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The Lakers (8-2) of the Detroit Catholic League, were ranked No. 4 in Div. 8 in the final Detroit Free Press poll, but are they the favorites? The Eagles (7-3), unranked all season, are the home team because of more playoff points earned through the season, particularly from playing in the tough GTC. But, should they be underdogs?

Veteran coach Mike Boyd, who has one state title under his belt at WOLL and two other finals appearances, may have an edge in team speed. The Eagles, under veteran coach Bill Brown, who has been close to reaching State, is probably a little stronger physically.

The common ground is tradition.

"There's great tradition in both schools. Their schedule is just a little different," said Brown.

"But, we're playing at home. ... And, literally you have to fight to not let anybody take a trophy on your home field," he added.

The Eagles are fresh off a whipping of NCTL runner-up North Huron in the pre-districts. The Lakers broke away from Peck, the NCTL champion, for a decisive win the same night. WOLL is unlike North Huron in at least two ways Ð speed and style of play. On defense, the Lakers used quickness to gang up on Peck's Wing-T running attack. On offense, they used a type of spread offense part of the time and also ran very effectively out of the ÔI' formation with terrific senior back Jim Clifford, who scored three TDs against Peck.

"Clifford is a good running back. He has great speed, great moves, and doesn't go down on the first hit" said Brown. "And, they have a great compliment with the (Dylas) Armstrong kid. They run a counter with him, and he has good speed.

"It's about gang tackling for us," Brown added, "and not giving them space."

The Eagles make no secret about what they will try to do on offense. They want to power the ball in their version of the Wing-T.

"We definitely want to pound the ball," assured Brown. He said the question is "can (WOLL) go 50-60 plays against a physical Wing-T team. That's what will be found out."

Junior Marcus Kemp and senior Tony Santana do the bulk of the running for the Eagles behind a good offensive line.

Also, the Eagles feel they can pass the ball to keep the running lanes open. Sophomore Cody Hoff has been very effective going to wing back/wide receiver Jake O'Mara, plus his two tight ends, Eddy Zapinski and Jason Snear, and back Trevor Phipps.

Brown feels his team is ready for the challenge of claiming a fourth District title in the last seven years. The boost came in a tough loss to unbeaten Harbor Beach at the end of the regular season. The week before the Eagles were stung, 38-0, by Ubly.

"We had to play well against Harbor Beach, and we did," said Brown. "I didn't give Ôem much of speech before that. I just said Ôit's up to you'. And, they played pretty good ball. Some of the kids probably didn't know how good they could be until then."

Saturday night's winner will advance to the Region 3 title contest the following Friday or Saturday against the New Lothrop/Fulton-Middleton winner.