The big question last Sunday at the Blue Devils’ “Selection Sunday” watch party was what division the Blue Devils would be playing in this year. Although the change between division one and division two may seem small, it actually has huge implications on possible opponents the Blue Devils may have to face in this year’s playoffs. 

If the Blue Devils landed a spot in division two they would play teams that, while still challenging, would be less difficult to beat. They also could have gotten a week one matchup against one of only two blemishes on their record, Birmingham Groves.

The Blue Devils ultimately got placed into division one meaning that they will be playing with some of the biggest schools in the state and many historically great teams. Their first matchup is a home game against the 5-4 Cass Tech Technicians who have won two State Championships in the last ten years.

If the Blue Devils beat Cass Tech then they will be looking at a district matchup against the winner of the 8-1 Fordson and the 6-3 Detroit Western game. Fordson beat the Blue Devils last year with a huge second-half comeback to beat the Blue Devils 24-17.

If the Blue Devils win two games in a row and make it out of their district then they will likely have to face the undefeated and defending division one State Champion, Chippewa Valley in the regional final, not to mention the rest of the stacked field including teams like Rockford, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield and Lapeer if they make it out of their region.

As things stand now the Blue Devils are facing an uphill, but not impossible, battle to claim the school’s first state championship in the millennia. The Blue Devils will be hosting their first playoff game on Friday, Nov 1.