DVS Metro Detroit Top 10: Clarkston Crashes Top Three as Week 5 Shakes Up Rankings

Week 5 delivered the kind of results that force changes at the top of the Detroit Varsity Sports Metro Detroit Top 10.

Detroit Catholic Central and Cass Tech remain firmly in the first two spots, but behind them, Clarkston makes the biggest move of the week, jumping three positions to No. 3 after defeating previously unbeaten Oxford, 31–28. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s also climbs following a statement 48–20 victory over Brother Rice. 

1. Detroit Catholic Central (5–0) — Last Week: No. 1

The Shamrocks remain atop the DVS rankings after another convincing performance, defeating Toledo St. John’s Jesuit 36–3. Catholic Central has yet to lose through five weeks and continues to hold the top position. 

2. Cass Tech (5–0) — Last Week: No. 2

Cass Tech stays at No. 2 following a 20–7 rivalry victory over Detroit King.

The final margin doesn’t tell the entire story. King led 7–0 at halftime, and the game remained tied entering the fourth quarter before Julian Taylor scored twice in the final period to help the Technicians create separation.

Cass Tech remains undefeated and adds another significant win to its résumé. 

3. Clarkston (5–0) — Last Week: No. 6 ▲3

Welcome to the Top 3.

Clarkston makes the week’s biggest jump after defeating previously unbeaten Oxford 31–28. The Wolves remain perfect through five games and now add a quality victory over a team that entered Friday 4–0. 

After back-to-back wins that include a 45–0 shutout of Rochester Adams and the victory over Oxford, Clarkston’s résumé demanded another look. 

4. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (4–1) — Last Week: No. 5 ▲1

Few teams made a louder statement in Week 5.

The Eaglets handed previously unbeaten Brother Rice its first loss with a decisive 48–20 victory. OLSM’s lone defeat remains the 44–42 overtime thriller against Detroit King earlier this season. 

5. Detroit King (4–1) — Last Week: No. 3 ▼2

King takes its first loss of the season, 20–7 against Cass Tech, but the Crusaders remain in the Top 5.

King led at halftime and remained within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter before turnovers and Taylor’s late touchdowns allowed Cass Tech to pull away.

The loss drops King two positions, but its résumé still includes the 44–42 win over OLSM. 

6. Brother Rice (4–1) — Last Week: No. 4 ▼2

Brother Rice falls two positions after suffering its first loss, 48–20 against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

The Warriors entered the matchup unbeaten, but OLSM’s decisive head-to-head victory reshuffles this portion of the rankings. 

7. Grand Blanc (5–0) — Last Week: No. 8 ▲1

Grand Blanc remains unbeaten after defeating River Rouge 24–12.

At 5–0, the Bobcats continue climbing and now move into the No. 7 position. 

8. Romeo (5–0) — Last Week: No. 7 ▼1

Romeo remains undefeated after surviving a tough test from previously unbeaten Grosse Pointe South, 28–26.

The Bulldogs slide one position because of movement elsewhere in the rankings rather than a loss of their own. 

9. Harper Woods (4–1) — Last Week: No. 10 ▲1

Harper Woods continues rolling.

The Pioneers went on the road and defeated Groves 41–13, improving to 4–1 and extending their winning streak to four games. Since losing their opener to Chelsea, Harper Woods has won 48–12, 54–6, 61–0 and 41–13. 

10. Oxford (4–1) — Last Week: No. 9 ▼1

Oxford suffered its first loss but stays inside the DVS Top 10.

The Wildcats went toe-to-toe with undefeated Clarkston before falling 31–28. A three-point road loss against the team that now occupies our No. 3 position isn’t enough by itself to knock Oxford out of the rankings.