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James Thorne, left, Dan Sirovy, coach John Herrington and Farmington Hills Harrison face a major test in Lake Orion on Friday. Herrington hopes Sirovy, who has been injured, will return this week.High schools: Football
Canton, Plymouth put aside pleasantries Friday
Schools share campus, but all that will be forgotten once players step on football field.
PLYMOUTH -- The players at Canton and Plymouth see one another every day at school, sometimes in the lunch room and even in the same classroom.
On Friday, they won't be swapping lunch bags or helping with homework assignments. There will be a more serious tone when they come face to face on the football field.
Canton (5-1) plays host -- a term used loosely here -- to Plymouth (5-1) at 7 p.m. in a Western Lakes Activities Association Western Division game. The winner clinches second place, with a small chance to catch division leader Livonia Franklin (6-0), which can clinch the division title outright Friday with a victory at Wayne Memorial (1-5).
It's a unique setting for Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools. The schools share a campus, and the students often interact as if they attend the same school.
For Plymouth, which opened in 2002, the significance of this game is unmatched. It's an opportunity to prove it belongs. This is the first senior class at Plymouth, and it's a good one. Plymouth is a victory away from making the state playoffs. It's only loss this season was 14-7 to Franklin in Week 3.
Coach Jay Blaylock has perhaps the best quarterback in the league in Brad Jones. Plymouth runs an option offense, and Jones' decision-making and ability to run the ball and carry out the fakes are critical to its success.
"If you saw him in street clothes, you wouldn't think too much of him," Blaylock said of Jones, who is 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds. "But he's a gem. Is he the most important player on offense? By far.
"Canton is a quality team. We both have a short play list."
Canton runs the full-house, T-formation offense, but Blaylock has noticed on film that Canton coach Tim Baechler has used the passing game much more this season. Canton quarterback Shawn Little is a three-year starter, giving Baechler more confidence in his passing game. Plymouth by 2
(All games at 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.)
Detroit King (5-1) vs. Detroit Murray-Wright (5-1) at Detroit Denby, 3:30, Friday: These teams have qualified for the PSL playoffs, but the PSL Division 1 title and a higher seed are at stake. King by 7
Detroit Henry Ford (4-2) at Detroit Mackenzie (2-4), 3:30, Friday: Mackenzie, despite its record, would make the PSL playoffs with a victory. Henry Ford would make the PSL postseason if it wins. It's all or nothing in this one. Henry Ford by 4
Dearborn Heights Crestwood (4-2) at Gibraltar Carlson (5-1): Carlson came within inches (a missed field-goal attempt in overtime) of defeating Highland Park on Saturday. Forget the inches. Carlson will regroup, roll up 400 yards in offense and won't need field goals or extra points to get back on the winning trail. Carlson by 12
Lake Orion (5-1) at Farmington Hills Harrison (5-1): This is the first of two major hurdles for Harrison. Next week, it plays at Rochester Adams (6-0). Harrison has been beset by injuries. Coach John Herrington hopes versatile Dan Sirovy (place-kicker / defensive back / slotback) returns this week. Lake Orion by 4
Bloomfield Hills Lahser (6-0) at Auburn Hills Avondale (4-2): Avondale has won three straight while getting its defense in order. The last time these teams played was last season in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs. Lahser won, 31-28, and this one also should go to the wire. Lahser by 4
Sterling Heights Stevenson (6-0) at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (4-2): This is the last real test for Stevenson during the regular season. Chippewa Valley is the only team standing in Stevenson's way of a 9-0 regular season and a home-field advantage in the first three rounds of the state playoffs. Chippewa Valley is running out of games. A loss could dampen its postseason hopes. Stevenson by 11
Taylor Truman (4-2) at Trenton (5-1): After being drubbed by Allen Park in a season opener, Trenton has bounced back nicely and could finish with eight straight victories. Truman needs to win two of the next three to get into the state playoffs. It won't be easy. Trenton by 8
You can reach Tom Markowski at (313) 223-4633 or tom.markowski@detnews.com.
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