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Football Kicks Off Again, 129 Years Later

By Ron Pesch
MHSAA historian

August 25, 2017

Buried in the text on the fourth page of the Saturday, October 27, 1888, Detroit Free Press is a single, concise sentence bearing a minimum amount of detail.

“The Windsor foot ball team will play the Detroit High School team this afternoon at 3.”

To date, this is the earliest account of a Michigan high school playing the game of “foot ball.”

The following day’s paper provides only a few more details. The game was played on the Windsor Cricket Grounds. Despite the great disadvantage of playing under “American Football rules … quite different from the Canadian Rugby Union rules …” the “older and larger” Windsors won the contest, 12-6. Rosters for each squad were provided.

Under American rules of the time, a touchdown was worth four points, with a conversion kick following a touchdown worth two additional points. At the time, a field goal counted for five points and a safety was worth two. The teams, however, may have agreed to a different scoring system before the contest.

Was this the first football game for a Michigan high school? That’s unlikely, but it is certainly among the earliest published accounts involving a prep game in the state. 

It’s a fair assumption that foot ball, or some version of the game, was being played in neighborhoods before that time, at least based on the following statement found in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, dated June 18, 1867.  Only days before, Dorrance & Goodwin’s, a store on Main Street in Jackson, had placed advertisements in the newspaper’s classifieds noting the pending arrival of this new product.

“Foot Ball – The pastime was inaugurated on our streets yesterday. Three or four balls were kept in motion all day on Main street alone. It affords no little amusement to the little boys, and is certainly a healthy exercise for the larger ones. It’s all right as long as no windows are broken or horses scared. Both calamities were barely escaped scores of times during the day.”

Rutgers and Princeton are credited with playing the first college football game in 1869. A decade later, in 1879, the University of Michigan established a football team.

Detroit High School played a number of games in 1888, besides the Windsor match, including a contest with the Tappen School from the Corktown area of Detroit. Played at the Detroit Athletic Club grounds on the afternoon of Thursday November 15, a final score was not mentioned in the following day’s Free Press.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, an account of the University of Michigan versus Detroit Athletic Club contest that appeared in the November 18 Free Press served as a fine introduction to the game, and the determination behind securing “possession of a leather-covered foot ball.”

“It was very interesting to see one speedy young man, after a desperate struggle in which the spectators fully expected to see him lose an arm or a leg, get away from his captors and start like a deer, with eight or ten of the opposite side in full pursuit. He is overtaken and the leader of the pursuing party springs upon the back of the man with the inflated trophy, bearing him to the ground with a dull thud … It is also an inspiring sight to see a fleet-footed player seize the ball and run at full speed in the direction of the goal of his opponents. Then a wing-footed opponent cuts across to intercept him, makes a flying leap, grasps the fugitive around the neck or waist and both go to grass with a suddenness and velocity that transforms them into human wheels …

“While one unaccustomed to  foot ball will naturally be startled by some of the acrobatic feats, still it is impossible to watch the game for any length of time without a tingling of the blood and holding of the breath. It is most intensely exciting, continuous in action and replete with fine points of play.

“It may be explained that the goals in a foot ball game are set at a distance of 330 feet from each other. The goal is made by placing two pieces of scantling twenty feet long upright in the ground, eighteen and one-half feet apart. Another piece runs midway horizontally between the uprights, and the ball must go over the horizontal piece and between the uprights to count a goal. There are eleven men on each side and the object is, of course, to get the ball through the goal of the other. The time of game is an hour and a half each side playing forty-five minutes from each goal, with an intermission of ten minutes between halves.”

A player who ran over an opponent’s goal line, “with the ball and touched it down” was then entitled to “bring the ball in front of the goal and attempt to kick it through”…

Among those playing for the Athletic Club squad that day was “little Hugh Brooks (captain) of the high school team.” Eligibility rules for players would evolve over time.

On Saturday, November 24, Detroit High School squared off for the first of two contests with Ann Arbor High School, this one at the Detroit Athletic Club grounds. Admission to the 2:45 p.m. contests was 25 cents. A crowd of around 300 watched “an exciting illustration of how Rugby foot ball is played. The exhibition by the Ann Arbor boys was considerably better than that of the Detroiters,” noted the Free Press, “the result of that being that Detroit’s banners have been kicked into the dust.”

Ann Arbor returned home with a 12-0 victory.

A second game with Ann Arbor was quickly scheduled.

In between, on Thursday, November 29, the Detroit High School squad played the Athletic Club before a crowd of about 200.

“While the Athletics won by 12 to 0, still their playing was very loose, probably the result of over confidence.   The Athletics will have to rid themselves of this by Saturday or the Albions will make short work of them.”

A large crowd gathered in the drizzling rain in Ann Arbor on Saturday, December 8, for what appears to be the final contest of the 1888 season for the high school teams of Detroit and Ann Arbor.

“It was a fine game. (Captain) Brooks, McGraw and Wisner, for Detroit, and Jewett, Diggert, Dupont, and Rathbone for Ann Arbor, made fine plays for their respective sides.” The result was an 8 to 2 win, and redemption, for the Detroit squad.

Today, 129 years later, “football” has seen wild expansion, numerous rule changes, and huge advancement in equipment worn when compared to those pioneer days of the sport. In 2017, more than 1 million individuals will suit up for high school teams across the United States. In Michigan alone, more than 36,000 participate in prep football.

And our state’s original programs live on. On Friday, Detroit Central opened its season with a win over Detroit Loyola. Ann Arbor High School, renamed Ann Arbor Pioneer in the late 1960s, fell in its Friday opener to Muskegon.

Welcome to another season of America’s favorite pastime.

Ron Pesch has taken an active role in researching the history of MHSAA events since 1985 and began writing for MHSAA Finals programs in 1986, adding additional features and "flashbacks" in 1992. He inherited the title of MHSAA historian from the late Dick Kishpaugh following the 1993-94 school year, and resides in Muskegon. Contact him at [email protected] with ideas for historical articles.

PHOTOS: (Top) The Detroit Free Press included brief coverage of the first "reported" game on Oct. 28, 1888. (Middle) When Michigan’s state government moved from Detroit to Lansing in 1847, the old Capitol building was re-opened as the Detroit’s first city high school in 1863. To better accommodate Detroit’s growing population, the old two-story structure was remodeled into a four-story building, unrecognizable to most. The school served the city well until January 1893, when it burned to the ground. (Below) Erected in 1856 at the cost of $27,000, Ann Arbor High School at State and Huron (now site of the North Quad of the University of Michigan) was destroyed by fire in 1904. (Photos courtesy of Ron Pesch.)

A Lansing Everett receiver pulls in a pass during the Vikings' Week 4 32-0 win over Lansing Waverly.

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 4 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 22, 2025

The Week 4 football schedule gave us an idea of what was coming. But it's fair to say this weekend's statewide slate of games even exceeded expectations.

MI Student AidMetro Detroit matchups Detroit Catholic Central/Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Detroit Cass Tech/Martin Luther King were predictably notable. But we also saw our first league champion crowned, impressive winning streaks broken and another extended, and a pair of programs reach successes they haven't enjoyed in multiple decades. Saline's Tommy Carr threw eight touchdowns passes, and Holland receiver Finn Galloway scored a combined seven rushing and receiving. 

And that was just the start. 

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Cass City 17, Millington 14 (OT) Cass City has reached the playoffs 11 straight seasons and is a regular league title contender. But this still had to be unexpected given reigning Division 7 champion Millington’s 25-game regular-season winning streak and the Red Hawks’ 1-2 record entering the night. Cass City’s overtime field goal – and stifling defense – played lead roles in dealing the Cardinals (3-1) their first loss since a 2023 Division 7 Semifinal. Click for more from the Bay City Times.

Watch list Richmond 24, Armada 17 The Blue Devils (4-0) are back – and tied for the early lead in the Blue Water Area Conference after defeating Armada (3-1) for the first time since 2019 and after losing this matchup 42-0 a year ago. Dominic Bonnetti scored the go-ahead touchdown with 45 seconds to play.

On the move Clio 26, Owosso 21 After finishing 0-9 last year, Clio (4-0) has its most wins in a season since 2001. This one came against an Owosso team (3-1) that hadn’t lost entering the evening. Gladwin 28, Clare 26 The Flying Gs (1-3) earned their first win, but it definitely is one they won’t forget as they avenged last year’s loss to rival Clare (3-1). Linden 42, Holly 6 The Eagles (4-0) are off to their best start since 2012, and Holly (2-2) already has more wins than a year ago after avenging 2024 losses in Weeks 2 and 3.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Detroit Catholic Central 29, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 14 The Shamrocks (4-0) have a notable lead atop the Catholic High School League Central with this win joining a Week 2 victory over Toledo Central Catholic to give DCC an impressive over the other expected main contenders this fall. Samson Gash starred, and the Shamrocks’ defense held OLSM (3-1) to 30 points fewer than the Eaglets’ season average. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

Watch list Detroit Cass Tech 27, Detroit Martin Luther King 22 These two have met a second time the last five seasons, and the first round this time went to the Technicians (4-0) as they held on after building an early lead on three CJ Sadler scores. King is 2-2 with two losses by a combined seven points.

On the move Ecorse 18, Warren Michigan Collegiate 16 The Red Raiders are (4-0) after winning four games all of last season, and this effort ended Michigan’s Collegiate’s 42-game Charter School Conference winning streak going back to 2016. Macomb Dakota 28, Sterling Heights Stevenson 14 Dakota (4-0) remains one of two teams tied atop the Macomb Area Conference Red standings after handing Stevenson (3-1) its first loss. Redford Union 8, Dearborn Heights Robichaud 0 Union (3-1) and its 32-game winning streak in the Western Wayne Athletic Conference turned away one of its toughest challenges during the streak, from a Robichaud team (3-1) seeking a third-straight playoff appearance this fall.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER Haslett 21, Mason 14 (OT) Add this to a one-point Week 2 win at Fenton decided during the final minute, and Haslett has claimed two key nail-biters with this avenging an overtime loss that decided the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title a year ago. Kory Amachree ran for the go-ahead score, and the Vikings (3-1) then closed out the win with an interception to send Mason to 1-3. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Beal City 42, McBain 7 The Aggies (4-0) continued a defensively-dominating start by avenging last season’s 29-25 loss to McBain (2-2) that ended up deciding the Highland Conference title. Beal City has given up 17 points total over four games.

On the move Stockbridge 25, Union City 18 Although the Panthers (1-3) have had a rough start, this certainly could get things rolling as they ended Union City’s 21-game winning streak in the Big 8 Conference and handed the Chargers (3-1) their first loss overall this fall. Grand Ledge 30, Holt 24 The Comets (4-0) are shaping up as contenders again in the CAAC Blue with this their fourth-straight win over the rival Rams (2-2). Mount Pleasant 28, Traverse City Central 13 The Oilers (4-0) faced another tough challenge in the Saginaw Valley League North but held on for a key road victory at Central (2-2).

Lansing Catholic defenders close in on a Charlotte ball carrier during the Orioles’ 35-17 win.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Kingsley 38, Boyne City 6 The Stags (3-1) played arguably their best game this season in advance of this week’s matchup with Traverse City St. Francis. Those two and Boyne City (3-1) shared the Northern Michigan Football League Legends title a year ago, and Kingsley also with this win avenged last year’s District Final loss to the Ramblers. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list Gaylord 19, Petoskey 13 It’s difficult to not come back to the Blue Devils (4-0) who defeated the reigning Big North Conference champ Northmen (1-3) and did so with their fourth win this season by seven points or fewer.

On the move Maple City Glen Lake 24, East Jordan 22 Glen Lake (3-1) has opened NMFL Legacy play with three wins, while East Jordan (2-2) has lost two heartbreakers the last two weeks by a combined six points. Mancelona 32, Frankfort 6 The Ironmen (3-1) join Glen Lake as undefeated through the start of NMFL Legacy play, with this breaking a three-game losing streak against the Panthers (2-2). Ogemaw Heights 49, Shepherd 14 The Falcons (3-1) earned what could end up a key win in their repeat drive in the Jack Pine Conference I as Shepherd (3-1) was 3-0 for the first time since 2009 and hadn’t given up a point in its two games prior.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Saline 61, Dexter 34 Tommy Carr approached perfection, completing all but four passes and throwing for eight touchdowns – tied for second-most in MHSAA history for a single game – as the Hornets (4-0) scored their most points since Week 8 of 2023 and became one of only two teams still undefeated in Southeastern Conference Red play after dealing Dexter (3-1) its first. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Monroe Jefferson 39, Riverview 8 We featured Jefferson (4-0) on MHSAA.com last week, and the Bears continued to generate excitement by breaking an eight-game losing streak against Riverview (2-2) and avenging last year’s 61-0 defeat.

On the move Vandercook Lake 17, Addison 16 The last six seasons have seen Vandercook Lake navigate 8-player, an abbreviated schedule and return to 11-player last fall, and the Jayhawks (3-1) with this win eclipsed last year’s total while also avenging a 44-7 loss from last season to Addison – which is 0-4 but with three defeats by a combined nine points. Michigan Center 43, Manchester 8 Michigan Center (4-0) has looked nothing short of powerful so far and opened Cascades Conference play by avenging a 46-35 loss from 2024. Chelsea 35, Tecumseh 6 Chelsea moved to 4-0 and extended its SEC White winning streak to 13 since Tecumseh (2-2) won their 2022 meeting.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Paw Paw 35, Edwardsburg 7 Paw Paw’s first three opponents this season are a combined 12-0, and the Red Wolves (1-3) showed they belong in the conversation too by handing the Eddies (3-1) their first defeat. Ben Miller ran for 171 yards and four touchdowns and made 12 tackles.

Watch list Coloma 60, Saugatuck 42 The Comets didn’t have a team three years ago and had lost both meetings with Saugatuck (2-2) by an average of 35 points since returning. But Coloma is up to 2-2 after also finishing last season strong to make the playoffs.

On the move Dowagiac 41, Marshall 22 Dowagiac (3-1) has been building some nice momentum over the last three seasons and is off to another solid start as it seeks a second-straight playoff berth. White Pigeon 46, Centreville 0 The Chiefs (4-0) earned their third shutout this season as they extended their Southwest 10 Conference winning streak to 13 games going back to a loss to Centreville in 2022. Three Rivers 21, Plainwell 7 The Wildcats also are up to 4-0 overall with the other Wolverine Conference co-leaders Vicksburg and Niles up next over the next two weeks, respectively.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Menominee 25, Calumet 15 The Maroons (4-0) earned the first of what may be three necessary key wins to lock up a Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title after they finished second to Kingsford a year ago. The Copper Kings (3-1) will remain in the mix as well as both must still see the Flivvers and Calumet already has a win over Negaunee. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Watch list L’Anse 46, Manistique 16 The Purple Hornets (4-0) have taken another step during an amazing start after the program had won once over its previous two seasons – a run that had included 44 and 37-point defeats against the Emeralds (1-3).

On the move Kingsford 35, Negaunee 21 This was another key matchup in the West-PAC Copper, which left the Flivvers (3-1) tied with Menominee for first. Houghton 46, Ishpeming Westwood 44 The Gremlins (2-2) have won four straight in this annual series with this their closest meeting since a three-point victory in 2022. Marquette 20, Saginaw United 12 Coming off a tough one-point loss to Gaylord, the Sentinels (2-2) made a trip downstate for the second week in a row and came back with what could be an important victory over a Division 2 opponent.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Grand Rapids Northview 35, Holland Christian 28 Northview had to defeat Holland Christian (3-1) last season to finish a perfect run through the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black, and this year the Wildcats (4-0) hope they’ve started another one. Northview went ahead late on the first night of league play.

Watch list Rockford 21, East Kentwood 14 The emerging Falcons (3-1) have given the O-K Red yet another power program, but the Rams (3-1) remain just a step ahead after holding on in this matchup.

On the move Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 49, Cedar Springs 35 Kenowa Hills is 4-0 for the first time since 1992, according to Michigan-Football.com, after avenging last season’s seven-point loss to Cedar Springs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 10, East Grand Rapids 7 The Cougars (4-0) opened O-K Black play by avenging last season’s three-point loss to EGR (2-2). Muskegon 46, Byron Center 17 Last season’s Week 8 loss helped end Muskegon’s playoff hopes, but the Big Reds (2-2) avenged in a big way as Byron Center (1-3) continued to navigate a loaded early schedule.

Ishpeming's Josh Wojie is able to break a couple of tackles and get past Munising’s MJ Bell for a touchdown during the Hematites 52-14 victory.

8-Player

HEADLINER Portland St. Patrick 48, Fulton 6 These two shared the Mid-State Activities Conference Red title with Morrice last season in part because of a Fulton win over the Shamrocks. But St. Patrick (4-0) has defeated both this season and already clinched the league championship. Click for more from WLNS.

Watch list Deckerville 33, Brown City 20 Reigning Division 1 champion Deckerville (4-0) has won 17 straight games and pulled away in this one after defeating Brown City (3-1) by just two points a year ago.

On the move Felch North Dickinson 62, Ontonagon 42 The Nordics (4-0) have scored 38, then 52, then 58 and now 62 points over the last four weeks as their offense is on pace to far surpass last year’s 425 over nine games. Martin 52, Gobles 6 While North Dickinson is scoring more and more points every game, Martin is giving up fewer and fewer and held the Tigers (3-1) to their fewest since the teams met to decide a Regional title in 2023. Bay City All Saints 49, Peck 12 All Saints (3-1) is a one-point Week 1 loss to Deckerville from a perfect start after handing Peck (3-1) its lone defeat.

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PHOTOS (Top) A Lansing Everett receiver pulls in a pass during the Vikings' Week 4 32-0 win over Lansing Waverly. (Middle) Lansing Catholic defenders close in on a Charlotte ball carrier during the Orioles’ 35-17 win. (Below) Ishpeming's Josh Wojie is able to break a couple of tackles and get past Munising’s MJ Bell for a touchdown during the Hematites' 52-14 victory. (Everett/Waverly photo by Larry Arreguin/Team Arreguin Photos. Lansing Catholic/Charlotte photo by Tom Pierson/TCP Photography. Ishpeming/Munising photo by Cara Kamps.)