Five-star Peoples-Jones had one eventful half of football

DETROIT - The effortless manner in which Detroit Cass Tech five-star wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones scored against Detroit Pershing last night made the game look like a non-contact drill. Peoples-Jones scored Cass Tech's first three touchdowns in its 62-0 thumping of Pershing in the Detroit Public School League playoff semifinals.

On Cass Tech's first play on offense, quarterback Rodney Hall found Peoples-Jones streaking down the sideline for a 35-yard touchdown. Pershing was forced to punt to the ball away on its first offensive possession, which Peoples-Jones easily returned 43 yards for another score, giving Cass Tech a 16-0 lead. Minutes later, there was Pershing punting again, and once again, Peoples-Jones fielded the ball at Cass Tech's 30-yard line, followed a few blocks, and raced up the middle of the field for a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown. That was all in one quarter.

With Cass Tech out to a 40-0 lead over Pershing late in the second quarter, you would think they would have pulled the starters. But, no. Peoples-Jones trotted right back onto the field, this time at quarterback. He then tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to his quarterback, Hall. On Pershing ensuing possession, he intercepted the quarterback, capping off one productive first half. Granted it was against inferior competition, but two punt returns for touchdowns, a touchdown reception and pass, and an interception all in one half is impressive. And it was fun to watch.

Cass Tech advanced to the city title game at Ford Field next Friday for the fourth consecutive year.