Published On Apr 10, 2023
In the 1990s, it was rare for football teams from the Detroit Public School League (PSL) to play Detroit area suburban teams and beat them. Detroit Henry Ford was coming off a disappointing 7-2 record from the previous season, losing its defensive MVP (Dennis Hubbard, who signed with Oklahoma). Utica Henry Ford II had an impressive 1994 season finishing 9-1, but Utica Ford lost its All-State LB in Joe Spuhler (signed with Western Michigan).
This Week #1 matchup between Detroit Ford vs. Utica Ford pitted two offensive gurus against each other; Mike Marshall (Detroit Ford) and Terry Copacia (Utica Ford). Utica Ford had a 14-0 lead at halftime, powered by Copacia's passing game. Utica Ford increased their lead to 21-0 in the third quarter. Then Detroit Ford's ball control offense took over the game resulting in 22 unanswered points. Detroit Ford won the game, 22-21.