2023 Michigan High School Season Final Rankings & Recap

The 2023 Michigan football season is officially in the books.  Congratulations to all the student athletes who participated. We understand the dedication, and work that goes into a successful season.  Back in the fall we released our Early Season Rankings. While on field performance was important, it was not the only consideration. Our early season football rankings took into account both on and off-field performance.  Character, respect, and connection to their community were all part of the equation.  For our final rankings, we are looking at the results played out on the field both regular season and the annual Michigan state championship played at Ford Field.

First, lets take a look and recap our early season top 5 Rankings:

• Warren De La Salle Collegiate 
• Belleville 
• Davison 
• Northville
• Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
• Honorable Mention:
  • Bear Lake High School

Warren De La Salle Collegiate 

The defending Division 2 state champions started off the season strong, and ended the season with a visit to the State finals.  Finishing 11-3, the Purple Pilots bid for a 3-Peat came up short losing to Muskegon. After storming out of the gate with a 21-7 lead at half.  However, Muskegon’s M’Khi Guy took over as the pilots lost 33-21

Belleville 

Another defending state champion who lost in the State Finals. Belleville fell short of the perfect 14-0 season losing to Southfield Arts & Technology 32-36 in the Division 1 State Finals. After one of the biggest upsets in Michigan High School Athletic Association football championship game history, Southfield’s incredible 38 win streak is no more. However, undefeated in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association-East conference Belleville and defensive leader Jeremiah Beasley (who will be playing next year at the University of Michigan) completed an amazing season. 

Davison 

Losing in Semifinals to Belleville, Davison ended their season an impressive 12-1 with wins over Warren De La Salle, and an incredible 56-55 win over rival Lapeer on Senior night.  While the season ended earlier than they hoped, the 2023 season will be one to remember for Davison and senior rushing leader AJ Hill.

Northville

Knocked out in the Regionals by powerhouse Belleville Northvilles season ended with a 10-2 record, an first place finish an undefeated record in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association-West division led by Evan Deaks 13 total touchdowns.  Congrats to Northville Football on a great season!

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central

Defeating Mason 27-10 in the Michigan Division 3 State Championship, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central ended their season with an impressive 13-1 record.  WIth their only loss coming to division rival Byron Center early in the fall.  

2023 FInal Season Rankings:

While many of our early ranked teams’ seasons ended in disappointment, a few still made their way onto our final rankings.  

1. Southfield Arts & Technology
   • Finishing 13-1 with an upset in the Michigan  state championship over the overwhelming favorite and winner of 38 straight games Belleville. Led by Cornerback Jalen Todd and Quarterback Isaiah Marshall the Warriors will always remember Sunday November 26th as the day they won their first Michigan State Championship.
2. Belleville
   • Still a powerhouse in the state of MI.  The 13-1 Belleville football team won an incredible 38 games straight going into the state Championship.  While that streak is officially history, Belleville will start the 2024 season as favorites to take home another state championship and begin a new winning streak.
3. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
   • The 13-1 Rangers defeated Mason in a 27-10 game at ford field to claim the Division 3 Michigan State Championship.  Led by Senior Ty Hudkins, who averaged  61.8 YPG receiving the Rangers were efficient all season and will look for Junior QB Max Holser to help continue their success next season.
4. Muskegon
   • Defeating powerhouse Warren De La Salle 33-21, the 12-2 Muskegon Big Reds dominated the ground game with 303 total rushing yards to exhaust the purple pilots into submission. Led by Senior QB M’Khi Guy who gained 247 yards on the ground, Muskegon was happy to end Warren De La Salle’s season in defeat.

5. Harper Woods
   • With a stop on the final play of the game, Harper Woods won 33-27 to officially become the 2023 Division 4 Michigan State Champions.  Defeating last year’s state runner-up Goodrich in the state semifinals, Harper Woods proved that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.  Finishing the season 11-3, Harper Woods capped an incredible turnaround after going 3-6 only a year before.  

How did your school do?  Who would you rank as the 2023 number one team?