West Bloomfield football, Semaj Morgan handle Southfield A&T 42-28

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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - The West Bloomfield Lakers (7-1) visited the Southfield A&T Warriors (6-2) for their final away game of the regular season, and West Bloomfield pulled away in the second half for a 42-21 victory.

Here are four takeaways from the game:

Sensational Semaj

Senior Laker and Michigan commit wide receiver/safety Semaj Morgan was a force for his team on both sides of the ball Friday night. Morgan finished with two touchdowns, one passing and one from a 90-yard interception return. 

Morgan has been playing at quarterback since the usual starter Reqez Nance has been out with a hand injury. Morgan said he’s prepared to play any position on the field.

“Growing up I’ve been playing quarterback; my dad taught me how to play every position on the field and God gave me (the) talent to play every position on the field,” Morgan said. “Me, being able to control the game, really helps us in a way. I got a real high football IQ and I’m a playmaker, so being able to go out there and make plays for my team made me happy today”

Laker Secondary

West Bloomfield’s defense was stifling against the pass. Junior Southfield quarterback Isaiah Marshall was moving the ball with his feet, but he couldn’t get much going through the air. West Bloomfield head coach Tyrice Grice said the coaching staff had their defensive backs ready for the Warrior receivers.

“We put our defensive backs up for the challenge,” Grice said. “We felt these were some of the best receivers in the state, and I don’t think they caught five passes on us. Our D-backs were pretty good covering their number one receiver. Deonte Pippen did an excellent job checking that guy and not giving up the big pass. That’s something we’ve been working on and something we do - man press coverage.”

Lakers Without Morgan for Week Nine

In the fourth quarter following Morgan’s second interception, he drew a flag for taunting and was ejected from the game. Since the ejection came in the fourth quarter, Morgan will have to miss West Bloomfield’s final game of the regular season at home against Utica Eisenhower. Morgan said it was a misunderstanding.

“I catch the pick and get up, and when I get up the ref is staring at me,” Morgan said. “I’m like, is it a catch? He points our way. But then there was another ref across the field that said I was taunting and then he kicked me out (of) the game.”

Marshall Found a Way to Stand Out

Junior Southfield quarterback Isaiah Marshall finished with over 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Late in the second quarter, Marshall scampered for a 60 yard touchdown down the sideline. In addition, he displayed his speed and reached the corner of the end zone for the two point conversion to bring his team within seven points. Although he couldn’t find success through the air, Marshall showed why he is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country for the class of 2024.