Drive for Detroit: Week 6 in Review
October 3, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
A total of 52 Michigan high school football teams celebrated 6-0 starts this past weekend and qualifying for the MHSAA playoffs set to begin in four weeks. A handful more celebrated the first league championships awarded this season.
And we’re just getting started.
Take a look below at the results that rang most significant from Week 6, including a number of games that set up what we’ll be watching as the regular season heads into its final third.
Bay & Thumb
Davison 20, Midland 0
The Saginaw Valley League Red race appears down to two teams after Davison handed Midland its first league loss of this season. The Cardinals – now 6-0 and with more wins than in any season total since 2012 – take on co-leader Lapeer this week. Midland does remain in the hunt, however; the Chemics (3-3) get Lapeer in Week 8 with a chance to share the title if the Lightning is successful Friday. Click for more from the Midland Daily News.
Also noted:
Fenton 54, Holly 35 – The Tigers (4-2) are among teams that dropped their first game or two but have come back strong, and now sit a win ahead of Holly (4-2) and two others atop the Flint Metro League standings.
Marine City 27, St. Clair 6 – The Mariners (2-4) continued their run at finishing a 34th straight winning season by earning their second victory in a row, with St. Clair falling to 3-3.
Unionville-Sebewaing 20, Reese 12 – The Patriots (5-1) held on to a share of the lead in the Greater Thumb Conference West with a third straight win over Reese (4-2).
Flint Carman-Ainsworth 34, Bay City Central 34 – The Cavaliers (4-2) remain tied atop the Saginaw Valley League Blue with Midland Dow after facing their toughest challenge this season from Central (3-3).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Cass Tech 31, Detroit Martin Luther King 18
The Technicians (6-0) were held to their fewest points this season, but the story was Cass Tech’s defense. King (5-1) hadn’t scored fewer than 39 points in a game since last season’s Division 2 Regional Final win over Detroit East English and put up 31 and 27 in beating Cass Tech twice last fall. And just like in 2015, don’t be stunned if these two face off again in the Detroit Public School League final at Ford Field in three weeks. Click for more from MLive-Detroit.
Also noted:
Allen Park 23, Trenton 10 – The Jaguars (6-0) now hold a one-win lead in the Downriver League on both Trenton (5-1) and Wyandotte Roosevelt with three games to play and victories over both.
Warren Cousino 36, Grosse Pointe North 33 – Cousino (5-1) hasn’t been considered a football power for about a decade, but the Patriots are creeping toward their best finish since 2007 and sit in first in the Macomb Area Conference Blue after dealing Grosse Pointe North (4-2) a first league loss.
Birmingham Groves 14, Farmington Hills Harrison 7 (OT) – The Falcons (6-0) won their second Oakland Activities Association White game by seven points or fewer this fall to remain a half-win ahead of Rochester Adams, this week’s opponent, and send Harrison to 3-3.
Oak Park 14, Clarkston 7 – The Knights (4-2) are a win back in the OAA White standings but have two of the league’s most impressive victories over Adams and now Clarkston (4-2), which is tied for second in the OAA Red.
Mid-Michigan
Breckenridge 38, Carson City-Crystal 0
One of the state’s top turnaround stories keeps getting better. The Huskies, 6-0 after going 0-9 only a year ago, clinched their first playoff berth since 1993 while taking over first place in the Mid-State Activities Conference alone by handing the Eagles (4-2) their first league loss. Breckenridge hasn’t won six games in a season since 1994. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Also noted:
Ithaca 17, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 6 – The Yellowjackets (6-0) had beaten the rest of their Tri-Valley Conference West opponents by at least 27 and now look good to clinch at least a share of the title after fending off the Cardinals (4-2).
Howell 48, Grand Blanc 46 – Not only did the Highlanders (4-2) end a five-game losing streak to the Bobcats (4-2), but they opened up a chance to claim a share of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West title against Brighton in Week 8.
Pewamo-Westphalia 40, Laingsburg 7 – The Pirates (6-0) did score their fewest points since opening night and also gave up their first score since Week 1, but still win comfortably to hold on to first place in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference, a win ahead of the Wolfpack (5-1).
Lake Odessa Lakewood 34, Olivet 27 – The Vikings (6-0) clinched a share of a second straight Greater Lansing Activities Conference title, potentially relegating Olivet (4-2) to second place for the second straight season as well.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Frankfort 26, Maple City Glen Lake 21
This matchup for first place in the Northern Michigan Football Conference Leaders division was as good as billed, with Frankfort holding on to a slim lead as the only team without a league loss. The Panthers (6-0) scored the go-ahead points this time with just more than four minutes to play, and a final drive by Glen Lake (4-2) ended in a turnover. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Also noted:
Boyne City 21, Kalkaska 14 – The Ramblers (4-2) continued their rebound from an 0-2 start by possibly eliminating another contender in the NMFC Legends division; Kalkaska (5-1) is a win back of Boyne City and Traverse City St. Francis in the league standings.
Charlevoix 21, East Jordan 0 – The Red Rayders (5-1) bounced back from a tough Week 5 loss to Glen Lake with a third straight shutout of East Jordan (4-2) – which is hoping to rebound and earn its first playoff berth since 2003.
AuGres-Sims 22, Whittemore-Prescott 20 – The Wolverines (5-1) kept pace a half-win behind leader Lincoln Alcona in the North Star League by winning their first meeting with the Cardinals (3-3) since 1992.
Cadillac 16, Gaylord 12 – The Vikings (5-1) hung on for a Homecoming win to remain tied for first in the Big North Conference and send Gaylord (2-4) potentially out of playoff contention.
Southeast & Border
Milan 27, Grosse Ile 6
The Big Reds may be breathing only a little easier after taking over first place alone in the Huron League and sending Grosse Ile (5-1) into second place. Two league games remain, and nemesis Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central is up next for Milan, which surely will be amped up after losing the title-decider to the Falcons last year. Click for more from the Southgate News-Herald.
Also noted:
Hillsdale 14, Hudson 6 – The Hornets (4-2) kept themselves in the Lenawee County Athletic Association discussion by knocking Hudson (5-1) out of a first-place tie with Ida; both now trail the leader by a win and play Ida successively over the next two weeks.
Jackson Lumen Christi 21, Coldwater 20 (OT) – The Titans (4-2) have avenged both of their 2015 Interstate 8 Athletic Conference losses over the last two weeks and sit a win back of league leader Harper Creek, this week’s opponent for the reigning champ Cardinals (4-2).
Sand Creek 12, Clinton 7 – Just as Morenci’s win the week before over Clinton was one of its best in some time, Sand Creek (6-0) can claim the same as it held on to a first-place tie in the Tri-County Conference while likely knocking the reigning champ Redskins (4-2) out of contention.
Springport 20, Concord 16 – Concord (5-1) had won three games by a touchdown or less to take the lead in the Big 8 Conference, but first place is now a tie between the Yellowjackets, Springport (5-1), Quincy and Homer; Springport’s only loss was by two to the Trojans.
Southwest Corridor
Constantine 60, Watervliet 58
The Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore race has three first-place teams with one game to play, with Constantine, Watervliet and Delton Kellogg all 3-1 in league play and Watervliet playing Delton next. This Falcons/Panthers matchup mirrored at least in score Constantine’s 49-48 Division 6 District Final win last fall. This time, the teams combed for more than 1,000 yards of total offense. Click for more from JoeInsider.com.
Also noted:
Benton Harbor 21, Traverse City West 16 – Benton Harbor (6-0) continued its best start since 1985 with a second straight and second-ever playoff berth after beating West (4-2), which has lost its two games by a combined seven points.
Climax-Scotts 48, Pittsford 28 – The Panthers (6-0) ran their Southern Central Athletic Association winning streak to 48 in clinching a share of this season’s championship and sending Pittsford (3-3) into a tie for second place.
Kalamazoo Central 14, Battle Creek Lakeview 7 – Central (3-3) moved into first place in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference East by handing the reigning co-champ Spartans (3-2) their second straight loss – and second straight by seven or fewer points.
Schoolcraft 56, Lawton 7 – Second-place Gobles still can shake things up a bit this week, but Schoolcraft claimed (6-0) a share of the SAC Central championship by knocking Lawton (5-1) out of the tie for first.
Upper Peninsula
Menominee 28, Escanaba 14
The Eskymos are playing their best football since the start of this decade, but the Great Northern U.P. Conference looks to still belong to Menominee (6-0) after this matchup of previously undefeated teams. The Maroons can clinch a share of the league title this week against Sault Ste. Marie and still haven't given up more than 14 points in a game. Escanaba (5-1) hadn’t given up more than 13 in a game but did hold Menominee to a season low. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Also noted:
Calumet 34, Iron River West Iron County 7 – The Copper Kings (5-1) pulled within a win of clinching a share of the West-Peninsula Athletic Conference title by downing West Iron (3-3); Calumet’s final two league games are against teams that are a combined 1-11.
St. Ignace 36, Gaylord St. Mary 8 – The Saints (5-1) are one of the first league champions of 2016 after clinching a share of the NMFC Legacy title by sending St. Mary (5-1) into a four-team tie for second place.
Hancock 47, Hurley, Wis. 40 – The Bulldogs (4-2) most likely ended Hurley’s West-PAC chances and gave themselves an outside shot while continuing their best season since at least 2010.
Negaunee 28, Norway 14 – The Miners (6-0) remain the only undefeated team in the Mid-Peninsula Athletic Conference and can clinch a share of the league title this week against rival Ishpeming, with Norway (5-1) and Iron Mountain cheering for the Hematites.
West Michigan
Rockford 7, Grandville 6
The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red is not a league teams come to looking to rebound from a slow start. But it's been quite a month for Rockford (4-2), which opened 0-2 and now finds itself back in the driver's seat in the Red after just surviving the league's top team to date. Grandville (5-1) had beaten all of its opponents by at least 30, but now will be rooting especially for Hudsonville in Week 9 to beat Rockford and create a shared championship. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
East Grand Rapids 28, Grand Rapids Christian 7 – The Pioneers (4-2) moved to the top of the O-K Gold standings ahead of the Eagles (5-1), running their streak to two straight over Christian after losing their regular-season meeting but winning their playoff rematch last fall.
Byron Center 54, Hamilton 32 – The Bulldogs (5-1) have turned the O-K Green into a two-team race by delivering upstart Hamilton (5-1) the first loss of an otherwise outstanding turnaround season.
North Muskegon 14, Montague 6 – In one of the weekend’s biggest shockers, North Muskegon (2-4) handed West Michigan Conference co-leader Montague (5-1) its first defeat; Montague now trails Muskegon Oakridge by a win.
Reed City 12, Remus Chippewa Hills 8 – The Coyotes (6-0) can clinch a share of the Central State Activities Association Gold title this week after just edging former co-leader Chippewa Hills (5-1).
8-Player
New Haven Merritt 36, Owendale-Gagetown 32
This arguably is the best win of Merritt’s five-season history. Although these teams play in different divisions of the Mid-Michigan 8-Man Football League, they lead those divisions. During its first season, 2012, Merritt (6-0) lost both of its games to Owendale-Gagetown by at least 50 points; the Mustangs cut the deficit to 24 when the teams met last October. The Bulldogs (5-1) had won 16 straight regular-season games. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.
Also noted:
Lawrence 32, Camden-Frontier 8 – The Redskins absolutely have been impressive with a 4-1 start, but Lawrence (6-0) proved to still be another level above at this point in the season.
Webberville 16, Battle Creek St. Philip 14 – These two at this point are among what would be the final teams selected for the 16-team playoff field, and Webberville (5-1) owns a nice advantage now – although St. Philip (4-2) still has plenty of opportunities to secure its spot.
PHOTO: Breckenridge quarterback Carter Staley (10) breaks away during the Huskies' win over Carson City-Crystal on Friday. (Photo courtesy of Gratiot County Herald.)
1st & Goal: Playoff Week 1 Preview
October 29, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
During a football season full of new and different this fall, this weekend will be right up there for first-time opportunities.
With the regular season shortened to six games because of COVID-19 precautions, tonight begins the first MHSAA Playoffs with nearly every team in the state taking part. And with more playoff games than ever before, this first round will see 15 games played Thursday night.
The 11-player bracket kicks off with District First Round games, while 8-player begins in the Regional First Round. Click for links to all 10 brackets and monitor the MHSAA Score Center all weekend for scores as they come in.
Spectator limits remain in effect (check with your local school for purchasing information). So if you can’t attend in person, check out one or more of 87 games being broadcast on MHSAA.tv or FOX Sports Detroit.
Let’s take a glance at a game that jumps out from each division this opening weekend. Games below are Friday unless noted.
11-Player
DIVISION 1
Lake Orion (3-2) at Grand Blanc (5-1)
The Bobcats haven’t reached the second round of the playoffs since 2012, but have seemed on the verge of taking a step – and last week’s 14-13 win over previously-undefeated Saline provided an indication the time may be now. Lake Orion had trouble with league rivals Clarkston and West Bloomfield this fall, but has to be one of the stronger five seeds – this District is topped by three undefeated teams.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Lapeer (3-3) at Davison (6-0), Utica Eisenhower (2-4) at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (2-3). SATURDAY East Kentwood (2-3) at Hudsonville (4-2), Detroit Western (5-1) at Dearborn Fordson (4-2).
DIVISION 2
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (4-2) vs. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (5-1) at Forest Hills Eastern
Everything looks to be going the Rangers’ way heading into this rematch, as they’ve won all five recent meetings with Forest Hills Northern – including 28-13 in Week 5 – and picked up a share of the Ottawa-Kent Conference White championship with Friday’s win over Lowell. But the Huskies are on a roll too; they’ve won their last four games, all by double digits, and also including a victory over the Red Arrows.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Lowell (3-3) at Byron Center (5-1), Warren De La Salle Collegiate (2-4) at Roseville (4-2), Ypsilanti Community (3-3) at Dearborn Heights Crestwood (5-1), Birmingham Groves (3-3) at Auburn Hills Avondale (3-3).
DIVISION 3
Trenton (3-3) at Allen Park (4-2)
These Downriver League rivals also have met in the playoffs the last two seasons. Allen Park won both of those games and also this regular season’s opener, 29-7. But that’s only half the history. Before this fall’s first meeting, Trenton had taken the last three during the regular season. Semi-related, both played Brownstown Woodhaven to nearly matching one-score losses over the last five weeks.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Parma Western (4-2) at Battle Creek Harper Creek (4-2), Sturgis (3-3) at Coldwater (4-2), Garden City (3-3) at South Lyon East (4-2), Gibraltar Carlson (4-2) at River Rouge (4-1).
DIVISION 4
Imlay City (4-2) at Croswell-Lexington (5-1)
This is a rematch of a season opener, won by the Pioneers 54-12. But the Spartans have gone on to guarantee their second-straight winning finish (after a string of mostly sub-.500 seasons over the last decade). That said, Croswell-Lexington was a seven-point loss to North Branch from a perfect regular season and league title – also a good improvement story after finishing 4-5 a year ago.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Ada Forest Hills Eastern (3-3) at Allendale (3-3), Plainwell (3-2) at Vicksburg (4-2), Armada (3-3) at Goodrich (5-1), Detroit Henry Ford (3-3) at Detroit Country Day (3-2).
DIVISION 5
Belding (5-1) at Hopkins (5-1), Saturday
This is among the most surprising first-round matchups, as these two played for the O-K Silver championship just three weeks ago. Chalk it up to being in a District that includes an unbeaten team and four at 5-1. The Vikings’ got the best of their first meeting with Belding, 34-28, but are coming back off a week off while the Black Knights went on to win their last two games by a combined 108-3.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Lake Odessa Lakewood (3-3) at Portland (5-1), South Haven (4-2) at Dowagiac (3-3), Hillsdale (4-2) at Olivet (5-1). SATURDAY Ogemaw Heights (3-3) at Kingsford (3-2).
DIVISION 6
Kent City (5-1) at Clare (6-0)
This is another big-time matchup for the first round, with third-seeded Clare the Jack Pine Conference champion and sixth-seeded Kent City the winner of the Central State Activities Association Silver title. The Eagles’ lone loss came in last week’s finale, 26-20 to Muskegon Orchard View, and they’ll surely be revved up play spoiler this time. But they’ll have to figure out a Pioneers defense giving up only 9.3 points per game in what could be a low-scoring one – Kent City gives up just 8.8 on average.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Negaunee (3-3) at Gladstone (2-3), Harrison (4-2) at Sanford Meridian (4-2), Comstock (3-3) at Niles Brandywine (3-3). SATURDAY Flint Hamady (3-3) at Detroit Pershing (3-3).
DIVISION 7
Houghton Lake (4-2) at Evart (4-2)
In just six games, Evart tied its win total from a year ago and best season since 2016. After opening 0-2, the Wildcats got rolling with a 29-22 win over Houghton Lake and now are seeking their first playoff win since 2012. The Bobcats are coming off a loss to undefeated Oscoda but still guaranteed to end with their third winning season in four years. Whoever comes out on top in this rematch will see Highland Conference champ McBain next week.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Morley Stanwood (4-2) at Ravenna (3-3), Hesperia (4-2) at Pewamo-Westphalia (5-1), Delton Kellogg (3-3) at Bronson (3-2), Jackson Lumen Christi (2-4) at Hanover-Horton (4-2).
DIVISION 8
Gwinn (3-3) at East Jordan (3-3)
One of these teams will end the night celebrating its first playoff win since 1999 – both are seeking to break a two-decade drought. After a fast start, East Jordan has had some troubles especially on offense the last two weeks – but with one more win, the Red Devils would equal their total from last season. Gwinn is a tough read because two wins came by forfeit. But a 22-14 loss two weeks ago to undefeated West Iron County is an indication the Modeltowners will be up for this challenge.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Frankfort (3-3) at Saginaw Nouvel (4-2), Marlette (3-3) at Unionville-Sebewaing (4-2), Saugatuck (3-3) at White Pigeon (3-2). SATURDAY Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2-4) at Harbor Beach (3-3).
8-Player
DIVISION 1
Deckerville (4-2) at Merrill (5-1), Saturday
Deckerville had a few stumbles against the co-champions in its league, but few programs have done the playoffs better over the last decade – Deckerville is 16-7 during the postseason since moving to 8-player in 2012. Merrill is the latest new force in 8-player, not entirely surprising after back-to-back 6-4 finishes in 11-player the last two seasons, and will be looking to extend the run into its first playoff win since 2010.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Genesee (4-2) at Mayville (6-0). SATURDAY Newberry (3-3) at Onaway (6-0), International Academy of Flint (3-3) at Adrian Lenawee Christian (6-0), Camden-Frontier (2-4) at New Buffalo (3-3).
DIVISION 2
Lake Linden-Hubbell (3-3) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (4-1), Saturday
These longtime league and occasional playoff rivals in 11-player will face off for the first time in 8-player – and first time at all since 2015 since Lake Linden-Hubbell made the format switch this fall. The Lakes are 3-1 on the field and gave undefeated Powers North Central easily its closest game, falling 34-22 two weeks ago. Forest Park has played two games on the field, but both were wins over teams that entered the postseason with .500 records.
Keep an eye on these THURSDAY Rudyard (3-3) at Rapid River (5-1), Climax-Scotts (3-3) at Colon (5-1). SATURDAY Ashley (3-3) at Peck (3-3), Waldron (4-2) at Tekonsha (4-2).
PHOTO by Robert Batzloff.