General | February 14, 2019 | 11:45
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Utica Eisenhower
Thursday, August 29, 4 p.m.
Wayne State University
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Utica Eisenhower and Birmingham Brother Rice kick off things at the 2019 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic in Detroit -- Thursday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. -- in the first-ever clash between the two squads.
Eisenhower, who has missed the playoffs only once since the turn of the 21st century (in 2013), is coming off a 6-4 season and a first-round playoff loss to Macomb Area Conference Red division rival Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley. The six-win campaign ended Eisenhower's streak of two straight undefeated regular seasons (18 consecutive regular season wins).
Meanwhile, Brother Rice, which has also missed the playoffs just once this century (in 2015), is coming off a 7-4 season and district title game loss to crosstown rival Birmingham Groves.
Both squads have quarterbacks returning that saw time under center a season ago. Senior Blake Rastigue enters the season as the starter for the Eagles, while senior Greg Piscopink will be the season-opening starter for the Warriors.
With the two veteran QBs, expect a highly competitive battle to break out in this year's Prep Kickoff Classic opener.
Tickets are available online at
detroitsports.org/pkctickets with a portion of the proceeds benefitting 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.
Birmingham Brother Rice Warriors
Head coach: Adam Korzeniewski
2018 finish: 7-4 (Lost to Birmingham Groves, 38-24, in the Division 2 district championship round)
All-time record against Utica Eisenhower: N/A; first meeting between the two programs
Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic record: 3-1 (Last played in 2014; Beat Chicago Brother Rice, 40-34)
Key players (year they're entering in fall): Senior quarterback Greg Piscopink, senior left tackle Luke Newman, senior defensive back and wide receiver Drew Randall (presently dealing with a back injury), senior linebacker and long snapper Jimmy Phillips, junior defensive tackle Matt Andoni, senior cornerback/WR Jonathan Tillman, senior tailback Patrick O'Hara and junior outside linebacker Rocco Milia.
Summer update from Coach Korzeniewski: "I think the team this summer has been very accountable. Enthusiasm has been real good, and I think guys are about as committed as they have been since I've been the head coach (going into third year as Brother Rice head man)."
Expectations for the 2019 season: "A big focus for us will be on developing mental toughness and team camaraderie," Korzeniewski said. "Another key for us will be to find players that are capable of being leaders."
Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "Wayne State is a neat place to play," Korzeniewski said. "Having the Prep Kickoff Classic in Week 1 builds excitement for the rest of the season."
He added, "I have the utmost respect for Chris Smith and Eisenhower. I've known Chris since high school when I played against him in a local high school All-Star Game (in 1992). "
Utica Eisenhower Eagles
Head coach: Chris Smith
2018 finish: 6-4 (Lost to Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley, 34-7, in the first round of the Division 1 state playoffs)
All-time record against Birmingham Brother Rice: N/A; first meeting between the two programs
Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic record: 2-1 (Last played in 2018; lost to Oak Park, 31-13)
Key players (year they're entering in fall): Senior safety/wide receiver Steven Nadolski, senior quarterback Blake Rastigue, junior offensive and defensive lineman Dalton Dueweke, junior middle linebacker Anthony Cardamone, junior running back/linebacker/slot WR Mario Getaw, senior OL Mark Nikollaj and senior DL Luke Devereux.
Expectations for the 2019 season: "At Eisenhower, we aim to get better every day," Smith said. "The key for this upcoming season is to continuously get the players to play for each other and to play together."
Thoughts on playing in the Prep Kickoff Classic: "It's been a great game and experience for us in the past," Smith said. "I love the atmosphere, Wayne State and everything about the city, including the skyline. It brings our Ike community together."
He added, "The competition is outstanding, and we look forward to playing Brother Rice for the first time in school history."
