STERLING HEIGHTS -- Forget last week. Macomb Dakota and Sterling Heights Stevenson have.

Both teams played one half last Thursday as storms wreaked havoc across Metro Detroit on opening weekend.

Will it hurt either team as they face off at Dakota in the Macomb Area Conference Red Division opener tonight?

"I don't think it'll hurt us," Dakota coach Mike Giannone said.

Dakota led Port Huron Northern, 35-0 at halftime, and Stevenson led Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, 28-0.

Impressive starts -- or halves.

And if those performances -- and last year's thrilling 31-28 triple-overtime Dakota victory -- are any indication, tonight's matchup is sure to live up to the hype.

"Every game is going to be mentally tough," Giannone said. "Now, you can't sneak up on anybody. With Stevenson, for the most part, it's the same team we faced last season. They're missing a couple of linemen from last year, but that's about it."

Dakota, on the other hand, had to replace a number of its top players, including quarterback James Stallons (Wisconsin). Mitch Lovett started last week and was 8-for-10, including a 64-yard touchdown pass to Rodney Hush.

Hush is the player Stevenson must be concerned with. He plays receiver, defensive back and returns kicks and he does all three well.

"Dakota is a mountain to get over," Stevenson coach Rick Bye said.

"They're not just big, they have good skill players. Hush is really a good athlete. He's a playmaker. Everyone looks for a playmaker."

[More at www.detnews.com]