General | February 21, 2017 | 20:49

Detroit East English Village Prep and River Rouge will do battle in a must-see matchup at the Prep Kickoff Classic on Saturday at Noon.

Rod Oden's Bulldogs return to the Kickoff Classic for the first time since 2014, while Corey Parker's Panthers make an appearance for a second straight year.

East English failed to qualify for the state playoffs last year for the first time in school history (school opened in 2012).  By the end of 2017, that memory of missing the postseason should be in the rear view mirror for the Bulldogs, though.

It's because the Bulldogs will be led by a talented bunch of players this year, including class of 2018 defensive tackle and offensive guard Orniska Webster plus class of 2018 running back and cornerback Zhamaine March.

As for the Panthers, they will need to replace Jairus Grissom, the graduating three-star quarterback that will play collegiately at Eastern Michigan.

Parker said that four players are in contention to take the signals under center. He also said that the starter will be determined not only by their play on the field leading into the regular season, but also by their performance inside the classroom.

Despite the loss of Grissom, Rouge still returns many talented players, including class of 2018 safety Reggie Pearson and class of 2018 tight end Lee Payton. With those two plus other talented returning seniors and up-and-coming juniors, Rouge looks to be more than equipped to record its eighth straight winning season.

Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

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River Rouge Panthers
Head coach: Corey Parker
2016 finish: 11-2 (Lost to Detroit Country Day, 20-14, in the Division 4 semifinal round)
All-time record against Detroit East English: N/A (first meeting)
Prep Kickoff Classic record: 0-1 (Lost to Chelsea, 1-0, via forfeit)   
Key players (year of school that players are entering is indicated): Senior safety Reggie Pearson, senior tight end Lee Payton, senior tailback Alex Carter, junior running back Caleef Jenkins, senior middle linebacker Eric Chenault, senior weak side linebacker Baron Sholar, junior athlete/defensive back Corry Thomas, junior OG/DL Dontrell Walker, junior hybrid defensive end and linebacker Yusuf Abdul-Aziz, senior slot receiver Giavonni Turner and senior slot receiver Sekou Doukoure.   
 
Season expectations: "We believe we're at the top of the Metro Detroit food chain (among Detroit Cass Tech, Detroit King, Detroit East English and Southfield A&T), having made our school attractive to kids from all over," Parker said. "And our first expectation every year now is to win our division (Michigan Metro Blue) and then to win our district championship. And once we do that, to win our regional championship. So, we want to win a state championship, but we have to get there first."
 
Thoughts on playing in Prep Kickoff Classic: "I believe it's the best venue for high school football in the state," Parker said. "The energy and excitement it creates for schools -- all the great guys at the Detroit Sports Commission do a phenomenal job of making it something you have to be a part of. It gives your kids the opportunity to play in a packed stadium, which simulates what it will be like to play at Ford Field (in the state title game)."
 
He added, "You're really going to get a great gauge of what you are as a program right away."
 
Detroit East English Bulldogs
Head coach: Rod Oden
2016 finish: 5-4 (Did not qualify for MHSAA playoffs)
All-time record against River Rouge: N/A (first meeting)
Prep Kickoff Classic record: 0-3 (Last played in 2014; lost to Lansing Sexton, 35-26)
Key players: Senior center Tyrone Sampson, senior DT/OG Orniska Webster, senior running back and cornerback Zhamaine March, senior defensive end and tight end Desjuan Johnson and junior CB Elija Griffin.     
 
Season expectations: "Our expectations are always really high," Oden said. "This group is an experienced group. Last year was kind of a young team with nine seniors. This year, we have about 20 seniors and experienced guys that have been around for four years and who are looking plus appear to be ready to get over the hump."
 
Thoughts on playing in Prep Kickoff Classic: "It's always a great deal and honor for us to be selected. Just to get the phone call is a great opportunity for us," Oden said. "I've been there (in the PKC) three times before against formidable opponents each time. This time is no different, as we're expecting to receive River Rouge's best effort."

Helmet graphics courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project