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Breaking down Catholic league football

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Head coach George Porritt, left, watches as the team runs drills during the first Orchard Lake St. Mary's High School football practice on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 at Orchard Lake St. Mary's High School in Orchard Lake Village.

Head coach George Porritt, left, watches as the team runs drills during the first Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School football practice on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School in Orchard Lake Village.

Central Division

Coaches’ poll: 1. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 46, 2. Novi Detroit Catholic Central 45, 3. Warren De La Salle 41, 4. Birmingham Brother Rice 35; 5. University of Detroit-Jesuit 33.

St. Mary’s (12-2, 3-1)

Strength: Success

Top players: RB/LB Josh Ross, OG/NT Ralph Holley, RB/LB Shermond Dabney, WR/CB Richard Bowens, OL/LB Dwayne Chapman, OL/DL John McCarthy, TE/LB John Pearson.

Outlook: The Eaglets should look an awful lot like the squad that earned a Division 3 state title last year, since George Porritt and his staff don’t have many holes to fill. “We’ve got a good group coming back on defense, and we’ve got to play great team defense, especially early in the year as our offense gets up to speed,” he said. “We’re working at finding a starting quarterback and our offensive line needs to stabilize.”

► RelatedMcCabe’s No. 3 team: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
► RelatedBreaking down the Downriver football conference
► RelatedBreaking down Oakland Activities Association football conference

Catholic Central (9-3, 3-1)

Strength: Backfield

Top players: TE/DE Jack Morris, OT/DT Blake Bueter, TE/DE Jackson Ross, LB Tyler Moreland, RB/DB Nick Capatina, RB/LB Matt Young, Soph. QB Austin Brown, Jr. FB Cameron Ryan, Jr. MLB Isaac Darkangelo.

Outlook: The Shamrocks developed young players en route to a regional appearance in 2015, and that leaves the program in good shape this fall. “We have backs that have experience, but our defense is a bit younger,” said Coach Tom Mach, entering his 41st season. “The offense will have to hold the ball a bit more to give our defense time to jell. We don’t have a lot of leeway for development, but we’re used to that.”

De La Salle (6-4, 3-1)

Strength: Unity

Top players: RB/DB Allen Stritzinger, DB Kevin Lee, LB Steve Killop, DE John Fisher, P/K Trentin Piwinski, Jr. FS Brendan Madigan, WR/DB Ryan Anderson, RB Vinnie Pelione.

Outlook: It’s a season of change at DeLaSalle as new coach Mike Giannone arrives from Macomb Dakota. Giannone will bring in some new offensive sets, and the Pilots should have the skill players to pull it off – provided their injury list isn’t as extensive as it was at the end of last season when their top game-breakers were sidelined. “Most good teams are three injuries away from being mediocre,” Giannone said.

Brother Rice (2-7, 0-4)

Strength: Defensive line

Top players: TE/DE Carter Dunaway, WR Matt Jordan, Jr. WR/DB Caleb Jackson, DE Jack Saylor, CB Nick Massey, Soph. RB Marcellus Gaines, Soph. QB Mariano Valenti

Outlook: The 2015 Warriors couldn’t fill the deep holes left by the 2014 graduating class and suffered through their first sub-.500 season in 30 years. As they try to rebound, at least they now boast more experience with 16 starters back. “It’s tough – you do the best you can to respond,” Coach Dave Sofran said. “I think we should have a shot at the playoffs. We feel positive, but you never know until you play.”

U-D Jesuit (6-4, 1-3)

Strength: Seniors

Top players: WR-QB/S Scott Nelson, WR/DB A.J. Thomas, OL Joe Ziedas, jr. OT Carlos Vettorello, LB Brian McNamara, QB Michael Sims.

Outlook: The Cubs took several steps toward respectability last year by winning a division game, earning a playoff bid and playing eventual champ Detroit King close in the pre-district. “We want more,” Coach Oscar Olejniczak said. “We just don’t have the numbers that the other Central teams have, but we have to push through it.” The league granted the UD-Jesuit “schedule relief,” meaning the Cubs play just two division foes.

AA Division

Coaches’ poll: 1. Detroit Loyola 30, 2. Ann Arbor Richard 26, 3. Dearborn Divine Child 25. (Note: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, a former Catholic Double-A member, is competing as an independent this year).

Loyola (10-3, 3-0)

Strength: Stability

Top players: TE/LB Kailen Abrams, FB/DE Delbert Martin, soph. RB Anthony Robinson, OL Teron Johnson, RB Hunter Harris, OL/DL Marcus Edmonds, QB/DB Price Watkins.

Outlook: The Bull Dogs have won 22 straight league games, won the last four Prep Bowls and made four consecutive deep playoff runs, bowing out in the state semifinals last year. Opponents don’t expect them to slow down now, after so many new players got their feet wet last season. “We have a smaller roster but we’re more experienced,” Coach John Calahan said. “The kids are looking forward to it.”

AA Richard (5-5, 0-3)

Strength: Experience

Top players: QB Jack Gaderick, OL/DE Alex Wilder, RB Josh Krettlin, OL Brendan Fredericks, CB David Hebda, CB Henry Hebda, FB/DE-LB Matt Carrado, TE/LB Brian Victor.

Outlook: Gabriel Richard should be able to build on 2015, when the Fighting Irish squeaked into the playoffs under a first-year head coach. Most starters are back, including 6 rising jr.s on defense. “We’re only missing three starters from last year, and I feel really good about this group,” Coach Mike Girskis said. “We’ll be a lot stronger this year, even though we’ve probably got the hardest schedule we’ve ever had.”

Divine Child (4-5, 1-2)

Strength: Intelligence

Top players: Jr. QB-WR Quinn Blair, OL/DL Liam Soroghan, RB/DL Jordan Jones, jr. OL/DL Aidan Hutchinson.

Outlook: Although Coach John Filiatraut said “there’s no easy road in the AA,” he’s hoping his Falcons will return to the level they were at in 2014, when they won seven games. “We have the potential to play good, sound football,” he said. “If we limit our turnovers and penalties and play disciplined football, we will be strong.” Divine Child christens a new field this fall and will finally play home games at its school.

Intersectional-1 Division

Coaches’ poll: 1. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook 40, 2. Macomb Lutheran North 34, 3. Riverview Richard 33, 4. Allen Park Cabrini 29.

Cranbrook (9-2, 6-1)

Strength: Confidence

Top players: RB/LB Jaylen Allen, QB Tyler Santangelo, jr. OG/DE Christopher Smith, jr. RB Aaron Wiggins, LB Tristan Knoer, soph. WR Kobi Russell, LB Dan Russell, soph. DB Torrell Williams, C Garrett Faulkner.

Outlook: What’s not to like? Cranbrook is coming off its first playoff win since 2008, has more kids out than ever, and is eligible to play in the Prep Bowl this fall. “The confidence level has changed so much,” Coach Joe D’Angelo said. “This group has brought respectability back to Cranbrook football. Now, we’re going into games believing we can win. It’s nice to see the school get excited.”

Lutheran North (4-5, 3-3)

Strength: Football IQ

Top players: WR/CB Daric Craig, QB Charles Kruse, C/DT Ryan Pini, jr. WR/DB Joel Vandermeer, RB/LB Joe Karle, OG/DE Gavin McKenzie.

Outlook: The Mustangs showed an upturn in 2015 and Coach Ryan Wesley says this experienced group has the skill level to raise it another notch. “We have plenty of seniors who have been starting since they were sophomores,” he said. “We’re looking to find the fire and prove to ourselves we can win. We run a ton of sets, but our kids are among the smartest out there and we plan to use that to our advantage.”

Riverview Richard (7-4, 5-2)

Strength: Momentum

Top players: Jr. OL/DL Devin Slaughter, OL/LB Jac Lemieux, jr. WR Eric Wigginton, WR/CB Anthony Brown, K Zach Loewengruber, Slot/MLB Brennan Holberg, jr. QB Devin Gleason, soph. QB Kyle Alonte.

Outlook: The positive energy is also there at Gabriel Richard, which has had three straight winning seasons, two playoff experiences and put in a new field last year. “We need to get off to a fast start and use that momentum,” Coach Tom Michaelsen said. “We’ve got a lot of guys competing for positions, and hopefully that competition translates into victories.”

The Pioneers are younger, but their numbers have increased.

Cabrini (2-7, 1-6)

Strength: Coachability

Top players: RB/DB Kyle Kessler, jr. QB Matt Bzura, WR/DB Trevor Kimes, OL Josh Fust, jr. OL Sam Solis, WR/DB Ben LePage, soph. OL Noah Hamid.

Outlook: In his second season guiding the Monarchs, Allen Park native Ken Briere says they can improve if they win the close games – something that has been Cabrini’s downfall in recent years. “We have to finish,” he said. “What everyone has over us is numbers, but it’s not something to cry about. Last year we were senior-laden but our younger guys got more playing time, which will help this year.”

Intersectional-2 Division

Coaches’ poll: 1. Madison Heights Bishop Foley 50, 2. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes 42, 3. Royal Oak Shrine 41, 4. Clarkston Everest Collegiate 35, 5. Marine City Cardinal Mooney 32.

Bishop Foley (2-7, 0-7)

Strength: Senior class

Top players: WR/DB Joe Schmidt, OL/DL Trevor Shankin, FB Cooper Smith, QB Alex Dixon, RB/LB Nolan Gerds, OL Ray Pippen, OL Jacob Doxen, MLB/K/P Evan Finegan.

Outlook: Although the Ventures have lost 14 straight league contests, everyone thinks this should be their year now that a deep senior class has finally matured. Schmidt is a four-year starter in the backfield, while Pippen, Shankin and Doxen all have good size in the trenches. “We always have to instill a winning attitude, but things should come together a bit better this year,” Coach Sean Cobb said.

Our Lady of the Lakes (13-1, 7-0)

Strength: Reputation

Top players: OL/DL Gabe Nickels, TB/S Isaac Oliver, RB/DB Kurt Romkema, OL/DL Nick Imbier, soph. WR Noah Robak, soph TE/LB David Balent, soph. Slot/S Vince Oliver.

Outlook: The Lakers graduated 18 out of 25 players from last year’s Division 8 state finalist squad but have been able to fill the gaps quickly with an influx of new players — many of them upperclassmen. Now, 80 percent of the boys in the school are playing football. “We have outstanding leadership in our senior class,” Coach Josh Sawicki said. “We’re not as worried about them jelling together as much as playing together.”

Shrine (4-5, 2-5)

Strength: Offensive line

Top players: QB Asher Smith, WR/DB Michael Niehaus, FB Beck Benson, OL Max Payne, soph. TB Dan Romano, OL Conner Gum, jr. Slot Josef Mehall, WR Jay Hester, soph. OL Victor Carpenter.

Outlook: The Knights’ 12-year playoff run ended last fall, a season in which Coach John Goddard said every senior on the team missed at least one game due to injury. Thus, the Knights are aiming to stay healthy. “Our numbers are up, but still, with the size of our team, an injury to us is like losing five guys,” he said. “If you’re injury-free in this league, you’ve got a great shot a getting to the Prep Bowl and making the playoffs.”

Everest (5-5, 3-3)

Strength: Drive

Top players: RB/LB Alex Legg, jr. QB/S Grant Burgess, OL/DL Gunther Schultz, WR/LB Tommy Thibodeau, jr. RB/DB Simon Fenske.

Outlook: The Mountaineers have reached the playoffs each season since starting their program three years ago, so their goal for 2016 is fairly obvious – even though there are just 18 players filling out the roster. “We want to keep that (playoff streak) because it’s pretty special,” Coach Mike Pruchnicki said. “The whole backfield is back, we work hard and we’re disciplined. We have good kids — ‘Eighteen strong:’ that’s what we call it.”

Cardinal Mooney (3-6, 1-2 IFL)

Strength: Attitude

Top players: RB/MLB Wyatt Greenia, jr. WR/S Troy Webster, soph. QB Quincy Greenia, C Owen Sheldon, jr. DT Dozzio Trapiss.

Outlook: The Cardinals rejoin the Catholic League for the first time since 2010 after putting in three seasons as an eight-man squad and playing two more in another league. Coach Jared Greenia said his troops will have to concentrate on the basics in order to excel. “We’re not a run-and-gun team but we can chew away some yards by slowing it down and playing ball control, with a bend-don’t-break defense,” he said.


Mick McCabe’s top-25 players: Nos. 11-15

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Hunter Rison is a four-star wide receiver from Ann Arbor Skyline.

Hunter Rison is a four-star wide receiver from Ann Arbor Skyline.

11. Hunter Rison

School: Ann Arbor Skyline.

Vitals: 5 feet 11, 197 pounds.

Position: Wide receiver/defensive back.

The scoop: He is a factor on both sides of the ball but will be a receiver, just like his father, former MSU star Andre Rison. He has the athletic ability to make the impossible catch possible. He has good speed and runs good routes. Committed to Michigan State.

RelatedAndre Rison: I’m a good dad. I hurt daily. Marijuana candy helps.
RelatedMcCabe’s top-25 players: Nos. 16-20

12. Jaylen Kelly-Powell

School: Detroit Cass Tech.

Vitals: 6-0, 180.

Position: Defensive back/slot.

The scoop: He is a four-year veteran in the Cass secondary. He is such a good cover guy, teams rarely throw in his direction, thus he had only two interceptions to go with his 53 tackles last season. He can effectively shut down one side of the field.

RelatedJaylen Kelly-Powell plans to name finalists soon

13. Mustafa Khaleefah

School: Dearborn.

Vitals: 6-6, 282.

Position: Offensive tackle/defensive tackle.

The scoop: An under-the-radar lineman who has everything he needs to succeed at a Power 5 conference school. He is a powerful run blocker and has the footwork to be a good pass blocker. Committed to Michigan State.

RelatedMcCabe’s top 25 players: No. 1 Donovan Peoples-Jones

14. JaRaymond Hall

School: Oak Park.

Vitals: 6-5, 280.

Position: Offensive tackle/defensive tackle.

The scoop: A three-year starter, he is an excellent pass protection blocker. He also is aggressive and does a good job blocking for the running attack. He is athletic enough to chase down ballcarriers. Committed to Michigan.

15. Jordan Reid

School: Detroit Cass Tech.

Vitals: 6-5, 305.

Position: Offensive tackle/nose guard.

The scoop: He has the “three S’s” — speed, size and strength — to dominate on both sides of the ball. Last year in his first season as a starter, he became a dominating blocker, and he is a run-stopper defensively. Committed to MSU.

Come back through Thursday for players 2-10.

► U-M’s Jourdan Lewis credits Cass Tech ‘factory’ for preparation
► McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 11-15

Mick McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 11-15

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Detroit King's Ambry Thomas.

Detroit King’s Ambry Thomas.

All players are seniors unless noted (2015 records in parentheses).

11. Saline (11-1)

Top players: TE Bryce Wolma, RB Connor Hibbard, DE Sean O’Keefe, DB Robbie Felton, junior OT Dimitri Douglas, junior LBs C.J. Gildersleeve and Ethan Collick.

Coach: Joe Palka, 21st season as head coach, fifth at Saline (42-7).

Overview: This team might be flying under the radar a bit, especially compared to the past few Saline teams. But the Hornets will compete for the SEC title again. Wolma (Arizona) is faster than most tight ends, and he can outjump defenders. Hibbard gained nearly 1,000 yards in a reserve role last fall. The defensive front seven should be able to compete with anyone.

► RelatedMcCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 16-20
► RelatedMcCabe’s top 25 teams: Nos. 21-25

12. Detroit King (14-0)

Top players: DB/WR Ambry Thomas, RB Kevin Willis, LB Cepeda Phillips, junior C/OG Josh Mayberry, junior WR/DB Jaeveyon Morton.

Coach: Tyrone Spencer, first year.

Overview: The defending Division 2 state champs will have to overcome the sudden death of coach Dale Harvel less than a month ago. In Harvel’s image, the Crusaders will be strong defensively, with seven returning starters from the championship team. Thomas is a big-time player on both sides of the ball.

► RelatedMSU’s Donnie Corley to honor Dale Harvel by following same path

13. Southfield Arts and Technology (0-0)

Top players: Sophomore QB Sam Johnson, LB Lorenzo

McCaskill, OG Eric Eldridge, DE Torey Barclay, DB Marquise Thorns, junior DE Andre Carter, junior RB Eric McArn, junior WR Brandon Gray.

Coach: Tim Conley, 11 seasons at Southfield (75-43).

Overview: This is the merged version of Southfield High and Southfield-Lathrup. Southfield had a lot of returners to begin with, and the players from Lathrup have provided amazing depth. Johnson is one of the highest-ranked QBs in his class. McCaskill will be the leader of what should be an excellent defense.

14. Lowell (12-2)

Top players: LB Nate Stephens, OG John Rogalke, DB/WR Hayden Barry.

Coach: Noel Dean, 26th year as head coach (223-63), 21st at Lowell (201-48).

Overview: Only three starters remain from the team that lost the Division 2 state championship on the final play of the game. Though there is not much experience, there are talented players who will rely on the same work ethic that made Lowell one of the premier programs in the state. With opening games against powerhouses Warren De La Salle, Rockford and East Grand Rapids, the Red Arrows won’t have an opportunity to ease into the season as they seek their 18th consecutive playoff berth.

15. River Rouge (12-2)

Top players: Junior LB Eric Chenault, junior DB Reggie Pearson, DE Darrel Latham, sophomore DB Corry Thomas, junior TE Lee Payton, junior WR Giavonni Turner, QB Jairus

Grissom, junior RBs Jalen Jackson and Alex Carter, C Kenneth Joyce.

Coach: Corey Parker, eighth year at River Rouge (55-21).

Overview: This is a young team, but many underclassmen were starters a year ago, when the Panthers advanced to the Division 5 title game. The key addition that could put the Panthers over the top is Grissom, who had an outstanding season leading Dearborn Heights Robichaud last year. The defense should be better with an outstanding secondary.

Come back through Thursday for teams 1-2, 6-10.

► McCabe’s top 25 players: No. 1 Donovan Peoples-Jones
► McCabe: MHSAA fails the test in dealing with Chris Fahr

McCabe: Cory Chavis embraces challenge at Detroit Leadership Academy

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Mick McCabe

Mick McCabe

Cory Chavis might have bitten off more than he can chew.

Chavis, 42, is the first-year head football coach for the first-year program at Detroit Leadership Academy, a charter school on the city’s far west side, near Ford Road and Evergreen.

Leadership Academy is in its fourth year of existence and will graduate its first class in the spring.

Because this is Leadership’s first year in the Michigan High School Athletic Association, it is ineligible to compete in the state playoffs.

​► RelatedMcCabe: MHSAA fails the test in dealing with Chris Fahr
► RelatedMcCabe: Danosky’s turn to lead consistently good Allen Park program
► RelatedMcCabe’s top 25 players: No. 1 Donovan Peoples-Jones​

That won’t be a concern for the Cougars, who begin their eight-game schedule against Class A Detroit Western at 5 p.m. Friday at Mumford.

Things get worse from there for the co-ed school of between 140 and 150 in the high school.

In Week 2, Leadership plays Buchanan, which has 476 students and was 11-1 last season. And then plays Birmingham Detroit Country Day, with 692 students and an 11-2 record a year ago.

It also faces Division 7 powerhouse Detroit Loyola in Week 6 and concludes in Week 9 against U-D Jesuit, which has about 740 boys.

Are we sure Chavis knows what he’s getting himself into?

“We stacked up a pretty big list of games here,” he said. “It wasn’t that way to begin with, but at the end of the day we got what we got. We’re just going to push forward, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

► RelatedMcCabe’s No. 3 team: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

There are two ways you can approach a schedule like this. You can complain about the tough road ahead, or you can embrace the challenge.

Chavis is doing the latter.

“We’re teaching our young men that, yeah, this is a game and, yes, do you want to win? Absolutely,” he said. “But this is more about creating a family environment. Most first-year teams don’t win a lot of games, so it’s not about winning games.

“It’s about strengthening yourself physically and mentally. It’s about being able to get exposure. There’s a lot of opportunity in having programs where you’re playing big schools.”

Leadership Academy will get exposure and opportunity, while teams like Country Day and U-D Jesuit will get ridiculously easy wins in their pursuit of six victories to make the state playoffs.

In addition to coaching, Chavis is the director of external partnerships for Equity Education, which runs the school.

He said adding football is a way to help the school increase enrollment.

“The reality was, football is great for leadership training, team training for our young men,” he said. “At this point in Detroit, if you don’t have a football team, you lose your kids to schools that do. So it’s something that we want to provide, the mental, physical aspect of it. And we also wanted to provide something our kids would want to get involved with.”

The Cougars will enter the opener with 25 players on the varsity team, of which only three are seniors. And, by the way, there is no junior varsity or freshman team.

Again, does Chavis have any idea what he is in for?

“I hear you,” Chavis said. “Numbers don’t mean that much, though. It’s about heart. It’s football. A couple wins here and there. If we get four wins, I’d smile a great big smile.”

It is football, all right, and let’s hope Chavis can smile in nine weeks.

Mick McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 11-15

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Mick McCabe’s No. 3 team: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

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Orchard Lake St. Mary's Ralph Holley (59) celebrates a blocked extra point off the foot of Chelsea kicker Graham Kuras during the 2nd quarter of OLSM's 29-12 win in the Division 3 state final at Ford Field.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Ralph Holley (59) celebrates a blocked extra point off the foot of Chelsea kicker Graham Kuras during the 2nd quarter of OLSM’s 29-12 win in the Division 3 state final at Ford Field.

When it comes to Ralph Holley, the statistics don’t tell the entire story.

Hey, the stat sheet doesn’t tell half his story.

For instance, in last season’s Division 3 state championship game, the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s nose guard was credited with one sack and only three tackles.

They seem like rather pedestrian stats for one of the top defensive linemen in the state, until you realize that Holley often occupied two offensive linemen or two linemen and a running back trying to keep him out of the backfield.

► RelatedExcitement in air for two-time defending champ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
► RelatedBreaking down Catholic league football

“If they can’t stop me, and I’ve been tearing it up in the backfield, they usually send a running back and the center and the guard to triple-team me,” Holley said. “I don’t particularly like double-teams, but when I take double-teams, it opens a hole for linebackers to make plays. It’s all about the team, to be honest. A play I don’t get is a play that the linebacker will get to benefit the team.

“That’s satisfying to me because I know that I helped get that play.”

Holley, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior, made the leap from St. Mary’s freshman team to the varsity by the end of his freshman season.

As a sophomore, he worked his way into the starting lineup as his technique steadily improved.

“I came in as a sophomore with some pretty big guys on top of me, and I had to work my way to the top,” he said. “I didn’t start every game, but I started some games as a sophomore. The first game I started was against U-D. And I’ll never forget — I had three sacks that game. It was an eye-opener, like this is what I was called to do.”

Holley also has participated in basketball and track and field, and last spring qualified for the Division 2 state meet in the shot put.

► RelatedMcCabe’s No. 5 team: Macomb Dakota
RelatedMcCabe’s No. 4 team: Muskegon
► RelatedMcCabe’s top 25 players: No. 1 Donovan Peoples-Jones

But the aspect of track and field that might have benefited him more than the shot put was running the 200 meters. Holley is anything but a premier sprinter, but the daily track workouts improved his speed and footwork, and it easily translates to football.

“I don’t want to be a big guy that can’t move,” he said. “I’ve got to be able to be mobile and move quick.”

Holley likes to line up and angle down on the center, which is when he uses his club-and-rip move to get into the backfield.

“I club them to the side and rip through his arm,” he said, describing a move where he begins by smacking the center in the arm. “To perfect it, it took me a good three or four months. I’m pretty sound with my hand placements and everything like that.”

He received the best birthday gift ever Jan. 22 when Miami (Ohio) offered him a scholarship. Since then, he has acquired eight other offers and has committed to Western Michigan.

“My mom was relieved. My dad was relieved,” Holley said. “They were, ‘Oh, we don’t have to pay for college!’ It’s a great blessing for the family.”

The way Holley looks at it, football in general has been a blessing to him.

“I like how it builds my character,” he said. “It challenges me every day, with the running and the constant punishment we take. It challenges us to mature as men. I’ve learned I can overcome adversity.”

Note: Wide receiver KJ Hamler, who transferred from OLSM to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season, tore his ACL in a preseason game last week. He has been recruited by Michigan and Michigan State, among others.

Mick McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 11-15

Meet the Eaglets

Last season: 12-1.

Top players: LB/RB Josh Ross, LB/OL Dwayne Chapman, NG/OG Ralph Holley, LB John Pearson, RB/DB Shermond Dabney, DB/WR Richard Bowens.

State playoff record: 64-14.

Coach: George Porritt, 28th season (246-67).

Overview: The Eaglets are the odds-on favorite to three-peat in Division 3. Ross, verbally committed to Michigan, is a dominating defender, and he will see a lot of action on offense this season. Chapman will team with Ross to give St. Mary’s a dynamic pair at inside linebacker. Holley controls the middle of the line on a stingy defense that returns eight starters.

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Mick McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 16-20
Mick McCabe’s top 25 teams: Nos. 21-25

McCabe: Parents have to stop making kids specialize in just one sport

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Romeo Christopher Zanke lifts the MHSAA Football Champion trophy in the air surrounded by his teammates, after defeating Detroit Cass Tech in the Michigan High School Athletic Association football Division 1 finals at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015.

Romeo Christopher Zanke lifts the MHSAA Football Champion trophy in the air surrounded by his teammates, after defeating Detroit Cass Tech in the Michigan High School Athletic Association football Division 1 finals at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015.

When you basically have done the same job for going on 47 years now — covering high school athletics — people want to know what has changed in prep sports in that span.

Most people assume the kids have changed, but that isn’t true.

There is a bit more of the “hey, look-at-me stuff” going on, but that might be a trickle-down effect from what the kids see on TV from the pros.

The biggest change I’ve seen, by far, has been the parents. We have gone from just one or two crazy parents per school to dozens who make life miserable for coaches and administrators.

I’ve seen normal, rational people act like raving lunatics when it comes to their kids and athletics. So many of these people are positive their kids are headed for scholarships and stardom that it would be funny if it wasn’t so pathetic.

And now we have reached a dangerous level, because so many parents insist their kids choose one sport and specialize at a ridiculously early age.

McCabe: First-year coach Cory Chavis embraces the challenge
McCabe: Danosky’s turn to lead consistently good Allen Park program

Forget about the studies that show specialization drastically increases an athlete’s chance of injury and that playing a variety of sports increases the chances to earn an athletic scholarship to college. These parents are certain they know best.

That brings us to Gail and Ralph Schmitt, who left Rio a couple of weeks ago after their daughter, Allison, won gold and silver medals, bringing her medal count over the past three Olympics to eight.

Certainly, they must have forced Allison into swimming at an early age and forbade her from playing other sports.

Not exactly.

“Allison didn’t concentrate on swimming until she was cut from a travel soccer team two years in a row,” said Ralph, who pointed out that Allison grew up also playing basketball, volleyball and softball.

No. 2 Walled Lake Western’s Cody White stars in baseball, track, too

The Schmitts have five children, and only one, Kirsten, didn’t play sports in college. But she did swim in high school and received a perfect score on the SAT before going to Florida State and earning her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Derek swam at Ohio U. before the school dropped the program, then swam at Pittsburgh.

“Our philosophy was you can do anything you want to try and we’ll support you, but the condition is you can’t quit midseason and you have to give 100%,” Ralph said. “It wasn’t really until the twins that it got us in trouble because they wanted to do everything and they did everything.”

The twins, Sara and Kari, were challenging. They played soccer until high school, then qualified for the state meet in swimming, were all-state basketball players and also played high-level travel hockey before playing hockey at Ohio State.

And, believe it or not, their parents never forced them into anything. They just stayed out of the way.

“It’s so much easier to let them decide what to do,” Ralph said. “There are so many young kids that could play sports well, but their parents were right on them. As a kid you like the game, but you don’t like all the extra stuff, so you end up quitting.”

He recommends “The Matheny Manifesto” as a guide to parents. It is written by St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who played at Michigan.

“It’s perfect,” Ralph said. “The common theme is it’s all about the kids, it’s not about the parents.”

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

McCabe: MHSAA fails the test in dealing with Chris Fahr

Recruiting: Fear not, Michigan fans! Decommitments mean little

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Aubrey Solomon is a four-star defensive tackle from Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County.

Aubrey Solomon is a four-star defensive tackle from Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County.

Michigan suffered a trio of decommitments this week. Four-star 2017 defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon, 2018 four-star athlete Leonard Taylor and 2018 four-star offensive lineman Jalil Irvin all decided to reopen their recruitments heading into the season.

A lot of reactions to recruiting moves are more rooted in perception than reality. While it might appear odd that three players would step back from Michigan in such a short span, none raises any concerns about Michigan’s recruiting nor the direction of the program.

Solomon is, by far, the most significant of the three departures. He’s a senior, and he’s the best prospect of the group. Recruiting the Deep South, Michigan’s coaching staff knows that there’s risk in trying to keep prospects committed. If the staff can convince Solomon’s mother that Ann Arbor is the place for him, it will have a shot to reel him back into the fold. But in-state Georgia looks like the favorite now.

With that in mind, look for Michigan to continue its pursuit of Utah four-star Jay Tufele (who was its top DT target before Solomon’s pledge), in-state four-star Deron Irving-Bey and California three-star Popo Aumavae, among others.

When it comes to recruiting juniors-to-be like Taylor and Irvin, early commitments are becoming more common — as are the subsequent decommitments.

Does that mean Michigan should consider deferring kids who want to pledge early? It’s something to think about, but these scenarios have become commonplace and are hard to avoid.

The takeaway from losing three pledges is that it means little in the grand scheme of things. As long as Michigan wins in 2016 and keeps developing players into NFL draft picks, recruits will be lining up to play for Jim Harbaugh and his staff.

Suspended receiver Ahmir Mitchell leaving Michigan

Steve Lorenz is the editor and publisher of Wolverine247 of the 247Sports Network. You can follow him on Twitter @TremendousUM and give Wolverine247 a try today.

Mick McCabe’s top-25 teams: Nos. 6-10

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Novi Detroit Catholic Central's Alex Bock runs for a big gain against Birmingham Brother Rice. The Shamrocks tied for first in their division and won a district title.

Novi Detroit Catholic Central’s Alex Bock runs for a big gain against Birmingham Brother Rice. The Shamrocks tied for first in their division and won a district title.

All players are seniors unless noted. (2015 records in parentheses.)

6. Novi Detroit Catholic Central (9-3)

Top players: OG/DT Blake Bueter, DE/TE-OT Jackson Ross, DE/TE Jack Morris, sophomore QB Austin Brown, LB/RB Tyler Morland, junior FB Cameron Ryan, OG William Butler.

Coach: Tom Mach, 41st season (357-96).

Overview: Smash-mouth football is the norm at CC, but with the passing abilities of Brown, the Shamrocks might be a bit more diversified. The offensive line, featuring Bueter and Ross, will open holes for Morland and Ryan, who were effective last season. The only problem is a challenging schedule that includes powerhouse Cleveland St. Ignatius.

Related:Breaking down Catholic League

7. Rockford (8-4)

Top players: Junior QB Jason Whittaker, junior C Cody Carone, FB Nick Isley, OT Matt Baker, OLBs junior Paul Reinke and Cole VanSetters, DBs junior Mark Remetma and Josh Patterson.

Coach: Ralph Munger, 37th season overall (306-94), 24th at Rockford (219-64).

Overview: There is a nice blend between juniors, four of whom started as a sophomores, and seniors that should mean the Rams will not miss the playoffs for the first time since 1994. Whittaker started eight games last season and is a solid passer. Carone and Baker are cornerstones for a good offensive line. The Rams again will play stingy defense, led by Reinke and VanSetters.

Related:Top-25 teams: Nos. 11-15

Related:Top-25 teams: Nos. 16-20

Related:Top-25 teams: Nos. 21-25

8. Canton (10-3)

Top players: RB Markus Sanders, OT David Gunnis, TE Brennon Pelland, junior LB Lou Baechler, junior DB Colin Troupe, DT Jake Warner.

Coach: Tim Baechler, 26th

season overall (190-66), 19th at Canton (155-46).

Overview: The Chiefs came remarkably close to playing in the Division 1 state championship game last season, losing a 48-41 semifinal shoot-out to Cass Tech. Canton, in its full-house backfield, spreads the ball around to its three backs, but Sanders was able to run for 2,495 yards last fall. Gunnis and Pelland lead a tough offensive line, and the Chiefs will be equally tough in the trenches defensively.

Related:Breaking down Kensington Lakes league

9. Clarkston (7-3)

Top players: LB Nick Stallworth, QB J.T. King, junior DB/RB Michael Fluegel, C Carter Gale, WR/DB Tyler Retford, DBs Jake Buchman and Kyle Genter.

Coach: Kurt Richardson, 31st season (232-82).

Overview: The offensive line and the secondary will be strong for the Wolves. A dependable line will be important to King, who makes the switch from DB to QB. Fluegel also will help King by giving Clarkston a reliable running attack.

Related:Breaking down the OAA

10. Hudsonville 7-5

Top players: DB/QB Jack Mandryk, LB/RB Dalton Ager, DT/C Lane Potter, DE/TE Bryce Akins, junior RB/LB Jake Hoekstra, junior DE/TE Hunter Stearns.

Coach: Dave Lidgard, 30th year at Hudsonville, seventh as head coach (32-29).

Overview: The Eagles will be attempting to end Rockford’s stranglehold on the OK Red title. Mandryk is a multidimensional QB who can beat you in a lot of ways, and he is even better on defense. Hudsonville’s strength will be a defensive front seven capable of competing with anyone in the state.

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.


Mick McCabe’s top-25 players: Nos. 6-10

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Warren DeLaSalle's Allen Stritzinger

Warren DeLaSalle’s Allen Stritzinger

6. Phillip Paea

School: Berrien Springs.

Vitals: 6 feet 4, 287 pounds.

Position: Defensive tackle/offensive tackle.

The scoop: He is an intimidating force on both sides of the ball who uses size, speed and strength to overwhelm opposing players. He could play on either side of the ball in college, but defensively he is a must-double-team guy to keep out of the backfield. Committed to Michigan.

7. Deron Irving-Bey

School: Flint Southwestern.

Vitals: 6-5, 271.

Position: Defensive end.

The scoop: This under-valued prospect is gaining popularity with college coaches. He is capable of closing down one side of the line. He is a terror as a rush end and has enough speed to chase down runners across the field.

Related: Top players Nos. 11-15

Related:Top players Nos. 16-20

Related:Top players Nos. 21-25

8. Donovan Johnson

School: Detroit Cass Tech.

Vitals: 5-11, 177.

Position: Defensive back/running back.

The scoop: One of the higher-ranked cornerbacks in the country, he has electrifying speed, timed at 4.39 this summer. He also will play some slot receiver and carry the ball as a running back.

9. Allen Stritzinger

School: Warren De La Salle.

Related:Catholic League breakdown

Vitals: 6-0, 184.

Position: Running back/defensive back.

The scoop: He gained 173 yards in the Division 2 state championship game as a sophomore. He is healthy following an ankle injury that limited him to four games as a junior. He could have committed almost anywhere as a defensive back, but wants to be a running back in college. Committed to Syracuse.

10. Bryce Wolma

School: Saline.

Vitals: 6-4, 250.

Position: Tight end.

The scoop: He does everything you need a tight end to do. He is an excellent blocker with good hands, is faster than most tight ends and has the leaping ability to outjump defensive backs. Committed to Arizona.

Breaking down Kensington Lakes football conference

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Livonia Churchill's Dylan Padget fumbles after being hit by Canton's Jacob Stephan on Oct. 3, 2014.

Livonia Churchill’s Dylan Padget fumbles after being hit by Canton’s Jacob Stephan on Oct. 3, 2014.

Central

Coaches’ poll: Northville, 52; Livonia Stevenson, 51; Novi, 50; Plymouth Salem, 41; South Lyon, 38; South Lyon East, 32.

Northville (6-0, 10-1)

Strength: Commitment to the Process

Top players: junior WR A.J. Abbott, OLB Trenton Guthrie (Western Michigan commit), junior K Jake Moody (ranked No. 11 in the country in Kornblue poll), C Zach Marks, WR Jack Peterson, DL Zach Bates, DB Jack Burke, junior CB Abe Khoury, LB Ryan Nelson and CB Gary Wu.

Outlook: Only 3 starters return on offense, but 6 are back to lead the defense after an undefeated league and conference championship last year. “The success of this year’s football team will be determined by our ability to demonstrate toughness at all times and to play selflessly,” said coach Jeff Burnside. Moody’s outstanding leg could keep the Mustangs in close games if the offense doesn’t punch the ball into the end zone.

Stevenson (4-1, 6-3)

Strength: Leadership

Top players: QB Chris Tanderys (3-year starter, 1,599 yards passing on 57 percent, 17 TDs to 4 INTs), OL/DL Devlen Kuschel (6-4, 275, 3-year starter), OL/DL Anthony Loepardi, RB/DB Nick Poulos (39 tackles), WR Ian Knoph, junior RB/LB Josh page, junior OL Giovanni Agazzi (6-3, 275).

Outlook: “After back to back playoff appearances this group is motivated to take the next step in the state playoffs,” said head coach Randy Micallef. The Spartans hope to do so with 4 starters returning on each side of the ball with many support players who had significant playing time in 2015.

Novi (3-2, 6-5)

Strength: Team chemistry

Top players: QB Alec Bageris (3-year starter, 2,344 yards passing and 22 TD), WR Anthony D’Annibale (55 Catches, 882 Yards, 11 TD), OL Johnny Davis (6-4, 250), OL Adam Guirey (6-4, 280), junior WR Trey Maddox, LB Ian Patterson (leading tackler, 79), LB Connor Moore (6 sacks), LB Scott Latham (48 tackles), DL Ethan Carter (5 sacks) and DB Ryan Welch.

Outlook: The Wildcats have 9 offensive starters returning, with 8 on defense, so experience from last year’s playoff run is huge, but overall team depth numbers are lower than desired. The offensive line is senior heavy, as is the 3-man line backing corps on defense. After getting a taste for the playoffs for the first time in 7 years prior, Novi wants back in.

Breaking down Catholic league football

Salem (2-3, 3-6)

Strength: Offensive line, speed.

Top players: LB Trevor Nowaske (2-time all-conference), junior RB/LB Parker Selby, WR Mason Phillips, DE Davon Gunn, junior OT/DT Alex Howie (6-4, 294), RB/S Jason Arnold, DT Sean Pilon (6-2, 270), NG David Mason III.

Outlook: Coach Kurt Britnell said: “We feel we have a lot of upside potential with many younger guys and Can’t wait to see what they can do. Biggest questions are how a few returning juniors make a jump and impact as well as a couple first year varsity juniors.”

South Lyon (1-4, 4-5)

Strength: experience

Top players: QB Carlo Zoratti, WR/S Braxton Blackwell, OL/LB Sanjay Britton, OL/DL Travis Marcus, RB/LB Ryan Pedersan, RB/DL Stone Ruffin, WR/DB Josh Travis (leading receiver), junior OL Trevor Weiss (6-5, 310).

Outlook: With 23 seniors returning the Lions look to be well-experienced in most positions, but depth is a huge problem with only 28 players total on the roster. Five starters return on offense and seven on defense. Staying healthy is key and with the experience they have the Lions can contend for the division title.

South Lyon East (0-5, 1-8)

Strength: Linebackers and secondary

Top players: FB/LB Shane Patterson (3-year starter), OL/DL Joel Trent (3-year starter), RB/SS Anthony Salter, WR/DB Ryan Skvarce, junior RB/LB Jake Waranauckas, OL/DL Will Carter, DL/OL Ryan McKeon, OL/DL, WR/LB Ryan Leckner and OL/LB Mike Machesky.

Outlook: East returns six on offense and seven on defense; a good sign for still one of the newest programs in the state. “Our players gained a lot of experience and we look to keep getting better every day,” said coach Joe Pesci. “Strong seniors and experienced leaders and we have several juniors and sophomores that are ready to contribute this season.”

North

Coaches poll: Walled Lake Western, 57; Waterford Mott, 50; Walled Lake Northern, 48; Lakeland, 43; Waterford Kettering, 41; Walled Lake Central, 38.

Western (5-0, 12-1)

Strength: Explosive skill players

Top players: SE/DB Cody White (Michigan State commit, 13 games, 49 receptions, 927 yards, 18.9 avg., 8 TDs), OL/DL Rob Hudson (6-8, 310, Div. 1 offers), DB Jack Dodge, SE Kam Ford, QB Johnny Tracy (transfer from Brother Rice), LB Matt Alati, and junior OL Joey George.

Outlook: After going four games deep into the playoffs last year and reaching the semifinals, returning starter numbers for 2016 are thin with just three on offense and five on defense, but the skill positions should shine. Games against cross-overs Canton and Northville are critical to starting the season of right.

Mott (3-2, 6-4)

Strength: Experience and Speed

Top players: LB Trey Christian (95 tackles), junior LB Dominik Rowell (88 tackles 5 sacks), OL/DL Bryce Locke, OL/DL Quentin Logan, RB/DB Tyreese Mays (985 yards, 7 TDs), OL/DL Brendan Kennedy, DL Nathan Stoddard (5 sacks), WR/DB Zac Loll (28 catches, 350 yards, 7 TDs), junior LB Jared Wheeler (70 tackles), DB Marcos Quintero, LB Josh Course.

Outlook: Mott has good experience returning with 7 starters on offense and 8 on defense, but for success there is an expectation of contributions from young talent. The coaching staff is excited about the overall team speed and work ethic that has been shown thus far.

Breaking down Oakland Activities Association football conference

Northern (4-1, 6-4)

Strength: skilled positions and defense

Top players: RB Miller Carlock (1,000-plus yards), QB Dylan Moser (all-conference RB last year), WR Grant Seyburn, LB Dylan Buchan (leading tackler), LB Luke Lawley, LB Nick Dunlap, WR/DB Jack Valentine, OL/DE Paul Forhan.

Outlook: Coach Brett Moore is pumped up about his line backing core and defensive backs, with their combined experience, speed and athleticism. The team has plenty of rookies at many positions, so a top goal is to just showing improvement each day.

Lakeland (1-4, 4-5)

Strength: Attitude

Top players: RB/DB Matt Lowe (all conference, 3-year starter), RB/LB Hunter Roberts (all conference), QB Alec Remirez, junior OL/DL Alex Laverenz, junior OL/DL Ryan Allen, WR/DB Liam Bradley and LB Noah Howard.

Outlook: all but one loss last year was close in score so attitudes remain upbeat for getting over the hump in 2016. Seven starters return on offense and six on defense, but no job is secure with talent coming up to compete for playing time from last year’s JV conference champ. “We have more cylinders firing now this year than we had last year,” said coach Joe Woodruff.

Kettering (1-4, 4-5)

Strength: speed, defensive front 7

Top players: LB Ty Swallwell, OL Brandon Egres, LB Kyle Piotrovsky, RB/LB Jimmy McFadden (transfer from Mott), RB/DB Tony Walker.

Outlook: Youth dominate at key skill positions this season, but the kicking game should be greatly improved after special teams play was costly at critical times last season. Only two starters return on defense and one on offense.

Central (1-4, 1-8)

Strength: Unity

Top players: QB Jack Gulvas, LB Jason Weber, CB Jacob Downey, OL Nick Jovanovski and K Poff Midgley (15 field goals).

Outlook: Five starters return on each side of the ball but the team will need to play near-perfect games to finish better than last year. It’s good for the Vikings to be back home after stadium construction caused many away games and practices.

►Related: No. 2 Walled Lake Western

South

Coaches’ poll: Canton, 58; Plymouth, 51; Livonia Franklin, 48; Livonia Churchill, 45; Westland Glenn, 35; Wayne Memorial, 32.

Canton (3-2, 10-3)

Strength: Experience, intelligent players

Top players: OT Dave Gunnis, RB Markus Sanders (3 year starter, All-State, 2,495 yards rushing as a junior), TE Brennon Pelland, OG/DT Jake Warner, junior DB Colin Troupe, junior LB Lou Baechler (leading tackler with 85, and 2 INTs).

Outlook: All players above were all-league last year. Six starters return on each side of the ball for the team that got hot in the playoffs and reached the state semifinals. “The keys for us is to eliminate the big play on defense, create turnovers, and win on third down,” said coach Tim Baechler. “We must take care of the football and control the game with the offense.”

Plymouth (5-0, 6-4)

Strength: Line play and linebackers

Top players: RB/LB Darius Timmons, C/DL Joe Supernois, OL/DL Austin Scheffer, WR/DB Isaac Emminger, OL/DL Matt Wayne, WR/DB Chase Timko, LB C.J. Wieloch, LB Spencer Zwarka.

Outlook: Plymouth swept every opponent in the South last year but didn’t last long in the playoffs. “We had a lot of talent last year, but we didn’t maximize it,” said coach Mike Sawchuk. “Hopefully, they’ve learned from that and are ready to buy in 100 percent. If they do that, we could have some fun.” The team has depth in the interior line on both sides, plus at linebacker and running back. Seven starters return on both sides.

Breaking down the Downriver football conference

Franklin (3-2, 9-4)

Strength: Competition at all positions

Top players: RB/DB Chris Nehasil, TE Ke’Mauri Heard, OL/DL Bobby Madley, OL/DL Jax Gasaway, OL/DL Dan Domzalski, RB Jacob Clark, junior RB Issac Moore, junior LB Jacob Mass, WR Jake Giacobbi.

Outlook: Franklin, a Div. 2 state semifinalist last year after an unexpected but fun run, returns 8 on offense plus 7 defensive starters. A great group of underclassmen with strength, combined with the solid senior class, makes for more optimism in 2016 as well.

Churchill (3-2, 5-5)

Strengths: experience, skill players, team speed

Top Players: WR/DB Jamal Allen (3 year starter, Toledo commit), WR/DB Mike Hill, QB Evan Cummins, RB/DE Javante Van Buren, junior RB Omar Morris, WR/DB Jacob Chantres, LB/TE Logan Freier, DB Jake Osen, OL Mason Heilman, DE Vionte Springfield.

Outlook: with Allen and Hill (all-conference) on the outside, and all-conference Cummins tossing the rock, Churchill’s passing game could be lethal. The offense returns 6 starters, the defense, 7. No less than 6-playoff teams are on the schedule.

Glenn (1-4, 1-8)

Strength: speed/athleticism

Top players: OL/DL Brandon Carreathers, LB Curtis Tamlin, OL Daijon Parker, WR/DB Bobby Powell, WR Roq Williams, junior QB Matt Nutt.

Outlook: Glenn’s resolve will be tested with just four players returning on offense and two on the defensive side for a program that’s struggled for several years.

Wayne (0-5, 0-9)

Strength: speed and backfield

Top players: junior WR/DE Reggie Micheuax (6-3, 212, all-conference), RB/s Bryan Struppa, RB/DB Josh Mitchell, junior QB Ger’Donte Williams (transfer from Cass Tech), OL/DL Anthony Calloway (6-1, 275), OL Louis Powell (6-3, 340), OL/DL Ronald Heard, RB/LB Mordica Blakley, RB/S junior Davion Carr.

Outlook: this is the second year for a new system and coaching staff. Team attitude is much improved. Multiple players attended summer camps which hadn’t happened before. “We are faster and our football IQ has improved dramatically,” said coach Donald Anderson. “This season will have a more wide open offense than last year but still stressing the run.”

West

Coaches poll: Brighton, 55; Grand Blanc, 50; Howell, 48; Hartland, 40; Milford, 39; Pinckney, 37.

Brighton (4-1, 9-2)

Strength: youth with experience

Top players: junior WR Rudy Rameriez, junior WR Matt Buschman, junior RB Luke Helwing, junior OT Andrew Meyer, LB Jack Aigner, junior QB Cameron Tullar, DB Trevor Hopman, DB Austin Ford.

Outlook: Howell could have one of the biggest squads in the state at 76 players, but most of the top talent is in the junior class so youth coming through and playing well is at a premium. Ten starters on defense graduated from the team going two games into the playoffs last year and winning the KLAA West Division. The offensive backfield will be run by committee.

Grand Blanc (2-3, 4-5)

Strength: skill players, line

Top players: WR Blake Bogan (3-year starter, 50 catches, 794 yards, 7 TDs), WR Dennis Smith, OL Will Larose, OL Brendan Lemley (6-2, 245), junior OL Joel Linden (6-3, 285), RB Chris Riley, DB Brett Anderson (45 tackles, 4 INTs, Ball State commit), LB Kendrick Green, LB Cole Kemper and LB Kullan Jamieson.

Outlook: “I am very optimistic about this group,” said coach Joe Delaney. “We have some very good skilled players on offense, to go along with a very experienced line. Kevin Corriasso has been outstanding thus far at QB.” Defensively, Anderson and Green should lead the young players who have size and speed.

Football: Breaking down the Macomb Area Conference

Howell (3-2, 5-5)

Strength: Defensive front 7

Top players: OL/DL Wil Manson (3-year starter), QB Ryan Brennan, RB Joey Gossett, LB Caleb Gordish (3-year starter), LB Logan Russo (3-year starter), DE Mitch Susalla.

Outlook: Turnout for football in Howell this year was more than 60 players, the largest in 10 years, led by a strong group of seniors. With five of the front seven defensively coming back, plus QB Brennan and RB Gossett returning to the backfield, “we have the experience to be a very solid team if our offensive line comes together,” said coach Aaron Metz.

Hartland (4-1, 6-4)

Strength: skilled positions

Top players: OL Hayden Huttula, OL Ben Glasco, QB Brad Ekonen, RB Jack Slavin, DL Nico Candela, junior DL Ethan Martin and junior DB Jake Moyer.

Outlook: With seven starters retruning on each side fo the ball, Hartland is gunning for its third consecutive West division title. Coach Brian Savage said: “The KLAA is one of the toughest leagues in the state. Any team that makes the playoffs from the KLAA has been battle tested. Our conference and division are loaded with high quality football teams and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Pinckney (2-3, 4-5)

Strength: defensive line

Top players: TE/DE Wes Smith (3-year starter, 8 sacks), OL/DT Adam Sieler (6-5, 320), WR/S Dolyn Meinecke (3-year starter), WR/CB Nick Cain, OL/DT Jeremy Tobey.

Outlook: the team’s most-noticeable personnel losses were the QB and three starting offensive linemen, “so hopefully the defense will carry us while the offenses grows,” said coach Jakob Gailitis. Stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback are top priorities. Team should be competitive but numbers are thin.

Milford (0-5, 1-8)

Strength: Skilled positions

Top players: QB Zack Jones, LB Derek Horne, FB Conner Jensen, RB Joe Bravo, RB Josh Bravo, OL Tommy Lucas, DB Brenden Perrett, LB Anthony Perez.

Outlook: Coach Tim Gough said: “Our team needs to play an entire game. We competed well through the first half last year. We now have a ton of experience and its time to put a whole game together.”

No. 2 Walled Lake Western's Cody White stars in baseball, track, too

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Cody White caught 59 passes for 1,148 yards and 14 TDs last season.

Cody White caught 59 passes for 1,148 yards and 14 TDs last season.

There are plenty of preconceived notions when it comes to Walled Lake Western wide receiver/defensive back Cody White.

First, as the son of former Lions cornerback Sheldon White, who later joined the team’s front office, rising to interim general manager, one could assume White has been in football pads since the day he could walk.

“My dad kept me away from all of the tackling and contact until I was in the sixth grade,” White said. “I was looking at him crazy. I wanted to be out there playing tackle football. But I knew where he was coming from, from his point of view, so I knew why he kept me away from it.”

White began playing football at 5, but it was flag football.

And as the son of a former NFL player, one could assume White was only a football player. But in addition to football, White plays basketball, baseball and runs track at Western.

“My dad always had me playing a bunch of different sports,” White said. “He wanted me to pick the sport that I felt was best for me, not him pick the sport for me.”

Related: No. 3 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Related: No. 4 Muskegon

Related: No. 5 Macomb Dakota

Last spring, White played every position on the baseball field except first base and catcher, and at the same time ran the 4×100 relay and did the high jump and long jump on the track team.

He believes playing other sports has made him a better football player.

“I feel like it helps me in the aspects football cannot,” he said. “Like working muscles in basketball you may not use in football or working muscles in baseball and track that you might not use in football. Just working your muscles year-round and making sure you’re in shape year-round. I feel like it’s good for me.”

White is an exceptional defensive back, but he made his mark as a receiver. Last season, he caught 59 passes for 1,148 yards and 14 touchdowns in helping the Warriors reach the Division 2 semifinals.

Related: Western has new QB, same offensive firepower

But he did not grow up as a receiver. In fact, he didn’t begin concentrating on receiver until coach Mike Zdebski moved him there as a sophomore.

“When I was a freshman, I was the freshman quarterback,” he said. “Then we had Kyle Thomas at quarterback, so he had that spot. Coach Z moved me to receiver, and I just got really good at it.”

White has been attending Lions home games since he was 6, and his father has given him advice about how to approach the game.

“He just tells me to make sure you’re going as hard as you can, don’t leave anything on the field or away from the field,” he said. “Make sure you go out there and play like it’s your last down, play like it’s your last game.”

White, who has a 3.54 grade-point average, grew up a Michigan State fan and began attending MSU games as a youngster with his grandparents, who are MSU grads. He committed to MSU in April, in part, because he said it felt like home.

Last month, his father was hired as a special consultant to MSU’s football program.

So much for going away from home for college.

“It’s a good thing,” White said. “My dad’s up there, so now my family gets to stay in Michigan, so that’s a good thing.”

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Meet the Warriors

Last season: 12-1.

Top players: WR/DB Cody White, OT/DT Rob Hudson, DB Jack Dodge, QB Johnny Tracy, slot/DB Kam Ford, DEs Josh Johnson and Jason Peets.

State playoff record: 27-16.

Coach: Mike Zdebski, 19th season (139-55).

Overview: White (Michigan State) can impact a game offensively and defensively. Hudson is a dominating two-way lineman. Dodge had nine interceptions last season. Tracy, a backup at Brother Rice last season, is going to have an outstanding season. This could be one of the top secondaries in the state.

Son of Swami is back! Week 1 high school football picks

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Son of Swami

Son of Swami

Football is finally back!

It is football season No. 47 for the Son of Swami, who is so old he is on the verge of needing a walker to get around.

SOS’s summer vacation was cut short when the Big Ten practically begged SOS to make an appearance at its annual football media days in Chicago.

The magic word was “Chicago,” which meant SOS could spend some time with 2-year-old GSOS, trying to improve his vocabulary the way SOS did with GSOS’s mommy, DOSOS, MD, well over 30 years ago, teaching her words not taught in any school.

But DOSOS, MD got her revenge. Whenever SOS begins to speak, GSOS puts his hands over his ears and starts screaming. Karma.

Vacation officially ended Aug. 7, when SOS covered Michigan’s media day and then went to Detroit East English Village’s midnight practice — which nearly ended SOS’s 42-year marriage.

Between U-M’s media day and East English’s practice, SOS took Mrs. SOS, reputed to be the luckiest woman on the face of the earth, to the Goo Goo Dolls’ concert at Freedom Hill.

Unfortunately, the concert ran a bit late and there was no time to drop off Mrs. SOS at home before going to East English. So Mrs. SOS attended the first high school football practice of her life.

It will undoubtedly be her last.

Mrs. SOS is not really a big football fan. She can never figure out how far a team has to go and how many chances it gets to get there. In other words, she hasn’t grasped the first-and-10 concept.

Basketball is Mrs. SOS’s specialty. Before SOSOS, MBA’s basketball games she would tell him: “Box out, rebound, take the ball to the basket.”

She would also tell him the exact same things before his soccer games and cross-country and track meets.

As SOS searches for the next Goo Goo Dolls concert, not to mention an attorney, here are this week’s best football games.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at Macomb Dakota, 7 Thursday. What a way to start the season! Two-time defending Division 3 state champ No. 3 St. Mary’s at No. 5 Dakota. First-year Dakota coach Greg Baur gets thrown right into the fire in this one. St. Mary’s by the Lake 21, Dakota Fanning 17.

Canton vs. Dearborn Fordson at Wayne State, 7 Friday. In the good old days, this game would have been over by 8:05. While Canton still runs the ball as much as possible — the Chiefs would run on punts if they could — Fordson’s offense is more diversified. But the Fordson defense will still have to stop the run. Can’t Win 27, Ford’s Son 21.

Clarkston vs. Lapeer at Michigan Stadium, 7 Friday. This is the third year of the Lapeer program and it should make the playoffs for the third straight year. Don’t forget, Lapeer gave Clarkston its toughest playoff game two years ago on its way to the state title. Now the Lightning need a signature win, but SOS isn’t sure it will come this week. Last Train to Clarksville 20, La Perrier 17.

River Rouge vs. Chelsea at Wayne State, noon Saturday. This is the Division 5 runner-up (Rouge) vs. the Division 3 runner-up (Chelsea). While Chelsea lost 16 starters, it didn’t lose QB Jack Bush, one of the top passers around. Rouge returns six starters on defense and five on offense and also added QB Jairus Grissom from Dearborn Heights Robichaud. Rouge River 34, Jeff Daniels High 28, OT.

Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Muskegon at Michigan Stadium, 7 Saturday. The winningest program in state history (Muskegon) takes on the second-winningest program (Pioneer). Pioneer has one of the state’s best two-way players in LB/RB Antjuan Simmons and he will have his hands full trying to keep up with QB Kalil Pimpleton. Muskie’s Gone 27, Pie High 20.

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Recruiting: Where Michigan's top targets stand as season opens

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Josh Ross also reportedly had scholarship offers from Baylor, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee, among others.

Josh Ross also reportedly had scholarship offers from Baylor, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee, among others.

With rival Michigan State coming off of a Big Ten title last season and Ohio State winning a national championship the year before, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan had a difficult task laid before them in trying to recruit the Midwest. Winning almost always translates into strong recruiting classes, and both the Buckeyes and Spartans did well in finishing out the 2016 recruiting cycle. Both are likely to continue the trend this year with Ohio State in particular on the verge of putting together a historic class even by their lofty standards.

As the 2017 cycle becomes the focal point, Michigan has done a strong job of putting themselves in a good position to not only do well with in-state recruits, but in possibly dominating the landscape over both of their rivals. Almost immediately after Harbaugh’s hire, the staff did early evaluations on the then-juniors to find that the class was one of the stronger in-state in recent memory. With that in mind, they put out early offers and began aggressively recruiting each prospect from the get-go.

While they increased their original “Pipeline 9” efforts (offering nine in-staters very early on), the staff appears to be in the running to sign as many as eight Michigan recruits heading towards national signing day next February, including the top five ranked players in the state. Here’s a recruit-by-recruit breakdown of where things stand from Michigan’s perspective on the targets they’re still recruiting.

Five-star wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (Detroit Cass Tech; No.1): Peoples-Jones, the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, has become a borderline household name for those who follow recruiting. Michigan has been recruiting him well before Jim Harbaugh took the job, and the staff upped their efforts dramatically since then. It’s been difficult seeing who Michigan’s biggest competition is here. It could be Florida, USC or Ohio State, with MSU and Notre Dame possibly being factors as well. The Wolverines are the heavy favorite on the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

Four-star cornerback Ambry Thomas (Detroit King; No. 2): Nearly every cycle, there’s a Detroit-area recruitment that ends up being one of the more dramatic in the country. In 2014, it was the in-state tussle for MSU defensive tackle Malik McDowell’s signature. In 2015, it was the first real Harbaugh/Meyer recruiting battle for Cass Tech star and Buckeye Mike Weber. Last cycle, both U-M and MSU believed they were getting King star Lavert Hill, who chose the Wolverines. We’re betting it’s Thomas in 2017, as once again U-M and MSU feel good about their current chances with the top 100 prospect. The only difference with Thomas is that he’s slated to decide before national signing day as he’s hoping to enroll early at the school of his choice. The Wolverines are once again the Crystal Ball favorite.

Four-star linebacker Joshua Ross (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s: No. 3): Ross has been verbally committed to U-M since March 22 and will look to help lead the Eaglets to their third straight state championship in 2016. His verbal pledge is rock-solid.

Four-star safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell (Detroit Cass Tech; No. 4): Kelly-Powell has been a top target for Michigan’s staff for a while, and may fit better into Don Brown’s system than he would have under former DC D.J. Durkin. The Wolverines are believed to be the heavy, heavy favorite in this race, but Kelly-Powell has not said so publicly. Notre Dame, Ohio State, MSU, Arkansas and Auburn are among the other programs he’s believed to be considering.

Four-star defensive end Corey Malone-Hatcher (St. Joseph; No. 6): Malone-Hatcher committed to U-M over Notre Dame, Wisconsin and a host of others since June 2. He and his St. Joseph teammates will open up their season at Michigan Stadium at 4 p.m. Friday against Kalamazoo Central as part of the “Battle at the Big House” series.

Four-star defensive end/defensive tackle Deron Irving-Bey (Flint Southwestern; No. 7): Irving-Bey is one of the more intriguing talents of the 2017 in-state crop, as he is a high-ceiling prospect who could play defensive end, defensive tackle or possibly even offensive tackle in the right system. He’s the type of player MSU has developed into a high-level producer, and the Spartans are believed to be the long-time favorites for his services. With the recent decommitment of Georgia four-star Aubrey Solomon, U-M will likely up their efforts with Irving-Bey going forward.

Four-star offensive lineman JaRaymond Hall (Oak Park; No. 8): Hall was Michigan’s fourth overall 2017 commitment and has been pledged to the Wolverine staff since December 5th of last year. He’s believed to be fully solid in his commitment and Oak Park will open up their season against Cass Tech at Wayne State on Saturday.

Three-star defensive tackle Philip Paea (Berrien Springs; No. 11): Paea surprisingly committed to U-M in April shortly after receiving scholarship offers from Oregon, USC, Notre Dame and Michigan State among others. He has visited Ann Arbor multiple times since committing and was at their recent BBQ at the Big House. Berrien Springs opens up their season on Thursday on the road against Grandville Calvin Christian.

Three-star tight end Carter Dunaway (Birmingham Brother Rice; No. 33): Dunaway, the son of former Wolverine Craig, was U-M’s first commitment when he pledged to Harbaugh in April 2015. The legacy prospect is fully solid in his commitment and Brother Rice opens up against Birmingham Seaholm on Friday.

Steve Lorenz is the editor and publisher of Wolverine247 of the 247Sports Network. You can follow him on Twitter @TremendousUM and give Wolverine247 a try today.

Breaking down the Southeastern football conference

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Lowell QB Ryan Stevens looks to pass the ball against Detroit Martin Luther King in the second half of the Michigan High School Athletic Association football finals at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015.

Lowell QB Ryan Stevens looks to pass the ball against Detroit Martin Luther King in the second half of the Michigan High School Athletic Association football finals at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015.

Red

Coaches’ poll: 1. Pioneer 49; 2. Saline 45; 3. Bedford 38; 4. Monroe 37; 5. Skyline 31; 6. Huron 25

Pioneer (7-4, 4-1)

Strength: Defense

Top players: LB/RB Antjuan Simmons; DL/TE Derrick Hubbard; DL/TE Jordan Nwogu; WR/DB Jordan Harris; DB/WR Cedrick Benton; FB/LB Christian Reid; DL/FB Justin Collier

Outlook: Pioneer brings back eight returning starters on defense and will look to lean on that unit through the first few weeks of the season. Simmons, an Ohio State commit, is one of the best players in the state and was an All-State performer both ways last season. Hubbard, a Western Michigan commit, is another versatile player who will have a big impact on both sides of the ball.

Saline (10-1, 5-0)

Strength: Defense

Top players: TE Bryce Wolma; RB Connor Hibbard; OL Caleb Ruefner; DB Robbie Felton; DL Sean O’Keefe; junior LB CJ Gildersleeve; LB Tyler Plocki; DT Nathan Powers

Outlook: The top team in the division last year, Saline enters this season with just seven returning starters — three on offense and four on defense. Wolma — an Arizona commit — and Hibbard will look to provide a smooth transition on offense. But despite a relative lack of experience, don’t count the Hornets out — this is a team that will only get better as the season progresses.

Bedford (4-4, 3-2)

Strength: Offensive and defensive skill positions

Top players: QB/FS Joe Wiemer; RB/DB Jared Nanney; OL Trevor Carr; junior DT Shane Yoder; DB David Jeffers; DB Joe Shepherd; DL Zach Putman; OL Jake Curtis; FB Joe Oehlers

Outlook: Bedford has a tough schedule but could make some noise with its strong class. The Kicking Mules return most of their starters from last year and will look to continue improving as a team throughout fall camp. According to coach Jeff Wood, both the offensive and defensive lines are getting more experience as camp progresses.

Monroe (5-5, 2-3)

Strength: Offensive skill positions.

Top players: RB Carson Clark; RB/LB Jovan Johnson Jr.; WR/S Danny Rickle; WR/CB Donovan Isaac; DB Sam Kinsey

Outlook: Monroe fell to Saline last season in the first round of the playoffs and is looking to make it back to the postseason under a new coaching staff. The Trojans have to replace their entire offensive line but will do so with Clark, owner of the school’s single-season rushing record, and Johnson, who carried the ball in addition to playing linebacker.

Skyline (4-5, 1-4)

Strength: Offense

Top players: WR/LB Hunter Rison; RB/LB Chuck Jones; RB/LB Treshaun Heyward; QB Darryn Davis; OL/DL Brandon Cole; DB Sam Welling; OL/DL Robert Turner; WR/DB Dominic Franklin

Outlook: The Eagles have several standouts at their skill positions. Rison, a Michigan State commit, is a big play waiting to happen at receiver, while Jones — a Central Michigan commit — and Heyward will anchor the running game. The three also form Skyline’s linebacking corps. The Eagles continue to look for their first playoff appearance in school history.

Huron (0-9, 0-5)

Strength: Defense.

Top players: QB/SS Broderick Smith; OL/DL Ahmad Samaha; WR/DB Miles Smith; WR/DB Miles Young; OL/DL Chase Robinson; WR/DB Marquise Johnson

Outlook: Huron is onto its third football coach in four years after the school and former head coach Andre Parker parted ways after a winless season in 2015. Huron has posted just one winning season since 2002, and new coach Daniel Novak will look to turn around the program by changing the culture and team atmosphere. The River Rats will look to their class to lead the way.

White

Coaches’ poll: 1. Chelsea 47; 2. Ypsilanti Lincoln 44; 3. Ypsilanti 43; 4. Tecumseh 33; 5. Adrian 32; 6. Dexter 26

Chelsea (12-2, 4-1)

Strength: Offensive line

Top players: RB Cam Cooper; QB Jack Bush; TE Alex Vasquez; DL Cash Shegan; WR Chris Roush; OL Andrew Klink.

Outlook: The Bulldogs finished the runner-up after losing to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the Division 3 state final game last season and will be replacing most of their defense. But Chelsea, a perennial playoff team under coach Brad Bush, returns several key contributors on offense and will be able to rely on its offensive line to provide a consistent running game.

Ypsilanti Lincoln (4-5, 3-2)

Strength: Offense

Top players: Junior QB Cam Thompson; junior QB Undral Pritchett; junior WR Matt Moorer; junior LB Will Lynn; TE Myles Beverly; junior RB/DB Derek Thomason; junior DL Avery Kenyon; junior LB Josh Verges; sophomore RB/LB Jordan Roberson

Outlook: The Railsplitters are in the enviable position of returning most of their standout players from last season and are in position to battle for a conference championship and playoff spot. Thompson — the returning starter — and Pritchett will split time to start the season. Moorer and Beverly will be experienced targets for whomever is under center.

Ypsilanti (4-5, 4-1)

Strength: Defense

Top players: LB/QB Amari Jenson; junior WR Jalen Allen; RB Emerson Wilson; DL/OL Markus Bevier; LB/RB Chris Willis

Outlook: There’s a new sheriff in town for the Grizzlies — former Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson has taken over. Ypsilanti stumbled to a poor start last season but ended strong, beating Chelsea in week seven to win the White division. Jenson is a talented linebacker who finished third on the team in tackles in 2015 with 80, while Bevier was named honorable mention for his efforts on the defensive line. Jackson expects his defense to anchor the team with its aggressive, free-flowing style, and he thinks his team has a shot to make it back to the postseason.

Tecumseh (4-5, 3-2)

Strength: Defense

Top players: RB/DB Jordan Patterson; junior QB Alex Foss; WR/DB Jakob Shadley; RB/LB Gabe Bechtol; LB Will Sparrow; TE/DL Lucas Coker; LB Kevin Jeffery; OL/DL Josh Treadway.

Outlook: The Indians enter the season lacking depth on the offensive and defensive lines, but have explosive edge players, according to coach Greg Dolson. Look for Tecumseh to lean on its quarterback Boss — who Dolson says is like an extension of the coaching staff. Patterson is an explosive player on both sides of the ball.

Adrian (2-7, 1-4)

Strength: Defense

Top players: WR/DB Dre Buie; OL/DL Logan Davis; QB/LB Andrew Hribar; OL/DL Hunter Krueger; OL/LB Matt Padilla; WR/DB Ty Peck; OL/LB Blake Thompson; RB Caiden Welter

Outlook: Adrian returns more experience on defense. According to coach Scott Cripe, the Maples have decent team speed this season. With several returning starters who play both ways, the Maples will look to develop more depth in hopes of allowing some of their two-way players concentrate on one side of the football.

Dexter (0-9, 0-5)

Strength: Offense

Top players: QB/WR/FS Joey Hiser; RB/DB Seamus McCurren; WR/DB Ryan Flattery; OL/DL Parker Goetz; LB/RB Truman Stovall; OL/DL Travon Reid.

Outlook: Coming off a winless season, the Dreadnaughts will look to make some noise within the White division this fall. Dexter is lacking in depth, but the offense will be anchored by a strong offensive line that should create running room for McCurren and Stodall.

Recruiting: Michigan State trying to nab '18 Cass Tech CB Kalon Gervin

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Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Kalon Gervin

Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Kalon Gervin

One of the top football recruits in the nation for the the class of 2018 is Detroit Cass Tech defensive back Kalon Gervin. The Rivals.com top 100 prospect was in East Lansing recently.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Gervin is the No. 9 cornerback in the nation and the No. 83 player overall according Rivals.com. He has an extensive list of scholarships offers that includes Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

As many know, Cass Tech High School is one of the strongest programs in the Midwest when it comes to both on field production and developing Division I talent. The Technicians, who won the state championship in 2011 and 2012, are poised for another title run this fall.

QB Rodney Hall ready to pass No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech to state title

“It (practice) is going pretty good,” Gervin said. “The intensity is pretty high right now going into our first game. Coach (Thomas) Wilcher always stresses that we must come together as a team and great things will always happen.”

Cass Tech opens the season Saturday against Oak Park. The game will be one of the marquee match-ups in the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State.

This month, the MSU staff has been working hard to have key recruits with their family on campus.

“I speak to Coach (Curtis) Blackwell a lot,” Gervin said. “I went up there with my mom. I am really high on them and they made me feel really wanted.”

Gervin will be back in East Lansing later this fall for a game. The Spartans host both the Wolverines and Buckeyes at home this year, so he will certainly be invited up. Gervin already has one big-game visit set up for the fall.

“I will be going to the Oklahoma vs. Ohio State game at Oklahoma.”

Cass Tech players are always very well versed when it comes to the recruiting process and that is no exception here. Gervin said he has a good idea of what he is looking for on his visits: academics, coaching development and winning.

The fact that MSU now has several Cass Tech players on the roster cannot hurt the Spartans’s chances. The Spartans have a reputation for outstanding cornerback play, but have yet to sign a Cass Tech corner. Under Wilcher’s watch, the Technicians have been known as a cornerback factory.

Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.


Prep football schedules: All regular season games for our local teams

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Chelsea quarterback Jack Bush completes a short pass to Trey Seitz for a first down in the second half to their 35-12 win over Allen Park in high school football on Friday, November 13, 2015, in Allen Park. Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press

Chelsea quarterback Jack Bush completes a short pass to Trey Seitz for a first down in the second half to their 35-12 win over Allen Park in high school football on Friday, November 13, 2015, in Allen Park. Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press

*- league game

CATHOLIC LEAGUE

Breaking down Catholic league football

CENTRAL

Birmingham Brother Rice

8/26 at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

9/2 at Mishawaka Penn (Ind.), 7

9/9 at Elkhart Central (Ind.), 7

9/16 *at Warren De La Salle, 7

9/24 *Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 7

10/1 *Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

10/7 Stevensville Lakeshore, 7

10/14 Traverse City Central, 7

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

8/27 Sterling Heights Stevenson (at University of Michigan), 1

9/2 at Toledo Whitmer (Ohio), 7

9/9 Toronto St. Michael’s College School, 7

9/16 Cleveland St. Ignatius (Ohio), 7

9/24 *at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7

9/30 Brantford Pauline (Canada), 7

10/7 *at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

10/16 *Warren De La Salle, 1

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

8/25 at Macomb Dakota, 7

9/2 at Detroit Loyola, 7

9/9 Mishawaka Penn (Ind.), 7

9/16 *U-D Jesuit, 7

9/23 *at Warren De La Salle, 7

10/1 *at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7

10/7 *Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 7

10/15 Wheaton Warrensville South (Ill.), 7

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

Mick McCabe’s No. 3 team: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

U-D Jesuit

8/26 at Detroit Mumford, 7

9/1 Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

9/9 *Simcoe Holy Trinity Catholic (Canada), 7

9/16 *at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

9/30 at St. Joseph, 7

10/7 *Warren De La Salle, 7

10/15 at Detroit Country Day, 1

10/21 Prep Bowl/crossover

Warren De La Salle

8/26 at Lowell, 7

9/2 Lorne Park Secondary School (Canada), 7

9/9 Windsor Holy Names (Canada), 7

9/16 *Birmingham Brother Rice, 7

9/23 *Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

9/30 at Dearborn Divine Child, 7

10/7 *at U-D Jesuit, 7

10/16 *at Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 1

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

DOUBLE-A

Ann Arbor Richard

8/27 at Detroit Central, 3

9/3 Southfield Bradford (at Hazel Park), 6

9/9 Macomb Lutheran North, 4:30

9/17 *at Detroit Loyola, 7:30

9/24 at Toledo Scott (Ohio), 1

10/1 Pittsburgh Westinghouse (Pa.), 1

10/7 *Dearborn Divine Child, 4

10/14 Lansing Catholic, 4

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

Dearborn Divine Child

8/26 Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7:30

9/1 at Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

9/10 Windsor Kennedy (Canada), 1

9/16 Center Line, 7

9/24 *Detroit Loyola, 1

9/30 Warren De La Salle, 7

10/7 *at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 4

10/14 at Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

Detroit Loyola

8/26 at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

9/2 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

9/9 at Marine City, 7

9/17 *Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 7:30

9/24 *at Dearborn Divine Child, 1

10/1 at Detroit Leadership Academy, 1

10/8 at Detroit University Prep Science and Math (at Hazel Park), 1

10/15 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 1

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

INTERSECTIONAL 1

Allen Park Cabrini

8/25 at Redford Union, 7

9/1 at Romulus Summit, 7

9/10 at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

9/16 *at Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

9/24 Dearborn Heights Star, 1

10/1 *Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

10/8 *Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 1

10/14 *at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

10/21 Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook

8/25 Hamtramck, 5

9/3 at Detroit University Prep, 3

9/10 Harper Woods Chandler Park, 3

9/16 *at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 7

9/24 *Macomb Lutheran North, 1

9/30 *Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

10/8 *at Allen Park Cabrini, 1

10/15 Detroit Loyola, 1

10/21 at Livonia Clarenceville, 7

Macomb Lutheran North

8/26 Livonia Clarenceville, 7

9/1 Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

9/9 at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 4:30

9/16 Harper Woods, 7

9/24 *at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 1

9/30 *at Royal Oak Shrine, 7

10/7 *Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

10/14 *Allen Park Cabrini, 7

10/21 at Richmond, 7

Riverview Richard

8/26 Melvindale Academy, 7

9/1 at Detroit Old Redford, 4

9/9 Romulus Summit, 7

9/16 *Allen Park Cabrini, 7

9/23 *at Clarkston Everest, 7

9/30 *at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 7

10/7 *at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

10/14 Dearborn Divine Child, 7

10/21 Prep Bowl/crossover

INTERSECTIONAL 2

Clarkston Everest

8/26 at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 7

9/1 Lutheran Westland, 7

9/9 at Pittsford, 7

9/16 *Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

9/23 *Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

9/30 *Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 7

10/9 at Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 4

10/16 *at Royal Oak Shrine, 2

10/21 Memphis, 7

Madison Heights Bishop Foley

8/26 at Center Line, 5:30

9/1 Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7

9/9 Southfield Bradford, 7

9/16 *at Clarkston Everest, 7

9/23 *Royal Oak Shrine, 7

10/1 *at Allen Park Cabrini

10/7 Warren Lincoln, 7

10/14 *at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 7

10/21 Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

Marine City Cardinal Mooney

8/27 Lutheran Westland (at East China Stadium), 7

9/1 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

9/9 at Dearborn Heights Star, 7

9/17 at Royal Oak Shrine, 2

9/24 Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 7

10/1 Mount Clemens (at East China Stadium), 7

10/9 Clarkston Everest, 4

10/15 Perry, 7

10/21 at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 7

Royal Oak Shrine

8/26 at Adrian Madison, 7

9/1 Hazel Park, 5

9/10 Detroit Old Redford, 2

9/17 Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 2

9/23 *at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

9/30 *Macomb Lutheran North, 7

10/7 *at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 7

10/16 *Clarkston Everest, 2

10/21 Prep Bowl/crossover

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

8/26 at Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 2

9/2 at Melvindale Academy, 5

9/10 Detroit University Prep, 1

9/16 *Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 7

9/24 at Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7

9/30 *at Clarkston Everest, 7

10/7 *Royal Oak Shrine, 7

10/14 *Madison Hts. Bishop Foley, 7

10/22 Prep Bowl/crossover

DETROIT PSL

Breaking down Detroit Public School League football conference

EAST I

Detroit Cass Tech

8/27 at Oak Park (at Wayne State for Prep Kickoff Classic), 6

9/2 at CMA (at Mumford), 4

9/9 Pershing, 4

9/16 at Southeastern, 4

9/24 *East English, Noon

10/1 *King, Noon

10/7 *at Osborn, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

QB Rodney Hall ready to pass No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech to state title

Detroit East English

8/25 at Brighton (at University of Michigan), 4

9/2 Pershing, 4

9/9 at Central, 4

9/16 at Denby, 4

9/24 *at Cass Tech, noon

9/30 *Osborn, 4

10/8 *King, Noon

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit King

8/27 at Southfield A&T (at Wayne State for Prep Kickoff Classic), 3

9/3 at Central, noon

9/9 Southeastern, 4

9/16 Western, 4

9/23 *Osborn, 4

10/1 *at Cass Tech, noon

10/8 *at East English, noon

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Osborn

8/26 at Delta Prep, 2:30

9/2 Denby, 4

9/9 Renaissance, 4

9/16 Central, 4

9/23 *at King, 4

9/30 *at East English, 4

10/7 *Cass Tech, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

EAST II

Detroit Central

8/27 Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 3

9/3 King, Noon

9/9 East English, 4

9/16 at Osborn, 4

9/23 *at Denby, 4

9/30 *Pershing, 4

10/7 *Douglass, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Denby

8/25 Douglass, 4

9/2 at Osborn, 4

9/9 at Henry Ford, 4

9/16 East English, 4

9/23 *Central, 4

9/30 *at Collegiate Prep, 4

10/7 *Southeastern, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Pershing

8/25 Edison, 4

9/2 at East English, 4

9/9 at Cass Tech, 4

9/16 Douglass, 4

9/23 *Southeastern, 4

9/30 *at Central, 4

10/7 *CMA, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Southeastern

8/26 at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

9/2 Renaissance, 4

9/9 at King, 4

9/16 Cass Tech, 4

9/23 *at Pershing, 4

9/30 *Henry Ford, 4

10/7 *at Denby, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

WEST I

Detroit Cody

8/25 at Grosse Pointe South, 7

9/2 Henry Ford, 4

9/9 at Douglass, 4

9/16 Collegiate Prep, 4

9/23 *at Mumford, 4

9/30 *Western, 4

10/7 *at Renaissance, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Mumford

8/26 U-D Jesuit, 7

9/2 at Douglass, 4

9/9 at Collegiate Prep, 4

9/16 CMA, 4

9/23 *Cody, 4

9/30 *at Renaissance, 4

10/7 *Western, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Renaissance

8/25 at Lansing Sexton, 7

9/2 at Southeastern, 4

9/9 at Osborn, 4

9/16 Henry Ford, 4

9/23 *at Western, 4

9/30 *Mumford, 4

10/7 *Cody, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Western

8/25 Leadership Academy (at Renaissance), 5

9/1 at Collegiate Prep, 4

9/9 CMA, 4

9/16 at King, 4

9/23 *Renaissance, 4

9/30 *at Cody, 4

10/7 *at Mumford, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

WEST II

Detroit CMA

8/25 Mount Clemens, 5

9/2 Cass Tech (at Mumford), 4

9/9 at Western, 4

9/16 at Mumford, 4

9/23 *at Collegiate Prep, 4

9/30 *at Douglass, 4

10/7 *at Pershing, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Douglass

8/25 at Denby, 4

9/2 Mumford, 4

9/9 Cody, 4

9/16 at Pershing, 4

9/23 *at Henry Ford, 4

9/30 *CMA, 4

10/7 *at Central, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Henry Ford

8/26 Detroit Consortium, 7

9/2 at Cody, 4

9/9 Denby, 4

9/16 at Renaissance, 4

9/23 *Douglass, 4

9/30 *at Southeastern, 4

10/7 *Collegiate Prep, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

Detroit Collegiate Prep (Northwestern)

8/25 Grosse Pointe North, 5

9/1 Western, 4

9/9 Mumford, 4

9/16 at Cody, 4

9/23 *CMA, 4

9/30 *Denby, 4

10/7 *at Henry Ford, 4

10/14 PSL semifinal/crossover

10/21 PSL final/crossover

DOWNRIVER

Breaking down the Downriver football conference

Allen Park

8/26 *Taylor Kennedy (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 4

9/1 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

9/9 *at Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

9/16 *at Southgate Anderson, 7

9/23 *Gibraltar Carlson, 7

9/30 *Trenton, 7

10/7 *at Melvindale, 7

10/14 *Lincoln Park, 7

10/21 *at Taylor Truman, 7

Gibraltar Carlson

8/25 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 4

9/1 *at Southgate Anderson, 7

9/9 *Melvindale, 7

9/16 *Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

9/23 *at Allen Park, 7

9/30 *at Taylor Kennedy, 7

10/7 *Taylor Truman, 7

10/14 *Trenton, 7

10/21 *at Lincoln Park, 7

Lincoln Park

8/25 *Brownstown Woodhaven (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 4

9/1 *at Taylor Truman, 7

9/9 *Trenton, 7

9/16 *at Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

9/23 *Melvindale, 7

9/30 *at Southgate Anderson, 7

10/7 *Taylor Kennedy, 7

10/14 *at Allen Park, 7

10/21 *Gibraltar Carlson, 7

Melvindale

8/25 *Taylor Truman, 7

9/1 *at Trenton, 7

9/9 *at Gibraltar Carlson, 7

9/16 *Taylor Kennedy, 7

9/23 *at Lincoln Park, 7

9/30 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

10/7 *Allen Park, 7

10/14 *Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

10/21 *at Southgate Anderson, 7

Southgate Anderson

8/25 *at Trenton, 7

9/1 *Gibraltar Carlson, 7

9/9 *at Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

9/16 *Allen Park, 7

9/23 *at Taylor Kennedy, 10:55 a.m.

9/30 *Lincoln Park, 7

10/7 *Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

10/14 *at Taylor Truman, 7

10/21 *Melvindale, 7

Taylor Kennedy

8/26 *at Allen Park (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 4

9/1 *Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

9/9 *Taylor Truman, 7

9/16 *at Melvindale, 7

9/23 *Southgate Anderson, 10:55 a.m.

9/30 *Gibraltar Carlson, 7

10/7 *at Lincoln Park, 7

10/14 *at Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

10/21 *Trenton, 7

Taylor Truman

8/25 *at Melvindale, 7

9/1 *Lincoln Park, 7

9/9 *at Taylor Kennedy, 7

9/16 *at Trenton, 7

9/23 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

9/30 *at Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

10/7 *at Gibraltar Carlson, 7

10/14 *Southgate Anderson, 7

10/21 *Allen Park, 7

Trenton

8/25 *Southgate Anderson, 7

9/1 *Melvindale, 7

9/9 *at Lincoln Park, 7

9/16 *Taylor Truman, 7

9/23 *at Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

9/30 *at Allen Park, 7

10/7 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

10/14 *at Gibraltar Carlson, 7

10/21 *at Taylor Kennedy, 7

Woodhaven

8/25 *at Lincoln Park (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 4

9/1 *at Taylor Kennedy, 7

9/9 *Allen Park, 7

9/16 *at Gibraltar Carlson, 7

9/23 *Trenton, 7

9/30 *Taylor Truman, 7

10/7 *at Southgate Anderson, 7

10/14 *at Melvindale, 7

10/21 *Wyandotte Roosevelt, 7

Wyandotte

8/25 *at Gibraltar Carlson, 4

9/1 *at Allen Park, 7

9/9 *Southgate Anderson, 7

9/16 *Lincoln Park, 7

9/23 *at Taylor Truman, 7

9/30 *at Melvindale, 7

10/7 *at Trenton, 7

10/14 *Taylor Kennedy, 7

10/21 *at Brownstown Woodhaven, 7

HURON

Carleton Airport

8/26 at Dundee, 7

9/2 *New Boston Huron, 7

9/9 *Monroe Jefferson, 7

9/16 *at Riverview, 7

9/23 *Flat Rock, 7

9/30 *Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

10/7 *at Grosse Ile, 7

10/14 *at Milan, 7

10/21 Tecumseh, 7

Flat Rock

8/26 at Romulus Summit, 7

9/2 *Milan, 7

9/9 *at Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

9/16 *Grosse Ile, 7

9/23 *at Carleton Airport, 7

9/30 *at Monroe Jefferson, 7

10/7 *Riverview, 7

10/14 *at New Boston Huron, 7

10/21 Hazel Park, 7

Grosse Ile

8/26 Parma Western, 7

9/1 *at Monroe Jefferson, 7

9/9 *at New Boston Huron, 7

9/16 *at Flat Rock, 7

9/23 *Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

9/30 *at Milan, 7

10/7 *Carleton Airport, 7

10/14 *Riverview, 7

10/21 at Garden City, 7

Milan

8/26 Adrian, 7

9/2 *at Flat Rock, 7

9/9 *Riverview, 7

9/16 *at Monroe Jefferson, 7

9/23 *at New Boston Huron, 7

9/30 *Grosse Ile, 7

10/7 *at Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

10/14 *Carleton Airport, 7

10/21 Ann Arbor Huron, 7

Monroe Jefferson

8/26 Ida, 7

9/1 *Grosse Ile, 7

9/9 *at Carleton Airport, 7

9/16 *Milan, 7

9/23 *at Riverview, 7

9/30 *Flat Rock, 7

10/7 *at New Boston Huron, 7

10/14 *at Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

10/21 at Owosso, 7

Monroe St. Mary CC

8/26 at Pewamo-Westphalia, 7

9/2 *at Riverview, 7

9/9 *Flat Rock, 7

9/16 *New Boston Huron, 7

9/23 *at Grosse Ile, 7

9/30 *at Carleton Airport, 7

10/7 *Milan, 7

10/14 *Monroe Jefferson, 7

10/21 at Lansing Catholic, 7

New Boston Huron

8/25 Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

9/2 *at Carleton Airport, 7

9/9 *Grosse Ile, 7

9/16 *at Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

9/23 *Milan, 7

9/30 *at Riverview, 7

10/7 *Monroe Jefferson, 7

10/14 *Flat Rock, 7

10/21 at Romulus Summit, 7

Riverview

8/26 at Romulus, 7

9/2 *Monroe St. Mary CC, 7

9/9 *at Milan, 7

9/16 *Carleton Airport, 7

9/23 *Monroe Jefferson, 7

9/30 *New Boston Huron, 7

10/7 *at Flat Rock, 7

10/14 *at Grosse Ile, 7

10/21 River Rouge, 7

KENSINGTON LAKES

Breaking down Kensington Lakes football conference

CENTRAL

Livonia Stevenson

8/25 Livonia Franklin, 7

9/1 at Livonia Churchill, 7

9/9 at Walled Lake Northern, 7

9/16 *South Lyon, 7

9/23 *at Plymouth Salem, 6:30

9/30 *at Novi, 7

10/7 *Northville, 7

10/14 *at South Lyon East, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Northville

8/25 at Dearborn, 7

9/1 Brighton, 7

9/9 at Walled Lake Western, 7

9/16 *Plymouth Salem, 7

9/23 *at South Lyon East, 7

9/30 *South Lyon, 7

10/7 *at Livonia Stevenson, 7

10/14 *Novi, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Novi

8/25 Hartland, 7

9/1 Grand Blanc, 7

9/9 at Waterford Mott, 7

9/16 *South Lyon East, 7

9/23 *at South Lyon, 7

9/30 *Livonia Stevenson, 7

10/7 *Plymouth Salem, 7

10/14 *at Northville, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Salem

8/26 Belleville, 6:30

9/2 Hartland, 7

9/9 at Walled Lake Central, 7

9/16 *at Northville, 7

9/23 *Livonia Stevenson, 6:30

9/30 *South Lyon East, 7

10/7 *at Novi, 7

10/14 *South Lyon, 6:30

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 6:30

South Lyon

8/25 at Pinckney, 7

9/1 Howell, 7

9/9 at Waterford Kettering, 7

9/16 *at Livonia Stevenson, 7

9/23 *Novi, 7

9/30 *at Northville, 7

10/7 *South Lyon East, 7

10/14 *at Plymouth Salem, 6:30

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

South Lyon East

8/25 at Milford, 7

9/1 Pinckney, 7

9/9 at White Lake Lakeland, 7

9/16 *at Novi, 7

9/23 *Northville, 7

9/30 *at Plymouth Salem, 7

10/7 *at South Lyon, 7

10/14 *Livonia Stevenson, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover, TBD

NORTH

Walled Lake Central

8/25 Troy, 7

9/1 at Plymouth, 6:30

9/9 Plymouth Salem, 7

9/16 *Walled Lake Western, 7

9/23 *at White Lake Lakeland, 7

9/30 *at Waterford Kettering, 7

10/7 *Waterford Mott, 7

10/14 *at Walled Lake Northern, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Walled Lake Northern

8/26 North Farmington, 7

9/1 at Wayne Memorial, 7

9/9 Livonia Stevenson, 7

9/16 *at Waterford Kettering, 7

9/23 *Waterford Mott, 7

9/30 *at White Lake Lakeland, 7

10/7 *at Walled Lake Western, 7

10/14 *Walled Lake Central, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Walled Lake Western

8/25 Farmington, 7

9/1 at Canton, 7

9/9 Northville, 7

9/16 *at Walled Lake Central, 7

9/23 *Waterford Kettering, 7

9/30 *at Waterford Mott, 7

10/7 *Walled Lake Northern, 7

10/14 *at White Lake Lakeland, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

No. 2 Walled Lake Western’s Cody White stars in baseball, track, too

Waterford Kettering

8/26 Utica, 7

9/1 at Livonia Franklin, 7

9/9 South Lyon, 7

9/16 *Walled Lake Northern, 7

9/23 *at Walled Lake Western, 7

9/30 *Walled Lake Central, 7

10/7 *White Lake Lakeland, 7

10/15 *at Waterford Mott, noon

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Waterford Mott

8/25 Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

9/1 at Westland John Glenn, 7

9/9 Novi, 7

9/16 *White Lake Lakeland, 7

9/23 *at Walled Lake Northern, 7

9/30 *Walled Lake Western, 7

10/7 *at Walled Lake Central, 7

10/15 *Waterford Kettering, noon

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

White Lake Lakeland

8/25 at Westland John Glenn, 7

9/1 Milford, 7

9/9 South Lyon East, 7

9/16 *at Waterford Mott, 7

9/23 *Walled Lake Central, 7

9/30 *Walled Lake Northern, 7

10/7 *at Waterford Kettering, 7

10/14 *Walled Lake Western, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

SOUTH

Canton

8/26 at Dearborn Fordson (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 7

9/1 Walled Lake Western, 7

9/9 at Hartland, 7

9/16 *at Livonia Franklin, 7

9/23 *Plymouth, 7

9/30 *at Livonia Churchill, 7

10/7 *at Wayne Memorial, 7

10/14 *Westland John Glenn, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Livonia Churchill

8/26 Monroe, 7

9/1 Livonia Stevenson, 7

9/9 at Howell, 7

9/16 *at Plymouth, 7

9/23 *Westland John Glenn, 7

9/30 *Canton, 7

10/7 *at Livonia Franklin, 7

10/14 *Wayne Memorial, 7

10/21 at KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Livonia Franklin

8/25 at Livonia Stevenson, 7

9/1 Waterford Kettering, 7

9/9 at Pinckney, 7

9/16 *Canton, 7

9/23 *at Wayne Memorial, 7

9/30 *Westland John Glenn, 7

10/7 *Livonia Churchill, 7

10/15 *at Plymouth, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Plymouth

8/26 Utica Eisenhower, 7

9/1 Walled Lake Central, 6:30

9/9 at Grand Blanc, 7

9/16 *Livonia Churchill, 7

9/23 *at Canton, 7

9/30 *Wayne Memorial, 6:30

10/7 *at Westland John Glenn, 7

10/15 *Livonia Franklin, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Wayne Memorial

8/26 at Ecorse, 7

9/1 Walled Lake Northern, 7

9/9 at Milford, 7

9/16 *at Westland John Glenn, 7

9/23 *Livonia Franklin, 7

9/30 *at Plymouth, 6:30

10/7 *Canton, 7

10/14 *at Livonia Churchill, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Westland Glenn

8/25 White Lake Lakeland, 7

9/1 Waterford Mott, 7

9/9 at Brighton, 7

9/16 *Wayne Memorial, 7

9/23 *at Livonia Churchill, 7

9/30 *at Livonia Franklin, 7

10/7 *Plymouth, 7

10/14 *at Canton, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

WEST

Brighton

8/25 Detroit East English (at University of Michigan), 4

9/1 at Northville, 7

9/9 Westland John Glenn, 7

9/16 *Pinckney, 7

9/23 *at Grand Blanc, 7

9/30 *Milford, 7

10/7 *Hartland, 7

10/14 *at Howell, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Grand Blanc

8/26 Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 7

9/1 at Novi, 7

9/9 Plymouth, 7

9/16 *at Milford, 7

9/23 *Brighton, 7

9/30 *at Howell, 7

10/7 *Pinckney, 7

10/14 *at Hartland, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Hartland

8/25 at Novi, 7

9/2 at Plymouth Salem, 7

9/9 Canton, 7

9/16 *at Howell, 7

9/23 *Milford, 7

9/30 *Pinckney, 7

10/7 *at Brighton, 7

10/14 *Grand Blanc, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Howell

8/25 Lansing Everett, 7

9/1 at South Lyon, 7

9/9 Livonia Churchill, 7

9/16 *Hartland, 7

9/23 *at Pinckney, 7

9/30 *Grand Blanc, 7

10/7 *at Milford, 7

10/14 *Brighton, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Milford

8/25 South Lyon East, 7

9/1 at White Lake Lakeland, 7

9/9 Wayne Memorial, 7

9/16 *Grand Blanc, 7

9/23 *at Hartland, 7

9/30 *at Brighton, 7

10/7 *Howell, 7

10/14 *at Pinckney, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

Pinckney

8/25 South Lyon, 7

9/1 at South Lyon East, 7

9/9 Livonia Franklin, 7

9/16 *at Brighton, 7

9/23 *Howell, 7

9/30 *at Hartland, 7

10/7 *at Grand Blanc, 7

10/14 *Milford, 7

10/21 KLAA crossover TBD, 7

MACOMB AREA

Football: Breaking down the Macomb Area Conference

BLUE

Grosse Pointe North

8/25 at Detroit Collegiate, 5

9/1 *Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

9/9 at Romeo, 7

9/16 *at Port Huron, 7

9/23 Grosse Pointe South, 7

9/30 *Warren Cousino, 7

10/7 *at Sterling Heights, 7

10/14 *Roseville, 7

10/21 at Marine City, 7

L’Anse Creuse

8/25 at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

9/1 *at Grosse Pointe North, 7

9/9 Macomb Dakota, 7

9/16 *Warren Cousino, 7

9/23 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

9/30 *at Roseville, 7

10/7 *Port Huron, 7

10/14 *Sterling Heights, 7

10/21 at Marysville, 7

Port Huron

8/26 Detroit Country Day, 7

9/1 *at Roseville, 7

9/9 Warren Mott, 7

9/16 *Grosse Pointe North, 7

9/23 at Fraser, 7

9/30 *Sterling Heights, 7

10/7 *at Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

10/14 *Warren Cousino, 7

10/21 at Port Huron Northern, 7

Roseville

8/25 East Detroit, 7

9/1 *Port Huron, 7

9/9 Utica Eisenhower, 7

9/16 *at Sterling Heights, 7

9/23 at Utica Ford, 7

9/30 *Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

10/7 *at Warren Cousino, 7

10/14 *at Grosse Pointe North, 7

10/22 St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 1

Sterling Heights

8/25 at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

9/1 *at Warren Cousino, 7

9/9 at Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

9/16 *Roseville, 7

9/23 New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

9/30 *at Port Huron, 7

10/7 *Grosse Pointe North, 7

10/14 *at Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

10/21 Warren Woods Tower, 7

Warren Cousino

8/25 at Warren Woods Tower, 7

9/1 *Sterling Heights, 7

9/9 at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

9/16 *at Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

9/23 Utica, 7

9/30 *at Grosse Pointe North, 7

10/7 *Roseville, 7

10/14 *at Port Huron, 7

10/21 St. Clair, 7

BRONZE

Center Line

8/26 Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 5:30

9/2 *at Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

9/10 Port Huron Northern, 7

9/16 at Dearborn Divine Child, 7

9/24 *Madison Heights Lamphere, noon

10/1 St. Clair Shores Lakeview, noon

10/7 *at New Haven, 7

10/15 *Warren Lincoln, noon

10/21 at East Detroit, 7

Clinton Twp. Clintondale

8/25 at Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

9/2 *Center Line, 7

9/9 St. Clair, 7

9/16 *at Warren Lincoln, 7

9/23 Harper Woods, 7

9/30 at St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

10/7 *at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

10/14 *New Haven, 7

10/21 at Warren Fitzgerald, 7

Madison Heights Lamphere

8/25 Ferndale, 7

9/1 *at Warren Lincoln, 7

9/9 at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

9/16 *New Haven, 7

9/24 *at Center Line, noon

9/30 East Detroit, 7

10/7 *Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

10/14 at Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

10/21 Madison Heights Madison, 7

New Haven

8/26 at Brown City, 7

9/1 Ida, 7

9/9 Marysville, 7

9/16 *at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

9/23 *Warren Lincoln, 7

9/30 at Clawson, 7

10/7 *Center Line, 7

10/14 *at Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

10/21 St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

Warren Lincoln

8/25 Madison Heights Madison, 7

9/1 *Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

9/9 at Warren Woods Tower, 7

9/16 *Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

9/23 *at New Haven, 7

9/30 Warren Fitzgerald, 7

10/7 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

10/15 *at Center Line, noon

10/21 St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

GOLD

Marine City

8/25 Algonac, 7

9/1 *at Port Huron Northern, 7

9/9 Detroit Loyola, 7

9/16 *at Marysville, 7

9/23 Madison Heights Madison, 7

9/30 *at St. Clair, 7

10/7 *at Warren Woods Tower, 7

10/14 *at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

10/21 Grosse Pointe North, 7

Marysville

8/25 Richmond, 7

9/1 *St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

9/9 at New Haven, 7

9/16* Marine City, 7

9/23 at Clawson, 7

9/30 *Warren Woods Tower, 7

10/7 *at Port Huron Northern, 7

10/14 *at St. Clair, 7

10/21 Harrison Twp. L’Anse Creuse, 7

Port Huron Northern

8/25 at Fraser, 7

9/1 *Marine City, 7

9/10 at Center Line, 7

9/16 *at St. Clair, 7

9/23 East Detroit, 7

9/30 *at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

10/7 *Marysville, 7

10/14 *at Warren Woods Tower, 7

10/21 Port Huron, 7

St. Clair

8/26 Croswell-Lexington, 7

9/1 *Warren Woods Tower, 7

9/9 at Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

9/16 *Port Huron Northern, 7

9/23 at St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

9/30 *Marine City, 7

10/7* St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

10/14 *Marysville, 7

10/21 at Warren Cousino, 7

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

8/25 St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

9/1 *at Marysville, 7

9/9 Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

9/16 *Warren Woods Tower, 7

9/23 at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

9/30 *Port Huron Northern, 7

10/7 *at St. Clair, 7

10/14 *Marine City, 7

10/22 at Roseville, 1

Warren Woods Tower

8/25 Warren Cousino, 7

9/1 *at St. Clair, 7

9/9 Warren Lincoln, 7

9/16 *at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

9/24 Warren Fitzgerald, 1

9/30 *at Marysville, 7

10/7 *Marine City, 7

10/14 *Port Huron Northern, 7

10/21 at Sterling Heights, 7

RED

Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley

8/25 at Lake Orion (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 7

9/1 *at Romeo, 7

9/9 Warren Cousino, 7

9/16 *at Utica Eisenhower, 7

9/23 *Warren Mott, 7

9/30 at Utica, 7

10/7 *Macomb Dakota, 7

10/14 *Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

10/21 at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

Macomb Dakota

8/25 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 7

9/1 *Utica Eisenhower, 7

9/9 at Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

9/16 *at Warren Mott, 7

9/23 *Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

9/30 at Utica Ford, 7

10/7 *at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

10/14 *Romeo, 7

10/21 Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

Mick McCabe’s No. 5 team: Macomb Dakota

Romeo

8/26 at Oxford, 7

9/1 *Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

9/9 Grosse Pointe North, 7

9/16 *at Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

9/23 *at Utica Eisenhower, 7

9/30 Grosse Pointe South, 7

10/7 *at Warren Mott, 7

10/14 *at Macomb Dakota, 7

10/21 Fraser, 7

Sterling Heights Stevenson

8/27 Detroit Catholic Central (at University of Michigan), 1

9/1 *at Warren Mott, 7

9/9 Sterling Heights, 7

9/16 *Romeo, 7

9/23 *at Macomb Dakota, 7

9/30 at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

10/7 *Utica Eisenhower, 7

10/14 *at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

10/21 Utica, 7

Utica Eisenhower

8/26 at Plymouth, 7

9/1 *at Macomb Dakota, 7

9/9 at Roseville, 7

9/16 *Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

9/23 *Romeo, 7

9/30 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

10/7 *at Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

10/14 *Warren Mott, 7

10/21 Utica Ford, 7

Warren Mott

8/25 at Troy Athens, 7

9/1 *Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

9/9 at Port Huron, 7

9/16 *Macomb Dakota, 7

9/23 *at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

9/30 Fraser, 7

10/7 *Romeo, 7

10/14 *at Utica Eisenhower, 7

10/21 at Grosse Pointe South, 7

SILVER

Clawson

8/26 at Armada, 7

9/2 *Warren Fitzgerald, 7

9/9 *at Madison Heights Madison, 7

9/16 *at East Detroit, 7

9/23 Marysville, 7

9/30 New Haven, 7

10/7 *at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

10/14 *at St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

10/21 Algonac, 7

Eastpointe East Detroit

8/25 at Roseville, 7

9/1 *St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

9/9 *at Warren Fitzgerald, 7

9/16 *Clawson, 7

9/23 at Port Huron Northern, 7

9/30 at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

10/8 *St. Clair Shores South Lake, 1

10/14 *at Madison Heights Madison, 7

10/21 Center Line, 7

Madison Heights Madison

8/25 at Warren Lincoln, 7

9/1 *at St. Clair Shores South Lake, 5:30

9/9 *Clawson, 7

9/16 *St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

9/23 at Marine City, 7

10/1 Ferndale, 1

10/8 *at Warren Fitzgerald, 1

10/14 *East Detroit, 7

10/21 at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

8/26 Royal Oak, 7

9/1 *at East Detroit, 7

9/9 *St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

9/16 *at Madison Heights Madison, 7

9/23 St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

10/1 at Center Line, noon

10/7 *Clawson, 7

10/14 *Warren Fitzgerald, 7

10/21 at New Haven, 7

St. Clair Shores South Lake

8/25 at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 7

9/1 *Madison Heights Madison, 5:30

9/9 *at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

9/16 *at Warren Fitzgerald, 7

9/23 St. Clair, 7

9/30 Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

10/8 *at East Detroit, 1

10/14 *Clawson, 7

10/21 at Warren Lincoln, 7

Warren Fitzgerald

8/26 at Hazel Park, 7

9/2 *at Clawson, 7

9/9 *East Detroit, 7

9/16 *St. Clair Shores South Lake, 7

9/24 at Warren Woods Tower, 1

9/30 at Warren Lincoln, 7

10/8 *Madison Heights Madison, 1

10/14 *at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

10/21 Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

WHITE

Fraser

8/25 Port Huron Northern, 7

9/2 *at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

9/9 *at Grosse Pointe South, 7

9/16 *Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

9/23 Port Huron, 7

9/30 at Warren Mott, 7

10/7 *Utica Ford, 7

10/14 *Utica, 7

10/21 at Romeo, 7

Grosse Pointe South

8/25 Detroit Cody, 7

9/1 *at Utica, 7

9/9 *Fraser, 7

9/16 *Utica Ford, 7

9/23 at Grosse Pointe North, 7

9/30 at Romeo, 7

10/7 *New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

10/14 *at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

10/21 Warren Mott, 7

L’Anse Creuse North

8/25 at Waterford Mott, 7

9/1 *at Utica Ford, 7

9/9 *New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

9/16 *at Fraser, 7

9/23 Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

9/30 Utica Eisenhower, 7

10/7 *at Utica, 7

10/14 *Grosse Pointe South, 7

10/21 at Macomb Dakota, 7

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

8/25 Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, 7

9/2 *Fraser, 7

9/9 *at Mac. L’Anse Creuse North, 7

9/16 *Utica, 7

9/23 at Sterling Heights, 7

9/30 Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

10/7 *at Grosse Pointe South, 7

10/14 *at Utica Ford, 7

10/21 Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7

Utica

8/26 at Waterford Kettering, 7

9/1 *Grosse Pointe South, 7

9/9 *Utica Ford, 7

9/16 *at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

9/23 at Warren Cousino, 7

9/30 Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley, 7

10/7 *Mac. L’Anse Creuse North, 7

10/14 *at Fraser, 7

10/21 at Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7

Utica Ford

8/26 at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

9/1 *Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, 7

9/9 *at Utica, 7

9/16 *at Grosse Pointe South, 7

9/23 Roseville, 7

9/30 Macomb Dakota, 7

10/7 *at Fraser, 7

10/14 *New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7

10/21 at Utica Eisenhower, 7

MICHIGAN INDEPENDENT

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian

8/26 Dearborn Heights Star International, 7

9/10 *at Lutheran Westland, 2

9/16 *Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 7

9/23 *at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7

9/30 *Southfield Christian, 7

10/8 *at Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 1

10/15 MIAC Bowl TBD, 2

10/21 Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7

Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett

8/26 Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 2

9/1 Detroit Cesar Chavez, 5

9/9 *at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7

9/16 *at Southfield Christian, 7

9/24 *Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 1

9/30 *at Lutheran Westland, 7

10/8 *Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 1

10/15 MIAC Bowl TBD, 9:30 a.m.

10/22 Melvindale Academy, noon

Lutheran Westland

8/27 at Marine City Cardinal Mooney (at East China Stadium), 7

9/1 at Clarkston Everest Collegiate, 7

9/10 *Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 2

9/17 *Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 1

9/24 *at Southfield Christian, 1

9/30 *Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 7

10/8 *at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 1

10/15 MIAC Bowl TBD, 9 a.m.

10/22 Detroit Cesar Chavez, 2

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

9/1 Hamtramck, 7

9/9 *Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 7

9/17 *at Lutheran Westland, 1

9/23 *Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 7

9/30 *at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 7

10/7 *at Southfield Christian, 7

10/15 MIAC Bowl TBD, 1

10/21 Dearborn Heights Star International, 7

Southfield Christian

8/26 at Harper Woods, 7

9/2 Detroit Westside Christian, 1

9/9 *at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 7

9/16 *Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 7

9/24 *Lutheran Westland, 1

9/30 *at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 7

10/7 *Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7

10/15 MIAC crossover TBD, 10 a.m.

10/21 Genesee, 7

Sterling Heights Parkway

8/26 Clarkston Everest Collegiate, 7

9/1 at Petersburg-Summerfield, 7

9/9 *Southfield Christian, 7

9/16 *at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 7

9/24 *at Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 1

9/30 *Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7

10/8 *Lutheran Westland, 1

10/15 MIAC Bowl TBD, 1

10/21 at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, 7

OAKLAND ACTIVITIES

Breaking down Oakland Activities Association football conference

BLUE

Auburn Hills Avondale

8/25 at New Boston Huron, 7

9/1 *Troy, 7

9/9 *at Ferndale, 7

9/16 *Rochester, 7

9/23 *Bloomfield Hills, 7

9/30 *at Hazel Park, 7

10/7 *at Pontiac, 7

10/14 Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

10/21 Almont, 7

Berkley

8/25 at Holly, 7

9/1 *at Ferndale, 7

9/9 *Hazel Park, 7

9/16 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

9/23 *Rochester, 7

9/30 *Pontiac, 7

10/7 *at Troy, 7

10/14 *at Bloomfield Hills, 7

10/21 at Royal Oak, 7

Bloomfield Hills

8/26 Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

9/2 *at Rochester, 7

9/9 *at Troy, 7

9/16 *Ferndale, 7

9/23 *at Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

9/30 *Royal Oak, 7

10/7 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

10/14 *Berkley, 7

10/21 Lake Orion, 7

Ferndale

8/25 at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

9/1 *Berkley, 7

9/9 *Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

9/16 *at Bloomfield Hills, 7

9/23 *at Pontiac, 7

10/1 at Madison Heights Madison, 1

10/7 *Hazel Park

10/14 *at Royal Oak

10/21 Dearborn Edsel Ford

Hazel Park

8/26 Warren Fitzgerald, 7

9/1 at Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, 5

9/9 *at Berkley, 7

9/16 *Pontiac, 7

9/23 *at Royal Oak, 7

9/30 *Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

10/7 *at Ferndale, 7

10/14 *Rochester, 7

10/21 at Flat Rock, 7

Pontiac

8/26 Detroit Old Redford, 7

9/1 at Detroit Country Day, 7

9/9 *Royal Oak, 7

9/16 *at Hazel Park, 7

9/23 *Ferndale, 7

9/30 *at Berkley, 7

10/7 *Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

10/14 *at Troy, 7

10/21 Harper Woods, 7

Rochester

8/26 Rochester Adams, 7

9/2 *Bloomfield Hills, 7

9/9 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7:30

9/16 *at Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

9/23 *at Berkley, 7

9/29 *Troy, 7

10/7 *Royal Oak, 7

10/14 * at Hazel Park, 7

10/21 at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

Royal Oak

8/26 at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

9/1 Stockbridge, 7

9/9 *at Pontiac, 7

9/16 *Troy, 7

9/23 *Hazel Park, 7

9/30 *at Bloomfield Hills, 7

10/7 *at Rochester, 7

10/14 *Ferndale, 7

10/21 Berkley, 7

Troy

8/25 at Walled Lake Central, 7

9/1*at Auburn Hills Avondale, 7

9/9 *Bloomfield Hills, 7

9/16 *at Royal Oak, 7

9/23 Detroit Country Day, 7

9/29 *at Rochester, 7

10/7 *Berkley, 7

10/14 *Pontiac, 7

10/21 Troy Athens, 7

RED

Clarkston

8/26 at Lapeer (at University of Michigan), 7

9/1 *at Southfield A&T, 5:30

9/9 *Oxford

9/16 *at Roch. Hills Stoney Creek, 7

9/23 *Troy Athens, 7

9/30 at Oak Park, 6

10/7 *West Bloomfield, 7

10/14 *at Lake Orion, 7

10/21 Rochester Adams, 7

Lake Orion

8/25 Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 7

9/1 *Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

9/9 *at West Bloomfield, 7

9/16 *Oxford, 7

9/23 *at Southfield A&T, 5:30

9/30 *at Troy Athens, 7

10/7 at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

10/14 *Clarkston, 7

10/21 at Bloomfield Hills, 7

Oxford

8/26 Romeo, 7

9/2 *West Bloomfield, 7

9/9 *at Clarkston, 7

9/16 *at Lake Orion, 7

9/23 at Farmington, 7

9/30 *Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

10/7 *Troy Athens, 7

10/14 *Southfield A&T, 7

10/21 Farmington Hill Harrison, 7

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

8/26 at Bloomfield Hills, 7

9/1*at Lake Orion, 7

9/9 *Troy Athens, 7

9/16 *Clarkston, 7

9/23 *at West Bloomfield, 7

9/30 *Oxford, 7

10/7 *at Southfield A&T, 5:30

10/14 at Rochester Adams, 7

10/21 Rochester, 7

Southfield A&T

8/27 Detroit Martin Luther King (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 3

9/1 *Clarkston, 5:30

9/9 at Birmingham Groves, 7

9/16 *at Troy Athens, 7

9/23 *Lake Orion, 5:30

9/30 *at West Bloomfield, 7

10/7 *Rochester Hills Stone Creek, 5:30

10/14 *at Oxford, 7

10/21 Oak Park, 5:30

Troy Athens

8/25 Warren Mott, 7

9/1 at North Farmington, 7

9/9 *at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

9/16 *Southfield A&T, 7

9/23 *at Clarkston, 7

9/30 *Lake Orion, 7

10/7 *at Oxford, 7

10/14 *West Bloomfield, 7

10/21 at Troy, 7

West Bloomfield

8/25 Birmingham Groves, 7

9/2 *at Oxford, 7

9/9 *Lake Orion, 7

9/16 at Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

9/23 *Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

9/30 *Southfield A&T, 7

10/7 *at Clarkston, 7

10/14 *at Troy Athens, 7

10/21 Farmington, 7

WHITE

Birmingham Groves

8/25 at West Bloomfield, 7

9/1*Oak Park, 7

9/9 Southfield A&T, 7

9/16 *at North Farmington, 7

9/23 *Birmingham Seaholm, 7

9/30 *at Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

10/7 *Rochester Adams, 7

10/14 *at Farmington, 7

10/21 at Saline, 7

Birmingham Seaholm

8/26 Birmingham Brother Rice, 7

9/2 *Rochester Adams, 7

9/9 *Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

9/16 *at Farmington, 7

9/23 *at Birmingham Groves, 7

9/30 *at North Farmington, 7

10/7 Lake Orion, 7

10/14 *Oak Park, 7

10/21 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

Farmington

8/25 at Walled Lake Western (at University of Michigan), 7

9/1 *at Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

9/9 *at Oak Park, 6

9/16 *Birmingham Seaholm, 7

9/23 Oxford, 7

9/30 *at Rochester Adams, 7

10/7 *North Farmington, 7

10/14 *Birmingham Groves, 7

10/21 at West Bloomfield, 7

Farmington Hills Harrison

8/27 East Kentwood (at University of Michigan), 4

9/1*Farmington, 7

9/9 *at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

9/16 West Bloomfield, 7

9/23 *Rochester Adams, 7

9/30 *Birmingham Groves, 7

10/7 *at Oak Park, 6

10/14 *at North Farmington, 7

10/21 at Oxford, 7

North Farmington

8/26 at Walled Lake Northern, 7

9/1 Troy Athens, 7

9/9 *at Rochester Adams, 7

9/16 *Birmingham Groves, 7

9/23 *at Oak Park, 6

9/30 *Birmingham Seaholm, 7

10/7 *at Farmington, 7

10/14 *Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

10/21 Redford Thurston, 7

Oak Park

8/27 Detroit Cass Tech (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 6

9/1 *at Birmingham Groves, 7

9/9 *Farmington, 6

9/16 *at Rochester Adams, 7

9/23 *North Farmington, 6

9/30 Clarkston, 6

10/7 *Farmington Hills Harrison, 6

10/14 *at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

10/21 at Southfield A&T, 5:30

Rochester Adams

8/26 at Rochester, 7

9/2 *at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

9/9 *North Farmington, 7

9/16 *Oak Park, 7

9/23 *at Farmington Hills Harrison, 7

9/30 * Farmington, 7

10/7 *at Birmingham Groves, 7

10/14 Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 7

10/21 at Clarkston, 7

SOUTHEASTERN

RED

Ann Arbor Huron

8/26 Detroit Southeastern, 7

9/1 River Rouge, 7

9/9 *at Monroe, 7

9/16 *at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

9/23 *Saline, 7

9/30 *Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

10/7 *at Temperance Bedford, 7

10/14 Adrian, 7

10/21 at Milan, 7

Ann Arbor Pioneer

8/27 Muskegon (at University of Michigan), 7

9/1 at Detroit U-D Jesuit, 7

9/9 *at Temperance Bedford, 7

9/16 *Ann Arbor Huron, 7

9/23 *at Monroe, 7

9/30 *Saline, 7

10/7 *Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

10/14 Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

10/21 Ypsilanti Community, 7

Ann Arbor Skyline

8/25 at Shaker Heights (OH), 5

9/1 at Okemos, 7

9/9 *at Saline, 7

9/16 *Monroe, 7

9/23 *Temperance Bedford, 7

9/30 *at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

10/7 *Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

10/14 at Ypsilanti Community, 7

10/21 Dearborn, 7

Monroe

8/26 at Livonia Churchill, 7

9/2 Ypsilanti Community, 7

9/9 *Ann Arbor Huron, 7

9/16 *at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

9/23 *Ann Arbor Pioneer (Homecoming), 7

9/30 *at Temperance Bedford, 7

10/7 *at Saline, 7

10/14 Chelsea, 7

10/21 at Dearborn Fordson, 7

Saline

8/26 at Rockford, 7

9/2 London St. Thomas Aquinas (CN), 7

9/9 *Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

9/16 *Temperance Bedford, 7

9/23 *at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

9/30 *at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

10/7 *Monroe (Homecoming), 7

10/14 at Tecumseh (SEC Crossover), 7

10/21 Birmingham Groves, 7

Temperance Bedford

8/26 Toledo St. Francis De Sales (OH), 7

9/2 at Fenton, 7

9/9 *Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

9/16 *at Saline, 7

9/23 *at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

9/30 *Monroe, 7

10/7 *Ann Arbor Huron, 7

10/14 at Dexter, 7

10/21 at Detroit Country Day, 7

WHITE

Adrian

8/26 at Milan, 7

9/2 Wayland Union, 7

9/9 *Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

9/16 *at Tecumseh, 7

9/23 *at Ypsilanti Community, 7

9/30 *Chelsea, 7

10/7 *Dexter, 7

10/14 at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

10/21 Bay City John Glenn, 7

Chelsea

8/27 at River Rouge (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 12

9/2 Toronto Northern Secondary (CN), 7

9/9 *Dexter

9/16 *at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

9/23 *Tecumseh, 7

9/30 *at Adrian, 7

10/7 *Ypsilanti Community, 7

10/14 at Monroe, 7

10/21 TBD Catholic League AA Opponent, 7

Dexter

8/26 Fowlerville, 7

9/1 at Ortonville Brandon, 7

9/9 *at Chelsea, 7

9/16 *Ypsilanti Community, 7

9/23 *Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

9/30 *at Tecumseh, 7

10/7 *at Adrian, 7

10/14 Temperance Bedford, 7

10/21 Parma Western, 7

Tecumseh

8/25 Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy (at Adrian College), 7

9/1 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

9/9 *at Ypsilanti Community, 7

9/16 *Adrian, 7

9/23 *at Chelsea, 7

9/30 *Dexter, 7

10/7 *at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

10/14 Saline (SEC Crossover), 7

10/21 at Carleton Airport, 7

Ypsilanti

9/2 at Monroe, 7

9/9 *Tecumseh, 7

9/16 *at Dexter, 7

9/23 *Adrian, 7

9/30 *at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

10/7 *at Chelsea, 7

10/14 Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

10/21 at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

Ypsilanti Lincoln

8/26 Utica Ford, 7

9/2 Jackson, 7

9/9 *at Adrian, 7

9/16 *Chelsea, 7

9/23 *at Dexter, 7

9/30 *Ypsilanti Community, 7

10/7 *Tecumseh, 7

10/14 at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7

10/21 at Belleville, 7

WESTERN WAYNE

BLUE

Belleville

8/26 at Salem, 6:30

9/1 at Dearborn, 7

9/9 *Dearborn Fordson, 7

9/16 *at Redford Union, 7

9/23 *Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

9/30 *Redford Thurston, 7

10/7 *at Garden City, 7

10/14 Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

10/21 Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

Dearborn Fordson

8/26 Canton (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 7

9/1 at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

9/9 *at Belleville, 7

9/16 *Garden City, 7

9/23 *at Redford Thurston, 7

9/30 *Redford Union, 7

10/7 *at Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

10/14 Dearborn, 7

10/21 Monroe, 7

Dearborn Heights Robichaud

8/26 at Dearborn Divine Child, 7:30

9/1 Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

9/9 *Redford Union, 7

9/16 *at Redford Thurston, 7

9/23 *at Belleville, 7

9/30 *Garden City, 7

10/7 *Dearborn Fordson, 7

10/14 at Livonia Clarenceville, 7

10/21 at Romulus, 7

Garden City

8/26 Flint Kearsley, 7

9/2 Romulus, 7

9/9 *Redford Thurston, 7

9/16 *at Dearborn Fordson, 7

9/23 *at Redford Union, 7

9/30 *at Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

10/7 *Belleville, 7

10/14 at Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

10/21 Grosse Ile, 7

Redford Thurston

8/26 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

9/2 Dearborn Height Crestwood, 7

9/9 *at Garden City, 7

9/16 *Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

9/23 *Dearborn Fordson, 7

9/30 *at Belleville, 7

10/7 *at Redford Union, 7

10/14 Romulus, 7

10/21 at North Farmington, 7

Redford Union

8/25 Allen Park Cabrini, 7

9/2 at Livonia Clarenceville, 7

9/9 *at Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

9/16 *Belleville, 7

9/23 *Garden City, 7

9/30 *at Dearborn Fordson, 7

10/7 *Redford Thurston, 7

10/14 Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

10/21 Muskegon Catholic Central, 7

RED

Dearborn

8/25 Northville, 7

9/1 Belleville, 7

9/9 *Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

9/16 *at Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

9/23 *Romulus, 7

9/30 *at Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

10/7 *Livonia Clarenceville (Homecoming), 7

10/14 at Dearborn Fordson, 7

10/21 at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7

Dearborn Edsel Ford

8/25 Sterling Heights, 7

9/1 Dearborn Fordson, 7

9/9 *at Dearborn, 7

9/16 *at Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

9/23 Livonia Clarenceville, 7

9/30 *at Romulus, 7

10/7 *Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

10/14 at Belleville, 7

10/21 at Ferndale, 7

Dearborn Heights Annapolis

8/25 Onsted, 7

9/1 at Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

9/9 *Livonia Clarenceville, 7

9/16 *Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

9/23 *at Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

9/30 *Dearborn, 7

10/7 *at Romulus, 7

10/14 at Redford Union, 7

10/21 at Allen Park Cabrini, 7

Dearborn Heights Crestwood

8/25 Clinton Township Clintondale, 7

9/2 at Redford Thurston, 7

9/9 *at Romulus, 7

9/16 *Dearborn, 8

9/23 *Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

9/30 *at Livonia Clarenceville, 7

10/7 *at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

10/14 Garden City, 7

10/21 at Hamtramck, 7

Livonia Clarenceville

8/26 at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

9/2 Redford Union, 7

9/9 *Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

9/16 *Romulus, 7

9/23 *at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

9/30 *Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

10/7 *at Dearborn (Homecoming), 7

10/14 Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

10/21 Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 7

Romulus

8/26 Riverview, 7

9/2 at Garden City, 7

9/9 *Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

9/16 *at Livonia Clarenceville, 7

9/23 *at Dearborn, 7

9/30 *Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

10/7 *Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

10/14 at Redford Thurston, 7

10/21 Dearborn Heights Robichaud, 7

INDEPENDENTS

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

8/26 at Port Huron, 7

9/1 Pontiac, 7

9/9 Detroit Leadership, 7

9/16 Detroit Consortium, 7

9/23 at Troy, 7

9/29 Detroit Cesar Chavez, 4

10/7 at Marquette (Superior Dome), 7

10/15 U-D Jesuit, 1

10/21 Temperance Bedford, 7

Dearborn Heights Star

8/26 at Oakland Christian, 7

9/1 at Perry, 7

9/9 Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7

9/16 Detroit Cesar Chavez, 4

9/24 at Allen Park Cabrini, 1

9/30 at Harper Woods, 7

10/7 at Bay City All Saints, 7

10/13 Detroit Cesar Chavez, 4:30

10/21 at Lutheran Northwest, 7

Detroit Cesar Chavez

8/25 at Genesee, 6

9/1 at GPW University Liggett, 5

9/8 at Bay City All-Saints, 7

9/16 at Dearborn Heights Star, 4

9/23 at Adrian Lenawee, 7

9/29 at Detroit Country Day, 4

10/6 Detroit Westside, 4

10/13 at Dearborn Heights Star, 4:30

10/22 at Lutheran Westland, 2

Detroit Delta

8/26 Detroit Osborn, 2:30

9/2 at Zeeland East, 7

9/9 Detroit Consortium, 4

9/16 Detroit Westside Christian, 4

9/23 Melvindale Business & Tech, 4

9/30 at Detroit Science & Math, TBA

10/7 Detroit Community, 4

10/14 at Ecorse, 4

10/21 at Detroit Edison, 4

Detroit Edison

8/25 at Detroit Pershing, 4

9/1 at Niles Brandywine, 7

9/9 at Hamtramck, 7

9/16 Open

9/23 Detroit Consortium, 4

9/30 Detroit Public Safety, 7

10/7 Open

10/14 at Melvindale Business & Tech, 7

10/21 Detroit Delta, 4

Detroit Leadership

8/26 at Detroit Western (at Mumford), 5

9/2 Open

9/9 at Detroit Country Day, 7

9/16 Open

9/23 at Detroit Westside Christian, 7

10/1 Detroit Loyola, 1

10/7 Open

10/14 Open

10/21 Open

Detroit Public Safety

8/26 at Lutheran Northwest, 7

9/2 Open

9/9 at North Adams-Jerome, 7

9/16 at Melvindale Business & Tech, 7

9/23 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7:30

9/30 at Detroit Edison, 7

10/7 at Wyoming Lee, 7

10/14 at Detroit Westside Christian, 7

10/21 Detroit Consortium, 7

Detroit Voyageur (Consortium)

8/26 at Detroit Henry Ford, 7

9/2 at Harper Woods, 7

9/9 at Detroit Delta, 4

9/16 at Detroit Country Day, 7

9/23 at Detroit Edison, 4

9/30 Detroit Westside Christian, 7

10/7 at River Rouge, 7

10/14 at Mason, 7

10/21 at Detroit Public Safety, 7

Detroit Westside Christian

8/26 Detroit Community, TBA

9/2 at Southfield Christian, 1

9/9 at Detroit Science & Math, 7

9/16 at Detroit Delta, 4

9/23 Detroit Leadership, 7

9/30 at Detroit Consortium, 7

10/6 at Detroit Cesar Chavez, 4

10/14 Detroit Public Safety, 7

10/21 Southfield Bradford, 7

Harper Woods

8/26 Southfield Christian, 7

9/2 Detroit Consortium, 7

9/9 Windsor Lajeunesse, 7

9/16 at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

9/23 at Clinton Twp. Clintondale, 7

9/30 Dearborn Heights Star, 7

10/7 at Ecorse, 7

10/14 Hamtramck, 7

10/21 at Pontiac, 7

Mt. Clemens

8/25 at Detroit CMA, 5

9/2 Open

9/8 Vs. Marine City JV

9/16 Open

9/22 at Clintondale JV

10/1 at Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7

10/7 Open

10/14 Open

10/21 Open

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

8/26 at Redford Thurston, 7

9/1 at Tecumseh, 7

9/9 Rochester, 7:30

9/16 at Berkley, 7

9/23 Detroit Public Safety, 7:30

9/30 at River Rouge, 7

10/7 Bloomfield Hills, 7

10/14 at Benton Harbor, 6:30

10/21 Birmingham Seaholm, 7

CHARTER SCHOOL

Detroit Old Redford

8/26 at Pontiac, 7

9/1 Riverview Richard, 4

9/10 at Royal Oak Shrine, 2

9/16 *Romulus Summit, 4:30

9/23 *at Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

9/30 *Warren Michigan Collegiate, 4

10/8 *at Detroit University Prep, 3

10/14 *at Southfield Bradford, 7

10/22 Ecorse, 1

Detroit University Prep

8/26 Open

9/3 Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 3

9/10 at Waterford Our Lady, 1

9/16 *at Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

9/24 *Warren Michigan Collegiate, 3

10/1 *Southfield Bradford (at Hazel Park), TBA

10/8 *Detroit Old Redford, 3

10/14 *at Romulus Summit, 7

10/22 Detroit Science & Math (at Hazel Park), 1

Harper Woods Chandler Park

8/25 at Tecumseh, 7

9/1 Dearborn Divine Child, 7

9/10 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 3

9/16 *Detroit University Prep, 7

9/23 *Detroit Old Redford, 7

9/30 *at Romulus Summit, 7

10/7 *Southfield Bradford, 7

10/14 *at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

10/21 Open

Romulus Summit

8/26 Flat Rock, 7

9/1 Allen Park Cabrini, 1

9/9 at Riverview Richard, 7

9/16 *at Detroit Old Redford, 4:30

9/23 *at Southfield Bradford, 7

9/30 *Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

10/8 *at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

10/14 *Detroit University Prep, 7

10/21 New Boston Huron, 7

Southfield Bradford

8/26 at Detroit Science & Math, 7

9/3 vs. Ann Arbor Richard (at Hazel Park), 6

9/9 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

9/16 *at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

9/23 *Romulus Summit, 7

10/1 *vs. Detroit University Prep (at Hazel Park), TBA

10/7 *at Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

10/14 *Detroit Old Redford, 7

10/21 at Detroit Westside Christian, 7

Warren Michigan Collegiate

8/26 Detroit Loyola, 7

9/1 at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

9/10 Allen Park Cabrini, 7

9/16 *Southfield Bradford, 7

9/24 *at Detroit University Prep, 3

9/30 *at Detroit Old Redford, 4

10/8 *Romulus Summit, 7

10/14 *Harper Woods Chandler Park, 7

10/21 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7

MICHIGAN METRO

BLUE

Detroit Community

8/26 at Detroit Westside Christian, TBA

9/1 at Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 7

9/10 at Melvindale Business & Tech, 12

9/16 *Detroit Science & Math, 7

9/23 *at River Rouge, 7

9/30 *Hamtramck, 7

10/7 at Detroit Delta Prep, 4

10/14 at AuGres-Sims, 7

10/21 at Mason, 7

Detroit Science & Math

8/26 Southfield Bradford Academy, 7

9/1 at Adrian Lenawee Christian, 7

9/9 Detroit Westside Christian, 7

9/16 *Detroit Community, 7

9/23 *at Hamtramck, 7

9/30 at Detroit Delta Prep, TBA

10/8 Detroit Loyola (at Hazel Park), 1

10/14 *at River Rouge, 7

10/22 at Detroit University Prep (at Hazel Park), 1

Hamtramck

8/25 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 5

9/1 at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7

9/9 Detroit Edison Public, 7

9/16 *at River Rouge, 7

9/23 *Detroit Science & Math, 7

9/30 *at Detroit Community, 7

10/7 at Melvindale Business & Tech, 7

10/14 at Harper Woods, 7

10/21 Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

River Rouge

8/27 Chelsea (Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State), 12

9/1 at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

9/9 at Ecorse, 7

9/16 *Hamtramck, 7

9/23 *Detroit Community (Homecoming), 7

9/30 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7

10/7 Detroit Consortium (Breast Cancer Awareness Night), 7

10/14 *Detroit Science & Math, 7

10/21 at Riverview, 7

RED

Ecorse

8/26 Wayne Memorial, 7

9/2 Flint Beecher, 7

9/9 River Rouge, 7

9/16 at Toledo MR Waite (OH), 7

9/23 Open

9/30 *at Melvindale Business & Tech, 7

10/7 Harper Woods, 7

10/14 *Detroit Delta Prep, 4

10/22 Detroit Old Redford, 1

Melvindale Business & Tech

8/26 at Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7

9/2 Waterford Our Lady, 5

9/10 Detroit Community, 12

9/16 Detroit Public Safety, 7

9/23 *at Detroit Delta Prep, 4

9/30 *Ecorse, 7

10/7 Hamtramck, 7

10/14 Detroit Edison Public, 7

10/22 at Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, noon

Breaking down Detroit Public School League football conference

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Donovan Peoples-Jones runs by Detroit King's Jalen Embry for a TD in a 2013 game at Ford Field in Detroit.

Donovan Peoples-Jones runs by Detroit King’s Jalen Embry for a TD in a 2013 game at Ford Field in Detroit.

Division I

East

Coaches’ poll: 1. Cass Tech 29; 2. (tied) East English 26 and King 26, 4. Osborn 21 (without Wilcher’s vote).

Cass Tech (11-3, 2-1)

Strength: Offense.

Top players (my input): Senior WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, senior S Jaylen Kelly-Powell, senior OT Kelvin Ateman Jr., senior OG Jordan Reid, senior DE Zach Morton, senior CB Donovan Johnson, senior QB Rodney Hall and senior RB Tim Cheatham.

Outlook: The Technicians will be seeking their seventh consecutive trip to at least the Division 1 semifinals plus their second straight trip to the Division 1 finals with redemption on their mind. They dropped last year’s state title game to Romeo, 41-27. They definitely are prime for a return to the finals with five-star wideout and the nation’s No. 1 receiver in the class of 2017, Donovan Peoples-Jones. While Peoples-Jones is expected to anchor the offense along with senior quarterback Rodney Hall, four-star senior safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell should do the same for the defense. With such star power and a strong supporting cast, Cass Tech is a legit Division 1 title contender.

QB Rodney Hall ready to pass No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech to state title

King (14-0, 3-0)

Strength: Defense.

Top players: Senior CB Ambry Thomas, senior OLB Cepeda Phillips and junior DB/WR Jaeveyon Morton.

Outlook: The reigning Division 2 state champs, who are led by four-star senior cornerback Ambry Thomas, will have a new head coach roaming the sidelines this season. Legendary King coach Dale Harvel, who spent 30 fine years with the Crusaders, passed away tragically in late July after suffering a heart attack at a 7-on-7 scrimmage. He will be succeeded by Tyrone Spencer, who previously served as Harvel’s defensive coordinator. “I expect our team to be tough, to play hard this year and to give great effort, win, lose or draw,” Spencer said. “I really believe they will do that because they’re a competitive bunch of guys, even though a lot of them are young.”

East English (9-3, 1-2)

Strength: Offensive line.

Top players: Senior QB Delvin Washington, junior RB/CB Zahmaine March, junior C Tyrone Sampson, junior G/DE Orniska Webster, senior OT/DT Jaylin Phillips, senior WR/DB Samuel Womack, senior DT Tukeemo McGee and junior Desjuan Johnson.

Outlook: The “blue-collar” Bulldogs, as head coach Rod Oden labeled them, got sweet revenge against Warren De La Salle in last year’s playoffs by defeating the Pilots a season after they had taken out East English in the district championship en route to claiming the school’s first state title. East English will now seek revenge against King, who defeated the Bulldogs in both the regular season and in the Division 2 regional championship. With 14 returning starters, this blue-collar bunch could make history by leading the school to its first ever state semifinal appearance.

Osborn (2-7, 1-2)

Strength: Skill positions.

Top players: Sophomore QB Isiah Watts, junior RB Derrick Jones, senior WR Ramon Gates, senior WR Antonio Jackson, senior LB Anton Brown and junior DL/LB/OL Christian Stewart.

Outlook: Former Harper Woods Chandler Park junior varsity head coach Marlon Baker enters his first year at Osborn, which last qualified for the state playoffs in 2008. Baker knows it will be an uphill battle for the Knights in the toughest division in the PSL, yet he believes his team will compete every single week. “I think we’re going to be that team that’s going to shock a lot of people,” Baker said. “We’re going to contend every game, and I think we’ve got all the skills. It’s just how far our offensive line is going to take us.”

West

Coaches’ poll: 1. Mumford 39, 2. Renaissance 34, 3. Cody 32, 4. Western 31.

Mumford (4-5, 2-1)

Strength: Defensive line.

Top players: DE Greg Johnson, DL Bryant Evans, LB Brandon Green, DL Aaron Woods, OT Andre Bailey, QB Omar Pagan, RB Cerell Lewis and WR Lavien Fields.

Outlook: In his fourth year on the job, head coach Donshell English hopes to get the Mustangs back on track after they took a step back last year and finished 4-5, missing out on the state playoffs for the first time since 2012. Mumford’s defensive line should play a significant role in getting the school back to the postseason.

Renaissance (5-4, 2-1)

Strength: Defensive end.

Top players: Senior QB Jason Johnson, senior RB/S Cam’Ron Starks, junior DE/TE Vernon Rush, junior DE Brian Buckson, junior OT/OG Damareion White and junior LB/S/HB/TE Abdur Boyer.

Outlook: The Phoenix only have three seniors returning, but have a strong junior and underclassmen group that will try to get the Phoenix back to the state playoffs after missing out in 2015. If head man Lou Beatty gets the most out of QB Jason Johnson and fellow senior Cam’Ron Starks, the Phoenix could be in store for a big season with the two-headed monster of Vernon Rush and Brian Buckson on the defensive line. Rush and Buckson are the two guys whom Beatty considers to be his “defensive pillars.”

Cody (2-7, 2-1)

Strength: Defense.

Top players: DE Jayssaor Ball, LB/RB Zyaire Gardner and junior C Gerard Sims.

Outlook: After a disappointing 2015 campaign, Cody hopes to bounce back and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. “I expect us to be a lot stronger, and a lot more disciplined this year,” head coach Calvin Norman said. Norman expects to have better defensive and offensive lines in place than in previous years, which he believes will enable the Comets to improve upon their 2-7 finish last season.

Western (2-7, 0-3)

Strengths: Wide receiver and defensive back.

Top players: Senior DB/WR Brent Watson, senior DB/WR Devin George and DE Antonio McCance.

Outlook: After losing four of their seven games on the last possession last year, the Cowboys expect to turn the corner and win some of those games this season. Although the Cowboys will be very young and inexperienced on the offensive line, they are a primarily veteran bunch which will be led by playmaking wideouts Brent Watson and Devin George. If the Cowboys can buy enough time from their line to hurl the ball to Watson and George on the outside, this could be a dangerous offensive team in 2016.

Division II

East

Coaches’ poll: 1. Denby 39, 2. Central 37, 3. (tie) Pershing 30 and Southeastern 30.

Denby (6-5, 0-3)

Strength: Offense.

Top players: Senior RB Adonte Calhoun, senior FB Giovanni Allen, senior QB Romel Taylor, senior DB/WR Tonato Tutt, junior LB Jaylin Early, senior TE/DE Rahim Ali, senior C Cameron Spicer, junior OT/DT David Blake, junior S/WR Brandon Stevenson and junior RB/DB Armani White.

Outlook: Denby is gunning for its fourth straight playoff appearance, and for its first regional title game appearance since 2006 when it fell to Warren Cousino. “We are very excited about this season and feel we are ready to make that breakthrough in the city and state ranks,” Denby head coach Tony Blankenship said. “If we can remain healthy, we will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Central (6-4, 3-0)

Strength: Interior line/skill positions.

Top players: Senior LB/RB Santangho Reynolds, RB Demetrious Christian, RB Chaim Austin, WR Anthony Baker, WR Rodney Johnson and MLB Darnell Newbold.

Outlook: Central aims to make it three consecutive state playoff appearances in 2016. It also looks to advance past the first round for the first time since 2010 when it advanced all the way to the regional championship against the now defunct Detroit Crockett. First-year Central head coach Lynn Sanders, a 1994 graduate of the school, will use a strong interior line and a talented bunch of skill players to try to accomplish that feat.

Pershing (4-5, 2-1)

Strength: Skill positions.

Top players: Senior OL/DT Airon Reeves, senior LB Jonathan Moore, senior RB Omar Twilley, senior WR Michael Bursey and junior WR Dejuan Seals.

Outlook: After finishing 4-5 in back-to-back campaigns, the Doughboys look to creep above the .500 mark in 2016. They will attempt to do so while using no true No. 1 quarterback. Instead, Pershing head man Kareem Sadler will deploy a QB-by-committee approach. The Doughboys will have a veteran offensive line blocking for their multiple quarterbacks and creating holes for running back Omar Twilley this season, though. With that being said, expect the Doughboys to rely heavily upon their ground game, especially during the beginning of the season.

Southeastern (1-8, 0-3)

Strength: Defensive front seven.

Top players: Junior QB Curtis Murphy, senior OL KeAnthony Mayers, junior C/DT Leon Sims, junior MLB Michael Hargro, junior CB/RB Creed Stegall and senior DE Anthony Hudson.

Outlook: After two straight seasons of losing at least eight games, Southeastern head coach Jason Smith believes the experience of playing on varsity garnered by junior quarterback Curtis Murphy and others who were underclassmen a year ago will pay dividends. If it does, expect this team to get to four wins, which almost occurred in 2015 after suffering three losses of six points or less.

West

Coaches’ poll: 1. Northwestern 38, 2. Henry Ford 37, 3. Douglass 33, 4. CMA 28.

Northwestern (9-1, 3-0)

Strength: Athleticism.

Top players: Junior athlete Joseph Dennis, sophomore athlete Calvin Fair, senior quarterback Marcus Smith, senior MLB Delvon Wells, sophomore DE/WR Jason Singleton and senior OL Narico Richardson.

Outlook: What Northwestern had in experience last year with 16 returning starters, they lack this year with only four returning starters on each side of the ball. “Seeing how fast those (young) guys can adjust to being on varsity and playing at this level of football will determine how we do as a school,” Colts head coach Jimmy Hill said. With that being said, it might be fair to expect a little dip in wins from last year’s 9-1 mark, which marked the school’s second ever nine-win campaign and its best finish since going 9-2 in 2007.

Henry Ford (5-4, 2-1)

Strength: Defense.

Top players: Senior DB/WR Ricky Garner, junior QB Antonio Green, senior LB/TE Alton Dawson and junior OL/DL Jalen McKinney.

Outlook: After finishing above .500 for the first time since 2011 with a 5-4 record, the Trojans hope to build upon last season’s success despite having 12 players graduate from last year’s squad. Senior defensive back Ricky Garner will have to be a force defensively, and junior Jalen McKinney will have to be a force on both lines in order for Ford to gain further traction within the PSL in 2016.

Douglass (3-6, 1-2)

Strength: Speed on defense.

Top players: Sophomore DB/RB Jalen Mann, junior starting QB Jalen Randall, senior LT Paul Brown, senior LB/RB Terrell Harris and senior FS Christian Jones.

Outlook: Douglass head man Phil Sherman has an extremely young squad in year number two at the helm for the Hurricanes with only one returning starter. The Hurricanes are coming off a 3-6 campaign after two consecutive one-victory finishes. With all the youth on this year’s squad, a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 might not be in store yet. However, with another step forward taken this year, it definitely could be on the horizon for the ‘Canes.

CMA (1-8, 0-3)

Strength: Linebackers.

Top players: Senior QB Matthew Webb, senior LB Darius Bell, DL/OL Shannon Johnson and senior LB/RB James Clark.

Outlook: CMA scored a total of 14 points throughout the entire 2015 campaign. They should be in store for an uptick in offense with senior passer Matthew Webb.

Mick McCabe’s top-25 players: Nos. 1-5

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Detroit Cass Tech's Donovan Peoples-Jones poses for a photo during practice on Aug. 17 at Cass Tech.

Detroit Cass Tech’s Donovan Peoples-Jones poses for a photo during practice on Aug. 17 at Cass Tech.

1. Donovan Peoples-Jones

School: Detroit Cass Tech

Vitals: 6-feet-2, 202 pounds

Position: wide receiver/defensive back

The scoop: Peoples-Jones has been the top-ranked player in this class since he entered Cass Tech and is rated one of the top receivers nationally. He caught 69 passes for 1,168 yards and 18 TDs as a junior, and has outstanding speed to go with good size.

QB Rodney Hall ready to pass No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech to state title

2. Ambry Thomas

School: Detroit King

Vitals: 6-0, 174

Position: defensive back/wide receiver

The scoop: He missed six games last season, but still found a way to have an impact for the Division 2 state champs. He is a threat on either side of the ball, but college coaches like his skill set in the secondary.

3. Antjuan Simmons

School: Ann Arbor Pioneer

Vitals: 6-1, 215

Position: linebacker/running back

The scoop: He will play linebacker, but may also be the best running back in the state, Last season, he ran for 1,112 yards and 18 touchdowns on 154 carries. He is a smash-mouth linebacker, recording 65 tackles, eight for loss. Committed to Ohio State.

4. Josh Ross

School: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Vitals: 6-1, 225

Position: linebacker/running back

The scoop: He has been the defensive force for the two-time defending Division 3 state champs. He has excellent instincts and reacts well to get to the ball carrier. Committed to Michigan.

Mick McCabe’s No. 3 team: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

5. Cody White

School: Walled Lake Western

Vitals: 6-3, 190

Position: wide receiver/defensive back

The scoop: A year ago, he caught 59 passes for 1,148 yards and 14 touchdowns. He runs exceptional routes and catches everything thrown his way. He also had four interceptions in the secondary. Committed to Michigan State.

No. 2 Walled Lake Western’s Cody White stars in baseball, track, too

Related: Top player Nos. 6-10

Related:Top players Nos. 11-15

Related: Top players Nos. 16-20

Related: Top players Nos. 21-25

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

QB Rodney Hall ready to pass No. 1 Detroit Cass Tech to state title

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Cass Tech quarterback Rodney Hall got injured during the playoffs last year and missed the state championship game. “I couldn’t help but think that I’m not playing in the game and this is what we play football for,” he said.

Cass Tech quarterback Rodney Hall got injured during the playoffs last year and missed the state championship game. “I couldn’t help but think that I’m not playing in the game and this is what we play football for,” he said.

Five minutes remained in Detroit Cass Tech’s regional final game against Macomb Dakota last November when junior quarterback Rodney Hall took the snap from center and took off.

“I was running the ball, I believe it was third-and-eight,” Hall said. “I got first down.”

It was the last first down Hall would get for Cass Tech, which played two games after the Dakota game.

Hall’s left foot was planted when he was hit by two Dakota defenders — one high and one low — and his body twisted. Because Cass Tech’s quarterbacks are mobile and often carry the ball, Hall has been hit hundreds of times. But never like that.

“I heard a pop,” he said. “I figured my ankle was broke. People kept telling me it would be OK and stuff like that, but it was my body and I knew something was really wrong because I heard a pop that I had never heard before in an injury.”

The pop was his fibula breaking, and a few days later Hall underwent surgery. He was a spectator for Cass’ 48-41 semifinal win over Canton and its 41-27 loss to Romeo in the Division 1 state championship game.

Detroit Cass Tech varsity football qb Rodney Hall sits while watching practice with teammates on Wednesday August 17, 2016 at Cass Tech High School in Detroit.

Detroit Cass Tech varsity football qb Rodney Hall sits while watching practice with teammates on Wednesday August 17, 2016 at Cass Tech High School in Detroit.

Tears streamed down Hall’s face before the championship game, and they were not tears of joy.

“That was the absolute worst,” he said. “It really hit me when they were signing the National Anthem. I couldn’t help but think that I’m not playing in the game and this is what we play football for.”

Hall endured a difficult second semester, and it didn’t have much to do with trying to rehab after his surgery.

“School was rough, too,” he said. “I didn’t want to be in that environment anymore. I didn’t want to be around Cass. Everybody was talking about the game. People were telling me if I had played we could have won.”

The rehabilitation process was long and tedious. Hall has only been running for about six weeks now.

“Running bothered me because I still have metal in my ankle right now,” Hall said. “I just now got used to it. Running was a little tough and we run a lot. Towards the end of running my body could keep going, but my ankle was just fatigued. I couldn’t go anymore because it’s hard to push off the ankle.”

Eventually Hall was able to work his way back to being comfortable on the field again.

Over the winter Hall, 6-feet-2, 210 pounds, committed to Northern Illinois. He has worked hard to become a more efficient passer and hopes he can be more of a passing quarterback than a running QB.

“I love throwing touchdowns more than running the ball,” he said. “After last season, I’m more open to throwing the ball than running the ball, I think. I’ll be just picking and choosing wisely. I just want to stay healthy so I can make it to the state championship and hopefully win. That’s the plan for senior year.”

On the surface, it is a good plan. Cass features the state’s best player in wide receiver/defensive back Donovan Peoples-Jones and a boatload of other talented players.

The Technicians also have a veteran quarterback who wants to be in uniform and not on crutches for the state championship game.

“I can’t wait because it feels like my last season was incomplete,” Hall said. “I can’t stop thinking about the state championship game, the outcome of last year. That’s going to be on my mind until the first game.”

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Meet the Technicians

Last season: 11-3.

Top players: WR/DB Donovan Peoples-Jones; DB/Slot Jaylen Kelly-Powell; Slot/DB Donovan Johnson; OT/NG Jordan Reid; TE/LB Zack Morton; LB Desean Boyd; OT Kelvin Ateman; QB Rodney Hall; junior DB Kalon Gervin.

State playoff record: 29-15.

Coach: Thomas Wilcher, 20th season (148-63).

Overview: The Technicians will be shooting for their seventh trip to at least the Division 1 semifinals, and they should make reservations now. Cass has a bit of everything, beginning with the top player in the state — Peoples-Jones — and a terrific secondary. The healthy return of Hall (Northern Illinois) should improve the offensive production.

Week 1 prep football scores and schedule

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WEEK 1 FOOTBALL

TODAY’S GAMES

Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State

Woodhaven vs. Lincoln Park, 4

Chippewa Valley vs. Lake Orion, 7

Battle at the Big House (Michigan Stadium)

Detroit East English vs. Brighton, 4

Farmington vs. Walled Lake Western, 7

Downriver

Southgate at Trenton, 7

Taylor Truman at Melvindale, 7

Wyandotte at Gibraltar Carlson, 4

Other games

Algonac at Marine City, 7

Allen Park Cabrini at Redford Union, 7

Ann Arbor Skyline at Shaker Heights (Ohio), 5

Auburn Hills Avondale at New Boston Huron, 7

Berkley at Holly, 7

Birmingham Groves at West Bloomfield, 7

Clinton Twp. Clintondale at Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7

Detroit Cesar Chavez at Genesee, 6

Detroit Cody at Grosse Pointe South, 7

Detroit Douglass at Detroit Denby, 4

Detroit Edison at Detroit Pershing, 4

Detroit Leadership vs. Detroit Western, 5

Detroit Renaissance at Lansing Sexton, 7

East Detroit at Roseville, 7

Ferndale at Madison Heights Lamphere, 7

Grosse Pointe North at Detroit Collegiate Prep, 5

Hamtramck at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 5

Harper Woods Chandler Park at Tecumseh, 7

Hartland at Novi, 7

L’Anse Creuse at Anchor Bay, 7

L’Anse Creuse North at Waterford Mott, 7

Lansing Everett at Howell, 7

Livonia Franklin at Livonia Stevenson, 7

Madison Heights Madison at Warren Lincoln, 7

Mt. Clemens at Detroit CMA, 5

Northville at Dearborn, 7

Onsted at Dearborn Heights Annapolis, 7

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at Macomb Dakota, 7

Port Huron Northern at Fraser, 7

Richmond at Marysville, 7

SCS South Lake at SCS Lake Shore, 7

South Lyon at Pinckney, 7

South Lyon East at Milford, 7

Sterling Heights at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7

Troy at Walled Lake Central, 7

Warren Cousino at Warren Woods Tower, 7

Warren Mott at Troy Athens, 7

White Lake Lakeland at Westland Glenn, 7

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State

Allen Park vs. Taylor Kennedy, 4

Canton vs. Dearborn Fordson, 7

Battle at the Big House (Michigan Stadium)

Kalamazoo Central vs. St. Joseph, 4

Clarkston vs. Lapeer, 7

Other games

Adrian at Milan, 7

Belleville at Salem, 6:30

Birmingham Brother Rice at Birmingham Seaholm, 7

Carleton Airport at Dundee, 7

Clarkston Everest at Sterling Heights Parkway, 7

Clawson at Armada, 7

Croswell-Lexington at St. Clair, 7

Dearborn Heights Robichaud at Dearborn Divine Child, 7:30

Dearborn Heights Star at AH Oakland Christian, 7

Detroit Community at Detroit Westside Christian, TBA

Detroit Country Day at Port Huron, 7

Detroit Loyola at Warren Michigan Collegiate, 7

Detroit Old Redford at Pontiac, 7

Detroit Osborn at Detroit Delta Prep, 2:30

Detroit Public Safety at Lutheran Northwest, 7

Detroit Southeastern at Ann Arbor Huron, 7

Detroit Voyageur at Detroit Henry Ford, 7

Flat Rock at Romulus Summit, 7

Flint Carman-Ainsworth at Grand Blanc, 7

Flint Kearsley at Garden City, 7

Fowlerville at Dexter, 7

Ida at Monroe Jefferson, 7

Livonia Clarenceville at Macomb Lutheran North, 7

Madison Heights Bishop Foley at Center Line, 5:30

Melvindale ABT at Riverview Richard, 7

Monroe at Livonia Churchill, 7

Monroe St. Mary CC at Pewamo-Westphalia, 7

New Haven at Brown City, 7

North Farmington at Walled Lake Northern, 7

Parma Western at Grosse Ile, 7

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Redford Thurston, 7

Riverview at Romulus, 7

Rochester Adams at Rochester, 7

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek at Bloomfield Hills, 7

Romeo at Oxford, 7

Royal Oak at St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 7

Royal Oak Shrine at Adrian Madison, 7

Saline at Rockford, 7

Southfield Bradford at Detroit Science & Math, 7

Southfield Christian at Harper Woods, 7

Toledo St. Francis at Temperance Bedford, 7

U-D Jesuit at Detroit Mumford, 7

Utica at Waterford Kettering, 7

Utica Eisenhower at Plymouth, 7

Utica Ford at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7

Warren De La Salle at Lowell, 7

Warren Fitzgerald at Hazel Park, 7

Waterford Our Lady at GPW University Liggett, 2

Wayne Memorial at Ecorse, 7

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State

Chelsea vs. River Rouge, noon

Southfield A&T vs. Detroit King, 3

Detroit Cass Tech vs. Oak Park, 6

Battle at the Big House (Michigan Stadium)

Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 1

East Kentwood vs. Farmington Hills Harrison, 4

Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Muskegon, 7

Other games

Ann Arbor Richard at Detroit Central, 3

Lutheran Westland vs. Cardinal Mooney at East China, 7

Prep football schedules: All regular season games for our local teams

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