News Summary

As the Michigan high school football season progresses, the playoff picture becomes clearer. With 495 participating schools, 256 teams will vie for playoff spots starting October 31. The new playoff point system rewards teams based on their performance and strength of schedule, replacing the previous six-win requirement. Key teams in each division demonstrate top performances, while the 8-player football playoffs also create excitement. Recognizing athlete achievements is encouraged as fans anticipate the thrilling end to the regular season.

Michigan High School Football Playoffs Structure and Standings Update for 2025 Season

Hey football fans! It’s an exciting time here in Michigan as the high school football season continues to heat up. With five games already in the books and just four weeks left to go, the anticipation for the playoffs is building, and trust me, everyone is eager to see how the teams stack up!

What’s Going On?

This fall, an impressive 495 high schools are lacing up their cleats and hitting the field. That’s a lot of teams! Out of these schools, a total of 256 teams will earn a spot in the playoffs, which are slated to kick off on either October 31 or November 1. The stakes are high, and every game counts as teams battle it out for that coveted playoff berth!

The Playoff Selection Process

So how does the selection work? The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has implemented an interesting new playoff structure since 2020. Instead of requiring teams to notch six wins to qualify, they now use a playoff point system. This system takes into account the strength of schedule, making it a bit more strategic for coaches and players alike.

Here’s the breakdown: teams earn 60 points for beating a team from Division 1, and this number decreases by five points for each subsequent division, ending with 25 points for a victory over a Division 8 opponent. Bonus points are also up for grabs! For example, wins against Divisions 1 and 2 earn teams an extra six points, while victories over teams in Divisions 3 and 4 net five points, and so on.

How Are Points Calculated?

Calculating playoff points is a bit like a math problem! It involves summing up the playoff points earned and dividing them by the number of games played. Then, you add in the bonus points divided by the opponents’ games played. It may sound complicated, but it keeps things fair and exciting, especially as teams start pushing harder for those crucial playoff spots.

Top Teams Through Week Five

With five weeks down, let’s spotlight some of the top teams in each division. These squads are showing consistent performance and resilience as they gear up for the next phase:

  • Division 1: Saline (5-0, 72.200), Brownstown Woodhaven (5-0, 71.600), Hudsonville (5-0, 68.800)
  • Division 2: Grosse Pointe South (5-0, 70.200), South Lyon (5-0, 67.000), Dexter (4-1, 63.400)
  • Division 3: Mount Pleasant (5-0, 63.400), DeWitt (5-0, 62.200)
  • Division 4: Grand Rapids Catholic Central (5-0, 64.600), Richmond (5-0, 52.800)
  • Division 5: Almont (5-0, 50.000), Traverse City St. Francis (5-0, 43.250)
  • Division 6: Hudson (5-0, 41.400), Allen Park Cabrini (5-0, 36.200)
  • Division 7: Indian River Inland Lakes (5-0, 32.800), Martin (5-0, 32.800)
  • Division 8: Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (5-0, 48.600), Menominee (5-0, 46.000)

8-Player Football Playoffs

And that’s not all! If you’re a fan of 8-player football, keep an eye out for the 16-team bracket playoffs. The competition is fierce, and these teams know how to bring the heat!

Recognition For Athletes

Before we wrap things up, if you know a high school athlete who’s been making waves on the field, don’t hesitate to nominate them for the Detroit Free Press Athlete of the Week. It’s a great way to recognize their hard work and dedication!

With so much happening in the Michigan high school football scene, it’s going to be an exhilarating last month of regular-season play. Will your team make the cut? Keep cheering and keep watching as we head into the playoffs!

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