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Drive for Detroit: Week 3 in Review

September 10, 2012

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Mid-September is not the logical time to announce a league championship has been decided.

But this season, games played during Week 3 eventually may determine at least nine league championships. 

A number of results could've been considered the most intriguing – and we've tried to hit all of the possibilities in this week's Drive for Detroit report.

West Michigan

Muskegon 21, Rockford 9

The Big Reds are rivaling Detroit Cass Tech as the most impressive team in the state so far after motoring past Rockford on the legs of a 400-21 rushing yards advantage. Muskegon (3-0) now owns wins over Rockford, Orchard Lake St. Mary and Ohio power Sylvania Southview. The Rams face a 1-2 start for the first time since 1999. But rest assured, Ram Nation: the last time Rockford opened 1-2, it still made the Division 1 Semifinals. Click to read more from the Muskegon Chronicle.

Also noted:

Holland West Ottawa 24, East Grand Rapids 17 – These teams met for the first time since 1983; West Ottawa beat the Pioneers for the first time since 1980.

Muskegon Oakridge 35, Montague 7 – After two straight one-point games between these two, Oakridge won big to take the upper hand in the West Michigan Conference.

Zeeland East 15, Hudsonville 14 – East is off to a 3-0 start again, but the Eagles are 1-2 with those losses by a combined four points.

Grand Rapids South Christian 42, Grand Rapids West Catholic 7 – Beating this 2011 Division 5 Semifinalist, plus losing to Grand Rapids Christian by only 10 in Week 1, makes the Sailors look lined up to challenge Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the O-K Gold.

Mid-Michigan

Pinckney 36, Brighton 14

The Pirates had lost 18 straight to Brighton. In fact, they hadn’t beaten the Bulldogs since 1977 before scoring 29 unanswered points Friday in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West opener. Pinckney is 2-1, just a win off last season’s total and halfway to their best season since 2001. Brighton fell to 1-2. Click to read more from the Livingston Daily.

Also noted:

Alma 14, Freeland 6 – The Panthers opened the Tri-Valley Conference Central season by avenging a loss that kept them from winning a share of the title in 2011.

Grand Ledge 35, Lansing Sexton 8 – The Comets scored more than 30 points for the third straight week and look good to cruise into an Oct. 5 showdown with Lansing Everett that could decide the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue title.

Portland St. Patrick 58, Burr Oak 14 – The Shamrocks appear to have struck gold with the 8-player format, averaging nearly 61 points per game during a 3-0 start.

Owosso 25, Haslett 22 – This was arguably Owosso’s most impressive win since 2006 and will help as the Trojans go for a first playoff berth since 2001.

Greater Detroit

Oxford 34, Farmington Hills Harrison 31 (2 OT)

The Wildcats had lost by an average of 31 points to the Hawks over the last two seasons, their first together in the Oakland Activities Association White. But Oxford (2-1) broke Harrison’s 21-game regular-season winning streak in what has to be considered an upset although both teams made the playoffs in 2011. The Wildcats also beat a 2011 playoff team, North Farmington, in Week 2. Click to read more from NorthOaklandSports.com.

Also noted:

Livonia Churchill 35, Plymouth 31 – Churchill had lost its first four matchups with Plymouth since the start of the KLAA, including 41-0 in 2011.

Warren DeLaSalle 40, Dearborn Fordson 19 – After a loss to one of the best in Ohio, Cleveland St. Ignatius, the Pilots bounced back for a solid win heading into the Catholic League season.

Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 21, Utica Eisenhower 7 – The Big Reds avenged a 45-0 shutout from last season to get to 2-1 and only a win shy of last season’s victory total.

Oak Park 34, Rochester Adams 22 – The Knights are 3-0 and equaled last season’s win total; combine this with an opening-weekend win over Detroit East English, and Oak Park is looking good to make some noise in the OAA White.

Thumb and Bay

Frankenmuth 12, Millington 8

The Eagles (3-0) had lost four straight to their rival, and appeared in trouble of making it five after giving up a safety in the fourth quarter. But Frankenmuth recovered an onside kick and scored, and with the win earned an an early upper hand in the Tri-Valley Conference East. Millington fell to 2-1. Click to read more from the Saginaw News.

Also noted:

Capac 12, Almont 7 – The Chiefs avenged a 28-0 loss from 2011 and gained what could be a significant step toward its playoff hopes.

Peck 44, Carsonville-Port Sanilac 13 – The Pirates downed the reigning MHSAA 8-player champion to move to 3-0.

Midland Dow 27, Saginaw 16 – Dow avenged last season’s 18-13 loss and moved to 2-0 in the tough Saginaw Valley Association North.

Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 28, Merrill 14 – The Cardinals needed this one to keep pace in a league that sent five of eight teams, including both of these squads, to the playoffs last season.

Southwest and Border

Schoolcraft 21, Olivet 20

Schoolcraft knocked out two Kalamazoo Valley Association favorites over the last two weeks and at 3-0 is now the team to beat. Olivet led by 10 points during the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold on despite some significant statistical advantages and fell to 2-1. Click to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Also noted:

Battle Creek Harper Creek 35, Sturgis 3 – This was looking like a must-win for the 1-2 Beavers, and turned into an impressive win as well.

Stevensville Lakeshore 21, Portage Northern 14 (2 OT) – This was the best of the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference openers, and could have title implications later on.

Blissfield 32, Hudson 13 – The Royals got their first win by avenging a 39-point loss from 2011.

Dowagiac 30, Plainwell 13 – Dowagiac extended its winning streak over Plainwell to seven straight and looks set for another run in the Wolverine B South.

Lower Up North

Traverse City St. Francis 12, Elk Rapids 7

The Gladiators have bounced back well since an opening-night loss to Kingsley, moving to 2-1 against an Elk Rapids team that is likely better than its 1-2 record. The Elks also fell on opening night, to Mancelona, which won 10 games in 2011. With St. Francis not playing in the Lake Michigan Conference this season after winning it a year ago, Elk Rapids could be the team that pushes Grayling for the league title. Click to read more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Also noted:

Pellston 7, Rogers City 6 – The Hornets made a first-quarter touchdown stand to move to 3-0 for the first time since 1995 and equal their highest win total of the last decade.

Benzie Central 8, Frankfort 6 – This was looking like a bit of a must-win for Benzie Central after an 0-2 start, and is a big first step toward defending the Northwest Conference title.

McBain 19, Manton 14 – The Ramblers stopped a Manton offense that had scored at least 40 points in each of its first two games this season.

Cadillac 44, Petoskey 14 – One of these two has won the Big North Conference every season dating to 2008; Cadillac is the favorite now.

Upper Peninsula

Negaunee 36, Gladstone 34

The Miners (3-0) pushed their winning streak over Gladstone to three straight with this second consecutive win over the Braves by a field goal or less. Negaunee entered the fourth quarter trailing by 14 points, but scored twice during the final six minutes to stay perfect this fall. Gladstone fell to 2-1, but has plenty to be pleased about after finishing winless in 2011. Click to read more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Also noted:

Crystal Falls Forest Park 13, Hurley 12 – The Trojans avenged last season’s lone regular-season loss and became favorites in the Great Western Conference.

L’Anse 45, Ontonagon 6 – The Purple Hornets eclipsed last season’s win total and moved to 3-0 by beating a team with three straight playoff appearances.

Norway 14, Stephenson 8 – The Knights equaled last season’s win total by moving to 2-1, also by beating a team that is coming off three straight playoff berths.

Eben Junction Superior Central 61, Posen 40 – The 8-player game has proven high-scoring, but this is the first matchup this season to result in more than 100 combined points with the losing team scoring at least 40.

Trophy Games

Each week, the MHSAA highlights trophy games around the state. Here's one from Week 3.

  • The Wooden Oar Trophy: Fruitport and Spring Lake launched this award last week, dubbing their matchup the Bayou Battle. Final: Fruitport 15, Spring Lake 6.

PHOTO: Traverse City St. Francis' Byron Bullough (5) works to break a tackle by Elk Rapids' Ryan Simpson (57) during Friday's 12-7 Gladiators win. (Click to see more at Terry McNamara Photography.)

Davison defenders wrap up a Warren De La Salle Collegiate ball carrier during the Cardinals' Week 1 victory.

1st & Goal: 2023 Week 1 Review

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

August 28, 2023

Every football season starts as a fast-tracked learning experience – we know some things from the previous year, but we’re watching to learn quickly with only nine weeks to figure out as much as we can before the highest achievers from the regular season move on to play for more.

MI Student AidAnd of course, opening weekend is always memorable – but this one had a few more unexpected wrinkles with a number of games moved a day or two later because of a heat wave across the Lower Peninsula, and several more stretched over two days as severe storms moved across the state.

When all was said and done, 296 varsity games were played. And although it’s impossible to list all of the significant moments – special shoutout to Pontiac for its first win on the field since 2018, and we see you too Livonia Franklin, Warren Michigan Collegiate, Millington and Pickford after solid wins –  below we return with our weekly report highlighting some of the most intriguing results from all over Michigan.

Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Davison 31, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 26 The marquee matchup at the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic saw two-time reigning Division 2 champion De La Salle carry a 14-0 third-quarter lead from Thursday to Friday at Kettering University, but Davison’s offense found its stride overnight. The loss was only the second for the Pilots over their last 28 games. Click for more from the Flint Journal and see below for highlights from WJRT-ABC12.

Watch list Goodrich 14, Frankenmuth 8 This Battle at the Big House matchup was a rematch of last season’s 27-2 Frankenmuth win as both teams went on to reach Finals at Ford Field. This time Goodrich scored the game-winner on a Chase Burnett run with 18 seconds to play at U-M.

On the move Midland 20, Cadillac 17 (OT) The Chemics added to last season’s 27-21 season-opening win over the Vikings by holding Cadillac to a field goal to start overtime and then clinching the victory on a touchdown pass from Isaiah Henderson to Zach Buschlen. Ubly 50, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 13 The Bearcats were Division 8 runners-up last season and started this one in a big way against another 2022 Division 8 semifinalist in Everest. Saginaw Heritage 42, Mount Pleasant 7 The Hawks are generating plenty of buzz after making a major move last fall, and breaking a nine-game losing streak against the Oilers will add to that.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER Southfield Arts & Technology 29, Detroit Cass Tech 27 History repeated itself at the Xenith Kickoff Classic at Wayne State, but with nearly half the scoring as Southfield also defeated Cass Tech in the opener a year ago 56-54. Quarterback Isiah Marshall scored the go-ahead touchdown this time on a run with just under a minute to play. But don’t forget, the Technicians went on to win last year’s rematch 25-14 in a District Final, and these two could see each other again later this fall as well. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press and see highlights below from State Champs! Sports Network.

Watch list Belleville 35, River Rouge 28 The Tigers ran their winning streak to 26, but not without a major scare at Wayne State as the Tigers went ahead for good with just seven seconds to play.

On the move Roseville 41, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 0 The Panthers have been building up to something big the last two seasons, and this absolutely ranks among the most notable wins in program history. Northville 24, Clarkston 10 The Mustangs bounced back big from 3-6 in 2021 to 8-3 last season, and that surge looks to continue under new coach Brent Luplow after this Big House win over a 2022 Division 1 semifinalist. West Bloomfield 22, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 21 The Lakers pulled within a point during the closing seconds at WSU, then went for the win and converted a two-point conversion to start 1-0.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER DeWitt 27, Haslett 17 The Panthers trailed 10-7 when Thursday’s action ended due to thunderstorms, and Haslett scored the first touchdown after play resumed Friday. But DeWitt pulled away with 20 unanswered points as junior quarterback Elliott Larner ran for 227 yards and all four of the team’s scores. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.

Watch list Laingsburg 14, Durand 6 After just missing the playoffs with a 6-3 record last season, Laingsburg is grinding again after having also handed Durand its only regular-season defeat of 2022.

On the move New Lothrop 34, Muskegon Catholic Central 20 Division 8 is loaded with familiar contenders, and these two stand to be among them in eight weeks when we move into the playoffs. Grand Ledge 37, Holland West Ottawa 30 A late end zone interception followed by the heroics of freshman Anthony Baker and company gave the Comets a memorable opening win. Portland 33, Ovid-Elsie 6 These two finished a combined 18-5 a year ago after Portland won their opening matchup by nearly the same score.

Coopersville started 1-0 with a 49-6 win over Otsego.

Northern Lower Peninsula

HEADLINER Traverse City St. Francis 41, Charlevoix 40 (OT) This is a good sign not only for reigning Division 7 runner-up St. Francis’ resilience but also for Charlevoix’s potential this fall. The Gladiators survived multiple scares late in regulation and then stopped the Rayders on an overtime two-point conversion try to hold on. St. Francis is mustering after graduating many of the standouts from last year’s 13-1 team, while Charlevoix is hoping to build on three straight eight-win seasons. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Watch list Kingsley 46, Reed City 12 Reed City has lost only three times during the regular season since the start of 2020, and the Stags made this one happen on the Coyotes’ home turf as well.

On the move Alpena 34, Flint Powers Catholic 33 The Wildcats won only one game total last season – losing 34-7 to the Chargers along the way – and hadn’t started 1-0 since 2018. Boyne City 12, Standish-Sterling 7 After suffering its only 2022 loss in a Division 6 District Final, Boyne City is off on the right foot after downing another D6 playoff team from last season. Gaylord 13, Traverse City West 7 The Blue Devils followed up their first winning season last year since 2018 with their first victory over the Titans since 2005.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER Saline 42, Brighton 3 CJ Carr is going to be one of the most followed stars in Michigan this fall, and it's fair to expect the entire Saline offense should benefit from the attention he draws. The Hornets ran for five touchdowns in a big opening win as Carr ran for one and threw for another score and directed the show throughout against a Bulldogs defense that gave up only 16 points per game last season. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.

Watch list Parma Western 21, Dearborn Divine Child 7 The Panthers entered this fall with a streak of six straight winning seasons, but this still no doubt opened a few more intrigued eyes as Divine Child was 9-3 a year ago. Western kept the Falcons off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.

On the move Napoleon 29, Onsted 28 The Pirates survived quite a few close games in reaching the Division 7 Semifinals last season and showed they can do so again, but Onsted also should be excited after winning just one game a year ago. Tecumseh 40, Jackson Northwest 21 Tecumseh ran its regular-season winning streak to 11 after downing a Mounties team coming off its best finish last fall since 2013. Manchester 42, Whitmore Lake 6 The Flying Dutchmen earned a second-straight opening night win over Whitmore Lake after both went on to six victories last season.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER Portage Central 17, East Lansing 7 The Mustangs couldn’t have hoped for a better start after last season’s 4-5 finish, and this actually carried on their two-game winning streak to close 2022. The Trojans are coming off a Division 2 District title and defeated Portage Central 21-15 in last year’s opener and in 2021 as well. See below for highlights from FOX17.

Watch list Niles 55, St. Joseph 0 These two hadn’t faced off since Niles left the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference after the 2019 season, and before that the Vikings hadn’t defeated the reigning SMAC champion Bears since 2014.

On the move Battle Creek Harper Creek 33, Battle Creek Lakeview 32 Both are looking for better after matching 3-6 records a year ago, and Harper Creek took the first step by breaking a three-game losing streak against its rival. Kalamazoo United 28, Berrien Springs 27 The Titans scored last and got the conversion to win this matchup of 2022 playoff teams. White Pigeon 36, Reading 14 This also was a matchup of playoff teams from a year ago, and an avenging for White Pigeon after Reading won last year’s opener 33-14.

Ishpeming's Caden Luoma (20) is among Hematites pursuing Negaunee's Kai Lacar.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER Escanaba 40, Calumet 13 The last two seasons have been tough for Escanaba with a combined three wins, but this could be a great sign as the program moves into the Big North Conference this fall with its league opener this week. Calumet has a nine-season playoff streak – and also lost last year’s opener to a bigger school by a similar score but came back to finish 6-4 and reach the postseason again. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.

Watch list Gladstone 36, Marquette 7 These two are going separate ways for league play after spending most of the last several seasons together in a Great Northern Conference. Gladstone has run its winning streak over Marquette to two as it begins Western Peninsula Athletic Conference play this week.

On the move Hancock 56, L’Anse 14 The Bulldogs ended a two-year losing streak against the Purple Hornets, and after falling in last year’s opener to them by 33. Iron Mountain 56, Houghton 6 The Mountaineers returned after last season’s Division 8 Semifinal run with their highest scoring output since 2020. Negaunee 32, Ishpeming 16 The Miners’ only loss last season came at Ford Field, and the reigning Division 6 runner-up opened this fall by running its winning streak over the Hematites to four.

West Michigan

HEADLINER Rockford 27, Muskegon 7 The first meeting between these two was one of the most highly-anticipated openers in the state, and the Rams have to be energized after performing so well on the road against the reigning Division 3 runner-up. Rockford’s defense was especially impressive, mostly stopping a Big Reds offense with multiple playmakers back after averaging 39 points per game a year ago. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.

Watch list Grand Rapids West Catholic 56, Edwardsburg 12 An eight-point margin separated these two last season, but the reigning Division 6 champion Falcons expanded that substantially and especially impressed defensively against what might be one of its toughest challenges of the regular season.

On the move North Muskegon 17, Pewamo-Westphalia 14 The Norsemen put together their winningest season last fall since 2006, and edging an annual Division 7 contender is a great way to start the season and get ready for this week’s matchup with rival Muskegon Catholic Central. Whitehall 34, Hudsonville Unity Christian 28 Whitehall is coming off its winningest season and opens with a loaded nonleague schedule over the first three weeks – but started it well by holding off the Crusaders for the second-straight fall, although this time by a much closer margin. Caledonia 35, Romeo 28 Last season’s Division 1 runner-up Caledonia made a trip to the Big House and got a combined four touchdowns from Brody Betser and Maddox Greenfield to match the three passing and one rushing by Romeo’s Kaden Burroughs.

Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart opened with a 48-30 win over Blanchard Montabella.

8-Player

HEADLINER Climax-Scotts 26, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 14 The Panthers have upped their win total each of the last two seasons and could be on their way to doing so again if this was an indication. NorthPointe was too large to qualify for the playoffs in 2022 but finished the regular season undefeated. Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Watch list Rudyard 47, Munising 6 The Bulldogs not only avenged last season’s 34-7 loss to Munising, but did so against a team that didn’t lose last fall until it fell just two points short in a Division 1 Semifinal.

On the move St. Ignace 48, Suttons Bay 6 The Saints moved to 8-player this fall after rebounding to 7-3 in 11-player last season, and they started this next chapter off well against a frequent Division 1 contender. Martin 62, Colon 6 These two were a combined 21-3 last season, and reigning Division 1 champion Martin looks like it may have another group of playmakers to pick up where last year’s left off. Morrice 36, Breckenridge 12 Both are returning playoff teams from a year ago; they’re in separate divisions of the new Mid-State Activities Conference 8-player league after playing together in the Central Michigan 8-Man Football Conference last fall.

Second Half’s weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning 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. 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 X (Twitter) @mistudentaid.

PHOTOS (Top) Davison defenders wrap up a Warren De La Salle Collegiate ball carrier during the Cardinals' Week 1 victory. (2) Coopersville started 1-0 with a 49-6 win over Otsego. (3) Ishpeming's Caden Luoma (20) is among Hematites pursuing Negaunee's Kai Lacar during the Miners' victory. (4) Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart opened with a 48-30 win over Blanchard Montabella. (Photos by Terry Lyons [top], Gary Shook [2], Cara Kamps [3] and High School Sports Scene [4].)