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9/23/06-Football
Another all-star talent show
By KEITH DUNLAP
The Oakland Press
The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association all-star may not be until July, but fans wanting a sneak preview would be wise to go to Southfield-Lathrup High School on Saturday night.
That will be the location for one of the state's biggest regular season games of the year, when Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Birmingham Brother Rice will square off in a battle of Catholic League unbeatens.
To say there will be no shortage of talent on the field would be like saying Fall brings a little cooler temperatures to Michigan.
Division I collegiate talent will be littered all over the field for both sides.
"There's normally been a lot of talent out there over the years," St. Mary's head coach George Porritt said. "The talent (Saturday) will rank up there (with past games)."
For St. Mary's, its prime-time players are characterized by speed, speed and more speed who'll play on big-time stages at the next level.
Cornerback-wide receiver Dionte Allen has committed to Florida State, wide receiver Taurian Washington has pledged his services to Ohio State, while rifle-armed and elusive quarterback Justin Siller has committed to Purdue.
The Eaglets also have a Divsion I prospect at linebacker in Alex Delisi and a home-run threat at running back in senior Chris Mitchell.
While Brother Rice doesn't have the speed of the Eaglets, the Warriors make up for in the strength and size category.
Senior Chris Colasanti, who has committed to Penn State, is a beast at linebacker who's seemingly in on every play, while 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive lineman Darris Sawtelle is an imposing blocker who's headed to Tennessee.
If those two weren't enough, Brother Rice has a Division I player at tight end in Eastern Michigan-bound Dan Youssif and a Division I quarterback in Mike Cappetto, who's committed to Duke.
Senior wideout/defensive back Kaunda Hancock is also a Division I prospect, while versatile senior Joey Henry is a threat wherever he is on the field, whether it be at running back, wideout or kick returner.
The Eaglets and Warriors met three times last season, with St. Mary's winning two of those meetings. However, Brother Rice won the meeting that ultimately counted, a 17-8 win over St. Mary's in a Division 2 playoff regional final, en route to winning the state title.
Both teams will likely meet three times again this season. Barring an upset of either, the Warriors and Eaglets would meet in the Catholic League Prep Bowl next month and in the state playoffs again.
"I think it's going to be a good game," Brother Rice head coach Al Fracassa said. "You do what you can to prepare for a game like this, but you don't want to put too much pressure on the kids. The game is still fun."
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