BUTCH HARMON
Sports Scene
Following are some of the top matchups in the Mid-Michigan area for the first day of high school football.
DeWitt vs Kenowa Hills @ Wayne State
Kenowa Hills has a high-octane passing attack but athletic department turmoil this week may mess with their focus in the battle against the defending D3 state champs.
HSSS prediction: DeWitt 35, Kenowa 28
Holland West Ottawa @ Grand Ledge
West Ottawa fell by three points in each of the last two season-openers against the Comets. Expect another close battle this year with the Panthers coming out ahead.
HSSS prediction: West Ottawa 30, Grand Ledge 28
Belleville @ Grand Blanc
A big-time matchup with plenty of big-time athletes on both sides of the field will be one to watch. Grand Blanc is coming off an 11-1 season and is gearing up for more success.
HSSS prediction: Grand Blanc 35, Belleville 20
Midland @ East Lansing
Chemics are looking to bounce back after a 4-5 season last year but face a rugged road trip to East Lansing to face a Trojans squad that came on strong at the end of last season.
HSSS prediction: East Lansing 27, Midland 20
Midland Dow @ Fenton
Record-setting Dow quarterback Wynn Diegel kicks off his senior season with a tough road trip to Fenton in a battle of two teams that reached the regional finals in last year’s playoffs.
HSSS prediction: Dow 30, Fenton 24
Detroit Country Day @ Swan Valley
This game has the elements to turn into a high-scoring battle. Swan Valley has plenty of speed and a talented quarterback in Keller Bedford to showcase.
HSSS prediction: Swan Valley 35, Country Day 27
East Grand Rapids @ Lowell
The two long-time rivals renew a great rivalry. Both squads are loaded with veteran talent. Expect a classic in the Showboat City.
HSSS prediction: Lowell 30, East GR 28
Williamston @ Lansing Catholic
Williamston is retooling after a big season. Lansing Catholic is looking to bounce back after a tough 2025. Look for a close battle in this battle between Lansing-area bluebloods.
HSSS prediction: Williamston 24, Lansing Catholic 20
Shepherd @ Alma
Two teams with plenty of optimism heading into the season. The winner will pick up a key win in their hopes for securing a playoff berth this season. Look for a close one.
HSSS prediction: Shepherd 28, Alma 22
Ithaca @ Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart
Ithaca has some lofty aspirations this season and kicks things off with a trip to Mt. Pleasant. Look for the Yellowjackts to sting often on offense.
HSSS prediction: Ithaca 49, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart 13
Portland @ Cadillac
The reloading Raiders take a young but promising team on a long road trip to Cadillac to kick off the season.
HSSS prediction: Portland 42, Cadillac 14
Standish-Sterling @ Chesaning
Two teams looking for bounce-back seasons. Chesaning has a new coach and some outstanding players returning. This should be an interesting matchup.
HSSS prediction: Chesaning 27, Standish-Sterling 24