Week 7 Football Playoff Listing
October 2, 2012
Here is a list of Michigan High School Athletic Association football playing schools, displaying their win-loss records and playoff averages through the sixth week of the season.
Schools on this list are in enrollment order. An asterisk (*) beside a record indicates that a team has eight or fewer games scheduled. A carrot (^) beside a school’s name indicates that a team is one win away from playoff qualification.
Those schools with 11-player teams with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules, or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer, will qualify for the MHSAA Football Playoffs beginning Oct. 26-27. Schools with 5-4, 4-3 or 4-4 records may qualify if the number of potential qualifiers by win total does not reach the 256 mark. Schools with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer may be subtracted from the field based on playoff average if the number of potential qualifiers exceeds the 256 mark.
Once the 256 qualifying schools are determined, they will be divided by enrollment groups into eight equal divisions of 32 schools, and then drawn into regions of eight teams each and districts of four teams each.
Those schools with 8-player teams will be ranked by playoff average at season’s end, and the top 16 programs will be drawn into regions of eight teams each for the playoff in that division, which also begins Oct. 26-27. All 8-player teams, regardless of win total, are listed below.
To review a list of all football playoff schools, individual school playoff point details and to report errors, visit the Football page of the MHSAA Website.
The announcement of the qualifiers and first-round pairings for both the 11 and 8-player playoffs will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 on the Selection Sunday Show on FOX Sports Detroit. The playoff qualifiers and pairings will be posted to the MHSAA Website following the Selection Sunday Show.
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11-Player Playoff Listing
1. Utica Eisenhower, 2772, 4-2, 68.000
2. Sterling Heights Stevenson ^, 2766, 5-1, 79.333
3. Clarkston, 2721, 6-0, 94.667
4. Howell, 2692, 3-3, 50.000
5. Grand Blanc, 2644, 4-2, 65.667
6. Macomb Dakota ^, 2608, 5-1, 87.333
7. Lake Orion, 2565, 6-0, 101.333
8. Rockford, 2526, 4-2, 66.833
9. Troy, 2502, 4-2, 65.333
10. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley ^, 2462, 5-1, 83.000
11. Dearborn Fordson ^, 2442, 5-1, 91.000
12. Holland West Ottawa, 2262, 4-2, 61.167
13. Northville, 2220, 4-2, 66.667
14. Detroit Cass Tech ^, 2200, 5-1, 84.667
15. Canton, 2166, 4-2, 59.000
16. Monroe ^, 2154, 5-1, 72.667
17. Detroit Catholic Central, 2060, 4-2, 60.433
18. Plymouth ^, 2050, 5-1, 74.167
19. Salem ^, 2039, 5-1, 81.667
20. Livonia Stevenson ^, 2005, 5-1, 79.167
21. Holt, 1992, 3-3, 48.333
22. Hartland, 1932, 6-0, 93.333
23. Grand Haven, 1881, 3-3, 56.333
24. Warren Mott, 1879, 6-0, 85.333
25. Livonia Churchill, 1877, 6-0, 102.667
26. Walled Lake Central, 1857, 3-3, 45.833
27. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North, 1853, 4-2, 67.667
28. Saline ^, 1849, 5-1, 83.167
29. Grandville, 1846, 4-2, 59.667
30. Romeo, 1802, 3-3, 59.167
31. Dearborn, 1790, 3-3, 51.500
32. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 1777, 3-3, 46.167
33. Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 1772, 6-0, 89.333
34. Grand Ledge ^, 1743, 5-1, 74.833
35. Rochester, 1725, 4-2, 63.000
36. Traverse City West, 1720, 4-2, 62.333
37. White Lake Lakeland ^, 1700, 5-1, 79.167
38. Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, 1680, 3-3, 44.333
39. Belleville, 1678, 3-3, 48.500
40. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 1670, 4-2, 67.500
41. Davison, 1664, 4-2, 59.000
42. Grosse Pointe South ^, 1648, 5-1, 79.167
43. Walled Lake Northern, 1599, 4-2, 65.500
44. Temperance Bedford, 1581, 3-3, 43.333
45. Walled Lake Western, 1553, 4-2, 63.833
46. Warren DeLaSalle, 1550, 3-3, 47.433
47. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 1520, 4-2, 61.167
48. Brownstown Woodhaven ^, 1520, 5-1, 82.000
49. Wyoming, 1515, 3-3, 40.067
50. Dearborn Edsel Ford, 1508, 3-3, 50.667
51. Midland, 1485, 6-0, 100.000
52. Oxford, 1481, 3-3, 51.333
53. Port Huron, 1473, 4-2, 59.500
54. Traverse City Central ^, 1429, 5-1, 80.333
55. Oak Park, 1391, 6-0, 104.000
56. Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, 1364, 3-3, 42.833
57. Lansing Everett, 1359, 6-0, 102.667
58. Grosse Pointe North, 1353, 4-2, 62.500
59. Midland Dow, 1350, 3-3, 44.167
60. Birmingham Seaholm ^, 1349, 5-1, 78.000
61. Battle Creek Lakeview, 1347, 3-3, 45.667
62. Garden City, 1344, 4-2, 58.167
63. Portage Central ^, 1340, 5-1, 75.500
64. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1337, 4-2, 58.833
65. Birmingham Brother Rice, 1336, 4-2, 68.000
66. Portage Northern ^, 1328, 5-1, 76.833
67. Caledonia ^, 1308, 5-1, 76.667
68. Wyandotte Roosevelt ^, 1304, 5-1, 76.667
69. Farmington Hills Harrison, 1302, 4-2, 63.500
70. Detroit Martin Luther King, 1287, 3-3, 42.667
71. Detroit Cody, 1282, 4-2, 63.833
72. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 1278, 4-2, 62.833
73. Farmington ^, 1278, 5-1, 79.500
74. Taylor Truman ^, 1253, 5-1, 82.000
75. Flushing, 1225, 3-3, 42.833
76. Swartz Creek, 1223, 6-0, 90.667
77. Southfield, 1218, 4-2, 70.833
78. Fenton ^, 1202, 5-1, 74.000
79. Grand Rapids Northview ^, 1180, 5-1, 75.000
80. Lowell ^, 1177, 5-1, 82.167
81. Bay City Western, 1171, 6-0, 81.333
82. Gibraltar Carlson, 1160, 4-2, 56.833
83. Greenville, 1152, 3-3, 50.333
84. Muskegon, 1144, 6-0, 108.000
85. Lapeer East, 1144, 3-3, 41.500
86. East Lansing, 1142, 4-2, 57.167
87. Mattawan, 1124, 6-0, 88.000
88. Allen Park, 1120, 4-2, 61.333
89. Marquette ^*, 1112, 4-2, 66.167
90. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 1109, 3-3, 52.667
91. Lapeer West, 1101, 4-2, 68.000
92. Detroit Renaissance, 1094, 3-3, 43.000
93. Redford Thurston, 1088, 4-2, 57.500
94. Auburn Hills Avondale ^, 1080, 5-1, 78.000
95. Flint Kearsley, 1077, 3-3, 45.667
96. St. Johns ^, 1068, 5-1, 75.333
97. Zeeland East, 1067, 6-0, 94.667
98. Byron Center, 1032, 3-3, 48.833
99. Detroit East English ^, 1030, 5-1, 76.833
100. Mt. Pleasant, 1014, 3-3, 49.000
101. Owosso, 1012, 3-3, 44.833
102. Lansing Waverly, 1011, 4-2, 50.667
103. St. Joseph, 974, 3-3, 46.167
104. Detroit Denby, 971, 3-3, 42.833
105. Mason, 969, 4-2, 54.667
106. Petoskey, 967, 4-2, 63.833
107. Milan, 959, 6-0, 82.667
108. Sault Ste. Marie, 959, 4-2, 54.333
109. Grand Rapids Christian ^, 954, 5-1, 84.667
110. Cedar Springs, 950, 4-2, 46.167
111. DeWitt ^, 931, 5-1, 83.500
112. Fruitport, 929, 6-0, 81.333
113. Orchard Lake St. Mary's ^, 926, 5-1, 87.500
114. Bloomfield Hills Lahser ^, 925, 5-1, 72.833
115. Linden ^, 923, 5-1, 80.500
116. Niles, 920, 3-3, 46.333
117. Hazel Park, 909, 4-2, 57.333
118. Stevensville Lakeshore, 906, 6-0, 105.333
119. St. Clair, 901, 6-0, 85.333
120. Haslett, 894, 3-3, 44.167
121. South Lyon East, 891, 3-3, 49.667
122. Tecumseh, 887, 6-0, 84.000
123. Sturgis, 882, 3-3, 43.000
124. Melvindale, 879, 3-3, 48.667
125. Detroit Central Collegiate, 868, 3-3, 45.333
126. Carleton Airport, 868, 4-2, 57.167
127. Chelsea, 851, 3-3, 47.000
128. Charlotte, 851, 4-2, 61.500
129. Hastings ^, 850, 5-1, 68.833
130. Plainwell ^, 832, 5-1, 71.500
131. Cadillac, 820, 4-2, 58.167
132. Madison Heights Lamphere, 814, 3-3, 44.500
133. Edwardsburg ^, 805, 5-1, 63.333
134. North Branch, 803, 4-2, 53.500
135. Hamilton, 801, 4-2, 56.467
136. Marysville ^, 794, 5-1, 74.167
137. Warren Lincoln, 791, 3-3, 41.667
138. Zeeland West, 791, 4-2, 61.333
139. Detroit Old Redford, 787, 3-3, 34.767
140. Coopersville *, 781, 3-2, 50.433
141. Battle Creek Harper Creek, 780, 4-2, 66.833
142. Spring Lake, 778, 3-3, 43.800
143. Three Rivers, 760, 4-2, 48.000
144. Ogemaw Heights, 759, 3-3, 45.667
145. Lansing Sexton, 750, 3-3, 47.333
146. Goodrich, 748, 4-2, 53.333
147. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy ^*, 729, 4-1, 66.700
148. Hudsonville Unity Christian, 727, 4-2, 55.500
149. Marshall, 723, 4-2, 54.000
150. Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 720, 6-0, 93.333
151. Big Rapids ^, 706, 5-1, 59.500
152. Croswell-Lexington, 704, 6-0, 82.667
153. St. Clair Shores South Lake ^, 704, 5-1, 72.667
154. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 701, 6-0, 90.667
155. Otsego ^, 698, 5-1, 63.333
156. Detroit Country Day ^, 685, 5-1, 80.167
157. Comstock Park ^, 678, 5-1, 68.333
158. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 674, 6-0, 80.000
159. Armada, 667, 3-3, 39.167
160. Whitehall, 663, 3-3, 37.667
161. Grand Rapids South Christian, 660, 4-2, 51.833
162. Richmond, 656, 4-2, 60.000
163. Battle Creek Pennfield ^, 656, 5-1, 51.500
164. Grosse Ile ^, 649, 5-1, 66.167
165. Saginaw Swan Valley, 642, 4-2, 56.000
166. Paw Paw, 639, 6-0, 70.667
167. Williamston, 636, 3-3, 39.667
168. Allendale ^, 636, 5-1, 75.333
169. Cheboygan, 631, 4-2, 58.333
170. Marine City ^, 629, 5-1, 75.167
171. Alma, 614, 4-2, 57.167
172. Saginaw Valley Lutheran ^, 608, 5-1, 46.167
173. Dowagiac, 605, 6-0, 76.000
174. Mt. Morris EA Johnson, 604, 3-3, 39.333
175. Livonia Clarenceville, 597, 4-2, 53.333
176. Clawson, 582, 3-3, 35.500
177. Remus Chippewa Hills, 581, 3-3, 38.167
178. Essexville Garber, 572, 4-2, 49.167
179. Clinton Township Clintondale, 570, 6-0, 82.667
180. Lake Fenton ^, 564, 5-1, 67.333
181. Grant, 562, 3-3, 43.333
182. Freeland ^, 561, 5-1, 71.167
183. Kingsford ^, 559, 5-1, 74.167
184. Portland, 555, 6-0, 81.333
185. Gladwin, 547, 4-2, 55.667
186. Detroit Community, 543, 3-3, 28.667
187. Almont, 543, 4-2, 57.167
188. Flint Powers Catholic, 542, 6-0, 89.333
189. Menominee ^, 539, 5-1, 75.333
190. Macomb Lutheran North ^, 537, 5-1, 62.000
191. North Muskegon, 532, 3-3, 38.000
192. Standish-Sterling Central, 532, 4-2, 51.500
193. Hopkins, 531, 6-0, 74.667
194. Detroit University Prep ^, 528, 5-1, 65.933
195. Grayling, 516, 6-0, 69.333
196. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard ^, 515, 5-1, 68.833
197. Allen Park Cabrini ^, 512, 5-1, 59.500
198. Olivet ^, 509, 5-1, 55.500
199. Benzie Central, 508, 3-3, 26.167
200. Frankenmuth, 507, 6-0, 80.000
201. Newaygo ^, 507, 5-1, 64.833
202. Grand Rapids West Catholic, 503, 3-3, 45.571
203. Ida, 503, 4-2, 47.500
204. River Rouge, 495, 6-0, 75.200
205. Capac, 495, 3-3, 40.167
206. Manistee, 493, 4-2, 45.667
207. Carrollton ^, 492, 5-1, 51.500
208. Lansing Catholic ^, 487, 5-1, 66.000
209. Perry, 486, 3-3, 35.833
210. Reed City, 480, 6-0, 84.000
211. Dundee, 476, 4-2, 47.667
212. Muskegon Oakridge, 474, 6-0, 74.667
213. Kingsley, 473, 4-2, 38.500
214. Jackson Lumen Christi, 472, 6-0, 85.333
215. Leslie, 467, 6-0, 73.333
216. Buchanan ^, 467, 5-1, 59.333
217. Clare, 465, 4-2, 50.833
218. Roscommon, 461, 4-2, 45.333
219. Kalkaska ^, 459, 5-1, 44.833
220. Millington ^, 459, 5-1, 68.833
221. Lakeview, 457, 3-3, 33.833
222. Warren Michigan Collegiate ^, 446, 5-1, 62.000
223. Harper Woods, 440, 3-3, 34.333
224. Boyne City, 437, 6-0, 68.000
225. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 437, 4-2, 56.167
226. Negaunee, 433, 6-0, 72.000
227. Elk Rapids, 432, 3-3, 34.000
228. Manistique, 430, 3-3, 31.500
229. Beaverton, 422, 4-2, 40.500
230. Hemlock ^, 421, 5-1, 71.500
231. Shelby ^, 417, 5-1, 66.000
232. Detroit Consortium, 416, 4-2, 41.533
233. Vassar ^, 416, 5-1, 50.167
234. Clinton, 413, 6-0, 72.000
235. Maple City Glen Lake, 409, 6-0, 62.667
236. Michigan Center, 406, 6-0, 69.333
237. Manchester, 404, 4-2, 44.167
238. Ithaca, 402, 6-0, 81.333
239. Calumet, 402, 3-3, 35.833
240. Montrose Hill-McCloy ^, 400, 5-1, 67.500
241. Niles Brandywine, 396, 4-2, 37.167
242. Grass Lake ^, 395, 5-1, 60.833
243. Hillsdale, 391, 6-0, 74.667
244. Madison Heights Madison ^, 391, 5-1, 69.500
245. Ecorse, 390, 3-3, 33.833
246. Montague ^, 390, 5-1, 64.833
247. Laingsburg, 388, 3-3, 32.500
248. Sanford Meridian, 388, 4-2, 44.667
249. Saranac, 383, 3-3, 37.833
250. Jonesville, 383, 4-2, 46.333
251. Cass City, 379, 3-3, 36.000
252. St. Charles, 378, 3-3, 29.500
253. Vandercook Lake, 371, 3-3, 33.500
254. Grandville Calvin Christian, 371, 4-2, 45.667
255. Constantine ^, 371, 5-1, 54.167
256. Watervliet, 369, 6-0, 65.333
257. Schoolcraft, 366, 6-0, 81.333
258. Blissfield, 364, 3-3, 43.667
259. Byron Area ^, 364, 5-1, 46.167
260. Iron Mountain, 354, 4-2, 47.000
261. Reese, 350, 6-0, 68.000
262. Union City ^, 350, 5-1, 49.667
263. Burton Bendle ^, 348, 5-1, 44.833
264. Flint Beecher, 347, 3-3, 34.833
265. Pellston, 347, 4-2, 24.000
266. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, 346, 3-3, 31.000
267. Saginaw Nouvel ^, 344, 5-1, 82.833
268. Carson City-Crystal ^, 337, 5-1, 49.500
269. Hartford ^, 337, 5-1, 63.500
270. Marlette, 336, 4-2, 41.167
271. Flint Hamady, 334, 3-3, 34.167
272. Whittemore-Prescott ^, 328, 5-1, 52.833
273. Sandusky, 327, 3-3, 33.500
274. Ravenna, 325, 3-3, 32.500
275. Bath, 323, 3-3, 30.667
276. Dansville, 323, 4-2, 45.333
277. Springport, 319, 3-3, 32.167
278. Bridgman, 318, 4-2, 41.500
279. Lawton ^, 317, 5-1, 60.667
280. Lake City ^, 316, 5-1, 44.833
281. Pewamo-Westphalia ^, 316, 5-1, 55.333
282. Manton, 315, 4-2, 31.667
283. Hesperia, 309, 3-3, 29.667
284. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 309, 3-3, 35.500
285. Ishpeming, 307, 6-0, 68.000
286. Detroit Douglass, 306, 3-3, 42.833
287. Unionville-Sebewaing, 303, 4-2, 39.667
288. Homer, 302, 3-3, 25.833
289. Evart ^, 302, 5-1, 44.833
290. Traverse City St. Francis, 299, 3-3, 35.500
291. Detroit Loyola, 298, 6-0, 80.000
292. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest ^*, 298, 4-2, 38.500
293. Lincoln Alcona, 292, 4-2, 34.500
294. Mancelona, 288, 6-0, 62.667
295. Genesee ^, 288, 5-1, 43.000
296. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 284, 4-2, 53.333
297. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett ^, 283, 5-1, 50.000
298. Reading ^, 283, 5-1, 53.833
299. Decatur ^, 277, 5-1, 43.333
300. Britton Deerfield, 276, 3-3, 35.500
301. Ubly, 275, 4-2, 40.833
302. Brown City, 272, 3-3, 35.333
303. Gobles ^, 271, 5-1, 51.333
304. Iron River West Iron County, 270, 3-3, 31.000
305. Ottawa Lake Whiteford ^, 268, 5-1, 58.167
306. Hudson, 264, 3-3, 36.167
307. Waterford Our Lady ^, 263, 5-1, 58.000
308. Newberry, 260, 3-3, 20.500
309. Mayville ^, 258, 5-1, 51.433
310. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech, 254, 4-2, 49.333
311. New Buffalo, 250, 3-3, 28.000
312. Kalamazoo Christian, 249, 3-3, 30.833
313. Marcellus ^, 249, 5-1, 38.167
314. Harbor Beach ^, 245, 5-1, 52.667
315. Johannesburg-Lewiston, 243, 4-2, 33.800
316. Vestaburg, 242, 4-2, 38.667
317. Coleman, 239, 4-2, 39.500
318. New Lothrop, 237, 6-0, 68.000
319. L'Anse, 233, 6-0, 54.667
320. Bessemer *, 233, 3-2, 33.600
321. Petersburg-Summerfield, 232, 4-2, 41.167
322. Stephenson, 229, 4-2, 38.333
323. Merrill, 228, 3-3, 32.333
324. Atlanta, 224, 3-2, 28.300
325. Manistee Catholic Central, 219, 3-3, 26.667
326. Mendon, 216, 6-0, 60.533
327. Beal City, 213, 6-0, 81.333
328. Pittsford, 213, 4-2, 35.833
329. St. Ignace La Salle, 207, 6-0, 44.000
330. Morenci, 207, 3-3, 31.333
331. Lutheran Westland, 204, 3-3, 35.833
332. Mio, 203, 3-3, 25.067
333. AuGres-Sims, 199, 3-3, 26.233
334. Pickford ^, 197, 5-1, 48.833
335. Powers North Central, 194, 4-2, 31.667
336. Onaway ^, 194, 5-1, 42.167
337. Bellevue, 193, 3-3, 23.167
338. Fowler ^, 186, 5-1, 58.167
339. Climax-Scotts, 183, 6-0, 48.000
340. Muskegon Catholic Central, 181, 4-2, 50.667
341. St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic, 171, 5-0, 52.267
342. Morrice, 171, 4-2, 33.333
343. Colon, 164, 3-3, 26.833
344. Crystal Falls Forest Park ^, 164, 5-1, 46.167
345. Baldwin ^*, 160, 4-2, 37.267
346. Lake Linden-Hubbell, 159, 3-3, 22.400
347. Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 156, 3-3, 29.000
348. Frankfort, 148, 3-3, 27.667
349. Hillman, 145, 3-3, 21.500
350. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart ^, 121, 5-1, 55.500
351. Iron Mountain North Dickinson *, 112, 6-0, 58.667
352. Ashley, 99, 3-3, 21.667
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8-Player Playoff Listing
1. Deckerville, 194, 5-1, 46.167
2. Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 185, 3-3, 21.333
3. Battle Creek St. Philip, 182, 4-2, 33.667
4. Kinde-North Huron, 180, 3-3, 23.333
5. Kingston, 175, 3-3, 25.667
6. Cedarville, 169, 6-0, 59.200
7. Tekonsha, 163, 1-5, 10.000
8. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 162, 3-3, 32.333
9. Bellaire, 161, 4-2, 31.433
10. Peck, 156, 5-1, 41.333
11. Ewen-Trout Creek *, 146, 1-5, 9.567
12. Brimley, 145, 1-5, 9.433
13. Eben Junction Superior Central *, 132, 4-1, 37.100
14. New Haven Merritt *, 130, 0-4, 2.000
15. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran *, 118, 1-3, 9.833
16. Litchfield, 115, 1-5, 9.167
17. Rapid River, 115, 5-1, 39.500
18. Portland St. Patrick, 104, 6-0, 53.333
19. Akron-Fairgrove, 95, 4-2, 24.500
20. Caseville, 90, 0-6, 2.333
21. Engadine *, 89, 3-2, 26.033
22. Rock Mid Peninsula, 87, 2-4, 18.583
23. Waldron, 87, 4-2, 29.333
24. Posen, 84, 1-5, 9.667
25. Burr Oak, 79, 2-4, 15.167
26. Owendale-Gagetown, 60, 5-1, 36.333
27. Flint Michigan School For The Deaf *, 45, 3-1, 9.833
Longtime Official, Assigner, Association Leader Czech Named 36th Norris Honoree
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 10, 2026
While a game official’s most recognizable work is done on the field of play, much must be accomplished behind the scenes as well to produce that finished product – and Oak Park’s Robert Czech long has been revered while serving as a game official in four sports, an assigner of officials to work high school and middle school events, and a supporter of his colleagues as co-creator and continuing mentor for one of the state’s largest officials associations.
To celebrate his vast contributions to officiating in Metro Detroit and statewide, Czech will be honored with the 36th Vern L. Norris Leadership in Officiating Award during the MHSAA’s Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25 in East Lansing.
The Norris Award is presented annually to a veteran official who has been active in a local officials association, has mentored other officials, and has been involved in officials’ education. It is named for Vern L. Norris, who served as executive director of the MHSAA from 1978-86 and was well-respected by officials on the state and national levels. Czech will be honored at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center along with high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service.
Czech is in his 44th year as an MHSAA-registered official for football, basketball, softball and baseball, and he previously was registered for two years to officiate volleyball as well. He also has assigned officials for more than 35 years, currently doing so for selected sports in the Oakland Activities Association, Lakes Valley Conference, Kensington Lakes Activities Association and Michigan Independent Athletic Conference, and he is a longtime leader with Metro Detroit Athletic Officials (MDAO), an association which counts 650 officials among its membership.
His first games as an official came on the football field in the Detroit Police Athletic League, and from there he followed mentors including past Norris winners Robert Williams and Hugh Jewell into an avocation that has become a life’s work.
“When you’re younger, you can catch a little heat from coaches and players and parents, (and) it’s easy to get down on yourself a little bit – but you just have to stick with it,” said Czech, a retired Detroit police officer. “All the older guys will tell you, hey, it will go away, you’ll be fine and you’ll learn from it, you’ll grow and you’ll feel a lot better. And one good thing about this type of business, or this avocation, you’re running into people from all different walks of life – cops, teachers, insurance people, lawyers, doctors, dentists – there’s all kinds of people who work in this kind of avocation. So you get to see a whole side of life, and that’s good, (with) great relationships and many, many friendships.”
Several of those relationships and friendships also were cultivated with local athletic directors, who approached Czech decades ago requesting help with the time-consuming task of finding officials for their contests. Before assigners, schools contacted individual officials, and individual officials made their own schedules. Czech was among assigning pioneers, and currently places officials on thousands of games every season in the four sports he also officiates.
He also has continued to work on the field at an elite level. He has received 297 MHSAA Tournament assignments over the years, including football, girls and boys basketball playoff games this school year. He’s officiated a combined eight Finals in football and baseball, most recently wearing the white hat for the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final between Belleville and Caledonia.
“Bob Czech personifies leadership in officiating, not only on the field but in the ever-important areas of support, education and recruiting of the next generation of officials,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Integrity, fairness, professionalism and commitment are among Bob's qualities referenced by his colleagues, and they also will tell you he is always available to them and always doing his utmost to make sure students receive the best experience.”
Czech graduated from Detroit Benedictine High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from University of Detroit Mercy in 1978 and a master’s in political science from Wayne State University in 1983. He has served as a director of the annual Prep Kickoff Classic football series and been active with the Fraternal Order of Police, Friendship Circle of West Bloomfield, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center and March of Dimes. He also has contributed to the Miracle League of Southfield, Forgotten Harvest and City of Oak Park.
Czech received a lifetime achievement award from the Oakland County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) in 2016 and was inducted into the Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame in 2008.
He and his wife Patricia have three adult daughters.
Previous recipients of the Norris Award
1992 – Ted Wilson, East Detroit
1993 – Fred Briggs, Burton
1994 – Joe Brodie, Flat Rock
1995 – Jim Massar, Flint
1996 – Jim Lamoreaux, St. Ignace
1997 – Ken Myllyla, Escanaba
1998 – Blake Hagman, Kalamazoo
1999 – Richard Kalahar, Jackson
2000 – Barb Beckett, Traverse City; Karl Newingham, Bay City
2001 – Herb Lipschultz, Kalamazoo
2002 – Robert Scholie, Hancock
2003 – Ron Nagy, Hazel Park
2004 – Carl Van Heck, Grand Rapids
2005 – Bruce Moss, Alma
2006 – Jeanne Skinner, Grand Rapids
2007 – Terry Wakeley, Grayling
2008 – Will Lynch, Honor
2009 – James Danhoff, Richland
2010 – John Juday Sr., Petoskey
2011 – Robert Williams, Redford
2012 – Lyle Berry, Rockford
2013 – Tom Minter, Okemos
2014 – Hugh R. Jewell, West Bloomfield
2015 – Sam Davis, Lansing
2016 – Linda Hoover, Marshall
2017 – Michael Gentry, Shelby Township
2018 – Jill Baker-Cooley, Big Rapids
2019 – David Buck, St. Joseph
2020 – Hugh Matson, Saginaw
2021 – Lewis Clingman, Grand Rapids
2022 – Pat Hayes, Birmingham
2023 – Chuck D. Walters, Jackson
2024 – Candace Cox, Quincy
2025 – Debby Karabees-Betts, Livonia
High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service also will be honored at the Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25. A total of 17 officials with 55 years of service will be honored, as will 32 with 50 years of service, 28 officials with 45 years and 56 officials with 40 years of service. A 30-year award will be presented to 99 officials, and 153 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored.
Also being honored during the Awards & Alumni Banquet is Legacy Program official Owen Rottier, a senior at Grand Ledge High School. He intends to continue his studies toward becoming an emergency medical technician at Lansing Community College after completing multiple courses during his junior and senior years of high school. He already has earned his certified nurse aide (CNA) and patient care technician (PCT) licenses. Rottier has competed in cross country and track & field throughout his high school career and served as team captain of both, and officiated both sports as part of the Legacy Program.
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45, 50 & 55-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list are receiving their 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55-year service awards.
20-YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Cary F. Carrico
Adrian - Casey R. Opsal
Alanson - Dennis C. Hewitt
Albion - Raymond D. Courter
Allegan - Scott T. Jones
Ann Arbor - Richard J. Gilbert
Argyle - Jamie Davison
Auburn Hills - Deborah S. Archer
Augusta - Haig D. Black
Battle Creek - Shikoko H. Cantrell
Bay City - Robert J. Spyhalski
Bay City - Ryan M. Schalk
Bellevue - Paul I. Temple
Belmont - Brian Patterson
Beulah - Roark V. Pargeon
Bloomfield Hills - Kenneth J. Paszkiewicz
Brighton - Shawn P. Waterman
Brownstown - Stephen M. McInchak
Burr Oak - Randy Walls
Burton - Ken W. Carver
Cadillac - James A. Dawson
Caledonia - Amber J. Traves-Sterkenburg
Canton - Michael J. Burke
Canton - Mark A. Collins
Capac - Brent J. Boers
Caro - Brian V. Newcomb
Cassopolis - Brian A. Kuemin
Cedar Springs - Randy J. Thiel
Cement City - Thomas E. Cameron
Channing - Cory M. Roell
Chesterfield - Thomas V. Michno
Clarkston - Yalda P. Peera
Clinton Township - Christopher E. Dalida
Clinton Township - Elizabeth A. Gulick
Coldwater - Scott Heckman
Coloma - Anthony Bertuca
Commerce Township - David R. Eberline
Detroit - Ozzie S. Ashley
DeWitt - Chris B. McNeilly
Dowagiac - Anthony J. Saviano
Durand - Christopher P. Goodrich
Eastpointe - Matthew W. Cowan
Erie - Joshua Sweigert
Farmington Hills - Tia M. Stanley
Fennville - Bruce R. Klosner
Flushing - Linda M. Bishop
Fowlerville - Cynthia L. Champagne
Frankenmuth - Brent A. Shoemate
Frankfort - William C. Henning
Fraser - Shemek P. Pryszczewski
Freeland - Michael R. Williams
Fremont - Brian Peets
Gladwin - Patrick A. Peters
Grand Blanc - Richard E. Brochu
Grand Haven - James R. Corgan
Grand Ledge - DeLee M. Dankenbring
Grand Rapids - Otto N. Brannum
Grand Rapids - Diana G. Dildine
Grand Rapids - Luke C. Griemsman
Grand Rapids - Daniel R. Heitzman
Grand Rapids - Steven D. Lee
Grand Rapids - Terry C. Seely
Grand Rapids - Kevin R. Weber
Grand Rapids - David W. Running
Grandville - George M. Dillard
Grass Lake - Terry J. Sullivan
Grass Lake - Bill T. Walker
Grosse Ile - Denise Smith
Grosse Pointe Woods - Russell Hapanowicz
Hancock - Steve Aho
Harbor Beach - Brian M. Fuller
Hart - Kayla J. Dennert
Hawks - Glenn Budnick
Hermansville - Kevin J. Bellefeuil
Hesperia - Douglas W. Baird
Holland - Anne M. Huizinga
Holland - Jame Phonechanthasone
Hopkins - Chad O. Burch
Hudsonville - Joseph J. Amante
Hudsonville - Kurt L. Berens
Hudsonville - David A. Bott
Imlay City - Allen L. Hibbler
Ionia - Robert S. Sykes
Iron Mountain - Dean A. Lefebvre
Jackson - Craig Dreyer
Jackson - Jeffery D. Oliver
Jackson - Matthew L. Tuttle
Jenison - Steven J. Meyer
Jerome - Chris Zombor
Kalamazoo - Terry L. Fields
Kalamazoo - Robert H. Flach
Kalamazoo - Dennis Keith
Kalamazoo - Alex D. Vigh
Kalamazoo - Jerome C. Jones
Kentwood - Rodney S. Suggs
Kingsford - Lisa J. Harry
Lakeview - Tim G. Rasmussen
Livonia - Aaron J. Rumberger
Livonia - Sean R. Williams
Macomb - Steven A. Livingston
Madison Heights - Tom A. Turczyn
Maple City - Amede A. DeCruydt
Mason - Johanna Andersen
Menominee - Robert J. Villas
Midland - Greg S. Pattinson
Monroe - Christopher T. Westover
Muskegon - Ben Hylland
Muskegon - Scott A. Sikkenga
Muskegon - Donald Snider
Muskegon - Cameron Carr
Onaway - Kymberli A. Wregglesworth
Otisville - Mark D. McDowell
Otsego - Kevin L. Ordway
Parma - Steven T. Walker
Petoskey - Shaun Lamp
Portage - Jeremy Lassiter
Prescott - Anton W. Gersten
Quincy - Michael A. Siegel
Redford - Omar I. Sanders
Rochester Hills - Matt Lewis
Rochester Hills - Derrick A. Roman
Saginaw - Mark A. Kinnett
Sandusky - Nathan E. Rose
South Lyon - John P. Evans
Spring Lake - Paul Richards
St Clair Shores - Michael Billiu
St Joseph - Bruce L. Bittenbender
St Joseph - Kevin P. Boyle
St. Clair Shores - Anthony P. Djurasaj
Sterling Heights - Nicole L. Toth
Sturgis - Brady L. Driver
Swartz Creek - Michael A. McLaughlin
Tecumseh - Brece M. Clark
Tecumseh - John D. Craig
Traverse City - Matthew J. Ameel
Trenton - Steve T. Seward
Troy - Joseph H. Amann
Troy - Paul W. Boehms
Utica - Tom Szynski
Walled Lake - John R. Lyons
Warren - James N. Leshan
Waterford - Richard D. Crouse
Waterford - Deno G. Pappas
Waterford - Robert Trumble
Westland - Jack D. Profitt
Westland - Roger A. Schmittling
White Lake - Michael B. Andrews
Whitehall - Ace J. Covey
Williamston - Giles J. Brereton
Ypsilanti - William M. Nuttall
Ypsilanti - Demetrius L. Owens
Ypsilanti - Steven A. Vinson
Ypsilanti - Ron C. Blevins
30-YEAR OFFICIALS
Acme - Randall S. Smith
Allendale - Brian G. Haraburda
Alpena - Shawn T. Ballor
Ann Arbor - Thomas W. Richards
Bark River - Joseph L. Richer
Bay City - Frank W. Sniecinski
Big Rapids - Timothy J. Leyder
Big Rapids - Gregg S. Sanders
Big Rapids - David A. Scott
Birch Run - Stanley M. Krajkowski
Bowling Green, Ohio - Jim Evans
Boyne Falls - David M. Kruskie
Brimley - Steven C. Wilson
Bronson - Jayne A. Sabaitis
Brown City - Christine J. Lee
Byron Center - Curt A. Stuck
Canton - Andrew B. Calvetti
Chesterfield - Gregory Blick
Clarkston - Craig H. Zinser
Davison - Bryan K. Illig
Dearborn Heights - William J. Stewart
Detroit - Thomas B. Harris
East Tawas - David C. Thunberg
Essexville - James W. Niswander
Fishers, Ind. - Martin K. Spees
Flint - Ronald S. Thomas
Fowlerville - James K. Jonas
Fremont - David C. Steele
Galesburg - Steve C. Pearce
Garden City - Robert E. Phillips
Gaylord - James F. Vanderveer
Grand Blanc - James J. Blakley Jr.
Grand Blanc - Greg D. Hamilton
Grand Haven - Frank E. Roder
Grand Rapids - Wallace L. Campbell
Grandville - John P. Kievit
Greenville - Paul R. Richardson
Hillman - David M. Wcisel Sr.
Holland - Douglas J. Smith
Houghton Lake - Louise C. Hofer
Hudsonville - Daniel N. Hendrickson
Hudsonville - David L. Weick
Inkster - Ed J. Mingo
Jackson - Chris R. Dauterman
Jackson - Willie N. Godfrey Jr.
Jackson - Troy D. Miller
Kawkawlin - James J. Metz
Kentwood - Rebecca L. Cajka
Lathrup Village - Crathman G. Stephens
Lexington - William E. Cayce
Livonia - Paul J. Mardeusz
Marquette - George D. Pond Jr.
Marshall - Rodney S. Dawson
Midland - Richard E. Campbell Jr.
Mount Pleasant - Douglas A. Downhour
Muskegon - Ollie L. Sandifer Jr.
Muskegon - Johnnie F. Tanner Sr.
New Baltimore - Rodriquez A. Lackey
Novi - Charles H. Edwards
Novi - Lonnie C. Erickson
Otsego - Brian W. Bonnell
Owosso - Robert J. Pumford
Peck - Jeff Kosal
Perry - Jake T. Baumgartner
Pinckney - James E. Chapman
Plymouth - Brent D. Albrecht
Quinnesec - Jerry W. Sanders
Redford - Arnold R. Rambus
Romulus - James D. Hinojosa
Romulus - Michael J. Jackson
Roseville - Steven M. Garbarino
Saginaw - Joe F. Schimpf
Saginaw - Monte A. Steward
Saginaw - Roger L. Swanson
Saginaw - Henry Velasquez
Shelby Township - Shana L. Poll
South Lyon - Patrick G. Bracco
Southgate - Byron J. Beattie
St. Joseph - Robert C. Banasik
Stanton - Douglas W. Mascho
Stanton - Edmund F. Phillipson Jr.
Sterling Heights - Robert L. Fort Jr.
Sterling Heights - Bret Turner
Sylvania, Ohio - John F. Blessing
Tecumseh - Jamie D. Mossburg
Trenton - David H. Mossoian
Walker - Wayne R. Bentley
Walker - Jess W. Hollenbeck II
Warren - Stanley L. Wright
Waterford - Michael D. Morgan
Wayland - Thomas J. Hudson
White Lake - Becky L. Lioi
Woodhaven - Frank L. Vilardi
Wyandotte - Allen C. Hall
Wyandotte - Larry J. Martin
Wyandotte - Robert J. Szczechowski
Wyoming - Robert D. Dabakey
Ypsilanti - Daniel L. Cobello
Ypsilanti - Mary F. Gray
40-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Brian J. Todey
Alma - Chris A. Taylor
Alvordton, Ohio - Max A. Smeltzer
Arden - Christopher B. Haack
Auburn - Philip G. Ouillette
Bad Axe - Dale J. Grifka
Bannister - Bryon P. Taylor
Battle Creek - Carl P. Olson
Brighton - Carolyn I. Richards
Byron Center - Curt Johnson
Cheboygan - Matt C. Redmond
Chesterfield - Marty McCabe
Coldwater - Randolph E. Spangler
Fenton - Lisa M. McKenney
Gobles - Steven L. Grybus
Grand Ledge - Todd H. Compton
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey P. Kirchhoff
Grand Rapids - Stephen J. VanHammen
Grawn - Thomas M. Hallead
Grayling - Scott T. Gabriel
Hessel - Joseph E. Baker
Holt - Mark D. Coscarella
Honor - Richard L. Zych
Houghton - William J. O'Connor
Iron Mountain - John E. Hogberg
Iron Mountain - Lawrence J. Ross
Kalamazoo - Charles E. Parker
Kentwood - Susan J. Barthold
Lapeer - Stephen R. Fox
Lathrup Village - Dale K. Harris
Manistique - Charles A. Richey
Marshall - Brad Hall
Menominee - Michael F. Andre
Midland - Donald A. Rose Jr.
Mio - Luke D. Houlton
Munising - Dee Jay Paquette
Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Scott D. Dobie
Owosso - Eugene S. Davis
Pentwater - William C. Bainton
Pentwater - Brett A. Spalding
Pewamo - Bruce G. Nurenberg
Redford - Mark A. Sleboda
Reed City - Sharon R. Lucey
Romulus - Fred M. Waybrant
Saginaw - Luis H. Paredes
Sandusky - Brian P. Jones
Sheridan - Michael T. Myers
Southgate - David J. Weidenbach
Sterling Heights - Armando Melchiorre
Sumner - Rollie L. Carman
Sylvania, Ohio - Daniel J. Miller
Union Pier - Joseph J. Gonzales
Warren - Charles "Tony" Pankowski
Westland - Stephen L. Patterson
Westland - Roger R. Provey Jr.
Whitehall - Dominic E. Pulaski
45-YEAR OFFICIALS
Allen Park - James C. Bales
Battle Creek - David L. Eubank
Blissfield - Christopher L. Bates
Byron Center - Rick S. Hazel
Canton - Jeanne L. Martin
Constantine - Marge Caid
Deerfield - William P. Gomoluch
Evart - Tom W. Adams
Grand Blanc - Curtis L. Williams
Grand Rapids - Thomas D. Shearer
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey A. Wierzbicki
Grosse Pointe Park - Kelvin W. Wise
Ionia - Mike A. Fuller
Iron Mountain - John N. Meyer
Lansing - Michael R. Conlin
Livonia - Brian R. Dinsmore
Madison Heights - Wilford J. Laveirge
Mayville - Clare L. Kreger
Muskegon - Onesiphorus B. Burrel Sr.
New Hudson - Dennis E. Evans
Norton Shores - Randall S. Martinus
Okemos - Michael J. Maisner
Okemos - Lee Rodgers
Plymouth - William R. Baumgart
Rogers City - Roger M. Wenzel
Sterling Heights - Philip J. Lieblang
Wixom - Patrick L. Beagle
Zeeland - Linda S. Schmidt
50-YEAR OFFICIALS
Baraga - James L. Holm
Bowling Green, Ohio - Thomas L. Ford
Cadillac - William J. Allen
Caledonia - George B. Watterson
Fairgrove - Jerry L. Lasceski
Flat Rock - Robert J. Brodie
Freeland - Kim D. Heisler
Gaylord - Tom T. Johnson
Gaylord - Kevin M. Leary
Gladwin - Michael E. Steinkraus
Grand Rapids - Patricia A. Treman
Hancock - John D. Vaara
Hermansville - Robert J. Maule
Highland - Evan H. Lehto
Holland - David W. Smits
Jackson - Ardis Jill Conat
Lansing - Karen L. Yanna
Livonia - Laura J. Alves
Mattawan - William L. Post
McMillan - Cliff J. Fossitt
Michigan Center - Daniel C. Bentschneider
Northville - Edward K. Gabrys
Norton Shores - Duane A. VandenHeuvel
Oconto, Wis. - Peter C. Pericolosi
Portage - Frank S. Gawkowski
Posen - Kenneth Wozniak
Saginaw - John C. Flukes
Saginaw - John E. Oczepek
Swartz Creek - David J. Sutton
Three Rivers - Kim D. Losik
Traverse City - Michael J. Muldowney
Wyoming - Sandra K. Noto
55-YEAR OFFICIALS
Battle Creek - Richard L. Randle
Caro - John H. Amend
Clio - Anthony J. Leonardo
Comstock Park - Riley S. Swinehart
Delton - Gregory W. Nikitas
Grand Rapids - James J. Aalderink
Holt - John S. Malatinsky
Jackson - Ozzie L. Hashley
Macomb - Chet W. Boss
Marcellus - Deborah L. Schug
Mesick - Paul G. Williams
Prudenville - Robert J. Studer
Rochester Hills - William Upina
Royal Oak - Mike Luttenberger
Spring Lake - Joseph G. Popiel
Tecumseh - Nancy A. Hebert
Traverse City - Collette C. Hallberg
PHOTO Official Bob Czech, top left, monitors the action during the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final at Ford Field.