MHSAA Division 1 Playoff Preview
Presented by Motor City Sports Network
The Road to Ford Field Begins
The regular season is behind us, and now it’s win-or-go-home. The MHSAA Division 1 playoffs kick off this weekend with 16 district semifinals, featuring powerhouse programs and dangerous underdogs from every corner of Michigan.
Hudsonville (9-0) vs Jenison (4-5)
“The Westside Heavyweight”
Hudsonville (9-0) puts its unbeaten record on the line against Jenison (4-5) Friday night at the Hudsonville Athletic Complex. The Eagles have been rolling all year and look poised to make a statement early.
Meanwhile, Rockford (7-2) hosts Grandville (4-5) in a familiar rivalry rematch at Ted Carlson Stadium. Rockford’s defense has been battle-tested, but Grandville’s physical run game always makes things interesting.
Rockford (7-2) vs Grandville (4-5)
“Rivalry Reloaded”
Few rivalries in Michigan are as physical as Rockford vs Grandville. The Rams host the Bulldogs at Ted Carlson Stadium in a rematch that’s always intense. Rockford’s defense and discipline will be tested against Grandville’s bruising run game, and bragging rights are on the line.
Howell (8-1) vs Kalamazoo Central (6-3)
“The Dark Horse Duel”
Howell enters the playoffs with just one loss and a balanced offensive attack that’s carried them all season. Kalamazoo Central comes in athletic and fast, looking to spoil Howell’s home-field advantage. Expect explosive plays and a high-energy crowd at John Duke Memorial Stadium.
East Kentwood (7-2) vs Grand Ledge (7-2)
“Battle of the Sevens”
Two evenly matched teams collide at Falcon Stadium as East Kentwood and Grand Ledge, both 7-2, look to advance. The Falcons’ speed will clash with Grand Ledge’s physical style, making this one of the most unpredictable matchups of the first round.
Detroit Catholic Central (9-0) vs Hartland (5-4)
“The Shamrock Standard”
DCC remains the team to beat in Michigan. The Shamrocks have dominated all year and enter the postseason as the top seed in Division 1. Hosting Hartland at Fr. Elmer Stadium in Novi, they’ll look to continue their perfect season with another statement win.
West Bloomfield (7-2) vs Brighton (6-3)
“Redemption Time”
After back-to-back midseason losses, West Bloomfield has bounced back and regained form. The Lakers host Brighton in a matchup that promises playoff-level intensity. Brighton is tough, experienced, and physical, but the Lakers’ athleticism and home-field advantage give them the edge.
Clarkston (8-1) vs Davison (8-1)
“The Clash of Titans”
This is the headline game of the week. Clarkston and Davison — two storied programs, both 8-1 — collide at Clarkston High in a battle that could decide the tone of the entire bracket. The Boman twins lead a Wolves team built for the postseason, but Davison’s power and poise make this one a toss-up.
Grand Blanc (9-0) vs Oxford (7-2)
“Perfection vs Power”
Grand Blanc has been nearly unstoppable, finishing the regular season undefeated. Oxford comes in hot, with a physical defense and nothing to lose. The Bobcats’ offense will look to strike early, but if Oxford can slow the tempo, this could turn into a four-quarter slugfest.
Saline (8-1) vs Salem (5-4)
“The Offensive Showcase”
Saline’s high-powered offense has been one of the most consistent in Michigan, and they’ll look to keep it rolling against Salem. The Hornets are heavily favored, but playoff football always brings surprises — especially with a team like Salem that can move the ball when it gets hot early.
Belleville (7-2) vs Brownstown Woodhaven (7-2)
“The Champs Reloaded”
The defending Division 1 champions are back in postseason form. Belleville hosts Woodhaven Saturday at 1 PM at Belleville Stadium. Both teams enter 7-2, but the Tigers’ playoff experience and talent-rich roster could make the difference as they chase another Ford Field run.
Detroit Cass Tech (9-0) vs Northville (7-2)
“The Motor City Machine”
Cass Tech is undefeated and hasn’t allowed a touchdown since Week 4. The Technicians’ defense has been elite, and quarterback Donald Tabron II continues to command the offense with confidence. Northville is solid, but Cass Tech looks locked in for another deep postseason push.
Farmington (7-2) vs Dearborn Fordson (7-2)
“The Underrated Showdown”
Both Farmington and Fordson fly under the radar, but this matchup could quietly be one of the best of the weekend. Two well-coached teams with hard-nosed defenses meet in a battle of wills — whoever wins the turnover battle likely moves on.
Rochester Adams (7-2) vs Rochester (5-4)
“The Crosstown Classic”
The city of Rochester will be electric for this one. Adams and Rochester renew their rivalry, this time with playoff stakes on the line. Adams comes in as the favorite, but rivalry games are never predictable. Expect emotion, energy, and a packed crowd at Adams High.
Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (6-3) vs Utica Eisenhower (5-4)
“The Grit Game”
Stoney Creek has fought hard all year and will host a tough Eisenhower team that’s battled through a challenging schedule. Both squads rely on physical play and strong defense — this game might be low-scoring, but it’ll be hard-hitting from start to finish.
Romeo (6-3) vs Sterling Heights Stevenson (5-4)
“MAC Red Mayhem”
Romeo and Stevenson are no strangers to each other, and this one has all the makings of a classic. Both teams play with intensity and toughness, and playoff bragging rights are up for grabs. Expect a physical, grind-it-out battle at Barnabo Field.
Utica (7-2) vs Macomb Dakota (6-3)
“The Eastside Elimination”
Utica’s home crowd at Swinehart Stadium will be ready as they face off against Dakota. Both teams feature balanced attacks and physical defenses. This game could easily swing either way, with momentum likely being the deciding factor.
The Final Whistle
From unbeaten powerhouses like Detroit Catholic Central, Cass Tech, and Grand Blanc, to traditional contenders like Clarkston and Belleville, the Division 1 playoffs are packed with storylines. Each region has at least one heavyweight and one dangerous dark horse capable of shaking up the bracket. As the march to Ford Field begins, every down counts, every mistake matters, and every Friday night becomes a legacy moment. The Varsity Report will be there every step of the way, covering the biggest matchups and the brightest stars in Metro Detroit football.
