Football preview: Downriver League | freep.com | Detroit Free Press.
Big number: 1,092 — When border rivals Allen Park and Southgate meet on Sept. 24, the number of days since Allen Park has beaten the Titans. The Jaguars had never lost consecutive games to Southgate prior to last year.
Coaches’ poll: 1. Southgate Anderson, 76; 2. Melvindale, 67; 3. Wyandotte Roosevelt, 66; 4. Allen Park, 55; 5. Gibraltar Carlson, 52; 6. Trenton, 41; 7. Woodhaven, 32; 8. Taylor Truman, 23; 9. Taylor Kennedy, 20; 10. Lincoln Park, 8.
ALLEN PARK (4-5, 4-5) Strength: Offensive and defensive line Top players: QB/DB Mike Battistelli; Jr. TB/LB Kyle Oakley; RB Ricardo Aceval; WR/DB Austin Zacny; RB-WR Bobby Christian; FB Dan Ervin. Outlook: This could be a bounce-back year for the Jaguars, who have much more balance offensively and an improved Battistelli to run the offense. Zacny (6-4) is a good target outside.
MELVINDALE (9-0, 10-1) Strength: Defense, skill positions Top players: WR/LB Courtney Williams; RB Walter Williams; RB/DE Devantae Averette; QB David Smith; WR/LB Travon Hampton. Outlook: New coach Ellis Slaughter takes over a team that dominated the Downriver League last year. Averette is a load and keys a veteran defensive unit.
SOUTHGATE ANDERSON (6-3, 8-4) Strength: Defense Top players: Jr. QB Devon Bronson; RB Darius Robinson; RB Michael Currie; RB/LB Jacob Mullinax; DB Jeremiah Mullinax; TE/DE Brandon Riney; OL/DL Tomas Gomez; NG Iziel Drew. Outlook: The Titans can build off a strong postseason run, even with a new quarterback in Bronson. With some key skill players back in the mix, Southgate could be tough again.