Southfield A&T earns district finals revenge in 36-25 win over Detroit Cass Tech

SOUTHFIELD — Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology football has a special group of playmakers at its disposal, so it was devastating for the team in 2022 when their season ended in a 25-14 loss to Detroit Cass Tech in the district finals.

Cass Tech has become an out-of-conference rival for the Warriors the past couple of years, with electric finishes and high-tension matchups, especially this year when Southfield A&T bested Cass Tech 29-27 in week one, but the Warriors were eager to get another district finals shot at Cass Tech Nov. 4 at Southfield A&T High School.

“We came in with a chip on our shoulder this game and ready to dominate and finish off strong,” Southfield A&T senior defensive lineman Reggie Gardner said.

Jumping out to a 30-6 lead early in the third quarter, Southfield A&T got just the start they were looking for as senior quarterback Isaiah Marshall and his talented crop of wide receivers put on an air show en route to a 36-25 win.

Marshall opened up the scoring with a 1-yard keeper after senior Dorian Freeman picked off Cass Tech on the first drive of the game, and it was all senior wide receiver Jawon Jarrett from there.

Marshall and Jarrett connected for three straight Southfield A&T scores on connections of 60-, 15- and 40-yard touchdown grabs.

Cass Tech threw man coverage at the Southfield A&T offense, and with the athletes like Southfield A&T has on the outside, they made Cass Tech pay.

“I definitely (saw) that they run man (coverage), but I was questioning if they were going to run it against us, because they know we got four top-notch receivers,” Jarrett said. “They didn’t change it, and I loved it.”

Senior running back Mathias Davis broke a 40-yard run right before the fourth quarter and finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 36-12 and end the Warriors scoring.

As impressive as Southfield A&T’s offense was in the win, the defensive unit deserves high praise for their dominant performance on all levels of the defensive side.

Forcing an interception, a strip sack, and multiple three-and-outs on the defensive side, the Warriors defense kept Cass Tech’s offense on their toes all game.

Gardner said the team’s preparation paid off on the defensive side.

“We watch film every day, so we work really hard to get to where we’re at right now,” Gardner said. “We just grinding during practice and all that.”

Cass Tech sophomore quarterback Corey Sadler Jr. threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score, while junior Jalen Howell and Will Sykes Jr. each recorded a touchdown grab. Sykes also returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the loss.

Southfield A&T will now face Macomb Area Conference Red’s Clinton Township Chippewa Valley in the regional finals on Nov. 10 at Chippewa Valley High School.

This will be the first meeting between the two schools since Southfield A&T coach Aaron Marshall took over the head coaching position.

While an unordinary matchup for the Warriors, expect them to come out and play Chippewa Valley like they’re any other Oakland Activities Association opponent.

“We’re just gonna play our game; Southfield game, that’s it,” Gardner said.