By: Justin Troyer
Presented by: Cadena Brother Pizzeria
MUSKEGON, MI -- A win over Fremont. A shift in the projections. With two games remaining, Orchard View is making its move toward a return to the MHSAA football playoffs for the first time since 2019.
The mission is clear: get back to November football.
After a dramatic 19-16 Homecoming victory over Fremont on Friday night, the Orchard View Cardinals are not just building momentum on the field. They are also making noise in the Division 5 playoff picture.
With two regular-season games remaining, the Cardinals are chasing their first MHSAA playoff appearance since 2019. And as the state's new football playoff format makes its debut this fall, the road to the Ford Field looks different than it has in previous years.
A New Playoff Format Changes the Picture
Under the new MHSAA format, teams are placed into districts, but their seeds within each region are determined by playoff points. That means the battle for postseason positioning extends beyond a team's own win-loss record. The results of opponents and the broader playoff-point picture can also influence where teams land.
As of Week 6, early projections placed Orchard View in District 1 of Region 1, with the Cardinals projected as the No. 5 seed in an eight-team regional field.
Week 7 brought significant results throughout that projected region, and several of them could work in Orchard View's favor.
Week 7: How the Region Shook Out
Here's a look at the projected regional field entering Week 7 and the results that could influence the Cardinals' postseason positioning.
No. 1 Kingsford (6-0)
Kingsford entered the week undefeated and continued its impressive season, earning a 15-8 victory over Ishpeming Westwood. The Flivvers remain a formidable presence at the top of the projected field.
No. 2 Ogemaw Heights (5-1)
Ogemaw Heights faced a major test against fellow 5-1 Gladwin at home. In a hard-fought contest, Ogemaw Heights came up short, falling 26-20. That result could have implications for the projected No. 2 seed.
No. 3 Shepherd (4-2)
Shepherd entered the week with the same record as Orchard View. The Bluejays received a forfeit victory over Standish-Sterling, improving to 5-2 and adding another win to their season.
No. 4 Negaunee (4-2)
Negaunee took on perennial Division 7 power Menominee. The Miners fell 38-28, suffering a setback against a strong opponent.
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No. 5 Orchard View (entering Week 7)
The Cardinals entered the week projected fifth in the eight-team regional. Their 19-16 comeback victory over Fremont now gives Orchard View another important result as the playoff-point picture develops.
No. 6 Reed City (4-2)
Reed City faced projected No. 8 Chippewa Hills in a matchup with potential regional implications. Chippewa Hills came away with a 28-24 victory, handing Reed City a loss.
No. 7 Howard City Tri County (3-3)
Tri County entered the week at .500 before taking on Grant. The Vikings delivered a 42-29 victory, improving to 4-3 and keeping themselves in the conversation.
So, Where Do the Cardinals Stand?
Here's where things get interesting.
According to the current playoff-point summary, Orchard View is ranked No. 12 in Division 5. If the projected district and regional alignment holds and the latest results translate into the expected changes in playoff points, the Cardinals could climb from the projected No. 5 seed to the No. 2 seed in Region 1.
That would be a significant shift.
Not only would Orchard View be in position to qualify for the playoffs, but the Cardinals could also be in line to host a first-round game.
Of course, these remain projections. The official field and seeding will depend on the MHSAA's playoff-point calculations and final placement decisions. The Cardinals still have work to do, and the picture can change again before the regular season ends.
But the opportunity is becoming more tangible.
Two Games. One Mission.
The Fremont victory was more than a Homecoming celebration. It was another step toward a goal that has eluded Orchard View football since 2019.
The Cardinals have two regular-season games left to strengthen their position and keep the postseason within reach. Every win matters. Every result across the projected region matters. And every week brings a clearer picture of what November could hold.
The mission isn't finished. Not yet.
Stay with The Nest for continuing updates as we track the playoff-point standings, regional projections and the Cardinals' push toward the postseason.
MISSION: NOVEMBER.
NO INVITATIONS, NO SHORTCUTS
Community Partners: Poo Patrol Muskegon, Great Lakes Nutrition
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