Football action is not too far off now.
Now, it’s time to find out which Cheboygan-area games are the most significant this season.
However, there was one unfortunate recent occurrence as the Cheboygan varsity football team had to cancel its 2026 campaign because of low numbers and concern for student safety. With Cheboygan out, I’m going to add a few interesting out-of-area games this fall.
Here’s what I believe are the top most intriguing matchups of this campaign:
1. Pickford at Inland Lakes (Week 7, Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.)
Over the last three seasons, these 8-player football powerhouses have gone to battle in a trilogy of epic games, starting with the Bulldogs’ semifinal victory at Pickford in 2023. However, the Panthers paid the Bulldogs back with a semifinal home win in 2024, then ended I-L’s season in a hard-fought pre-regional triumph at Inland Lakes last fall.
Not only are these teams clashing in the regular season, but it’s also going to be arguably the most pivotal showdown of the new Bridge Alliance 8-Player Conference Straits Division. Who knows what their records will be at the time, but it could have huge ramifications as far as the conference and postseason go.
The Bulldogs have a lot of talent back, but the Panthers always reload.
Thankfully, we get a heavyweight matchup like this in the regular season.
2. Portland St. Patrick at Pickford (Week 6, Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.)
Oh, man, this one’s tasty.
While the Panthers are an out-of-area squad, this might just be the coolest matchup on the schedule this fall, as they welcome the defending MHSAA 8-Player, Division 2 champion Shamrocks, who were undefeated a season ago.
This is one of those ultimate tests for the Panthers, but they’re a program that’s not afraid to face anybody.
It’ll be an early-October kickoff in Pickford and a chance for two powerhouse programs to go toe to toe.
3. Gaylord St. Mary at Inland Lakes (Week 9, Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.)
For five seasons, the matchup between the Snowbirds and Bulldogs decided the Ski Valley Conference championship, with Inland Lakes prevailing in all five of those clashes.
Now, this is a Bridge Alliance crossover game, as the Bulldogs will represent the Straits Area division and the Snowbirds as part of the Valley. This is always a pivotal game in the season, and the stakes could be even higher again this fall if the Bulldogs and Snowbirds are in the thick of the playoff race, which I believe they will be.
This should be another thrilling encounter when the two battle at Shanley Field in the final week before the playoffs.
4. Rogers City at Onaway (Week 1, Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m.)
It’s another significant opener for an area team as the Cardinals will look to one-up their Presque Isle rivals at home.
The Cardinals had all sorts of problems with the Hurons last year, but this will be a great chance to build some momentum, put on a quality display, and perhaps pull out a win.
Onaway has some solid players returning, but so do the Hurons.
Who doesn’t love a rivalry game to start the season?
5. Engadine at Pellston (Week 3, Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.)
Following two difficult road games to open the campaign, the Hornets return to Sam McClutchey Field for the first contest of a three-game homestand.
I’m not sure where the Hornets will be at this point record-wise, but it’ll be a tremendous opportunity for them to deliver a strong performance and earn a win in front of their home fans.
Also, Pellston will be playing as an independent this fall after not joining one of the new conferences.
Other matchups to watch in 2026
St. Ignace at Inland Lakes (Week 5, Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.), Inland Lakes at Onaway (Week 2, Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.); Felch North Dickinson at Pickford (Week 1, Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.), Pickford at St. Ignace (Week 4, Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.) Eben Junction Superior Central at Pellston (Week 5, Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.)
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: What are the 5 significant football games in Cheboygan area, beyond?
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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By Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
