STATEMENT MADE! Harper Woods Takes Down Unbeaten Clarkston 28–13 Behind Dakota Guerrant
HARPER WOODS, Mich. — Harper Woods wanted an opportunity to prove it belonged among Michigan’s elite high school football programs.
Friday night, the Pioneers made their case.
Behind a dominant performance from Oregon commit Dakota Guerrant and a physical defensive effort, Harper Woods defeated previously undefeated Clarkston 28–13 in one of Metro Detroit’s biggest Week 8 matchups.
The victory improved Harper Woods to 7–1, extended its winning streak to seven games and handed the Wolves their first loss of the 2026 season.
For a program that opened the year with a loss to Chelsea, Friday’s performance represented another major step forward.
Harper Woods Sets the Tone Early
The Pioneers wasted little time establishing their physicality.
On Clarkston’s second offensive play, Harper Woods defensive back Kentravious Terry forced a fumble, immediately giving the home team an opportunity to seize momentum.
Harper Woods capitalized.
Sophomore quarterback Austin Mitchell connected with Guerrant on a six-yard touchdown pass to give the Pioneers an early 7–0 advantage.
The offense continued applying pressure in the second quarter.
Deandre Bidden broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run, extending Harper Woods’ lead to 14–0 and putting the previously unbeaten Wolves in an early hole.
Clarkston eventually responded with a touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Waszczenko, cutting the deficit to 14–6.
But Harper Woods maintained control heading into halftime.
Dakota Guerrant Takes Over
Guerrant entered Friday’s matchup as one of Michigan’s most highly regarded prospects.
By the end of the night, the Oregon commit had delivered another performance demonstrating why.
On the opening play of the second half, Guerrant lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation and exploded down the sideline for a 77-yard touchdown run.
The score extended Harper Woods’ advantage and put Clarkston under even greater pressure.
Guerrant finished with 154 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, two receptions for 12 yards and another score, and an 18-yard completion.
His contributions weren’t limited to offense.
Guerrant also played extensively at linebacker, helping the Pioneers contain a Clarkston offense that had entered the contest averaging more than 40 points per game.
His versatility gave Harper Woods a difference-maker on both sides of the football.
Defense Delivers Against the Wolves
While Guerrant provided the offensive highlights, the Harper Woods defense was equally important.
The Pioneers consistently disrupted Clarkston’s offense, limiting the Wolves’ opportunities and forcing difficult situations throughout the night.
Defensive linemen Caleb Lane, Jeremiah McCall and Jeremy Upshaw played significant roles in controlling the line of scrimmage.
Clarkston struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack, while Harper Woods repeatedly pressured Waszczenko and forced the Wolves into passing situations.
The Pioneers held Clarkston to punts or turnovers on seven of its nine possessions.
By the time the Wolves found additional offensive production late in the game, Harper Woods had already established a commanding advantage.
The final result was a convincing 28–13 victory against one of the state’s previously unbeaten programs.
From Week 1 Setback to Championship Contender
Harper Woods’ season didn’t begin the way the Pioneers envisioned.
A 29–20 loss to Chelsea in the season opener forced the program to address its execution, physicality and attention to detail.
Since that defeat, Harper Woods has responded with seven consecutive victories.
Friday’s win over Clarkston may be the most significant of them all.
The Pioneers entered the matchup with an impressive record and a talented roster, but defeating an undefeated opponent provided the kind of signature victory that can change the perception of a team.
With one regular-season game remaining before the MHSAA playoffs, Harper Woods has positioned itself as a serious contender in Division 3.
A Statement Heard Across Michigan
Clarkston entered Friday undefeated and ranked among Michigan’s top Division 1 programs.
Harper Woods didn’t simply find a way to win.
The Pioneers controlled the matchup, delivered explosive offensive plays and used their defense to frustrate one of the state’s most productive offenses.
For Harper Woods, the victory sends a message as the postseason approaches.
The Pioneers aren’t just winning games.
They’re proving they can compete with — and defeat — some of Michigan’s best.
Detroit Varsity Sports was on-site at Harper Woods High School capturing game action and highlights from the Pioneers’ statement victory.
Stay connected with Detroit Varsity Sports for exclusive game highlights, Metro Detroit high school football coverage and the road to the MHSAA playoffs.
