Updated Sunday August 27th at 10:00 AM
INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10.
1. Clarkston
2. Groves
3. West Bloomfield
4. Oak Park
5. Southfield Arts and Tech
6. Orion
7. Adams
8. Ferndale
9. Bloomfield Hills
10. Harrison
BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, SEAHOLM 19
BERKLEY 28, FARMINGTON 23
TROY 48, AVONDALE 25
ADAMS 38, ROCHESTER 6
STONEY CREEK 19, Utica Ford II 12
GROVES 42, Novi 21
CLARKSTON 42, Lapeer 7
FERNDALE 50, Madison Heights Lamphere 0
ROYAL OAK 21, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 0
Chippewa Valley 20, ORION 17
Walled Lake Western 19, WEST BLOOMFIELD 14
Warren Fitzgerald 32, HAZEL PARK 20
Davison 56, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 54 3 O/T
East Kentwood 33, HARRISON 8
Romeo 30, OXFORD 17
Detroit Old Redford 20, PONTIAC 0
Utica Eisenhower 24, OAK PARK 7
Greenville 47, NORTH FARMINGTON 7
BIG WIN: Royal Oak: The Ravens were 6-21 coming into their
rematch with St. Clair Shores Lakeview. Last season they lost to the Huskies
21-0 in St. Clair Shores, this year it was the Ravens that did to St. Clair
Shores Lakeview. They scored first and set the tone early and blocked a field
goal attempt in the process. Royal Oak then put the game away late scoring
twice gaining their revenge from last season’s loss. This is a big win for
coach Ray McMann. The Ravens defense played really well shutting down the Huskies
Wing T offense. Maybe this win is a start of things to come for Royal Oak.
TOUGH LOSS: West Bloomfield: The Lakers controlled the game
early led by their spread attack but they let former Southfield Arts and Tech quarterback Sam Johnson III
be comfortable for his new team Walled Lake Western at Wayne on Thursday
afternoon. Johnson III rushed for two touchdowns including the winning score in
which the Warriors beat West Bloomfield 19-14. The game had a ton of Division
One College prospects, it seemed to live to the hype. Lakers quarterback Bryce
Veasley had two touchdowns in the game. I think West Bloomfield will be fine.
TEAM ON THE RISE: Ferndale: The Eagles could be a very
serious contender in the Blue especially seeing what they did to Madison
Heights Lamphere beating the Rams 50-0. Ferndale quarterback Keshawn Smith and
running back Zoser Little had two touchdowns each. The Eagles have a tough
schedule especially with the next five weeks with Farmington, North Farmington,
Birmingham Detroit Country Day all on the road and Avondale at home. If
Ferndale can get by this gauntlet unbeaten or with one loss then coach Eric
Royal’s team could be a serious factor this season.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Rochester: The Falcons had a ton of
hype heading into the season with of a ton of experience and motivation they
had against their neighborhood rivals but instead they laid an egg against Rochester
Adams 38-6 on Thursday night. Rochester hasn’t beaten the Highlanders since
1996 and will have to wait until next year to get another crack. The Falcons
have a tough schedule with Oak Park, Groves, Seaholm, Harrison, and Stoney
Creek still on the schedule. It could be a long season for coach Eric Vernon
and the Rochester Falcons.
WHAT HAPPENED: Southfield Arts and Tech: This game was not
supposed to be an instant classic but it ended up being that at Wayne State on
Thursday night. The Warriors were up 26-12 on Davison late in the fourth
quarter but the Cardinals went on a 26-8 run to force overtime led by running
back Tariq Reid. Davison coach Kyle Zimmerman was ejected in the first half for
arguing with the officials after a few bad calls went against his team.
Southfield Arts and Tech had the offense led by running back Erik McArn’s 148
yards and four touchdowns. Warriors quarterback John Darby was brilliant having
two touchdowns rushing and one passing touchdown for 74 yards to wide receiver Matt Gilbert. I
was surprised that the Warriors defense couldn’t stop Reid. Reid had 132 yards
and four touchdowns along with the winning two-point conversion to give the Cardinals
the upset win over Southfield Arts and Tech. I wouldn’t panic with the Warriors
not at all.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Orion: The Dragons lost their fourth
straight game to Chippewa Valley 20-17 but they had plenty of opportunities
including a chance to win the game late but it was intercepted by the Big Reds.
There was controversy, in the third quarter with Orion trailing 7-3, the
Dragons recovered a punt after the ball hit a Chippewa Valley player on the
left heel of his foot. The official originally gave the football to Orion but
changed his mind and gave the ball to the Big Reds. The call lead to Chippewa
Valley scoring two touchdowns and controlling tempo until late in the game. The Dragons would score two touchdowns late and
as mentioned had a chance to win. The Orion defense played well but at the end
of the day you got to execute. I wouldn’t panic on the Dragons, I think just
like Southfield Arts and Tech they are fine.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets, I thought
would make some noise this season, they very well could but allowing 48 points
at home to Troy on Thursday night isn’t a good way to start the season. You can
give last season a pass but this is not the start coach Ed Couturier or his
team wanted. They got problems on the defensive side of the ball. Avondale scored
25 points, which is good enough to win games but allowing 48 is not an excuse
especially with a full offseason of work. The defense needs fixing in Auburn
Hills.
Thoughts from Week One Games:
Avondale/Troy: I didn't see this one coming, the Colts scoring 48 points is the highest point total they have scored since 2014 (50 vs. Royal Oak.) I was really disappointed in the Yellow Jackets defense and preparation for this game. Avondale had a full offseason under coach Ed Couturier but this is not a good way to start. Troy had a good start and kudos to coach Chris Frasier and his team for being prepared. Program strength will still be an issue for the Colts program but keeping the Jug from the Yellow Jackets is a start.
Berkley/Farmington: I was very disappointed in the Falcons performance against the Bears. I give Berkley coach Billy Keenest credit for getting his Bears out to a 20-0 early lead but had to hang on late. I don't know how they would do in the White. Farmington has a ton of work to do and the schedule doesn't get any easier for coach Kory Cioroch's team with Ferndale coming in next week.
Groves/Novi: The Falcons have found themselves a running back in Chaise Ford. Ford had 121 yards and three touchdowns against the Wildcats. Groves looks to be back in the thick of things in the White. Novi should be a solid football team in the KLAA this season. The Falcons are looking sharp early in the season which is a good sign for coach Brendan Flaherty.
Stoney Creek/Utica Ford II: This was a big win for coach Bob Lantzy's team, it could lead them to turn the corner a bit at Stoney Creek. The Cougars were out-gained by the Falcons 301-231 but the difference was that Utica Ford had three turnovers including a fumble and an interception that sealed Stoney Creek's big win at Runkel Field. The Cougars have a tough game coming up next week in Beverly Hills.
Rochester/Adams: I was disappointed by the Falcons in this contest. It looks like they are in deep trouble this season. Rochester has big problems defensively, giving up 38 points is not a good start and they have Oak Park next week. Coach Eric Vernon's team is not looking great right now on both sides of the football. The Highlanders were sharp all night behind Steve Roncelli, Cole Patrino, and Vincent Gray. Adams will have a huge game next week at Orion.
Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had to pull one out over the Maples in the Maple Forest. Bloomfield Hills quarterback John Paddock was 20 for 30 for 246 yards and two touchdowns. The Blackhawks had a 14-0 lead at the half but Seaholm outscored Bloomfield Hills 19-7 in the second half. The Maples are a resilient and veteran laden team. The Maples go to Hurley Field next week while the Blackhawks go to the Swamp. Not easy matchups for both teams.
Ferndale/Madison Heights Lamphere: The Eagles are proven they are for real. KeShawn Smith and Zoser Little had two touchdowns each and coach Eric Royal is proving that Ferndale is no longer a punch line. This is a dangerous team that can win the Blue, they go to Farmington next week. The Rams are in a tough change going through a new coach and a new program but they will get it.
Royal Oak/St. Clair Shores Lakeview: The Ravens got revenge on the Huskies winning by the same score as last season 21-0. Hopefully this is a start for coach Ray McMann and his team. Royal Oak's defense was stout. The Ravens will host North Farmington next week, hopefully a sign of things to come for this program that needs it desperately.
Clarkston/Lapeer: This was a shocker, considering how close the rivalry between the Lightning and Wolves have been lately. Lapeer has six total losses as a school, four of them were to Clarkston. Josh Cantu had two touchdowns and is the perfect backup to Mike Fleugel. The Wolves running game and offensive line are stout. Clarkston will host Southfield Arts and Tech next week.
Pontiac/Detroit Old Redford: The Phoenix struggled at the old Southfield-Lathrup High School against Detroit Old Redford. Pontiac couldn't score against the Panthers, a team that has lost five straight games which was very disappointing to me. The Phoenix have lost 24 straight games, not good.
Orion/Chippewa Valley: The Dragons couldn't cash in on drives very similar to last season's loss to the Big Reds but they had their chances to win late. I thought the Orion defense played well but were left out to dry a few times with turnovers and two punts blocked. One tough call changed the whole complexion of the game, in the third quarter with the Dragons recovering a punt after the football hit a Chippewa Valley player and the referee signaled it was Orion football but he changed his mind and gave the ball to the Big Reds. It would lead to Chippewa Valley scoring two touchdowns. I wouldn't press the panic button on this team yet.
Southfield Arts and Tech/Davison: The Warriors had everything in their favor, they were up 26-12 late in the fourth quarter but Davison scored 26 points outscoring Southfield Arts and Tech 26-8 to force overtime. The Warriors would fall in triple overtime. Southfield Arts and Tech running back Erin McArn had a huge game with 148 yards and four touchdowns, quarterback John Darby had two touchdowns on the ground and one in the air to wide reciever Matt Gilbert. I was disappointed in the Warriors defense, allowing 56 points to a very good Cardinals team, including 132 yards and four touchdowns to Tariq Reid. Southfield Arts and Tech has to go to Clarkston next.
Harrison/East Grand Rapids: I was shocked when I saw the score of this game on Thursday night, 34-8 East Grand Rapids. The Hawks only scoring eight points is very concerning to me especially with only allowing 94 points all of last season and they are half way to what they were at last season. The Pioneers are a good football team but Harrison scoring eight points and allowing 34 is alarming. The Hawks need a bounce back game next week at Troy.
West Bloomfield/Walled Lake Western: I was very disturbed that the Lakers defense let Sam Johnson III control the game for the Warriors. Johnson was a transfer quarterback from Southfield Arts and Tech was instrumental on the ground scoring two touchdowns including the winning score. I was shocked that the Walled Lake Western defense shut the high scoring West Bloomfield offense down. The Lakers will be fine and they have Bloomfield Hills next.
North Farmington/Greenville: The Raiders had a strong start with Dylan Gordon scoring on a 95 yard touchdown run, which was one of the longest plays in State history but the North Farmington defense couldn't hold up against the Yellow Jackets read option offense, allowing 47 points to Greenville despite causing two turnovers and a blocked punt. I know the Raiders are young and inexperienced. Coach Bob Chiesa has a ton of work to rebuild this North Farmington program but giving up 47 points is not a good start. The Raiders need to get back on track next week against Royal Oak.
Hazel Park/Warren Fitzgerald: The Vikings have now lost four straight to the Spartans but this time it was a lot closer than the three previous meetings. Hazel Park last season allowed 65 points to Warren Fitzgerald and 218 points the last three meetings but they limited them to 26 points and was in the game. Maybe there is hope that the Vikings can get out of this funk they are in but they need to be better on both sides of the football.
Troy Athens/Warren Mott: The Red Hawks had everything against them in Warren. Warren Mott was opening up their new turf stadium and they celebrated the life of a former player David Woodward whom tragically lost his life in a car accident. Troy Athens let Mauraders quarterback Jake Dube run for four touchdowns in this game. It could be a long season for coach Josh Heppner.
Oxford/Romeo: The Wildcats really had one bad quarter (second quarter) at Michigan Stadium which led to Romeo's big win over Oxford. The Wildcats still have defensive issues, 30 points allowed is not good. Oxford scored 17 points which is good, they can hold their own with anybody, hope is not lost with this team. They go to Troy Athens next, which is very winnable.
Oak Park/Utica Eisenhower: Mistakes doomed the Knights in this game which is odd because Oak Park is a veteran team. The Knights just were horrible on third and fourth down especially on the defensive side of the football. Oak Park let Max Whitwer go nuts on them going nine for 12 for 137 yards and one touchdown in the air and one on the ground. Offensively the Knights struggled with turnovers, they moved the ball well but turnovers killed them in key situations. I was very surprised by the outcome of this game. Oak Park goes to Rochester next.
Thoughts from Week One Games:
Avondale/Troy: I didn't see this one coming, the Colts scoring 48 points is the highest point total they have scored since 2014 (50 vs. Royal Oak.) I was really disappointed in the Yellow Jackets defense and preparation for this game. Avondale had a full offseason under coach Ed Couturier but this is not a good way to start. Troy had a good start and kudos to coach Chris Frasier and his team for being prepared. Program strength will still be an issue for the Colts program but keeping the Jug from the Yellow Jackets is a start.
Berkley/Farmington: I was very disappointed in the Falcons performance against the Bears. I give Berkley coach Billy Keenest credit for getting his Bears out to a 20-0 early lead but had to hang on late. I don't know how they would do in the White. Farmington has a ton of work to do and the schedule doesn't get any easier for coach Kory Cioroch's team with Ferndale coming in next week.
Groves/Novi: The Falcons have found themselves a running back in Chaise Ford. Ford had 121 yards and three touchdowns against the Wildcats. Groves looks to be back in the thick of things in the White. Novi should be a solid football team in the KLAA this season. The Falcons are looking sharp early in the season which is a good sign for coach Brendan Flaherty.
Stoney Creek/Utica Ford II: This was a big win for coach Bob Lantzy's team, it could lead them to turn the corner a bit at Stoney Creek. The Cougars were out-gained by the Falcons 301-231 but the difference was that Utica Ford had three turnovers including a fumble and an interception that sealed Stoney Creek's big win at Runkel Field. The Cougars have a tough game coming up next week in Beverly Hills.
Rochester/Adams: I was disappointed by the Falcons in this contest. It looks like they are in deep trouble this season. Rochester has big problems defensively, giving up 38 points is not a good start and they have Oak Park next week. Coach Eric Vernon's team is not looking great right now on both sides of the football. The Highlanders were sharp all night behind Steve Roncelli, Cole Patrino, and Vincent Gray. Adams will have a huge game next week at Orion.
Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had to pull one out over the Maples in the Maple Forest. Bloomfield Hills quarterback John Paddock was 20 for 30 for 246 yards and two touchdowns. The Blackhawks had a 14-0 lead at the half but Seaholm outscored Bloomfield Hills 19-7 in the second half. The Maples are a resilient and veteran laden team. The Maples go to Hurley Field next week while the Blackhawks go to the Swamp. Not easy matchups for both teams.
Ferndale/Madison Heights Lamphere: The Eagles are proven they are for real. KeShawn Smith and Zoser Little had two touchdowns each and coach Eric Royal is proving that Ferndale is no longer a punch line. This is a dangerous team that can win the Blue, they go to Farmington next week. The Rams are in a tough change going through a new coach and a new program but they will get it.
Royal Oak/St. Clair Shores Lakeview: The Ravens got revenge on the Huskies winning by the same score as last season 21-0. Hopefully this is a start for coach Ray McMann and his team. Royal Oak's defense was stout. The Ravens will host North Farmington next week, hopefully a sign of things to come for this program that needs it desperately.
Clarkston/Lapeer: This was a shocker, considering how close the rivalry between the Lightning and Wolves have been lately. Lapeer has six total losses as a school, four of them were to Clarkston. Josh Cantu had two touchdowns and is the perfect backup to Mike Fleugel. The Wolves running game and offensive line are stout. Clarkston will host Southfield Arts and Tech next week.
Pontiac/Detroit Old Redford: The Phoenix struggled at the old Southfield-Lathrup High School against Detroit Old Redford. Pontiac couldn't score against the Panthers, a team that has lost five straight games which was very disappointing to me. The Phoenix have lost 24 straight games, not good.
Orion/Chippewa Valley: The Dragons couldn't cash in on drives very similar to last season's loss to the Big Reds but they had their chances to win late. I thought the Orion defense played well but were left out to dry a few times with turnovers and two punts blocked. One tough call changed the whole complexion of the game, in the third quarter with the Dragons recovering a punt after the football hit a Chippewa Valley player and the referee signaled it was Orion football but he changed his mind and gave the ball to the Big Reds. It would lead to Chippewa Valley scoring two touchdowns. I wouldn't press the panic button on this team yet.
Southfield Arts and Tech/Davison: The Warriors had everything in their favor, they were up 26-12 late in the fourth quarter but Davison scored 26 points outscoring Southfield Arts and Tech 26-8 to force overtime. The Warriors would fall in triple overtime. Southfield Arts and Tech running back Erin McArn had a huge game with 148 yards and four touchdowns, quarterback John Darby had two touchdowns on the ground and one in the air to wide reciever Matt Gilbert. I was disappointed in the Warriors defense, allowing 56 points to a very good Cardinals team, including 132 yards and four touchdowns to Tariq Reid. Southfield Arts and Tech has to go to Clarkston next.
Harrison/East Grand Rapids: I was shocked when I saw the score of this game on Thursday night, 34-8 East Grand Rapids. The Hawks only scoring eight points is very concerning to me especially with only allowing 94 points all of last season and they are half way to what they were at last season. The Pioneers are a good football team but Harrison scoring eight points and allowing 34 is alarming. The Hawks need a bounce back game next week at Troy.
West Bloomfield/Walled Lake Western: I was very disturbed that the Lakers defense let Sam Johnson III control the game for the Warriors. Johnson was a transfer quarterback from Southfield Arts and Tech was instrumental on the ground scoring two touchdowns including the winning score. I was shocked that the Walled Lake Western defense shut the high scoring West Bloomfield offense down. The Lakers will be fine and they have Bloomfield Hills next.
North Farmington/Greenville: The Raiders had a strong start with Dylan Gordon scoring on a 95 yard touchdown run, which was one of the longest plays in State history but the North Farmington defense couldn't hold up against the Yellow Jackets read option offense, allowing 47 points to Greenville despite causing two turnovers and a blocked punt. I know the Raiders are young and inexperienced. Coach Bob Chiesa has a ton of work to rebuild this North Farmington program but giving up 47 points is not a good start. The Raiders need to get back on track next week against Royal Oak.
Hazel Park/Warren Fitzgerald: The Vikings have now lost four straight to the Spartans but this time it was a lot closer than the three previous meetings. Hazel Park last season allowed 65 points to Warren Fitzgerald and 218 points the last three meetings but they limited them to 26 points and was in the game. Maybe there is hope that the Vikings can get out of this funk they are in but they need to be better on both sides of the football.
Troy Athens/Warren Mott: The Red Hawks had everything against them in Warren. Warren Mott was opening up their new turf stadium and they celebrated the life of a former player David Woodward whom tragically lost his life in a car accident. Troy Athens let Mauraders quarterback Jake Dube run for four touchdowns in this game. It could be a long season for coach Josh Heppner.
Oxford/Romeo: The Wildcats really had one bad quarter (second quarter) at Michigan Stadium which led to Romeo's big win over Oxford. The Wildcats still have defensive issues, 30 points allowed is not good. Oxford scored 17 points which is good, they can hold their own with anybody, hope is not lost with this team. They go to Troy Athens next, which is very winnable.
Oak Park/Utica Eisenhower: Mistakes doomed the Knights in this game which is odd because Oak Park is a veteran team. The Knights just were horrible on third and fourth down especially on the defensive side of the football. Oak Park let Max Whitwer go nuts on them going nine for 12 for 137 yards and one touchdown in the air and one on the ground. Offensively the Knights struggled with turnovers, they moved the ball well but turnovers killed them in key situations. I was very surprised by the outcome of this game. Oak Park goes to Rochester next.
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