Battle of the Fans VII: Vote Now
February 19, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Three finalists have shown us this month why they should win the Battle of the Fans VII championship.
But we need your help deciding which should be called the state's best student cheering section for 2017-18.
Vote today through 4 p.m. Thursday on your favorite of these three (enrollments in parentheses) – Boyne City (429), Buchanan (420) and Petoskey (941) – by liking, sharing and re-tweeting on the MHSAA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites
But before you do, take a few minutes to watch all three videos and read the stories behind the sections by clicking the links below.
The contest is sponsored by the MHSAA Student Advisory Council, which will have the final vote on the champion. SAC members will use all resources available to make their decision – including giving significant weight to the public social media vote. Votes will be valued proportionate to the size of the school receiving them (for example, one vote for Class B Boyne City or Buchanan will be worth more than one vote for Class A Petoskey).
The champion will be announced Friday on Second Half. All three finalists will be invited to Michigan State University's Breslin Center on March 23 for the Class B Boys Basketball Semifinals, and the winner will be presented with a championship banner at center court.
And now, the finalists, in alphabetical order:
Boyne City
Read all about it: Boyne City Wants You to Get Rowdy
Buchanan
Read all about it: No Place Buchanan's Herd Would Rather Be
Petoskey
Read all about it: Revived Blue Crew Continues to Thrive
Performance of the Week: Blanchard Montabella's Brady Kieff
November 20, 2025
Brady Kieff ♦ Blanchard Montabella
Senior ♦ Football
Kieff ran 13 times for 86 yards and three touchdowns – including the game-winner with 1:04 to play – as Montabella came back from a 20-point deficit to defeat Norway 32-28 in an 8-Player Division 1 Semifinal. The Mustangs (11-1) have won their first Regional championship and set a record for wins this season, and next will face Martin on Saturday in the Division 1 Final at Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University.
A 5-foot-10, 160-pound running back, Kieff missed all of his junior season with an injury – but he has stormed back as a senior leading Montabella in rushing with 1,561 yards – 8.4 per carry – and 19 touchdowns. Kieff also plays baseball and plans to attend Mid Michigan College immediately after high school and then Lake Superior State University to study conservation, law and biology as he hopes to eventually work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
@mhsaasports 🏈POW: Brady Kieff #football #blanchardmontabella #highschoolsports #performanceoftheweek #MHSAA ♬ Bright and fun upbeat pops, Kids, Animals, Pets, Fun, Cute, Happy, Playful, Upbeat(1465232) - SAKUMAMATATA
@mhsaasports 🏈POW: Brady Kieff #funfacts #tiktalk #performanceoftheweek #highschoolsports #MHSAA ♬ Girly and cute synth pop - SAKUMAMATATA
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MHSAA.com's "Performance of the Week" features 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 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
Previous 2025-26 honorees
Nov. 13: Ella Laupp, Battle Creek Harper Creek swimming - Report
Nov. 7: Hunter Eaton, Charlevoix cross country - Report
Oct. 31: Stephen Gollapalli, Lansing Christian tennis - Report
Oct. 23: Talya Schreiber, Pickford cross country - Report
Oct. 16: Avery Manning, Dexter golf - Report
Oct. 9: Brady Van Laecke, Hudsonville football - Report
Oct. 2: Sarah Giroux, Flat Rock volleyball - Report
Sept. 25: Sam Schumacher, Portage Central tennis - Report
Sept. 18: Kaylee Mitzel, Saline field hockey - Report
Sept. 11: Natasza Dudek, Ann Arbor Pioneer cross country - Report
Sept. 4: Kate Posey, Big Rapids golf - Report
(Photos courtesy of Photos by Anna Jensen.)