Teams that could threaten Detroit Cass Tech in 2013

Written Monday November 26th, at 1:50 AM

The 2012 football season is over and Detroit Cass Tech is yet again State Champions. Most sports writers predict that the Technicians are unbeatable and will be good for a long time.

So who can stop them???

Well it depends how the MHSAA does its playoff formatting. If Detroit Cass Tech is sent north then they are in trouble for these reasons. The north has had four consistent powerhouse programs and if they have to go on the road (ala Swienhart, Cougar Stadium, the Wolves Den, or Dragons Stadium) then they are in trouble because of travel and traffic concerns each area poses. The teams in the mid Wayne County area have not had consistent programs that could threaten the reigns of the Technicians. If Detroit Cass Tech were to be sent west then there is that possibility they could deal with Detroit Catholic Central again, a team they have beaten twice or western Wayne County with Plymouth or Canton in the districts if that were the case.

There are four teams that could stop the reign of Detroit Cass Tech in 2013. Two are from Oakland County and two are from Macomb County. Also others not mentioned could as well.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are a dangerous team heading into 2013 that could threaten the Technicians reign as back to back champions. Lake Orion is 1-1 against Detroit Cass Tech. Detroit Cass Tech had to survive Lake Orion 34-27 in the state semifinals in 2012. The Dragons have always been a consistent program and has beaten the Technicians 24-21 in 2010. This rivalry between these two hated rivals is far from over.

Clarkston: The Wolves had a disappointing season in 2012 with the loss in the regional final to Rockford and being split with Lake Orion. In 2013 Clarkston’s running attack could give Detroit Cass Tech problems if they meet. The weakness will be its passing game but they will have another year under its belt. Clarkston also has a defense as well.

Utica Eisenhower: The Eagles lost a lot of talent and size from its team but remember this team was the best defensive team in the Macomb Area Conference. Utica Eisenhower can beat Detroit Cass Tech especially with its defense. The last time these two teams met was in the state semifinals in 2011 when the Technicians survived the Eagles 7-6. If these two teams were to meet expect a defensive slug-fest.

Macomb Dakota: The Cougars are a dangerous offense and have a sound defense. In 2012 they won the Macomb Area Conference Red Division crown and lost in the regional finals to Lake Orion 51-35. The two teams have met in Detroit where Detroit Cass Tech beat Macomb Dakota 31-19 in 2010. It should be an interesting game if these two teams were to meet again especially in Macomb.

Like I said it all depends on the MHSAA and how they pair the districts up. True, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, and Macomb Dakota have to beat each other just to get a shot at Detroit Cass Tech while the Technicians get an easy path to the state semifinals. However in 2010 Macomb Dakota had to go to Detroit and lost, if the game was at Macomb it would have been a different result. If Detroit Cass Tech had two of these teams in its district or region and they had to go on the road, I don’t think they will survive even with the talent they have and recruiting. There is something that being on the road, effects teams especially with those who have to travel to those places in the playoffs.

If I’m the MHSAA I’m seriously looking at either going more of an east-west format for next season for the playoffs or send Detroit Cass Tech up north. If they play the northern teams like Lake Orion, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, or Macomb Dakota, they won’t survive especially on the road.