Prime Kickoff Classic: Belleville vs. Clarkston Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The High School Football season kicks off at Wayne State! This Thursday, we have two incredible matchups. The season kicks off with Belleville vs. Clarkston! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll give a quick preview of the teams, give keys to victory, and give my predictions of this matchup! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Rankings based on the HSFB Media Poll Rankings)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Belleville vs. #10 Clarkston</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Quick team previews</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belleville is a nationally recognized team due to their success this decade. Of course, Bryce Underwood led the way for the past four seasons, alongside several other Power 4 prospects. With Bryce gone, some from the outside have tempered expectations for this 2025 Belleville squad. The Media Poll ranked Belleville #5, and that's exactly where I have them ranked in my poll. The talent is simply too strong for Belleville to be ranked anywhere outside the Top 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarkston nearly pulled off the upset during Week 1 of last season. I like what the Wolves return. On paper, this should be a much-improved team. I ranked Clarkston at #9 in my media poll, and I wouldn't be surprised if this team outperformed this ranking. Last season, playing in the OAA Red, Clarkston sported an impressive +125 in plus-minus. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Belleville QB [player_tooltip player_id='1149421' first='Kendall' last='Franklin']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kendall's debut is probably the most anticipated non-transfer debut I've ever seen. It's been said a lot- there are obviously big shoes to fill. Really, I'm just looking for Kendall to take care of the football. This is one of those games where field position will be king. A single turnover on either side can make or break this game. Belleville's got some playmakers, and as long as Kendall controls the game, I give Belleville a good shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Clarkston QB [player_tooltip player_id='1317918' first='Alex' last='Waszczenko']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now's the time. I've talked about Alex's development for practically the entire offseason. In short, Alex looks like a completely different football player when compared to last season. I trust him to be a productive dual-threat. Like Kendall, I want Alex to take care of the ball. His existing Varsity experience will help. Plus, even when under constant pressure last season against Belleville, Alex still managed to take care of the ball. I'm quite excited to see how Alex performs this week and beyond! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Belleville RB [player_tooltip player_id='1615717' first='Trenton' last='Foley']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In order for Belleville to win this game, Trenton needs to be a consistent force. Last season, he showed excellent flashes. Good speed and super high upside in the power department. This is a running back who could work his way to Power 4 offers this season- he's just got to prove it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Clarkston ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1148720' first='Lukas' last='Boman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lukas will once again be a huge factor on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Lukas will be all over the field. Playing strong safety, I'm expecting Lukas to eliminate the big play. If Belleville attempts to air it out deep, Lukas will likely be in the vicinity to make a play. Against the run, Lukas should be there in case Foley breaks through to the second level. I haven't even mentioned his potential on offense- Lukas should once again take reps at running back and receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Belleville DB [player_tooltip player_id='1298774' first='Derrick' last='Taylor']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DT is one of Belleville's defensive leaders. This secondary is looking stacked, but without a true blue-chip player. DT could be that guy this season. Last year, Clarkston earned a few explosive plays due to mistakes in the Belleville secondary. If DT is on his game, Clarkston won't have as many of those big-play opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Clarkston DB [player_tooltip player_id='1686403' first='Cameron' last='Love']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You aren't beating Belleville without a formidable secondary. So, so many great weapons for Belleville, including WR Tre Britton, my #2 player in Michigan's class of 2027. That said, [player_tooltip player_id='1686403' first='Cameron' last='Love'] is going to be thrown into the fire against some of the best WR talent in Michigan. I hope to see Love put up some good highlights versus Belleville. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>My Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clarkston 28 Belleville 24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->