In a rematch from last year's season opener where they experienced defeat 35-21, Macomb Dakota (1-0) got revenge in a win over Brother Rice (0-1), 21-7, at the 2022 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic.
 
After they took a 13-0 lead at halftime the Cougars continued to not let up. 
 
The Warriors were able to get down the field as they entered the redzone to start the 4th quarter and capitalized on their good drive and finished it off with a 13 yard rushing touchdown from junior running back Cashton Papadelis with 11:29 left to go.
 
With minutes left in the game, and 13-7 lead, Cougars senior quarterback Ethan Hamby looked to close out the game led the Cougars down the field and threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to teammate senior wide receiver Owen Colpaert to take a 21-7 advantage. Brother Rice got the ball back where the Cougars forced another turnover on downs and were able to close out the game. 
 
The Dakota defense was a problem all night for the Warriors as they forced three turnovers. Cougars head coach Greg Baur credited the defense for their huge win.
 
"We won this game because we outworked them on the defense. Last year, we didn't do that, but today we outworked them," said Baur.
 
 Calvin Watson believed the win was sweet revenge for the Cougars. 
 
"Most definitely it feels like some revenge, we needed it, and that's what we did, we came out here and outworked them," said Watson.

Watson impacted the game with big runs and an interception which earned him the Legacy Football Ironman Award for the Cougars. Colpaert earned the DICK'S Sporting Goods Most Outstanding Player of the game for the Cougars with his big touchdown reception that sealed the game.
 
"It's outstanding to have him, last year all I did was just throw it up to him and let him make a play," said Hamby of Colpaert.
 
Warriors senior tight end and defensive end Henry Garrity received the Ironman Award with a quarterback sack and a couple of big receptions.
 
Brother Rice senior Eryx Daugherty earned the MOP for his team with multiple tackles and a forced fumble.
 
Dakota took advantage of it in their defensive performance, and Watson was a versatile threat defensively.
 
"Versatility, that's what I'm used to, I've been doing this my whole life, so I love it, and I'm excited for the rest of this year, go Cougars," said Watson.
 
The Cougars were spirited after their victory and Watson said the team had only one goal.
 
"The sky's the limit for these guys. Our goal is to just outwork everyone."