Michigan HS football: Analysis on The DZone’s top 10 matchups of Week 5

Week 5 of the Michigan high school football season kicks off this week with plenty of intriguing matchups.

Here are 10 key games to watch this week:

Warren De La Salle (3-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (4-0)

The Pilots suffered their first loss of the season last week against a dominant Toledo (OH) Central Catholic squad, who have impressed this season. Before the loss, De La Salle picked up three quality wins against Davison, OLSM and Detroit King. Losing to an out-of-state team doesn’t hurt in the grand scheme of things, as the Pilots can beat Michigan’s best. They are still among the shortlist of state title contenders.

The Shamrocks beat OLSM last week, remaining undefeated despite a brutal early-season schedule. Detroit CC has defeated Dearborn and Harper Woods by a combined 77 points. They also beat Toledo (OH) Catholic Central 21-7 in Week 2. The Shamrocks are well on their way to their fifth straight playoff appearance. They are also trying to improve to 3-0 in the Catholic League midway through the regular season.

DeWitt (4-0) at East Lansing (3-1)

DeWitt has been one of the most explosive and exciting teams this season. Through four games, the Panthers have already scored 256 points. They have games of 55, 62, 69 and 70 points scored, for a stunning average of 64 points per game. After dismantling Haslett, Mason and Lansing Waverly, DeWitt defeated a West Virginia team. This week’s matchup might be the only thing standing in DeWitt’s way of an undefeated regular season.

East Lansing lost a hard-fought battle against Hudsonville in Week 2, but remain one of the top teams in the state. The Trojans are still poised for their ninth straight playoff appearance. They reached the state semifinals last fall. For perspective, East Lansing lost their first two games last season and still made the long run. Expectations are still high near the state’s capital. This game will test East Lansing’s elite defense against DeWitt’s high-powered offense.

Mona Shores (4-0) vs. Muskegon (1-2)

Muskegon started 0-2 for the second straight season (spoiler alert, it didn’t matter last year when they still went on to win the state title). The Big Reds picked up their first win last week in convincing fashion over Forest Hills Northern. Muskegon has made the playoffs every season since 2000. That streak doesn’t seem in danger, however, the west side of the state has a unique blend of depth and talent this fall.

Mona Shores has been making shockwaves as potential state title contenders. After defeating Grand Blanc and River Rouge to start the season, the Sailors outlasted Byron Center last week in a gritty, defensive 14-12 win. The Sailors are looking for their 10th playoff appearance since 2013 and a win this week could lock up a very favorable seed in the playoffs.

Eisenhower (4-0) vs. SH Stevenson (3-1)

Eisenhower has continued last year’s offensive breakthrough, already scoring 140 points this season. The Eagles haven’t scored less than 28 points in a game all year, outsourcing opponents by over 100 points less than halfway through the season. Eisenhower picked up key wins against Oxford and Anchor Bay, but this might be their most difficult matchup of the season.

After three nearly identical wins, Stevenson dropped their first game of the season last week with a 24-9 loss against Macomb Dakota. Stevenson is hoping to bounce back from two consecutive losing seasons. A win this week would be a statement that they are here to stay. With just three playoff appearances since 2016, this could be a program-defining win.

West Bloomfield (2-2) vs. Clarkston (2-2)

West Bloomfield has endured a mercurial season, racking up two shutout victories over 40 points each. However, two losses in the middle have the Lakers on the playoff bubble. West Bloomfield is trying to extend its 10-year playoff streak, and a win against a solid Clarkston team could springboard another postseason appearance.

Close losses against top-ranked Belleville and undefeated Rochester Adams won’t hurt their confidence, but the Wolves still have a difficult road ahead of them and can’t afford too many losses. Clarkston has only missed the playoffs once since 2003. A win this week against a conference rival would ease the pressure on the final four games.

Rochester Adams (4-0) vs. Lake Orion (3-1)

Rochester Adams has been among the most impressive teams this season, dominating on both sides of the ball en route to a 99-45 point differential. The Highlanders have made the playoffs seven of the last eight years, including a state final appearance in 2001. Adams already has key conference wins over Clarkston and West Bloomfield. But this could be their toughest matchup, yet.

The Dragons began the season 3-1 with an impressive point differential. They stumbled in Week 4 with a loss against Oxford in a close game. Lake Orion will be looking to get back on track against one of the state’s best teams. This is the first of four incredibly difficult games to end the season. A win would go a long way in propelling the Dragons back into the playoffs.

Birmingham Groves (4-0) vs. Harper Woods (2-2)

Harper Woods entered the season as one of our top-ranked teams, however, they were bested by Oxford and Detroit Catholic Central in consecutive games this season. The Pioneers bounced back in Week 4 with a win over Stoney Creek. Harper Woods has been outscored 125-83; the lack of defense has been the biggest surprise. The Pioneers are trying to make the playoffs for the fifth time in the last seven years.

Four straight wins and a 132-40 point differential has Groves cruising into the second half of the regular season. The Falcons have not allowed more than 14 points in a game. They also have scored at least 28 points in every game. A win this week virtually guarantees Groves another playoff appearance, its 12th in the last 10 years and a conference title.

Zeeland West (4-0) vs. Unity Christian (4-0)

The Dux have emerged as one of the best offensive teams in the state, already racking up 158 points through four games. Zeeland West has made the playoffs every year since 2008. Kicking off the season with a convincing win against Muskegon proved how great they could be.

Unity Christian has had success on offense this season, scoring at least 37 points in all four games. This could be an old-fashioned shootout, something we definitely don’t get as often in pro football these days. The Crusaders have made the playoffs nine out of the last 10 years. This week’s game, and an October 11 matchup against South Christian could be their toughest tests left on the schedule.

Howell (4-0) vs. Northville (2-2)

Howell, like so many teams featured in this article, are dominant on offense, averaging 38 points per game. The Highlanders opened the season with an impressive win over Hudsonville. They haven’t turned back, scoring at least 34 points in each of their last three games. Howell has only been to the playoffs twice since 2016, but a third trip seems guaranteed at this point.

Northville has either lost close games or completely blown out their opponents. They have only allowed 57 points through four games, and they are fresh off a 54-0 victory. Momentum might be on their side, as they storm into a winnable slate of games to end the regular season. The Mustangs are searching for their fourth playoff appearance in the last five years.

Hudsonville (3-1) vs. East Kentwood (3-1)

After losing a three-point game against Howell to start the season, Hudsonville has been on the shortlist of best teams in the state. The Eagles picked up a Week 2 victory over East Lansing. Last week, they upset previously undefeated Rockford; a true statement game for Hudsonville. After a two-year hiatus, Hudsonville is trying to earn its second straight trip to the postseason.

East Kentwood athletics are on the rise across the board, and the football team is off to an impressive start. Two straight wins after a loss to Byron Center have provided the Falcons with momentum entering the heart of the season. A win against Hudsonville would likely lock up a playoff spot, just their second since 2019.