A Game for Every Fan: Week 9
October 21, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
This week more than any other requires a different perspective when considering what football games could turn out as the most significant when the final scores come in Saturday night.
There are still a few league titles to be contested, and we highlighted most of those below. There are 45 teams hoping to finish the regular season undefeated, and we’ve noted a number of those too – including the only game pitting 8-0 teams, Freeland at Frankenmuth.
But we’re also watching closely 90 teams that can guarantee a playoff spot with a Week 9 win – with 12 games pitting 11-player teams with 5-3 records and Parma Western and Detroit Edison Public School Academy needing a victory to join Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy among those this season earning postseason bids for the first time.
Be sure to tune in all weekend to the MHSAA Score Center for results as they come in, updated standings and playoff point averages, and watch Fox Sports Detroit at 7 p.m. Sunday to see the playoff field and brackets for the first time. (There are 13 games on Thursday this week. All games below are Friday unless noted.)
Bay & Thumb
Linden (7-1) at Fenton (7-1)
Four of these teams' last five meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less – and this one will decide an outright league champion. Fenton’s last loss in Flint Metro League play was on opening night 2012 to Linden, and the Tigers have shared or won outright the last four league titles – with Linden tying for first in 2012 and winning outright the year before Fenton’s streak started, in 2010.
Others that caught my eye: Freeland (8-0) at Frankenmuth (8-0), Midland (7-1) at Midland Dow (7-1), Lapeer (8-0) at Davison (5-3), New Lothrop (8-0) at Montrose (5-3).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Martin Luther King (8-0) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (7-1) at Ford Field
We detailed this rivalry before Week 5, when the two met in what eventually decided the Detroit Public School League East I championship for King. The Crusaders won 31-28 in overtime that day, and have given up a total of eight points over three games since – although two of those games were against the same team because of a rematch in the PSL Semifinals. Cass Tech no doubt has been waiting for this rematch – the Technicians haven’t lost two straight to King since the 2005-2006 regular seasons.
Others that caught my eye: Detroit Central Collegiate (6-2) vs. Detroit Collegiate Prep (8-0) at Ford Field; Warren DeLaSalle (6-2) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary's (6-1) at Ford Field, Saturday; Detroit Loyola (6-2) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (7-1) at Ford Field, Saturday; Farmington Hills Harrison (7-1) at West Bloomfield (8-0).
Mid-Michigan
Grand Ledge (8-0) at Holt (5-3)
It’s fair to say few saw Holt competing for a league title after dropping its first two games to Hudsonville and Rockford by a combined score of 75-14. But the Rams, under first-year coach Chad Fulk, ran off five straight wins before coming up short last week against Jackson. Grand Ledge has won four of the last five against its biggest rival and has a share of the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue title regardless of what happens this weekend – but Holt can gain a share as well.
Others that caught my eye: St. Ignace (7-1) at Fowler (6-2), Marshall (7-1) at Portland (8-0), Clare (5-3) at Harrison (6-2), Novi (4-4) at Howell (5-3).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Charlevoix (5-3) at Harbor Springs (5-3)
There are a number of good matchups in the northern Lower Peninsula this week, but this is the only one that will guarantee the winner a playoff berth. Charlevoix is second and Harbor Springs tied for third in the Northern Michigan Football League Legends division, and neither can catch champion Frankfort. But the Red Rayders are looking for a second straight playoff appearance coming off back-to-back 1-8 finishes in 2012 and 2013, and Harbor Springs hasn’t had a .500 record or made the playoffs since 2000.
Others that caught my eye: Kingsley (5-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (8-0), Saturday; Onekama (7-1) at Frankfort (7-1), Walled Lake Northern (5-3) at Traverse City West (4-4), Indian River Inland Lakes (5-3) at Johannesburg-Lewiston (7-1).
Southeast & Border
Ottawa Lake Whiteford (7-1) at Clinton (8-0)
Clinton has won 27 straight Tri-County Conference games (and 35 straight total during the regular-season), and once again no league opponent has come within two touchdowns of the Redskins. But Whiteford has come as close as anyone the last few years, falling by only two points to Clinton in 2012 and scoring 30 in a 24-point loss last fall. The Bobcats have tied last season’s win total and guaranteed a fourth straight playoff berth, and have nothing to hold back in this league finale.
Others that caught my eye: Jackson (6-2) at Jackson Lumen Christi (6-2), Homer (7-1) at Manchester (7-1), Lansing Catholic (7-1) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (8-0), Dexter (0-8) at Parma Western (5-3).
Southwest Corridor
St. Joseph (7-1) at Portage Central (8-0)
For the second time in three seasons, the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West title will come down to this matchup. Portage Central already owns a share, but St. Joseph can snag one as well if it can end a three-game losing streak to the Mustangs. They almost ended it last season, falling to Portage Central 21-14 in the regular-season finale. The Mustangs know how to finish those games though; they’ve won two by seven or fewer points this fall.
Others that caught my eye: Portage Northern (4-4) at Benton Harbor (4-4), Delton Kellogg (5-3) at Schoolcraft (8-0), Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (5-3) at Mendon (5-3), Buchanan (8-0) at Niles Brandywine (5-3).
Upper Peninsula
Crystal Falls Forest Park (5-2) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (8-0)
This has turned into a season of good-byes at least a little for Forest Park since the announcement a few weeks ago that it would move to 8-player in 2015. The Trojans have rallied to split the Mid-Eastern Conference title and make the playoffs for the 19th straight season, and can deal a massive blow to rival Lake Linden-Hubbell by extending a five-game winning streak over the Lakes, who haven’t had a game closer than 12 points this season.
Others that caught my eye: Negaunee (6-2) at Ishpeming Westwood (5-3), Escanaba (4-4) at Kingsford (6-2), L'Anse (5-3) at Munising (6-2), Menominee (8-0) at Marquette (3-4).
West Michigan
Hudsonville (6-2) at Rockford (5-3)
Not only is the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red title on the line – four teams are tied for first, guaranteeing there will be multiple champions – but Rockford needs a victory to continue a 20-season playoff streak, the third-longest in MHSAA history and active leader. These rivals have split their last four meetings – Rockford winning during the regular season and Hudsonville in playoff rematches the last two years.
Others that caught my eye: Grandville (5-3) at East Kentwood (6-2), Lowell (7-1) at Grand Rapids Christian (5-3), McBain (6-2) at Reed City (8-0), Ada Forest Hills Eastern (8-0) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (6-2).
8-Player
Battle Creek St. Philip (8-0) at Lawrence (7-1)
St. Philip is a combined 34-7 over the last four seasons, but Lawrence has been an obstacle since the latter went to 8-player football in 2013. St. Philip won their first meeting, 54-50, but Lawrence has won the last three and ended St. Phil’s last two seasons in Regional Finals. Lawrence has continued to roll despite graduating a strong nucleus from last season’s MHSAA championship-winning team. It hasn’t lost in-state in two years, with this season’s defeat to reigning Wisconsin champion Prairie Farm two weeks ago.
Others that caught my eye: Pickford (5-3) at Onaway (5-3), Morrice (7-1) at Portland St. Patrick (6-2).
PHOTO: Detroit Collegiate Prep, in red, and enjoying its best season since 2007 (as Detroit Northwestern), will face Detroit Central Collegiate in the Public School League Division II championship game at Ford Field. (Photo courtesy of the Detroit Public School League.)
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).
MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
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.)