General | February 20, 2017 | 12:21

In the Thursday nightcap of the 2017 Prep Kickoff Classic, event newcomer Davison will take on Southfield A&T at 7 p.m. The game will mark the first meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

The Warriors made the most of their first season, sharing the top spot in the OAA Red, while earning a district crown. Senior quarterback Darby, who started down the stretch last year in place of an injured Sam Johnson III, becomes the full-time starter under center this season.

A&T will also have to replace the production of Arthur "Lew" Nichols and Brandon Gray. Both Nichols, who rushed for 1,328 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and Gray, a three-star wide receiver, transferred to reigning Division 1 state champion Detroit Cass Tech.

The Cardinals, making their first PKC appearance, finished 10-1 last season, falling to Clarkston in the district championship round. A veteran group, Davison will be led by running back Tariq Reid, a class of 2018 recruit, and senior outside linebacker Gabe Ellis.

Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

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Davison Cardinals
Head coach: Kyle Zimmerman
2016 finish: 10-1 (Lost to Clarkston, 31-14, in the Division 1 district championship round)
All-time record against Southfield A&T: N/A (first meeting)
Prep Kickoff Classic record: N/A (first appearance)
Key players (year of school that players are entering is indicated): Senior running back Tariq Reid, senior outside linebacker Gabe Ellis, senior defensive back Anthony Fordham, senior wide receiver Austin Roland, senior defensive end Chase Chittick, junior defensive lineman Aaron Gilmore and senior tight end Garret Goyette.

Season expectations: "We've definitely turned things over, and got a taste of the playoffs against Clarkston in the district championship last year," Zimmerman said. "We're ready to get back there, and to take the next step. And we're hoping to play on Thanksgiving weekend."

Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "The environment that this creates is a playoff game right away," Zimmerman said. "It puts us in the fire right away, and gives us the experience we need for those playoff-type situations."

He added, "I've always thought that it's the most prestigious event in the state that weekend. The kids and community are excited about it, and I'm amped about it myself."

Southfield A&T Warriors
Head coach: Tim Conley
2016 finish: 8-4 (Lost to Utica Eisenhower, 42-7, in the Division 1 regional championship round)
All-time record against Davison: N/A (first meeting)
Prep Kickoff Classic record: 0-1 (Lost to Detroit King, 39-0, in 2016)
Key players: Senior quarterback John Darby, senior kicker/wide receiver/cornerback Matthew Gilbert, junior safety Marcus Fuqua, junior nickelback Brent Johnson and junior center Juan Walker.

Season expectations: "We're going to be young," Conley said. "I expect them to improve as the season progresses. We're expecting the guys that I mentioned to show a lot of leadership and to show the other guys what to do."

Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "It's my sixth year playing in it (five years with Southfield before it merged with Southfield-Lathrup and became A&T)," Conley said. "This game has been a really good start to the season, and we play in such a tough league (the Oakland Activities Association Red division) that the game is important for our development."

Talking about Wayne State, Conley added, "It's such a special venue, and provides great exposure for the program and the school, including the band members and cheerleaders."

Helmet graphics courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project