Football Fridays Return to Bally Sports Detroit
August 19, 2022
Bally Sports Detroit continues its commitment to Michigan High School Athletic Association sports with Football Fridays presented by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers.
Bally Sports Detroit will broadcast MHSAA football games each Friday night during the regular season and into the playoffs. Football Fridays Overtime powered by State Champs, a one-hour scores-and-highlights show, will follow each game.
Football Fridays presented by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers will run the entire MSHAA season, beginning Thursday with the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, through the MHSAA playoffs and state championship games at Ford Field on Nov. 25 and 26.
"Everyone at Bally Sports Detroit is thrilled to kick off this year's coverage of MHSAA football," said Greg Hammaren, senior vice president/general manager of Bally Sports Detroit. "Our crew is excited to feature another season of great rivalries, sportsmanship and great plays that make MHSAA football so fun and compelling. We know that fans are anxious to get this season started, so we'll see you at the Kickoff Classic."
The initial schedule (below) highlights the games, locations and broadcast schedule. Dates and matchups beyond Sept. 23 will be released at a later date. Information will be updated on BallySports.com as it becomes available.
AUGUST
25, 4 p.m., Kickoff Classic: Macomb Dakota vs. Brother Rice, BSD, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
25, 7 p.m., Kickoff Classic: Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. West Bloomfield, BSD, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
SEPTEMBER
2, 7 p.m.: Birmingham Groves at Oxford, BSD EXTRA, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
9, 7:30 p.m.: Clarkson at Rochester Adams, BSD EXTRA, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
16, 7:30 p.m.: Detroit MLK at Detroit Cass Tech, BSD EXTRA, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
23, 7:30 p.m.: Detroit Catholic Central at Brother Rice, BSD EXTRA, Bally Sports app, Bally Sports+
Hoops on Film: 1961 Class D Boys Final
July 27, 2015
By John Johnson
MHSAA communications director
A battle of undefeated teams from schools both no longer in existence is highlighted this week as part of MHSAA.tv’s Hoops On Film Series.
From the late 1940’s to the mid 1970’s the Michigan High School Athletic Association shot portions of the action at its boys and girls basketball finals on 16mm film. The films were loaned out, primarily to the participating schools, to help them relive the moments of playing in a championship game.
While many of the old films have wandered astray over time, about 60 games still exist in the MHSAA archives. Anyone in possession of such a film is encouraged to contact John Johnson at the MHSAA Office ([email protected]) to discuss having the film converted to a digital format.
Some of the films only have portions of the second half and the post-game awards; some have most of the action. None of the films have sound. They range in length from 10 minutes to about an hour. A new film will be posted online each Monday through the week of August 17. DVD’s may be purchased directly from the MHSAA.tv Website – just click the Get DVD button below the player.
Here’s a look at this week’s game, with recap courtesy of MHSAA historian Ron Pesch:
Marquette Pierce 68, Freesoil 61 – 1961 Class D Boys Final - After 35 years as a coach in the Upper Peninsula, Vic Hurst was rewarded with his first MHSAA title as Marquette Pierce downed a determined Freesoil squad, 68-61, in a Class D battle of the undefeated. Dave Benson led the Warriors with 17 points, while teammates Dennis DeMerse and the Laurich brothers – Conrad and Larry – each added 15. The matchup came after each school's first Regional crown and ended up the only time either school would ever reach the Finals. Pierce would close after the 1961 season, and its only other Regional appearances came back-to-back in 1955 and 1956. Freesoil would win four more Regional titles during its history – three consecutive form 1966-68. The high school closed after the 2006-07 school year and was absorbed into the Mason County Eastern school district.
Previous releases:
1958 Class A Boys Final: Detroit Austin 71, Benton Harbor 68 - Watch
1976 Class D Girls Final: Lake City 58, Perkins 48 - Watch
1971 Class A Boys Final: Flint Northern 79, Detroit Kettering 78 - Watch
1954 Class A Boys Final: Muskegon Heights 43, Flint Northern 41 (OT) - Watch
1973 Class C Boys Final: Detroit East Catholic 50, Saginaw St. Stephen 49 - Watch