East English — ranked No. 7 in The News Super 20 poll — has clinched a spot in the state playoffs after missing postseason play last year.
“Last year was the first time we missed it in 20 years,” said East English coach Rod Oden, who coached Crockett before that. “We’re glad to be back, glad to have an opportunity to keep playing for our seniors. It’s good times right now and we’re getting ready for the city playoffs this week.
“We’re fortunate enough to be No. 1 (in the PSL playoffs) and it’s going to be a great challenge for us. I know we threw a monkey-wrench in all of the city’s plans because everybody thinks it’s King-Cass Tech in the championship game so it’s good that we’re going to mix things up a bit.
“I remember you posted at the beginning of the year for your top 10 games to watch and you had Oct. 20, Cass versus King in the PSL title game at Ford Field and our kids took it personally.
Cass Tech vs M.L King
Yes, of course! The Detroit high school sports world would love to see Cass Tech vs M.L King play for another PSL City Championship game at Ford Field. Given that the rivalry, size of school, battle of the band, alumni, and merchandise - all bring good revenue to the Detroit Public School League.
King won the PSL title two years ago with Cass Tech avenging the loss last season to claim the championship.
Not this year. Cass Tech (5-1) and King (6-1) will play in a PSL semifinal game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Detroit Northwestern with the winner moving on to face the winner between top-seeded Detroit East English (7-0) and No. 4 seed Detroit Renaissance (4-3) which will be played at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Northwestern.
Cass Tech (Division 1) and King (Division 2) won state championships last year and will be threats to repeat next month.
Here's the Detroit PSL playoff schedule:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017 at Northwestern High School
B Semi-Finals (5) Denby 5-1 (H) vs. (8) Delta Prep 5-2 - 5:00 PM
A Semi-Finals (1) East English 7-0 (H) vs. (4) Renaissance 4-3 - 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 at Northwestern High School
B Semi-Finals (6) Central 5-2 (H) vs. (7) Mumford 5-2 - 12:00 PM
A Semi-Finals (2) M.L King 6-1 (H) vs. (3) Cass Tech 5-1 - 2:00 PM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017
B CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - 4:00 PM
A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - 7:00 PM