Friday Night Lights Turn Playoff Bright
The brackets are set, the rivalries are real, and West Michigan football is ready for another November to remember. The MHSAA released its 2025 playoff pairings on Oct. 26, and the Muskegon area once again sits at the heart of the action. From a Muskegon–Mona Shores showdown at Hackley to an undefeated Ludington defending home turf, there is no shortage of drama in this year’s field.
District Semifinals for 11-player and Regional Semifinals for 8-player kick off Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Higher seeds host through Districts and Regionals, with District Finals Nov. 7–8, Regionals and Semifinals following through Nov. 22. The 8-player Finals are Nov. 22 at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome, and the 11-player Finals take place Nov. 28 and 30 at Ford Field.
Tickets are available exclusively through GoFan.
• 11-player: Districts $7, Regionals $9, Semifinals $10
• 8-player: Regional Semis $7, Regional Finals $9, Semifinals $10
Ford Field schedule (Nov. 28): D8 9:30 a.m., D4 12:30 p.m., D6 4 p.m., D2 7 p.m.
(Nov. 30): D7 9:30 a.m., D3 12:30 p.m., D5 4 p.m., D1 7 p.m.
Rivalry Renewed Muskegon (5-4) vs. Mona Shores (6-3)
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at approximately 7:00 p.m., at Hackley Stadium (Muskegon)
There’s playoff football, and then there’s Muskegon versus Mona Shores football. These programs have built one of West Michigan’s most storied rivalries. Earlier this regular season, Muskegon handed Mona Shores a 28-12 defeat, quarterback Lamar Bradford rushed for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns in that game for the Big Reds.
Historically, Muskegon has had the upper hand: the Big Reds have won eight of the last ten meetings with Mona Shores.
This year’s playoff matchup adds extra weight. Muskegon arrives in the postseason riding a ground-and-pound identity, a defense that thrives under big-game pressure, and the momentum that comes with home field. Mona Shores brings elite speed, dynamic skill players, and a sense that they can flip one explosive play into full control of the game.
For the Big Reds, it’s about executing their identity, establishing run dominance early, and winning the “line of scrimmage” battle. For the Sailors, it’s about matching physicality, staying disciplined, protecting the football, and turning their speed into momentum swings. Expect a rivalry slugfest that may come down to the final possession.
West Michigan Lakes Conference: Powerhouses Poised
Ludington (D4, 9-0) v. Big Rapids (8-1) at Ludington.
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
Ludington is having the kind of season teams dream about: unbeaten, confident, and clicking on both sides of the ball. The Orioles’ defense bends but rarely breaks, and their offense has found creative ways to win close games. Big Rapids brings in a high-flying attack, but Ludington’s home crowd and clock control give them a crucial edge.
Whitehall (D5, 5-4) v. Tri County (5-4) at Whitehall.
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
The Vikings might have the most deceptive record in the area. Every loss came against elite competition, and this is a team built for playoff football, physical, disciplined, and experienced. Expect a hard-hitting matchup, with Whitehall’s size up front likely deciding the outcome.
Oakridge (D5, 6-3) v. Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-1) at Grand Rapids West Catholic
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
Few teams face a taller order than Oakridge this week. West Catholic remains a juggernaut, but the Eagles’ speed and resilience keep them in striking distance. To pull the upset, Oakridge will need to finish drives with touchdowns and play mistake-free football.
Montague (D6, 5-4) v. Central Montcalm (7-2) at Central Montcalm
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1:00 or 3:00 p.m. (estimate)
Montague’s grit and playoff pedigree make them dangerous no matter the opponent. They’ve played a brutal schedule and emerged battle-ready. Central Montcalm will lean on its rushing attack, but if Montague forces turnovers and hits a few deep passes, a road win is within reach.
West Michigan Rivers: Grit Meets Opportunity
North Muskegon (D7, 6-3) v. Saranac (7-2) at North Muskegon
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
The Norsemen are once again a postseason staple, powered by a versatile offense and opportunistic defense. Saranac’s balanced attack will test them, but playing at home gives North Muskegon confidence. A fast start could turn this one in their favor early.
Ravenna (D7, 4-5) v. Pewamo-Westphalia (8-0) at Pewamo-Westphalia
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
Ravenna draws one of the state’s toughest assignments in unbeaten Pewamo-Westphalia. The Bulldogs’ path is clear: control the ball, shorten the game, and capitalize on mistakes. It’s a tall order, but their physicality gives them a fighting chance.
Shelby (D7, 5-4) v. LeRoy Pine River (6-3) at LeRoy Pine River
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1:00 or 3:00 p.m. (estimate)
The Tigers’ turnaround has been one of the season’s best stories. From struggling seasons to a playoff berth, Shelby’s energy is back. Pine River will be favored, but Shelby’s defense and improved discipline could turn this into one of Week 1’s surprises.
Hart, Mason County Central, Holton, Hesperia — Did not qualify for the postseason.
Beyond the Conference Lines: Spring Lake’s Playoff Statement Shot
Spring Lake (D4, 6-3) v. Wyoming Godwin Heights (7-2) at Wyoming Godwin Heights
Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7:00 p.m. (≈)
The Lakers closed the season strong and enter the postseason playing their best football. Godwin Heights boasts speed and explosiveness, but Spring Lake’s fundamentals and run game give them a legitimate shot. Ball control and red-zone execution will decide this one.
Final Word
It’s that time of year when West Michigan football turns cold, loud, and unforgettable. From the historic streets of Muskegon to the lakeshore lights of Ludington and North Muskegon, local teams have earned their shot to play for something bigger.
The 2025 playoffs are loaded with storylines: rivalries renewed, underdogs rising, and perennial powers chasing another deep run. No matter who advances, one thing’s certain, the road to Ford Field will once again run through Muskegon County.
Look here, here, and here to see if our early season predications held true. For all MHSAA Football Playoff information check out the MHSAA football central page.
(If we missed a Muskegon-area qualifier not in the released pairing sheet, flag it and we will add a capsule.)
