Cass Tech (Detroit) vs. Catholic Central (Novi, Mich.)Cass Tech didn't look like it would end up playing at Ford Field Saturday for the
Division I state championship when it was thoroughly dominated by Harrison (Farmington Hills), 43-7, in the season-opener. But the Technicians' talented defense - which includes two Michigan and two Iowa recruits - played significantly better the rest of the season, leading to 10 wins in 12 games while allowing just six points per game. A 6-3 win over Utica Eisenhower (Shelby Township) in the semifinals earned Cass Tech its first trip to the state championship game.
While Cass Tech is in the state finals for the first time in school history, Catholic Central is playing for a championship for the 14th time since 1979. The Shamrocks, who punched their ticket for Ford Field with a hard-hitting 23-20 overtime win over Rockford, have won nine titles since 1990 and four since 2001.
Mitch Stephens: Cass Tech 14, Catholic Central 13
Steve Montoya: Catholic Central 38, Cass Tech 34
Stephen Spiewak: Catholic Central 28, Cass Tech 24
Kevin Askeland: Cass Tech 14, Catholic Central 13
Jamie DeMoney: Cass Tech 20, Catholic Central 16
