March to Marquette: 8-Player Preview
November 17, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The MHSAA 8-Player Finals return to where they got their start Saturday, with two champions to be awarded for the first time.
Saturday’s games will be played at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome, which hosted the first MHSAA 8-Player Final in 2011. The 8-Player Playoffs also moved from one to two divisions this year, and Central Lake, Crystal Falls Forest Park and Portland St. Patrick all are seeking their first 8-player championships – while Central Lake will play 2012 champ Deckerville looking to win its first MHSAA title ever in the sport.
Both games will be broadcast live on the FOX Sports Detroit Facebook page and replayed on FOX Sports Detroit’s primary channel on Nov. 21 – Division 1 at 8 p.m. and Division 2 at 11 p.m. Audio of both games will be streamed live on MHSAANetwork.com.
Below is a look at all four finalists. Statistics are through Semifinals unless noted. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard.
Division 1
CENTRAL LAKE
Record: 12-0, No. 1
Coach: Rob Heeke, seventh season (41-30)
League finish: First in Midwest Central Michigan Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 54-20 over No. 7 Stephenson in the Semifinal, 58-26 (Regional Final) and 44-14 over No. 10 Suttons Bay, 36-14 (Pre-Regional) and 64-38 over No. 15 Mesick, 42-28 over Division 2 No. 2 Onekama.
Players to watch: QB/DB Gavin Mortensen, 5-11/160, sr. (1,062 yards/12 TDs rushing, 680 yards/18 TDs passing); TE/DB Jayce Hoogerhyde, 6-2/145, sr. (223 yards/8 TDs receiving, 49 tackles); RB/DB Skyler Spangler, 6-0/160, jr. (1,652 yards/26 TDs rushing, 272 yards/7 TDs receiving); RB/LB Grant Papineau, 6-3/210, jr. (1,886 yards/25 TDs rushing, 95 tackles).
Outlook: Central Lake has shined in its first season of 8-player football, improving from 2-7 in its final season of 11-player a year ago. Onekama came closest to catching the Trojans, losing by 14 in the game Week 8 that decided the league championship. It’s no secret how Central Lake succeeds; led by three 1,000-yard rushers, the Trojans have run for nearly 4,900 yards at 8.3 per carry. Defensively Papineau is a stopper, but Mortensen and Hoogerhyde are impressive pass defenders with 13 and 15 pass break-ups, respectively. Mortensen also has six interceptions.
DECKERVILLE
Record: 11-1, No. 3
Coach: Bill Brown, 25th season (201-71)
League finish: First in North Central Thumb League Stars
Championship history: 8-Player champion 2012, runner-up 2016.
Best wins: 52-18 over No. 5 Bellevue in the Semifinal, 38-0 over No. 4 Morrice in the Regional Final, 66-28 (Pre-Regional) and 42-8 over No. 12 Mayville, 20-14 over No. 6 Kingston, 52-0 over No. 16 Lawrence.
Players to watch: QB/DB Isaac Keinath, 5-10/155, soph. (660 yards/15 TDs passing); TB/DB Kenton Bowerman, 5-6/150, sr. (971 yards/14 TDs rushing, 8 interceptions); TE/LB/P Wyatt Janowiak, 6-4/255, sr. (288 yards/6 TDs receiving); TB/DB Cruz Ibarra, 5-10/150, jr. (1,430 yards/20 TDs rushing).
Outlook: A new cast of stars has emerged after most of last year’s graduated, and Bowerman stepped up even more last week scoring four touchdowns with leading rusher Ibarra reportedly out with an injury. Deckerville’s only loss this season was by a point to Morrice in Week 6, and was avenged with a 38-point shutout win in the Regional Final. Rival Kingston was the only other opponent to get closer than 20 points to catching the Eagles – despite a regular-season schedule that featured seven playoff teams. Senior Zachary Ostrowski has six catches as the team’s third-leading receiver – and five interceptions as its second-leading pass defender.
Division 2
CRYSTAL FALLS FOREST PARK
Record: 9-2, No. 6
Coach: Dave Graff, fourth season (35-10)
League finish: Second in Western Eight Conference
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2007), 10 runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 36-34 over No. 1 Pickford in the Semifinal, 62-20 over No. 9 Engadine in the Regional Final, 20-6 (Pre-Regional) and 66-58 over No. 7 Powers North Central, 52-38 over Division 1 No. 13 Ontonagon.
Players to watch: RB/LB Connor Bortolini, 5-8/150, sr. (1,749 yards/20 TDs rushing); QB Tommy Peltoma, 6-1/180, soph. (666 yards/10 TDs passing); RB/DE Peter Ropiak, 6-0/185, sr. (863 yards/12 TDs rushing); RB/DB Calvin Post, 5-8/170, soph. (765 yards/9 TDs rushing, 4 interceptions).
Outlook: Forest Park is one of the most successful programs in MHSAA history, especially among smaller schools – it played in the Division 8 Final six straight seasons from 2004-09. The Trojans moved to 8-player last season and might have been the second or third-best team in Michigan, but shared a league and playoff path with eventual repeat champion Powers North Central and lost to the Jets in the Regional Final. Forest Park opened this season 1-2, but hasn’t been defeated since falling to Division 1 semifinalist Stephenson in Week 3. Bortolini took over this fall as the main ball carrier after the Trojans graduated a 2,400-yard rusher, and he’s carried on the program’s tradition of productive backs.
PORTLAND ST. PATRICK
Record: 11-1, No. 3
Coach: Patrick Russman, 11th season (69-42)
League finish: First in Central Michigan 8-Man Conference
Championship history: 11-Player Class D champion 1992, runner-up 1997 and 1991.
Best wins: 33-14 over No. 5 Kinde-North Huron in the Semifinal, 50-0 over No. 8 Flint International Academy in the Regional Final, 44-6 over No. 13 North Adams-Jerome in the Pre-Regional, 24-8 over No. 10 Marion, 38-22 over Division 1 No. 14 Webberville.
Players to watch: QB/DB Tanner Lawson, 6-3/165, jr. (1,093 yards/20 TDs passing); RB/LB Isaiah Smith, 5-10/190, sr. (359 yards/7 TDs rushing); RB/DL Ned Smith, 5-10/160, soph (779 yards/8 TDs rushing); WR/DB Will Simon, 6-2/170, sr. (395 yards/8TDs receiving). (Statistics through nine games plus one forfeit win.).
Outlook: St. Patrick also was one of the state’s top 11-player small-school programs through the 1990s and has been on the verge of playing for an 8-player championship since switching formats in 2012 – and making the Semifinals that first season. The only blemish on this season’s record was a Week 4 loss to eventual Division 1 semifinalist Bellevue, and no other opponent has gotten closer than 16 points. Junior linebacker Paul Cook is among those pacing a defense that has given up only 12.7 points per game.
1st & Goal: 2026 Week 8 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 15, 2026
Winner takes it all.
That might be the most to-the-point expression in sports – and most exhilarating scenario.
And it’s going to play out all over Michigan this weekend, as one last game will determine several league championships and provide crowning achievements – at least for now – rewarding the last two months of work.
Games highlighted are tonight unless noted. Tune in to the NFHS Network to watch the majority and follow the MHSAA Scores page for results as they’re submitted. Keep an eye as well on the Playoff Point Summary page to watch how those lists are updated with every win and loss.
Bay & Thumb
Grand Blanc (7-0) at Davison (6-1)
The Saginaw Valley League South title has come down to these rivals for the third straight season, as neither has lost a conference game this fall although Davison has two remaining and Grand Blanc finishes up tonight. Last season it was the Bobcats with a 57-29 win that decided the league title, and they’ve won two straight championships after Davison’s most recent in 2023. Neither has been challenged much over the last month; the lone loss between them was the Cardinals’ in Week 2 to still-undefeated Detroit Catholic Central.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Flint Elite (5-2) at Burton Bendle (7-0), Goodrich (7-0) at Fenton (6-1), Frankenmuth (6-1) at Saginaw Swan Valley (7-0), Gladwin (5-2) at Sanford Meridian (7-0).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Cass Tech (7-0) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (6-1) at Ford Field
Although King has defeated Cass Tech twice over the last five seasons, the Technicians have won all five of their city championship game rematches and will attempt to add this time to a 20-7 victory over the Crusaders in Week 5. That was easily the toughest challenge Cass Tech has faced this season, and if King generates more offense this time it could make a run at breaking a four-game losing streak against its rival.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Detroit Central (6-1) vs. Detroit Denby (5-2) at Ford Field, Ecorse (7-0) at Detroit Edison (6-1), Clarkston (7-0) at Harper Woods (6-1), Walled Lake Western (6-1) at South Lyon East (6-1).
Mid-Michigan
DeWitt (6-1) at Grand Ledge (7-0)
Despite suffering its first regular-season loss this fall since 2023, DeWitt still has a 21-game Capital Area Activities Conference Blue winning streak intact and a familiar challenge ahead as these two also decided the league title last season. DeWitt won that one 59-7 amid a perfect fall that ended with a Division 3 championship victory, and the lone loss this season came to still-unbeaten Mason. The Comets will work to slow the Panthers’ offense, but instead may have to answer it with a similarly successful attack.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Fowler (6-1) at Ithaca (7-0), Napoleon (6-1) at Leslie (4-3), Hastings (52) at Mason (7-0), Olivet (5-2) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (6-1).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Marquette (5-2) at Petoskey (5-2)
Petoskey has been chasing in the Big North Conference since falling to Cadillac 22-20 in Week 5, but the Northmen have lost twice by a combined five points this fall and can finish with a share of the league title by getting past the Sentinels. Marquette already owns a share and won last year’s meeting 20-7. After opening this fall with a pair of nonleague losses to Negaunee and Menominee, the Sentinels have run through the BNC unscathed, with a 33-27 win over Cadillac especially of note.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Escanaba (3-4) at Cadillac (5-2), Charlevoix (5-2) at Elk Rapids (5-2), East Jordan (6-1) at Frankfort (5-2), Evart (3-4) at McBain (5-2).
Southeast & Border
Monroe Jefferson (7-0) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (7-0)
It’s difficult to imagine a better way to end an era, as this will be the final Huron League matchup between these neighbors for now with St. Mary moving to the Catholic High School League next fall. The Falcons are seeking a third-straight Huron title on their way out, having won it outright in 2024 and then sharing with Jefferson and Riverview last season. That split title was the product in part of SMCC’s 20-15 win over Jefferson, and both have fended off close challenges this fall to set up this winner-take-all scenario.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Saline (7-0) at Temperance Bedford (7-0), Adrian Madison (6-1) at Clinton (6-1), Ida (6-1) at Hudson (6-1). SATURDAY Hanover-Horton (6-1) at Manchester (6-1).
Southwest Corridor
Vicksburg (7-0) at Edwardsburg (7-0)
This isn’t quite winner-take-all, but the winner will earn a share of the Wolverine Conference title although Vicksburg must still face Paw Paw next week and Edwardsburg will travel to see three-time reigning champ Niles. An Eddies win tonight would give them their first Wolverine championship since 2022, while Vicksburg is seeking its first since the league went to one division again in 2015. Vicksburg won both of last season’s matchups, 38-35 during the regular season and 43-30 in a Division 4 District opener.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Reading (4-3) at Bronson (5-2), Coldwater (5-2) at Marshall (6-1), Lawton (5-2) at Parchment (4-3), Portage Northern (4-3) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (4-3).
Upper Peninsula
Kingsford (7-0) at Menominee (7-0)
The Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper could send five of its seven teams to the playoffs this season, and great matchups have abounded all fall – but this is the title decider most have anticipated. Kingsford won 14-12 in 2024 to claim the championship, and Menominee stormed back with a 49-14 clincher last season on the way to also claiming the Division 7 title. Both are coming off close wins last week, Kingsford over Ishpeming Westwood and Menominee over Negaunee.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Manistique (4-3) at Bark River-Harris (6-1), Hancock (3-4) at L’Anse (3-4), Houghton (2-5) at Negaunee (4-3), Calumet (4-3) at Gladstone (1-6).
West Michigan
Ravenna (6-1) at North Muskegon (6-1)
North Muskegon is 27-0 in the West Michigan Conference Rivers since the league split into divisions in 2022, but arguably the most consistent challenges during that run have come from Ravenna – which actually avenged a title-deciding loss in 2022 with a 10-7 playoff win over the Norsemen. North Muskegon did win last year’s meeting 36-29 and has extended its streak in part with a one-point victory over Shelby in Week 3 and 11-pointer over Manistee in Week 6.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (6-1) at East Grand Rapids (5-2), Cassopolis (6-1) at Saugatuck (5-2), Rockford (4-3) at Hudsonville (5-2), Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (6-1) at Lowell (5-2).
8-Player
Mendon (7-0) at Climax-Scotts (6-1)
One of these two has won their league the last four seasons, with Mendon already securing a share of the Southern Central Athletic Association Red championship this fall. The Hornets will attempt to make that title outright with a third-straight victory over Climax-Scotts (including a 2024 Regional win). But the Panthers can grab a share as well as they’ve rebounded nicely from a Week 4 loss to Colon, putting up a combined 157 points over three wins since scoring eight in that defeat.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Powers North Central (5-2) at Felch North Dickinson (4-3), Pickford (6-1) at Gaylord St. Mary (7-0), Marion (7-0) at Onekama (6-1). SATURDAY Mio (5-2) at Merrill (6-1).
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PHOTO Detroit Martin Luther King and Cass Tech linemen line up across from each other during their Week 5 matchup. (Click for more from Olivia B. Photography.)