The biggest surprise in the initial rankings is defending state champ Ithaca is not No. 1 in Division 6. In fact, the Yellowjackets, who have won state titles in five of the last six seasons, aren’t ranked at all . . . in Division 6.
Just go up a division and you will find Ithaca ranked No. 4 in Division 5. These divisions are not set in stone. The officials divisions aren’t determined until the 256-team playoff field is announced on Oct. 23.
Our divisional breakpoints are based on the average breakpoints over the last five years, which is why Ithaca should be in Division 5.
Ithaca leaving Division 6 creates a huge gap, one Madison Heights Madison will try to fill this season.
Another surprise is that Ishpeming, which has won three of the last four Division 7 state titles, isn’t ranked in Division 7. Ishpeming lost to Iron Mountain, but if you go down to Division 8 you will find the Hematites ranked No. 8. It appears that Ishpeming will compete in Division 8 this fall.
Two-time defending Division 3 champ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s lost, 35-28, to Division 1 Macomb Dakota, but is still ranked No. 4 in D-3. Muskegon, which destroyed Ann Arbor Pioneer, 51-14, and has another dynamite offense to go with a defense that can shut down the run and the pass and sits atop Division 3.
Three time defending Division 5 champ Grand Rapids West Catholic looked in midseason form in beating East Grand Rapids, 27-6. And No. 2 Menominee also looked like a D-5 contender in dumping Marinette (Wis.), 31-14, in the annual M&M game.
Mick McCabe’s football rankings
Super 10
RK, SCHOOL, REC, DIV
1. Detroit Cass Tech, 1-0, 1
The defense was suspect against Oak Park, but the offense is explosive.
2. Walled Lake Western, 1-0, 2
Even with a backup QB, Western was impressive, but Cody White is not your typical backup.
3. Muskegon, 1-0, 3
Amazing performance in the rout of Ann Arbor Pioneer.
4. Detroit King, 1-0, 2
Some of the characters have changed, but the Crusaders looked as good as last year.
5. Macomb Dakota, 1-0, 1
The passing attack was terrific and the defense was clutch when needed.
6. Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 1-0, 1
Smash-mouth football is back at Catholic Central.
7. Lowell, 1-0, 2
Despite very few returnees, the Red Arrows looked as solid as ever.
8. Hudsonville, 1-0, 1
Looked solid in beating Grand Ledge.
9. River Rouge, 1-0, 4
Outstanding offensive and defensive efforts against Chelsea.
10. DeWitt, 1-0, 3
Another season, another excellent DeWitt passing game.
RK; SCHOOL; REC
Division 1
1. Detroit Cass Tech, 1-0
2. Macomb Dakota, 1-0
3. Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 1-0
4. Hudsonville, 1-0
5. Utica Eisenhower, 1-0
6. Clarkston, 1-0
7. Dearborn Fordson, 1-0
8. Saline, 1-0
9. Northville, 1-0
10. Rockford, 0-1
Division 2
1. Walled Lake Westen, 1-0
2. Detroit King, 1-0
3. Lowell, 1-0
4. Traverse City West, 1-0
5. Midland Dow, 1-0
6. Portage Central, 1-0
7. Temperance Bedford, 1-0
8. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1-0
9. Wyandotte, 1-0
10. Oak Park, 0-1
Division 3
1. Muskegon, 1-0, 1-0
2. DeWitt, 1-0
3. Grand Rapids Christian, 1-0
4. Orchard Lake St. Mary's, 0-1
5. St. Joseph, 1-0
6. Allen Park, 1-0
7. Zeeland East, 1-0
8. East Lansing, 1-0
9. Stevensville-Lakeshore, 1-0
10. Zeeland West, 1-0
Division 4
1. River Rouge, 1-0
2. Birmingham Det. Country Day, 1-0
3. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 1-0
4. Alma, 1-0
5. Corunna, 1-0
6. Marysville, 1-0
7. Ludington, 1-0
8. Croswell-Lexington, 1-0
9. Escanaba, 1-0
10. Lansing Sexton, 1-0
Division 5
1. Grand Rapids West Catholic, 1-0
2. Menominee, 1-0
3. Lansing Catholic, 1-0
4. Ithaca, 1-0
5. Frankenmuth, 1-0
6. Montague, 1-0
7. Portland, 1-0
8. Ida, 1-0
9. Carrollton, 1-0, 1-0
10. Freeland, 1-0
Division 6
1. Madison Heights Madison, 1-0
2. Millington, 1-0
3. Charlevoix, 1-0
4. Negaunee, 1-0
5. Maple City Glen Lake, 1-0
6. Laingsburg, 1-0
7. Watervliet, 1-0
8. Grass Lake, 1-0
9. Ravenna, 1-0
10. Byron, 1-0
Division 7
1. Detroit Loyola, 1-0
2. Traverse City St. Francis, 1-0
3. Pewamo-Westphalia, 1-0
4. New Lothrop, 1-0
5. Saugatuck, 1-0
6. Flint Beecher, 1-0
7. Iron Mountain, 1-0
8. Clinton, 1-0
9. McBain, 1-0
10. Hudson, 1-0
Division 8
1. Muskegon Catholic Central, 1-0
2. Climax-Scotts, 1-0
3. Fowler, 1-0
4. Mendon, 0-1
5. Beal City, 1-0
6. St. Ignace, 1-0
7. Frankfort, 1-0
8. Ishpeming, 0-1
9. Gaylord St. Mary, 1-0
10. Harbor Beach, 1-0
