The 2012 Detroit Public School League City Championship lived up to all the hype it had it received, for the offenses that is. Both teams put on offensive clinics with King scoring 51 and the Bulldogs putting up 48. Defenses were in short supply as both teams seemed to move the ball at will against their opponents. The Village got off to a quick 20-0 start with touchdowns coming from Desmond King, Khalid Hill, and defensive-lineman Antoine Benford on a fumble recovery. But that would be the largest lead the Bulldogs would have as the Crusaders put up 32 points unanswered between the 2nd and 3rd quarters. At one point in the 3rd quarter, King had built a 39-20 lead. The Bulldogs cut into the deficit early in the 2nd half with Nathaniel Bowlware scampering up the middle for a td to put East English only down 11. But on the very next kickoff, King speedster Avonte Maddox returned the kickoff for a 81 yard electrifying td return. Senior Desmond King would not have his final regular season game in the PSL become a blowout as he scored the next two touchdowns for the Bulldogs to put them down only five points with less than three minutes remaining. The Bulldogs were able to get the ball back with under a minute remaining trailing by 5 and needing a touchdown for the win. But a Anton Curtis’ pass was intercepted by King Senior Sa’von Thomas to put the game on ice for the Crusaders. It has been a truly remarkable run for the Crusaders, who started the season 0-3 and won their next six games, including a 44-13 blowout of top-ranked Cass Tech. It was a victory well-deserved for King who had faced adversity all season, and have responded with great character and perseverance.
Playoff Time in the City of Detroit
17 OctThe Final weekend of high school football season in the state of Michigan is upon us. Another great DPS Season will conclude with some teams wishing to have a couple of games back, while other will look to make deep state playoff runs. The list below will tell what teams have qualified for the playoffs and what teams still need a win this weekend to qualify.
Central- At 5-3, the Trailblazers have certainly had a remarkable season. They look to qualify for the playoffs on Thursday with a win over the visiting Trojans of Henry Ford.
Douglass- The Canes’ were expected to compete this season for the PSL East Division Championship. But in the two games they needed to win, King and East English, Douglass did not even record a point. The Hurricanes will not have a game this week and will finish with a 5-3 record. Enough to make it into the playoffs.
King- King is in an interesting situation right now. They play for the city championship this Friday, but with a record of 5-3. King right now should be 6-2, but forfeited a game due to an ineligible player. With a win King is in, but a loss still might get them in. King has had to play a tough schedule, including Southfield and Cass Tech. But no doubt, the Crusaders do not want to watch the MHSAA Selection Show this Sunday with anxiety about the remainder of their season.
East English- The Bulldogs have the best record out of any DPS Team. If the bulldogs win this week, they will have gone 8-1 on the season. If that turns out to be true, the Bulldogs will have a great opportunity of obtaining home-field advantage in the playoffs, but for sure the district tournament.
Cass Tech- Cass Tech currently sits at 6-2 on the season. The Technicians conclude regular season play against a very sub-par University of Detroit Jesuit. Cass will most likely win and maybe even have a running clock in this game, which will give them a 7-2 record on the season. Although this record seems good, it might not be good for home-field. If Cass were to end up in the same district as Macomb Dakota, Dearborn Fordson or Warren Mott, they might only receive one home game. That might not be a problem for the defending State Champions, remember last year, they got into the playoffs at 6-3 and only played one home game.
For all in all, it has been a truly great DPS Season. Although their might not have been as many State Playoffs teams as their were last year, this season has been one of the most competitive in the years I’ve followed the PSL.
Jourdan Lewis’ All-American Bowl Invitation
4 OctI know its late, but congratulations to Cass Tech Senior DB Jourdan Lewis on receiving an invite to the US Army All-American Bowl. Cass has also had the chance to send corner Dior Mathis and defensive tackle William Campbell to this game. Lewis said in a interview that this would be his last chance to make a impression on people. This is certainly not Cass’ last chance to show they are a elite program, next year and the years to come, they could send multiple athletes to this event. Jourdan has certainly put in the work to be able to participate in this event. He has been on varsity since his sophomore season, and he lives outside the city of Detroit. Hopefully this will give the nation a chance to witness the best DPS has to offer and how the south is not the only region where great players come from.
The Prep Ball Report 