Logo

Week 8 Football Playoff Listing

October 9, 2012

Here is a list of Michigan High School Athletic Association football playing schools, displaying their win-loss records and playoff averages through the seventh 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11-Player Playoff Listing

1. Utica Eisenhower ^, 2772, 5-2, 75.571

2. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 2766, 6-1, 88.714

3. Clarkston, 2721, 7-0, 100.571

4. Howell, 2692, 4-3, 56.857

5. Grand Blanc, 2644, 4-3, 59.571

6. Macomb Dakota, 2608, 6-1, 88.714

7. Lake Orion, 2565, 7-0, 102.857

8. Rockford ^, 2526, 5-2, 73.571

9. Troy, 2502, 4-3, 58.286

10. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley ^, 2462, 5-2, 74.143

11. Dearborn Fordson, 2442, 6-1, 95.143

12. Holland West Ottawa ^, 2262, 5-2, 69.714

13. Northville ^, 2220, 5-2, 72.000

14. Detroit Cass Tech, 2200, 6-1, 87.571

15. Canton, 2166, 4-3, 52.714

16. Monroe, 2154, 6-1, 79.571

17. Detroit Catholic Central, 2060, 4-3, 54.952

18. Plymouth, 2050, 6-1, 80.857

19. Salem ^, 2039, 5-2, 74.143

20. Livonia Stevenson, 2005, 6-1, 86.286

21. Holt, 1992, 4-3, 56.571

22. Hartland, 1932, 7-0, 99.429

23. Warren Mott, 1879, 7-0, 88.000

24. Livonia Churchill, 1877, 7-0, 105.143

25. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North ^, 1853, 5-2, 71.857

26. Saline, 1849, 6-1, 88.429

27. Grandville, 1846, 4-3, 52.714

28. Dearborn, 1790, 4-3, 61.571

29. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 1777, 4-3, 52.429

30. Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 1772, 6-1, 78.571

31. Grand Ledge ^, 1743, 5-2, 67.429

32. Rochester ^, 1725, 5-2, 68.000

33. Traverse City West ^, 1720, 5-2, 70.857

34. White Lake Lakeland ^, 1700, 5-2, 70.857

35. Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, 1680, 4-3, 52.000

36. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 1670, 4-3, 61.000

37. Davison ^, 1664, 5-2, 64.571

38. Grosse Pointe South, 1648, 6-1, 85.143

39. Walled Lake Northern ^, 1599, 5-2, 75.714

40. Temperance Bedford, 1581, 4-3, 52.286

41. Walled Lake Western ^, 1553, 5-2, 71.000

42. Brownstown Woodhaven, 1520, 6-1, 85.286

43. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 1520, 4-3, 52.857

44. Wyoming, 1515, 4-3, 44.905

45. Dearborn Edsel Ford, 1508, 4-3, 55.143

46. Midland, 1485, 7-0, 99.429

47. Oxford, 1481, 4-3, 58.000

48. Port Huron ^, 1473, 5-2, 64.857

49. Traverse City Central, 1429, 6-1, 86.000

50. Oak Park, 1391, 7-0, 108.571

51. Lansing Everett, 1359, 7-0, 109.714

52. Grosse Pointe North, 1353, 4-3, 55.571

53. Midland Dow, 1350, 4-3, 52.857

54. Birmingham Seaholm, 1349, 6-1, 87.571

55. Battle Creek Lakeview, 1347, 4-3, 56.571

56. Garden City, 1344, 4-3, 53.286

57. Portage Central ^, 1340, 5-2, 66.857

58. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1337, 4-3, 53.429

59. Birmingham Brother Rice ^, 1336, 5-2, 75.714

60. Portage Northern, 1328, 6-1, 79.714

61. Caledonia, 1308, 6-1, 81.857

62. Wyandotte Roosevelt, 1304, 6-1, 84.143

63. Farmington Hills Harrison, 1302, 4-3, 57.714

64. Detroit Martin Luther King, 1287, 4-3, 53.857

65. Detroit Cody ^, 1282, 5-2, 65.600

66. Farmington, 1278, 6-1, 85.429

67. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 1278, 4-3, 57.143

68. Taylor Truman, 1253, 6-1, 85.286

69. Swartz Creek, 1223, 7-0, 96.000

70. Southfield, 1218, 4-3, 63.429

71. Fenton, 1202, 6-1, 80.714

72. Grand Rapids Northview, 1180, 6-1, 82.714

73. Lowell, 1177, 6-1, 86.571

74. Bay City Western, 1171, 7-0, 86.857

75. Gibraltar Carlson, 1160, 4-3, 50.714

76. Muskegon, 1144, 7-0, 109.714

77. East Lansing ^, 1142, 5-2, 65.286

78. Mattawan, 1124, 7-0, 96.000

79. Allen Park ^, 1120, 5-2, 66.571

80. Marquette *^, 1112, 4-3, 58.857

81. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 1109, 4-3, 62.714

82. Lapeer West ^, 1101, 5-2, 72.286

83. Detroit Renaissance, 1094, 4-3, 49.714

84. Redford Thurston ^, 1088, 5-2, 65.571

85. Auburn Hills Avondale, 1080, 6-1, 78.429

86. St. Johns ^, 1068, 5-2, 67.429

87. Zeeland East, 1067, 7-0, 97.143

88. Byron Center, 1032, 4-3, 54.714

89. Detroit East English, 1030, 6-1, 80.857

90. Owosso, 1012, 4-3, 51.143

91. Lansing Waverly, 1011, 4-3, 45.714

92. Mason ^, 969, 5-2, 56.286

93. Petoskey, 967, 4-3, 57.857

94. Milan, 959, 7-0, 88.000

95. Sault Ste. Marie, 959, 4-3, 46.914

96. Grand Rapids Christian, 954, 6-1, 86.286

97. Cedar Springs, 950, 4-3, 40.429

98. DeWitt, 931, 6-1, 86.571

99. Fruitport, 929, 7-0, 83.429

100. Orchard Lake St. Mary's, 926, 6-1, 95.143

101. Bloomfield Hills Lahser ^, 925, 5-2, 66.714

102. Linden, 923, 6-1, 82.857

103. Niles, 920, 4-3, 50.429

104. Hazel Park, 909, 4-3, 52.000

105. Stevensville Lakeshore, 906, 7-0, 109.714

106. St. Clair, 901, 7-0, 90.286

107. Haslett, 894, 4-3, 55.429

108. Tecumseh, 887, 6-1, 74.714

109. Sturgis, 882, 4-3, 51.000

110. Carleton Airport ^, 868, 5-2, 60.714

111. Detroit Central Collegiate, 868, 4-3, 50.714

112. Charlotte ^, 851, 5-2, 64.286

113. Chelsea, 851, 4-3, 59.000

114. Hastings, 850, 6-1, 72.857

115. Plainwell ^, 832, 5-2, 65.714

116. Cadillac ^, 820, 5-2, 65.000

117. Edwardsburg, 805, 6-1, 65.857

118. North Branch, 803, 4-3, 46.429

119. Hamilton, 801, 4-3, 50.000

120. Marysville ^, 794, 5-2, 64.429

121. Zeeland West ^, 791, 5-2, 68.714

122. Battle Creek Harper Creek ^, 780, 5-2, 73.429

123. Spring Lake, 778, 4-3, 49.143

124. Three Rivers, 760, 4-3, 44.429

125. Ogemaw Heights, 759, 4-3, 54.143

126. Goodrich ^, 748, 5-2, 59.714

127. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy *, 729, 5-1, 67.524

128. Hudsonville Unity Christian, 727, 4-3, 50.714

129. Marshall, 723, 4-3, 48.143

130. Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 720, 7-0, 99.429

131. Big Rapids, 706, 6-1, 60.286

132. Croswell-Lexington, 704, 7-0, 86.857

133. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 704, 6-1, 76.143

134. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 701, 7-0, 93.714

135. Otsego, 698, 6-1, 68.000

136. Detroit Country Day, 685, 6-1, 84.714

137. Comstock Park, 678, 6-1, 75.286

138. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 674, 7-0, 85.714

139. Armada, 667, 4-3, 47.571

140. Whitehall, 663, 4-3, 41.714

141. Grand Rapids South Christian, 660, 4-3, 47.714

142. Battle Creek Pennfield, 656, 6-1, 61.429

143. Richmond ^, 656, 5-2, 64.143

144. Grosse Ile, 649, 6-1, 70.571

145. Saginaw Swan Valley ^, 642, 5-2, 61.857

146. Paw Paw, 639, 7-0, 77.714

147. Allendale, 636, 6-1, 77.286

148. Williamston, 636, 4-3, 46.857

149. Cheboygan ^, 631, 5-2, 67.143

150. Marine City, 629, 6-1, 81.714

151. Alma ^, 614, 5-2, 60.714

152. Saginaw Valley Lutheran ^, 608, 5-2, 41.571

153. Dowagiac, 605, 7-0, 80.000

154. Livonia Clarenceville ^, 597, 5-2, 57.286

155. Clawson, 582, 4-3, 45.714

156. Remus Chippewa Hills, 581, 4-3, 43.429

157. Essexville Garber, 572, 4-3, 45.429

158. Clinton Township Clintondale, 570, 7-0, 81.143

159. Lake Fenton, 564, 6-1, 72.714

160. Grant, 562, 4-3, 47.714

161. Freeland ^, 561, 5-2, 65.286

162. Kingsford, 559, 6-1, 79.571

163. Portland, 555, 6-1, 73.857

164. Gladwin ^, 547, 5-2, 60.571

165. Almont, 543, 4-3, 53.429

166. Flint Powers Catholic, 542, 7-0, 97.143

167. Menominee, 539, 6-1, 85.286

168. Macomb Lutheran North ^, 537, 5-2, 58.714

169. North Muskegon, 532, 4-3, 44.286

170. Standish-Sterling Central ^, 532, 5-2, 59.286

171. Hopkins, 531, 7-0, 80.000

172. Detroit University Prep, 528, 6-1, 65.81

173. Grayling, 516, 7-0, 76.571

174. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 515, 6-1, 74.000

175. Allen Park Cabrini, 512, 6-1, 61.429

176. Olivet ^, 509, 5-2, 50.714

177. Frankenmuth, 507, 7-0, 85.714

178. Newaygo, 507, 6-1, 64.857

179. Grand Rapids West Catholic, 503, 4-3, 56.339

180. Ida, 503, 4-3, 41.857

181. River Rouge, 495, 7-0, 75.810

182. Manistee, 493, 4-3, 42.029

183. Carrollton, 492, 6-1, 61.429

184. Lansing Catholic, 487, 6-1, 74.857

185. Reed City, 480, 7-0, 86.857

186. Dundee ^, 476, 5-2, 52.571

187. Muskegon Oakridge, 474, 7-0, 78.857

188. Kingsley ^, 473, 5-2, 48.143

189. Jackson Lumen Christi, 472, 7-0, 92.571

190. Buchanan, 467, 6-1, 65.857

191. Leslie, 467, 7-0, 74.286

192. Clare ^, 465, 5-2, 58.762

193. Roscommon, 461, 4-3, 39.905

194. Kalkaska ^, 459, 5-2, 41.714

195. Millington, 459, 6-1, 71.714

196. Lakeview, 457, 4-3, 40.857

197. Warren Michigan Collegiate, 446, 6-1, 68.143

198. Harper Woods, 440, 4-3, 36.457

199. Boyne City, 437, 7-0, 66.286

200. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central ^, 437, 5-2, 61.000

201. Negaunee, 433, 7-0, 78.857

202. Elk Rapids, 432, 4-3, 39.857

203. Manistique, 430, 4-3, 38.571

204. Beaverton, 422, 4-3, 36.571

205. Hemlock, 421, 6-1, 79.714

206. Shelby ^, 417, 5-2, 61.000

207. Detroit Consortium ^, 416, 5-2, 49.381

208. Vassar, 416, 6-1, 55.714

209. Clinton, 413, 7-0, 75.429

210. Maple City Glen Lake, 409, 7-0, 64.000

211. Michigan Center, 406, 7-0, 69.714

212. Manchester ^, 404, 5-2, 48.429

213. Calumet, 402, 4-3, 45.857

214. Ithaca, 402, 7-0, 84.571

215. Montrose Hill-McCloy, 400, 6-1, 70.571

216. Niles Brandywine ^, 396, 5-2, 45.714

217. Grass Lake, 395, 6-1, 64.857

218. Hillsdale, 391, 7-0, 80.000

219. Madison Heights Madison, 391, 6-1, 75.571

220. Ecorse, 390, 4-3, 38.952

221. Montague, 390, 6-1, 67.143

222. Laingsburg, 388, 4-3, 37.286

223. Sanford Meridian ^, 388, 5-2, 50.190

224. Jonesville ^, 383, 5-2, 54.857

225. Cass City, 379, 4-3, 38.000

226. Constantine, 371, 6-1, 56.857

227. Grandville Calvin Christian ^, 371, 5-2, 50.714

228. Watervliet, 369, 7-0, 62.857

229. Schoolcraft, 366, 7-0, 83.429

230. Blissfield, 364, 4-3, 48.143

231. Byron Area, 364, 6-1, 54.571

232. Iron Mountain, 354, 4-3, 44.571

233. Reese, 350, 7-0, 73.143

234. Union City ^, 350, 5-2, 44.429

235. Burton Bendle, 348, 6-1, 50.000

236. Pellston, 347, 4-3, 22.000

237. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, 346, 4-3, 34.857

238. Saginaw Nouvel ^, 344, 5-2, 75.629

239. Carson City-Crystal ^, 337, 5-2, 45.571

240. Hartford ^, 337, 5-2, 59.857

241. Marlette, 336, 4-3, 37.000

242. Flint Hamady, 334, 4-3, 38.857

243. Whittemore-Prescott ^, 328, 5-2, 49.286

244. Sandusky, 327, 4-3, 41.571

245. Dansville ^, 323, 5-2, 50.429

246. Springport, 319, 4-3, 38.143

247. Bridgman, 318, 4-3, 39.857

248. Lawton, 317, 6-1, 68.000

249. Lake City, 316, 6-1, 52.476

250. Pewamo-Westphalia ^, 316, 5-2, 51.714

251. Manton, 315, 4-3, 29.000

252. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 309, 4-3, 42.143

253. Ishpeming, 307, 6-1, 62.571

254. Detroit Douglass, 306, 4-3, 50.857

255. Unionville-Sebewaing, 303, 4-3, 36.143

256. Evart ^, 302, 5-2, 41.762

257. Traverse City St. Francis, 299, 4-3, 44.571

258. Detroit Loyola, 298, 7-0, 83.429

259. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest *, 298, 5-2, 48.143

260. Lincoln Alcona ^, 292, 5-2, 44.429

261. Genesee ^, 288, 5-2, 38.857

262. Mancelona, 288, 7-0, 62.857

263. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 284, 4-3, 47.429

264. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 283, 6-1, 54.286

265. Reading, 283, 6-1, 58.714

266. Decatur, 277, 6-1, 52.143

267. Britton Deerfield, 276, 4-3, 44.429

268. Ubly, 275, 4-3, 37.000

269. Brown City, 272, 4-3, 44.286

270. Gobles, 271, 6-1, 49.857

271. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 268, 6-1, 60.286

272. Hudson, 264, 4-3, 40.429

273. Waterford Our Lady ^, 263, 5-2, 51.857

274. Mayville ^, 258, 5-2, 48.571

275. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech ^, 254, 5-2, 52.714

276. New Buffalo, 250, 4-3, 31.000

277. Marcellus ^, 249, 5-2, 35.857

278. Harbor Beach, 245, 6-1, 60.143

279. Johannesburg-Lewiston ^, 243, 5-2, 39.048

280. Vestaburg ^, 242, 5-2, 45.857

281. Coleman, 239, 4-3, 36.714

282. New Lothrop, 237, 7-0, 67.429

283. Bessemer *^, 233, 4-2, 36.095

284. L'Anse, 233, 6-1, 48.429

285. Petersburg-Summerfield, 232, 4-3, 37.000

286. Stephenson ^, 229, 5-2, 43.286

287. Merrill, 228, 4-3, 37.286

288. Manistee Catholic Central, 219, 4-3, 30.143

289. Mendon, 216, 7-0, 67.810

290. Beal City, 213, 7-0, 82.286

291. Pittsford ^, 213, 5-2, 38.857

292. St. Ignace La Salle, 207, 7-0, 50.286

293. Lutheran Westland, 204, 4-3, 45.857

294. Mio, 203, 4-3, 30.905

295. AuGres-Sims, 199, 4-3, 31.762

296. Pickford ^, 197, 5-2, 47.429

297. Onaway ^, 194, 5-2, 39.143

298. Powers North Central, 194, 4-3, 29.429

299. Central Lake, 193, 4-3, 30.762

300. Fowler, 186, 6-1, 66.000

301. Climax-Scotts, 183, 7-0, 51.429

302. Muskegon Catholic Central ^, 181, 5-2, 53.171

303. Morrice, 171, 4-3, 30.571

304. St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic, 171, 5-1, 45.524

305. Colon, 164, 4-3, 30.524

306. Crystal Falls Forest Park, 164, 6-1, 46.571

307. Baldwin *, 160, 5-2, 41.571

308. Lake Linden-Hubbell, 159, 4-3, 26.500

309. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, 121, 6-1, 64.857

310. Iron Mountain North Dickinson *, 112, 7-0, 64.000

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8-Player Playoff Listing

1. Deckerville, 194, 6-1, 51.143

2. Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 185, 3-4, 22.029

3. Battle Creek St. Philip, 182, 4-3, 32.000

4. Kinde-North Huron, 180, 3-4, 21.029

5. Kingston, 175, 4-3, 28.600

6. Cedarville, 169, 7-0, 59.810

7. Tekonsha, 163, 1-6, 11.000

8. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 162, 4-3, 33.714

9. Bellaire, 161, 5-2, 37.976

10. Peck, 156, 6-1, 45.743

11. Ewen-Trout Creek *, 146, 1-6, 9.476

12. Brimley *, 145, 1-5, 9.262

13. Eben Junction Superior Central *, 132, 4-2, 34.524

14. New Haven Merritt *, 130, 1-4, 10.000

15. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran *, 118, 1-4, 8.543

16. Litchfield, 115, 1-6, 8.714

17. Rapid River, 115, 6-1, 45.048

18. Portland St. Patrick, 104, 7-0, 53.714

19. Akron-Fairgrove, 95, 5-2, 34.514

20. Caseville, 90, 0-7, 2.857

21. Engadine *, 89, 3-3, 23.857

22. Rock Mid Peninsula, 87, 2-5, 17.417

23. Waldron, 87, 5-2, 35.571

24. Posen, 84, 2-5, 15.548

25. Burr Oak, 79, 3-4, 19.000

26. Owendale-Gagetown, 60, 5-2, 34.371

27. Flint Michigan School For The Deaf *, 45, 1-4, 8.114

Drive for Detroit: Week 5 in Review

September 25, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

If there was a theme that emerged across much of the state during Week 5 in Michigan high school football, it boiled down to this: Not so fast. 

Not so fast, teams appearing to break away from the pack.

Not so fast, new contenders on the block who have won big but still have big opponents to play.

Not so fast, those counting out those old favorites because they’ve fallen early to teams on the rise.

And not so fast, if you’re thinking a slow start is sure to be followed by a disappointing finish.

We’ve passed the midpoint of the regular season, but this week’s Drive for Detroit review – powered by MI Student Aid – saw a number of teams show there’s plenty yet to prove and decide over the next month.  

Bay & Thumb

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 20, Cass City 14

This could be the eventual decider in the Greater Thumb Conference West as Laker handed Cass City (4-1) its first loss this season while beating the Red Hawks for the seventh straight year. The Lakers (4-1), perfect since falling to still-undefeated Hudson on opening night, held on as Cass City finished the game four yards from tying the score. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune (and check out the video below from Thumb Tailgater Sports).

Also noted:

New Lothrop 56, Flint Hamady 34 – Make that 66 wins in its last 67 regular-season games for New Lothrop (5-0), although Hamady (3-2) scored more than any opponent had on the Hornets in any game since 2014.

Midland 42, Bay City Central 35 – Midland (4-1) earned a solid win in a matchup of teams in first place in their respective Saginaw Valley League divisions; the Chemics are co-leaders in the Blue, and Central (3-2) is one of two atop the Red.

Lake Fenton 24, Byron 6 – The Blue Devils (4-1) held on to a slim lead over Montrose in the Genesee Area Conference Red while sending Byron (3-2) to fourth place in what continues to be a tight league race.

Frankenmuth 47, Bridgeport 42 – The Eagles (5-0) trailed by 21 during the second half before coming back to beat a Bridgeport team that at 3-2 has more wins already than it finished with in any of the last three seasons.

Greater Detroit

West Bloomfield 17, Rochester Adams 16

Over two weeks West Bloomfield broke open the Oakland Activities Association Red title chase, handing Adams its first loss after doing the same to Clarkston in Week 4. Quarterback Bryce Veasley threw two touchdown passes including a 99-yarder to Tre Mosley, and the Lakers (3-2) stopped an Adams two-point conversion attempt after the Highlanders (4-1) scored during the final minutes. Click for more from the Oakland Press (and see highlights from State Champs! Sports Network).

Also noted:

Madison Heights Madison 28, Marine City 24 – A contender in the Macomb Area Conference Silver, Madison (5-0) got a major playoff points boost from handing MAC Gold co-leader Marine City (4-1) its first loss.

Detroit Mumford 13, Detroit Cody 7 – Mumford (4-1) kept just ahead of Cass Tech with one more league win in the Detroit Public School League Green title hunt, and likely will cheer for Cody (3-2) to beat the Technicians this week.

Birmingham Groves 32, Farmington Hills Harrison 31 – The reigning champ Falcons (4-1) kept themselves alive in the OAA White, moving into a second place tie now with Harrison (3-2) and Troy one win behind Oak Park.

Clinton Township Clintondale 30, Hazel Park 14 – MAC Bronze leader Clintondale (5-0) eclipsed last year’s win total with an impressive one over the OAA Blue-leading Vikings (3-2), who are already one win better than last year with their most since 2012. 

Mid-Michigan

Portland 35, Lansing Catholic 6

The Raiders, adding this win to another over Williamston in Week 3, own a commanding lead in the Capital Area Activities Association White as they play for a three-peat. Portland (4-1) scored the first 28 points this time and locked down an offense that was averaging 39 points per game entering the night. Lansing Catholic (4-1) is 29-3 during the regular season since the start of 2014 – with all three losses to the Raiders. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Also noted:

Williamston 35, Ionia 34 – The Hornets (3-2) bounced back from painful losses to Portland and Lansing Catholic by edging the Bulldogs (3-2), who similarly have lost two games by a combined nine points.

Clare 42, Harrison 14 – A potential Jack Pine Conference-deciding matchup with Beaverton wouldn’t come until Week 9, but Clare (4-1) took a step toward making it happen by knocking the Hornets (3-2) into a tie for third place.

Laingsburg 33, Fowler 0 – The Wolfpack (4-1) set up this week’s matchup with Pewamo-Westphalia for first place in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference by extending a two-year winning streak over Fowler (2-3) for the first time since 2008-09.

Grand Ledge 28, Okemos 20 – This kept reigning champ Grand Ledge (4-1) tied atop the CAAC Blue with Holt, but also showed that Okemos (4-1) can hang with the league’s best after a fast start against opponents that haven’t had much success this fall.

Northern Lower Peninsula

Boyne City 21, Grayling 6

The Ramblers (5-0) extended their winning streak over Grayling to four straight and in doing so took a sizable step toward making Week 9’s matchup with Traverse City St. Francis a potential decider in the Northern Michigan Football League Legends division. Those two met to decide the title in Week 9 in 2016 and are tied for first place again. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.

Also noted:

Cheboygan 22, Kalkaska 15 – Also in the NMFL Legends, Cheboygan (2-3) equaled its most wins in a season since 2013 by avenging last year’s 35-0 loss to the Blazers (3-2).

Frankfort 52, Johannesburg-Lewiston 14 – The Panthers (4-1) took their points-per-game average this season to 47 against the rebounding Cardinals (3-2), who will equal last year’s win total with their next victory.

Lake City 20, Beal City 14 – The Trojans (5-0) have now handed losses to two of three teams tied for second in the Highland Conference, while Beal City (3-2) will face those other two over the next two weeks as it looks to stay in contention.

Harbor Springs 20, St. Ignace 16 – The Rams (3-2) downed the reigning league champion Saints (1-4) to maintain first place in the NMFL Legacy.

Southeast & Border

Michigan Center 36, Addison 24

The Cardinals (4-1) dissolved at least some of the excitement surrounding Addison’s best start in more than a decade by creating a three-way tie for first in the Cascades Conference with the Panthers (4-1) and Napoleon (which had beaten Michigan Center in Week 3). Addison and Napoleon already have met as well. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Also noted:

Brighton 30, Livonia Stevenson 10 – The Bulldogs (3-2) kept themselves in contention for at least a shared title in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Black by handing Stevenson (4-1) its first loss.

Blissfield 25, Brooklyn Columbia Central 14 – After leader Hudson, the Lenawee County Athletic Association is a bit of a jumble with Blissfield (3-2) now in the mix a week after Columbia Central (3-2) looked to be joining.

Jackson 35, Lansing Sexton 28 – The Vikings might be the best 1-4 team in Michigan and showed it against the talented Big Reds (3-2) after earlier absorbing one and two-point losses.

Reading 13, Quincy 12 – The Rangers (4-1) kept themselves tied for first in the Big 8 Conference with Union City; Quincy (3-2) faced them both over the last two weeks.

Southwest Corridor

Watervliet 52, Kalamazoo United 34

Watervliet and quarterback Zach Pickens are putting up huge offensive numbers, and the Panthers (5-0) kept their streak going of scoring at least 50 points in every game this season. This was only the opener of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley schedule, but Kalamazoo United (4-1) was a strong first test in a league loaded with them. Click for more from the St. Joseph Herald-Palladium.

Also noted:

Coloma 41, Constantine 0 – Staying in the SAC Valley, the Comets (4-1) guaranteed their best finish since 2009 and after losing to Constantine (3-2) by scores of 68-35 and 46-0 over the last two seasons.

Hartford 39, Decatur 38 – The Indians (4-1) have doubled their wins and nearly their points scored as well from 2016 already, with downing Decatur (3-2) their best victory so far.

Three Rivers 14, Paw Paw 0 – The Wildcats (4-1) will get to affect the Wolverine B Conference race as one of four teams in first or second, while Paw Paw (3-2) will need some breaks to get back in the mix.

St. Joseph 42, Mattawan 7 – The Bears (4-1) will need help to win the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West, but can claim a win over the SMAC East-leading Wildcats (3-2). 

Upper Peninsula

Gladstone 20, Ishpeming 8

The Braves (5-0), new to the Mid-Peninsula Conference this season, clinched a share of the league title with this victory; they will face winless Iron Mountain in Week 8 with an opportunity to win the championship outright. Ishpeming scored first, but Gladstone scored the final three touchdowns of the game. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

Also noted:

L'Anse 20, Hurley (Wis.) 18 – The Purple Hornets (4-1) held on to a share of the lead in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference by downing another contender in Hurley (4-2).

Hancock 42, Calumet 24 – Staying in the West PAC, the Bulldogs (4-1) could still find their way into the title conversation after moving to 3-1 in the league by downing the Copper Kings (3-2).

Norway 28, Bark River-Harris 14 – Norway (5-0) controlled its destiny to remain in first in Mid-Eastern Conference by handing Bark River-Harris (3-2) a second league loss, then got some help (see below).

Lake Linden-Hubbell 34, Newberry 20 – Lake Linden-Hubbell (1-3) is in playoff mode already as it seeks a fifth straight postseason berth, and the Lakes started to bounce back from a slow start by handing Newberry (3-2) its first M-EC defeat. 

West Michigan

Montague 46, Whitehall 44

The West Michigan Conference has been one of the state’s most exciting the last two weeks, with Whitehall handing reigning champion Muskegon Oakridge a loss in Week 4 only to be edged Friday by Montague (5-0) – which faces Oakridge in Week 7. Whitehall (3-2) came back from 20 points down to make the 111th meeting between the teams a close finish; Montague owns a 61-48-2 edge in the series. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle (and see below for a highlight from FOX 17.)

Also noted:

Hudsonville Unity Christian 35, Comstock Park 32 – The Crusades (3-2) had opened Ottawa-Kent Conference Green play with two defeats, but may have turned things around by downing the O-K Blue co-leading Panthers (4-1).

Grandville 28, East Kentwood 14 – East Kentwood (4-1) arguably had been the most impressive O-K Red team heading into Week 5, but the Falcons will need help to get back in the title hunt as Grandville (4-1) held onto a first-place tie with Holland West Ottawa (Rockford also is without a league loss, but with one fewer game so far).

Grand Rapids Christian 48, Cedar Springs 44 – The Eagles (5-0) scored on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Isaac Dykema to Anthony Ladd with six seconds to play to down the Red Hawks (3-2).

Muskegon Heights Academy 36, Ludington 27 – The Tigers (3-2) hadn’t won more than two games the last two seasons and haven’t won more than three since 2011; they’ll face Muskegon Catholic Central this week with first place in the Lakes 8 Conference on the line after handing the Orioles (2-3) their third league defeat. 

8-Player

Morrice 40, Flint International Academy 28

Morrice (5-0) set itself up for a matchup with undefeated Deckerville this week for first place in the North Central Thumb League Stars division. The Orioles have won all of their games by at least 12 points, but third-place International Academy (4-1) gave them their closest game and gets its chance against Deckerville in Week 7. Click for more from the Owosso Argus-Press. 

Also noted:

Onekama 54, Suttons Bay 18 – The Portagers (5-0) have won all of their games since switching to 8-player this season by at least 24 points and are tied for first in the Midwest Central Michigan Conference, while Suttons Bay (3-2) is among four teams tied for third.

Central Lake 58, Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 31 – Central Lake also is a first-year 8-player team and is tied with Onekama for first in the MCMC; Tri-unity fell to 2-3 after facing the co-leaders in back-to-back weeks.

Kingston 64, Lawrence 42 – The Cardinals (3-2) tied their wins total from last season while also sending Lawrence to 3-2.

Stephenson 54, Eben Junction Superior Central 30 – The Eagles (5-0) also have won all of their games this season by 24 points, this time despite giving up a season-high 30 to the Cougars (1-4).

Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTO: Portland's running game found success in its 35-6 win over Lansing Catholic on Friday. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)