Week 4 Preview: Top 20 matchups throughout Michigan (Part 2)

Novi (2-1) vs. Brighton (2-1)

After a tough 27-3 loss against Stevenson to start the season, Novi bounced back with two strong wins against Hartland and Canton. Novi is hoping to make its third straight playoff appearance after struggling to reach the postseason from 2009 to 2020. Novi beat Brighton last season in a high-scoring game. The Wildcats will look to earn their second straight win against Brighton for the first time since 2006 and 2007.

If you like shootouts, Brighton has been a dream team to follow this season. The Bulldogs have already scored 91 points, but they’ve also allowed 98 points, failing to hold opponents under 28 points through three games. Brighton has been a pretty consistent postseason presence throughout the past 20 years, highlighted by a state title appearance in 2019.

Chippewa Valley (1-2) vs. Romeo (0-3)

Romeo has an elite program, missing the playoffs just once since 2004. However, they are off to a rough start. The Bulldogs have been outscored 44-84 through three games, including a 28-7 loss last week. Known as one of the best defensive teams in the state, Romeo has allowed at least 22 points in each game. The Bulldogs have allowed under 270 points every season since 2000, but that streak might be in jeopardy.

Another storied program who have basically penned in at least a 10th game every year, Chippewa Valley got a rude awakening in Week 1 with a 42-0 loss against West Bloomfield. Having only scored 35 points through three games, the Big Reds’ historically potent offense hasn’t been able to get going this fall. Normally, Romeo wouldn’t be the team to turn that around against, but there might be some more hope than normal this week.

Southfield A&T (1-2) vs. West Bloomfield (1-2)

It looked pretty safe to assume West Bloomfield would make it 10 straight playoff appearances after a decisive 42-0 win against Chippewa Valley to start the season. Since, the Lakers have lost two games and points have come much harder to find. Southfield A&T would have been a nightmare matchup to try and turn things around last fall, but things are much different this season.

The Warriors won a state championship last season, topping off an incredible 13-1 run. Southfield A&T has only been around since 2016, and their enrollment has dropped by 1,000 students since then, but elite athletes still walk the halls. The Warriors may have lost last season’s magic, but they are still a tough matchup for most teams.

River Rouge (2-1) vs. Brother Rice (0-3)

Brother Rice remains winless, but have only dropped one game against Michigan teams. The Warriors have lost to two Toledo (OH) teams, but remain a solid team. Once a dominant program that missed the playoffs only once between 1999 through 2021, Brother Rice went 0-9 last fall and are currently being outscored 121-28 so far this season. This will be a key matchup to break a 13-game losing streak.

River Rouge has made the playoffs every year since 2010 and are off to a quick start this season. Losing to Mona Shores carries no shame this season, as they are legit. The Panthers have locked down opposing teams, allowing under 12 points per game. River Rouge plays only five Michigan teams in the regular season, so they will all be important indicators of a potential playoff run.

Dearborn Fordson (1-2) vs. Livonia Stevenson (2-1)

Fordson has missed the playoffs just once since 2006, but a 1-2 start and a future matchup against No. 1 Belleville makes every game a must-win situation. Fordson started out 0-2, but thumped Wayne Memorial 51-0 last week, maybe helping them turn the corner. Despite all their success, Fordson has only made it past the regional twice since 1985.

Stevenson has two impressive wins, but had to play Belleville in Week 2, and like most teams who face the Tigers, lost handedly. With only one playoff appearance since 2017, this will be a pivotal matchup that could propel Stevenson to the postseason. The Spartans haven’t scored over 200 points since 2020, but with 75 points through three weeks, it looks like that unwanted streak could be broken.

Grand Rapids Northview (3-0) vs. East Grand Rapids (2-1)

While Northview’s basketball program has taken off over the last five years, the football team hasn’t shared the same success. With only three playoff appearances since 2012, the Wildcats have somewhat surprised with a fast start. After scoring less than 200 points in four straight seasons, the Wildcats have already put 130 on the board through three games. This is a different, and much more dangerous team than usual.

East Grand Rapids won five straight state titles from 2006 through 2010, cementing its status as an all-time Michigan great. While the Pioneers have remained consistent playoff performers since, long runs have been missing from their resume. This week’s clash will be a strong test to see if the Pioneers can stop a high-powered offense, something they struggled to do against South Christian.

Clare (3-0) vs. Gladwin (2-1)

Gladwin won a state title in 2022 and followed it up with six straight wins to start last season. Now, the Flying G’s are hoping to make their fifth straight playoff appearance and overcome last week’s 12-7 loss to Ogemaw Heights. Gladwin has a three-game win streak against Clare, so maybe this will be a welcome opponent for a bounce back.

Clare is no joke. They’ve made eight straight playoff appearances and are averaging just under 50 points per game this season. This should be a true Northern Michigan clash against high-octane offenses battling for playoff points. Despite their success, the Pioneers have struggled to make long postseason runs, but this team might be the team to keep the football season going well into November.

Country Day (2-1) vs. Divine Child (2-1)

The Yellowjackets missed the playoffs last fall, marking just the second time that happened since 2005. Having scored 111 points this season already, Country Day looks like a dangerous team; possibly reminiscent of their 2022 state semifinal squad. This matchup hasn’t occurred since 2012, when Country Day earned a 14-0 victory.

In search of a third straight playoff appearance, Divine Child suffered a tough loss against Jackson County Western to start the season, but rebounded with two convincing wins. The Falcons have a very difficult road the rest of the season, so this could be a key matchup to reach their postseason goals.

Grand Blanc (2-1) vs. Traverse City West (3-0)

Grand Blanc has endured a tough schedule with a close loss against Mona Shores and a one-point victory over Saginaw Heritage. A consistent playoff participant, Grand Blanc, with over 2,500 students is a fearsome opponent. As one of the biggest schools in the state, the Bearcats’ illustrious program was highlighted by a state semifinal appearance in 2021.

The Titans have played teams from all over the state this season, picking up victories against Gaylord, Grand Haven and Bay City Central. TC West missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons, but qualified for the postseason six straight years before that. The Titans already have two shutouts this fall, and they have only allowed 20 points through three games.