Goricki's prep picks: Defenses to be put to test

Detroit Cass Tech loves to run the football.

Chippewa Valley loves to throw the football.

Needless to day, Saturday's Division 1 regional final will come down to the defenses.

Chippewa Valley's defense has improved during the last half of the season after allowing 407 yards rushing to Lake Orion's Matt Krause.

But at 1 p.m. Saturday, it faces Michigan-bound running back Mike Weber, who has 743 yards and 13 touchdowns in the last four games.

Cass Tech, too, has a stout defense, led by the outstanding secondary of Lavert Hill, Keyshawn Gilmore, Donovan Johnson and Demetric Vance. But they face Chippewa Valley quarterback Patrick Briningstool (1,600 yards, 25 touchdowns) and receivers Stefan Claiborne (10 touchdowns), Kyle Muller (900 yards, nine touchdowns) and Sean Bunting (eight touchdowns).

Pick: Cass Tech (11-0) by 9

Other top games

Warren De La Salle (8-3) vs. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-0), 11:30 a.m. Satuday, Berkley: De La Salle's defense put pressure on Brother Rice QB Alex Malzone in Week 4, had more yards of offense (367-218) and ran more plays (65-40) — but lost. Brother Rice by 2

Canton (9-2) at Saline (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Canton's offensive line is healthy, leading to big holes for RB Marcus Sanders. Saline has won 10 straight since an opening loss to Muskegon Mona Shores. Canton by 6

Southfield (8-3) at Wyandotte (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday: Wyandotte is gaining confidence despite losing all its starters on defense. Wyandotte QB Donovan Stewart is experienced, but Southfield has an outstanding secondary behind CBs Ray Buford and Ja'mar Antwine and Ss Dior Johnson and Davontae Ginwright. Southfield by 1

Madison Heights Madison (9-2) at Ithaca (11-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Ithaca has won four consecutive Division 6 titles and had a 67-game winning steak. Madison, however, has the size and talent to match. Ithaca by 6

david.goricki@detroitnews.com

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