A Game for Every Fan: Week 2
September 2, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Most of this week’s MHSAA varsity football games will again be played over both Thursday and Friday, similar to last week and this time in anticipation of travelers leaving town for an extended Labor Day break. In fact, nearly 80 percent of games will be played tonight.
But unlike last week, there aren’t a ton of matchups that jump out and announce, “You can’t miss this.” And that’s where we come into the mix.
See below for some of the possible jewels from this weekend’s schedule, all to be played tonight unless noted. And remember to follow all of the results as they come in at the MHSAA Score Center.
Bay & Thumb
Freeland (1-0) at Chesaning (1-0)
It’s tough to believe once-powerful Chesaning hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007. But the Indians finished with a winning record last fall for the first time since that season, and debuted a snazzy synthetic turf field last week. Anticipation is high, and they now host Freeland, which is coming off a 10-2 finish in 2014 and beat Chesaning 42-0 a year ago.
Others that caught my eye: Frankenmuth (1-0) at Birch Run (0-1), Bad Axe (1-0) at Marlette (1-0), Richmond (1-0) at Yale (0-1), St. Clair (0-1) at Marine City (0-1).
Greater Detroit
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (1-0) at Macomb Dakota (1-0)
This continues to be the most exciting rivalry in Macomb County after a third straight season of multiple matchups a year ago – the teams split, with Dakota winning in Week 2 by 21 points and the Big Reds claiming the District Final 28-27. The Cougars are coming off arguably the most notable victory of Week 1, a 35-10 defeat of reigning MHSAA Division 1 champion Clarkston. But Chippewa Valley downed generally-strong Lake Orion top open for the second season in a row and is plenty capable of making this the state’s best matchup of the week.
Others that caught my eye: Detroit Country Day (1-0) at Detroit U-D Jesuit (1-0), Grosse Pointe South (1-0) at Romeo (1-0), Sterling Heights Stevenson (1-0) at Utica Eisenhower (1-0), Allen Park (1-0) at Wyandotte Roosevelt (1-0).
Mid-Michigan
Mason (1-0) at Eaton Rapids (1-0)
Mason’s experienced offense showed the difference a year can make by putting up 56 points in a win over Okemos last week after scoring only 14 against the Chieftains on opening night 2014. The Bulldogs went on last year to score a season-low 10 points in three games – including in a Week 2 10-7 win over Eaton Rapids. The Greyhounds are seeking to take the next step in their revival with a first win over Mason since 1993.
Others that caught my eye: Laingsburg (1-0) at Fowler (1-0), Sand Creek (1-0) at Stockbridge (1-0), Beal City (1-0) at Clare (0-1) (Fri.), Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (1-0) at Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (0-1) (Fri.).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Escanaba (1-0) at Petoskey (1-0)
The coach Dave Howes era at Escanaba began last week with a win over Alpena, which actually counts as the team’s third victory in four games going back to last fall. That’s something to build on for a program seeking its first winning season since 2011 and facing an opponent that has won 14 of its last 18 games. Petoskey could be a Big North Conference contender and would love to enter league play 2-0 for the third straight season.
Others that caught my eye: Boyne City (1-0) at Charlevoix (1-0), Gaylord (1-0) at Grayling (1-0), Whittemore-Prescott (0-1) at Oscoda (1-0), Traverse City St. Francis (1-0) at McBain (1-0).
Southeast & Border
Morenci (1-0) at Hudson (1-0)
Morenci burst back among this area’s elite last fall with its best finish (10-2) since 1996, and continued by beating another 2014 playoff team, Pittsford, 44-6 last week. The 21-16 victory over Hudson in Week 2 last season got momentum rolling in a big way for the Bulldogs and could do so again – but also was Hudson’s only regular-season loss, meaning the Tigers will be more than ready for the rematch.
Others that caught my eye: Portland (1-0) at Hillsdale (1-0), Concord (1-0) at Union City (1-0), Onsted (1-0) at Adrian Madison (1-0), Detroit Cesar Chavez (1-0) at Ida (1-0).
Southwest Corridor
Portage Central (1-0) at Battle Creek Lakeview (1-0)
After facing each other in a 2013 District Final, these two Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference contenders didn’t get to play each other last fall because weather washed the Week 2 game out. Lakeview went on to win the SMAC East and Portage Central was second in the SMAC West, and this should again be a matchup of contenders in their respective divisions.
Others that caught my eye: Decatur (1-0) at Constantine (0-1), Vicksburg (1-0) at Edwardsburg (1-0), Paw Paw (1-0) at Plainwell (1-0), Richland Gull Lake (1-0) at St. Joseph (1-0).
Upper Peninsula
Calumet (1-0) at Negaunee (1-0)
These northern U.P. neighbors re-started their series three seasons ago, and two of the first three games have been decided by eight or fewer points – although Negaunee has won all three of their matchups. Last season’s 31-22 win was a big reason why the Miners were able to qualify for the playoffs at 5-4 – and also ended up the closest loss for the Copper Kings, who ended 7-4.
Others that caught my eye: L’Anse (1-0) at Iron River West Iron County (1-0), Traverse City Central (1-0) at Marquette (0-1) (Fri.), Bark River-Harris (1-0) at Gogebic (1-0) (Fri.), Hurley, Wis. (2-0) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (1-0) (Sat.).
West Michigan
Detroit Loyola (0-1) at Muskegon Oakridge (1-0), Friday
Oakridge loaded its schedule with two reigning MHSAA champions to start things off this fall and last week ended Division 8 champ Muskegon Catholic Central’s 26-game winning streak. Like MCC, Loyola – the reigning winner in Division 7 – graduated many of its top contributors from the last few seasons. But the Bulldogs looked capable again in falling to reigning Division 3 champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 24-12 in their opener.
Others that caught my eye: Grand Rapids South Christian (0-1) at Caledonia (1-0), Ravenna (1-0) at Montague (1-0), Holt (0-1) at Rockford (0-1), Muskegon (0-1) at Grand Rapids Christian (1-0) (Fri.)
8-Player
Engadine (1-0) at Powers North Central (1-0), Friday
North Central, home to the reigning Class D boys basketball champion as well, is new to 8-player this season and put up a basketball-like 82 points last week. The Jets are only two seasons removed from an 8-3 record in 11-player, but should get more of a test from Engadine, a playoff team in 8-player three of the last four seasons.
Others that caught my eye: Onaway (0-1) at Brimley (0-1), Tekonsha (1-0) at Webberville (1-0).
PHOTO: Beal City quarterback Tucker Gross prepares to receive the snap during Friday’s win over Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart.
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 8 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 16, 2025
A sense of urgency builds throughout the football regular season – and we’re right on schedule again this fall, although we might be reaching the peak even a little early with another week of games still to play.
Week 8 has it all – a pair of matchups featuring undefeated teams with league titles on the line, several more winner-take-all championship showdowns, and of course plenty of games that could decide who’s in and who’s home when playoff brackets are plugged in Oct. 26.
In addition to following scores on the MHSAA Scores page and watching games on the NFHS Network, you’ll also want to keep a close eye this weekend on the Playoff Point Summary page as it will give you a real-time look at which teams are still in the hunt to continue playing in November.
Bay & Thumb
Davison at Grand Blanc WATCH
Grand Blanc took back the upper hand in this rivalry last season with a 55-49 win after Davison swept regular-season and playoff matchups in 2022 and 2023. These two easily could face off in the postseason again next month as well, but first this meeting will end either with Grand Blanc winning the Saginaw Valley League South outright or Davison claiming a share with one more league game to play. Neither has had a league game closer than 21 points this fall.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Harrison (6-1) at Gladwin (4-3), Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (6-1) at Harbor Beach (7-0) WATCH, Freeland (6-1) at Frankenmuth (6-1) WATCH. SATURDAY Fenton (5-2) at Goodrich (7-0) WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Detroit Martin Luther King (5-2) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (7-0) at Ford Field WATCH
This will be the sixth season in a row these two will meet for a second time in a city championship game, and two of the last three seasons the series has ended in a split. Cass Tech won the first meeting this fall 27-22 in Week 4. That game was played over two days, with Cass Tech taking a 27-0 lead into the stoppage in the middle of the third quarter but King scoring all 22 points when the teams reconvened the following day.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Farmington (6-1) at Clarkston (6-1) WATCH, Grand Ledge (6-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (7-0), Detroit Pershing (5-2) vs. Detroit Denby (5-2) at Ford Field WATCH, Detroit Edison (6-1) at Ecorse (6-1).
Mid-Michigan
Howell (6-1) at Brighton (6-1) WATCH
For the second season in a row, these two will meet in the final week of Kensington Lakes Activities Association West play to decide some portion of the league championship. A year ago, Howell won 36-14 to finish an outright title, and then defeated the Bulldogs again 35-33 in a Division 1 District Final. This time, Brighton is undefeated in league play and Howell has a loss – but with the possibility of a Highlanders’ victory creating a three-way shared championship between these two and Northville.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ithaca (6-1) at Fowler (5-2) WATCH, New Lothrop (5-2) at Ovid-Elsie (5-2), Charlotte (4-3) at Portland (7-0), Midland (4-3) at Mount Pleasant (7-0) WATCH.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Jackson Lumen Christi (4-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (6-1), Saturday
St. Francis is coming off its only loss, 63-38 to reigning Division 5 champion Pontiac Notre Dame Prep a week ago – but that also followed a pair of close wins that resulted in the Gladiators winning the Northern Michigan Football Conference Legends championship. Things obviously don’t get easier this week in this preview of a possible Division 6 playoff showdown. The reigning Division 6 champion Titans do have a win over Notre Dame Prep, 54-34 back in Week 2, and went on to share the Catholic High School League AA title.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Boyne City (5-2) at Charlevoix (7-0) WATCH, Sanford Meridian (5-2) at Ogemaw Heights (6-1) WATCH, Kingsley (5-2) at Kalkaska (5-2) WATCH, Beal City (7-0) at LeRoy Pine River (5-2).
Southeast & Border
Macomb Lutheran North (7-0) at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (7-0)
There are multiple league championship deciders in the southeastern part of the state this week, but this is one of only two matchups statewide of undefeated teams. The winner claims the CHSL Intersectional 1 title outright, with Lutheran North seeking to finish a third-straight perfect run through the league and FGR seeking its first perfect league run since 2009. The Mustangs have given up only 48 points this season, but might see its greatest challenge from a Fighting Irish offense that has scored at least 42 points in every game and at least 50 in six.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (6-1) at Monroe Jefferson (7-0), Ypsilanti Lincoln (6-1) at Chelsea (6-1) WATCH, Temperance Bedford (4-3) at Saline (6-1) WATCH, Napoleon (5-2) at Michigan Center (7-0) WATCH.
Southwest Corridor
White Pigeon (6-1) at Decatur (5-2)
Although White Pigeon’s loss to Bronson last week took a bit of the punch out of this matchup, it’s still packed with possibilities. A Decatur win would give the Raiders an outright Southwest 10 Conference title, while a White Pigeon victory would create a three-way share among them. The Chiefs have won the last two meetings, including 14-6 a year ago, and had given up only 12 points over their first six games before allowing 32 to Bronson. Decatur defeated Bronson in Week 2, 26-20 in double overtime.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hastings (5-2) at Coldwater (6-1) WATCH, Williamston (7-0) at Dowagiac (5-2) WATCH, Paw Paw (4-3) at Three Rivers (4-3) WATCH, Edwardsburg (6-1) at Vicksburg (4-3) WATCH.
Upper Peninsula
Menominee (7-0) at Kingsford (6-1) WATCH
This matchup has title implications in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper for the third season in a row, and is a winner-take-all for the second straight. Kingsford has won 18 straight league games, including 14-12 over Menominee a year ago, and the Flivvers’ only loss this season was 21-18 to Escanaba in their season opener. The Maroons haven’t played a game closer than 10 points this season and is seeking its first win over Kingsford since 2022.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY West Iron County (3-3) at Bark River-Harris (5-1) WATCH, Gladstone (3-4) at Calumet (5-2) WATCH, Negaunee (4-3) at Houghton (2-5).
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-0) at Grand Rapids Northview (5-2)
Northview can’t catch Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black. But the Wildcats can break up the Cougars’ perfect season and prevent them from claiming the league title outright. Catholic Central claimed a share last week against Holland Christian and sits a game ahead of East Grand Rapids after winning their Week 4 meeting 10-7. Northview won last year’s matchup 12-3 on the way to claiming the O-K Black title outright, and bounced back from two midseason losses with a win over Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills last week.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hudsonville Unity Christian (7-0) at Grand Rapids South Christian (4-3) WATCH, East Kentwood (5-2) at Grandville (4-3), Howard City Tri County (5-2) at Kent City (7-0) WATCH, Wyoming Kelloggsville (5-2) at Wyoming Godwin Heights (6-1).
8-Player
Merrill (6-1) at Blanchard Montabella (7-0) WATCH
Montabella has enjoyed some of its most consistent success the last two seasons and carries a 10-game league winning streak into this winner-take-all for the Mid-State Activities Conference Blue title. To repeat, the Mustangs must go through Merrill, which gave them their closest league game in 2024, a 20-12 win. The Vandals are seeking their first league championship since 2022 and could also see Montabella in the Division 1 playoffs.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Powers North Central (5-2) at Gogebic (7-0) WATCH, Waldron (5-2) at Pittsford (6-1) WATCH, Climax-Scotts (6-1) at Mendon (7-0) WATCH, Bridgman (6-1) at New Buffalo (7-0).
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PHOTO As the rain falls, Pewamo-Westphalia's Ty Thelen celebrates a score during his team's win last week over Fowler. (Photo by Jim Pivarnik.)