Prep Kickoff Classic 2023 at Wayne State features two state champions, out-of-town visitor

Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press
·1 min read
River Rouge receiver Nicholas Marsh makes a catch against Cedar Springs defensive back Ryan Mitchell during second-half action of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Tom Adams Field at Wayne State on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Editor's note: Story updated to correct time for Cass Tech-Southfield A&T game.

We may be in the throes of March Madness, but it's never too early to think about football.

For Michigan high schools, the start of the football season will yet again be the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State.

For the 18th season in a row, some of the best programs in the state will descend to Midtown for three days of season openers, from Aug. 24-26 at Tom Adams Field.

The festivities start that Thursday with a 4 p.m. kickoff between Lakes Valley Conference rivals Walled Lake Western (9-2 last season) and Waterford Mott (8-3). That's followed by a matchup of two recent Division 1 state champions, West Bloomfield (8-2) and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (7-3) at 7 p.m.

On Aug. 25, there's an open slot at 4 p.m. At 7 p.m., Belleville (14-0), last season's Division 1 champ, will take on River Rouge (5-5).

Then on Aug. 26, Detroit Cass Tech (9-4) plays Southfield A&T (8-3) at 1 p.m. in a rematch of last season's opener for both, followed by Detroit King (10-3), the Division 3 champion, against Cincinnati St. Xavier.

Ticket information will be made available at a later date.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Prep Kickoff Classic 2023 at Wayne State features two state champions