Martin now is the only area team that remains in the Michigan High School Athletic Association post-season football playoffs.

The Clippers last Thursday evening pummeled Athens 53-13 to lift their season record to 6-1, with the loss coming as a result of a forfeit related to Covid-19. As a result, they will be at home again for the second round, this time entertaining New Buffalo, a 54-14 winner winner last Saturday over Camden-Frontier in the opening round. The contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday.

The Bison now are 4-3 overall and edged Tri-Unity Christian 28-26 in the only contest with mutual opponents. Martin bested the Defenders in its season opener and again in a hastily arranged game brought on by the virus.

Meanwhile, Hopkins concluded a very sad week with the death early Friday morning of assistant coach Mick Francis and then a stunning 32-18 Saturday defeat at the hands of Belding, a team the Vikings beat 34-28 earlier this season. It was the first time Hopkins had lost on the field this season, with its other loss a forfeit to Kelloggsville.