Brother Rice Fans Transform Ford Field into Sea of Orange

DETROIT – Without a true home field to call their own during the season, Brother Rice football fans are used to traveling far and frequently to support the Warriors.

Friday was certainly no exception, as hundreds of orange-and-black clad fans filled eight sections of Ford Field's lower bowl to cheer on the eventual Division 2 state champions.

The Warriors gave them plenty to cheer about by taking an early lead that they never relinquished in the 24-14 victory. It was thanks largely to Devin Church, who ran for 244 yards on 33 carries, including all three of the Warriors' touchdowns.

The fans showed the love, chanting "we got Church, we got Church" as the Lowell Red Arrows tried to defend the end zone near by the Warriors' student section.

"Devin Church is amazing and we're totally going to take this game, all the way," Brother Rice senior Sloane Walsh said confidently from the stands during halftime.

Other fans were a bit more guarded before the game appeared to be in the Warriors' grasp late in the fourth quarter. Many said the unpleasant memories of last year's collapse in their playoff loss to the Harrison Hawks were still fresh.

"The game last year against Harrison was excrutiating because you went from being excited about having the game in control to complete disbelief that we were going to lose the game," said Lisa Obee, whos son, Ryan, is a senior at the school.

"We felt that we should have been here last year, so it's nice to see them get to this point."

Church's performance aside, fans also had a lot to say about the Brother Rice defense, which held Lowell's high-powered offense to just two scores.

"It was a very well-executed defensive game plan," said longtime fan Jozef Korzeniewski, smiling. He later admitted defensive coordinator Adam Korzeniewski was his son.

Whether connected to the team or not, fans came away with an appreciation for good football.

"We're big fans and try to come to the state finals every year," said Bill Rankin, of Northville. "My sons play in little leagues and we want them to see what it's like to play at the next level."