Michigan high school football top 25 rankings: Rockford breaks into the top 5 (9/4/23)

The Rams' defense has been stellar to start the season

Ronnie Martin | Sep 4, 2023

Michigan high school football top 25 rankings: Rockford breaks into the top 5 (9/4/23) /

Michigan high school football continue to entertain with close games throughout the state.

Cass Tech is 0-2 again, but the Technicians recovered last season to challenge No. 1 Belleville in the playoffs.

Southfield A&T almost fell to Clarkston, but the Warriors won to remain at No. 2 in the rankings.

Here is the Power 25 entering week three:

SBLive's Michigan Power 25

1. Belleville (2-0)

The Tigers were able to extend their winning streak to 27 games after handling Livonia Stevenson 56-7. Belleville put up nearly 400 yards of total offense, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown run from senior running back and linebacker Jeremiah Beasley (Michigan) in the first quarter.

Livonia Churchill is the next team in the way of Belleville going undefeated for the second straight season.

2. Southfield A&T (2-0)

Southfield A&T squeaked out a win for the second week in a row by defeating Clarkston 20-17. The Warriors have now won their first two games by five points combined, but they remain one of the most talented teams in the state.

The Warriors have their first interleague game of the season coming up when they host Harper Woods on September 8.

3. Caledonia (2-0)

After winning a tough game against Romeo in week one, the Fighting Scots were able to cruise past North Farmington in a 42-7 victory Friday night. Caledonia should be on track to be one of the best teams in the state again this season, but next it’ll have to get past West Ottawa in its first league game of 2023.

4. West Bloomfield (2-0)

The Lakers came away with a close win in their season debut, but they were able to get the job done rather easily against Birmingham Groves on Friday night, winning 41-19. West Bloomfield’s offense seems to have found its rhythm. It nearly doubled the amount of points it scored in week one (22).

It will be Stoney Creek’s job to stop them next when it travels to West Bloomfield on September 8.

5. Rockford (2-0)

Rockford defeated Mona Shores 31-8 behind another great defensive performance. Through its first two games, Rockford has only allowed 15 points, and it’ll hope to keep it up when Caledonia comes to town on September 15.

However, before Rockford can worry about the Fighting Scots, it’ll have to travel to Jenison for its first league game of the season.

6. Mason (2-0)

The Bulldogs were able to handle business against DeWitt on Friday night, coming away with a 42-23 victory. Mason has now scored 94 points this season, and it has one of the most productive offenses in the state. DeWitt could wind up being the toughest challenge on Mason’s schedule, so it could be on track to march into the playoffs on a roll.

7. Davison (2-0)

Davison was able to put up 52 points en route to a 31-point victory over Grandville in week two. After knocking off De La Salle in week one, Davison looks like it could have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs this season.

Next, the Cardinals have to travel to Traverse City Central before it first league game of the season against Saginaw Heritage.

8. Saline (2-0)

After a monster win in week one, the Hornets were able to beat Dexter 41-25 on Friday night. Saline has now scored over 40 points in each of its first two games this season, which is something it didn’t do once until its third game in 2022.

The Hornets host Ann Arbor Pioneer on September 8.

9. Dakota (2-0)

The Cougars made their way into the top ten after defeating Utica 32-14 in week two. Dakota hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in either of its first two games, and it’ll need to maintain that defensive prowess as the season goes on. The Cougars are staring down a five week stretch of league games, beginning with Anchor Bay next.

10. Chippewa Valley (1-1)

The Big Reds lost to West Bloomfield by one point last week, and they let their frustration out on L’Anse Creuse Friday night. The Big Reds demolished the Lancers 42-0 in a shutout victory, the first shutout for Chippewa Valley since October 14, 2022, when they beat Mott 56-0.

Chippewa Valley certainly seems to have gotten back on track after falling short against the Lakers.

11. Cass Tech (0-2)

After losing to St. Joseph Regional (New Jersey) 49-14, the Technicians have started the season 0-2 for the second straight year. It’s not quite time for them to panic yet, as they finished 2022 with a 9-4 record and found themselves in the state semifinals.

Cass Tech still has a chance to make some noise this season, but it’s got to start taking shape soon.

12. De La Salle (1-1)

Following a week one loss to Davison, the Pilots were able to get back to their winning ways with a 40-28 victory over Muskegon. De La Salle scored at least six points in every quarter, and its offensive consistency could be key this season.

Next, the Pilots host St. Mary’s Prep for their first interleague showdown of 2023.

13. Rochester Adams (2-0)

Rochester Adams was able to pull away with a 24-21 victory over cross-town rival Rochester on Friday night. Rochester Adams will travel to Clarkston for its next game on September 8.

14. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (2-0)

Forest Hills Central has taken care of business early in 2023, improving to 2-0 after defeating Portage Central 26-6. Senior wide receiver and safety Ty Hudkins (Northwestern) scored a touchdown on both sides of the ball, including a 52-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Rangers have given up a total of 15 points this season, and such defensive performances could take them deep in the playoffs.

15. Utica Eisenhower (2-0)

Eisenhower easily got past Utica Ford with a 55-6 victory Friday night. The Eagles have allowed a total of just 12 points in their first two games. Eisenhower had a solid defense last season when it allowed less than 200 points for the season, but its offense wasn’t quite up to snuff.

In 2023, it looks like the Eagles could have a more complete team.

16. Saginaw Heritage (2-0)

Heritage was able to beat Lakeland 48-24 on Thursday night. The Hawks have now scored 90 total points in two games to start 2023. Heritage will have to travel to Grand Blanc before hosting Davison on September 15 in what should be a very intriguing matchup.

17. Roseville (2-0)

Roseville has burst onto the scene early this season with a 41-0 win over Brother Rice followed by a 33-30 win against a good Romeo team. Roseville could have already gotten past its most challenging part of its season, so it could be on track to enter the playoffs on a roll.

18. River Rouge (0-2)

The Panthers have dropped their first two games of the season for the first time since 2009. River Rouge has a lot of talent, but they just haven’t been able to put everything together for a complete game. The Panthers will hope to get moving in the right direction when they host St. John’s Jesuit (Ohio) on September 8.

19. DeWitt (1-1)

DeWitt lost to Mason 42-23 Thursday night. Mason has one of the best offenses in the state, and it’s a tough matchup for anyone early in the season. The Panthers will have a chance to redeem themselves when they host East Lansing in their first league game of 2023.

20. Zeeland West (2-0)

The Dux have outscored their first two opponents 92-15 to start their 2023 season. Zeeland West hosts Wyoming for its first league matchup of the year on September 8, so it remains to be seen if the Dux can keep up their production against a more familiar foe.

21. Lapeer (2-0)

Lapeer was able to defeat Traverse City Central 46-21 Friday night. The Lightning have scored over 40 points in each of their first two games this season, and they’ll have to keep it up when their competition stiffens later in the season.

Lapeer’s first real test will likely be against Saginaw Heritage on September 22.

22. Northville (2-0)

The Mustangs had a big win over Clarkston in week one, and they followed it up with a 50-14 victory over Plymouth Thursday night. Northville’s schedule isn’t all too difficult, so they could be primed for a big season leading into the playoffs.

23. Detroit Catholic Central (1-1)

The Shamrocks lost to Central Catholic (Ohio) 42-21. The Shamrocks were able to put up nearly 300 yards of offense, but their defense wasn’t able to stop Central Catholic. The Shamrocks will hope to get back on track when they travel to Toledo, Ohio, to play St. Francis de Sales on September 8.

24. Birmingham Groves (1-1)

The Falcons ran into West Bloomfield Thursday night and came away with a 41-19 loss. West Bloomfield will likely be one of the best offenses the Falcons will play this season, so if they can figure it out defensively, they should be one of the better teams in the Division 2 playoffs.

25. Clarkston (0-2)

Clarkston almost knocked off Southfield A&T, but it still fell short by a score of 20-17. The Wolves have a tough schedule, as they face Rochester Adams next before facing West Bloomfield on September 29. However, with the Highlanders coming to town on September 8, it’s in the Wolves’ best interest to pay attention to what’s in front of them.

Published Sep 4, 2023

RONNIE MARTIN