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King to defend Division 2 title after defeating Groves, 14-7
Dearborn – Detroit King will defend its Division 2 state championship as the Crusaders defeated Birmingham Groves 14-7 in a semifinal at Dearborn High on Saturday.
King (11-2) will take on Walled Lake Western for the state title on Friday at Ford Field at 1 p.m.
King took a 7-0 lead on Kevin Willis’ 3-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter.
King coach Tyrone Spencer has been praising his defense the whole season.
“Our defense has really been stepping up, especially during the playoffs,” said Spencer.
The defense did not let Spencer down as they were able to hold Groves scoreless until the second half.
King’s speed and agility was just too much for the Falcons as they had trouble advancing the ball up the field in the first half.
“Man I’m proud of how our boys played today,” said Spencer. “Groves is a good team and it was a battle.”
King was able to score again on a 15-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Dequan Finn to senior receiver Christian Chatman to give the Crusaders a 14-0 lead going into halftime.
Groves showed a little trickery in the second half as the Falcons were able to get on the scoreboard.
Faking a screen pass to receiver Nate Higley, junior quarterback Beau Kewley threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Drew Scheckell.
It was a game now as King led 14-7 with 8:32 left in the third.
But once again, that defense from King was able to step up and make key stops on third and fourth down.
“Our defense was tight today and they made some key plays,” said Spencer.
Even when King committed a few turnovers in the second half (a fumble and an interception), the Crusaders stepped up on defense.
Senior defensive tackle Damani Green said his defense came to play.
“Our defense was on point today, we have really stepped it up since the start of the playoffs and it feels good to head back to Ford Field,” said Green.
State Champs Mr. Football candidate, Ambry Thomas, led King with seven receptions for 130 yards.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Remember to watch the highlights from this game on the STATE CHAMPS! HS Sports Show, Sunday morning at 9:00 am on Fox Sports Detroit!
