Northern Michigan Football 2018: By the Numbers
A new season of high school football kicks off Aug. 23-24, and to preview the fall, we’re looking at some interesting storylines for the 2018 campaign.
- Whittemore-Prescott has not had a losing season since 1993. The 2000 Division 6 state champion and two-time state runner-up (1995, 1998), the Cardinals have made 21 postseason appearances since 1994.
- Of the area programs that have sponsored 8- or 11-player football for at least one season, four are still seeking their first playoff bid. Hart is the lone 11-player team that has yet to make the postseason. Charlton Heston Academy (first season in 2014), Bear Lake (first season in 2017) and Pellston are the three 8-player programs that are looking to reach the playoffs for the first time this fall.
- Central Lake enters the 2018 season on a 13-game winning streak. The Trojans rolled to the MHSAA Division 1 8-man championship in their first season at the 8-player level.
- Clare coach Kelly Luplow enters the 2018 season with 220 career wins. Luplow began his varsity career with the Pioneers in 1987 and sports a 220-86 overall record.
- The Midwest Central Michigan 8-Player Football Conference expands to two divisions with the addition Bellaire, Au Gres-Sims, Hillman, Onaway, Pellston, Posen and Charlton Heston Academy.
- The 8-player game continues to evolve, as 63 teams, including 21 in the area, sponsor the sport. Hillman and Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart are the latest area schools to make the move from 11-man to 8-player.
- Cedarville has made 14 consecutive playoff appearances since 2004, with the last seven coming at the 8-player level. The 2014 8-player state runner-up has made the 8-player postseason each year since the MHSAA began sponsoring a tournament in 2011.
