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Search Begins Again for 'Greatest Game'

August 27, 2016

By Ron Pesch
Special for Second Half

There really is no place I’d rather be than in the stands of a high school football stadium on a Friday night. As summer fades to autumn, and leaves begin to fall, the smile on my face grows. It’s football weather. The days shorten and the hue of the evening sky deepens; the air turns crisp; hoodies come out; hot dogs and popcorn bring more joy than a finely catered meal. As the season progresses, hot chocolate becomes a drink to be cherished and appreciated. 

As I’ve aged, my interest in the professional game has faded. My fascination with the college game continues to dwindle in direct relation to the increasing prices for a ticket to a game, the marketing hype generated by the changing of brands for overpriced athletic apparel and the escalating dollars involved in signing a coach.

The prep season presents the chance to step outside to enjoy my favorite part of the calendar. I’ll sit beneath lights, watching high school kids struggle with, then grasp, the components of the game. On some nights, I’ll again witness pure athleticism shred the defense of an unprepared squad. On others, I’ll watch a finely schooled team dismantle superior size and speed.

From those prep stands, I’ll continue to see moments where the underdog defeats the favorite; where the ordinary achieves the extraordinary; where tension and excitement erupts into a roar. I’ll stand and cheer as the high school band, enjoying its share of the spotlight, takes the field to play the national anthem and showcase its skills at halftime.

And again this season, I’ll settle in with hopes of finding the game I can call the greatest in state high school history.

My criteria is stringent, perhaps more stringent than the conditions held by others.

1)    The margin should be close, ideally through most of the 48 minutes that comprise a contest. I’m really no fan of overtime.

2)    The stakes should be high. Hence, this may favor late-season contests, where playoff implications and/or league championships are involved.

3)    There should be history, where past battles between the schools have helped to establish a palatable dislike for the other, when the teams line up for a contest. Cross-town rivalries, where bragging rights and perhaps a trophy, are involved, enhance the value in my eyes. At the same time, playoff rivalries, where defeat is balanced between each, or where dominance by a single school is suddenly shattered, augment the importance of such a contest.

4)    Weather conditions and controversy should not be a factor.

Over the years, I’ve watched or read about amazing comebacks, decisive thrashings, contests played under vicious weather conditions and marathon overtime battles. Each, some might argue, are challengers to the crown. 

But I have yet to find a replacement for the current title-holder – a game played before my birth.

The reigning champ was christened as such by an authority. I’ve seen a small segment of that 1945 season-ending battle between Muskegon High School and Muskegon Heights High School, as captured by a home movie camera. In addition, I’ve viewed a series of amazing still photographs that portray the drama.

I’ll let the legendary Hal Schram set the stage.

“Seldom has one city dominated Michigan high school football as completely as Muskegon does this week,” stated the Detroit Free Press writer later known as “The Swami” for his tongue-in-cheek “all-knowing” ways when it came to predicting high school sports outcomes.

Schram’s Tuesday, November 6 column in the Free Press included his Class A Top Ten rankings. The Top Ten, used to identify the state’s best team based on enrollment classification, win-loss record and strength of schedule, was a relatively new approach to identifying the state’s best. The approach is still in use today.

“One month ago, Muskegon High occupied second place in the Top Ten while Muskegon Heights ranked sixth,” said Schram. “Today, Coach Leo Redmond’s Big Reds with a 16-game winning streak, and the Heights, with the best defensive record in state Class A football, rate first and second respectively.”

A week later, Schram’s ranking in the Free Press reflected the same result in Class A, heading into the season’s final week.

“Twenty-thousand Muskegon fans will watch their high school giants – Muskegon and Muskegon Heights – battle for a mythical Michigan championship Saturday. Only the limited seating capacity of the city’s Hackley Stadium prevents the attendance from reaching 30,000. Reserve seat tickets have been completely sold out for three weeks.

“Muskegon, with its 17-game winning streak, clings to its No. 1 rating among Michigan high schools for the third straight week, but the difference between the Big Reds and the Heights is infinitesimal.

“The Big Reds have scored 191 points to 38 for eight opponents while Muskegon Heights has rolled up 185 points to 37. Both have played almost exactly the same opponents and under identical conditions …

“The Heights will be gunning for its first triumph since 1943 over Muskegon, when the Tigers won, 7-0. The victor will also lay claim to the Southwestern Conference championship.”

It would take 30 years before the MHSAA created a playoff system to determine football state champions. Until that time, state titles were dispensed by the media, and hence were referred to as mythical, since they weren’t settled in a series of head-to-head contests played between contenders.

A total of 18 Big Reds and 23 Tigers would appear in their interscholastic football uniform for the final time. Eight seniors and three juniors would start the game for each team.

While the overall series dating back to 1922 favored Muskegon, in games played since 1930, the two teams were exactly even with each team having six victories and two ties over those previous 14 games. Coach Redmond had led the Big Reds since 1925. Oscar E. “Okie” Johnson took charge of the Heights in 1927 and would guide the Tigers until retirement following the 1963 season. The two coaches had been football teammates at Western State Normal School (today, Western Michigan University). Each coach had led their team to mythical state crowns in years past.

Statewide coverage of the pending heavy-weight battle enticed many from around the state to attend the game. A crowd of 13,500 – still the largest ever to visit Hackley – packed nearly every square inch of the stadium, bleachers and field. Countless others tuned in to the radio broadcast.

Servicemen, recently returned from World War II, helped hoist the flag during pregame ceremonies. The combined marching bands from each school opened the 2 p.m. program with the national anthem, and each entertained the crowd at halftime.

Muskegon won the toss and kicked off. The Heights unleashed their power early. Behind the running of Ed Petrongelli and backfield mate Paul Hulka, the Tigers rolled across mid-field, before a Petrongelli pass was picked off by Bob Clark on the Muskegon 15. The Big Reds were held on downs, and were forced to kick. Muskegon’s Bob Sikkenga, who averaged 30 yards on five punts during the day, gained a mere nine yards on his first kick of the afternoon, allowing the Heights to take control at the Muskegon 27. Petrongelli pounded ahead for four yards to the 23 before Jim Howell skirted the left side on the end around for the first score of the contest. Dorr Grover's placement was accurate, and Okie Johnson's Tigers led 7-0.

Muskegon bounced back, scoring midway through the second quarter of play. Starting at their own 35-yard line, Coach Redmond's backfield of Percy Moore, Bob McNitt and Howard Peterson alternated carries, pushing the ball to the Heights 31-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-1 situation, Don Ohs replaced McNitt, and broke through off right guard for a first down on the Tiger 14. A Heights penalty advanced the ball to the 9. A pair of plays eked out only a yard, then McNitt was nailed behind the line on third down for a six-yard loss. Facing a 4th-and-goal, Peterson shot a pass toward McNitt at the goal line. Nearly intercepted by Ray McLean of the Tigers, the ball bounced into the waiting hands of the Muskegon back, and the Big Reds were a point away from a tie. But Tom Carr's kick went wide and low, and the Tigers clung to a one-point lead when the teams broke for the halftime intermission.

Much of the third quarter was played in Muskegon territory, with the Heights dominating. Still, neither team scored. As the teams entered the final quarter, a single point still separated victory from defeat.

Midway through the fourth, opportunity knocked for the Tigers as Jim Dotson recovered a Muskegon fumble on the Big Red 43. The Heights fans roared in approval as the Tiger offense lined up for action. But the momentum changed quickly as the Big Reds' Bob Anderson pounced on a Heights' fumble at the Tiger 48 on the first play from scrimmage.

Redmond's squad went to the air. An incomplete pass was followed by a six-yard gain by Ted Barrett around left end. Another incomplete pass brought fourth down before Peterson found Bob Lintjer at the 30 yard line and he raced to the Heights 9, securing the first down.

The Big Reds were hit for a five-yard penalty on a substitution, so the squad lined up for a 1st-and-goal from the 14. Barrett quickly made up for the penalty, battling to the 4 yard line. On 2nd and goal, Muskegon again went to Barrett, who picked up three yards. Injured on the play, the halfback exited the game with the ball resting on the 1 yard line.

"On (the) last two plays rode the hopes of 13,500 fans, for or against the success of the attacking Big Reds," wrote Muskegon Chronicle sports editor, James F. Henderson. "On those two plays rode both State and Southwestern titles."

McNitt charged the center of the line on third down, but was stopped three inches from the end zone. Redmond's squad huddled to discuss its final play.

“We decided to go with a quarterback sneak on fourth," recalled Peterson years later. "I decided to use a long, variable, cadence count, in hopes of drawing them offside, in case we needed another shot. To their credit … neither line moved."

"When Jim Dotson, Everett Grandelius, Dick Ghezzi and Gene Hilliard stopped the forward motion of Howard Peterson, the air went dark with the applause of the Heights fans, and the groans of Muskegon's," wrote Henderson. "The ball, three inches from the goal line when play started, still was an inch from the line when it was set down."

“For the second straight year the mythical state high school football title belongs to greater Muskegon, penned Schram following the game. “No longer does the bunting fly over Muskegon High, but it is on display only a few miles away, at Muskegon Heights High. The Tigers laid claim to the title after conquering Muskegon 7 to 6”

As was tradition, following the game the Heights band marched back to its school, leading a victory parade of students celebrating a great day for football.

Seven players from the teams received all-state honors according to The Associated Press. Petrongelli and Dotson from the Heights, and Clark from Muskegon were all named to the first-team squad. Tigers Ghezzi and Howell and Big Reds Barrett and Anderson each earned mention on AP’s second or third all-state teams.

This July, after a long, distinguished career and blessed retirement, Tom Carr, the kicker for the Big Reds, passed away.

As a college student, I had the privilege to meet Carr. Signed to play baseball by the Chicago White Sox out of high school, Carr later earned his Master’s degree at Western Michigan University. Following graduation, he ascended to associate vice president of operations for the University. On the day of our meeting, he smiled, shook my hand, and greeted me with the words, “Hi, I’m Tom Carr – the guy who missed the extra point.”

Long ago, a friend stated that the main difference between male and female athletes is that the boys will carry the agony of defeat into manhood, and it will stay with them until the day they die. While it might have taken years to accept, the game would ultimately become a point of pride for all involved.

Among the crowd of spectators that day was Dick Kishpaugh, who served the MHSAA as high school historian for 50 years. Kishpaugh had come up from Southwest Michigan to attend the game. It was, in the opinion of my mentor, the greatest high school football game ever played in Michigan.

While I wasn’t in attendance, I still share his opinion.

Since that time, 70 years ago, I’d estimate more than 200,000 high school football games have been played in Michigan.

As we kick off another season of high school athletics, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject, as well as your candidates for honor of greatest game.

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) Muskegon's Tommy Carr attempts an extra point against Muskegon Heights during their history-making matchup. (Middle) The game program from 1945. (Below) Heights stops Muskegon during its final goal line stand; Big Reds quarterback Howard Peterson is number 19. (Photos provided by Ron Pesch.)

Grand Ledge ball carrier charges up the sideline Friday during his team's 36-8 win over Lansing Everett. 

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.

MI Student AidMix 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.

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.

A Beal City ball carrier attempts to break free during his team's 58-0 win over Lake City.

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.

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.)