Michigan High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - September 16

There was plenty of movement in the Michigan High School Football rankings top 25 following Week 3 of action, including a new No. 1 team. The changes came after some big-time games were played on Friday.

The On3 Massey Ratings — which were officially used during the BCS era and have generated college and high school sports team rankings since 1995 — rank sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule and margin of victory.

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The updated Michigan high school football Massey Ratings Top-25 is out. Here is where things stand as of Sept. 16, 2024:

1. Rockford

Previous Ranking: 2
The Rams are back where they started the 2024 season — atop the Michigan High School Football poll. Rockford regained the top spot after beating Grandville 37-20 on Friday to improve to 3-0 on the year. The game was reportedly close for a while, before Rockford pulled away in the second half. Up next, the Rams will face Hudsonville.

2. Belleville

Previous Ranking: 1
The Tigers dropped a spot, despite remaining unbeaten. Belleville destroyed a previously unbeaten Churchill team 65-0. Belleville had a tough matchup with Clarkston to open the season, winning 35-28. The last two weeks the Tigers have been absolutely dominant, outscoring their two opponents 109-6.

3. De La Salle Collegiate

Previous Ranking: 3
The Pilots are still ranked No. 3 after beating Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep 38-28 on Friday. It was a tough, hard-fought road win for De La Salle Collegiate against a solid Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep team. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Pilots created three turnovers in the victory, including a fumble return for a touchdown.

4. Detroit Catholic Central 

Previous Ranking: 4
The Shamrocks remained at No. 4 after crushing Harper Woods 45-12. Detroit Catholic improved to 3-0 with the win, with all three wins by double-digit points. The Shamrocks have a huge game up next as they are playing at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep. The Eaglets are ranked No. 25 this week after giving De La Salle Collegiate a tough game on Friday.

5. Zeeland West

Previous Ranking: 2
The Dux continued to roll, beating Whitehall Senior in a high-scoring affair to improve to 3-0 on the year. Zeeland West jumped out to a huge 38-7 lead at the half, according to catchmarksports, before Whitehall Senior fought back to try to make things interesting in the second half. It was another strong performance by Zeeland West as the Dux have won all three of their games by at least 15 points. Zeeland West hosts rival Zeeland East this Friday.

6. Adams 

Previous Ranking: 11
The Highlanders made a serious move in the rankings after beating West Bloomfield 21-14 to improve to 3-0 on the year. Adams reportedly forced a turnover late in the fourth quarter and capitalized with a touchdown to escape with a 21-14 win. The Highlanders haven’t truly blown anyone out yet, but they continue to find ways to come out on top, despite not reaching the 30-point mark in a game yet this season.

7. Lake Orion

Previous Ranking: 6
The Dragons dropped one spot after a 32-0 win over Troy on Friday. Lake Orion continues to play well, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Dragons are allowing less than 9 points per game and look like they have a defense capable of holding down just about anybody. This Friday’s game against Oxford on the road should provide a tough test.

8. South Christian 

Previous Ranking: 17
No one is climbing up the Michigan High School football rankings quite like South Christian. The Sailors were unranked in the top-25 two weeks ago and are now in the top 10. The Sailors have scored 40-plus points in three straight games and were barely able to outscore West Catholic on Friday, earning a 41-38 victory. West Catholic was ranked No. 10 entering the game, before losing to South Christian.

9. Forest Hills Central

Previous Ranking: 9
The Rangers remain at No. 9 in the Michigan High School football rankings after beating Forest Hills Northern 17-14 on Friday. Forest Hills Central is 3-0 but needs more from its offense moving forward to be a true title contender. The Rangers are averaging only 15 points per game through the first three weeks of the season.

10. Clarkston 

Previous Ranking: 10
The Wolves dropped a couple of spots after a 23-15 win over Oxford. Clarkston is the first team in the Michigan High School football rankings with a loss as the Wolves are 2-1 on the year. Clarkston opened the season with a tough 35-28 loss to the current No. 2 team in the state in Belleville. However, they have bounced back to beat Southfield and Oxford and get back in the top 10.

Teams 11-25 in latest Michigan High School Football Rankings

11. Eisenhower (+7)
12. Davison (+2)
13. Dewitt (+3)
14. Mona Shores (-2)
15. Groves (+5)
16. Byron Center (+3)
17. Saline (+6)
18. Dakota (Previously unranked)
19. Notre Dame Prep (Previously unranked)
20. Adlai Stevenson (Previously unranked)
21. Muskegon (+3)
22. Cass Technical (/)
23. West Catholic (-13)
24. Unity Christian (Previously unranked)
25. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep (-4)