Sportswriter Brandon Folsom picks the winners of the five biggest matchups from Week 3 of the MHSAA football season. He went 3-2 in select games last week and is 7-3 on the season.
All games start at 7 pm
Livonia Stevenson (1-1, 1-0) at Westland John Glenn (1-1, 1-0) (KLAA-East)
After the Rockets defeated Livonia Churchill, Hometown Life’s No. 1 team entering Week 2, they look to go 2-for-2 against Livonia Public Schools.
Livonia Stevenson is coming off a big win over Dearborn Fordson, but Westland John Glenn could have more mojo coming into this game.
If the Rockets pull this off, we need to start talking about them pushing to qualify for the playoffs.
Folsom’s Choice: Westland John Glenn 24, Livonia Stevenson 17.
Wayne Memorial (0-2, 0-1) at Dearborn Fordson (0-2, 0-1) (KLAA-East)
Zebras coach Mike Ryan is passionate about turning the show around, but the team will definitely have some bumps in its second season.
But if they’re going to win their first game since Oct. 25, 2019, this is the week to do it.
The Tractors are rebuilding after sending a ton of players through the college ranks, including wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr., who is now at Michigan State.
Folsom’s Choice: Dearborn Fordson 21, Wayne Memorial 18.
Canton (1-1, 1-0) at Plymouth (0-2, 0-1) (KLAA-West)
If you only drafted the running backs for the Chiefs in your high school football fantasy league, congratulations on your Week 2 victory because you must have beaten your opponent.
Canton coach Andry LaFata chose to run the ball alone against Howell. Like the tune of 58 carries for 333 yards without a single pass. Three Chiefs running backs broke the 100-yard mark.
The Wildcats defense will have their hands full in the first Park rivalry game of the season.
Folsom’s Choice: Canton 35, Plymouth 13.
Salem (0-2, 0-1) at Novi (1-1, 1-0) (KLAA-West)
There are a lot of things I like about this Rocks team, especially how hard they play. And linebacker Michael Patsy is proving to be one of the best defenders in the KLAA.
But this is still a rebuilding effort for first-year coach Brendan Murphy, and Salem will struggle from time to time.
I hope this is one of those times. The Wildcats are coming off a program-defining victory over Hartland, last year’s KLAA-West champions, and are poised to win in the division to qualify for the league championship.
Folsom’s Choice: Nov 42, Salem 14.
Howell (1-1, 0-1) at Northville (2-0, 1-0) (KLAA-West)
This matchup is the second best game of the week, and should be a great barometer for where the Mustangs really stand as a program.
They have won just three games in a single season in four of the last five years. They can reach that mark and start a season 3-0 for the first time since 2015 with a win over the Highlanders.
Livonia Stevenson couldn’t have a single point against Howell in Week 1, but Canton slashed the Highlanders for 333 rushing yards a week ago. Expect Northville to run to set up the pass. The Chiefs didn’t attempt a single pass in Week 2, but Mustangs quarterback Luca Prior is too good not to take an attempt or two down the field.
Folsom’s Choice: Northville 21, Howell 14.
Brandon Folsom covers high school sports in the Detroit metro area for Hometown Life. Follow him on Twitter @folshandonj.