Michigan’s high school football season erupted with highlight-reel moments Friday night as teams across the state opened their 2026 campaigns. Playmakers produced big gains, dramatic finishes and early statements that set the tone for Week 1.
Big plays and an overtime finish
Across the state, video highlights captured a range of explosive plays, including long touchdown runs, deep strikes and a game-ending defensive stop in overtime. The collection of top plays — eight in all — showcased both perennial powers and smaller programs making strong first impressions.
One of the most dramatic conclusions came in overtime when Grandville thwarted Muskegon on a 2-point conversion attempt, preserving a 29-28 road victory. The Bulldogs read the play and knocked down the pass, sealing a one-point upset that will be remembered from opening weekend.
Early fireworks from Cass Tech
Cass Technical High School came out swinging in its opener. On the very first snap the Technicians ripped off a 51-yard touchdown run by running back Julian Taylor, an explosive play that foreshadowed their dominant night. Cass Tech went on to a lopsided win, finishing 62-0.
Later in that game, a perfectly placed pass to receiver Mylan Griggs turned into another highlight when Griggs leapt over a Michigan City defender to haul in a touchdown, showing the vertical threat Cass Tech will present all season.
Highlight catches, long runs and deep connections
Other notable plays from Friday included:
- Rockford’s 30-yard touchdown catch by Jack Henkel, a contested reception that pushed momentum late in the second quarter against Saline.
- Saline’s Carson Cherry breaking free for a 68-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of Saline’s 39-12 victory over Rockford.
- Stevensville Lakeshore opening with a deep strike — a 54-yard touchdown from Kaden Griffiths to Jonah Chavez on the first play from scrimmage against Wayland.
Summary of top eight plays
The following table summarizes the eight highlighted plays that topped NFHS Network’s roundup from Friday night.
| Highlight | Teams | Play / Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grandville vs. Muskegon | Defensive stop on Muskegon’s OT 2-point try; Grandville won 29-28 |
| 2 | Cass Tech | Julian Taylor 51-yard TD run; Cass Tech won 62-0 |
| 3 | Cass Tech vs. Michigan City | Mylan Griggs — leaping catch over defender for TD |
| 4 | Rockford vs. Saline | Jack Henkel 30-yard contested TD catch |
| 5 | Saline | Carson Cherry 68-yard TD run; Saline won 39-12 |
| 6 | Stevensville Lakeshore vs. Wayland | Kaden Griffiths 54-yard TD pass to Jonah Chavez on first play |
| 7 | Other highlights | Additional big plays captured across the state in opening games |
| 8 | Other highlights | Additional big plays captured across the state in opening games |
What the early flash points mean
Opening-week highlights serve several purposes: they give teams momentum, expose explosive playmakers, and offer early scouting material for opponents. For programs like Cass Tech and Saline, dominant openings reinforce preseason expectations. For Grandville, a dramatic overtime win can galvanize a locker room and the local fan base.
Highlight reels also matter to players individually — standout plays can raise local profiles and, for upperclassmen, attract college attention as the season progresses. Coaches will review both successful and failed plays to adjust schemes and situational decisions before conference play begins.
Where to watch more
The video clips in this roundup were made available through the NFHS Network. Fans who missed Friday’s action can find additional game film and highlights there as teams continue through Week 1. Local schools and athletic departments also often post clips and full-game video to their social channels.
As the regular season unfolds, expect more highlight compilations and the customary reshuffling of rankings and narratives as teams respond to early successes and setbacks.
For now, Friday’s openers left no shortage of big plays to remember.
