Playoff Preview

Grosse Ile (8-2) vs Detroit Frederick Douglass (9-1) Friday 7:00 pm @ Detroit Northwestern: This is the first ever meeting between the Red Devils and the Hurricanes. Grosse Ile’s two losses came to the Huron League champion Airport and to cross river rival Riverview. Both of those teams were playoff qualifiers. The Hurricane’s lone loss was to playoff qualifier detroit Henry Ford in week 4. The Canes avenged that loss with a 28-0 shutout of the Tojans in the PSL Division II Championship game.

Historically Frederick Douglass is hardly a football power. The school boast a paltry .277 winning pct and has only 1 playoff win in school history which came over PSL rival Detroit Southwestern last week 26-18. Meanwhile Grosse Ile is making their first playoff apprearance since 2004 when the Islanders advanced all the way to the Division 4 semi-finals. Grosse Ile has an overall playoff record of 5-7 but boast a winning percentage of .532 all time in the regular season.

The Grosse Ile Red Devils have a prolific offense that averages over 36 ppg. They are led be arguably the best QB in Huron League history in senior Rob White. White has thrown for 1,479 yards and 16 TD’s this season with a QB rating of 122. White has also rushed for nearly 600 yards and 8 TD’s. The devils are hardly a one man show on offense. Running backs Alex Kish and Jordan Nellenbach have combined for over 1800 yards and 26 TD’s. Plowing the way for the high powered offense has been solid line play led by senior OT Vince Berardi.

While offense seems to be Grosse Ile’s strong suit, the Devils biggest improvement has come on defense where they boast speed and athleticism. This season the Islanders have given up 18 ppg compared to the 2010 season of 34 ppg. The defense is led by senior LB Corey Groff and senior DB Tyler Judd. The defensive line has improved this season and is led by senior Joe Alongi and Berardi.

Detroit Douglass is led offensively by 6-1 190 lb junior QB Kory Peterson. The Canes are averaging nearly 30 ppg with much of the firepower coming from 200 lb junior RB Demetrius Stinson. Stinson learned the game playing for the famed Westside Steelers of the Police Athletic league. Stinson has carried for over 1300 yards and 16 TD’s this season. The other back for the Canes is senior speedster Javonte Simpson. This tandem gives the Canes a solid tandem that has kept defenses off balance all season.

Defense is the strong side of the ball for Frederick Douglas this season and is the reason the Canes qualified for the playoffs. The defense gives up a meager 10 ppg and has recorded three shutouts this season. The defense is led by 240 lb MLB Marquise Steward while the defensive line is anchored by 320 lb DT Donovan Howard. Patrolling the secondary for the Canes will be sophomore DB Omari Taylor.

This will be an entertaining matchup that could include some offensive fieworks. Don’t be surprised if this ends up a low scoring defensive struggle. Contrary to popular opinion the Canes are well coached and are a disciplined football team. Field conditions should be perfect on the beautiful Northwestern football field Friday Night. One thing to look at is both of Grosse Ile’s losses have come on the road this season while the Hurricanes have not left the city of Detroit all season. Pick: Grosse Ile 21 Frederick Douglass 14