The first weekend of high school football provided some eye-opening results for the teams of Leader Publications’ coverage area.

Not only did many of our teams pick up victories, but many rolled up some big numbers on the offensive side of the football.

Four out of our six schools came away with convincing victories last Thursday night.

Cassopolis routed Bangor 77-0, Dowagiac defeated Vicksburg 54-14, Edwardsburg blanked Allegan 55-0 and Niles rallied from a seven-point deficit to defeat Battle Creek Lakeview 32-27.

They say teams make their biggest improvements between the first and second weeks of the season.

I certainly hope that is true, because despite the lopsided victories, there are bigger games ahead for the Rangers, Chieftains, Eddies and Vikings.

Brandywine and Buchanan both suffered first-week losses and need to regroup quickly.

There is very little time once the season begins to earn the six wins each school needs to qualify for the state playoffs.

Teams cannot afford to have a two- or three-game losing streak at any point of the season basicially.

So, picking up wins as quickly as possible is key to making the postseason.

Brandywine’s offense is powerful, but the Bobcats are going to need to stop someone in order to win football games.

The 64-40 loss to Coloma on open night is not a good sign, but Brandywine still has time to right the ship and get back on course.

The Bucks have a lot of work to do on both sides of the football.

Buchanan gave up 55 points in its loss to Schoolcraft. It was shut out by the Eagles in its season opener.

Cassopolis, Dowagiac and Niles face biggest tests this week in Decatur, Three Rivers and St. Joseph.

But if those three teams improve on the areas that need the most work, I can see all three squads coming away with victories.

Edwardsburg travels to Otsego to face a Bulldog team that struggled in the season opener.

I do not expect the Eddies to have any trouble with the Bulldogs as they continue their march toward repeating as Wolverine Conference champions and making a long playoff run.

If you did not get out and see your favorite team last week because they were on the road or you were busy, get out there Thursday night.

The forecast is for near perfect conditions, so there is no excuse not to attend the games.