DETROIT, MI (11-13-26) – Junior running back Julian Taylor (#7) rushed for four touchdowns, while quarterback Donald Tabron II (#8) threw for 239 yards and two scores as Detroit Cass Tech defeated Northville 40-30 Friday night to capture the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 regional football championship.

The victory improved the Technicians to 12-0 and secured a state semifinal matchup against undefeated Romeo (12-0) on November 21, with the winner advancing to the Division 1 championship game at Ford Field.

Cass Tech appeared headed toward a comfortable victory after building a 21-0 advantage early in the second quarter. However, Northville refused to surrender, scoring 17 unanswered points to narrow the deficit to 21-17 and force the Technicians into a competitive second half.

Taylor became the difference-maker, overcoming a difficult first half in which Northville limited him to 14 yards on five carries.

With Cass Tech protecting a four-point lead during the third quarter, Taylor delivered one of the game’s most impressive plays. Taking a handoff toward the left side, the junior broke through attempted tackles, reversed direction across the field and raced 28 yards into the end zone.

Taylor added 78 rushing yards on nine second-half carries, finishing with four touchdowns. His final score came on a 20-yard run with just over six minutes remaining, extending Cass Tech’s nine-point advantage and helping secure the victory.

Tabron, a highly regarded junior quarterback committed to Texas A&M for the Class of 2028, completed 13 of 20 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Among his most important completions was a 15-yard fourth-down pass to junior receiver Mylan Griggs (#1), extending a critical third-quarter possession that ended with Taylor scoring from three yards out.

The performance demonstrated the offensive balance that has made Cass Tech one of Michigan’s leading championship contenders.

Defensive Playmakers Deliver

Cass Tech’s defense contributed two spectacular interceptions that helped prevent Northville from completing its comeback.

Junior defensive back Marquell Evans Jr. (#5), a Class of 2028 University of Pittsburgh commit, made an athletic one-handed interception during the second quarter, leaping into the air and securing the football with his right hand.

Later, Griggs delivered another remarkable interception after Northville recovered an onside kick late in the fourth quarter.

With the Mustangs attempting to narrow a 10-point deficit, quarterback Greyson Harris (#6) launched a deep pass that Griggs intercepted with one hand, effectively ending the comeback attempt.

Northville Battles Back

Northville finished its season 9-3 but challenged the undefeated Technicians throughout the regional championship.

Harris, a senior quarterback, connected with junior wide receiver Jackson DeFore (#18) for two touchdowns during the Mustangs’ comeback. Northville also converted a field goal before halftime, reducing Cass Tech’s early 21-point advantage to just four.

The Mustangs demonstrated persistence on special teams, recovering two onside kicks and remaining within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter.

Entering the regional championship, Northville had averaged approximately 307 rushing and passing yards combined per game. Senior running back Danny O’Neil (#5) led the team’s rushing attack, averaging 72.5 yards per game, while Harris had recorded 10 touchdown passes in the team’s previously reported season statistics.

DeFore had also been among Northville’s leading receiving threats, averaging approximately 25 receiving yards per game before the regional championship.

Defensively, senior lineman Tristen Salvas (#99) had averaged 7.5 tackles per game, while defensive back Nicholas Nathan (#2) had averaged 6.5.

Although those season averages are not Friday’s individual game totals, they illustrate the talent that helped Northville reach the regional championship.

O’Neil has received college football offers from Marshall and Wayne State, while Northville offensive lineman Noah Stump (#68), a senior, has received an offer from Michigan Tech.

Cass Tech’s College Recruiting Talent

Beyond their undefeated season, the Technicians continue attracting attention from college football programs across the country.

Tabron’s commitment to Texas A&M and Evans’ commitment to Pittsburgh highlight a talented junior class that will remain at Cass Tech next season.

Taylor, also a junior, has received multiple Division I scholarship offers, including Wisconsin, Purdue, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Arizona State.

Among the team’s seniors, linebacker Collin Sumpter (#4) is committed to Miami University in Ohio, while defensive back Anthony Foster (#9) has committed to Davenport University.

Their college opportunities illustrate the program’s ability to develop athletes for competition beyond high school.

Championship Opportunity Awaits

Cass Tech now faces another undefeated opponent in Romeo, which advanced with a 16-9 victory over Rochester Hills Stoney Creek.

The November 21 semifinal will feature two 12-0 programs competing for an opportunity to play for the Division 1 state championship.

For the Technicians, the combination of Taylor’s explosive rushing ability, Tabron’s passing accuracy and an athletic defense has produced 12 consecutive victories.

With one more win needed to reach Ford Field, Cass Tech remains focused on completing its undefeated season with a state championship.