Final On3 Michigan High School Football Composite Team Rankings: Dec. 19

Michigan high school football culminated the 2024 season by recognizing state champions throughout eight divisions. Some of the favorites to win it all are on the final Michigan On3 Composite Team Rankings for this year. That said, here are the top 25 teams celebrating their state titles or looking to do better next season.

The On3 Composite High School Football Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

1. Cass Technical

The Technicians won their first state championship since 2016 by defeating Hudsonville 42-20. Shutting down the Eagles in the first half was enough for Cass Technical to claim the Division 1 state championship.

Donald Tabron II had 15 completions for 176 yards and three touchdowns, while Corey Sadler Jr. had 47 receiving yards and two TDs. Michigan’s top team finished the 2024 season at 13-2, and they will bid farewell to college-bound players Alex Graham (USC), Cashus Shivers, John Baker (Toledo), Logan Howell (Miami, Ohio), and Derrick Jackson (Kent State).

2. Detroit Catholic Central

The good news is that the Shamrocks lost only once in 13 games. Sadly, that defeat came against Cass Technical in the state semifinal 17-14. Despite the loss, Jaden Pydyn deserves commendation for finishing with 161 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards, and a touchdown. On defense, Joshua Atiemo had two sacks and eight total tackles. After this season, Pydyn will join the Army Black Knights, while Danilo Guberinich will play for Texas Tech.

3. Zeeland West

The Dux engineered nine consecutive victories after losing to Unity Christian on Sep. 27. That count includes their dominating win over Detroit King to win the Michigan high school football Division 3 state championship. Keaton Hendricks (16 carries, 129 rushing yards) and Trey Sloothaak (12 carries, 124 rushing yards) powered Zeeland West to the state title. In addition to the state championship, the Dux finished the season at 13-1.

4. Hudsonville

The Eagles willed their way to the Division 1 state championship game. Unfortunately, they fell short against Cass Technical after failing to score points in the first half. Hudsonville outscored Cass Technical in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to turn the result around. Griffin Baker finished with 112 passing yards and a touchdown, while Owen Haarsman had 13 carries for 95 rushing yards. The Eagles finished the season at 13-2, with their other loss against Howell.

5. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep

The Eaglets ended the season with a six-game losing streak after a 4-3 record after losing to Central Catholic on Oct. 18. Their most important victory was their 35-19 decision over Byron Center to capture the Division 2 state championship. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s generated a 21-6 second half to claim their first state title since 2016.

Darrin Jones (21 carries, 181 rushing yards) and Bryson Williams (13 carries, 109 rushing yards) were a massive part of their championship success. After finishing the season at 10-3, the Eaglets will bid farewell to Williams and Charles White, who will both attend college at Michigan State.

6. Notre Dame Prep

The Fighting Irish suffered defeat on Oct. 25 against Unity Christian. Since then, they’ve won five in a row, including their Division 5 state championship victory over Frankenmuth. It wasn’t even close, as Notre Dame Prep was already up 35-0 before their opponents scored their lone touchdown. Sam Stowe had 15 completions for 293 yards and four touchdowns, while Billy Collins had four receptions for 126 yards. Notre Dame Prep closed the 2024 Michigan high school football season at 12-1.

7. Byron Center

The Bulldogs made it to the Division 2 state championship game but lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Despite that setback, Cam Payne deserves credit for finishing with eight carries for 122 yards, while Landon Tungate had 16 carries for 90 yards. Byron Center finished the season at 11-2-1.

8. Dewitt

The Panthers had a 12-0 record coming into the Division 3 state championship semifinal game against Zeeland West. Unfortunately, their first loss came at the wrong time, as they dropped their matchup against the Dux 32-20. Before that loss, they scored 70 points in their regional final victory over Petosky and 49 against Lowell in the district final.

9. Unity Christian

The Crusaders were a perfect 9-0 going into the Michigan high school football Division 4 state tournament. However, after defeating Hamilton in the first round, they lost to South Christian in the following match. Despite that unfortunate ending, they vastly improved from 3-6 the previous season to 10-1 this year. Unity Christian won all five home games after finishing 0-4 in 2023.

10. Goodrich

The Martians demolished Niles for their first-ever state championship, 35-6. Goodrich scored the first 35 points, and Niles scored a consolation fourth-quarter TD. Chase Burnett dominated the Niles defense with 28 carries for 157 yards, while Max Macklem had 100 receiving yards on four carries.

Meanwhile, the Goodrich defense limited Niles quarterback Talen Bennett to seven passing yards and an interception. The Martians finished their campaign at 13-1, with their only defeat occurring in their season-opener against Frankenmuth.

Teams 11-25 in the final Michigan High School Football On3 Composite Rankings

11. De La Salle Collegiate
12. Belleville High School
13. Groves
14. Mona Shores
15. Dakota
16. Adams
17. Rockford
18. Frankenmuth
19. Niles
20. Grandville
21. Grosse Pointe South
22. Howell
23. Lumen Christi
24. Forest Hills Central
25. Grand Blanc