Kalamazoo Football Stars to Meet in Final Rivalry Game
Top recruits from Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix face off this Friday before heading to their respective universities.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Should high school athletes focus more on local rivalries or their upcoming collegiate football careers?
Kalamazoo Central High School's Dewey Young and Loy Norrix High School's Jakari Lipsey face off for their final high school football rivalry game this Friday, October 23, 2026. Both standout offensive tackles, who are committed to the University of Colorado and University of Michigan respectively, met at Milwood Middle School ahead of the matchup.
Why it matters
This high-profile matchup highlights the local talent emerging from the Kalamazoo school district as both student-athletes prepare to transition to collegiate football programs. Their final rivalry game serves as a capstone for their local high school careers before heading to their respective universities.
Both athletes stand at 6-foot-5, with Dewey Young weighing 312 pounds and Jakari Lipsey at 290 pounds. Young recorded 40 pancake blocks last season, while Lipsey has earned a selection to the 2027 Navy All-American Bowl.
The players
Dewey Young
A 6-foot-5 offensive tackle at Kalamazoo Central High School committed to the University of Colorado.
Jakari Lipsey
A 6-foot-5 offensive tackle at Loy Norrix High School committed to the University of Michigan.
The details
The two offensive tackles, who share a background at Milwood Middle School, have developed into top-tier recruits through rigorous training and play. Young has established a dominant presence for Kalamazoo Central, frequently anchoring the offensive line, while Lipsey has climbed national recruiting rankings to secure his All-American status. This game represents the culmination of their high school development in the Kalamazoo community.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Young and Lipsey meet at Milwood Middle School for a joint interview.
October 23, 2026: Kalamazoo Central hosts the Loy Norrix football game.
January 9, 2027: Jakari Lipsey competes in the Navy All-American Bowl.
The Home Front
The rise of these two athletes underscores the broader trend of Michigan high schools producing top-tier national football talent. This rivalry reflects the competitive pipeline that connects local secondary athletics to major university recruitment programs.
Local families planning to attend the game at Kalamazoo Central should anticipate high attendance and arrive early. For those following the recruits' progress, keep an eye on upcoming collegiate signing dates and Lipsey's performance at the All-American Bowl in January.
The takeaway
This final rivalry matchup serves as a significant milestone for both athletes before they depart for their collegiate careers. Families interested in the local sports calendar should check school district portals for specific game-day ticketing and parking information.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and athletic programs at the Secondary Education section.
Live Poll
Should high school athletes focus more on local rivalries or their upcoming collegiate football careers?
