Sports
Detroit King Defense Renders Wyandotte Imperfect
Both teams flexed a strong defense, but it was King's persistence in the game's final seconds that ultimately prevailed.
What was anticipated to be an offensive contest turned defensive and Detroit Martin Luther King, Jr. held Wyandotte Roosevelt to a 6-0 victory Friday night for the Division 2 regional football title.
The victory, King’s second quarterfinal shutout over the Bears in two years, grants the program a shot at the semifinals next week against either Brother Rice or U-D Jesuit following Saturday’s matchup.
With just under a minute to go, the championship was down to one play.
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On fourth and seven, King (10-1) blitzed and forced quarterback Donovan Stewart into a scramble. Stewart peeled back, rolled left under pressure and lofted a pass that soared into the back of the end zone.
“They just got pressure to the side that we were trying to get to,” Roosevelt coach Ron Adams said. “(Donovan) had an opportunity in the back of the end zone with Sowards. … The throw was just a little bit high.”
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Roosevelt (11-1) was led by Stewart, who was 7-for-23 for 99 yards, and finished with 136 yards on offense.
The loss was the team's first since its 31-3 defeat to Brother Rice on Nov. 17 during last year's semifinals.
“This time a year defense wins games. That’s what got us here and that’s what is keeping us here,” Detroit King coach Dale Harvel said. “That’s the only way we won tonight.”
Dayvon Austin led King’s defense with four sacks, including two for a loss.
The game started with Wyandotte recovering its own onside kick. But the momentum was short-lived as the team failed to capitalize on all but one third down conversion in the first quarter.
The lead came late in first half when James Speight connected with Avonte Maddox for a 35-yard touchdown pass.
“I saw Avonte break down field and I hit him for a touchdown," Speight said. “He’s very quick and easy to get open.”
A blocked field goal by King had setup decent field position on the scoring drive.
King managed to find the red zone once more in the fourth quarter, but failed to capitalize on the drive, resulting in a blocked field goal.
Roosevelt entered the game averaging 45 points per game. And King left allowing only 88 points in 11.
Wyandotte Patch blogged live from the game. To read a transcript, check out our live chat reply.Wyandotte Cable also recorded the game. It will be broadcast on Wyandote Cable channel 15 at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
