Rebounding from a rough patch of lethargic play late in the year, the Yellowjackets of Birmingham Detroit Country Day (8-3) look poised to stage a third straight trip to Ford Field and another return to the D3 state football finals. Behind the play of some hard-working seniors (I'm talking 'bout u Brett Smith, Chris Eddins, Joe MacLean, and Jason Ray) and a tantalizing trio of junior studs (the triumvirate of Josh Harris, Lee Bailey, and Kenny Knight need no introduction, I'm sure) the Jackets are once again stinging the competition and the buzz around town is that DCD is on the war path. Taking their first two playoff games in commanding fashion, including a rip-roaring 45-6 demolition of a quality Madison Heights Lamphere team last Friday night, the ole' Blue and Yellow appear to be shifting gears to overdrive in their playoff push with an explosive offense firing on all cylinders. Junior QB Josh Harris had two TD's in the Lamphere win and so did Joe MacLean (one apiece on 'O' and 'D') and RB Lee Bailey. Sophomore tailback, John Hill, a force to be reckoned with in the running game himself, punched one into the end zone too.

Here's the one difference I see between this '09 Yellowjackets squad and the past two editions of DCD football – This group is going to win a state title. Mark it down, you read it here first. Burney is screaming…er typing loud and far that the Jackets are going to get themselves that ever-elusive wooden mitten (get it, all the state championship trophies are wood shaped state of Michigans).

Harris has the chance to go down as one of the all-time great signal callers in a rich Country Day football history and I think he will. Any sophomore to take his team to a state championship game like he did last year, is one heck of a ball player. Chris Eddins (note to college coaches: someone get this kid locked up now) is a beast in the interior for the Jackets and MacLean is a pesky, little spark plug on both sides of the ball. Bailey is as sweet as homemade peach cobbler running the rock and WR Kenny Knight stretches the field like a colossal Charleston Chew bar. Senior placekicker Brett Bukari (35 yd fg and 4 extra points against Lamphere) just captured a state title in soccer last weekend and he's getting greedy and wants another one. I don't blame ya, Brett. And don't worry, didn't you just the start of this entry….it's in the bag