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.