2016 Football Preview.

Written Wednesday August 10th at 3:00 PM
Updated Tuesday August 23rd at 8:00 PM

Well the time is here and now, the 2016 Football season is here. Here is the insight on the season and also the videos will be posted here once I get them, enjoy folks. This will be updated with new information when we get the info folks.

Top 10 Teams.

1. Southfield Arts and Technology

2. Oak Park

3. Harrison

4. Clarkston

5. Berkley

6. West Bloomfield

7. Troy Athens

8. Adams

9. Groves

10. Royal Oak

Next 10.

11. Orion
12. Stoney Creek
13. Oxford
14. Rochester
15. Hazel Park
16. Avondale
17. Bloomfield Hills
18. Seaholm
19. North Farmington
20. Troy

Last 3.

21. Pontiac
22. Ferndale
23. Farmington

Red:

Southfield Arts and Technology

Clarkston

Orion

West Bloomfield

Troy Athens

Oxford

Stoney Creek

Red-Last Season Stats-League.

POINTS SCORED:

1. West Bloomfield 261 (37.2 ppg)

2. Clarkston 239 (34.1 ppg)

3. Oxford 150 (21.4 ppg)

4. Troy Athens 145 (20.7 ppg)

5. Orion 139 (19.8 ppg)

6. Stoney Creek 136 (19.4 ppg)

7. Bloomfield Hills 76 (10.8 ppg)

8. Troy 31 (4.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED:

1. West Bloomfield 72 (10.2 ppg)

2. Troy Athens 85 (12.1 ppg)

3. Clarkston 90 (12.8 ppg)

4. Orion 107 (15.2 ppg)

5. Stoney Creek 142 (20.2 ppg)

6. Bloomfield Hills 198 (28.2 ppg)

7. Oxford 202 (28.8 ppg)

8. Troy 281 (40.1 ppg)

The Red may pretty well be the kiss of death when it comes to soccer standards but these seven teams are going to be very good despite them having to play each other. Southfield Arts and Tech merged schools. Clarkston had a down year a season ago. West Bloomfield had their best team of the year last season but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Novi. Oxford was very young last season but should be better. Orion has missed the playoffs the last two seasons. Troy Athens is looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Stoney Creek has a new coach in Bob Lantzy but will have some holes to fill this season. There are four head coaches in this division that have been to the State title game in this division in Bud Rowley at Oxford, Chris Bell at Orion, Kurt Richardson at Clarkston, and Lantzy at Stoney Creek (previously Utica Eisenhower.)

DREAM SCHEDULE: Stoney Creek: New Cougars coach Bob Lantzy although new to Stoney Creek would say well the schedule is going to be tough, well it is, comparing the seven teams in this division the Cougars may have the best shot. Stoney Creek will go to Bloomfield Hills to start the season and have to visit the Dragons Lair the next week despite the Cougars winning at Orion 21-14 last season. They will have Oxford, Troy Athens, and Clarkston all coming to Stoney Creek. West Bloomfield, Southfield A&T, and Adams will be tough tasks but having Rochester at home to close out the season will have wonders.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Clarkston: It was tough looking at whom fit this category but I would have to say it’s the Wolves and the reasons are self-explanatory. Clarkston opens up the season with Lapeer at Ann Arbor in the Big House and then have to go to Southfield A&T the next week. The Wolves will also have road games at Orion, Stoney Creek, and Oak Park while Oxford, West Bloomfield, Adams, and Troy Athens all come to Clarkston.

TEAM IN TROUBLE: Orion: The Dragons lost quarterback Caiden Prieskorn and running back Keith Fields this offseason as they transferred to different schools but looking this team there is some optimisim but caucious optimism as well. The key for the Dragons will be the start, if they don’t have a strong start then Orion could be in danger of missing the playoffs for a third straight season. The schedule is daunting with Clarkston being the Homecoming opponent, Oxford for the Mother’s Wish Game, which they lost to Stoney Creek last season. Orion has trips to Southfield A&T, Troy Athens, and West Bloomfield and that’s not mentioning a trip to Wayne State against Chippewa Valley, a team that has beaten the Dragons twice. This has the makings of a disastrous season if not careful.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY WARRIORS:

Preseason Rank: 1

STRENGTH: Depth, Speed, and Athleticism.

WEAKNESS: Playing to the Level of their Competition.

LAST SEASON: SOUTHFIELD 6-3 (7-4), 5-2 White. Lost 27-20 to Berkley in District Final. LATHRUP 6-3 (5-4), 3-3 Blue. Lost 27-0 to Berkley in Pre-District

SOUTHFIELD POINTS SCORED: 277 (25.1 ppg), 205 in White (29.2 ppg)

SOUTHFIELD POINTS ALLOWED: 188 (17 ppg), 119 in White (17 ppg)

LATHRUP POINTS SCORED: 207 (20.7 ppg), 171 in Blue (24.4 ppg)

LATHRUP POINTS ALLOWED: 207 (20.7 ppg), 167 in Blue (23.8 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Detroit Martin Luther King at Wayne State.

OUTLOOK: The Warriors are ready for their first season as a merged school with Southfield and Lathrup. Southfield A&T named Tim Conley the head coach of the new school. He will have a ton of talent returning with numerous Division One talent around the board. “We’re excited to have something new, something that brings our community together instead of being Southfield or Southfield-Lathrup. We’re excited on the football end because it brings a ton of talent and an abundance in participation” said Southfield A&T assistant principal and assistant coach Vernon Burden.

The Warriors will be led by quarterback Sam Johnson III. He will have a special talent crew around him led by wide receivers Justin Cain, Brandon Gray, John Darby, Marquese Thorns, and Alante Pickens. Southfield A&T will have running backs Zion Horton, Erin McArn, and Marcus Faqua to carry the load.

The Warriors defense will be loaded as well as most of the players went two ways in 2015 but with the merger it will likely be one way. However, they are very talented led by linebackers Lorenzo McCaskill and Keith Poe along with defensive ends Torey Barclay, Andre Carter, and Jordan Nickerson. Southfield A&T also has lineman Eric Eldridge, Rodney Harrington, Cameron Tucker, Maurice McElway, Damari Russell-Allen, Juan Walker, and Dwayne Harris along with defensive backs Damani Carter, Marquese Thomas, Matt Gilbert, and Jay Hester.

The Warriors have a tough schedule starting with an emotional matchup with Detroit Martin Luther King at Wayne State. “Great to open up with the defending State Champs. (MLK won Division Two last season) It’s going to be an emotional roller coaster. We had an emotional game last season because we lost one of our players (Darius Cooley) last year and that’s still with us. We like to have our talent up against the Detroit Public School League talent” said Burden.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors with games at Groves, Troy Athens, Oxford, and West Bloomfield. They will have Orion, Oak Park, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek coming to Southfield for 5:30 kickoffs. “It’s a tough league, there is no weeks off. You’re doing the same thing except the travel. You’re going from 10 Mile and Lahser to Northern Oakland County and even those who are coming to us. I think the competition level is very consistent, it will be a big challenge” Burden concluded.

This could be an interesting season for the Warriors.

PROJECTED RECORD: 9-0, 6-0 Red

WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS:

Preseason Rank: 6

STRENGTH: Running Attack and Wide Receivers.

WEAKNESS: Quarterback, Line Play, and Inexperience.

LAST SEASON: 9-0 (9-1), 7-0 Red. Lost to Novi 31-28 in Pre-District

POINTS SCORED: 368 (36.8 ppg), 261 in Red (37.2 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 148 (14.8 ppg), 72 in Red (10.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 30^th vs Southfield A&T

OUTLOOK: The Lakers had their best season ever in 2015, in which included winning the Red crown but a disappointing loss to Novi in the first round derailed those plans after the Wildcats upset them 31-28. Now coach Ronald Bellamy must replace a ton of experience from last season’s team but they will have a ton of athletes to fill the void of the departed 29 Seniors. “We’re in a transition of learning how to win in the playoffs. We learned how to get there. Now we had a second round exit vs Walled Lake Central (lost 11-7.) Last year we were the number one seed and lost to the last team to make the playoffs (Novi.)

Bellamy blames himself and he and his players have learned from those two tough playoff losses. “A lot of that was inexperience in my part and on our players. We weren’t ready and now my focal point is to get them ready for that moment. We won’t be nervous, if we get to the playoffs.”

West Bloomfield will rely on a strong running attack led by two Division One caliber players in Davion Johnson and Garrett Winn. The Lakers will have the services of Bryce Veasley. Veasley transferred from Lathrup after the school merged with Southfield to become Southfield A&T brings some height at 6.6 and playoff experience but Bellamy wasn’t fully committed on him yet. “Whomever the quarterback is we won’t put pressure on him. We are going to rely on Garrett and Davion. I think it’s the right thing to do. We feel they are super talented D1 Athletes. They are going to embrace it and we hope our quarterbacks gradually get involved in their roles” Bellamy said. Veasley if he is the quarterback will have Daelin Hightower along play-makers in wide receivers Taj Mustaphia and Chase Swoope to throw too.

West Bloomfield will be strong defensibly from a unit that gave up 148 points, 14.8 points per game in 2015. The Lakers will have defensive backs Keyon McElway, Lance Dixon, Prince Linus-Ahacakuka, Makauri Paige, James Carter, Jordan Lodge, and Austin Williams along with linebackers Sharmer Dennis, Dequincy Lewis, Chris DeLaj, defensive end Alex Pallazola, defensive lineman Tyree Jones and Walled Lake Western transfer John-Paul Morris.

The offensive line will be a question mark heading into the season as the Lakers are replacing some great athletes there.

The schedule is not easy as they have Groves, Orion, Stoney Creek, and Southfield A&T all coming to the Swamp. The game with the Falcons has Belmany’s attention. “It’s going to be a great game against a team that went 10-1 last year and returns the majority of their starters. We’re excited for the challenge. It’s going to be a fun game” said Bellamy. West Bloomfield has trips to Oxford, Harrison, Clarkston, and Troy Athens.

This could be an interesting season for West Bloomfield as they return some talent but there are some questions, especially up front this season. “My kids have put themselves in a position to be ready for that opportunity” Bellamy concluded.

PROJECTED RECORD: 5-4, 3-3 Red

CLARKSTON WOLVES:

Preseason Rank: 4

STRENGTH: Running Attack and Defense.

WEAKNESS: Wide Receivers and Line Play.

LAST SEASON: 7-2 (7-3), 6-1 Red. Lost 28-14 to Romeo in Pre-District

POINTS SCORED: 299 (29.9 ppg), 239 in Red (34.1 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 161 (16.1 ppg), 90 in Red (12.8 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th vs Lapeer at Michigan

OUTLOOK: The Wolves took a step back after winning back to back State Championships in 2013 and 2014. Clarkston has made the playoffs the last 12 years but they fell to the eventual State Champions Romeo 28-14 at Dan Barnabo Field in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Wolves coach Kurt Richardson’s team lost a ton of talent including running back Nolan Eriksen to graduation but they return running back Michael Fleugel. Fleugel had a 68-yard rushing touchdown against the Bulldogs and made a name for himself against West Bloomfield going 80 yards against a talented Lakers defense. Clarkston could have a quarterback battle as J.T. King, Jacob Berman or Jacob Wagner could get the nod in 2016. According to sources it looks like King has the edge right now at quarterback. If it is King, Berman, or Wagner, one of them will have the opportunity to throw to tight end Ryan Prisby and wide receiver Spencer Lenardson.

The Wolves should be solid on defense in 2016 led by linebacker Nick Stallworth. Stallworth will be one of Clarkston’s top players this season at linebacker. Zach Scott will be the other linebacker. Clarkston will have an experienced secondary in defensive backs Tyler Rentford and Kyle Genter. “We have a lot of kids back, there is a ton in the secondary” said Clarkston coach Kurt Richardson.

The Wolves have a tough schedule as they open up with Lapeer in the Big House. The Lightning is 20-2 as one school as they merged with Lapeer East and Lapeer West but they have met before with Clarkston winning that one in the district final of the 2013 playoffs 23-20. “It’s a good opener” Richardson concluded. The Wolves will go to Southfield A&T for a Friday afternoon game the next week. Clarkston will have to go to Oak Park, Stoney Creek, and Orion. They will have Adams, Troy Athens, and Oxford coming to the Wolves Den.

Expect another playoff appearance for Clarkston.

PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 4-2 Red

ORION DRAGONS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Offensive Line, Running Attack, and Linebackers

WEAKNESS: Secondary, Wide Receivers, and Playing Together

LAST SEASON: 4-5, 3-4 Red. Did not Qualify.

POINTS SCORED: 184 (20.4 ppg), 139 in Red (19.8 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 156 (17.3 ppg), 107 in Red (15.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: October 7^th at Troy Athens

OUTLOOK: The Dragons are 8-10 in the last two seasons. They have had turmoil surrounding the program with entitlement issues along with a ton of injuries. “We were very disappointed finishing 4-5, there were some areas that never came together. We let a lot of things get away from us, we had a lot of tight ball games where we had the lead in the fourth quarter, we let some of those get away. The record said 4-5 but we were really close, it’s a small difference between 4-5 and 6-3” said coach Chris Bell.

Orion lost Caiden Prieskorn and Keith Fields as they transferred elsewhere but the cupboard is far from bare and there should be plenty of depth as always.

The Dragons return a big offensive line led by Nick Novak, Austin Findlay, and Jeff McCarty. The question will be the offense as Orion had a rough offensive year in 2015, only scoring 184 points, 20 points per game. They have a quarterback competition as either Ryan Kolp, John Marshall, or Max Horneffer could be in line for the starting job. The Dragons will have a solid running game as Danny White, Dylan Frank, Chris Wilson, and Shawn Wilson are expected to share carries. Horneffer could see time at wide receiver along with Matt Gardner, Chris Brown, Pierce Burke, and Johnny Haggitt.

The Orion defense has really struggled the last two seasons but there is optimism after the Dragons allowed 14 points against Farmington to close out last season. The Dragons might have to rely on a young core to carry the defense this season. Orion will have linebackers Roger White, Chad Dolland, Tyler Vesterland along with defensive back Joe Slayton and defensive ends Kolp and Hunter Lagerquist this season.

Defensive backs and defensive line will be a major concern for this team this season.

The schedule is daunting for Orion as they have Chippewa Valley at Wayne State and trips to West Bloomfield, Troy Athens, Southfield A&T, Seaholm, and Bloomfield Hills. They will have Clarkston, Oxford, and Stoney Creek coming to Dragon Stadium this season.

There are plenty of big games on the Dragons season some of which include trips to West Bloomfield where they have been outscored 62-0 in the last two years and Troy Athens where the Dragons were upset 21-14 at home. “In our league if you can’t run it and throw it and do so effectively, then we’re going to struggle” Bell said.

If Orion wants to go up, they must be ready each week to rise up to the challenge and also stay healthy.

PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 4-2 Red

TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS:

Preseason Rank: 7

STRENGTH: Offense and anywhere Mitch Wochoski Plays At

WEAKNESS: Young Defense playing Together

LAST SEASON: 5-4, 5-2 Red. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 165 (18.3 ppg), 145 in Red (20.7 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 121 (13.4 ppg), 85 in Red (12.1 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: October 7^th vs Orion

OUTLOOK: The Red Hawks were the most improved defensive team in the league in 2015. Troy Athens had big wins in beating Orion 21-14, Stoney Creek 10-7, and Oxford 28-0. The next step for coach Josh Heppner’s team will be making the playoffs for the first time since 2011. “Defensibly we stepped up a notch, went from worst to first as far as I’m concerned. We gave up 36 points per game in 2014 and we gave up only 13.2 points per game last year. We simplified our defense” said coach Josh Heppner.

The Red Hawks had some offensive troubles in 2015 with Heppner going over to the defensive side of the football but they will have a veteran offense in 2016 with seven starters back. Troy Athens returns quarterback Joey Stark. Stark will be relied upon this season as he had a big year last season. They have a big and quick offensive line led by Mitch Wochoski, Jared York, Paul Balalas, and Jarod Willis. The Red Hawks will have Brendan Small and Kyle Selim battling for the running back spot along with likely starter Jake Cavozos, fullback/linebacker Griffith Goldin Smith, and an emerging tight end in Patrick Graham.

Nick Holder is expected to lead a defense that has two starters back. He is expected to be a starting linebacker along with Nathan Oprinca and Andrew Yan. Troy Athens will have defensive backs Brody Fitzpatrick, Nick Cotton, defensive end Marsello Gashaj, and lineman John Eckerle. All of them are expected to contribute in 2016 for a young, inexperienced, and talented defense. “We lost pretty much everybody on defense but I got a young, talented, fast, and tenacious crew coming back. We have more of an experienced offense coming back. I’m hoping the combination of a simple defense with athletic, aggressive kids on defense and a veteran crew of offense, we’ll challenge” Heppner said.  

The schedule will be interesting for the Red Hawks. Troy Athens opens up the season with Warren Mott, a team that upset Macomb Dakota 32-27 last season and presents an option attack that will challenge his team. “Tom Milanov is one of the best coaches around. Mott is tough, my coaches ask me why we play Mott??? Well if you’re going to be the man, you got to beat the man. It’s the best challenge we can have week one, to kind of see where we are at and move on from there” Heppner said. The Red Hawks besides Warren Mott coming to their home field has Southfield, Orion, and West Bloomfield coming to Troy. Troy Athens have trips to Clarkston, Oxford, Stoney Creek, and Troy. 

This will be an interesting season for the Red Hawks as they have a lot of talent back.

PROJECTED RECORD: 5-4, 2-4 Red

OXFORD WILDCATS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Running Back and Quarterback.

WEAKNESS: Defense and Line Play.

LAST SEASON: 3-6, 3-4 Red. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 192 (21.3 ppg), 150 in Red (21.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 298 (33.1 ppg), 202 in Red (28.8 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 9^th at Clarkston

OUTLOOK:  Oxford coach Bud Rowley said things right. “The greatest game ever invented is football.”

The Wildcats took a step back but they were young on both sides of the football in 2015. Oxford should be more experienced in 2016. “We’ll be fine. We’ll be very competitive. We’re going to take each day and work on it and get tougher. That’s our mentality, that’s the kind of football we like to play” said Rowley.

The big problem was the defense, the Wildcats allowed 298 points, 33.1 points per game and 202 points in the league, 28 points per game last season. Oxford must improve defensibly if they want to make some noise in 2016.

Rowley focused on the coaches saying that kids are ready but it’s time for the coaches to get on board. “Our kids have had a great offseason, our coaches have to pick it up a little bit, focus in, be more intense.”

Oxford will have quarterback Nate Fleming whom had a strong season splitting time between Junior Varsity and Varsity. Fleming will have running backs Ethan Williams and Ben Krause pounding the rock in 2016. Drake Berry is expected to play a bigger role on both sides of the football especially defensibly along with Garrett Tyrell.

The Wildcats schedule is interesting as they welcome defending State Champion Romeo to the Blue-Turf. Oxford beat Orion in 2011 41-20 when the Dragons were the defending State Champions. “If you can’t get pumped up and you’re not looking forward to that game then you’re not zoomed in for the Romeo game and the State Champs then you shouldn’t be playing this game” said Rowley.

The Bulldogs destroyed the Wildcats 47-0 at Dan Barnabo Field last season and that’s something that Oxford would love to have back. “If you’re not ready to go right now for Romeo coming to our place, who just pounded us 47-0 then you shouldn’t be playing” Rowley concluded.

The Wildcats September is brutal with road trips at Clarkston, Orion, Farmington, and Stoney Creek. Oxford has a favorible October to close the season with three home games but some of those games include Southfield A&T, Harrison, West Bloomfield, and Troy Athens coming to the Blue turf.

The Wildcats will be a team to keep an eye on this season.

PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5, 1-5 Red

STONEY CREEK COUGARS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Quarterback, Tight Ends, and Wide Receivers.

WEAKNESS: Line and Physical Play.

LAST SEASON: 3-6, 3-4 Red. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 173 (15.1 ppg), 136 in Red (19.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 200 (22.2 ppg), 142 in Red (20.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 2^nd at Orion

OUTLOOK: The biggest move in Stoney Creek’s off season was coach Brad Zube leaving to coach at Brandon. To replace Zube, the Cougars brought in the eighth winniest coach all time in State History in Bob Lantzy.

Lantzy is well known for coaching at Utica Eisenhower frim 1971-2011. He did put the last name of the players on the back of the jerseys this season, a tradition going back to his days at Utica Eisenhower. “The fans like to know who the players are. We even put them on the practice jerseys.”

Lantzy will have his hands full at Stoney Creek trying to rebuild a defense that allowed 200 points, 22.2 points per game last season but he’ll have some talent back in linebacker Victor Van Almen, and defensive back Cole LaFave. “We pick the quarterback, my next best 11 play defense and that’s where we are going right away. We can’t score if you get the ball back, I don’t believe in stunning a lot, done enough to keep you off guard but I’m going to change the front up consistently throughout the game” Lantzy said.

The Cougars offensively is very solid as they return quarterback Frank Potenzia, running back Dylan Truadeau, and tight end Brady Campbell. Potenzia, Campbell, and LaFave were huge in their 21-14 win at Orion last season.

Line play will be a serious concern, especially going up against the teams he will see. “Got to make people play our game. I don’t want to get into a physical battle with some of the teams. Every team in the Red is bigger than us, so physically I don’t want to go head to head. I want to spread the field out and play a wide open football game” Lantzy said.

The schedule will be tricky for the Cougars. Stoney Creek goes back to Orion in Week Two. They also have Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Southfield A&T, and Adams also on the road. They have Clarkston, Troy Athens, Rochester, and Oxford at the Cougar Bowl. Lantzy won’t need to bus for home games and busing to Sweinhart Field in Utica. “We’ve never played a home game in 41 years. I rode a bus every game, so the first two games this year we’re riding a bus, so I’m used to riding the bus” Lantzy concluded.

Week Three against Troy Athens, Lantzy won’t need to ride a bus.

It won’t be an easy road for the Cougars this season.

PROJECTED RECORD: 2-7, 0-6 Red

White:

Oak Park

Harrison

Adams

Groves

Seaholm

North Farmington

Farmington

White-Last Season Stats-League

POINTS SCORED:

Southfield 205 (29.2 ppg)

Harrison 188 (26.8 ppg)

Farmington 185 (26.4 ppg)

Oak Park 165 (23.5 ppg)

Seaholm 157 (22.4 ppg)

Adams 123 (17.5 ppg)

North Farmington 89 (12.7 ppg)

Rochester 68 (9.7 ppg)

POINTS AGAINST:

Harrison 54 (7.7 ppg)

Oak Park 93 (13.2 ppg)

Southfield 119 (17 ppg)

Adams 118 (16.8 ppg)

North Farmington 152 (21.3 ppg)

Farmington 159 (22.7 ppg)

Seaholm 226 (32.2 ppg)

Rochester 259 (37 ppg)

The White will be a little weaker than in years past but it will feature some solid teams in this league. Adams has missed the playoffs the last two seasons. Groves had a strong season winning the Blue and upsetting Harrison in the first round of the playoffs moved up to this division but their schedule is going to be tough even with the addition of some certain players via transfer. North Farmington is an interesting team to watch. Oak Park will be very good despite the tough schedules that coach Greg Carter likes. Harrison is looking for a bounce back season after a disappointing playoff loss to Groves. Seaholm should be all right but very young. Farmington has a tough schedule this season. This could be an interesting league to keep an eye on this season.

DREAM SCHEDULE: Adams: The Highlanders have missed the playoffs the last two seasons look to return to them despite the turmoil surrounding Adams. The Highlanders schedule though will have its fair share of challenges with trips to Clarkston, Harrison, and Groves. Adams gets Oak Park at home and should have no problem with Rochester a team that have dominated since 1996. This may be the Highlanders best chance to return to the playoffs, if not then this could be a major disappointment for coach Tony Patrino.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Groves: Welcome to the White, Falcons. Groves you upset Harrison and lost a tough one to Walled Lake Western last season in the playoffs, not to mention they had an undefeated season. The schedule though is absolutely brutal especially the first three weeks with West Bloomfield, Oak Park, and Southfield, two of those at home. After that you have Seaholm, Harrison, and Adams which will be tough games. To close out the year for the Falcons there is a trip to the Hornets’ nest at Saline. I don’t know if I see a return trip to the playoffs for Groves, if they win five or six games, then they will earn it.

TEAM IN TROUBLE: Farmington: I don’t know if Dr. Phil or Bruce Banner can save the Falcons with the schedule they have. Farmington opens up the season at Ann Arbor against Walled Lake Western and then have two road games at Oak Park and Harrison. The Falcons have Oxford and Seaholm coming to Farmington and would love to get revenge after being upset at home for the Farmington Cup by North Farmington last season. They also have trips to Adams, Groves, and West Bloomfield looming as well. This could be a long season in Farmington, I don’t know if I see them winning a game this season.

OAK PARK KNIGHTS:

Preseason Rank: 2

STRENGTH: Athleticism, Experience, Secondary, and Linebackers.

WEAKNESS: Playing together.

LAST SEASON: 5-4 (5-5), 5-2 White. Lost to Southfield 38-14 in Pre-District

POINTS SCORED: 221 (22.1 ppg), 165 in White (23.5 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 209 (19 ppg), 93 in White (13.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 16^th at Adams

OUTLOOK: The Knights could pose possibly one of the best teams in the State this season. Oak Park has made the playoffs four straight seasons will have a ton of individual players whom can make an impact in quarterback Dwan Mathis, whom transferred in from Belleville and is expected to make an impact on both the football field and basketball court. “Dwan is a quality athlete, great kid. He brings a lot of versatility to the position, he can throw and run the ball. The key is how fast will he understand our offense and get accustom to the great play of our league” said Oak Park coach Greg Carter.

Mathis will have running back Dylan Stackhouse back along with wide receivers Robert Zanders, Jujawn Sparks-Tolliver, Kevin Bradley, Enzo Jennings, Gary Gayle, Malcolm Baker, and Najee Trinity. The Knights will be loaded with lineman on both sides of the football, some of which include Michigan bound JayRamond Hall, Marquan McCall, Justin Rogers, and DeVonte Stewart.

Oak Park’s strength on defense will be in the secondary and linebackers as they have a ton of defensive backs back in Jeramiah Davis, Javon Wilson, McHalle Merritt, Jordan Wyatt, DeQuann Whitaker, Jalen Robinson, and Torriano Richardson. Moises DeJesus and Jovon Williams are expected to be the Knights starting linebackers.

I don’t know why Carter wants to schedule tough games but it gets them ready for the season. “We love to play outstanding teams in the first game, it makes the kids work extremely hard over the summer as far as the weight training and summer conditioning as far as I’m concerned. It’s always in the back of their mind if they miss a practice, they know when they face a great opponent they won’t be ready. That’s one of the reasons why we play great teams each year” said Carter.

Oak Park plays Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State to start the season, some teams dread of playing the Technicians early but not the Knights, they look forward to the challenge. “It’s going to be exciting, we played them two years ago, unfortunately we lost 27-26 after having a 26-14 lead going into the fourth. So we want to finish. We know it’s going to be an outstanding challenge, they’re a great program. They do great things offensively and defensibly” Carter said of playing Detroit Cass Tech. 

Oak Park also has trips to Adams, Groves, and Southfield. Clarkston and Harrison will come to Knight Valley this season. 

This could be the makings of a special season at Oak Park.

PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 6-0 White

ADAMS HIGHLANDERS:

Preseason Rank: 8

STRENGTH: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, and Running Attack.

WEAKNESS: Defense.

LAST SEASON: 4-5, 2-5 White. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 201 (22.3 ppg), 123 in White (17.5 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 139 (15.4 ppg), 118 in White (16.8 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 16^th vs Oak Park

OUTLOOK: Adams has been in turmoil the last two seasons, missing the playoffs in both seasons. The Highlanders suffered a big loss as Mitchell Sokol transferred over to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s for his senior season but Adams talent pool should be more experienced heading into this season. “We’re really excited in terms of work ethic and chemistry. This is one of the most positive teams in a long time at Adams, kind of old school back in the day, so we are really excited to see those guys on the field on Fridays” said coach Tony Patrino. 

Kyle Wood returns to be the quarterback. Wide receivers Vincent Gray and Mark Patrino return as well. Wood is very optimistic how his team is going to look for his senior season “I think we have a lot more urgency, which is really good and really going to help our team. We’re ready to hit, ready to play. We’re going to play hard" said Wood. Patrino has been well known for running the veer offense (border line triple option attack) and in order to have that you need a solid running attack to balance things out. The Highlanders will have a very solid running attack in running back Cole Mitchell and solid lineman in Tyler Wineke and Michael Vilotti. Adams struggled offensively in the league only scoring 123 points, 17.5 points per game.

The Highlanders defense wasn’t Adams standards as they surrendered 139 points, 15.4 points per game and 118 points, 16.8 points per game in the division. The Highlanders will have Gray at defensive back along with Collin Weeks and linebacker Ryan Rifenburg.

The schedule isn’t as tough early as they will have Rochester, Seaholm, and North Farmington. Adams is looking forward to the Rochester game, a team they dominated the last 20 years. “We’re really excited for this first game. For Rochester we know they have prideful kids and prideful coaches. I have a ton of respect for Coach Vernon. We’re going to get their best game and they have been thinking about us for a long time so we have to evaluate and be ready” said Patrino. The Raiders were a team that stunned the Highlanders 7-0 last season, that’s something they haven’t forgotten.

The game Adams needs is Oak Park. The Highlanders are 0-4 against the Knights since 2012 and a win there should set them up to have a nice season. “Every game we had with them has been a battle and we’re going to get after them with everything we have this year. We’re going to do our best to beat them” Patrino said.

The Highlanders have to go to Harrison, Groves, and Clarkston. Everything looks at that Oak Park game to decide the fate of Adams’s season. “One week at a time, hopefully it will jump start us into the season” Wood concluded.

PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 4-2 White

HARRISON HAWKS:

Preseason Rank: 3

STRENGTH: Running Attack, Defense, and Linebackers.

WEAKNESS: Quarterback.

LAST SEASON: 7-2 (7-3), 7-0 White. Lost to Groves 10-0 in Pre-District

POINTS SCORED: 230 (23 ppg), 188 in White (26.8 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 119 (11.9 ppg), 54 in White (7.7 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 16^th vs West Bloomfield

OUTLOOK: The Hawks won the division in 2015 but against non-league teams it was a shocking disappointment including a 10-0 playoff loss to Groves, a 20-14 defeat to West Bloomfield on a last second touchdown catch to Tristan Jackson, and a tough 21-14 loss to East Kentwood to kick off last season.

Harrison coach John Herrington should have another solid team this season despite only having three years left as a school but expectations remain the same over at Harrison. “High as always, to win a State Championship and if we only have three years left then we’re going to make it the best three years we have at Harrison” said Herrington.

The Hawks must find a quarterback to fill the void, it will be Jimmy O'Connor, Noah Hendricks or Jeremy Cooper that gets the call under center. It is looking like according to sources that O'Connor has the early edge for the quarterback spot. Brendan Brown transferred back to Harrison from Southfield. Brown should get a ton of playing time at running back, which is the team’s strength offensively. The Hawks have two solid wide receivers led by Cameron Cooley and Jerrin Harvey.

Harrison must improve defensibly especially against the non-league teams despite allowing 119 points, 11.9 points per game. They have enough talent to be one of the most efficient defenses in the league in 2016. The Hawks will have Notre Dame bound defensive end Ovie Oghoufo along with Maverick Hansen. Guam Lee is expected to be a linebacker along with Brown and Rodrieck Heard. Heard is expected to be one of the defensive backs. The defense and the linebackers are the strength of the team this season.

Harrison opens up the season in Ann Arbor against East Kentwood in a rematch which the Falcons won 35-28 last season. “It’s going to be a great game. Last year we were pretty young and had some guys injured but that’s no excuse, it went right down to the last 30 seconds. This year we will be ready to go, we’re fired up for that game in Ann Arbor” said Herrington. 

They will have Adams, Farmington, West Bloomfield, and Groves coming to Farmington Hills. The two road games that will be a challenge will be at Oxford and Oak Park for the Hawks. “I think Oak Park, and Adams return a lot, Groves will be very good. It’s going to be tough, the White has always been a great division. We were fortunate it to win the division outright last year and share it the year before. Hope to do it again (win the division)” Herrington concluded.

  

It will be an interesting season to keep an eye on for Harrison this season.

PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 5-1 White

GROVES FALCONS:

Preseason Rank: 9

STRENGTH: Experience.

WEAKNESS: Schedule.

LAST SEASON: 9-0 (10-1), 7-0 Blue. Lost to Walled Lake Western 34-21 in District Final

POINTS SCORED: 356 (32.3 ppg), 283 in Blue (40.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 92 (8.3 ppg), 36 in Blue (5.1 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th at West Bloomfield

OUTLOOK: The Falcons had an incredible run in 2015. They went 9-0 in the regular season, pulled off a monster upset of Harrison 10-0, and hung in there with Walled Lake Western for about a half. Groves finished 10-1, one of their best teams in school history but that was all last season. 2016 brings a tougher task for coach Brandon Flaherty and his team. “Trying to build on last year’s success, our schedule has significantly upgrades. We got a huge test in our opener against West Bloomfield” said Falcons coach Brandon Flaherty

The Falcons return a ton on experience offense led by quarterback Beau Kewley, running back Ernest Allen, tight end Drew Schekell, and wide receivers Collin Heard and Gil Foster. Both Heard and Foster also play defensive backs along with linebacker Nate Wagner. “Just trying to gather that experience, we had. We have eight returning starters that played three years, trying to build on those guys’ experience and past success” said Flaherty.  Both offensive and defensive lines need to be shored up a bit but Flaherty should have some lineman to help both sides of the football.

The Falcons moved up to the White for the first time since 2010. The move up a division means they will play tougher teams and the schedule is tough.

The schedule as mentioned isn’t friendly for the Falcons as they open up with West Bloomfield in the Swamp and then have home games with Oak Park and Southfield A&T for the first three weeks of the season. They have Seaholm and Adams at home but trips to Harrison and Saline are going to be very tough matchups for them. “We had talks with West Bloomfield about opening up with them. Week in and week out our schedule is a bear. It’s tough but that’s the way for everybody. I think the mindset for us is knowing that each week is going to be a battle. Going through a season undefeated may not be the case. Our thing for us is not get up too high and not too low” said Flaherty.

I don’t know if I see Groves this season making the playoffs, it’s not because of the talent they have but the schedule could be too tough to handle but don’t say that to Groves or Flaherty.

“Our Goal is to win the league” he concluded.

PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 3-3 White

SEAHOLM MAPLES:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Quarterback and Wide Receivers.

WEAKNESS: Running Back and Line Play.

LAST SEASON: 3-6, 2-5 White. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 207 (23 ppg), 157 in White (22.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 267 (29.6 ppg), 226 in White (32.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 25^th vs Birmingham Brother Rice

OUTLOOK: The Maples have struggled since moving from the Blue in 2014 going 7-11. 2013 was the last time Seaholm made the postseason after they were a combined 23-6 from 2011-2013 but coach Jim DeWald is very optimistic with this team just like everyone else. “I’m excited just like everyone else is. You rely on your Seniors and offensive line to see what you can do. I don’t think we are entirely different just like everyone else” said DeWald.

The Maples veer offense last season was decent, they scored 207 points, 23 points per game and will have a ton of talent coming back. Seaholm coach Jim DeWald has its quarterback back in Gray Kinnie and wide receivers Sebestian Fettig and Nick Lang. The question will be the running game because in a veer offense that will involve a ton of planning and assignment football. Seaholm needs to find another running back to go along with their fullback in Matt O’Connor.

The Maples defense was an absolute disaster last season allowing 267 points, 29.6 points per game and was worse in league play allowing 226 points, 32 points per game. Seaholm will have a ton of young players (two starters back) ready to take on the role of fixing the Maples defense in linebackers Daniel Harwood and Tre Hairston along with emerging defensive end Sathya Siddapureddy and Carter Stagner. Seaholm will also have lineman Nicholas Winker and Michael Aquano. “I think we are further ahead this year on our defense then we have ever been. We went through a defensive scheme. Some adjustments were made since last year and we learned on the run. We changed week three and week four what our core values was, we’re going to start with that.” DeWald said.

DeWald expects Seaholm’s defense to be different in 2016 despite the fact that most of his Maples go two ways. “I’m looking forward to our defense fly around, be aligned correctly, and make plays. We got to make sure we are physical.”

The schedule is difficult for the Maples in 2016. They have Birmingham Brother Rice at the Maple Forest. That is a game that DeWald wants to send a statement against the Warriors who really struggled last season. “I’m excited, they are a team that’s a mile from us (Seaholm is on Lincoln Street, Brother Rice is on Lahser Road) and grown up in our community. Everyone thinks it’s Brother Rice Football and everyone else. I expect our kids to be excited and to play with a chip on their shoulder and put it to them and hopefully end how great Brother Rice Football is and show them what we can do as a Public School” DeWald concluded.

Seaholm also has Orion, Adams, Harrison, and Oak Park all coming to the Maple Forest but road games at Farmington, Groves, North Farmington, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will be tricky games.

This could be an interesting team to keep an eye on, not too high, not too low.

PROJECTED RECORD: 2-7, 2-4 White

NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Running Attack.

WEAKNESS: Line play and Depth.

LAST SEASON: 5-4, 3-4 White. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 174 (19.3 ppg), 89 in White (12.7 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 194 (21.5 ppg), 152 in White (21.7 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th at Walled Lake Northern

OUTLOOK: The Raiders are an interesting team to keep an eye on this season as they will try to win through the team approach. North Farmington has been an up and down team as of late. The last time they made the playoffs was 2013. The Raiders had three big wins last season as they beat Adams 7-0, Oxford 42-28, and probably their biggest win was coming back to beat Farmington 26-21 to capture the Farmington Cup for the first time since 2007. North Farmington coach Todd Schultz won’t be as deep as last season but they have experience coming back.

The Raiders will have a new quarterback in Brendan Hudson whom takes over for Jared Fish. Fish injured his knee and opted not to play football. North Farmington should have a strong running game to go to in running backs Quran Rozier, Adam Dunning, and fullback Dylan Gordon along with wide receivers Bryce Gresham and Jalen Ferguson to throw the football too.

Most of them play defense as well and will be counted on this season. They must address line play on both sides of the football. If they address it along their lack of depth then North Farmington could be in the playoff hunt again.

The schedule is interesting as they open up at Walled Lake Northern. The Raiders have to go back to Farmington, a place they won the Farmington Cup last season. They go to Adams, a team they beat last season and Oak Park as well. North Farmington has home games against Harrison, Groves, Seaholm, Troy Athens, and Redford Thurston.

The Raiders could be in line for a long season.

PROJECTED RECORD: 2-7, 1-5 White

FARMINGTON FALCONS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Defense and Wide Receivers.

WEAKNESS: Quarterback and Inexperience.

LAST SEASON: 5-4 (5-5), 4-3 White. Lost 33-30 to Livonia Franklin in Pre-District.

POINTS SCORED: 268 (26.8 ppg), 185 in White (26.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 234 (23.4 ppg), 159 in White (22.7 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 16^th vs Seaholm

OUTLOOK: The Farmington Falcons was a team that had a lot of big wins and some tough losses in 2015. Farmington’s big wins included beating Adams 19-15 and Oak Park 20-19 but they had some heartbreaking losses as well. The Falcons fell to North Farmington 26-21, Orion 17-14, Harrison 13-12, and Livonia Franklin 33-30 in the playoffs last season. 

Falcons coach John Bechtel will have to address a defense that allowed 234 points, 23.4 points per game last season but they will have some solid players in defensive backs Terrell Collins, Daylen Baldwin, linebackers Viktor Dedvukaj, Moet Andrews, and Calvin Wightlow, along with lineman Mico Love and Mack Daniels. 

Farmington has a solid offense last season scoring 268 points but they must address the quarterback position as their starting quarterback Drew McGovern transferred to Saline but whomever the new quarterback might be in either Kaleb Muhammed or Chandler Coultrip they will have Baldwin, Jayone Fletcher, Denote Newsome, Tyrell Jackson Davis, and Nate Shaw to throw too this season. Zach Purry is expected to carry the load on the ground this season for the Falcons. 

The schedule is not friendly for Farmington especially early with games against Harrison, Oak Park, and Walled Lake Western. The game the Falcons need to win is Seaholm because there is a good chance they could start 0-3 but if they lose that game then it could be a long season. 

I don’t know if there is a winnable game for Bechtel this season if they can’t beat the Maples.

PROJECTED RECORD: 0-9, 0-6 White

Blue:

Berkley

Royal Oak

Avondale

Hazel Park

Bloomfield Hills

Pontiac

Troy

Ferndale

Rochester

Blue Last Season Stats-League.

POINTS SCORED:

Groves 283 (40.4 ppg)

Berkley 222 (32.5 ppg)

Avondale 174 (24.8 ppg)

Lathrup 171 (24.4 ppg)

Royal Oak 147 (21 ppg)

Ferndale 137 (19.5 ppg)

Hazel Park 130 (18.5 ppg)

Pontiac 48 (6.8 ppg)

POINTS AGAINST:

Groves 36 (5.1 ppg)

Royal Oak 113 (16.1 ppg)

Berkley 128 (18.8 ppg)

Avondale 166 (23.7 ppg)

Lathrup 167 (23.8 ppg)

Ferndale 187 (26.7 ppg)

Hazel Park 235 (33.5 ppg)

Pontiac 280 (40 ppg)

The Blue has changed this season from being a pretty bad division year around but you bring in some schools that have struggled playing in the upper divisions and bigger enrollments. Troy, Rochester, and Bloomfield Hills all come to the Blue from different divisions. Bloomfield Hills will be talented but they have some questions they must answer. Ferndale has to replace one of their top players and could struggle this season. Pontiac has a new coach who is trying to change the culture there. Royal Oak is improving each season. Troy will have experience but they don’t have the numbers or the depth. Rochester has a solid group of sophomores and juniors. Hazel Park has some depth concerns but they have talent. Berkley will be solid again this season. Avondale has had a rough seven months with three different coaches during that time.

DREAM SCHEDULE: Hazel Park: The Vikings although have to address some depth and internal issues around that program, the schedule sets up well for them especially later in the season. Hazel Park does have tough games against Warren Fitzgerald and Berkley. They will avoid Troy and will have Avondale, Pontiac, and Rochester all coming to Hazel Park. The Vikings will have a tough road game at Royal Oak but they close out the season against a Flat Rock team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2007 but the Rams beat Hazel Park 41-28 last season and is 3-24 since 2013.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Rochester: The Falcons and coach Erik Vernon can’t seem to catch a break with the schedule makers despite the fact they have a ton of multi sport athletes coming back. Rochester opens up the season at home with Adams, a team they haven’t beaten since 1996. They have to play the rest of their games at Stoney Creek while their field gets renovated. The Falcons will host Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and Royal Oak at Stoney Creek but they have go to Notre Dame Prep, Avondale, Hazel Park, Stoney Creek, and Berkley. It could be another long season over at Rochester.

TEAM IN TROUBLE: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a lot of talent coming back but the question will be the team chemistry and schedule. Bloomfield Hills opens up against Stoney Creek and then they have Rochester and Troy the next two weeks. Coach Dan Loria’s team has Avondale and Royal Oak in the middle of the season. October is a make or break if the Blackhawks have any playoff hopes or dreams. They will have Berkley, Orion, and Notre Dame Prep on the schedule in that month. The good news for Bloomfield Hills is two of the three are at home. If the Blackhawks can make huge statements by beating either Stoney Creek, Orion, Berkley, or Notre Dame Prep then they could make the playoffs for the first time in school history.

BERKLEY BEARS:

Preseason Rank: 5

STRENGTH: Experience and Belief in Each Other.

WEAKNESS: Running Back.

LAST SEASON: 7-2 (9-3), 6-1 Blue. Lost to Livonia Franklin 38-6 in Regional Final.

POINTS SCORED: 339 (28.2 ppg), 228 in Blue (32.5 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 229 (25.4 ppg), 128 in Blue (18.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 16^th vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.

OUTLOOK: The Bears are coming off arguably their greatest season up to date last season and especially when they shocked the State by upsetting Southfield in the district final. Now what can Berkley do as an encore???

There should be plenty of experience back at Berkley this season with 30 kids back, 26 are seniors. 

“A lot of new teams, new coaches. It’s trying to be the best Berkley football team we can” said coach Chris Sikoria.

Berkley will have some questions up front but they will have depth and experience to make up for the losses. Sikoria will have one returning starter in Culton Saner. Berkley will have a strong triple option offense that scored 339 points, 28.2 points per game coming back in 2016. “We’re a triple option offense, sometimes simple is better” said Sikoria. The Bears lost Nolan Given in to graduation but they have key playmakers returning in quarterback David Herron along with wide receivers Chauncey Bridgewater, David Karwaski, and Keder Browning.The Bears brought in Dominic Morrelli from Troy. Morrelli will be the team's starting running back this season.

If there is one area, Berkley must improve upon it’s the points they allowed especially in non-league games. The Bears allowed 229 points, which is 25.4 per game and which it included 24 points against Holly, 20 points against Southfield, and 38 against Livonia Franklin. Berkley in 2016, will be solid on the defensive side of the football as two defensive linemen Dante Little and Floyd Hudson return along with a solid blend of experience all back.

The Bears have the offense to compete not only in the league but also non-league as well. “We look very good but seven on seven doesn’t count, everyone starts 0-0” said Sikoria.

The schedule is interesting especially with Sikoria’s team focusing its attention on the Holly Bronchos which will be on the road. “It’s good we were able to come out with a W in 2014 (won 34-7) but last year they got the better of us (lost 29-7.) Our kids are hungry for that game. If someone asked me what is the most important game on the schedule, its week one. That’s the most important game” said Sikoria.   

Berkley also goes on the road Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, and Troy. They will have Hazel Park, Notre Dame Prep, Rochester, and Pontiac coming to Hurley Field. It could be another fun season in Berkley.

PROJECTED RECORD: 8-1, 6-0 Blue

HAZEL PARK VIKINGS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Athleticism.

WEAKNESS: Line Play and believing in own press clippings.

LAST SEASON: 1-8, 1-6 Blue. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 170 (18.8 ppg), 130 in Blue (18.5 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 324 (36 ppg), 235 in Blue (33.5 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th vs Warren Fitzgerald

OUTLOOK: The Vikings are entering a new season with high hopes and new expectations. However, they have some things that are against them, recent history. Hazel Park is 1-26 since 2012. They snapped a 24 game losing streak with a 38-0 blowout over Pontiac last season. The Vikings have some questions heading into the 2016 season. Some of issues includes depth, lack of numbers, and their own press clippings.

Hazel Park brought in Orion transfer Dallas Cleary to play on both sides of the football. Coach Kyle Rowley will have wide receivers Malik Harris, Logan Hamilton, and Cam Harris. The Vikings will have running back T’shawn Green along with returning quarterback Damien Ewald. Line play is a serious concern with Hazel Park this season as they will rely on lineman Bruce Kish, Matt Hall, Mason Young, and James Estall.

The Vikings must clean up their defense from a season ago as they allowed 324 points, which was 36 points per game but Green, Cleary, and Harrison expected to play major roles in Rowley’s 4-4-3 scheme. “We should be solid, our four-four-three scheme with Malik and T’shawn at the outside linebackers, kinda like Jabril Peppers at Michigan and me and Logan at corner. We have one job and that’s not let anyone behind us” said Dallas Cleary.

The Vikings optimism is strong thanks to Cleary and what he brings to Hazel Park. “I think we will be a lot more experienced and ready for each week. We have a tight and very hardworking team. We help each other out, we don’t complain. We just go on everyday and work” said Cleary.

“Right now our defense is ok, not as good as our offense” Cleary concluded.

The Vikings must make a statement week one against their arch rivals Warren Fitzgerald. The Spartans have outscored the Vikings 92-12 in the last two meetings between the two neighbors in the Battle of Nine Mile. Hazel Park has trips to Berkley, Royal Oak Shrine, Royal Oak, Flat Rock, and Ferndale. They will have Rochester, Avondale, and Pontiac coming to Hazel Park in 2016. 

If the Vikings can address line play and not believe in their own press clippings, then the next step could be somewhere where they haven’t made since 2010.

PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 4-2 Blue

ROCHESTER FALCONS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: A lot of multi sport athletes.

WEAKNESS: Secondary.

LAST SEASON: 1-8, 1-6 White. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 98 (10.8 ppg), 68 in White (9.7 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 323 (35.8 ppg), 259 in White (37 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 2^nd vs Bloomfield Hills at Stoney Creek

OUTLOOK: The Falcons have not been the same program since they last made the playoffs in 2010. They have struggled in the last two seasons going a combined 2-16 in the process. Rochester has not beaten their arch rivals Adams since 1996 but they did upset Stoney Creek 30-16 to close out the season in 2015.

The Falcons are hoping to use the upset of Stoney Creek to jump start its new season in a new division where they believe they can get wins. “I’m excited, I’m very optimistic. We have a lot of returning seniors. A lot of good athletes, duel sports athletes” said coach Eric Vernon.

Rochester will have Thomas Loftus at running back but he is considered an athlete on the roster, Brent Burtraw at quarterback, Drake Reid whom will be the team’s top wide receiver and Zach Hale whom will be the team’s top lineman.

Rochester will have a strong defense coming back in David Nargent, Jacob Jackson, and Logan Mueller. The Falcons are an experienced team with 25 seniors but they are also a young team with the balk of them being sophomores and juniors in 2016.

Rochester will have their field renovated this upcoming season so they will play their home games at Stoney Creek. They will play Adams at Rochester High School to open the season. “We usually have all year to prepare for Adams, it will be a unique challenge. We’re looking forward to it” Vernon said about playing the Highlanders. 

Rochester has road trips to Avondale, Berkley, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Hazel Park, and Stoney Creek. Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, and Troy will go to Stoney Creek. “We’re excited to go down to the Blue, a lot of good teams, look at Berkley, they beat Southfield” Vernon concluded.

It could be a long season for the Falcons.

PROJECTED RECORD: 0-9, 0-6 Blue

TROY COLTS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Athleticism and Experience.

WEAKNESS: Low Numbers, Depth, and Size.

LAST SEASON: 0-9, 0-7 Red. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 51 (5.6 ppg), 31 in Red (4.4 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 357 (39.6 ppg), 281 in Red (40.1 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 25^th at Walled Lake Central

OUTLOOK: The Colts really hit rock bottom on both sides of the football. It also didn’t help that Troy played in the Red as well. Now with the Colts in the Blue this could be an opportunity for them to win games. Troy has been 17-37 since 2010 with the last time the team making the playoffs was 2009.

The Colts have a ton of experience, led by running back Kofi Anaiparm, wide receiver Connor Wilson, and quarterback Scott Middlebrum.

Fred Reynolds, Will Johansson, Max Guitar, Alex Sampson, Johnathan Douglass, and Chris Croll return to lead coach Gary Griffith’s defense. The Colts defense was a disaster, allowing the most points in the league, 357 points, 39.6 points per game last season. Depth will be a huge concern in 2016 along with size. It’s odd for being a big school that low numbers are a big concern.

The schedule isn’t easy for Troy as a trip to Walled Lake Central looms along with games at Avondale, Detroit Country Day, and Royal Oak. The Colts get Berkley and Troy Athens at home. This schedule the Colts have this season is brutal but a win over Walled Lake Central will tell how Troy’s season will go.

PROJECTED RECORD: 1-8, 1-5 Blue

ROYAL OAK RAVENS:

Preseason Rank: 10

STRENGTH: Experience.

WEAKNESS: If they take a Step Back.

LAST SEASON: 4-5, 4-3 Blue. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 185 (20.5 ppg), 147 (21 ppg) in Blue

POINTS ALLOWED: 193 (21.4 ppg), 113 in Blue (16.1 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 2^nd vs Stockbridge

OUTLOOK: The Ravens had a bounce back season in 2015 after having a winless 2014 season. “We were excited to get back on the winning track but this year our goal is to compete well in the league and make the playoffs” said coach Ray McMann.

Royal Oak should have a really strong team but they need to be more productive. The Ravens scored 185 points, 20.5 points per game return a ton of offensive playmakers led by quarterback Bobby Green, tight end Joe Binkowski, wide receiver Darryl Davenport, and running back Brian Barge.

McMann really credits the offseason development of the kids in getting ready for the season. “Our offseason has been great. Kids worked really hard and they are dedicated to what we believe in. We’re looking to build these young men, not wins and losses.”

Royal Oak must address its defense that was not good against non-league teams as they allowed 193 points, 21.4 points per game but the Ravens have lineman Zerek Ray, Chandler Chamberlin, linebacker Alex Rubio, and cornerbacks Patrick Tesho and Patrick Tescho back.

Royal Oak has an interesting schedule as they travel to St. Clair Shores Lakeview which will provide an interesting challenge for McMann’s team. “Lakeview is a double tight, full house backfield (Wing T.) They’ll try to run it down your throat. They will use a ton of misdirection left and right” McMann said of the Huskies. The Ravens also have trips to Pontiac, Bloomfield Hills, and Rochester.  

The game Royal Oak needs to make a statement is against a very good Stockbridge team. The Panthers feature a high scoring spread attack led by quarterback Mason Gee-Montgomery. Gee-Montgomery had 51 touchdown passes and 1500 yards as a junior and was the Division 5-6 player of the year. He was 22-22 for 391 yards and five touchdowns, which is the MHSAA record of consecutive completions in one game. “Week Two, Stockbridge has a quarterback (Gee-Montgomery) who threw for over 5,000 yards combined, 3,400 rushing, 1,600 passing. Completely a different challenge” said McMann.

If they beat the Panthers, then they could use this as a jumpstart. They have Troy, Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Berkley all coming to Royal Oak but there is always a question that McMann wants to see his team answer, it’s how you respond to a challenge “The big challenge is how they (players) handle the challenge both with a lot of positive things from last year.”

The Ravens could be a team to keep an eye on this season because there is a chance Royal Oak could end a drought that has haunted them since 2006. “Everyone is going to be competitive, it will be a great challenge” McMann concluded.

PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 6-0 Blue

BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Skill Players.

WEAKNESS: Believe in their own press clippings and Line Play.

LAST SEASON: 1-8, 1-6 Red. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 76 (8.4 ppg), 76 in Red (10.8 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 305 (33.8 ppg), 198 in Red (28.2 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: October 7^th at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

OUTLOOK: Bloomfield Hills coach Dan Loria enters a division that he is very familiar with since he was with Bloomfield Hills Lahser, the Blue but he will also have Andover’s kids with them as well among a few transfers. “It’s going to put us in a situation especially up front we’re it’s going to be a comparable situation to accustom where we’re having. We haven’t been a big offensive or defensive line. We’ve done schemes to help ourselves in the past” said coach Dan Loria.

The Blackhawks should have a solid offensive team this season and they have experience from having played in the Red last season. Bloomfield Hills will be led by quarterback Jackson Irmscher, running back Derrick Lynch, and wide receivers Cameron Neely, Jiovanni Harris, and Devin Lynch along with lineman Malcom Clark.

The Blackhawks have questions defensibly especially up front, where they were not good in 2015. They allowed 305 points, which was 33.8 points per game and 198 points in the Red last season. Bloomfield Hills will be led by linebacker Michael Jarrels and cornerback Kip Martin this season. 

The Blackhawks have been getting a lot of hype from the outside media lately but don’t say that to Loria but he’s hopeful heading into the 2016 season. “I’m hoping this is the group to do it because they haven’t let up in the offseason at all. They have been focused and coming together as a team. We’re going to have our ups and downs and if they can deal with adversity then we can be a good football team” said Loria.

The schedule will be tricky for the Blackhawks as they will be tested with a home game against Stoney Creek. “Coming out of the gate, we’ll be in a dog fight. They are going to be solid defensibly, offensively, and they don’t make too many mistakes. We’re going to know what type of football team we are and how we are going to react because we are going to face some adversity in that game” but October will be the month we should have an idea where this team is at as they have games at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and host Berkley and Orion. “It’s hopefully as the season progresses, we get better and come October we’ll be ready to play football” Loria concluded.

This could be a make or break season for the Blackhawks.

PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 3-3 Blue

AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Triple Option Offense.

WEAKNESS: Line Play, Depth, and Defense.

LAST SEASON: 4-5, 4-3 Blue. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 194 (21.5 ppg), 174 in Blue (24.8 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 263 (29.2 ppg), 166 in Blue (23.7 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th at New Boston Huron

OUTLOOK: The Avondale Yellow Jackets will have their third head coach in seven months as Ed Couturier takes over the team. Couturier takes over for Lamanzer Williams after he shocking resigned in mid-July. Williams took over for Steve Deutsch in the offseason. He brings a ton of coaching experience after spending 14 years at Waterford Mott, he was an assistant at Seaholm, and he is currently an assistant coach at Avondale for their track team.

Couturier will have to go through a transition period but he will have the services of wide receivers David Hinton and Nick Whiteside, along with running back Vincent Wright and Anthony Moran to go with his new triple option offense. The Yellow Jackets will have a new quarterback this fall in Chance Chatman. Chatman will have wide receiver Mitch Riley to thrown and lineman Stephan Jackson and Andrew Gordon to block.

Avondale must improve upon a defense that was not good allowing 263 points and 29.2 points per game last season. Wright is expected to play linebacker this season as well.

The schedule is manageable for Avondale with Rochester, Troy, Almont, Bloomfield Hills, and Madison Heights Lamphere coming to Auburn Hills. The Yellow Jackets toughest road game comes early as they go to New Boston Huron. Avondale was pounded 49-6 by the Chiefs last season. The Yellow Jackets also have to go to Ferndale and Hazel Park.

This could be an interesting first season for Couturier but he said this was his dream job, let’s see what he does with this opportunity.

PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 5-1 Blue

PONTIAC PHOENIX:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Depth, Grit, and Determination.

WEAKNESS: Buying in to Thompson’s System.

LAST SEASON: 0-9, 0-7 Blue. Did not Qualify.

POINTS SCORED: 70 (7.7 ppg), 48 in Blue (6.8 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 340 (37.7 ppg), 280 in Blue (40 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: August 26^th vs Detroit Old Redford

OUTLOOK: The Phoenix will have its third coach in five seasons as John Thompson comes from Detroit Central. Thompson takes over for Pete Scott last season, whom previously took over for John Lloyd after he passed away in 2014. Thompson was a four-year linebacker at Michigan and a member of the 2003 dream team from the Detroit Free Press while he played at Detroit Crockett. Detroit Central made the playoffs last season at 6-3.

Pontiac struggled on both sides of the football especially in league play. They are 2-33 since coach Brad Zube left Pontiac in 2011. However, there is some optimism with the new coach and hope despite the Phoenix falling 24-22 to Detroit Redford Union in the team’s final game last season.

Pontiac has had a constant struggle with financial problems and lack of numbers in their school district. “We got more kids to come out. I got a good group of kids just trying to learn the fundamentals of the game. I can’t say we have arrived but we are a work in progress” said coach John Thompson.

The Phoenix want to change the culture of four straight losing seasons and make them a winner again. Thompson will have John Santana, DeAndre Hill, and Bryce O’Neill to relay upon. “With change there is struggle, we’re going to struggle to get better” said Thompson.

It shouldn’t take long for the Pontiac athletes to buy into Thompson’s system. He led Detroit Central to the playoffs last season and the students are looking at a vision of not only now but the future as well. “Just trying to get the kids to buy in, our things are the five P’s, Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. We got to prepare like we’re winners. We got to prepare like we’re a part of the team, part of something” Thompson concluded.

The schedule will be tough for Pontiac as they host Detroit Old Redford at historic Wisner Stadium and will have Avondale, Harper Woods, and Royal Oak coming there but they have to go to Detroit Country Day, Troy, Berkley, and Hazel Park.

It could be yet another climb this season but if there is a program that’s ready to change the culture, it’s the Phoenix.

PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5, 2-4 Blue

FERNDALE EAGLES:

Preseason Rank: NR

STRENGTH: Running Attack.

WEAKNESS: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, and Depth.

LAST SEASON: 2-7, 2-5 Blue. Did not Qualify

POINTS SCORED: 179 (19.8 ppg), 137 in Blue (19.5 ppg)

POINTS ALLOWED: 271 (30.1 ppg), 187 in Blue (26.7 ppg)

GAME OF THE YEAR: September 9^th vs Avondale

OUTLOOK: The Eagles will have a challenge this upcoming season with the departure of Ronald Gohagon whom graduated.

Ferndale really struggled on both sides of the football last season and it looks like it might not get better this season. The Eagles have to replace their quarterback and wide receivers. Coach Eric Royal does have some disadvantages of being the smallest school in the OAA but it doesn’t mean he will have athletes this season.

The Eagles return lineman Kobe Falls. Falls was a defensive lineman last season but he might have to play both lines this season because of the lack of numbers but a glimmer of hope is Ferndale return four offensive lineman from a season ago. Kobie Davis will be a huge help at the fullback spot. Also back is Zoser Little might have to carry the load this season for an inexperienced Eagles team.

Ferndale did pick up between 10-12 players from Ferndale University Prep. The MHSAA approved them and Ferndale University to become a Co-Op team and since Ferndale University is in their district and doesn't have a football team they opted to merge the teams.

The schedule is tough especially at home with Berkley, Avondale, Hazel Park, and Dearborn Edsel Ford coming to Ferndale. The Eagles toughest road game will be when they visit Madison Heights Madison. They will also have Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak on the road as well. If Ferndale can split the Lamphere and Berkley games, then they must beat Avondale if they have any shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

PROJECTED RECORD: 1-8, 0-6 Blue

Football Previews.

Blue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q50Yr2In13Y

Red:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aurO4aeB6Y&spfreload=5

White:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsASyD63nNc