MHSAA 8-Player Division 1 Recap

LOOMIS, MI - The 2026 MHSAA eight-player football playoffs kicked off Friday, with teams across Michigan beginning their pursuit of a state championship.

Unlike traditional 11-player football, the eight-player format features fewer players on the field, creating a faster-paced game with more open space, explosive plays, and unique strategies.

With the opening round in the books, here is a look at the results from Division 1 of the MHSAA eight-player football playoffs.

Pickford vs Mio – AT Pickford

The Pickford Panthers opened their MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoff run with a commanding 40-12 victory over the Mio-Au Sable Thunderbolts on Friday.

With the win, Pickford improved to 7-2 on the season and advanced to the next round, where it will host Ishpeming on Friday, Nov. 6. The Panthers (8-2) enter the matchup following a 36-14 victory over Rudyard.

Rudyard vs Ishpeming – AT Rudyard 

The Ishpeming Hematites advanced to the next round of the MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoffs with a 36-14 victory over Rudyard on Friday. 

With the win, Ishpeming improved to 8-2 and will travel to face Pickford in the next round Friday.

Dryden vs Kingston – AT Dryden

The Dryden Cardinals continued their undefeated season with a dominant 60-16 victory over Kingston in the opening round of the MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoffs Friday.

Senior quarterback Gianni Coscione led the Cardinals, throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 257 yards and two scores. Senior wide receiver Santiago Perales added eight receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

The victory marked Dryden's first playoff win in 18 years and improved its record to 10-0. The Cardinals will host Deckerville in the regional final Friday, Nov. 6.

Deckerville vs Marlette – AT Deckerville

The Deckerville Eagles overcame an early 14-point deficit to defeat the Marlette Red Raiders 30-22 in the opening round of the MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoffs Friday.

Marlette jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Deckerville running back Brandon Salowitz scored three consecutive touchdowns to help the Eagles take a 22-14 lead into the fourth quarter.

Marlette quarterback Trevor Owens tied the game with a 57-yard touchdown run, but Deckerville quarterback Cooper Brown responded with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Danny Kenny to secure the victory.

With the win, Deckerville advances to the regional final, where it will travel to face undefeated Dryden on Friday, Nov. 6.

Climax-Scotts vs Concord – AT Climax-Scotts

The Climax-Scotts Panthers advanced to the regional final of the MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoffs with a 49-40 victory over the Concord Yellowjackets on Friday.

Panthers quarterback Alex Wurtzel led the offense with three rushing touchdowns and two passing scores. Running back Elijah Bowron added a rushing touchdown, two receiving touchdowns, and an interception return for a score.

With the victory, Climax-Scotts improved to 8-2 and secured head coach Justin Kirinovic's first career playoff win. The Panthers will host Colon (9-1) in the regional final, setting up a rematch after Colon defeated Climax-Scotts 32-8 during the regular season

Colon vs Bridgman - AT Colon

The Colon Magi opened their MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoff run with a 33-20 victory over the Bridgman Bees on Friday.

Colon jumped out to a commanding 20-0 halftime lead behind a strong rushing attack. Running back Jabari Falls led the Magi with 186 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jeremiah West added 102 rushing yards and two scores. West also threw for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Tucker Davis led Colon with 12 tackles, helping the Magi secure their first playoff victory in three years.

With the win, Colon improved to 9-1 and will travel to face Climax-Scotts (8-2) in the regional final Friday, Nov. 6.

Merrill vs Fulton – AT Merrill

The Merrill Vandals opened their MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoff run with a dominant 52-7 victory over the Fulton Pirates on Friday.

Merrill, the No. 1 seed in Division 1, improved to 9-1 with the win. The Vandals also defeated Fulton 54-0 during the regular season, completing a season sweep of the Pirates.

With the win, Merrill advances to the regional final, while Fulton finishes its season with a 6-4 record.

Dansville vs Blanchard Montabella – AT Blanchard Montabella

The Montabella Mustangs delivered a dominant performance Friday, shutting out the Dansville Aggies 54-0 in the opening round of the MHSAA Division 1 eight-player football playoffs.

Montabella entered the postseason with an 8-1 record and continued its strong season with a commanding road win. The Mustangs' defense held Dansville scoreless while the offense put up 54 points to secure a spot in the regional final.

With the victory, Montabella improved to 9-1 and will face Merrill (9-1) in the next round.

All stats and scores are according to Max Preps, MLive, Huron Daily Tribune, Battle Creek Enquirer, and Fox Sports.