Week 1 Michigan High School Football Preview: Every Key Matchup for the 2026 Season
Published Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Week 1 of the Michigan high school football season is loaded with marquee matchups, rekindled rivalries, and first games for several new coaching staffs. Below is a matchup-by-matchup breakdown of the games to watch across Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Genesee, and Livingston counties as teams open the 2026 season.
Clarkston vs. South Lyon (at Ann Arbor)
Clarkston and South Lyon haven’t played often, making this an intriguing season opener. South Lyon lost a significant amount of talent from last year’s roster, while Clarkston returns plenty of experience. The last time Clarkston played in Ann Arbor, the Wolves fell 23-10 to Northville back in 2023. This is a strong early test for head coach Justin Pintar against a well-regarded South Lyon program.
Adams vs. Romeo (at Ann Arbor)
This is a rematch of Adams’ recent dominance over Romeo, including a 29-13 win in last season’s regional finals. The Highlanders have taken four straight from the Bulldogs. Both programs are proven regional powers, so the question is whether Romeo can finally solve Adams’ veer offense — or whether the Highlanders keep rolling.
Seaholm vs. Milford (at Ann Arbor)
This could be Seaholm’s toughest test in Ann Arbor yet. Milford brings a high-octane offense led by a strong quarterback, and head coach Jim DeWald’s Maples can’t afford to fall behind early. Seaholm’s best path is to control tempo and lean on physical, veer-style football.
Groves vs. North Farmington (at Wayne State)
Former OAA rivals renew acquaintances in a series that’s been dead even since 2020. The coaching pedigree here is notable: Groves’ Brendan Flaherty was recently inducted into the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and former Harrison coach John Herrington now serves as an assistant under North Farmington’s Jon Herstein. Groves breaks in a new quarterback and has defensive question marks but returns running back Jeremiah Whitley. North Farmington counters with former Detroit Cass Tech standout Elijah Cobb at quarterback. A strong early test for a Groves program facing a proven opponent.
Royal Oak vs. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore
A rematch of last season’s 17-7 Royal Oak win in St. Clair Shores. Royal Oak must replace its starting quarterback, leaving head coach Colin Campbell with questions to answer. Lake Shore struggled last season but should be improved. Royal Oak’s lone bad loss last year cost them a postseason berth, adding extra intrigue to this one.
Berkley at Livonia Franklin
The Dan Earls era at Berkley begins on the road against a Livonia Franklin team that made the postseason last year. Franklin beat Berkley 34-7 at Hurley Field last season. Earls is known for his offense, but his defense faces an immediate stiff test against a strong Franklin attack.
Southfield Arts and Tech at East Kentwood
A brutal opener for first-year coach Antwon Robinson. East Kentwood blew out Southfield Arts and Tech 43-8 last season en route to a Division 1 State Semifinal appearance, falling to Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Falcons return a high-powered, experienced offense, making this a tall order for the Warriors.
West Bloomfield at Dearborn Fordson
West Bloomfield heads to Dearborn after a 37-0 win over Fordson at the Swamp last season. Fordson is still working through a program transition, but head coach Zach Hilbers won’t take this game lightly.
Stoney Creek vs. Utica Eisenhower
A rematch of a 35-31 Stoney Creek win over Eisenhower in last year’s first round of the postseason. The two schools sit just five miles apart across the Oakland/Macomb county line. Stoney Creek returns a veteran roster, and Eisenhower is expected to be tough as usual — a true tone-setter for both programs.
Avondale at Walled Lake Northern
Both programs endured rough 2025 seasons. Avondale has a new coach in JayRamond Hall looking to start fresh, while Walled Lake Northern is coming off its own coaching transition. A key early game for Avondale to build momentum.
Rochester vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Rochester head coach Eric Vernon likes scheduling Macomb County opponents, and L’Anse Creuse North — coming off an 0-9 season — should be improved in 2026. Rochester’s quarterback-receiver duo of Matt Dyki and Nate Tandy will be worth watching ahead of the Falcons’ Falcon Frenzy game the following week.
Bloomfield Hills vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Two programs looking to bounce back from down seasons. Bloomfield Hills head coach Scott Merchant enters year two, typically a breakout point for programs in transition, but the quarterback position remains a question mark. L’Anse Creuse should be much improved, setting up a good measuring-stick game for the Black Hawks.
Waterford Kettering at Livonia Clarenceville
Bob Meyer’s return to Livonia Clarenceville, where he previously coached before taking the Avondale job, headlines this one. Kettering beat Clarenceville 14-0 in Week 5 last season — arguably the Captains’ best performance in an otherwise rough year.
Oxford at Hartland
A rematch of Oxford’s 23-7 win on the blue turf last season. Oxford is experienced across the board except at quarterback, while Hartland boasts standout lineman William Tobin. The game may be broadcast on 93.5 WHNI in Livingston County.
Waterford Mott at Troy Athens
A clash of contrasting styles: Waterford Mott is young, athletic, and quick, while Troy Athens leans on strong line play. Expect this one to come down to which coaching staff shores up its weaknesses fastest.
Pontiac vs. Detroit Community
Detroit Community made the postseason last year, giving head coach Wendell Jefferson and the Phoenix a tough season-opening assignment. Pontiac enters with a tougher overall schedule and home-field advantage.
Harper Woods at Chelsea
A difficult opener for Harper Woods against a Chelsea team coached by former Lowell coach Noelle Dean, known for running the Wing T. Harper Woods needs to settle its quarterback situation in practices and scrimmages beforehand. The Pioneers have athletes and depth, but Chelsea’s physicality makes this a tough test.
Oak Park vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central
About as difficult a matchup as it gets for Oak Park. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is talented, well-balanced, and travels well. Oak Park has experienced skill players but questions along the line — though at least the game is played at Knight Valley.
Troy vs. Grosse Pointe North
Both programs struggled in 2025. Troy hasn’t looked the same since a stretch starting September 19 in which the Colts went 0-6 and scored just 21 points combined. Grosse Pointe North allowed 40-plus points five times last season, including 35 or more in three separate games. Whichever team wins gains valuable early-season confidence for a program trying to change its trajectory.
Ferndale vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
A rematch of last season’s 17-14 double-overtime win for Ferndale. Lamphere enters with a new head coach and a transition period ahead, while Ferndale should be extra motivated for this rematch.
Lake Orion at Northville
Two programs very familiar with each other. Northville won 14-13 at Wayne State last season after Lake Orion won 21-13 at Northville in 2024. Lake Orion has more offensive experience, but its defense faces a real test against a Northville run game — and Northville’s secondary will be tested as well. A fun early look at what could become a future OAA rivalry.
Novi at Traverse City Central
Traverse City West alumnus Logan Pawloski returns to Thirby Field as Central’s head coach. This is also a rematch after Novi blew out Traverse City Central 46-3 last season. Pawloski’s early emphasis on team bonding and this early-season trip should make for a good test in Grand Traverse County.
Clawson vs. Detroit Pershing
A familiar matchup: Clawson has won both recent meetings, though closely, over Detroit Pershing. Head coach Steve Haney returns some experience but faces depth questions. Both programs made the Division 6 postseason last year, setting up a competitive game in Clawson.
Grand Blanc vs. Belleville
Grand Blanc enters after a disappointing 42-22 loss to Clarkston in the district finals, despite an unbeaten regular season and an offense that topped 50 points five times in 2025. The Bobcats are young this year, especially at quarterback. Belleville, meanwhile, was blown out 38-7 by Clarkston in last year’s Week 1 at Wayne State and never quite looked like the same team despite reeling off seven straight wins afterward. The Tigers finished with three losses, including a 57-36 defeat to Howell in Week 9 and a 30-29 first-round upset loss to Brownstown Woodhaven — both at home. A compelling matchup for a talented, athletic Belleville squad against a Grand Blanc team replacing significant pieces.
Davison vs. Roseville
A rematch after Davison’s 38-21 win in Macomb County last season. Davison must replace a lot of production from a year ago, while Roseville is well-coached and disciplined but faces a long trip to Cardinal Stadium. With questions at quarterback and on defense, this is a solid early test for Davison.
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Title tag: Week 1 Michigan High School Football Preview 2026 | Matchup-by-Matchup Breakdown
Meta description: Every key Week 1 Michigan high school football matchup for the 2026 season previewed — Clarkston, Adams, Lake Orion, Grand Blanc, Oxford, and more.
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