the team’s 14 playoff appearances total under McNitt and 22-1 record over the last two seasons. This will be the team’s first trip to the MHSAA Finals, and he’s bringing a number of offensive weapons who combined have gained 5,700 yards this fall. The defense has stepped up its game giving up a combined 51 points over four postseason games and just 57 points over its last six wins.
ITHACA
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Terry Hessbrook, 10th season (100-17)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference West
Finals history: MHSAA Division 6 champion 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Best wins: 42-7 over Maple City Glen Lake in the District Final, 62-34 over No. 7 Negaunee in the Regional Final, 21-20 over No. 3 Montrose in the Semifinal.
Players to watch: QB Travis Smith, 6-3/200, sr. (3,031 yards/38 TDs passing, 503 yards/9 TDs rushing); WR/DB Logan Hessbrook, 6-3/200, sr. (1,169 yards/18 TDs receiving); RB/LB Bryan Shaw, 5-11/225, sr. (981 yards/21 TDs rushing); WR/DB Josh Hafner, 6-2/175, sr. (725 yards/8 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Ithaca has taken turns with a team in Iowa this season holding the nation’s longest winning streak and can tie for it again with a 56th straight win Friday. Smith, who will sign with Toledo this winter, has set an MHSAA career record with 100 touchdown passes over the last three seasons while completing 68 percent of his throws total. Those generally are the biggest headliners, but don’t forget the defense – it’s notched five shutouts and allowed four more opponents to score only once. Nose guard Jonah Loomis and linebackers Rickey King, Dallas Reeser and Jace Demenov all have at least 100 tackles this fall.
Division 7
DETROIT LOYOLA
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: John Callahan, fifth season (51-9)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League AA
Finals history: MHSAA runner-up 2012.
Best wins: 52-7 over No. 10 Homer in the Semifinal, 50-7 over honorable mention Southfield Christian in the Regional Final, 20-14 over Division 4 honorable mention Detroit Country Day, 30-21 over Division 5 honorable mention Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard.
Players to watch: RB Marvin Campbell, 5-10/190, jr. (1,453 yards/18 TDs); RB Mideyin Wilson, 5-10/175, jr. (775 yards/10 TDs); SE/DB Keith Graves, 6-1/175, sr.; OT KaJohn Armstong, 6-4/280, sr.
Outlook: Loyola graduated a 2,000-yard rusher after last season – and has equaled the team that earned the program's first championship game berth. The team moved up among bigger schools in the Catholic League and won that division this fall, and has outscored its playoff opponents by a combined 205-14. Callahan has led Loyola to four straight league and three straight District titles. The offensive line remains sizable, averaging 244 pounds across the front led by Armstrong at left tackle.
ISHPEMING
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Jeff Olson, 22nd season (157-78)
League finish: First in Mid-Peninsula Conference
Finals history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2012), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 34-0 over No. 4 Iron River West Iron County in the District Final, 28-13 over No. 5 Lake City in the Regional Final, 44-10 over Harbor Beach in the Semifinal, 28-24 over Division 6 No. 7 Negaunee.
Players to watch: QB/P Alex Briones, 6-2/215, sr. (1,451 yards/19 TDs passing); WR/LB Mitch Laurin, 6-0/208, sr.; OL/DE Jake Quayle, 5-11/195, sr.; DE/FB Adam Prisk, 5-11/180, sr.; DB Tyrus Millimaki, 5-7/150, sr.
Outlook: The Hematites are not only defending champions but at Ford Field for the third time in four seasons. Although many of last fall’s stars graduated, Briones is an all-state quarterback and also has run for more than 1,000 yards in guiding his team back to Detroit. Like Loyola, Ishpeming has dominated in the postseason beating its four opponents by a combined 156-23 after cruising through the regular season with only rival Negaunee getting within 35 points.
Division 8
BEAL CITY
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Lou Rau, 13th season (144-29)
League finish: First in Highland Conference
Finals history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 55-0 over No. 10 St. Ignace in the Regional Final, 34-18 over No. 5 Crystal Falls Forest Park in the Semifinal, 48-0 over Division 5 honorable mention Clare, 42-35 (OT) over Division 7 No. 5 Lake City.
Players to watch: RB/LB Ty Rollin, 5-8/180, jr. (1,189 yards/24 TDs rushing, 322 yards/3 TDs receiving); RB/DE Hayden Huber, 6-0/175, sr. (888 yards/19 TDs rushing); QB/DB Kurt Gross, 6-0/165, sr. (1,626 yards/23 TDs passing); TE/DE Ryan Tilmann, 6-3/180, sr. (651/12 TDs receiving).
Outlook: The Aggies have stormed back after falling to Harbor Beach in last season’s Final, with their 725 points second-most in MHSAA history and keyed by a determined senior class. Beal City has scored more than 70 points three times and more than 60 three times as well, with Forest Park and Lake City the only opponents to put up much of a challenge – the Aggies shut out seven teams. Rau, who took over the program in 2000, has led it to eight seasons of at least 10 wins and playoff berths every fall of his tenure.
MUSKEGON CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 6
Coach: Steve Czerwon, first season (11-2)
League finish: Does not play in a league.
Finals history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2008), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 42-0 over No. 8 Fowler in the District Final, 28-12 over No. 2 Mendon in the Regional Final, 45-14 over No. 4 New Lothrop in the Semifinal.
Players to watch: QB Nick Holt, 6-0/185, jr. (777 yards/10 TDs passing, 1,078 yards/22 TDs rushing); RB Tommy Scott, 5-8/160, jr. (755 yards/9 TDs rushing, 4 TDs receiving); RB Alex Lewandoski, 5-11/185, sr. (1,129 yards/21 TDs).
Outlook: Muskegon Catholic is back in the Finals under first-year coach Czerwon, who played in the program before graduating in 1995 and has been an assistant the last 10 seasons. The Crusaders fell to a rare losing season in 2010 but have been building back since, winning 29 and losing only eight over the last three seasons heading into Friday. Muskegon Catholic opened 0-2 this fall but against much larger opponents Muskegon Mona Shores and Grand Rapids Catholic Central, and the Crusaders have given up only a combined 75 points during the 11-game winning streak.
PHOTO: Muskegon quarterback Deshaun Thrower prepares to launch a pass during his team's playoff win over Midland. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 6 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 6, 2025
The high school football season always seems to speed up when we reach October.
As forecast Friday, a handful of Week 6 matchups resulted in at least the start of league championships being decided for this fall. Other games fast-forwarded title races as we turned toward the final one-third of the 2025 regular season.
Mix in rivalries, revenge tours, program wins or just the games to set up an even bigger one coming up. This weekend had them all, and we dive into the details below.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Saginaw Valley Lutheran 23, Ithaca 22 To call this the best win in Valley Lutheran history likely isn’t an understatement. The Chargers (6-0) clinched a share of the Tri-Valley Conference Blue title, with only sixth-place Carrollton standing in the way of an outright title. They did so by defeating Ithaca (5-1) for the first time and breaking the Yellowjackets’ 23-game league winning streak going back to 2020 – and accomplished it with a game-winning field goal during the closing seconds, the only three points scored during the second half. Valley Lutheran’s six wins this season also equal their highest total in program history. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Watch list Almont 35, Armada 14 The Raiders (6-0) took a solid step toward a potential third-straight Blue Water Area Conference title, defeating last season’s runner-up Armada (4-2) and setting up a possible eventual winner-take-call this week against also-undefeated Richmond.
On the move Goodrich 49, Owosso 13 The Flint Metro League Stars title – at least a share at this point – belongs to Goodrich again after the Martians (6-0) held Owosso (4-2) to a season low. Midland Dow 31, Traverse City West 13 The Chargers (5-1) kept pace with Saginaw Valley League North leader Mount Pleasant and no doubt will be rooting for the Titans (3-3) this week as they face the Oilers with a chance to open the title race back up. Millington 35, Buchanan 8 The Cardinals (5-1) can still earn a share of the Big Thumb Conference White title this week and now coming off a win over the Lakeland Conference-leading Bucks (4-2), who will play Friday to make their league championship outright.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Romeo 39, Macomb Dakota 20 The Bulldogs (4-2) own a share of the Macomb Area Conference Red championship for the first time since 2021, thanks to their first win over Dakota (5-1) since that same season. Romeo’s offense was especially impressive; Dakota had given up just 31 points total over its first five games and not more than 38 in one game since 2018. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
TOUCHDOWN ROMEO!
Tayshawn Proctor walks in for his second TD of the night!
ROMEO: 39
DAKOTA: 20
Delivered by @hungryhowies
Catch the full broadcast on the State Champs YouTube page! pic.twitter.com/AxESv6Ezk5— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 4, 2025
Watch list Madison Heights Madison 42, Hazel Park 14 Madison (5-1) won this matchup for first place in the MAC Bronze, clinching a share of the league title and continuing its best season since 2019. Hazel Park (4-2) was one of three co-champs last fall and can still earn another share if Clinton Township Clintondale can catch Madison this week.
On the move South Lyon 21, Waterford Mott 20 South Lyon (6-0) moved ahead of Mott (3-3) during the final minute to move one game away from claiming a share of the Lakes Valley Conference title. Oxford 34, West Bloomfield 33 The Wildcats (4-2) actually leant Clarkston a hand in clinching a share of the Oakland Activities Association Red championship, although West Bloomfield (5-1) can still earn a share by defeating the Wolves this week. Harper Woods 41, Rochester 7 The Pioneers (6-0) finished a perfect run through the OAA White to clinch their first title in four seasons playing in the league.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Williamston 20, Haslett 14 Williamston’s turnaround season now includes a share of the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title, as Haslett (4-2) also entered the evening tied for first. The Hornets (6-0) went up 14-0 and then held off the Vikings’ comeback charge, scoring the go-ahead points during the fourth quarter. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Watch list Grand Ledge 36, Lansing Everett 8 The Comets are 6-0 for the first time since 2015 and set up this week’s matchup with DeWitt for first place in the CAAC Blue by avenging last year’s 23-point loss to Everett (4-2).
On the move Mount Pleasant 28, Bay City Western 17 As noted above, Mount Pleasant (6-0) leads the SVL North and can clinch a share of the league title this week. Western (3-3) already has tied last year’s win total and is holding tight to a spot in the Division 3 playoff field. Howell 35, Hartland 7 The Highlanders (5-1) kept pace behind Brighton in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West with their matchup against the Bulldogs coming up in Week 8. Mason 31, St. Johns 20 Mason (3-3) also is holding onto a spot in the Division 3 playoffs, and this win over the Redwings (4-2) may eventually decide if the Bulldogs make the field this season.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 20, Boyne City 13 With a pair of close games over the last two weeks, St. Francis (6-0) secured the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legends title, adding this victory over the Ramblers (4-2) to a one-pointer over Kingsley in Week 5. This is the last season for the league; the rest of the Legends division will play in the Northern Shores Conference in 2026. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Maple City Glen Lake 16, Kalkaska 12 This nonleague matchup was significant nonetheless, as Kalkaska (5-1) was undefeated and Glen Lake (4-1) won by less than a score for the second straight game (after an open date last week). The Lakers are tied with Week 9 opponent Mancelona for first in the NMFC Legacy.
On the move Mancelona 36, East Jordan 16 The Ironmen held onto the share of first in the Legacy noted above by defeating East Jordan (3-3) for the first time since 2021. Traverse City Central 28, Midland 14 The Trojans (3-3) gave their Division 2 playoff hopes a serious boost as they moved up 10 spots back into the potential field at No. 26 and sent Midland (3-3) outside the top 32. Petoskey 20, Cadillac 13 Neither can make up enough ground to win the Big North Conference, but Petoskey (3-3) moved up five spots to get to No. 32 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Chelsea 35, Ypsilanti Community 6 The Bulldogs (5-1) ran their league winning streak to 15 and cleared one more obstacle as they attempt to close in on a third-straight Southeastern Conference White championship. The loss also dropped Ypsilanti (3-3) to No. 33 in the Division 3 playoff-point rankings, although the Grizzlies have some great opportunities to move back up as they seek their first postseason appearance (not counting COVID-shortened 2020) since 2014. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.
Watch list Ida 40, Adrian Madison 19 The Bluestreaks (5-1) need help in the Lenawee County Athletic Association title race with Hudson and Clinton both still undefeated in league play. But they are continuing to climb the Division 6 playoff-points list and are up to No. 15 after downing Madison (3-3) – which is hanging onto the No. 30 spot.
On the move Saline 42, Ann Arbor Huron 14 The Hornets (6-0) clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference Red title with one league game to play in Week 8 and undefeated Harper Woods up next. Adrian 23, Tecumseh 7 The Maples (5-1) stayed a game back of Chelsea in the SEC White by avenging last year’s loss to Tecumseh (3-3), and surpassed last year’s win total as well. Manchester 30, Leslie 29 The Flying Dutchmen (3-3) needed this one in a big way, coming off two straight losses, and they jumped 11 spots to No. 26 on the Division 8 playoff-point list.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Schoolcraft 18, Lawton 14 It looks as though the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley title will go through Schoolcraft (5-1) again as the Eagles pulled within one more win of clinching a repeat championship. Schoolcraft led 6-0 at halftime, fell behind 14-6 into the final minutes of the third quarter but pulled ahead for good midway through the fourth. Lawton (4-2) fell into a second-place tie with Coloma. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Portage Northern 42, St. Joseph 36 The Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West shifted over the weekend with this win helping Northern (5-1) move into a first-place tie with Portage Central and those two set to face off this weekend with a share of the league title on the line. St. Joseph (3-3) still has a slight chance at a share if a few results fall into place.
On the move Berrien Springs 21, Dowagiac 0 While Buchanan has guaranteed itself a share of the Lakeland Conference title, there’s potentially still a lot to be decided as a Dowagiac win over Buchanan this week would give Dowagiac (4-2) and Berrien Springs (4-1) shares as well. Kalamazoo United 34, Constantine 7 The Titans (4-2) also can clinch this week in the SAC Lakeshore with Constantine (4-2) among three teams one game back. Niles 49, Three Rivers 0 Niles (6-0) has continued to impress; Three Rivers (4-2) entered the week in the Wolverine Conference title mix as well.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Escanaba 38, Marquette 20 Not only did Escanaba (6-0) defeat rival Marquette for the first time since 2019, but by doing so it set up this week’s matchup with also-undefeated Gaylord for a share of the Big North Conference championship. Escanaba also moved up to No. 5 on the Division 4 playoff-points list as it seeks its first postseason appearance this decade. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Watch list Bark River-Harris 44, L’Anse 16 The Broncos (4-1) bounced back from a Week 5 loss to set up their biggest game of the season, a rematch this week with Iron Mountain. L’Anse is 4-2.
On the move West Iron County 27, Manistique 22 The Wykons (2-3) are starting to climb as they broke a two-game losing streak against Manistique (1-4). Calumet 46, Houghton 0 The Copper Kings (4-2) got back on the right foot coming off back-to-back losses this fall to run their winning streak over the Gremlins (2-4) to 12. Menominee 61, Gladstone 6 The Maroons (6-0) remain atop the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper with massive matchups against Negaunee and then Kingsford up next.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Hudsonville 35, Rockford 28 An awe-inspiring one-handed catch by Lawsyn Weber and an all-around stunning performance by quarterback Brady Van Laecke helped Hudsonville get past Rockford and left the Eagles (6-0) alone atop the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red. The Rams (4-2) are one of three teams tied for second place halfway through the league schedule. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
HUDSONVILLE’S BRADY VAN LAECKE MAKING HIS CASE. The senior QB accounted for 4 total touchdowns — 2 on the ground and 2 through the air — as the Eagles took down Rockford. 👀 He’s building a strong résumé for the STATE CHAMPS! Mr. Football Award Top 10! Delivered by… pic.twitter.com/Z7f4n2w6eM
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) October 4, 2025
Watch list Hudsonville Unity Christian 14, Zeeland West 6 Unity (6-0) moved to the top of the O-K Gold with a second win in two years over reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West and can clinch a share of a repeat league title this week.
On the move Grand Rapids West Catholic 51, Grand Rapids Christian 14 The Falcons (5-1) moved into first alone in the O-K White with a chance to clinch a share of the league title this week and only Christian (3-3) a game back with two to play. Muskegon 28, Muskegon Mona Shores 12 The Big Reds (4-2) ran their winning streak to four as they remained in the top spot in the O-K Green with this rivalry win over Mona Shores (3-3). Muskegon Oakridge 14, Whitehall 13 Both are still chasing Ludington in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, but Oakridge (5-1) definitely will be cheering for Whitehall (4-2) against the Orioles this week.
8-Player
HEADLINER Lake Linden-Hubbell 52, Powers North Central 34 Lake Linden-Hubbell (5-1) avenged a 60-8 loss to the Jets from a year ago to set up a potential championship decider against Gogebic this week in the Great Lakes Eight Conference West. The pair also entered last week at Nos. 15 and 16 on the Division 2 playoff-points list, but Lake Linden-Hubbell now is tied for No. 10 and North Central (4-2) is tied for 17th. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.
Watch list Kinde North Huron 38, Peck 32 The Warriors (4-1) are tied for first in the Big Thumb Conference Red with Bay City All Saints and sent Peck (4-2) into third place. North Huron and All Saints meet in Week 8.
On the move Onekama 36, Central Lake 14 Onekama (6-0) sits in the top spot on the Division 2 playoff-points list, and Central Lake (3-3) is just one spot outside the field in Division 1. Pittsford 44, Concord 24 The Wildcats (5-1) ran their winning streak to five with a nonleague stop before jumping back into Southern Central Athletic Association Blue play. Indian River Inland Lakes 51, Rogers City 0 Inland Lakes (6-0) sits first on the Division 1 playoff-points list and Rogers City (4-2) is holding onto the No. 16 spot after the Bulldogs posted their fifth shutout of the season.
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PHOTOS (Top) A Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. (Middle) A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City. (Top photo by Terry Lyons. Middle photo by High School Sports Scene.)