Saturday, October 31, 2015

OAA Recap: Week Ten.


Written Saturday October 31st, at 4:35 PM.

It wasn’t a happy Friday night for the OAA especially in the Red and White. The Red lost both their teams in Clarkston and West Bloomfield and now there are no OAA teams left in Division One because of it. The Lakers were upset by Novi while the Wolves lost to Romeo. The White lost its champion as Harrison was shocked by Groves 10-0, Farmington lost 33-30 to Livonia Franklin, and Berkley ended Lathrup’s season with a 27-0 win on Friday night. Southfield destroyed Oak Park 38-14 on Saturday afternoon getting them a match-up with Berkley next weekend while Groves goes to Walled Lake to play Walled Lake Western.

Romeo 28, Clarkston 14: There will be no three peat this season in Clarkston. This was the Wolves first game on grass since 2008, ironically it was against Romeo where Clarkston lost that game 37-8. Oddly enough it was in great shape and not like the mud bowl when Orion played Romeo in two of those games in 2005 and 2007. The Bulldogs was just the better team in this match-up in their 28-14 win over the Wolves. Clarkston had chances to get points but they couldn't pull through as either an interception in the end-zone or being shut down by Romeo's defense forcing them to punt derailing a drive. The Wolves scored on a 96 yard kickoff return by Mike Fluegel for one of their touchdowns. Fluegel will be the starting running back next season but Romeo’s defense shut Clarkston's running game down especially all Stater Nolan Eriksen. He had 12 carries for 22 yards and a touchdown. Wolves quarterback Alex Kessman struggled against a good Bulldogs defense going 18 of 31 for 189 yards and two interceptions. He missed two field goal attempt which would had given them points. Romeo is a senior heavy team led by quarterback Paul Hurley and running back Brad Tanner, both were huge in this game. Clarkston's defense struggled in this match-up against a talented Bulldogs offense especially in the second half, they gave up a 71 yard sweep play along with a 59 yard pass play both were for touchdowns both in the second half. The loss snaps the Wolves six game winning streak and 10 game playoff streak. Romeo will travel to Lapeer next week in a rematch with the Lightning.

Novi 31, West Bloomfield 28: This was supposed to be the season that the Lakers were to make a big statement, they finished 9-0 for the first time since 1968, won the Red, and beat Orion and Clarkston. This was their most talented team they have ever had at West Bloomfield but they saw their season unexpectedly come to an end at the hands of the Novi Wildcats 31-28. The Lakers defense got burned on six third and fourth down conversions which led to touchdowns for the Wildcats. Also pre-snap penalties on offense killed West Bloomfield as well. Novi had a perfect scheme to contain quarterback Tristan Jackson and their other Division One recruits where coach Jeff Burnside's defense did just enough to shut the Lakers offense down. The Wildcats got their first playoff win since 2007 when they beat Livonia Churchill and first vs an OAA team since 2002 when they beat Orion on the road. For Burnside who coached at Berkley before getting the Novi job, this was huge for him. The Wildcats will face Novi Detroit Catholic Central on the road next weekend. West Bloomfield will be thinking about what happened in this game and what could had been.

Groves 10, Harrison 0: The Hawks had a lot of revenge thinking in their minds and felt confident they can go into Beverly Hills and beat Groves. Harrison was a strong pick to possibly get to Ford Field but instead will be going home at the hands of the Falcons 10-0. This is a major upset and huge win for Groves beating an established program in the Hawks. The Falcons used a fourth quarter field goal to get the lead and got a touchdown late in the game off a bootleg. The defense shut Harrison down most of the night but the Hawks had their chances, they had the ball four straight times in Groves territory but didn’t score on any drives. Harrison now faces an uncertain future while the Falcons will travel to Walled Lake Western next weekend.

Livonia Franklin 33, Farmington 30: The Falcons defense knew they had a tough chore with the Patriots run oriented offense but to get outscored 20-14 in the second half after leading 14-13 at half isn’t very good and it’s the reason why Farmington is going home. The Falcons did lose Kyle Brunson to an ankle injury and had to relay a lot on David Resse on both sides of the football but still this is inexcusable for the Farmington to lose this type of game. Livonia Franklin will meet Jackson next weekend.

Berkley 27, Lathrup 0: The Bears ended the Chargers football season and career Friday night at Hurley Field with a 27-0 victory. Berkley’s defense shut Lathrup down while scoring themselves in the game. The Bears won 41-0 in week eight but for the Chargers they will move on and merge next season with Southfield to become one big Southfield High School. Berkley will get "The High", the Blue Jays at Hurley Field next weekend.

Southfield 38, Oak Park 14: It was the Knights that dominated the regular season meeting 50-14 at Knight Valley in week eight so heading into the playoff game it was at Southfield and it was a different outcome. The Blue Jays got their revenge in eliminating Oak Park for the second straight season by dominating the game and controlling the line of scrimmage. Southfield is probably the greatest threat besides Detroit East English Village Prep to beat Detroit Martin Luther King and get to Ford Field. The Blue Jays now has to travel to Hurley Field to play the Berkley Bears next weekend.

We’ll see what happens next week with Southfield, Berkley, and Groves all in Division Two representing the OAA.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Girls Volleyball District Preview.

Written Tuesday October 27th at 2:15 PM

Here are the district matchups, thoughts and insights in regarding the games and chances of which OAA teams would advance heading into the playoffs.



District 24 @ Lathrup

November 2nd

Berkley vs Oak Park-5:30 PM

November 4th

Southfield Lathrup vs Detroit Rennisance-5:30 PM
Berkley/Oak Park vs Southfield- 7 PM

District Final-November 6th at 7 PM

FAVORITE: Berkley

TOP CHALLENGER: Oak Park

DARK HORSE: Detroit Renaissance

PREDICTION and INSIGHT: This district is not the greatest of districts but it doesn’t have true State powers in this district. The early favorite is Berkley because they are the most established team while Detroit Renaissance and Oak Park will threaten here in this district. The winner of this district has a great chance to do some special things and go deep into the playoffs. I got to go with Berkley winning this one.

PICK: Berkley.

District 23 @ Royal Oak

November 2nd

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights- 6 PM

November 4th

Warren Mott/Sterling Heights vs Troy Athens- 6:30 PM
Royal Oak vs Warren Cousino-8 PM

District Final-November 5th-7 PM

FAVORITE: Sterling Heights

TOUGH CHALLANGER: Warren Cousino

DARK HORSE: Troy Athens

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: Sterling Heights is an interesting team to watch in this district because the Stallions are a hit and miss team. They really weren’t impressive in the Macomb Area Blue Division. Sterling Heights did not look good against Warren Cousino in their regular season match-up when they got swept. Warren Cousino has had an up and down season but they did beat Lakeshore to get themselves ready for this district. Also you got to watch for Troy Athens, the Red Hawks have not had the greatest of seasons but they are a dangerous team. The Patriots won’t have it easy with Royal Oak being that it’s on the Ravens home court but I see three teams possibly winning this district, I like Troy Athens coming out because they played in a much tougher division and will overcome a tough Patriots or Stallions team.

PICK: Troy Athens.

District 25 @ Bloomfield Hills

November 2nd

Birmingham Marian vs Beverly Hills Wylie E. Groves-5 PM
Troy vs Birmingham Ernest W. Seaholm-7 PM

November 4th

Troy/Seaholm vs Avondale-5 PM
Marian/Groves vs Bloomfield Hills-7 PM

District Final-November 6th at 7 PM

FAVORITE: Seaholm

TOP CHALLENGER: Birmingham Marian

DARK HORSE: Bloomfield Hills

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: The Maples have been rolling as of late getting big wins over good teams and have a chance to do some damage in the state playoffs. Birmingham Marian is young this season but has the talent to go up against an experienced and big team like Seaholm. Troy is an interesting team to keep an eye on as well as Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks could surprise some folks being at home for the playoffs. Avondale has the front line to compete in this district. Groves is the sleeper here. This district though you got to go with the Maples winning this one.

PICK: Seaholm.

District 21 @ West Bloomfield

November 2nd

North Farmington vs Farmington-7 PM

November 4th

Harrison vs West Bloomfield-5:30 PM
North/Farmington vs Farmington Hills Mercy-7 PM

District Final-November 5th-7 PM

FAVORITE: Mercy

TOP CHALLENGER: West Bloomfield

DARK HORSE: Harrison

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: Mercy is the early favorite heading into the district. They have been battle tested in the Catholic League and will be a tough out to anyone. If there are two teams that could beat the Marlins it’s either the Hawks or Lakers. West Bloomfield took the White from Harrison winning in four games but the Hawks will be ready when they play each other at West Bloomfield. North Farmington has not looked good lately while the Farmington has improved. Both the Raiders and Falcons will battle but the three teams ahead of them are better. I can’t go against Angela Vogel’s team here in this district though.

PICK: Farmington Hills Mercy.

District 42 @ Warren Fitzgerald.

November 2nd

Ferndale vs Hazel Park-5 PM
Detroit Central Collegiate vs Detroit Collegiate Prep-6:30 PM

November 4th

Ferndale/Hazel Park vs Warren Fitzgerald- 5 PM
Central/Collegiate Prep vs Detroit Mumford-6:30 PM

District Final-November 6th-5 PM

FAVORITE: Warren Fitzgerald

TOP CHALLENGER: Detroit Mumford

DARK-HORSE: Hazel Park or Ferndale

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: This is an interesting and probably a weak district here with some up and down teams. Warren Fitzgerald is the favorite being the district host and they have had a lot of success this season but keep an eye on Detroit Mumford, Ferndale, and Hazel Park. Both Detroit Mumford and Hazel Park come back from Class A to Class B and both are expected to use their experience there to contend. In the end though the district is the Spartans to lose.

PICK: Warren Fitzgerald.

District 30 @ Utica Eisenhower.

November 2nd

Stoney Creek vs Rochester-7 PM

November 4th

Stoney Creek/Rochester vs Utica-6 PM
Adams vs Utica Eisenhower-7:30 PM

District Final-November 6th-7 PM

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

TOP CHALLENGER: Utica Eisenhower

DARK HORSE: Utica

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: This is an interesting district, no state powers are in this district but there is one that is close to being one in Stoney Creek. The Cougars has talent and experience on their side and did share the Red crown with two other teams this season. Utica Eisenhower is also a very good team as well. They have played a tough schedule in the process like Stoney Creek and shared the Macomb Area White crown. Utica is the dark horse but they haven’t been consistent mentally. If they show up then it could be a good three team race. Utica Eisenhower got a nice draw but keep an eye on Rochester and Adams, they could spoil someone’s season. I like Stoney Creek winning this tough district.

PICK: Stoney Creek

District 31 @ Waterford Kettering.

November 2nd

Oxford vs Waterford Mott-5 PM
Orion vs Clarkston-7PM

November 4th

Oxford/Waterford Mott vs Waterford Kettering-5 PM
Orion/Clarkston vs Pontiac- 7 PM

District Final-November 6th-6 PM

FAVORITE: Clarkston

TOP CHALLENGER: Orion

DARK HORSE: Oxford

PREDICTION AND INSIGHT: The Dragons have proven to beat the Wolves in the regular season but can they beat Clarkston in the playoffs. These two teams will meet first in the pre-district and whomever wins this game will win the district in Waterford. The Wolves are solid and talented but young as well. Pontiac, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott will struggle in this district as they don’t have the talent to match-up with the three mentioned teams. Oxford got a great draw avoiding either the Dragons or Wolves until the district final in which the Wildcats will meet one of those teams. I like Orion coming out of this district because of the experience but a good clean bill of health is very important if the Dragons have any chance coming out.

PICK: Orion

Stay updated to OAA Now with complete coverage of the Volleyball districts.

Football Picks- Week Ten.


Written Tuesday October 27th at 12:00 PM.


Records:

Keith 100-20
Ant 91-29
Dan 90-30
Sean 89-31
Sammy 86-34

Division One.

Region 2, District 2.

Novi at West Bloomfield:

This will be the first meeting between the Lakers and the Wildcats in both programs history. Novi made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 after beating Howell last week and got in based on playoff points at 5-4. The Wildcats has a prolific high scoring offense that has averaged 35 points since the 0-3 start. Novi is led by running back Emmanuel Jackson, quarterback Alec Bageris, and wide receiver Anthony D'Annabale. All were huge last week against Howell with Jackson scoring five touchdowns whether running or catching the football. The Lakers went undefeated capturing the Red and overcame a tough Harrison rally late. West Bloomfield will counter with Tristan Jackson, Na’Von Mosley, Evan Foster, Justin Clark, and Theo Majette. The winner will either get Novi Detroit Catholic Central or Waterford Mott. This is a trap game for the Lakers as many expert know West Bloomfield's playoff history isn't the greatest. Novi has been playing well lately and will be a dangerous test in the Swamp.

SAMMY PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, NOVI 35.
ANT PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, NOVI 17.
KEITH PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, NOVI 14.
DAN PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, NOVI 21.
SEAN PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, NOVI 14.

Region 2, District 1.

Clarkston at Romeo:

This could be the best matchup in the State on Friday at Dan Barnabo Field. Both the Bulldogs and Wolves have stout defenses. Romeo won the Macomb Area Conference White crown and owns a big win at Macomb Dakota whom Clarkston lost too in week one. The Bulldogs feature a four year starting quarterback in Paul Hurley whom has played the Wolves before and running back Brad Tanner. Tanner has been Mr. Everything for Romeo this season scoring touchdowns or getting interceptions. Clarkston will feature Nolan Eriksen and quarterback Alex Kessman. The major issue for the Wolves could be is that the game is on GRASS not turf. Most of the Wolves have not played a game on grass since their freshman year at Clarkston Jr. High. Even in the State title runs Clarkston hasn’t been on grass and it’s the first time that the Wolves have been to Dan Barnabo Field since 2008. This game will be physical and whoever wins the battle up front will win this game. The winner of this game will travel to Lapeer next week and both teams would like to have another shot at the Lightning but for different reasons.

SAMMY PICK: ROMEO 20, CLARKSTON 17.
ANT PICK: CLARKSTON 17, ROMEO 14.
KEITH PICK: CLARKSTON 24, ROMEO 20.
DAN PICK: CLARKSTON 28, ROMEO 21.
SEAN PICK: CLARKSTON 28, ROMEO 21.

Division Two.

Region 2, District 2.

Harrison at Groves:

This is interesting matchup for two teams that have had strong seasons so far. This will be the first time the Hawks and Falcons have meet since 2009. Harrison is the White Champs while Groves is the Blue Champs. The Hawks are motivated to get back to Ford Field after losing to Muskegon Mona Shores in the State Semifinals last season. Harrison has a solid core of players in David Vinity the team’s all-purpose athlete and Notre Dame bound defensive end Khalid Kareem. The Falcons will counter with Iowa bound running back Cedric Boswell and also Ernest Allen. This game could be close but you got experience against the new kids on the block here in this game.

SAMMY PICK: HARRISON 31, GROVES 14.
ANT PICK: HARRISON 49, GROVES 0.
KEITH PICK: HARRISON 24, GROVES 17.
DAN PICK: GROVES 27, HARRISON 24. O/T
SEAN PICK: HARRISON 28, GROVES 7.

Region 3, District 1.

Farmington at Livonia Franklin:

The Falcons have been a Jekyll and Hyde team despite barely getting in at 5-4. Farmington is 1-1 all-time against the Patriots in their history. The Falcons have David Reese a fullback and linebacker whom will go to Michigan next season, Kyle Brunson whom is a hard nose running back and Jakkar Jackson is a very talented wide receiver whom will be heading to Central Michigan. The question will be which Farmington team will show up, the one whom beat Oak Park, Adams and lost to Harrison by a single point or the team that looked awful against North Farmington and Orion. Livonia Franklin is a solid team on paper and has a very talented fullback in Issac Moore and quarterback Denzel Adams. Moore was moved up from the Junior Varsity after the original running back Nate Binkiewitcz was lost for the season due to a broken clavicle, he had 143 yards rushing against Plymouth Salem. Adams meanwhile had 200 yards of total offense against Plymouth Salem and is a duel threat quarterback. Both the Patriots and Falcons are susceptible of giving up points, it will be which passing game shows up either sophomore Jordan deGrom or Adams whom will win this game. The winner of this game will either get Livonia Churchill whom is solid at 5-4 or Jackson who is 7-2 and is the top seed in the district.

SAMMY PICK: LIVONIA FRANKLIN 42, FARMINGTON 35.
ANT PICK: FARMINGTON 21, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 7.
KEITH PICK: FARMINGTON 17, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 13.
DAN PICK: LIVONIA FRANKLIN 21, FARMINGTON 17.
SEAN PICK: FARMINGTON 42, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 35.

Region 3, District 2.

Lathrup at Berkley:

Nolan Given has had a heck of a season at wide receiver for the Bears along with linebacker Austen Wood and teammates. Now they get a chance to go to Hurley Field and have a rematch with a Chargers team they destroyed 41-0 two weeks ago. Lathrup has its fair share of athletes in their final season as a school in lineman and defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike for Coach Jason Solomon whom took over for Keith Stephens who passed away from cancer last season. The key in this game is who will establish their will in this game, if the Chargers hang around then they have a chance to pull off the upset.

SAMMY PICK: BERKLEY 28, LATHRUP 21.
ANT PICK: BERKLEY 42, LATHRUP 0.
KEITH PICK: BERKLEY 31, LATHRUP 13.
DAN PICK: BERKLEY 28, LATHRUP 20.
SEAN PICK: BERKLEY 42, LATHRUP 6.

Oak Park at Southfield:

I wonder if the Blue Jays remember getting pounded by the Knights in Knight Valley 50-14 two weeks ago. Sam Johnson III played like a freshman in that game while Oak Park was desperate to get into the playoffs but they are there now. The Knights have experience in four year starting quarterback Chauncey Lowman and running back Dylan Stackhouse along with a solid defense. The question will be the mindset, Southfield with all their athletes and talent took Troy Athens out of the playoffs with a 14-0 win while Oak Park didn’t look good in losing 36-8 to Clarkston last week. On Saturday afternoon the Blue Jays has a chance to get revenge on the Knights but it won’t be an easy game, remember last season Southfield took Oak Park out of the playoffs in Knight Valley.

SAMMY PICK: SOUTHFIELD 28, OAK PARK 26.
ANT PICK: SOUTHFIELD 28, OAK PARK 24.
KEITH PICK: OAK PARK 22, SOUTHFIELD 17.
DAN PICK: SOUTHFIELD 35, OAK PARK 34.
SEAN PICK: SOUTHFIELD 21, OAK PARK 13.


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I have highest function of autism (Asperger Syndrome.) I'm a huge Dallas Stars fan. I like to play and watch football, especially when the Dragons play on Friday nights. I am a 2006 alum and used to play football for the Dragons. I ran track, I ran the 100, 200, 400 meter dashes along with shot-put and discus. During my time in Orion I was a manager for Junior Varsity Boys Basketball team. I'm the volleyball, girls basketball, and football announcer for the team and do the book on the road for girls basketball. I do the clock for volleyball in the fall along with girls basketball in the winter and announce some boys basketball games as well. In the spring I coach shot-put at Scripps Middle School, in my fifth season coaching. I run the shot-put for high school meets. I played Special Olympics Basketball, I've won three gold medals for them. I host "Between Taorminas" which is on ONTV along with a podcast called "OAA Now". In other various things outside of Lake Orion, I love to jet ski over Saginaw Bay. Saginaw Bay is basically my life. I'm a trained weather spotter for the National Weather Service for Oakland and Huron counties.