MHSAA sets final playoff matchups
Eleven player regionals feature undefeated teams, while eight player semifinals tip off Saturday with two unbeaten squads meeting in Gaylord.
By Sakura Ellis ·
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has released the third round pairings for its 2026 football playoffs, locking in the final eight matchups for the eight player divisions. In those eight player semifinals, two games on Saturday feature undefeated opponents. Gaylord St. Mary (11-0) faces Portland St. Patrick (11-0) at 12:30 p.m. in Cadillac. Britton Deerfield (9-2) plays Mendon (11-0) at 1:00 p.m. in Ypsilanti.
The season began with regular season play that determined these seedings. The top teams in each division advanced through the initial playoff rounds. The MHSAA now has the complete bracket for the third week of competition. This week marks the final step before the state championship games in the larger divisions and the finals for the smaller ones.
In the eleven player regionals, the schedule spans November 13 and 14. Division 1 opens with East Kentwood (11-0) hosting Portage Central (10-1). Clarkston (10-1) hosts Detroit Catholic Central (10-1) in the second slot. Northville (9-2) travels to Detroit Cass Tech (11-0), while Romeo (11-0) hosts Stoney Creek (9-2).
Division 2 sees Byron Center (9-2) host Muskegon Mona Shores (10-1). Milford (10-1) hosts South Lyon (9-2). Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-3) plays Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (9-2) at LTU. Grosse Pointe South (10-1) hosts Livonia Franklin (9-2).
Division 3 features Mt. Pleasant (10-1) hosting DeWitt (9-2). Zeeland West (9-2) hosts Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (8-3). Chelsea (11-0) hosts Mason (10-1). Harper Woods (9-2) hosts Warren De La Salle (7-4).
Division 4 includes Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (10-1) hosting Hudsonville Unity Christian (7-4). Grand Rapids South Christian (10-1) hosts Portland. Goodrich (11-0) hosts Dearborn Divine Child (10-1). Macomb Lutheran North (10-1) hosts Detroit Country Day (8-3).
Division 5 has Ogemaw Heights (9-2) hosting Negaunee (7-4). Grand Rapids West Catholic (9-2) hosts either Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-2) or Berrien Springs (9-1). Frankenmuth (10-1) hosts Saginaw Swan Valley (10-1). Monroe Jefferson (10-1) hosts Romulus Summit Academy North (8-3). Division 6 pairs undefeated Sanford Meridian (11-0) with undefeated Kingsley (11-0). Undefeated Marine City (11-0) plays undefeated Almont (11-0). Belding (9-2) hosts Jackson Lumen Christi (9-2). Detroit Edison (10-1) hosts Ecorse (10-1).
Division 7 sees Menominee (10-1) hosting Charlevoix (8-2). Pewamo Westphalia (10-0) hosts Ithaca (10-1). North Muskegon (10-1) hosts Ravenna (9-2). Ottawa Lake Whiteford (9-2) hosts Jonesville (7-4). Division 8 features Beal City (11-0) hosting Bark River Harris (9-2). New Lothrop (10-1) hosts Ubly (8-3). Hudson (10-1) hosts Springport (10-1). Madison Heights Madison (9-2) hosts Clarkston Everest Collegiate (10-1).
