The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
By: Justin Troyer
Gaylord, MI -- The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced big changes are coming to high school football postseason structure, as the MHSAA announced during its Spring Meeting in Gaylord that a revamped playoff format will officially take effect this fall.
Under the new system, all qualifying teams for the postseason will be seeded within their regional bracket based on playoff point average, marking a significant shift toward performance-based positioning.
New Regional Seeding Format
Each region will now consist of eight playoff teams, seeded 1 through 8. Matchups will be structured as follows:
- District 1: Seeds #1 v #8, #4 v #5
- District 2: Seeds #2 v #7, #3 v #6
From there, district champions will square off to determine the Regional Champion, with winners advancing directly to the State Semifinals.
What This Means for Local Programs
The updated format raises the stakes for every regular-season game, as playoff point average will now directly determine seeding and postseason path. Strong scheduling and consistent performance will be more important than ever.
For programs like the Orchard View Cardinals, the change presents both a challenge and an opportunity. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Cardinals are expected to make a renewed push this fall with postseason positioning now tied even more closely to every Friday or Saturday night result.
With a tougher road and a more competitive seeding structure, the 2026 season promises heightened intensity—and no room for slow starts.
Cardinal Supporters: Poo Patrol Muskegon
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