The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s football playoff brackets produced a few districts of death across the eight 11-player divisions, and plenty of intriguing matchups throughout the state.
On top of the high-stakes matchups in a single-elimination setting, the weather is projected to be in the 40s with some wind on Friday night. It will feel like playoff football from the atmosphere, the play on the field and the biting chill in the air.
Here are 10 of the best first round (district semifinals) throughout Michigan on Friday, Oct 31, or Saturday, Nov. 1. There will be 128 playoff games this weekend to set up next week’s district finals matchups.
Watch live MHSAA football playoff games
MHSAA football playoffs: 10 best games in first round
Clarkston vs. Davison, Friday, 7 p.m. at Clarkston HS
These two 8-1 teams lived in the top 10 of Division 1 for most of the season, with Clarkston (ranked No. 6 in my final Super 10) entering the playoffs with the most playoff points of any team in Michigan. The Wolves have a balanced offense and a swarming defense, led by twin brothers Lukas and Griffin Boman. The Bomans split the backfield and create chaos defensively at linebacker. Davison has a top dual-threat quarterback in Western Michigan commit Jaxson Dosh, and a steady, imposing run game behind a big and powerful offensive line, headlined by Notre Dame commit Ben Nichols, one of the best in the state.
Grand Blanc vs. Oxford, Friday, 7 p.m. at Grand Blanc HS
This is the other half of the district of death in Division 1, where the winner will play the winner of Clarkston-Davison. Grand Blanc (9-0) has an explosive offense, led by standout quarterback Jake Morrow and running back Jeremiah Coleman. Oxford (7-2) won the final five games of the regular season, including wins over tough opponents West Bloomfield and Macomb Dakota, behind the stellar play of senior quarterback Jack Hendrix.
East Kentwood vs. Grand Ledge, Friday, 7 p.m. at East Kentwood HS
East Kentwood (7-2) is one of the most dangerous teams in Division 1, with its two losses coming by a combined eight points. The Falcons have one the best quarterbacks in the state, senior Kayd Coffman who is committed to Michigan State, with plenty of offensive weapons and a defense that has grown throughout the fall. Grand Ledge (7-2) started 6-0 before dropping two of its final three games, but have a strong passing game thanks to quarterback Nick Terranova.
Walled Lake Western vs. Birmingham Brother Rice, Friday, 7 p.m. at WL Western HS
If you love watching running backs, this is the game for you. Western senior Donovan Triplett — a Free Press midseason player of the year finalist — is one of the fastest players in Michigan and can break a house call on any snap. Brother Rice sophomore Deondre Hill is built like a college sophomore, and has speed to pair with that size, making him a handful to bring down. Brother Rice is on a three-game winning streak; Western has won four in a row.
Muskegon vs. Muskegon Mona Shores, Friday, 7 p.m. at Muskegon HS
Who doesn’t love a rivalry game between two storied programs with the season on the line? Muskegon (6-3), led by quarterback Lamar Bradford, beat Mona Shores, 28-12, in the first matchup on the road, and gets the playoff rematch at home. Mona Shores (5-4) had an up-and-down season, but snuck into the bracket as one of the final qualifiers in Division 2. Both teams ended their season with losses to private schools in Ohio (Muskegon lost to Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller; Mona Shores lost to Toledo Central Catholic).
Niles vs. Zeeland West, Friday, 7 p.m. at Niles HS
Two schools that reached the state finals at Ford Field last year face off in the first round. Defending Division 3 champion Zeeland West (6-3) is on the road against 2024 Division 4 runner-up Niles (9-0). Niles, which moved up a division this year, is holding teams to 10.9 points per game, while the triple-option offense has remained effective. The Dux run a similar offense and have a stout defensive front. Whoever runs the ball better will survive another week.
Ludington vs. Big Rapids, Friday, 7 p.m. at Ludington HS
Ludington (9-0) had a storybook regular season and will have a chance to add to its magical run Friday night: The Orioles host Big Rapids (8-1) with a chance to win the first playoff game in school history. Orioles quarterback Cam Gunsell, committed to Ferris State, has had a strong senior season. The Cardinals have continued the success of the past few years, led by four-year starting running back Jack Bollman.
Detroit Southeastern vs. Detroit Denby, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at Southeastern HS
This is a matchup between two underrated quarterbacks from the Public School League between Southeastern’s Sherman Neeley and Denby’s Christopher Kendrick. Denby (7-2) has won seven straight games, including the PSL Gold championship, while Southeastern had a five-game winning streak snapped in Week 9 against Dearborn Divine Child.
Belding vs. Ovid-Elsie, Friday, 7 p.m. at Belding HS
Belding (8-1) has won seven straight games, including the past two by at least 30 points with 50-point performances offensively. The Black Knights have a strong rushing attack to pair with an effective passing game and a strong defensive line. Ovid-Elsie (7-2) has won four straight since a tight loss to undefeated Montrose. The Marauders need a win to reach eight wins for the fourth straight season.
Saginaw Valley Lutheran vs. Ithaca, Friday, 7 p.m. at Valley Lutheran HS
Valley Lutheran (9-0) is in the midst of a storybook season and faces a rematch from its tightest win of 2025. In Week 6, the Chargers beat Ithaca, 23-22, at home. The Yellowjackets are a perennial threat in Division 7 under coach Jordan Hessbrook, and have a great quarterback in Gibson Rondy.
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Jared Ramsey covers high school sports for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jramsey@freepress.com; Follow Jared on X or Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 10 best MHSAA football playoff games to watch on 2025 first-round schedule
Reporting by Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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