Top 5 Playoff Teams (Week 1 – 2025 MHSAA Playoffs)
Presented by Motor City Sports Network
The regular season is behind us, and the road to Ford Field officially begins. As the MHSAA playoffs kick off, five programs have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the pack. These are the teams playing championship-caliber football when it matters most — disciplined, explosive, and built for November.
Detroit Catholic Central (9-0)
The Standard of Michigan Football - Detroit Catholic Central reaffirmed its dominance by beating Detroit Martin Luther King 26-14 in the Prep Bowl at Ford Field. The Shamrocks continue to set the bar across the state with a defense that punishes and an offense that executes with precision. This team is disciplined, physical, and balanced — everything you expect from a program that has made excellence its identity. DCC is the undisputed No. 1 heading into the playoffs.
2. Detroit Cass Tech (9-0)
The Motor City Machine - Cass Tech finished its regular season with a 61-0 demolition of Temperance Bedford and followed that with a 35-19 win over Detroit King to reclaim the DPSCD Blue City Championship. The Technicians’ defense remains their calling card — they haven’t allowed more than 19 points since Week 4. Quarterback Donald Tabron II continues to lead a steady and explosive offense. Cass Tech is peaking at the right time and looks ready to make another run to Ford Field.
3. Harper Woods (9-0)
The Rising Power - Harper Woods proved once again that they’re not just a feel-good story — they’re a legitimate contender. The Pioneers survived a gritty battle against Mason, winning 21-17 to remain undefeated. They now sit at 9-0 heading into their matchup with Macomb Lutheran North (7-2). Their offense has explosive speed at every position, and their defense continues to show composure under pressure. Harper Woods is proving that the path to a state title may run right through them.
4. Clarkston (8-1)
Built for November - Clarkston’s identity is simple — power, discipline, and execution. After a statement win over West Bloomfield, the Wolves have looked like one of the most balanced teams in Michigan. The Boman brothers anchor a team that dominates the line of scrimmage and rarely beats itself. With a district showdown against 8-1 Davison on deck, Clarkston has a chance to prove they’re still built for deep playoff runs.
5. Belleville (7-2)
The Reloaded Contender - Belleville may have taken a few bumps this season, but their pedigree still speaks volumes. Even after a tough loss to Howell, the Tigers remain one of the most talented teams in the state, capable of scoring in bunches and creating big plays on defense. They’ll enter the playoffs looking to reset, refocus, and remind everyone why Belleville is always a name you can’t count out in late October.
Next Up: Playoff Week 1 Matchups
Detroit Catholic Central vs Hartland (5-4) – DCC opens its playoff campaign at home, focused on keeping its perfect season alive.
Detroit Cass Tech vs Northville (7-2) – A high-powered Cass Tech defense faces a disciplined Northville offense.
Harper Woods vs Macomb Lutheran North (7-2) – The Pioneers look to keep their undefeated streak intact.
Clarkston vs Davison (8-1) – Two powerhouse programs collide in a can’t-miss playoff matchup.
Belleville vs Brownstown Woodhaven (7-2) – Belleville aims to bounce back and find rhythm heading into November.
