We have hit week seven of the high school football season. Before we look forward to this week’s games, let’s look back and see what happened last week. It was a double dose of homecoming games as River Rouge and Trenton were both celebrating. For River Rouge, they won their game over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 35-7. However, Trenton wasn’t as lucky as they fell to Carlson 28-23. This week, we have a double dose of Downriver League action as Allen Park hosts Trenton, and Southgate hosts Lincoln Park for their homecoming.
Trenton vs Allen Park
In a game that is always hard-hitting, the Allen Park Jaguars host the Trenton Trojans. Last season, the Trojans got the best of the Jaguars, which stopped the Jaguar’s winning streak vs. them at four. The Jaguars will look to stay perfect going into their matchup with Carlson next week.
After sharing the Downriver League with Carlson a year ago, the Trojans of Trenton are just looking to add a big win to their resume, and none would be more significant than taking down the unbeaten Jaguars. The biggest contributor for the Trojans has been Junior Ashton Rooney. Rooney has played well in all facets of the game for the Trojans as he has been a pass catcher, a runner, and a return man for this Trojans team. Trying to slow down the Jaguars on defense will be sophomore Brock Culpepper. Culpepper has been a significant addition to the defense of the Trojans, as he’s near the top of every defensive category.
The Allen Park Jaguars are perfect and will look to stay that way as they host the Trenton Trojans. Seniors Braylon Orsette and Cam Johnson lead the Jaguars. The offensive connection between Orsette and Johnson has been phenomenal all season. The two have connected seven times so far this season, and they will look to keep that going strong this week against a good Trenton team. Another player who has provided an impact for the Jaguars is Reed Picotte. Picotte is an anchor in the middle of the defense for the Jaguars, as he has 34 tackles and three sacks on the season.
Kickoff is at 7 pm from Marc England Field on the campus of Allen Park High School.
Southgate vs Lincoln Park-Game of the Week
Before the season, this one looked like there could have been some implications in the league. However, after close to 30 turnovers from Lincoln Park early in the season, they sit at 2-4. For Southgate, they sit at 4-2 with a chance for their first seven-win season since they won eight games in 2011.
The Southgate Anderson Titans enter this one after getting back star Running Back Chase Barbosa after missing time due to injury, and he came out firing on all cylinders. In his first game back from injury, Barbosa had four touchdowns on 14 carries for 63 yards against Woodhaven. Another player who had a big game for the Titans was Receiver Thomas Leskowski, who pulled in four receptions for 101 yards. Second-year signal-caller Jackson Sage went 10 for 13 against Woodhaven for 185 yards. Barbosa had seven tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery on defense in the 44-14 victory over Woodhaven.
The Lincoln Park Railsplitters come into this matchup riding a two-game winning streak. With their playoff lives hanging in the balance, they will look to do something that hasn’t been done since the 2017 season: to beat Southgate. Leading the way for the Railsplitters is Junior Receiver Javion Cornett-Tillman. Cornett-Tillman has eight receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Throwing him the ball is Sophomore Quarterback Jacob Boykins. Boykins has had a rocky start to the year, throwing seven interceptions. However, it’s not all bad, as he has passed for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Boykins has also run it 38 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns and has found his stride of late. On the defensive side, it’s been Sophomore Logan Ferrell bringing the heat as he has three sacks and 58 tackles; five of those tackles have happened in the backfield for a loss and has recovered a fumble. The Railsplitters will look to limit the turnovers that have plagued their season, and if they can do that, this should be an old-school brawl.
Kickoff is at 7 pm from Southgate Anderson High School.