2014 Week 7 Football Playoff Listing
October 7, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Following 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 for 11-player teams, with 8-player teams ordered by playoff average. An asterisk (*) beside a record indicates a team has eight or fewer games scheduled. A caret (^) beside a school’s name indicates 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. 31. 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. 31.
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 on Oct. 26 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. Macomb Dakota ^, 2814, 5-1, 86.167
2. Sterling Heights Stevenson ^, 2767, 5-1, 84.333
3. Clarkston, 2742, 6-0, 108.000
4. Utica Eisenhower, 2712, 3-3, 56.333
5. Grand Blanc ^, 2668, 5-1, 76.667
6. East Kentwood ^, 2592, 5-1, 78.000
7. Rockford ^, 2555, 5-1, 88.500
8. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 2538, 4-2, 69.333
9. Lake Orion, 2459, 3-3, 47.167
10. Dearborn Fordson, 2411, 6-0, 97.333
11. Northville, 2298, 4-2, 61.167
12. Holland West Ottawa ^, 2293, 5-1, 87.333
13. Canton ^, 2289, 5-1, 86.000
14. Detroit Cass Tech, 2277, 6-0, 96.000
15. Detroit Catholic Central, 2134, 3-3, 51.333
16. Brighton, 2133, 3-3, 48.667
17. Plymouth ^, 2116, 5-1, 75.333
18. Lapeer, 2112, 6-0, 90.667
19. Utica Ford, 2090, 3-3, 45.667
20. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North, 2008, 3-3, 50.333
21. Hartland ^, 2007, 5-1, 85.500
22. Novi, 1994, 3-3, 46.667
23. Monroe, 1992, 4-2, 65.500
24. Grand Haven, 1960, 3-3, 51.333
25. West Bloomfield ^, 1929, 5-1, 79.500
26. Dearborn, 1876, 3-3, 50.167
27. Westland John Glenn, 1872, 3-3, 46.000
28. Warren Mott, 1870, 3-3, 52.500
29. Oxford ^, 1864, 5-1, 80.833
30. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 1857, 3-3, 46.833
31. Livonia Stevenson, 1848, 4-2, 62.167
32. Saline ^, 1844, 5-1, 86.667
33. Walled Lake Central ^, 1815, 5-1, 83.167
34. Romeo, 1770, 3-3, 49.500
35. Hudsonville, 1759, 4-2, 66.500
36. Waterford Mott, 1738, 4-2, 65.333
37. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 1711, 3-3, 47.167
38. Livonia Churchill ^, 1696, 5-1, 83.333
39. Grand Ledge, 1689, 4-2, 61.500
40. Fraser, 1684, 3-3, 49.500
41. Traverse City West, 1658, 3-3, 48.333
42. Waterford Kettering, 1610, 4-2, 60.000
43. Temperance Bedford, 1600, 3-3, 54.333
44. Warren Cousino, 1588, 3-3, 49.500
45. Flint Carman-Ainsworth ^, 1568, 5-1, 79.167
46. Warren DeLaSalle, 1562, 3-3, 41.667
47. Davison, 1531, 3-3, 42.000
48. Detroit Western International, 1521, 3-3, 38.667
49. Detroit Martin Luther King, 1507, 6-0, 97.333
50. Walled Lake Western ^, 1502, 5-1, 79.167
51. Traverse City Central, 1490, 4-2, 69.000
52. Oak Park ^, 1486, 5-1, 82.167
53. Brownstown Woodhaven, 1484, 6-0, 100.000
54. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 1422, 4-2, 62.000
55. Caledonia, 1417, 4-2, 67.333
56. Midland, 1400, 3-3, 44.167
57. Portage Central *^, 1384, 4-1, 73.467
58. Lincoln Park, 1384, 3-3, 40.167
59. Detroit Pershing, 1379, 3-3, 39.000
60. Southgate Anderson, 1374, 3-3, 44.500
61. Lansing Everett, 1364, 4-2, 59.667
62. Dearborn Edsel Ford, 1356, 4-2, 63.333
63. Wyandotte Roosevelt ^, 1351, 5-1, 83.333
64. Detroit East English, 1345, 4-2, 63.000
65. Portage Northern, 1345, 4-2, 67.567
66. Port Huron ^, 1336, 5-1, 83.500
67. Grosse Pointe North, 1310, 4-2, 65.000
68. Ypsilanti Community, 1300, 4-2, 60.833
69. Birmingham Brother Rice, 1298, 6-0, 105.333
70. North Farmington, 1296, 3-3, 44.000
71. Garden City, 1290, 3-3, 39.333
72. Swartz Creek, 1285, 3-3, 48.333
73. Battle Creek Lakeview *^, 1278, 4-1, 80.500
74. Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills, 1275, 3-3, 40.000
75. Muskegon Mona Shores ^, 1274, 5-1, 87.333
76. Okemos, 1273, 3-3, 52.167
77. Bay City Central, 1271, 3-3, 43.333
78. Birmingham Groves, 1270, 6-0, 92.000
79. Alpena, 1270, 3-3, 42.500
80. Berkley ^, 1265, 5-1, 74.000
81. Flushing ^, 1260, 5-1, 81.667
82. Midland Dow, 1255, 6-0, 97.333
83. South Lyon ^, 1254, 5-1, 85.667
84. Southfield, 1239, 4-2, 64.000
85. Farmington Hills Harrison ^, 1212, 5-1, 86.000
86. Mattawan, 1184, 3-3, 43.033
87. Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, 1183, 3-3, 43.833
88. Fenton, 1181, 6-0, 101.333
89. Farmington ^, 1178, 5-1, 83.333
90. Grand Rapids Northview, 1177, 4-2, 58.500
91. Warren Woods Tower, 1175, 6-0, 90.667
92. Muskegon, 1157, 6-0, 100.000
93. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 1153, 3-3, 45.000
94. Lowell, 1145, 6-0, 94.667
95. Detroit Renaissance, 1144, 4-2, 58.333
96. Greenville, 1130, 4-2, 54.333
97. Gibraltar Carlson, 1129, 4-2, 57.500
98. Battle Creek Central, 1124, 4-2, 59.933
99. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, 1113, 6-0, 93.333
100. Holland, 1109, 3-3, 45.333
101. Detroit Cody, 1096, 3-3, 40.333
102. Marquette ^, 1090, 5-1, 70.786
103. St. Johns ^, 1088, 5-1, 79.500
104. Byron Center ^, 1085, 5-1, 75.500
105. Allen Park ^, 1069, 5-1, 76.833
106. Auburn Hills Avondale, 1056, 3-3, 43.500
107. Orchard Lake St. Mary's ^, 1054, 5-1, 82.167
108. Mt. Pleasant, 1050, 4-2, 63.000
109. Mason, 1032, 3-3, 47.167
110. St. Joseph, 1028, 4-2, 59.833
111. Redford Thurston, 1024, 3-3, 48.333
112. East Grand Rapids, 986, 4-2, 64.333
113. Petoskey ^, 965, 5-1, 76.833
114. Trenton, 955, 3-3, 46.167
115. Romulus, 950, 4-2, 49.500
116. Riverview ^, 935, 5-1, 68.667
117. DeWitt, 930, 6-0, 100.000
118. Gaylord, 927, 4-2, 53.333
119. Linden, 921, 4-2, 60.167
120. Detroit Mumford, 919, 4-2, 59.667
121. Clio, 918, 3-3, 44.333
122. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, 914, 3-3, 40.000
123. Cedar Springs ^, 910, 5-1, 72.333
124. Grand Rapids Christian, 895, 4-2, 65.667
125. Fruitport, 890, 3-3, 41.833
126. Stevensville Lakeshore ^, 887, 5-1, 91.000
127. Sault Ste. Marie, 886, 3-3, 45.667
128. Niles, 885, 4-2, 57.100
129. Carleton Airport, 879, 3-3, 38.000
130. Coldwater ^, 876, 5-1, 60.833
131. Sturgis, 875, 3-3, 37.000
132. Haslett, 874, 3-3, 52.833
133. Tecumseh, 869, 4-2, 64.000
134. New Boston Huron ^, 867, 5-1, 74.167
135. Warren Fitzgerald, 857, 4-2, 55.667
136. Zeeland West, 850, 6-0, 82.667
137. Dearborn Divine Child, 848, 4-2, 53.000
138. Bay City John Glenn, 847, 4-2, 48.167
139. Battle Creek Harper Creek, 845, 4-2, 53.333
140. St. Clair ^, 844, 5-1, 75.500
141. Edwardsburg ^, 839, 5-1, 72.500
142. Chelsea, 838, 4-2, 65.000
143. Detroit Old Redford, 837, 3-3, 39.167
144. Charlotte, 836, 3-3, 37.667
145. Flint Southwestern, 813, 3-3, 41.333
146. Plainwell ^, 812, 5-1, 67.333
147. Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 807, 3-3, 38.667
148. Marysville, 806, 3-3, 46.333
149. Spring Lake, 802, 4-2, 53.167
150. Detroit Denby, 800, 4-2, 65.333
151. Holland Christian, 800, 3-3, 44.667
152. Ionia, 796, 3-3, 42.000
153. Vicksburg, 794, 4-2, 58.500
154. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 790, 4-2, 45.167
155. Eaton Rapids, 773, 3-3, 39.333
156. Cadillac, 747, 6-0, 96.000
157. Goodrich ^, 737, 5-1, 71.500
158. Ferndale, 723, 3-3, 43.500
159. Three Rivers, 722, 4-2, 61.000
160. Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 717, 6-0, 82.933
161. Yale, 716, 4-2, 50.833
162. Comstock Park, 703, 3-3, 42.000
163. Croswell-Lexington, 701, 3-3, 36.500
164. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy, 691, 4-2, 55.500
165. Detroit Country Day, 690, 4-2, 56.333
166. Allendale, 689, 3-3, 44.500
167. Muskegon Orchard View, 662, 4-2, 48.833
168. Williamston, 659, 6-0, 82.667
169. Paw Paw, 657, 3-3, 41.667
170. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 655, 3-3, 47.190
171. Lansing Sexton, 652, 6-0, 104.000
172. Whitehall, 644, 6-0, 70.667
173. Grosse Ile, 640, 4-2, 54.833
174. Kalamazoo Hackett, 635, 4-2, 49.333
175. Detroit Collegiate Prep, 634, 3-3, 37.833
176. Richmond ^, 630, 5-1, 74.167
177. Imlay City, 629, 3-3, 31.000
178. Grand Rapids South Christian, 623, 4-2, 59.667
179. Wyoming Kelloggsville, 610, 4-2, 53.500
180. Wyoming Godwin Heights, 609, 4-2, 44.667
181. Dowagiac, 606, 3-3, 41.333
182. Saginaw Swan Valley, 602, 6-0, 80.000
183. Clawson, 589, 3-3, 34,500
184. North Muskegon, 577, 3-3, 34.167
185. Birch Run ^, 575, 5-1, 66.000
186. Essexville Garber, 574, 3-3, 39.500
187. Remus Chippewa Hills ^, 567, 5-1, 72.500
188. Marine City, 553, 6-0, 82.667
189. Flint Powers Catholic, 553, 4-2, 60.167
190. Freeland ^, 549, 5-1, 67.500
191. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard ^, 545, 5-1, 58.433
192. Stanton Central Montcalm, 539, 4-2, 55.667
193. Portland, 538, 3-3, 46.000
194. Menominee, 532, 6-0, 84.267
195. River Rouge ^, 530, 5-1, 72.000
196. Detroit University Prep, 530, 4-2, 50.667
197. Frankenmuth ^, 528, 5-1, 70.167
198. Gladwin, 528, 4-2, 48.000
199. Ida, 527, 6-0, 72.000
200. Hopkins ^, 522, 5-1, 66.200
201. Grayling, 517, 3-3, 38.533
202. Lansing Catholic, 515, 6-0, 84.000
203. Almont, 512, 6-0, 80.000
204. Carrollton, 511, 3-3, 34.667
205. Newaygo ^, 506, 5-1, 67.333
206. Olivet ^, 505, 5-1, 64.333
207. Muskegon Oakridge ^, 501, 5-1, 58.167
208. Berrien Springs, 501, 4-2, 52.667
209. Onsted, 499, 4-2, 41.500
210. Clinton Township Clintondale, 499, 3-3, 39.833
211. Ovid-Elsie, 487, 3-3, 39.167
212. Chesaning, 480, 4-2, 48.833
213. Manistee, 479, 4-2, 47.833
214. Detroit Central Collegiate, 479, 3-3, 40.333
215. Gladstone, 473, 3-3, 32.500
216. Stockbridge, 462, 4-2, 52.000
217. Reed City ^, 461, 5-1, 60.667
218. Detroit Community, 455, 3-3, 38.500
219. Leslie, 454, 3-3, 33.167
220. Clare, 445, 4-2, 53.500
221. Harrison, 444, 6-0, 66.667
222. Kingsley, 439, 4-2, 47.833
223. Grand Rapids West Catholic, 438, 6-0, 82.667
224. Southfield Bradford Academy, 438, 3-3, 36.700
225. Delton Kellogg, 428, 3-3, 32.333
226. Lakeview ^, 426, 5-1, 53.333
227. Beaverton, 422, 4-2, 42.333
228. Calumet, 419, 3-3, 42.548
229. Jonesville, 419, 3-3, 35.667
230. Jackson Lumen Christi, 417, 6-0, 84.000
231. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 417, 6-0, 88.000
232. Negaunee, 417, 4-2, 42.167
233. Millington, 414, 6-0, 86.667
234. Warren Michigan Collegiate, 414, 6-0, 78.667
235. Fennville, 407, 4-2, 41.000
236. Detroit Edison Public School Academy, 407, 3-3, 37.433
237. Ithaca, 405, 6-0, 80.000
238. Sanford Meridian Early College, 404, 4-2, 41.333
239. Mason County Central, 404, 3-3, 31.167
240. Hillsdale ^, 401, 5-1, 59.500
241. Hanover-Horton ^, 399, 5-1, 50.000
242. Boyne City, 395, 6-0, 71.200
243. Grass Lake ^, 395, 5-1, 51.333
244. Madison Heights Madison ^, 393, 5-1, 76.833
245. Morley Stanwood, 393, 3-3, 31.000
246. Montrose ^, 392, 5-1, 56.667
247. Oscoda, 391, 3-3, 30.833
248. Tawas, 385, 4-2, 53.333
249. Elk Rapids, 384, 3-3, 36.533
250. Niles Brandywine ^, 383, 5-1, 60.400
251. Manchester ^, 379, 5-1, 63.500
252. Watervliet ^, 378, 5-1, 51.333
253. Quincy, 375, 4-2, 37.167
254. Vassar, 375, 3-3, 31.333
255. St. Charles, 373, 3-3, 39.333
256. Constantine, 371, 6-0, 75.200
257. Bad Axe, 371, 4-2, 44.000
258. Clinton, 367, 6-0, 70.667
259. Vandercook Lake, 366, 4-2, 38.667
260. Laingsburg, 361, 4-2, 41.167
261. Schoolcraft, 361, 4-2, 54.200
262. Charlevoix, 353, 3-3, 41.833
263. Flint Beecher, 350, 6-0, 77.333
264. Burton Bendle, 348, 3-3, 33.500
265. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian ^, 347, 5-1, 63.333
266. Kent City, 344, 3-3, 31.167
267. Leroy Pine River, 343, 4-2, 45.167
268. Ravenna ^, 342, 5-1, 56.667
269. Carson City-Crystal, 330, 4-2, 46.333
270. Galesburg-Augusta, 329, 3-3, 29.167
271. Bridgman *^, 327, 4-1, 53.733
272. Saginaw Nouvel, 322, 3-3, 41.833
273. Ishpeming Westwood, 318, 4-2, 36.000
274. Marlette, 316, 4-2, 44.500
275. Lawton, 316, 3-3, 28.167
276. Cass City, 314, 3-3, 34.167
277. Homer, 312, 6-0, 58.667
278. Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, 308, 6-0, 64.000
279. Ishpeming *, 307, 6-0, 74.667
280. Sandusky, 307, 3-3, 34.667
281. Traverse City St. Francis, 305, 4-2, 51.000
282. Burton Atherton, 304, 4-2, 48.300
283. Pewamo-Westphalia ^, 302, 5-1, 51.333
284. Gobles ^, 301, 5-1, 56.833
285. Dansville, 301, 4-2, 44.167
286. Iron Mountain, 298, 4-2, 45.667
287. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 297, 4-2, 51.933
288. Flint Hamady, 295, 4-2, 36.833
289. McBain, 295, 3-3, 30.833
290. Union City, 294, 6-0, 61.333
291. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 289, 3-3, 30.833
292. Ecorse, 288, 3-3, 34.500
293. Whittemore-Prescott, 283, 6-0, 72.000
294. Mancelona, 282, 3-3, 24.833
295. Saugatuck, 281, 4-2, 38.667
296. Detroit Loyola, 278, 6-0, 89.600
297. St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic *, 277, 3-2, 32.400
298. Manton, 276, 4-2, 37.000
299. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 273, 4-2, 44.833
300. Hudson ^, 271, 5-1, 50.000
301. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett ^, 270, 5-1, 52.500
302. Cassopolis, 269, 3-3, 32.167
303. Decatur, 262, 6-0, 77.333
304. Centreville, 261, 3-3, 29.667
305. Lincoln Alcona, 260, 3-3, 32.333
306. Iron River West Iron County, 259, 6-0, 72.000
307. New Lothrop, 259, 6-0, 70.667
308. Blanchard Montabella, 256, 4-2, 43.500
309. Breckenridge, 247, 4-2, 43.833
310. Reading, 246, 3-3, 29.667
311. Norway, 244, 3-3, 29.362
312. Onekama, 244, 3-3, 25.833
313. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary ^, 243, 5-1, 54.167
314. Suttons Bay ^, 243, 5-1, 54.600
315. Indian River Inland Lakes ^, 242, 5-1, 43.500
316. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 238, 4-2, 41.333
317. Johannesburg-Lewiston ^, 237, 5-1, 47.500
318. Petersburg-Summerfield, 233, 4-2, 45.500
319. Harbor Beach, 232, 6-0, 69.333
320. Bessemer *, 231, 3-2, 28.314
321. L'Anse, 230, 4-2, 40.167
322. White Pigeon, 226, 3-3, 33.233
323. Beal City ^, 222, 5-1, 63.500
324. Lutheran Westland ^, 221, 5-1, 51.167
325. AuGres-Sims, 221, 3-3, 25.500
326. Rogers City, 219, 3-3, 22.833
327. Coleman ^, 217, 5-1, 50.200
328. Mendon ^, 214, 5-1, 60.667
329. St. Ignace, 211, 6-0, 66.667
330. Fulton, 211, 3-3, 36.667
331. Newberry, 211, 3-3, 25.933
332. Pittsford, 205, 4-2, 35.800
333. North Adams-Jerome, 202, 3-3, 18.867
334. Bark River-Harris ^, 194, 5-1, 40.600
335. Munising ^, 194, 5-1, 43.767
336. Central Lake, 190, 4-2, 32.167
337. Fowler, 189, 6-0, 65.333
338. Morenci ^, 184, 5-1, 60.833
339. Muskegon Catholic Central, 183, 6-0, 84.000
340. Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 171, 3-3, 36.200
341. Climax-Scotts, 169, 6-0, 50.667
342. Waterford Our Lady ^, 169, 5-1, 63.500
343. Crystal Falls Forest Park *^, 167, 4-1, 45.781
344. Brethren, 166, 3-3, 25.333
345. Lake Linden-Hubbell ^, 163, 5-1, 55.381
346. Frankfort *^, 156, 4-1, 49.467
347. Colon *, 156, 3-2, 32.933
348. Hillman, 139, 6-0, 54.667.
349. Baldwin ^, 137, 5-1, 47.333.
350. Bay City All Saints, 133, 3-3, 33.000
351. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, 124, 3-3, 37.033
352. Felch North Dickinson *, 113, 3-3, 25.933
353. Clarkston Everest Collegiate *, 105, 5-0, 62.667
8-Player Playoff Listing
1. Rapid River, 108, 6-0, 52.533
2. Peck, 158, 6-0, 52.000
3. Owendale-Gagetown, 49, 6-0, 48.000
4. Portland St. Patrick, 96, 6-0, 48.000
5. Bellaire, 151, 6-0, 47.200
6. Battle Creek St. Philip, 157, 6-0, 45.333
7. Lawrence, 191, 6-0, 42.667
8. Cedarville, 158, 5-1, 40.833
9. Deckerville, 183, 5-1, 40.833
10. Waldron, 89, 5-1, 36.833
11. New Haven Merritt Academy, 145, 4-2, 25.667
12. Kingston, 191, 3-3, 25.000
13. Engadine, 85, 3-3, 23.667
14. Morrice, 196, 3-3, 20.167
15. Burr Oak, 69, 3-3, 19.667
16. Webberville, 189, 3-3, 19.333
17. Posen, 90, 2-4, 18.667
18. Caseville, 81, 2-4, 16.667
19. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 188, 2-4, 16.500
20. Ontonagon *, 138, 2-3, 14.467
21. Ewen-Trout Creek, 135, 2-4, 14.167
22. Eben Junction Superior Central, 126, 2-4, 13.833
23. Akron-Fairgrove, 99, 2-4, 13.000
24. Kinde-North Huron, 172, 1-5, 10.333
25. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 147, 1-5, 9.000
26. Tekonsha, 146, 1-5, 8.333
27. Brimley, 144, 1-5, 8.000
28. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran *, 101, 0-6, 3.833
29. Flint Michigan School for the Deaf, 56, 0-6, 3.000
30. Litchfield, 106, 0-6, 3.000
31. St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy, 54, 0-6, 1.533
1st & Goal: 2023 Week 9 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 18, 2023
Memories are guaranteed to be made this weekend.
Only 288 teams qualify for the MHSAA Football Playoffs. And while the great majority have secured spots in the field to be announced Sunday, there’s still opportunity for last-minute movement this weekend; in 2021, 15 teams joined the field during Week 9, and last season that total was 14.
That also brings us to some potential history being made.
Perry may be on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time. The Ramblers enter the weekend 5-3, playing Bath (also 5-3) and sitting No. 25 on the Division 7 playoff-points average list. Hart also is playing to secure a first playoff berth and sits 7-1 in Division 6, hosting Ravenna (3-5).
Detroit University Prep Science & Math and Jackson Northwest are seeking the same, but likely will need help. University Prep is 5-3 and No. 37 on the Division 3 playoff-points average list, while Northwest is 4-4 and No. 38. The top 32 qualify in each 11-player division, and the top 16 qualify in both divisions of 8-player.
By the end of Saturday night, the field will be known – follow all of the playoff-point average movement in real-time on the Playoff Point Summary page.
How those teams are assigned to Districts and Regionals, and who plays who, will be announced at 6 p.m. Sunday on Bally Sports Detroit Extra. Tune in via your cable provider or the BSD website. Pairings will then be posted to MHSAA.com at 7 p.m., with dates, times and locations for all games added Monday.
(All games below are Friday unless noted.)
Bay & Thumb
Frankenmuth (7-1) at Gladwin (7-1)
This rematch of last season’s Division 5 championship game – won by Gladwin 10-7 on a field goal with two seconds to play – seems a fitting way to roll into these playoffs. Both continued league title streaks this fall, Gladwin with its third-straight in the Jack Pine Conference and Frankenmuth clinching its 12th-in a row in the Tri-Valley Conference. Both have losses against MHSAA championship contenders – Gladwin 56-21 to undefeated Division 5 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Frankenmuth 14-8 in its opener to 2022 Division 4 runner-up Goodrich. Both are putting up more than 40 points a game this fall with several new contributors, and depending on how the lines are drawn they could see each other a second time; Frankenmuth is No. 8 in Division 5 playoff-point average, and Gladwin is No. 14.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ogemaw Heights (7-1) at Almont (8-0) - WATCH, Lapeer (5-3) at Davison (8-0), Port Huron (7-1) at Marysville (6-2), Croswell-Lexington (7-1) at Freeland (7-1) - WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Northville (8-0) at Belleville (8-0) - WATCH
The overall Kensington Lakes Activities Association championship is on the line, along with perfect regular seasons for both and Belleville’s 33-game winning streak. Five of eight teams in the KLAA East are .500 or better heading into this weekend, and Belleville outscored all of its conference opponents by a combined 345-18 over the last seven weeks. Northville, champion of the KLAA West, is the Tigers’ next challenger and another good one – the Mustangs are actually No. 2 in Division 1 playoff-point average, while Belleville is No. 6. Keep in mind, this again could be just the first round between these two over the next few weeks.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Birmingham Groves (6-2) at Birmingham Seaholm (7-1) - WATCH, Grosse Pointe North (6-2) at Grosse Pointe South (7-1), Detroit Denby (8-0) at Warren De La Salle Collegiate (6-2). SATURDAY Detroit Cass Tech (6-2) vs. Toledo Central Catholic (9-0) at Ford Field
Mid-Michigan
East Lansing (6-2) at Grand Ledge (6-2) - WATCH
The Capital Area Activities Conference Blue is one of few with title possibilities remaining, as East Lansing clinched a guaranteed share against Holt last week but Grand Ledge and DeWitt are both just one game back with this one (and DeWitt’s against Lansing Waverly) to play. East Lansing had won four straight over its longtime rival before the Comets prevailed 45-30 last season. After opening 0-2 against opponents that remain a combined 12-4, East Lansing has churned to 42 points per game over its last six games while giving up just 70 points total during that time. The Comets’ league loss came to DeWitt, 41-38 in Week 6, and they fell to Lapeer as well a week later before rebounding against Okemos to set up this title-share opportunity.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Goodrich (7-1) at Williamston (6-2), McBain (5-3) at Fowler (7-1) - WATCH, Harbor Beach (7-1) at Beal City (8-0) - WATCH, Berrien Springs (5-2) at Portland (8-0).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Traverse City Central (4-4) at Traverse City West (3-5) - WATCH
The annual Patriot Game between these neighbors at their shared Thirlby Field will no doubt have the same festive feel this weekend, but with different factors in play. Both are among three teams tied for second in the Saginaw Valley League Blue that’s already been clinched by Mount Pleasant, and instead both are battling for some level of playoff opportunity – Central is No. 29 in Division 2 playoff-point average, and West may only be able to play spoiler sitting at No. 41. Central last missed the playoffs in 2013, but has won this rivalry matchup four straight seasons although only 14-13 a year ago. West saw a similar run of postseason success end a year ago and has improved by a win this season – and adding one more no doubt would give the Titans something to build on for 2024.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Elk Rapids (4-4) at East Jordan (5-3) - WATCH, Grayling (5-3) at Lake City (6-2), Clare (6-2) at Petoskey (5-3) - WATCH. SATURDAY Muskegon Catholic Central (5-3) at Traverse City St. Francis (3-4) - WATCH.
Southeast & Border
Addison (8-0) at Napoleon (8-0)
It's tough to rank any game above Saline/Lake Orion below, but these two also are undefeated and meeting for the overall Cascades Conference championship in the first season after the league split into divisions. These teams have split their last six meetings – Napoleon winning 36-18 last year to finish off an outright Cascades title – and both soundly defeated their three mutual opponents on the way here. This will provide one last strong test heading into what surely will be tough playoff brackets for both. Napoleon is tied for No. 2 in Division 7 playoff-point average, but No. 1 Jackson Lumen Christi and No. 5 Clinton could be opponents soon. Addison is No. 7 in Division 8 playoff-point average with No. 1 Ottawa Lake Whiteford and No. 6 Hudson possibly down the road.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hudson (7-1) at Clinton (7-1) - WATCH, Chelsea (7-1) at Dexter (6-2), Lake Orion (8-0) at Saline (8-0) - WATCH. SATURDAY Battle Creek Harper Creek (6-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (7-1) at Ford Field.
Southwest Corridor
Paw Paw (8-0) at Niles (7-1) - WATCH
From a trophy perspective, this might be the most significant 11-player game in the state this weekend – a winner-take-all for the Wolverine Conference championship. Along the way, they’ve guaranteed an end to Edwardsburg’s league title reign at nine straight – including the last seven in the combined Wolverine after the league previously was split into divisions – and both contenders have left no doubt they are the elite in the league this fall. After opening with a 55-0 win over St. Joseph and then taking its lone loss to Stevensville Lakeshore, 15-14, Niles has outscored its other six Wolverine opponents by a combined 335-37, with three straight shutouts heading into this matchup. Paw Paw hasn’t had a game closer than three touchdowns all season and has outscored its other league opponents by a combined 227-53.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Union City (6-2) at Buchanan (5-3) - WATCH, Hastings (6-2) at Battle Creek Pennfield (4-4), South Haven (5-3) at Kalamazoo United (5-3), Stevensville Lakeshore (5-3) at Portage Central (7-1).
Upper Peninsula
Iron Mountain (8-0) at Negaunee (7-1), Thursday - WATCH
This matchup of Western Peninsula Athletic Conference powers kicks off Week 9 in a big way Thursday, as Iron Mountain dominated in winning the Iron championship and Negaunee came back from a Week 2 loss to claim a share in the Copper. Iron Mountain played in the Copper most recently, until this season, and the league matchups between these two were decided by three points twice and two points once – all Iron Mountain wins – before Negaunee claimed last year’s 19-14. The Miners this time are coming off a 13-6 win over Houghton – which the Mountaineers defeated 56-6 in the opener two months ago – and they’ve had no other common opponent. But what they do have in common are playing styles, as both have dominating defenses and potent run games.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Menominee (6-2) at Bark River-Harris (5-3) - WATCH, Gaylord (8-0) at Sault Ste. Marie (5-3) - WATCH, Saginaw Nouvel (3-5) at Manistique (4-4) - WATCH, Kingsford (7-1) at Marquette (5-2) - WATCH.
West Michigan
Hudsonville (5-3) at Rockford (8-0) - WATCH
The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red will be the last of the O-K divisions to fully crown its champion, as Rockford earned a share of the title last week with a 34-13 win over second-place Grandville but needs to down Hudsonville as well to clinch outright. That result over the Bulldogs was Rockford’s closest in league play this season and no opponent league or nonleague has gotten closer than 20 points. But Hudsonville can shake things up and showed the ability with its Week 2 win over East Lansing and narrow loss to Grandville in Week 5. Rockford has won the last eight meetings between this pair, but Hudsonville played the Rams to 42-31 a year ago despite finishing only 3-6. In fact, one more win would assure the Eagles their best record since at least 2019. Rockford sits first in Division 1 playoff-point average, guaranteeing three home playoff games if that position is maintained, while Hudsonville is slotting No. 24 and should benefit playing this game win or lose.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Coopersville (6-2) at Allendale (6-2), East Grand Rapids (6-2) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (6-2) - WATCH, Montague (4-4) at Muskegon Oakridge (5-3) - WATCH, Schoolcraft (6-2) at Saugatuck (7-1) - WATCH.
8-Player
Indian River Inland Lakes (7-1) at Gaylord St. Mary (6-2), Saturday
This is also a winner-take-all as these two sit tied for first in the Ski Valley Conference. Inland Lakes has won the league title both seasons as part of it for 8-player football, including last year thanks to a 44-40 win over St. Mary on the way to the Snowbirds finishing second. All of that alone makes this big, but the St. Mary’s season also is on the line. Inland Lakes sits No. 8 in 8-player Division 1 playoff-point average, but St. Mary is No. 18, just outside the qualifying field after losing last week to Rudyard, which sits No. 16. Neither team has missed the playoffs since switching to the 8-player format, St. Mary in 2019 and Inland Lakes in 2020.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Posen (7-0) at Au Gres-Sims (7-1) - WATCH, Bay City All Saints (7-1) at Brown City (8-0) - WATCH, St. Ignace (7-1) at Pickford (8-0) - WATCH, Climax-Scotts (8-0) at Pittsford (7-1) - WATCH.
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PHOTO Ortonville Brandon and Goodrich face off Oct. 6 during a downpour. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)