State's High School Playoffs Kickoff Friday

DETROIT (WWJ) - Football playoff fever begins as high school playoffs get underway Friday for 256 teams across the state.

While some teams have to travel a long way to meet their opponent, it's a cross-town grudge match in Warren Friday night, as Mott High School hosts Cousino High School.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Mike Cambell reported there was a lot of energy early in the morning at Mott as students prepared for the game.

There, he talked with Tom Milanov, who has coached the Mott Marauders for 12 year.

"I think the school's ready to go, our players are ready to go. It should be, you know, a great environment, a great game," said Milanov.

"It's pretty fun. A lot of these kids ... grew up or lived literally across the street from each other. So, it should be a great game and some added intensity there," he said.

Victor Sharp and Eric Lubeck are Mott's self-appointed "school inspiration directors."

"We bring school spirit to the school and we get everybody hyped for the game," said Sharp.

"We're out to motivate everybody. We get everybody out here for this," said Lubeck.

The state playoffs culminate at Ford Field Thanksgiving weekend.