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11/6/07-Football
Eaglets face Cardinals in regional grid play Friday
By MIKE ROSENBAUM of The West Bloomfield Eccentric
Historically, the difference between the Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Melvindale football programs is profound.
The Eaglets have won four state championships. The Cardinals entered this season with one playoff victory.
Asked about the differences between the teams – who'll meet Friday at Melvindale in a Division 3 regional contest – Cardinals coach Phil Howard pointed directly at St. Mary's football tradition.
“They're one of the better programs over the past 15 years. They've been there and done that,” Howard said.
Melvindale, meanwhile, is in uncharted waters after winning district playoff games against Allen Park (14-7) and Carleton Airport (42-7).
History aside, Melvindale is a fast, experienced team that went 8-1 in regular season, losing only to Mega Blue Division rival Ypsilanti. But the Cardinals haven't permitted more than eight points in any game since that 31-27 defeat in the fifth week of the regular season.
“The biggest thing is their defense,” said St. Mary's coach George Porritt. “They aren't giving up any points. The defense is extremely quick and strong.”
Melvindale is led by a pair of third-year starters – defensive end Steven Jolly and middle linebacker John Heitchue. Other key defenders include lineman Ronnie Cadez and two linebackers who Howard describes as solid Division 1 college prospects – Danny McKinney and Cameron Gordon.
The speedy Cardinals employ a base 4-3 defense but they'll shift to a five-man front or a nickel backfield when necessary.
Offensively, junior quarterback Jasaun Holt leads Melvindale's spread offense, which generally runs about 60 percent of the time. The Cardinals rotate sophomore running backs Wayne Pettus and Aaron Taylor, while McKinney and Gordon double as wide receivers and Jolly and Cadez anchor the line.
St. Mary's (8-2) operates a run-oriented offense but features plenty of playmakers, led by senior tailback Dominique White and sophomore quarterback Robert Bolden. While Bolden doesn't throw much unless the Eaglets fall behind, St. Mary's has deep threats at wide receiver, led by junior Dion Sims.
Both coaches agree they must avoid turnovers, as each offense is capable of striking quickly.
On the other side of the ball, the Eaglets have as much speed as Melvindale. Howard observed that, “when I look at them on defense I see a mirror image or ourselves” – a fast team that runs to the ball quickly.
Friday's winner will advance to semifinal play Nov. 17, against either East Lansing or Chelsea.
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