Warren De La Salle and Davison meet in a matchup of Associated Press Top 10 teams on Friday night. Listen LIVE on ESPN 100.9-FM beginning at 6:30pm.
By @EvanPetzold
Davison is ranked No. 7 in Division I by The Associated Press. Warren De La Salle is No. 4 in Division 2.
For the first time in program history, the Cardinals (6-0) and Pilots (5-1) square off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Davison High School.
Davison senior quarterback Cannon Hall is ready for the challenge.
“If we do the things we’ve been working on, we can come out with a win,” Hall said.
Throughout six games this season, Hall has completed 50-of-75 passes for 725 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. He is even more electric on the ground, running the ball 89 times for 729 yards and 16 touchdowns.
That’s right, Hall has scored 27 total touchdowns through six games – an average of 4.5 touchdowns per game.
“We have five offensive threats at all times,” Hall said. “Our defense has prepared well. If we spread the ball and play unpredictable, we will do well.”
Hall isn’t the only player who can dominate on offense. His running back, senior Michael Jamerson, has rushed for 650 yards on 76 carries and six touchdowns.
De La Salle is on a five-game winning streak after losing in Week 1 to Muskegon High School team. The Big Reds, earning a 36-21 win, were carried by top 2020 quarterback prospect Cameron Martinez.
The Pilots are led at running back by senior Evan Vaillancourt. He has 61 carries for 324 yards and seven touchdowns. Hall said that De La Salle has a few strengths – coaching and consistency. The Pilots have won two state titles in four years while sending multiple student-athletes to the Division I level.
“They’re big. They’re fast,” Hall said. “I think if we do the things we’ve been working on, we can come out with a win.”
Junior quarterback Anthony Stepnitz ran the offense for De La Salle until heading into a battle with Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s on Sept. 21. The junior did not play against the Eagles, so senior Nolan Schultz took the field for the first time in 2018.
Schultz has started the last two games, completing 14-of-22 passes for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Pilots earned a 31-7 win over St. Mary’s Prep and a 41-20 victory against University of Detroit Jesuit on Sept. 28.
Senior Josh DeBerry is the top wide receiver for De La Salle, grabbing 18 receptions for 402 yards and six scores. On defense, he has three passes defended.
From watching film, Hall said De La Salle’s offense is nothing like his team has ever faced.
Davison has defeated Southfield, Bay City Western, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Flint Powers Catholic, Grand Blanc and Flint Southwestern for a perfect record this season.
Hall aspires for a deep playoff run in his final high school campaign. For the Cardinals, taking on a reigning MHSAA Division 2 state champion on Friday is a test.
