Grosse Pointes

Grosse Point South football falls to Detroit Cass Tech in opening-round playoff game

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Roy Feldman Grosse Pointe South quarterback Ryan Liagre prepares to pass the ball in an opening-round playoff game against Detroit Cass Tech. Cass Tech's defense didn't give up any touchdowns against South, which helped the Technicians come away with a 37-3 victory Photo by Roy Feldman Grosse Pointe South quarterback Ryan Liagre prepares to pass the ball in an opening-round playoff game against Detroit Cass Tech. Cass Tech's defense didn't give up any touchdowns against South, which helped the Technicians come away with a 37-3 victory

GROSSE POINTE — Grosse Pointe South’s football season ended Oct. 26, as the Blue Devils were defeated by Detroit Cass Tech 37-3 in an opening-round playoff game.

Cass Tech (8-2) running back Mike Weber got things started for the Technicians when he scored on a 30-yard touchdown run, giving his team a 6-0 lead with about seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. His run would be the only scoring that took place in the first twelve minutes of play.

It was the second quarter when the Technicians created some distance between themselves and the Blue Devils, who were playing in their first Division 1 playoff game.

Another touchdown run by Weber, in addition to two by running back Gary Hosey highlighted a 21-point offensive outburst by Cass Tech, giving the Technicians a 27-3 lead at the half.

South's Liam Mcllroy kicked the field goal for the Blue Devils' lone points in the second quarter.

The Technicians added a field goal and a 38-yard touchdown run by Hosey in the fourth quarter to cap off their scoring.

Cass Tech is the defending Division I state champions, and South coach Tim Brandon understood coming in that the Technicians are a team that presents its share of challenges.

“Tough draw,” he said. “They’re a good football team. We knew we had to play clean to win this football game and get a few breaks, and we didn’t play clean. We could have played better. But they’re a great team; all the credit goes to them."

While it won’t have the opportunity to advance in the playoffs, South has plenty of positives to build off of for next season.

The Blue Devils’ list of accomplishments include winning a league championship for the third time in the last four seasons, beating Grosse Pointe North for the third consecutive year -- which had not been previously done in the 44-year-old history of the rivalry -- and posting a regular-season record of 8-1, which had last occurred in 1989.

Brandon hopes it is those accomplishments his team will focus on when reflecting on the 2012 season.

“This is going to hurt for a period of time,” he said. “But as the hurt dissipates, we’re going to realize we did have a great season. 8-2 is a great season, and I’m proud of the seniors for the foundation they’ve built. Now it’s time for the juniors and sophomores to take up the yoke and get back in the weight room and get back to work and get ready for next season.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.