King vs. Cass Tech game notes

DETROIT - The game almost didn't happen Imagine that. But the rematch between Detroit King and Detroit Cass Tech did go on, with King pulling out an impressive, 27-25, in front of 11,000 at Ford Field Friday night. With over 20 Division I offered kids on the field, there obviously a lot of performances to talk about. We recap here.

--Detroit King 2016 ATH Armani Posey: You talk to anyone in the state, and they are all puzzled as to why Posey doesn't have any offers. He plays quarterback for King, but that hasn't hurt his recruitment at his real position, of that hybrid safety/linebacker. The 6-1, 200-pounder led the team in tackles, making a few key stops, and almost saving a touchdown on 4th down at the goal line. The 6-1, 200-pounder isn't the best athlete, or the fastest, but he was the best pure football on the field last night. And just to show you just how good Posey was last night, he also threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns for King. Pay the man!

--Detroit Cass Tech 2017 CB-RB Donovan Johnson: For some reason, the 5-10, 169-pounder loves to perform on the big stage at Ford Field. He did well against King's, Donnie Corley, in last year's game, and did the same this year, keeping Corley off the board, and not allowing him to get loose. The four-star has the ability to stay in a receiver's pocket, and did that all night long, recording a handful of pass deflections versus Corley. Johnson is also Cass Tech's best option at running back, and when given the opportunity, he comes through. He scored twice for Cass Tech last night, on a 3-yard rush, and an 81-yard kickoff return for touchdown to open the second half. He's the real deal.

--Detroit King 2016 CB-WR LaVert Hill: He's the best cornerback in the state, and it's not up for debate. You can put Hill on an island, and not worry about him needing any help. Cass Tech only threw for 36 yards last night against King, with Hill holding 2017 wide out, Donovan Peoples-Jones, to just one ball for 15 yards. He also had a key pass break-up late in the game on 4th down for Cass Tech, basically sealing the win for King. During a last second attempt to march 90 yards down the field for a score for Cass Tech, Hill picked off Rodney Hall, but was ruled out of bounds. Still, it was an impressive play along the sidelines against his former school. Penn State is trying its best to hold on to him.

--Detroit King 2016 CB-WR Dontre Boyd: For some reason, Boyd is always the overlooked guy at King, like he isn't committed to Western Michigan. He will play defense there, but he is special with the ball in his hands on defense. Boyd caught four balls for 56 yards and two key touchdowns. He just has that knack for getting open, and his speed and agility helps out as well.

--Detroit Cass Tech 2016 CB Donnell Alexander: All this kid knows how to do it ball. The knock on him is that he's small, but that is what makes him good. For what the 5-8, Alexander, lacks in size, he makes up with in strength, confidence, and technique. If you are going to beat him, it's going to be over the top. He didn't allow Donnie Corley to catch any deep balls, and although he was flagged once again for pass interference a few times, it was still a solid performance for him. Alexander is an even better student in the classroom, and has shown that he can hang with the best of the best.

--Detroit Cass Tech special teams: With their offense not being able to do much against King's tough defense, Cass Tech turned to its special teams for some energy. Two of their touchdowns came in the return game. Super-athletic 2017 wide receiver, Donovan Peoples-Jones, took a 44-yard punt to the house, after he caught King sleeping on a bounce, and raced up the sideline untouchded for the score. DPJ needs more touches, because he is a special athlete at his size. Cass Tech also scored on an 81-yard kickoff return by Donovan Johnson, who found a huge crease, hit it, and the rest was history. Cass' special teams really kept this in this game.

--Detroit King defense: Cass Tech scored 25 points on the night, but 12 of those points came from the special teams unit. Aside from that, King's defense was stellar. Cass Tech couldn't pass the ball, and was barely able to run on them either. King's defense is only giving up 9.5 points per game, and has three shutouts this season. Their defensive line is underrated, with Central Michigan commit, Leon Page, leading the way. The linebacker corps is solid, led by Lawrence Bryant, is another overlooked player for King. Freshman linebacker, Tyreece Woods, is the next one up. And of course, their secondary. Let's just say, you're better off running the ball.