See photos from Detroit King, Cass Tech OT thriller

DETROIT – The biggest football rivalry in the Motor City celebrated an exciting edition Friday night with the King Crusaders narrowly defeating Cass Tech's Technicians in a tense 18-12 contest that went to overtime.

Fans packed the stands at Cass Technical High School for a late kickoff with football royalty like Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and Michigan Football assistant coaches Ron Bellamy and Lamar Morgan in attendance.

Detroit King hoped to avenge two close losses last year that narrowed their all-time series lead to 38-34.

The Crusaders exploded out of the gate Friday with a long touchdown run from senior wide receiver Damon Stennis on the opening drive that set the tone for the contest.

Soon, King led 12-0.

Cass Tech worked its way back with a safety, a field goal and a touchdown caught by star receiver Corey Sadler to to even the score.

With the game clock ticking down, the Technicians stopped King short of a first down on their own 15-yard line, and the game went to overtime.

King scored on the fourth down of their overtime drive with quarterback Darryl Flemister III firing off a pass to Marquise White to secure the lead. A blocked PAT gave the Technicians a chance to win, but Cass Tech was stopped short as a trio of Crusaders leapt to block their final pass.

Detroit King improves to 3-1 and a five-game lead in the all-time series, while Cass Tech slides to 2-2.

MLive was there to document the action, both on and off of the field. Check out photos from the game in the gallery above.for a direct link to the gallery.

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