Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic Preview

Tyler Graham August 15, 2023 @ 05:00 AM

There will be a few kickoff events going on throughout the state, but I don't think any will have the deep talent pool that the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will. It will be 3 days with 2 games each day, and there will be some awesome football, with college prospects littered throughout the rosters.   8/24 4:00- Walled Lake Western vs Waterford Mott- This has the potential to be a fantastic game, as WLW will be looking to match the intensity and electricity of the Mott offense with some of their own. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='253197' first='Gavin' last='Noonan'] will have to step up and make some big plays to keep up with the Mott offense, as Toledo bound [player_tooltip player_id='253200' first='Kalieb' last='Osborne'] will look to put up a ton of points. The biggest question mark is if the Mott defense has made the correct adjustments. That defense, led by a stud LB Isaiah Veach, will definitely need to make the leap to the next level to stop that offense.   8/24 7:00- Chippewa Valley vs West Bloomfield- This game is ridiculously deep for talent. Where do you even start? Brandon Davis- Swain will anchor a strong WB defense led by a ton of seniors, along with LB [player_tooltip player_id='667462' first='Kari' last='Jackson'] and DB [player_tooltip player_id='187991' first='Jamir' last='Benjamin']. [player_tooltip player_id='247647' first='Deshaun' last='Lanier'] will be a tough receiver to stop as he can really stretch the field for Chip Valley, along with track star athlete [player_tooltip player_id='188009' first='Shamar' last='Heard']. There are so many other names to be mentioned for both sides, but the point is this- If you are looking for college prospects, this is the game for you.   8/25 4:00-Allen Park vs Taylor- 2 teams looking for a hot start to the season, and this is a great opportunity on a big stage to get it done. Starting off against a conference foe is huge, as it can really jumpstart your push towards a conference title. Taylor is a young program that has taken small steps each season, but this season will hopefully be the biggest for them. On the other side, Allen Park is coming off their 5th playoff appearance in a row. It should be a good, close and competitive conference game that could have implications for the Downriver League.   8/25 7:00- Belleville vs River Rouge- You could go on and on about the college prospects in this game. Obviously you have [player_tooltip player_id='247690' first='Bryce' last='Underwood'], who will have the pick of whatever college he wants to play football at, and his plethora of weapons for Belleville. On the other side, River Rouge will be a tough matchup, as they will need to keep Michigan State commit [player_tooltip player_id='190093' first='Nick' last='Marsh'] in check. The defenses are tough, the offenses are electrifying, so this one has the possibility to not just be the game of the week, but game of the season! If you're planning on attending, get there early or you may be stuck without a seat!   8/26 1:00- Cass Tech vs Southfield A&T- If you remember this game from last season, you know you'll be in for a treat with a deep pool of college prospects, and high flying offenses. One of the best games of the 2022 season, as A&T pulled off the overtime thriller 56-54 in a game they called a "Program Win." They'll be looking to do the same thing once again behind the arm of their QB [player_tooltip player_id='77216' first='Isaiah' last='Marshall'], who is committed to Kansas. Cass Tech will have the power to match at all levels, behind incredible youngsters like [player_tooltip player_id='212358' first='Corey' last='Sadler'], [player_tooltip player_id='329420' first='Alex' last='Graham'] and more, with a big and physical offensive line. Look for this game to be another one that lives up to the hype!   8/26 4:00- Detroit King vs Cincinnati St. Xavier- To cap off the weekend, we have an enormous matchup when Cincinnati St. Xavier rolls into town. The Bombers wound up 5-7 last season, but the record is not indicative of just how good this squad is. St. Xavier played a gauntlet of a schedule, narrowly losing to national powers like St. Inatius, La Salle and Archbishop Moeller, and playing teams from Kentucky, Virgina, Indiana, and Illinois. King is coming off another state title, and not looking to slow down whatsoever. They return a lot defensively which will be important. This will be a game you don't want to miss. Another game where the talent is deep at every position!

There will be a few kickoff events going on throughout the state, but I don't think any will have the deep talent pool that the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will. It will be 3 days with 2 games each day, and there will be some awesome football, with college prospects littered throughout the rosters.