Detroit Catholic Central vs. St. Mary’s Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Friday has been marked on my calendar for quite a while. Now, it's revealed that this is a #1 vs. #2 matchup. This is likely the single biggest regular-season game this season. Today, I'll quickly preview both teams, list a few key players, and give my final prediction. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Last Matchup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Detroit Catholic Central 27 St. Mary's 22</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>2025 season stats (similar strengths of schedule)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Detroit Catholic Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Points for: </em>455</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Points against: </em>143</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Mary's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Points for: </em>554</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Points against: 170</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Catholic Central Game-Changers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157439"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abccc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm incredibly excited to evaluate Duke. I mean, the arm talent is obvious. For years, Duke has looked polished and pretty dang accurate in low-pressure scenarios. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's going to be fun watching Duke play on a big stage. Of course, I'm looking for smart, quick reads. Against OLSM, you can't typically afford to be late or slightly inaccurate on throws. Additionally, I'm looking forward to watching Duke potentially navigate a big late-game drive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see the talent. I've seen some tape, but the coming in-person evaluation will tell me so much more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1148715"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abdab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tweaks to the 2026 rankings will be few and far between. The class is pretty well solidified, with some players I still need to get a look at. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samson is a well-advertised superstar. Uber-athletic and has the stuff to play at any college in the country. A potential game-wrecker, even against a sensational group of DBs. I know Samson is a very gifted athlete- I'm looking for fundamental polish and leadership. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212357"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abe31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm honestly not going to scout Eziuka too much. I know what to expect. A huge offensive lineman who has done nothing but improve year after year. He's a Penn State commit for a reason. Game-wrecking offensive lineman who will pave the way in the run game. <br>Updating Eziuka's picture will also be a priority. Can't beleive we still have his middle school football picture up there! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Mary's Game-Changers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489263"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abeac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All signs point toward Jabin taking that big leap. I was a little hesitant to rank him high during the last update, but it seems my hesitancy was probably unwarranted. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike most 2027 QBs, Jabin has phenomenal upside as a runner. He's a great athlete and a potentially amazing high school dual-threat. At the very least, Jabin should be able to extend plays. Additionally, I'm just looking for a clean game. Limit the mistakes, and throw on time. DCC gave Bryce Underwood some trouble last season, so I'm expecting this to be a major test for Jabin. Let's see how he attacks this game! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309977"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abf23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A really exciting in-person evaluation. Super explosive DT on tape. But against an elite interior O-Line? This is going to be a big test. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's also a big test for the DCC O-Line. Nobody can afford a slow getoff. One mistep early in the play, and I could see Gibson quickly getting into the backfield. Gibson could make DCC's offense very one-dimensional. I'm extremely excited to see that battle in the trenches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ca03e9abf9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way player who should cause problems for DCC. He sure did last week against De La Salle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a bit of a mismatch at TE. Athletic, and can deal damage if left open in the middle of the field. Plus, he's a good blocker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker is where he really shines. Lining up on-ball, Brandon does a great job setting the edge. If the QB scrambles outside the pocket to Brandon's side, you better bet he'll be coming. A wide tackle radius and firm grip gives Brandon a chance agianst QBs trying to escape the pocket. Also formidable off-ball- a hard-hitter, and all-around decisive player. Very interested in seeing how Brandon is utilized. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Man, it's a tough one. At the end of the day, I have to go with the home team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Give me Detroit Catholic Central, winning 31-28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->