Logo

Week 9 Football Playoff Listing

October 16, 2012

Here is a list of Michigan High School Athletic Association football playing schools, displaying their win-loss records and playoff averages through the eighth 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 caret (^) 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 6 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, 6-2, 85.250

2. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 2766, 6-2, 81.375

3. Clarkston, 2721, 8-0, 109.000

4. Howell ^, 2692, 5-3, 67.750

5. Grand Blanc, 2644, 4-4, 57.000

6. Macomb Dakota, 2608, 7-1, 94.750

7. Lake Orion, 2565, 7-1, 94.875

8. Rockford, 2526, 6-2, 81.625

9. Troy ^, 2502, 5-3, 65.125

10. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley ^, 2462, 5-3, 69.750

11. Dearborn Fordson, 2442, 7-1, 102.375

12. Holland West Ottawa, 2262, 6-2, 77.250

13. Northville ^, 2220, 5-3, 65.875

14. Detroit Cass Tech, 2200, 6-2, 80.125

15. Canton ^, 2166, 5-3, 63.500

16. Monroe, 2154, 6-2, 72.250

17. Detroit Catholic Central ^, 2060, 5-3, 65.792

18. Plymouth, 2050, 7-1, 89.875

19. Salem ^, 2039, 5-3, 67.500

20. Livonia Stevenson, 2005, 6-2, 78.250

21. Holt ^, 1992, 5-3, 61.750

22. Hartland, 1932, 7-1, 92.625

23. Warren Mott, 1879, 7-1, 79.625

24. Livonia Churchill, 1877, 8-0, 111.000

25. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North, 1853, 6-2, 76.125

26. Saline, 1849, 7-1, 91.500

27. Grandville, 1846, 4-4, 47.750

28. Romeo, 1802, 4-4, 59.500

29. Dearborn ^, 1790, 5-3, 71.000

30. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek ^, 1777, 5-3, 62.125

31. Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 1772, 7-1, 80.875

32. Grand Ledge, 1743, 6-2, 76.125

33. Rochester ^, 1725, 5-3, 63.125

34. Traverse City West ^, 1720, 5-3, 64.625

35. White Lake Lakeland ^, 1700, 5-3, 62.750

36. Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, 1680, 4-4, 48.500

37. Belleville, 1678, 4-4, 54.500

38. Ann Arbor Pioneer ^, 1670, 5-3, 65.625

39. Davison, 1664, 6-2, 69.750

40. Grosse Pointe South, 1648, 7-1, 90.625

41. Walled Lake Northern, 1599, 6-2, 84.375

42. Temperance Bedford ^, 1581, 5-3, 63.125

43. Walled Lake Western, 1553, 6-2, 77.375

44. Warren DeLaSalle, 1550, 4-4, 53.292

45. Brownstown Woodhaven, 1520, 7-1, 88.750

46. Ypsilanti Lincoln ^, 1520, 5-3, 58.500

47. Wyoming, 1515, 4-4, 41.429

48. Dearborn Edsel Ford ^, 1508, 5-3, 60.625

49. Midland, 1485, 8-0, 109.000

50. Oxford ^, 1481, 5-3, 69.875

51. Port Huron, 1473, 6-2, 76.000

52. Pinckney, 1448, 4-4, 50.000

53. Traverse City Central, 1429, 7-1, 88.250

54. Oak Park, 1391, 7-1, 99.500

55. Bay City Central, 1385, 4-4, 46.000

56. Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, 1364, 4-4, 46.250

57. Lansing Everett, 1359, 8-0, 111.000

58. Grosse Pointe North ^, 1353, 5-3, 60.875

59. Midland Dow ^, 1350, 5-3, 58.500

60. Birmingham Seaholm, 1349, 7-1, 90.750

61. Battle Creek Lakeview ^, 1347, 5-3, 61.875

62. Garden City, 1344, 4-4, 48.125

63. Portage Central ^, 1340, 5-3, 62.375

64. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1337, 4-4, 48.750

65. Birmingham Brother Rice, 1336, 6-2, 84.250

66. Portage Northern, 1328, 7-1, 87.875

67. Caledonia, 1308, 6-2, 73.500

68. Wyandotte Roosevelt, 1304, 7-1, 90.750

69. Farmington Hills Harrison ^, 1302, 5-3, 67.750

70. Detroit Martin Luther King ^, 1287, 5-3, 66.375

71. Detroit Cody ^, 1282, 5-3, 57.589

72. Farmington, 1278, 6-2, 79.250

73. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 1278, 4-4, 52.000

74. South Lyon, 1262, 4-4, 48.625

75. Taylor Truman, 1253, 7-1, 91.750

76. Berkley, 1225, 4-4, 47.125

77. Flushing, 1225, 4-4, 44.375

78. Swartz Creek, 1223, 7-1, 86.750

79. Southfield ^, 1218, 5-3, 69.625

80. Fenton, 1202, 7-1, 88.750

81. Grand Rapids Northview, 1180, 7-1, 82.500

82. Lowell, 1177, 7-1, 93.875

83. Holly, 1172, 4-4, 48.875

84. Bay City Western, 1171, 7-1, 79.875

85. Gibraltar Carlson, 1160, 4-4, 46.375

86. Muskegon, 1144, 8-0, 114.000

87. East Lansing ^, 1142, 5-3, 59.000

88. Mattawan, 1124, 7-1, 86.875

89. Allen Park ^, 1120, 5-3, 60.250

90. Marquette *, 1112, 5-3, 66.875

91. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 1109, 4-4, 57.125

92. Lapeer West, 1101, 6-2, 78.375

93. Detroit Renaissance, 1094, 4-4, 45.125

94. Redford Thurston ^, 1088, 5-3, 60.000

95. Auburn Hills Avondale, 1080, 7-1, 84.750

96. St. Johns ^, 1068, 5-3, 62.375

97. Zeeland East, 1067, 8-0, 102.000

98. Byron Center ^, 1032, 5-3, 63.000

99. Detroit East English, 1030, 7-1, 89.750

100. Mt. Pleasant, 1014, 4-4, 52.125

101. Owosso ^, 1012, 5-3, 57.875

102. Lansing Waverly ^, 1011, 5-3, 57.375

103. St. Joseph, 974, 4-4, 53.875

104. Mason ^, 969, 5-3, 52.000

105. Petoskey ^, 967, 5-3, 64.875

106. Milan, 959, 8-0, 93.000

107. Sault Ste. Marie ^, 959, 5-3, 55.625

108. Grand Rapids Christian, 954, 7-1, 92.625

109. Cedar Springs, 950, 4-4, 37.000

110. DeWitt, 931, 6-2, 78.625

111. Fruitport, 929, 8-0, 86.000

112. Orchard Lake St. Mary's, 926, 6-2, 85.575

113. Bloomfield Hills Lahser ^, 925, 5-3, 60.375

114. Linden, 923, 7-1, 87.625

115. Niles, 920, 4-4, 45.750

116. Hazel Park, 909, 4-4, 46.625

117. Stevensville Lakeshore, 906, 8-0, 117.000

118. St. Clair, 901, 7-1, 83.750

119. Haslett, 894, 4-4, 50.125

120. South Lyon East, 891, 4-4, 51.125

121. Tecumseh, 887, 7-1, 78.500

122. Sturgis, 882, 4-4, 47.375

123. Melvindale, 879, 4-4, 49.500

124. Carleton Airport ^, 868, 5-3, 55.250

125. Detroit Central Collegiate ^, 868, 5-3, 59.750

126. Charlotte, 851, 6-2, 67.375

127. Chelsea ^, 851, 5-3, 63.875

128. Hastings, 850, 6-2, 67.750

129. Plainwell, 832, 6-2, 67.750

130. Cadillac, 820, 6-2, 68.000

131. Edwardsburg, 805, 6-2, 61.500

132. North Branch ^, 803, 5-3, 51.000

133. Hamilton ^, 801, 5-3, 60.071

134. Marysville, 794, 6-2, 71.500

135. Escanaba, 791, 4-4, 48.750

136. Warren Lincoln, 791, 4-4, 42.250

137. Zeeland West ^, 791, 5-3, 62.750

138. Detroit Old Redford, 787, 4-4, 33.107

139. Coopersville ^*, 781, 4-3, 48.607

140. Battle Creek Harper Creek, 780, 6-2, 78.375

141. Spring Lake ^, 778, 5-3, 53.321

142. Holland Christian, 771, 4-4, 46.750

143. Three Rivers ^, 760, 5-3, 48.125

144. Ogemaw Heights ^, 759, 5-3, 63.750

145. Goodrich, 748, 6-2, 61.500

146. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy *, 729, 6-1, 73.036

147. Hudsonville Unity Christian, 727, 4-4, 48.125

148. Marshall ^, 723, 5-3, 55.500

149. Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 720, 7-1, 89.750

150. Big Rapids, 706, 7-1, 68.875

151. Croswell-Lexington, 704, 8-0, 91.000

152. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 704, 6-2, 70.000

153. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 701, 8-0, 98.000

154. Otsego, 698, 6-2, 62.500

155. Yale, 689, 4-4, 45.250

156. Detroit Country Day, 685, 7-1, 90.125

157. Comstock Park, 678, 7-1, 83.071

158. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 674, 8-0, 93.000

159. Armada, 667, 4-4, 44.750

160. Whitehall, 663, 4-4, 38.625

161. Grand Rapids South Christian ^, 660, 5-3, 58.000

162. Battle Creek Pennfield, 656, 7-1, 64.875

163. Richmond ^, 656, 5-3, 58.750

164. Grosse Ile, 649, 7-1, 76.875

165. Saginaw Swan Valley, 642, 6-2, 64.375

166. Paw Paw, 639, 8-0, 85.000

167. Allendale, 636, 7-1, 81.750

168. Williamston ^, 636, 5-3, 54.375

169. Cheboygan, 631, 6-2, 72.000

170. Marine City, 629, 7-1, 89.500

171. Alma ^, 614, 5-3, 54.750

172. Saginaw Valley Lutheran ^, 608, 5-3, 38.125

173. Dowagiac, 605, 8-0, 88.000

174. Livonia Clarenceville ^, 597, 5-3, 53.125

175. Midland Bullock Creek, 586, 4-4, 45.125

176. Clawson ^, 582, 5-3, 50.250

177. Remus Chippewa Hills ^, 581, 5-3, 49.250

178. Essexville Garber ^, 572, 5-3, 49.125

179. Clinton Township Clintondale, 570, 8-0, 83.000

180. Lake Fenton, 564, 7-1, 76.750

181. Grant ^, 562, 5-3, 54.000

182. Freeland, 561, 6-2, 70.250

183. Kingsford, 559, 7-1, 83.750

184. Portland, 555, 7-1, 83.750

185. Gladwin, 547, 6-2, 62.125

186. Almont ^, 543, 5-3, 57.125

187. Detroit Community, 543, 4-4, 25.696

188. Flint Powers Catholic, 542, 8-0, 98.000

189. Menominee, 539, 7-1, 90.750

190. Macomb Lutheran North ^, 537, 5-3, 53.875

191. North Muskegon, 532, 4-4, 40.875

192. Standish-Sterling Central ^, 532, 5-3, 54.750

193. Hopkins, 531, 8-0, 81.000

194. Detroit University Prep, 528, 7-1, 65.714

195. Grayling, 516, 8-0, 77.000

196. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 515, 7-1, 81.875

197. Allen Park Cabrini, 512, 6-2, 56.625

198. Olivet ^, 509, 5-3, 47.375

199. Frankenmuth, 507, 8-0, 90.000

200. Newaygo, 507, 6-2, 59.625

201. Grand Rapids West Catholic ^, 503, 5-3, 65.542

202. Ida ^, 503, 5-3, 48.875

203. Capac, 495, 4-4, 42.125

204. River Rouge, 495, 8-0, 74.286

205. Manistee ^, 493, 5-3, 44.958

206. Carrollton, 492, 7-1, 65.875

207. Lansing Catholic, 487, 7-1, 85.625

208. Reed City, 480, 8-0, 90.000

209. Dundee, 476, 6-2, 58.125

210. Muskegon Oakridge, 474, 8-0, 84.000

211. Kingsley ^, 473, 5-3, 42.750

212. Jackson Lumen Christi, 472, 8-0, 94.000

213. Buchanan, 467, 6-2, 61.625

214. Leslie, 467, 8-0, 77.000

215. Clare, 465, 6-2, 66.500

216. Roscommon ^, 461, 5-3, 48.125

217. Kalkaska, 459, 6-2, 44.750

218. Millington, 459, 7-1, 72.875

219. Lakeview ^, 457, 5-3, 43.000

220. Warren Michigan Collegiate, 446, 6-2, 62.464

221. Harper Woods ^, 440, 5-3, 41.083

222. Boyne City, 437, 8-0, 72.000

223. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 437, 6-2, 63.625

224. Negaunee, 433, 7-1, 73.500

225. Elk Rapids, 432, 4-4, 37.000

226. Manistique ^, 430, 5-3, 43.875

227. Beaverton, 422, 4-4, 33.750

228. Hemlock, 421, 7-1, 82.875

229. Shelby, 417, 6-2, 64.625

230. Detroit Consortium, 416, 6-2, 53.411

231. Vassar, 416, 7-1, 59.875

232. Clinton, 413, 8-0, 80.000

233. Maple City Glen Lake, 409, 8-0, 66.000

234. Michigan Center, 406, 7-1, 65.625

235. Manchester, 404, 6-2, 57.625

236. Calumet ^, 402, 5-3, 50.375

237. Ithaca, 402, 8-0, 84.000

238. Montrose Hill-McCloy, 400, 7-1, 74.875

239. Niles Brandywine, 396, 6-2, 50.982

240. Grass Lake, 395, 7-1, 69.750

241. Hillsdale, 391, 8-0, 80.000

242. Madison Heights Madison, 391, 7-1, 78.250

243. Ecorse ^, 390, 5-3, 43.411

244. Montague, 390, 7-1, 72.875

245. Laingsburg, 388, 4-4, 33.375

246. Sanford Meridian ^, 388, 5-3, 46.625

247. Jonesville, 383, 6-2, 54.250

248. Saranac, 383, 4-4, 39.250

249. Cass City, 379, 4-4, 34.375

250. Constantine, 371, 7-1, 64.875

251. Grandville Calvin Christian, 371, 6-2, 56.625

252. Vandercook Lake, 371, 4-4, 37.375

253. Watervliet, 369, 8-0, 69.000

254. Schoolcraft, 366, 8-0, 83.000

255. Blissfield, 364, 4-4, 43.500

256. Byron Area, 364, 7-1, 56.875

257. Indian River Inland Lakes, 364, 4-4, 33.500

258. Bronson ^*, 361, 4-3, 34.679

259. Iron Mountain, 354, 4-4, 41.625

260. Reese, 350, 8-0, 78.000

261. Union City ^, 350, 5-3, 40.875

262. Burton Bendle, 348, 7-1, 56.875

263. Flint Beecher, 347, 4-4, 39.375

264. Pellston, 347, 4-4, 20.375

265. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian ^, 346, 5-3, 38.750

266. Saginaw Nouvel, 344, 6-2, 77.250

267. Carson City-Crystal, 337, 6-2, 48.125

268. Hartford, 337, 6-2, 65.929

269. Marlette, 336, 4-4, 35.375

270. Flint Hamady ^, 334, 5-3, 39.375

271. Whittemore-Prescott, 328, 6-2, 59.375

272. Sandusky, 327, 4-4, 37.554

273. Bloomingdale, 326, 4-4, 31.375

274. Dansville, 323, 6-2, 52.375

275. Springport ^, 319, 5-3, 43.750

276. Bridgman ^, 318, 5-3, 47.089

277. Lawton, 317, 7-1, 65.625

278. Lake City, 316, 7-1, 58.875

279. Pewamo-Westphalia, 316, 6-2, 56.500

280. Manton, 315, 4-4, 26.500

281. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 309, 4-4, 38.625

282. Ishpeming, 307, 7-1, 66.750

283. Detroit Douglass *, 306, 5-3, 58.750

284. Unionville-Sebewaing, 303, 4-4, 34.750

285. Evart, 302, 6-2, 44.625

286. Homer, 302, 4-4, 29.375

287. Traverse City St. Francis, 299, 4-4, 41.125

288. Detroit Loyola, 298, 8-0, 87.000

289. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest *, 298, 5-3, 45.875

290. Lincoln Alcona *, 292, 6-2, 47.125

291. Genesee ^, 288, 5-3, 36.000

292. Mancelona, 288, 8-0, 63.000

293. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 284, 4-4, 45.500

294. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 283, 7-1, 63.625

295. Reading, 283, 7-1, 65.375

296. Decatur, 277, 6-2, 48.625

297. Britton Deerfield ^, 276, 5-3, 49.250

298. Ubly ^, 275, 5-3, 36.625

299. Brown City ^, 272, 5-3, 51.000

300. Gobles, 271, 7-1, 53.750

301. Iron River West Iron County, 270, 4-4, 38.375

302. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 268, 7-1, 61.875

303. Hudson, 264, 4-4, 39.125

304. Waterford Our Lady, 263, 6-2, 57.500

305. Mayville ^, 258, 5-3, 44.554

306. Saugatuck, 257, 4-4, 30.125

307. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech, 254, 6-2, 54.137

308. New Buffalo, 250, 4-4, 29.875

309. Marcellus ^, 249, 5-3, 34.250

310. Harbor Beach, 245, 7-1, 65.750

311. Johannesburg-Lewiston, 243, 6-2, 40.536

312. Vestaburg, 242, 6-2, 50.375

313. Coleman, 239, 4-4, 34.125

314. New Lothrop, 237, 8-0, 71.000

315. Bessemer *, 233, 5-2, 41.929

316. L'Anse, 233, 6-2, 45.375

317. Petersburg-Summerfield, 232, 4-4, 33.625

318. Stephenson, 229, 6-2, 44.125

319. Merrill ^, 228, 5-3, 46.000

320. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 220, 4-4, 38.375

321. Manistee Catholic Central ^, 219, 5-3, 34.625

322. Mendon, 216, 8-0, 76.571

323. Beal City, 213, 8-0, 82.000

324. Pittsford, 213, 6-2, 43.250

325. St. Ignace La Salle, 207, 8-0, 56.000

326. Lutheran Westland ^, 204, 5-3, 50.679

327. Mio ^, 203, 5-3, 36.696

328. AuGres-Sims ^, 199, 5-3, 36.071

329. Pickford, 197, 6-2, 47.750

330. Onaway ^, 194, 5-3, 36.000

331. Powers North Central ^, 194, 5-3, 30.875

332. Central Lake ^, 193, 5-3, 38.411

333. Fowler, 186, 7-1, 67.875

334. Climax-Scotts, 183, 8-0, 56.000

335. Muskegon Catholic Central ^, 181, 5-3, 49.458

336. Morrice, 171, 4-4, 28.875

337. St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic *, 171, 6-1, 50.196

338. Colon ^, 164, 5-3, 31.750

339. Crystal Falls Forest Park, 164, 6-2, 44.446

340. Baldwin *, 160, 6-2, 42.286

341. Lake Linden-Hubbell, 159, 4-4, 26.321

342. Hillman, 145, 4-4, 28.768

343. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, 121, 7-1, 70.875

344. Iron Mountain North Dickinson *, 112, 8-0, 66.429

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

8-Player Playoff Listing

1. Deckerville, 194, 7-1, 55.875

2. Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 185, 4-4, 24.917

3. Battle Creek St. Philip, 182, 5-3, 34.375

4. Kinde-North Huron, 180, 4-4, 27.583

5. Kingston, 175, 4-4, 27.583

6. Cedarville, 169, 8-0, 65.571

7. Tekonsha, 163, 1-7, 10.750

8. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 162, 4-4, 32.625

9. Bellaire, 161, 5-3, 36.429

10. Peck, 156, 7-1, 46.083

11. Ewen-Trout Creek *, 146, 1-6, 9.250

12. Brimley *, 145, 2-5, 15.107

13. Eben Junction Superior Central *, 132, 5-2, 39.196

14. New Haven Merritt *, 130, 1-5, 9.542

15. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran *, 118, 1-5, 7.208

16. Litchfield, 115, 1-7, 8.625

17. Rapid River, 115, 7-1, 48.875

18. Portland St. Patrick, 104, 8-0, 57.000

19. Akron-Fairgrove, 95, 6-2, 36.458

20. Caseville, 90, 0-8, 3.750

21. Engadine *, 89, 3-4, 21.554

22. Rock Mid Peninsula, 87, 2-6, 17.418

23. Waldron, 87, 6-2, 37.375

24. Posen, 84, 2-6, 14.268

25. Burr Oak, 79, 3-5, 17.875

26. Owendale-Gagetown, 60, 6-2, 36.333

27. Flint Michigan School For The Deaf *, 45, 1-5, 7.833

Clarkston players celebrate in the Wayne State end zone during their win over Belleville.

1st & Goal: 2025 Week 1 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 2, 2025

The 51st season of MHSAA playoff-era football kicked off over the weekend with multiple matchups of teams that finished last season at Ford Field and nearly 600 teams total bringing championship dreams into this fall.

MI Student AidEvery one of them remains in the hunt after the first week. But below we have 45 first impressions as we begin our search for the next contenders.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Goodrich 17, Frankenmuth 14 The reigning Division 4 champion Martians ran their record to 2-3 against the Eagles during this recent opening-day series, going ahead for good on Jacob Daggett’s 30-yard field goal. Goodrich’s only defeat last season was 22-0 to Frankenmuth, which went on to finish Division 5 runner-up. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

Watch list Grand Blanc 35, Muskegon Mona Shores 20 The Bobcats didn’t let a two-point loss to Mona Shores last year slow them down on the way to league and District titles, so this win could provide significant momentum as they look to build on that success.

On the move Armada 21, Marine City 14 The Tigers ran their season-opener win streak over Marine City to four with a third win by seven points or fewer during that stretch. Saginaw Swan Valley 55, Croswell-Lexington 35 After starting 2024 with three straight losses – including a third in a row to Croswell-Lexington – the Vikings broke through this weekend with their second highest-scoring game over the last four seasons. Midland Dow 38, Fenton 6 The Chargers broke a streak of three straight season-opening losses to the Tigers in another matchup of annual playoff teams.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Clarkston 38, Belleville 7 These two met for a second-straight year in an opener at Wayne State, this time as part of the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic, and this time with Clarkston coming up big after the Tigers won 35-28 in 2024. The loss was only the third regular-season defeat for Belleville over the last nine years. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

Watch list Detroit Cass Tech 28, Toledo Central Catholic (Ohio) 27 The reigning Division 1 champion Technicians held off a 2024 Ohio state runner-up that also should be among favorites again in the Catholic High School League Central this fall.

On the move Warren Michigan Collegiate 32, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 6 Michigan Collegiate avenged its only regular-season loss of the last two years. Northville 14, Lake Orion 13 The Mustangs also rebounded from a 2024 defeat, having opened last year with a 21-13 loss to the Dragons. Walled Lake Western 51, Milford 26 This matchup determined the Lakes Valley Conference championship last season and could end up key again this fall as Western attempts to win a fourth-straight title.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER DeWitt 21, Haslett 3 This was a much different game than when the teams combined to score 111 points a year ago. This time, the Panthers held Haslett to its first single-digit output since midway through the 2023 season, while Haslett’s defense also proved tougher than most against the often high-scoring Panthers. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Williamston 46, Lansing Catholic 14 After reaching the playoffs last year at 3-6, the Hornets got off to a stronger start by avenging last season’s loss to Lansing Catholic, which went on to finish as Division 6 runner-up in 2024.

On the move Pewamo-Westphalia 35, North Muskegon 6 P-W got a solid jump on the season with a second-straight win over North Muskegon, which made the Semifinals for the second-straight season last fall. Mount Pleasant 35, Saginaw Heritage 13 The Oilers broke a two-game losing streak against the Hawks as they look to build on a seven-year playoff streak. Howell 23, Traverse City West 13 The Highlanders made the long drive north but ran their regular-season winning streak to 10 after finishing last year’s without a loss.

A pair of North Muskegon defenders wrap up a Pewamo-Westphalia ball carrier.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Kingsley 24, Reed City 6 The Stags got off to an impressive start, avenging last season’s 24-22 loss to Reed City, which went on to win a District title in 2024. The pair have met in the playoffs three of the last five seasons and will both play in Division 6 again if they qualify in two months. Click for more from the Cadillac News.

Watch list Traverse City St. Francis 30, Maple City Glen Lake 6 These are two more potential playoff teams after both won league titles a year ago, with this their first meeting since 2021.

On the move Cheboygan 19, Sault Ste. Marie 7 After at one point losing nine straight to Sault Ste. Marie, Cheboygan has now won two in a row and is 1-0 for the first time since 2022. Harbor Springs 18, Morley Stanwood 16 Harbor Springs won for the first time since Week 9 of the 2021 season, breaking a 26-game losing streak. Petoskey 21, Greenville 13 Petoskey also ran its regular-season winning streak to 10 to build on last year’s perfect pre-playoff run.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Saline 37, Rockford 28 These Division 1 titans hadn’t met since the 2020 playoffs, and Saline took a massive opening step with an impressive comeback to kick off this season. After Rockford took a 28-21 third-quarter lead on a blocked punt return, Saline rallied to re-tie the score, move ahead with a safety on a Rams miscue and then score one more time to pull away. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Adrian Madison 56, Grass Lake 0 A 4-1 start turned into a 4-5 finish for Madison last fall, but excitement should be renewed after this win over a Grass Lake team coming off two straight six-win seasons.

On the move Dexter 50, Brighton 27 Add the Dreadnaughts to the short list of teams that finished 9-0 during the 2024 regular season and are off to the right start again. Hudson 44, Fowler 8 The Tigers made a loud statement by avenging last season’s opening 20-6 loss to Fowler, which like Hudson is annually one of the top small-school teams in the state. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 42, Clinton 6 The reigning Division 7 runner-up Falcons actually have won 13 straight regular-season games going back to 2023 – and three matchups with Clinton since falling to the Redwolves in the District Final that fall.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Niles 28, St. Joseph 18 Niles picked up just about where it left off last season when the Vikings finished Division 4 runners-up. Their only loss before Ford Field was 30-7 to St. Joseph, but this time Niles pulled away to avenge and add a second win over the Bears over the last three seasons. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.

Watch list Berrien Springs 20, Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep 13 These two combined to win 16 games last season, and Berrien Springs had lost its last two openers to Hackett by a combined five points – and also last season’s Division 5 District Final to the Fighting Irish by 17.

On the move Edwardsburg 28, McBain 21 The Eddies opened with a close win over the reigning Highland Conference champion Ramblers. Portage Central 45, East Lansing 0 These two now have split their last four meetings, but East Lansing had won last year’s 31-7. Union City 16, Parchment 14 The reigning Big 8 Conference champion Chargers won this matchup of 2024 playoff teams.

Negaunee's Marshall Peters carries the ball before getting tackled by Marquette's Ben Rayhorn (7), Bodi Bennett (15), and Alex Brennen (9).

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Negaunee 30, Marquette 22 Meeting 142 between these neighbors went to the Miners, who improved to 71-60-11 in the series by winning their first matchup against each other since 2017. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Watch list Escanaba 21, Kingsford 18 Escanaba came into this fall off its first winning season since  2019, and the good times are still rolling after this first win over the Flivvers since 2019 as well. Kingsford had won last year’s matchup 21-0.

On the move L’Anse 26, Hancock 6 The Purple Hornets won just once over the last two seasons, but started 1-0 with their first win over Hancock since 2022. Bark River-Harris 52, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Broncos bounced back big from last year’s 24-point loss to Westwood. Iron Mountain 41, Houghton 22 The Mountaineers will roll into this week’s matchup with Bark River-Harris carrying a 27-game regular-season winning streak.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Hudsonville 27, Byron Center 21 In another matchup of teams that finished at Ford Field last November, reigning Division 1 runner-up Hudsonville held off Division 2 runner-up Byron Center, handing the Bulldogs just their third regular-season loss in three years. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Grand Rapids Northview 32, Grand Rapids West Catholic 21 Northview is showing no signs of slowing down coming off arguably its best season in at least recent program history. The Wildcats followed up last year’s perfect regular season by starting a new one downing an annual championship contender.

On the move Grandville 44, Muskegon 40 The Big Reds might be coming off their first sub-.500 season since 1999, but Muskegon is still Muskegon – which means a memorable start for Grandville, with Cass Tech up next. Hudsonville Unity Christian 55, Whitehall 14 The Crusaders’ only loss last season came in their District Final, and an offense that averaged 43 points per game during that run looks ready to roll again. Lowell 40, East Grand Rapids 7 After three straight losses to EGR, including last season by 19 points, the Red Arrows served some early notice.

On Ontonagon's first possession of the game, Jack Nelson (30) catches a pass from Brody Bobula (not shown), while being defended by Ishpeming's Grady Gauthier (3), and runs it in for a touchdown.

8-Player

HEADLINER Newberry 22, Crystal Falls Forest Park 20 Newberry ended last season with two straight wins to come in at 2-7 overall and ran its winning streak to three over the weekend by edging last season’s Division 2 champion. The victory also avenged a 37-6 loss to the Trojans from a year ago and gave Forest Park its first season-opening defeat since 2019. Click for more from the NFHS Network.

Watch list Central Lake 44, Marion 38 The Trojans – also 2-7 in 2024 – provided a strong indication that this could be a turnaround season by avenging last year’s 64-6 loss to Marion, which at a combined 40-6 has been one of the state’s top 8-player programs the last four years.

On the move Britton Deerfield 60, Pittsford 22 The Patriots made it three wins in three tries over the last two years against Pittsford in claiming this rematch of last season’s Division 2 Regional championship matchup. Gobles 54, Climax-Scotts 32 The Tigers are posted a perfect regular season a year ago and started this one with a notable win over a Climax-Scotts team that is coming off an 8-2 overall finish. Ontonagon 21, Ishpeming 14 Ontonagon claimed its fifth-straight opening-night win, this time downing an Ishpeming team that reached the Division 1 Regional Finals last year in its first playing 8-player.

MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTOS (Top) Clarkston players celebrate in the Wayne State end zone during their win over Belleville. (2) A pair of North Muskegon defenders wrap up a Pewamo-Westphalia ball carrier. (3) Negaunee's Marshall Peters carries the ball before getting tackled by Marquette's Ben Rayhorn (7), Bodi Bennett (15), and Alex Brennen (9). (4) On Ontonagon's first possession, Jack Nelson (30) catches a pass from Brody Bobula while being defended by Ishpeming's Grady Gauthier (3), and runs it in for a touchdown. (Top photo courtesy of State Champs! Sports Network. P-W/North Muskegon photo by Jim Pivarnik. Negaunee/Marquette and Ontonagon/Ishpeming photos by Cara Kamps.)