Photo courtesy of Lou Murray
The 2024 MHSAA Football Playoffs are now here! After nine grueling weeks, teams all across the State of Michigan have been selected to compete in the State Playoffs. 256 teams in the 11-player divisions, as well as 32 teams in the 8-player divisions, have been selected to compete for berths to the State Finals. Our team at Michigan Sports Radio will be calling several of the matchups featured below on LIVE radio broadcast, while others we will cover in our weekly Recap Central.
Division 1
Region 1 District 1
Hudsonville (8-1, 80.222) vs East Kentwood (5-4, 58.111) – Friday, 7:00
Rockford (7-2, 70.472) vs Grandville (5-4, 60.778) – Friday, 7:00
Hudsonville – The Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the state, with eight straight victories entering the postseason. Their only loss this year came against Howell in Week 1, a 20-17 defeat. Hudsonville captured their first league title since 2016, and they have outscored opponents 307-116 this fall. In addition to Howell, Hudsonville has already faced Rockford (win 28-21), East Kentwood (win 35-6), and Grandville (win 35-16) during the regular season. Their bracket could consist of entirely rematch opponents through the District Finals.
East Kentwood – The Falcons are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 under first-year head coach Tyrone Spencer. Spencer is no stranger to the postseason, as he led Detroit King to the playoffs in each of his eight seasons in charge, posting a 33-4 record that saw his team capture four State Championships (2016, 2018, 2021, 2022). He will look to instill that winning expectation at East Kentwood, a program that has not won a playoff game since 2019, a district or regional title since 2014, and has one State Championship game appearance back in 2002. The Falcons lost to all three teams in their district: Grandville (33-25), Hudsonville (35-6) and Rockford (45-27).
Rockford – The Rams are just eight points away from entering the playoffs unbeaten, with single digit losses to Hudsonville (28-21) and Jenison (15-14). The Rams do boast victories over fellow Division 1 playoff teams in Cass Tech (30-23), Grandville (37-20) and East Kentwood (45-27). The postseason is almost a given at Rockford, as they have now qualified 30 consecutive seasons, but they now look to return to Ford Field for the first time since they captured the Division 1 title back in 2008.
Grandville – The Bulldogs are playing in their sixth straight postseason, after a challenging regular season slate. Grandville started 0-3 with losses to Rockford (37-20) and Davison (41-37), their first-round opponent and fellow Division 1 playoff participant. Since that point, they won five of their next six games to build some offensive momentum, including a 33-25 win over East Kentwood. The lone loss in that slate was to Hudsonville, 35-16. The rematch against Rockford marks the fifth straight playoff game for the Bulldogs against an OK Red foe.
Nick’s Pick: Rockford over Hudsonville – The “OK Red District” is a tradition as old as time. It seems like every year, some chaos ensues. Grandville has built some momentum lately, but I think the most likely scenario for an upset comes in the District Finals, for Rockford to exact their revenge on Hudsonville.
Division 2
Region 1 District 1
Mona Shores (8-1, 74.361) vs Traverse City West (6-3, 57.556) – Friday, 7:00
Byron Center (8-1, 71.361) vs Northview (9-0, 68.444) – Friday, 7:00
Mona Shores – The Sailors lost their final game of the regular season, a 14-13 contest against Toledo Central Catholic in which their late fake-PAT attempt fell incomplete. Coach Matt Koziak’s crew will now shift their focus to the playoffs, a place they have visited eight times consecutively, and eleven out of the past twelve, a remarkable feat for a program that had never made the playoffs before 2013. This year’s team is extremely strong on the defensive side of the ball, pitching a pair of shutouts and allowing just 11.6 points per contest. Mona Shores has wins over four playoff teams, Grand Blanc (28-26), River Rouge (21-6), Flint Hamady (49-12) and fellow Division 2 participant Byron Center (14-12). There is a chance they will see the Bulldogs again in the District Finals, which would be an incredible rematch between two of West Michigan’s best teams.
Traverse City West – The Titans are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021, after putting together a strong regular season performance. TC West has won their last three games, and the most notable results for West Michigan fans are likely their 35-20 win over Grand Haven or their 31-0 defeat to Grand Blanc, who also faced Mona Shores (28-26 Shores victory). They will look to win their first playoff game since 2020, when they defeated GR Union 65-13 in the opening round. The Titans have no prior experience with Mona Shores, unlike their crosstown rival Traverse City Central who faced the Sailors recently in the playoffs and for decades in the Lake Michigan Conference. This season, Traverse City West defeated one playoff team (Mount Pleasant, 30-13), while their three losses all came against playoff foes (Grand Blanc, Midland and Midland Dow).
Byron Center – The Bulldogs have had a phenomenal season under coach Marc Cisco, posting eight regular season wins for the second year in a row. Last fall, the Bulldogs secured their first District Championship since 2016, and they will look to recapture that glory again this fall. Byron Center has a win over one playoff team, East Kentwood (43-20), and their only loss came against Mona Shores (14-12). The Bulldogs will have the opportunity to avenge that defeat in the District Finals, but they have their hands full in the opening round against an undefeated Northview squad.
Northview – One of Grand Rapids’ best stories this season has been Northview. The Wildcats are conference champions for the first time since 1970, which also coincides with their last undefeated season. Somewhere legendary quarterback Steve Moerdyk and his 1970 Wildcats teammates relish in the fact they now have company amidst the perfect regular seasons at Northview. Of course, Moerdyk’s ‘Cats were crowned State Champions by the writers, as it was an era of high school football that preceded the state tournament. Though Northview has qualified for the tournament five times in its history, most recently last fall, they have had no success. The Wildcats are 0-5 all time in the playoffs, with losses by an average of 21.8 points. Coach Oshnock’s crew can continue to write their way into the Northview history books with a win in this postseason. Their four victories over postseason opponents all came against teams in lower divisions. They beat Chelsea (D4, 31-14), East Grand Rapids (D3, 31-27), Grand Rapids Catholic Central (D5, 12-3) and Holland Christian (D4, 35-20).
Nick’s Pick: Mona Shores over Byron Center – The Sailors and Bulldogs have been two of the area’s best teams this season, and they played an epic battle back in Week 4. I expect to see another rendition of this contest in the District Finals, where I give a slight edge to Mona Shores. With their playoff experience on the field and the coaching staff, I’ll take the Sailors in a close game once again.
Division 3
Region 1 District 2
DeWitt (9-0, 82.611) vs St Johns (6-3, 49.333) – Friday, 7:00
Lowell (7-2, 62.444) vs Cedar Springs (7-2, 56.111) – Friday, 7:00
DeWitt – The Panthers are one of the most consistent programs in the state, with 19 straight trips to the playoffs and thirteen seasons with at least 10 wins during that stretch of time. They need just one victory to add to that tally this year, after a perfect regular season. DeWitt is battle tested with wins over East Lansing (42-35), Grand Ledge (42-0), Haslett (69-42), and Mason (55-21). It has been a historic offensive season for DeWitt as well, scoring 521 points in nine games, an average of 57.9. They are on pace, should they reach the finals, to break Unity Christian’s record, needing 282 points (56.4 PPG) in the postseason.
St Johns – The Redwings are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This fall they raced out to a 5-0 record before sliding against three playoff clubs (Haslett, Ionia and Mason). St Johns defeated a pair of playoff teams this season, Hamilton (27-26) and Williamston (45-21). They will look to pull off an upset in Round 1 and secure the first playoff victory for the school since 2019. A win in the first round could give us a potential rematch of the 2004 Division 3 State Finals against the Lowell Red Arrows.
Lowell – The Red Arrows are back in the playoffs for the seventh straight season. Though there was just a one-year hiatus (2018) broke up an existing 19-year streak, this new Lowell streak has not been nearly as successful as that run under Noel Dean. Only one time since 2019, in the all-in 2020 playoffs, has Lowell won a postseason game. They have been close in each of the past two years, losing both contests by a touchdown. This fall, Lowell has won six straight contests, including wins over fellow Division 3 playoff participants Cedar Springs (28-14) and Kenowa Hills (56-35), and six-win Marquette (61-14). Earlier in the season, they beat Division 2 playoff participant Mattawan (28-0), while suffering defeats against Division 3 playoff foes Coopersville (35-27) and East Grand Rapids (33-14).
Cedar Springs – Coach Gus Kapolka’s Red Hawks are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Prior to last season, they had made six straight trips to the postseason. Cedar Springs started off with four straight wins, including victories over fellow Division 3 playoff foes Auburn Hills Avondale (20-14) and Kenowa Hills (35-28). They did suffer two losses in the final five games against two conference foes that also qualified for the State Playoffs, Coopersville (35-21) and Lowell (28-14).
Nick’s Pick: DeWitt over Cedar Springs – The River Cities Alliance rematch in the opening round between Lowell and Cedar Springs should be a good one, and we have seen the ability to run the football carry the day in November. Nobody does that better than Cedar Springs and their Power-T. That being said, DeWitt is one of three unbeaten teams in Division 3, and they appear to be the favorites to advance to Ford Field with a historically high-powered offense.
Region 2 District 1
St Joseph (8-1, 70.222) vs Stevensville Lakeshore (3-6, 40.889) – Friday, 7:00
Zeeland West (8-1, 67.917) vs Zeeland East (5-4, 50.889) – Friday, 7:00
St Joseph – The Bears have put together a fantastic season, with eight wins and just one defeat. Their defeat came against Mattawan (24-7), but they toppled Edwardsburg (36-29), Portage Central (15-0), Portage Northern (48-34) and Stevensville Lakeshore (46-7) to position themselves with a home game. It will be a rematch in the opening round against their longtime rivals and fellow SMAC-West foes. This is the fourth straight season that these two have met in the postseason, with each of the past two games going to the loser of the regular season contest (Lakeshore both times).
Stevensville Lakeshore – The Lancers are one of just two teams to make the postseason with three victories. Their season started slow, with defeats in each of their first six contests, and only two of those were by less than 21 points. Resilient to the end, Lakeshore defeated Portage Northern (28-13) in Week 9 to punch their ticket to the postseason. They will face their archrival, the St Joseph Bears, for a second time this season. In the first meeting, it was 46-7 in favor of St Joseph. Stevensville Lakeshore will hope for a repeat of last season, when they turned a 35-0 regular season defeat into a 20-15 playoff win in a rematch against their rivals.
Zeeland West – The Dux and head coach John Shillito are back in the postseason for the 15th straight season and the 18th time in 20 years as a football program. Aside from a loss to undefeated Unity Christian (20-8), the Dux have won their remaining contests. This includes wins over playoff teams in Division 3 such as Forest Hills Central (28-7) and Zeeland East (28-13), as well as teams qualified in lower divisions such as South Christian (34-21), West Catholic (34-20) and Whitehall (60-43). This team has shown the ability to beat teams in shootouts or defensive struggles, and they look poised to make a deep playoff run once again.
Zeeland East – The Chix took down Hamilton in a Week 9 contest that clinched their berth to the postseason. This win also brought some needed momentum after tough losses to Forest Hills Central (21-6) and Unity Christian (56-14). The Chix have lost to two other playoff teams in Flushing (27-21) and rival Zeeland West (28-13), but they did manage a victory over South Christian (22-15). Since 2012, Zeeland East and Zeeland West have met in the postseason six times with the Dux capturing five wins, including 52-22 in last year’s opening round. Though the regular season winner is 3-3 in rematches, the last three regular season winners in that series have been victorious.
Nick’s Pick: Zeeland West over St Joseph – The Dux were just a few plays away from a trip back to Ford Field last fall, and this year’s team looks just as strong. They will set the tone in a crosstown showdown, before toppling the Bears. Though several readers hope that I will pick the Lancers, I do not see the upset happening for the third straight season.
Region 2 District 2
Forest Hills Central (7-2, 65.889) vs East Grand Rapids (5-4, 49.889) – Friday, 7:00
Coopersville (6-3, 53.333) vs Kenowa Hills (6-3, 53.111) – Friday, 7:00
Forest Hills Central – Last fall, the Rangers moved down to Division 3, and they seized the opportunity. In his final season as Head Coach, Tim Rogers led the Rangers to their first State Championship in school history, besting Mason 27-10. They will look to make a third straight trip to Ford Field this fall under first-year Head Coach Dave Fortino. This Rangers team is once again well tested, as they faced six playoff teams: East Grand Rapids (win 24-0), Portage Central (win 7-0), South Christian (win 34-13), Unity Christian (loss 43-20), Zeeland East (win 21-6) and Zeeland West (loss 28-7).
East Grand Rapids – The Pioneers, winners of 11 State Championships, are back in the playoffs for the third straight season. After a mid-season skid that moved their record to 2-3, they rallied with three victories in the final four contests. Coach Shattuck’s Pioneers have wins over two playoff teams, Grand Rapids Catholic Central (31-28) and Lowell (33-14), while all four of their defeats came against playoff foes: Forest Hills Central (24-0), Holland Christian (21-20), Northview (31-27) and South Christian (42-28). They will look to capture their first playoff victory since 2020, when they made a surprising run to the Regional Finals, in a rematch of Week 9 against Forest Hills Central.
Coopersville – The Broncos return to the postseason for the fifth straight season. This fall, they captured the River Cities Alliance title, their first conference championship since 2004. Last week, the title-clinching victory against Cedar Springs snapped a two-game losing streak. Coopersville is well-tested, with wins over Cedar Springs (35-21) and Lowell (35-27), and losses to Big Rapids (24-7), Kenowa Hills (43-41) and West Catholic (63-28), who are all playing in the postseason. In each of the last two years, they have secured an opening-round victory. They will try to do this again next week when they open against their River Cities Alliance rivals.
Kenowa Hills – The Knights are back in the postseason for the first time since 2020, and its their first winning season since 2014. Kenowa Hills has won three straight games entering the postseason, including a win over fellow playoff team Coopersville (43-41). In addition to that win, they also beat Battle Creek Harper Creek (34-30) who has reached the postseason. They did however lose to two fellow Division 3 playoff opponents, Cedar Springs (35-28) and Lowell (56-35). This is the eighth trip to the postseason for the Knights, but they have not won a first-round game since 1992. In that magical season, the Knights reached the Class BB Finals, falling to Oxford.
Nick’s Pick: Forest Hills Central over Coopersville – I think that the Rangers may be on upset watch in Round 1, we have seen countless times that the Week 9 rematches go the other way. If they can clear East Grand Rapids, I do like their chances against Coopersville. The Broncos had a strong season, but they struggled against some of the stronger teams on the schedule. This is the first region where we will see a guaranteed showdown between RCA and OK teams since the tense split this offseason.
Division 4
Region 1 District 1
Big Rapids (8-1, 55.111) vs Ludington (7-2, 47.556) – Friday, 7:00
Forest Hills Eastern (7-2,54.778) vs Whitehall (6-3, 51.111) – Friday, 7:00
Big Rapids – The Big Rapids Cardinals are back in the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Last fall, they secured the program’s second district title, its first since 2003. They will look to build off that success this fall, as they start the postseason at home. The only loss for Big Rapids came against Division 4 playoff counterpart Paw Paw (32-14) in the season opener, but they since defeated Reed City (33-14), Tri-County (48-12), Newaygo (41-20) and Coopersville (24-7), who are all also postseason qualifiers.
Ludington – For the first time since 2022, the Ludington Orioles are back in the postseason. Ludington finished second in the WMC-Lakes, an extremely challenging conference. They lost to two playoff teams in Mason County Central (50-43) and Whitehall (47-10), but they did take down Manistee (39-38), Montague (45-34), Oakridge (31-15) and Tri-County (51-31) in regular season action. This year, they will look to secure the program’s first playoff win since 2020, the only postseason contest that the Orioles have won in eight prior postseason berths.
Forest Hills Eastern – The Hawks are back in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. This FHE team has played four contests against playoff foes, defeating Hamilton (28-7) and Montague (48-7), while falling to Unity Christian (44-20) and West Catholic (24-23). Forest Hills Eastern has limited postseason history, with one regional championship (2015) and two district titles (2015, 2020).
Whitehall – The Vikings decided to challenge themselves in the non-league slate, falling to a trio of playoff teams. They fell to fellow Division 4 opponents Unity Christian (43-21) and Zeeland West (60-43), as well as Division 5 Portland (49-7). Those were the only blemishes as they secured an outright WMC-Lakes championship. Four of those wins, Ludington (47-10), Manistee (49-6), Montague (42-7) and Oakridge (38-7), came against playoff foes.
Nick’s Pick: Whitehall over Big Rapids – The Vikings are one of the most tested teams in the state, as they faced seven playoff teams. This experience, paired with the taste left in their mouth after last year’s 28-27 loss to Big Rapids in the District Finals that has carried with them all offseason will push them past the Cardinals in a barn-burner.
Region 1 District 2
Unity Christian (9-0, 72.278) vs Hamilton (5-4, 44.556) – Friday, 7:00 at Grandville
South Christian (5-4, 48.889) vs Holland Christian (6-3, 48.778) – Friday, 7:00 at East Kentwood
Unity Christian – After nine straight trips to the postseason, including a 2018 State Championship, Unity Christian missed the playoffs in 2023. They are back this fall, entering the postseason with a perfect regular season record. This bunch has been battle tested more than anyone in the area, handily defeating seven playoff opponents: Forest Hills Central (43-20), Forest Hills Eastern (44-20), Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (43-28), South Christian (50-21), Whitehall (43-21), Zeeland East (56-14), and Zeeland West (20-8). With an average margin of defeat of 42-17, they have not had a single game decided by less than 12 points.
Hamilton – The Hamilton Hawkeyes are back in the postseason for the first time since 2020, putting together the program’s first winning season since 2016. The Hawkeyes four losses all came against playoff teams: Forest Hills Eastern (28-7), St Johns (27-26), West Catholic (54-14) and Zeeland East (28-16). They are one of the few local teams that failed to record a win against a postseason qualifier this fall, sliding into the playoffs at the 31st position in Division 4. A victory in the postseason would be their first since 2012.
South Christian – The Sailors won just five regular season games, their lowest total since 2016, but they will be battling in the postseason for the tenth straight season. In order to make their third straight trip to Ford Field, the 4-time State Champions will have to defeat some strong local programs. That may include Unity Christian, who was one of four playoff teams that the Sailors fell to in consecutive weeks. In addition to that 50-21 loss to the ‘Saders, South lost to Forest Hills Central (34-13), Zeeland East (22-15) and Zeeland West (34-21). Three of the five wins for South Christian did come against fellow playoff teams, in Division 3’s East Grand Rapids (42-28), Division 5 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (26-20) and Division 5 West Catholic (41-38).
Holland Christian Maroons – The Maroons are back in the postseason for the first time since 2020, posting a winning record for the first time since 2018. Their season began with five straight wins, including a 21-20 thriller over Division 3 qualifier East Grand Rapids. The Maroons have lost three of their last four contests, although two of those defeats came against traditional power Grand Rapids Catholic Central (42-18) and undefeated Division 2 Northview (35-20). The 2008 State Champions will look to win their first playoff game since 2018, a year they secured the District Championship.
Nick’s Pick: Unity Christian over South Christian – Unity Christian has their best team since the historic 2021 campaign. This year they played seven playoff teams and defeated every single one convincingly, including South Christian. I see no reason for this to change in the District rounds, as they are one of West Michigan’s biggest threats to reach Ford Field.
Region 3 District 2
Goodrich (8-1, 63.556) vs Ortonville Brandon (6-3, 49.778) – Friday, 7:00
Freeland (8-1, 56.444) vs Lake Fenton (6-3, 50.278) – Friday, 7:00
Goodrich – The Martians are back in the postseason for the eighth straight year. In 2022, they reached the State Championship game for the first time, falling to South Christian. This fall, they started the year with a 22-0 defeat at the hands of Frankenmuth before reeling off seven straight wins. Three of those came against playoff teams, including two in this district (Lake Fenton and Ortonville Brandon). If you remove the loss to the Eagles, they outscored their other eight opponents 389-59. In each of the past two seasons, they have taken down Freeland by a point, narrowly eliminating them from the postseason.
Ortonville Brandon – The Blackhawks are back in the playoffs for the tenth straight season. In each of the past three years, they have been bounced in the playoff opener, including the past two years by Goodrich. In fact, Goodrich has won six straight over their Flint Metro League rivals. Ortonville Brandon did defeat Detroit Denby (19-14), but they lost to Goodrich and Lake Fenton (28-22).
Freeland – The Falcons will be participating in the playoffs for the 17th straight season. In six consecutive years, Freeland has won at least their playoff opener. This year, they had a phenomenal season, outscoring their opponents 405-68, with 21 points coming in their narrow 21-20 loss to Frankenmuth. In four games, Freeland shutout their opponents, including a 34-0 win over playoff bound Swan Valley. The only other playoff team the Falcons faced was Cadillac, who they bested 28-8 last week.
Lake Fenton – The Blue Devils are back in the playoffs, opening up with Freeland for the second straight season. Last year, it was 40-13 in favor of Freeland, and the Blue Devils face an uphill battle once again this fall. The Falcons also bounced Lake Fenton in the 2021 playoffs, a 37-6 ballgame. This season, Lake Fenton lost to Goodrich (62-0), but they did manage a win over Ortonville Brandon (28-22).
Nick’s Pick: Freeland over Goodrich – It seems like we are set on a crash course between the Falcons and the Martians for the fourth straight season. These teams are both strong, with their only losses coming against Frankenmuth. I will give the slight edge to Freeland, as they were a play away from taking down the ‘Muth, while Goodrich struggled a bit more. Regardless, I expect a thrilling District Final, just like each of the past two seasons that went Goodrich’s way by a point each.
Division 5
Region 1 District 2
Frankenmuth (9-0, 63.667) vs Tri-County (5-4, 38.444) – Friday, 7:00
Belding (8-1, 54.431) vs Swan Valley (6-3, 47.000) – Friday, 7:00
Frankenmuth – The Frankenmuth Eagles have now made 14 straight trips to the postseason, and with a win in the opening round, they would win 10 games for the fifth season in a row. It has been a fantastic season for Frankenmuth, as they have outscored eight opponents 335-87. Their most impressive victory came in a 21-20 victory over Freeland, but they also have wins over Gladwin (41-14), Goodrich (22-0) and Swan Valley (63-27).
Tri-County – The Vikings are participating in their fifth straight season, posting a 5-4 record after a challenging schedule. They lost four games this season, all to teams that qualified for the playoffs (Big Rapids, Ludington, Newaygo and Reed City). The only victory that they have against a playoff team is Kent City, a CSAA crossover that they won 40-22. The Vikings are looking for their first postseason victory since 2021, but they are facing a team with at least 8 wins in the first round for the third straight year.
Belding – The Black Knights return to the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Belding lost their season opener against Ionia, but have managed to win each of their last eight games. Two of those wins came against playoff teams, besting Hopkins (40-0) and Oakridge (30-3). Though the opposition has not been the strongest, they have dominated, tallying a 413-105 difference on the scoreboard. They will look to advance to the District Finals in a home game against a historically strong program.
Swan Valley – The Vikings are a model of consistency, reaching the playoffs in every season since 2012 and all but two seasons since 2003. After three tough defeats against Croswell-Lexington (33-26), Frankenmuth (63-27) and Freeland (34-0) to start the year, Swan Valley has reeled off six straight wins. The only win against a playoff team was Bay City John Glenn (49-21), but they have faced little resistance in their six wins. All of their wins have been by at least 21 points.
Nick’s Pick: Frankenmuth over Belding – The Eagles are the heavy favorite in this district, and they are one of the strongest State Championship contenders in all of Division 5. As for Belding, it appears that the Black Knights have enough in the tank to take care of Swan Valley, but the Eagles’ firepower may just be too much.
Region 2 District 1
West Catholic (6-3, 54.889) vs Oakridge (4-5, 35.111) – Friday, 7:00
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (5-4, 54.730) vs Hopkins (6-3, 43.208) – Friday, 7:00
West Catholic – The Falcons are 6-3 on the season, but coming off a competitive defeat at the hands of Zeeland West (34-20). That snapped a five-game win streak that featured a clean sweep of the OK White, with wins over Forest Hills Eastern (24-23) and Hamilton (54-14). The 2022 Division 5 State Champions are hungry to return to Ford Field, and though their path is littered with tough opponents, they have to be in that conversation.
Oakridge – The Eagles are one of the teams that reached the playoffs without a winning record. They get the advantage analytically of playing in the WMC Lakes, where they faced playoff teams such as Ludington (loss 15-31), Manistee (win 49-22), Montague (loss 7-14) and Whitehall (loss 7-38). Oakridge also took on Belding (loss 3-30) and North Muskegon (loss 17-34) in non-league play, giving them a 1-5 record against playoff foes. This is their 20th consecutive trip to the playoffs, and they have only missed the playoffs twice since 1993, a statistic that speaks to the standard they have created on the Lakeshore. But this year’s challenge will be tough, as they hope to win a playoff game for the 9th straight year.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central – The Cougars are limping into the postseason, with losses in each of their last three games. Although all four defeats came against playoff teams (East Grand Rapids, Northview, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and South Christian), GRCC still compiled its worst regular season record since 2009. In fact, their only win against a playoff team in Michigan was Holland Christian (though it should be noted they played two out-of-state opponents). Now in their 17th straight State Playoff appearance, the Cougars will look to defeat some stiff competition to find their way to Ford Field for the seventh time since 2016.
Hopkins – The Vikings are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. They only faced two playoff foes the entire season, both in the final two weeks. They failed to score a point against either Belding (40-0) or Decatur (18-0). Hopkins has not won a playoff game since 2019 or a District Title since 2008, both feats that loom rather large given the heavyweights in this District.
Nick’s Pick: West Catholic over GR Catholic Central – Both teams feel like heavy favorites to advance to the District Finals. While it’s hard to pick against GRCC, their history and their current 5-game winning streak in this rivalry, the Falcons are a strong team. Coach Landon Grove can get this team back to a Regional Final, and perhaps an interesting matchup with Frankenmuth in a semifinal.
Division 6
Region 1 District 2
Reed City (7-2, 48.222) vs Manistee (5-4, 37.222) – Friday, 7:00
Mason County Central (8-1, 46.431) vs Standish-Sterling (6-3, 45.111) – Friday, 7:00
Reed City – The Reed City Coyotes are making their 15th consecutive trip to the postseason, and will start their journey with a Friday night home game. The two losses for the Coyotes came against larger playoff teams, Big Rapids (33-14) and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (57-26). They did manage to defeat five playoff teams: Beal City (18-14), Kingsley (24-22), Maple City Glen Lake (28-14), Newaygo (63-37), and Tri-County (52-6). This is a program that has made two straight trips to the semifinals, but is still hungry for their first trip to Ford Field. With its exemplary Power-T rushing attack, they may just have the horses to contend.
Manistee – The Mariners may have a new nickname, but they are in the playoffs for a fifth straight season. Playing in the WMC Lakes division allows them to frequently test themselves against the best in Division 4, 5 and 6, and this will prepare them for a tough Reed City matchup. They managed a 65-32 win over Montague, but fell to Ludington (39-38), Oakridge (49-22), Whitehall (49-6) and Mason County Central in a crossover (36-22). Manistee has won a playoff game in three of the past four years, the only exception in 2021 when they lost their opener to Reed City.
Mason County Central – The Spartans are back in the playoffs for the second straight season and the seventh time ever. This fall, they took down three playoff teams: Centreville (26-14), Ludington (50-43), and Manistee (36-22). Their lone loss came back in Week 3, when they lost to Division 7 North Muskegon (36-20). MCC has won two playoff games in their history, a 2007 win over Grayling and a 2015 opening round victory over Lake City.
Standish-Sterling – The Panthers are back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. They racked up three wins over playoff teams (Boyne City, Ogemaw Heights, and Ovid-Elsie) while falling to three others (Clare, Gladwin and Ithaca) that were the three toughest teams on their schedule. This is their first meeting against Mason County Central, but they have faced both Reed City (most recently in 2008) and Manistee (most recently in 2013).
Nick’s Pick: Reed City over Standish Sterling – The Coyotes look like a strong contender to make some noise in the Division 6 playoffs. They do play in a district that has some strong offenses, but I like their chances to be the last team standing in two weeks. As I’ve stated before, running the football carries the day in November, and Reed City does it as good as anyone.
Region 2 District 1
Newaygo (7-2, 48.778) vs Montague (4-5, 35.889) – Friday, 7:00
Central Montcalm (8-1, 43.444) vs Kent City (6-3, 37.986) – Friday, 7:00
Newaygo – The Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, with the program’s highest regular season win total since 2017. Coach Ralph Munger’s Lions have wins over three playoff teams, including the two on the other side of this district (21-12 over Central Montcalm and 27-18 over Kent City). It has been six years since the Lions last won a playoff game, and they have a tough challenge at home on Friday.
Montague – The Wildcats return to the postseason for the tenth straight season and the 23rd time in 24 years. They, much like fellow Division 6 opponent Manistee, have the advantage of being tested repeatedly in the WMC Lakes. They have one win over a playoff team, Oakridge (14-7), compared to five defeats against postseason foes (Forest Hills Eastern, Ludington, Manistee, North Muskegon, Whitehall). The past two seasons, Montague has lost to Reed City in the opening round, which marks the first time since 2012-13 that they failed to advance to the second round in consecutive seasons. This week, they will look to reverse that trend against another CSAA opponent.
Central Montcalm – The Hornets were the class of the CSAA Red this season, taking advantage of the realignment. They ran through the league slate unblemished, including a 36-8 win over Kent City. The only loss for the Hornets this year was against Newaygo, a 21-12 defeat back in Week 2. In addition to that victory over Kent City, they also defeated Berrien Springs (22-9) and Houghton Lake (55-26), who are also playing this week. Playing at home this week, they will look to capture the program’s first playoff victory since 2009.
Kent City – The Eagles are back in the playoffs for the third straight year, and they have completed a winning season for the ninth straight campaign. This fall, they lost three games to playoff teams (Central Montcalm, Newaygo and Tri-County). They took care of business against six foes that saw their seasons end last week, but in convincing fashion. None of their six victories came by less than 14 points, with an average margin of victory of 30 points per game.
Nick’s Pick: Montague over Central Montcalm – The Wildcats are one of the state’s best programs in this Division. They have been battle tested throughout the season, and they should match up well with Newaygo. I expect Central Montcalm to be able to repeat as victors against Kent City in the opening round, and should they face Newaygo in the District Finals, I like their chances at an upset.
8-Man Division 1
Region 4
Gobles (9-0, 37.500) vs Martin (7-1, 34.083) – Friday, 7:00
Climax-Scotts (8-1, 35.556) vs Mendon (8-1, 34.889) – Friday, 7:00
Gobles – The Tigers are off to a phenomenal start, completing the first undefeated regular season since 2006. They have outscored their opponents 448-120 this fall, and delivered a statement with their Week 7 victory over Martin (20-14). Facing the Clippers at home this week in the regional semifinals, Gobles will look to serve the Clippers their first playoff defeat since 2021.
Martin – The Clippers are back in the playoffs with another impressive regular season. In their biggest game of the season, they fell to Gobles 20-14, but they faced little resistance in many of their games this fall. The two-time defending Division 1 State Champions play in the toughest region in the 8-Man field this season, but should they make it out alive, you have to like their chances at returning to the Superior Dome.
Climax-Scotts – The Panthers return to the postseason for their sixth straight season as an 8-man program, and their overall postseason streak extends back to 2003. The 2004 State Champions lost their season opener to Northpointe Christian, before reeling off eight straight victories. One of those wins came against playoff qualifying Adrian Lenawee Christian (56-35) and another was against first round opponent Mendon (46-44). This is the third straight season these two have squared off, with Climax-Scotts winning each of the past two battles.
Mendon – The Hornets are back in the playoffs for the fourth straight season as an 8-man team, and the eighteenth year overall. Mendon dominated eight of their nine opponents this year, with their lone loss coming in a 46-44 defeat against their first-round opponent, Climax-Scotts. In total, Mendon outscored their opponents 589-172 this season, and they will look to make another lengthy playoff run like their 2022 trip to the Superior Dome. Last fall, they fell to Gobles, a team they could see again in the Regional Finals.
Nick’s Pick: Martin over Mendon – This is the most competitive region in 8-man football, if not the entire State Playoffs. Any of these four teams could win the region and reasonably hoist the State Championship trophy in Marquette in a few weeks. It is hard to beat a team twice, especially when they are matched up so closely together. With that in mind, I took two “upsets” to create a Regional Final showdown between Martin and Mendon. When push comes to shove, you have to keep picking the State Champion until someone takes them down.
8-Man Division 2
Region 3
Grand Rapids Sacred Heart (9-0, 36.208) vs Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (6-3, 29.333) – Saturday, 1:00 at Northpointe Christian
Morrice (8-1, 35.222) vs Portland St Patrick (8-1, 34.556) – Friday, 7:00
Grand Rapids Sacred Heart – The Falcons are one of the best stories in the state of Michigan, posting a perfect regular season record. Only one win came against a playoff foe (21-20 over Blanchard Montabella), but for a first-year of full varsity football, they have set the standard. Coach Joe Hyland has experience in the postseason, leading West Catholic to a State Championship, and he will look to impart that preparation onto this young football team.
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart – The Irish are back in the playoffs for the second straight season, and the fifth time in seven years as an 8-man team. They beat Montabella as well (21-8), but lost to the two teams on the other side of this region, Morrice (38-6) and Portland St Patrick (56-49). This is their first meeting against a West Michigan area team since they lost to Muskegon Catholic Central in the 2016 playoff opener.
Morrice – The Orioles are back in the postseason for the eighth straight season. Their lone loss this season was a conference battle against their Round 1 opponent, Portland St Patrick (29-12). Since that defeat, they have toppled three playoff teams: Fulton (22-0), Montabella (48-20) and Mt Pleasant Sacred Heart (38-6). The 2018 State Champions have a team that is looking to make some noise this postseason.
Portland St. Patrick – The Shamrocks were a power in 11-man football in the late 1990s. Since moving to 8-man football in 2012, they have re-emerged as a powerhouse with five trips to the semifinals, three berths in the title game, but zero State Championships. They reeled off six straight wins to start the year, including 29-12 over Morrice and 56-49 over Mt Pleasant Sacred Heart. Their only defeat came against Fulton, a narrow 24-20 contest.
Nick’s Pick: Portland St Patrick over Grand Rapids Sacred Heart – The Shamrocks have a strong football team, and appear to be the favorite in this region despite being the #3 in playoff points. I like their odds in a rematch against Morrice, which should leave them favored against either of the Sacred Hearts. As for that holy battle, I will side with the home Falcons. It should be a memorable day for the new birds, and I think the momentum will be enough to carry them to a narrow victory. That elation may run out against either of the tough teams on the other side.
