General | February 14, 2019 | 11:57
Detroit Cass Tech vs. Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago, Ill.)
Saturday, August 31, 4 p.m.
Wayne State University
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Michigan powerhouse Detroit Cass Tech will clash with out-of-state foe Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago, Ill.) in the final game of the 2019 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Cass Tech, led by Thomas Wilcher, has won three state titles since 2011 (last one came in 2016). Meanwhile, Wendell Phillips, led by Troy McAllister, has won two state titles since 2015 (most recent came in 2017).
The Technicians will look to bounce back from a disappointing 41-14 loss in the Div. 1 district championship round to Dearborn Fordson a year ago. It broke the Technicians' streak of eight consecutive seasons of at least making the state semifinal round of the playoffs.
If the Technicians hope to get back to the state semis, they will need a big season out of their new quarterback, senior Sebastian Brown. He replaces Jalen Graham, who will be playing at Purdue in the fall.
Brown will have an upperclassmen-laden offensive line blocking for him, with junior center Raheem Anderson, senior left guard Craig Rush, junior left tackle Terrence Enos, junior right guard Charlie Sims and junior right tackle Doran Ray all expected to be starters.
The Technicians, though, will have a challenge on their hands in trying to prevent Phillips defensive tackle Demerick Morris and defensive end Amari Hampton from getting to Brown.
Morris and Hampton, both seniors, are expected to be two of the top defensive players in Illinois in 2019. They helped the Wildcats reach the quarterfinal round of the Class 6A state playoffs a season ago.
Expect Phillips and Cass Tech to both be contending for state titles once again this fall.
Tickets are available online at
detroitsports.org/pkctickets with a portion of the proceeds benefiting each school. For a limited time only, fans will receive 15 percent off their order in honor of the event celebrating 15 years. One ticket grants admission to all games on that particular day.
Detroit Cass Tech Technicians
Head coach: Thomas Wilcher
2018 finish: 10-1 (Lost to Dearborn Fordson, 41-14, in the district championship round of the Division 1 state playoffs)
All-time record against Chicago (Ill.) Wendell Phillips: N/A; has never played against Wendell Phillips
Prep Kickoff Classic record: 7-1 (Last played in 2018; beat River Rouge, 40-7)
Key players (year they're entering in fall): Junior center Raheem Anderson, senior left guard Craig Rush, junior left tackle Terrence Enos, junior right guard/tackle Charlie Sims, junior RT Doran Ray, senior quarterback Sebastian Brown, senior slot receiver and running back Donny Scott, junior linebacker/RB Kobe King, junior defensive end/tight end/outside linebacker Clarence Wilson, senior TE/DE/rush LB Davonte Murray, senior LB Jason Williams, junior defensive back Kalen King, junior DB Jacob Taylor and junior defensive tackle Marshi Davison.
Expectations for the 2019 season: "Our goal is to win all our home-field games, win our division (Detroit Public School League Green), the PSL championship and the Div. 1 state championship at the end of the season," Wilcher said. "We expect to be one of the best teams in the nation."
Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "The matchup gives us a chance to be on the national stage and to provide national exposure for our kids," Wilcher said. "It's a huge matchup that will allow us to showcase how good football is in the city of Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan."
Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago, Ill.)
Head coach: Troy McAllister
2018 finish: 10-3 (Lost to Cary-Grove, 34-24, in the quarterfinals of the Class 6A state playoffs in Illinois)
All-time record against Detroit Cass Tech: N/A; has never played against Cass Tech
Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic record: N/A; first appearance
Key players (year they're entering in fall): Senior offensive and defensive lineman Demerick Morris, senior defensive back Ronald Pledger, senior defensive end Amari Hampton, senior running back Anthony Anderson, junior wide receiver Jahnez Williams, junior linebacker Deavion Pierce and junior OL Torrence Gresham.
Expectations for the 2019 season: "Expectation is always state championship or bust," McAllister said. "We return almost all of our linemen, but have some key receivers and defensive backs to replace."
Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "We are excited to take part in such a prestigious event, as the Prep Kickoff Classic," McAllister said. "It will be a great way for us to start our season against a quality opponent. Cass Tech is a nationally recognized program that is well-coached and has great talent. We look forward to the opportunity to compete against them at such a unique event."
