The 16th annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University in Detroit concluded with two Michigan High School Athletic Association state championship contenders earning overwhelming victories.

   On Saturday, Division 3 runner-up River Rouge dominated Eastpointe 56-0 and Division 1 powerhouse beat Southfield Arts & Technology 49-22.

   In Friday's opener, Dexter rolled past Birmingham Groves 40-8 and, in the nightcap, Warren De La Salle Collegiate took down Chicago (Ill.) St. Patrick, 38-13.

   On Thursday, Dearborn Fordson pounded Canton 38-23 in the opener. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley upset favored Detroit Catholic Central 45-20 in the nightcap.

   Organized by the Detroit Sports Commission, the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic is the premier high school football showcase in the Michigan. It was created to provide a unique and memorable experience for players, coaches, fans, cheerleaders, and band members. The event moved from Eastern Michigan University to Wayne State University in 2012.

   Formerly known as the Big Day Prep Showdown, the event has been recognized as the Outstanding Locally Created Event by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) for excellence in all aspects, including attendance, marketing, promotion and community presence.

   Last year's event was canceled due to the pandemic.

   Xenith is the main sponsor of the event. The company is improving football through protective and performance gear designed, first and foremost, for athletes.

About the Detroit Sports Commission: The mission of the Detroit Sports Commission is to market and sell metro Detroit as a premier destination for regional, national and international amateur sporting events. The DSC is a not-for-profit charitable organization, IRS 501 (c)(3), and a subsidiary of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.

About Xenith: Detroit-based Xenith was founded on a mission to put athletes first and improve football safety. Their progressive approach to helmet technology disrupted a long-complacent industry for the better – and season after season, Xenith keeps raising the bar. Designed for the committed athlete, Xenith products enable the athlete's pursuit with advanced fit, feel, style, and an innovative approach to safety & technology. Every Xenith helmet achieves top safety ratings, which enables every athlete to take the field with the confidence to play at their best. This athlete-centric philosophy doesn't stop at safety. Xenith designs for needs that transcend protection, pushing the boundaries of fit, feel, comfort, durability, performance and style.