The Dakota High School varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Cass Tech from Detroit on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.
What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Dakota (MI) vs Cass Tech (MI)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
A Clash of Titans: Cass Tech vs. Dakota – A Comprehensive Comparison
As two of Michigan’s premier football teams, Cass Tech and Dakota have had impressive runs in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting strong win-loss records, standout performances, and dynamic players that have set them apart in their respective leagues. Let’s break down their season stats, team dynamics, and head-to-head comparisons to better understand what makes each squad a contender.
Cass Tech: Dominating the Field with an 9-2 Record
Cass Tech enters the 2024-2025 season with a solid overall record of 9-2, including a 5-1 mark in league play. The team’s home record is particularly impressive at 4-1, while their away performance mirrors this success with a 5-1 record. The team’s win percentage stands at .818, with a league win percentage of .833.
On average, Cass Tech has put up 37.7 points per game (PPG) while allowing just 7.8 points per game (PA), showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they’ve excelled in rushing, passing, and receiving, with total yards per game averaging a solid 352.5.
Key individual performances highlight the strength of the team, including standout players like Brady Hamby, who leads in rushing yards per game with 86.4 yards, and Jadon Ford, who ranks #7 for passing yards with 139.1 yards per game. Additionally, Chase Thornton has been an impactful receiver with 48.4 receiving yards per game, while Brady Hamby also leads in tackles per game (7.5) and points per game (8.2).
Dakota: A Near-Perfect Season with a 10-1 Record
Dakota has been equally dominant this season, finishing with a 10-1 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in league play. Their home performance has been flawless, going 5-0, and they’ve also been strong on the road with a 4-1 record. With a win percentage of .909 and a league win percentage of .800, Dakota’s success has been built on consistent offensive and defensive play.
The team’s points per game average stands at 33.7, with 371 total points scored throughout the season. Defensively, they’ve allowed 84 points, significantly less than Cass Tech, though they’ve scored fewer total points. Dakota’s rushing attack has been one of their key strengths, averaging 205.5 yards per game, along with a balanced passing game (147.0 yards per game) and receiving game (147.1 yards per game). The team also ranks well in tackles per game (50.4) and sacks per game (3.5).
Individually, Brady Hamby of Cass Tech has been a standout player, but Dakota’s Logan Criteser, with 1.5 sacks per game, has had a noteworthy impact on defense. On offense, Dakota’s Brady Hamby has amassed 86.4 rushing yards per game, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success.
Common Opponents: An Even Matchup
Both teams faced off against Sterling Heights Stevenson, with Cass Tech securing a dominant 41-0 win on November 1, 2024, while Dakota triumphed 24-9 on September 20, 2024. This common opponent’s results show that both teams are formidable when pitted against similar competition, making their upcoming clash all the more intriguing.
Head-to-Head Record: Who Will Come Out on Top?
Both teams are undefeated in head-to-head matchups for the season (0-0), but they have encountered a common opponent with similar success. The overall clash between Cass Tech and Dakota will likely come down to the key battles in rushing yards, defense, and the ability to execute under pressure.
Cass Tech has a slight edge in passing yards per game, with Jadon Ford at the helm, while Dakota has proven itself as a more balanced team with strong rushing and receiving performances. Both teams excel defensively, with Cass Tech showing a slightly stronger performance in limiting opponents’ scoring.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Matchup Ahead
Cass Tech and Dakota are clearly two of the best teams in Michigan, each with their unique strengths and styles of play. Cass Tech leads with a potent offense that scores frequently, while Dakota boasts a solid defense and a balanced offensive attack. With both teams coming off successful seasons, this matchup promises to be a spectacle, with both squads aiming for victory as they chase their championship dreams. Fans can expect a thrilling, hard-fought contest where every yard gained and every point scored will matter.
