Week Two Recap.

Written Friday August 31st at 10:30 PM

INSIDE THE OAA Top Ten

1. Oak Park
2. Harrison
3. Seaholm
4. Clarkston
5. Oxford
6. Avondale
7. West Bloomfield
8. Adams
9. Farmington
10. Ferndale

Week Two Scores

OXFORD 28, LAKE ORION 7
FARMINGTON 42, ROYAL OAK 16
BERKLEY 45, PONTIAC 0
TROY 27, STONEY CREEK 21
OAK PARK 13, GROVES 7
AVONDALE 54, Warren Fitzgerald 28
SEAHOLM 53, FERNDALE 8
NORTH FARMINGTON 9, HAZEL PARK 6
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 39, ROCHESTER 7
ADAMS 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21
CLARKSTON 28, WEST BLOOMFIELD 25
HARRISON 41, TROY ATHENS 0

BIG WIN: Clarkston: The Wolves have been shaky as of late but managed to pull off two big wins including a big home win over West Bloomfield 28-25. Clarkston now goes back on the road next week at Troy. Both of these teams will be fine going forward.

TOUGH LOSS: Groves: The record says 0-2 for the Falcons but Groves has played two really good teams in West Bloomfield and Oak Park. The Falcons hung tough with the Knights but Oak Park escaped Beverly Hills with a 13-7 victory. Groves will be fine though. They play Stoney Creek next week.

WHAT HAPPENED: Rochester: The Falcons came off an emotional loss to Adams 28-27 last week but they laid an egg in a home loss to Southfield Arts and Tech losing 39-7 in the process. The Warriors are very athletic and talented after needing a bounce back after losing to Davison at Wayne State. Rochester falls to 0-2 on the season and plays Troy Athens next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Stoney Creek: The Cougars had this game with Troy under control but the Colts found a way and escaped Stoney Creek with a 27-21 victory. The Cougars have grown and has gotten better each week under coach Nick Merlo. Stoney Creek's schedule will get tougher though as they have Groves next week.

TEAM THAT SENT A STATEMENT: Seaholm: The Maples went into Ferndale and blew out the Eagles 53-8. That's the most points that Ferndale has allowed under coach Eric Royal. Seaholm has a ton of experience back which always helps and is 2-0 on the season. The Eagles fall to 1-1 on the season, they play Farmington next week. The Maples host North Farmington next week in front of the Maple Forest.

TEAM THAT'S IN TROUBLE: Lake Orion: The Dragons have some big issues right now, they have appeared to have hit rock bottom losing two straight games including a 28-7 home defeat to the arch rival Oxford Wildcats. Lake Orion has only scored 14 points in their last two games, they need to address this issue among other problems. The Dragons have Adams next week in Rochester, maybe hitting the road could be a good thing for this team.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Royal Oak: The Ravens fresh off making the playoffs last season suffered another setback as they fell 42-16 to the Farmington Falcons falling to 0-2 on the season. Royal Oak needs a bounce back in the worst way as they have Hazel Park next week.

Week Two Picks.

Written Tuesday August 28th at 1:00 PM

Welcome to the 2018 OAA football season. We will pick games this season with my good friends in the media this season, here are the pickers for the season. Anthony Taormina-Host Between Taorminas and History Now on ONTV, Scott Burnstein-State Champs insider, Oakland Press sports writer, Keith Dunlap-Detroit Free Press sports writer, Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports, sports writer, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 11-6

TRAIN 10-7

DUNLAP 8-9

STICK 12-5

BURNEY 10-7

COTTER 11-6

1. Oak Park at 7. Groves

This will be an interesting matchup between the Knights and the Falcons. Oak Park beat Groves last season and is coming into this matchup red hot after beating Utica Eisenhower 31-13 last week. The Falcons need to get back on track especially defensibly where they allowed 39 points in a 39-28 loss to West Bloomfield in Beverly Hills. Got to wonder where Groves mindset is at.

DUNES: OAK PARK 24, GROVES 21

TRAIN: OAK PARK 27, GROVES 24

DUNLAP: OAK PARK 27, GROVES 17

STICK: OAK PARK 33, GROVES 14

BURNEY: OAK PARK 28, GROVES 21

COTTER: OAK PARK 38, GROVES 7

2. West Bloomfield at 5. Clarkston

This is a State Finals rematch in which the Wolves beat the Lakers 3-2 but both teams are different this time around. West Bloomfield won 39-28 in Beverly Hills last week over Groves. Clarkston survived Grandville 12-9 at Michigan last week. This could be a doozy this week on Flemings Lake Road.

DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, CLARKSTON 12

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, CLARKSTON 7      

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 17, WEST BLOOMFIELD 16

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, CLARKSTON 14

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 24, CLARKSTON 23

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, CLARKSTON 14

9. Seaholm at 3. Ferndale

I’m very surprised that no one is talking about how big this matchup is between the Eagles and the Maples. Arguably these are the two hottest teams in the league with what they did last week on their home fields. Ferndale destroyed Fraser 62-0 while Seaholm destroyed Troy Athens 41-7. This will be an exciting matchup to say the least in Ferndale.

DUNES: FERNDALE 28, SEAHOLM 21

TRAIN: FERNDALE 28, SEAHOLM 24

DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 21, FERNDALE 20

STICK: FERNDALE 27, SEAHOLM 21

BURNEY: FERNDALE 27, SEAHOLM 26

COTTER: FERNDALE 20, SEAHOLM 14

4. Harrison at Troy Athens

The Red Hawks enter their new division on their heels a bit after losing 41-7 last week at Seaholm. The Hawks destroyed North Farmington 41-0 on their home field last week. This is the first meeting between Harrison and Troy Athens since 2006. I wonder if there are any risk takers thinking possible upset here???

DUNES: HARRISON 49, TROY ATHENS 0

TRAIN: HARRISON 42, TROY ATHENS 0

DUNLAP: HARRISON 42, TROY ATHENS 7

STICK: HARRISON 35, TROY ATHENS 7

BURNEY: HARRISON 33, TROY ATHENS 20

COTTER: HARRISON 42, TROY ATHENS 0

6. Adams at Bloomfield Hills

The Blackhawks are starting to roll again after beating Utica 39-14 last week at home. This week will bring a much tougher matchup for Bloomfield Hills as they take on a Highlanders team that left Rochester with a bit of a bad taste in their mouths. Adams escaped Rochester with a double overtime 28-27 victory. Last season, the Highlanders put 54 against the Blackhawks at Bloomfield Hills, wonder how the encore would be.

DUNES: ADAMS 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7

TRAIN: ADAMS 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 24

DUNLAP: ADAMS 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 17

STICK: ADAMS 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

BURNEY: ADAMS 21, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 17

COTTER: ADAMS 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

Warren Fitzgerald at 8. Avondale

The Yellow Jackets are off to a great start winning 31-13 at Troy last week. Now Avondale will be at home to take on a Warren Fitzgerald team that has had success lately. The Spartans also won last week over Warren Lincoln 40-20. This will be a matchup of two high scoring teams, defense could be optional in this one.

DUNES: AVONDALE 52, WARREN FITZGERALD 45

TRAIN: AVONDALE 24, WARREN FITZGERALD 21

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 28, WARREN FITZGERALD 18

STICK: AVONDALE 24, WARREN FITZGERALD 21

BURNEY: AVONDALE 31, WARREN FITZGERALD 22

COTTER: AVONDALE 35, WARREN FITZGERALD 28

10. Oxford at Lake Orion

This battle for the Double O Trophy will be interesting. The Wildcats are riding high after beating Romeo 24-21 last week. The Dragons fell to a very good Lapeer team 17-7 at Michigan last week. Whoever wins the time of possession battle will win this game on the new football field of Lake Orion.

DUNES: LAKE ORION 31, OXFORD 17

TRAIN: LAKE ORION 14, OXFORD 7

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 23, OXFORD 20

STICK: LAKE ORION 21, OXFORD 20

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 18, OXFORD 16

COTTER: LAKE ORION 21, OXFORD 17

Southfield Arts and Tech at Rochester

Both teams are coming into this game with disappointing outcomes. The Falcons lost a heartbreaker in double overtime to Adams 28-27. The Warriors had a very disappointing outcome at Wayne State where they were embarrassed by Davison 28-6. Whomever wins this game should be back on track and the team who falls to 0-2 is in deep trouble.

DUNES: ROCHESTER 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 32

TRAIN: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 24, ROCHESTER 7

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 24, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 17

STICK: ROCHESTER 21, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 19

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 32, ROCHESTER 25

COTTER: ROCHESTER 21, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14

Stoney Creek at Troy

This is an interesting matchup considering last season was a low scoring game between the two teams but one team has a new coaching staff in Stoney Creek but there were upsides surrounding them. The Cougars found a line and running game against Utica Ford beating them 24-5 but it was the defense that was huge in allowing five points. The Colts took a big step back as they lost 31-13 to Avondale at home. Troy needs to fix both sides of the football and with the schedule coming up for them, they need this game badly.

DUNES: STONEY CREEK 20, TROY 17

TRAIN: STONEY CREEK 14, TROY 13

DUNLAP: TROY 27, STONEY CREEK 13

STICK: TROY 14, STONEY CREEK 13

BURNEY: TROY 22, STONEY CREEK 21

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 17, TROY 10

Pontiac at Berkley

This will be an interesting matchup between the Phoenix and the Bears at Hurley Field along with the first game for new coach Sean Shields. Pontiac is coming off a 28-8 win over Detroit Consortium at Wisner Stadium. Berkley lost 37-21 to Farmington last week. If depth becomes a factor, got to favor the Bears but who knows what if the Phoenix win again???

DUNES: PONTIAC 21, BERKLEY 14

TRAIN: BERKLEY 28, PONTIAC 7

DUNLAP: BERKLEY 35, PONTIAC 6

STICK: BERKLEY 14, PONTIAC 7

BURNEY: BERKLEY 24, PONTIAC 22

COTTER: BERKLEY 42, PONTIAC 6

Hazel Park at North Farmington

The Vikings are off to a good start in their final season in the OAA after beating Detroit University Prep 50-14 last week in Hazel Park. The Raiders were blown out 41-0 at Harrison last week. North Farmington should be ready to go this week being that it will be their home opener in Farmington Hills.

DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, HAZEL PARK 14

TRAIN: NORTH FARMINGTON 35, HAZEL PARK 14

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 17, HAZEL PARK 13

STICK: HAZEL PARK 14, NORTH FARMINGTON 13

BURNEY: HAZEL PARK 17, NORTH FARMINGTON 16

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 21, HAZEL PARK 12

Royal Oak at Farmington

The Falcons whom started the season on a high note had a 37-21 home win over Berkley last week. The Ravens lost a disappointing 21-9 outcome to St. Clair Shores Lakeview in Macomb County. Royal Oak beat Farmington last season, could there be a different outcome, it’s possible.

DUNES: FARMINGTON 38, ROYAL OAK 14

TRAIN: FARMINGTON 28, ROYAL OAK 14

DUNLAP: FARMINGTON 31, ROYAL OAK 24

STICK: ROYAL OAK 21, FARMINGTON 14

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 34, ROYAL OAK 30

COTTER: FARMINGTON 35, ROYAL OAK 14

Week One Recap.

Written Friday August 24th at 11:00 PM

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10

1. Oak Park

2. West Bloomfield

3. Ferndale

4. Harrison

5. Clarkston

6. Adams

7. Groves

8. Avondale

9. Seaholm

10. Oxford

Week One Scores

HAZEL PARK 50, Detroit University Prep 14

Lapeer 17, LAKE ORION 7

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 39, Utica 14

FERNDALE 62, Fraser 0

OAK PARK 31, Utica Eisenhower 13

STONEY CREEK 24, Utica Ford 5

AVONDALE 28, TROY 13

SEAHOLM 41, TROY ATHENS 7

WEST BLOOMFIELD 39, GROVES 28

St. Clair Shores Lakeview 21, ROYAL OAK 9

PONTIAC 28, Detroit Consortium 8

ADAMS 28 ROCHESTER 27

OXFORD 24, Romeo 21

Davison 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 6

CLARKSTON 12, Grandville 9

FARMINGTON 37, BERKLEY 21

HARRISON 41, NORTH FARMINGTON 0

BIG WIN: Oxford: The Wildcats needed three touchdowns from Trent Myre and a field goal to get their third straight home victory over Romeo 24-21 on the blue turf. The Oxford defense played well against a good Bulldogs offense. The game was tight to the very end which included the Wildcats withstanding a Romeo field goal attempt that would have tied the game. This is a huge win for coach Bud Rowley and his team. Oxford has a quick turnaround, they go to Lake Orion next Thursday.

TOUGH LOSS: Lake Orion: Four mistakes proved to be very costly in the Dragons 17-7 loss to Lapeer on Thursday night in Ann Arbor. Lake Orion lost the time possession battle which proved to be key in the contest. This loss was similar to Rockford in 2008 with the same exact score but the league this season is much tougher. The Dragons have a lot of work to do especially on the offensive side of the football but the defense is fine right now.

TEAM THAT SENT A MESSAGE: Ferndale: The Eagles keep getting no love from people but they blew out Fraser 62-0 on Thursday night at home. Ferndale has found itself a quarterback in JoeLewis Estell whom takes over for Keshawn Smith had a big night along with the team’s big offensive line. The Eagles have a huge one next week when Seaholm comes to Ferndale and they are riding high after blowing out Troy Athens 41-7 on Thursday night in the Maple Forest.

WOULDN’T PRESS PANIC BUTTON: Groves: The Falcons were very competitive in their 39-28 loss to West Bloomfield on Thursday night in Beverly Hills. The defense and penalties are a big concern for coach Brandon Flathery and his team. Groves does have to play Oak Park next week and has Harrison and Seaholm during the season but even if this team is 0-2 they are still in good shape. I wouldn’t panic on the Falcons as of yet.

ITS TIME TO PANIC: Troy: The warning bells are out for the Colts as they fell 28-13 to Avondale at home on Thursday night. This was the first loss for Troy to Avondale since 1978. The Colts couldn’t muster two long drives but it was turnovers that doomed both drives and took them out emotionally in the game. Troy’s schedule is vicious as they still have to play Oak Park, Groves, Harrison, Troy Athens, and Clarkston. I think it’s time to press the panic button here.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Rochester: The Falcons battled with their arch rivals from Adams at home on Friday night, trying to get the school’s first win since 1996 over their western city rivals. This game went to double overtime but it was the Highlanders that escaped Rochester with a 28-27 victory after the Falcons tried to go for the win but couldn’t convert giving Adams the game. Rochester is better than people thought with all of the experience back. I wonder if this could

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were shockingly dominated by the Davison Cardinals at Wayne State 28-6. Davison’s defense had three interceptions and quarterback Cannon Hall went 11 for 38 with one passing touchdown but rushed for 91 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns. Southfield Arts and Tech has a tough schedule with games against Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Lake Orion, Oxford, Adams, and River Rouge looming.

Week One Picks.

Written Monday August 20th at 5:15 PM

Welcome to the 2018 OAA football season. We will pick games this season with my good friends in the media, here are the pickers for the season. Anthony Taormina-Host Between Taorminas and History Now on ONTV, Scott Burnstein-State Champs insider, Oakland Press sports writer, Keith Dunlap-Detroit Free Press sports writer, Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports president, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES

TRAIN

DUNLAP

STICK

BURNEY

COTTER

1. Oak Park vs Utica Eisenhower @ Wayne State

This will be a rematch of last season’s 24-7 win by the Eagles over the Knights. There is a big difference from last season’s game to this year. Oak Park is loaded and could be scarier than last year. Utica Eisenhower has to replace their quarterback among other pieces. Line play will be key in this matchup but I don’t think the Knights will make a ton of mistakes like they did last season. It could get real ugly for coach Chris Smith and his team.

DUNES: OAK PARK 24, UTICA EISENHOWER 14

TRAIN: OAK PARK 49, UTICA EISENHOWER 28

DUNLAP: OAK PARK 18, UTICA EISENHOWER 14

STICK: OAK PARK 28, UTICA EISENHOWER 14

BURNEY: OAK PARK 31, UTICA EISENHOWER 23

COTTER: OAK PARK 20, UTICA EISENHOWER 14

2. West Bloomfield at 3. Groves

The Lakers have won two of the last three meetings against the Falcons however all of the meetings were in the Swamp. This season the game is in Beverly Hills. Groves size will be tested against the athleticism and talent that West Bloomfield has. Both teams are expected to be playoff teams but the question will be is whom will get off to a good start early.

DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, GROVES 20

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, GROVES 14

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, GROVES 13

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, GROVES 7

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, GROVES 20

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 24, GROVES 21

North Farmington at 4. Harrison

The Raiders open the season with new uniforms and a new attitude. They have a ton of experience coming back but they haven’t beaten the Hawks since 1978. Harrison has a lot of experience coming back and athleticism as well. This will be an interesting one, experience favors North Farmington but talent favors the Hawks. Could this one be an upset trap in the making???

DUNES: HARRISON 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 14

TRAIN: HARRISON 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

DUNLAP: HARRISON 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

STICK: HARRISON 21, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

BURNEY: HARRISON 34, NORTH FARMINGTON 17

COTTER: HARRISON 49, NORTH FARMINGTON 0

5. Adams at Rochester

This could be an interesting matchup for the Falcons, knowing that they have not beaten their city rival in 22 years (1996.) Rochester has a ton of experience back along with three transfers that came into the program. The Highlanders fresh off making the playoffs for the second straight season has questions at whom will run the football for them. Adams could make some noise again this season but they’ll need to win this one. Could this be the year that the Falcons win this one, it would make Rochester alumni Keith Dunlap and Dan Stickradt happy.

DUNES: ROCHESTER 21, ADAMS 14

TRAIN: ADAMS 28, ROCHESTER 7

DUNLAP: ADAMS 24, ROCHESTER 13

STICK: ROCHESTER 21, ADAMS 20

BURNEY: ADAMS 34, ROCHESTER 28

COTTER: ADAMS 31, ROCHESTER 7

6. Southfield Arts and Tech vs Davison at Wayne State

Last season was insane between the Warriors and Cardinals at Wayne State with Davison winning 56-54 in three overtimes. It was one of those games that cost Southfield Arts and Tech a trip to the playoffs. This season, these two teams get to do it again but with some changes. The Cardinals have a new coach as Jacob Weingartz takes over the team. Weingartz was an assistant at Lapeer, formally coached at Lapeer East takes over for Kyle Zimmerman who resigned at the end of the season after his team was eliminated by Clarkston in the district finals. Davison will have Cannon Hall back to go up against an athletic Warriors defense that wants revenge in the worst way. Southfield Arts and Tech should be motivated heading into this game. It will be interesting if the Warriors can get a measure of revenge after last season.

DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, DAVISON 21

TRAIN: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, DAVISON 21

DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28, DAVISON 26

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, DAVISON 14

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27 DAVISON 26

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, DAVISON 22

7. Clarkston vs Grandville @ Michigan

This will be the first meeting between the Wolves and the Bulldogs. Grandville lost a ton of talent from a season ago but so did Clarkston. It will be interesting to see which team and system shows up, could it be the Wolves running attack led by Jake Bellete and Jake Honstetter with linemen Rocco Splinder and Garrett Dellinger leading the way or will it be the Bulldogs Wing T offense and experience on defense that gives Clarkston trouble. A lot of questions will be answered in this matchup.

DUNES: GRANDVILLE 31, CLARKSTON 14

TRAIN: CLARKSTON 28, GRANDVILLE 27

DUNLAP: GRANDVILLE 35, CLARKSTON 20

STICK: CLARKSTON 21, GRANDVILLE 14

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 24, GRANDVILLE 22

COTTER: GRANDVILLE 35, CLARKSTON 31

Fraser at 8. Ferndale

This will be the first ever meeting between the Eagles and the Ramblers. Fraser has really struggled going 8-19 since 2015. Ferndale has been heading upward lately going 15-5 in the last two seasons. If the Eagles can address their quarterback situation than this Ferndale team will be riding on all cylinders again, Fraser has no chance in this game.

DUNES: FERNDALE 38, FRASER 0

TRAIN: FERNDALE 42, FRASER 0

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 24, FRASER 10

STICK: FERNDALE 20, FRASER 14

BURNEY: FERNDALE 28, FRASER 24

COTTER: FERNDALE 35, FRASER 13

9. Avondale at Troy

This is a rematch of a 48-25 that the Colts won in Auburn Hills. The win got Troy into the playoffs for the first time since 2009. This season the game is in Troy. The Colts have a ton of skill players back but the Yellow Jackets are loaded everywhere but depth is a concern for this team. Avondale will be riding a lot of motivation heading into this game. It could get interesting.

DUNES: AVONDALE 35, TROY 21

TRAIN: AVONDALE 35, TROY 7

DUNLAP: TROY 31, AVONDALE 10

STICK: AVONDALE 21, TROY 20

BURNEY: AVONDALE 27, TROY 23

COTTER: AVONDALE 33, TROY 18

10. Lake Orion vs Lapeer @ Michigan

This will be the first meeting between the Dragons and Lightning. Lapeer has a ton of playoff experience back for coach Mike Smith led by their quarterback Brady Apple and running back Jalen Kirkland. Lake Orion whom is 16-21 since 2014 has most of their offense back from last season led by quarterback Blaze Lauer whom is hungry to get back to prominence. Both of these teams know each other well from scrimmaging one another in the past. This one will be interesting to watch for sure.

DUNES: LAKE ORION 35, LAPEER 28

TRAIN: LAKE ORION 27, LAPEER 24

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 23, LAPEER 20

STICK: LAPEER 21, LAKE ORION 17

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 28, LAPEER 27

COTTER: LAKE ORION 24, LAPEER 21

Romeo at Oxford

This will be the fifth straight year that the Wildcats and the Bulldogs will play each other. Romeo holds a 23-6 overall record in the series but Oxford has won the last two on their home field. The Bulldogs will be led by their star linebacker Brock Horne and lineman Eric Fraeyman. The Wildcats feature their own talent in Drew Carpenter and Trent Myre. If these two guys show up and play well then Oxford could win their third straight on the blue turf over Romeo.

DUNES: OXFORD 20, ROMEO 17

TRAIN: ROMEO 35, OXFORD 17

DUNLAP: ROMEO 27, OXFORD 13

STICK: ROMEO 28, OXFORD 21

BURNEY: ROMEO 33, OXFORD 23

COTTER: ROMEO 26, OXFORD 14

Utica at Bloomfield Hills

This will be the first meeting between the Blackhawks and the Chieftains. Bloomfield Hills and Utica were playoff teams last season (Bloomfield Hills lost to West Bloomfield, Utica lost to Utica Eisenhower in the pre-districts.) Both teams are replacing a ton of talent and have tough schedules awaiting them. It will be important who wins this game knowing that it could be a long year for both teams.

DUNES: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, UTICA 24

TRAIN: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 17, UTICA 14

DUNLAP: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, UTICA 20

STICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, UTICA 7

BURNEY: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, UTICA 18

COTTER: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, UTICA 21

Utica Ford at Stoney Creek

This will be a rematch of a 19-12 game last season won by the Cougars at Runkel Field. Both teams have new coaches, Stoney Creek has Nick Merlo coaching this season and he has brought a different culture to the school. Utica Ford is going through a ton of emotions as their coach Todd Koehn, whom was a former Stoney Creek assistant coach passed away in early July as Tony Smith takes over as the Falcons interim coach. This will be an interesting game to say the least in Rochester.

DUNES: STONEY CREEK 21, UTICA FORD 18

TRAIN: UTICA FORD 16, STONEY CREEK 14

DUNLAP: UTICA FORD 14, STONEY CREEK 10

STICK: UTICA FORD 21, STONEY CREEK 14

BURNEY: STONEY CREEK 24, UTICA FORD 20

COTTER: UTICA FORD 18, STONEY CREEK 13

Troy Athens at Seaholm

This will be an interesting matchup as the Red Hawks and Maples will play each other for the first time since 1999. Both teams are looking for bounce back seasons. Troy Athens has a new coach in Billy Keenest who will be tasked to turn around a 14-42 record. Seaholm had a rough year going 1-8 but coach Jim DeWald will have his team ready for this matchup. This will be a great quarterback matchup in the Maple Forest between Bobby Birney and Gray Kinnie. This game will be determined whom wins the defensive battle, both teams have struggled in this area but whoever’s defense shows up wins this game.

DUNES: TROY ATHENS 27, SEAHOLM 24

TRAIN: TROY ATHENS 24, SEAHOLM 21

DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 17, TROY ATHENS 14

STICK: SEAHOLM 14, TROY ATHENS 7

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 20, SEAHOLM 17

COTTER: SEAHOLM 21, TROY ATHENS 13

Berkley at Farmington

This will be a rematch between the Bears and the Falcons which will take place at Farmington. Last season, Berkley beat Farmington 28-23 at Hurley Field. The Bears have a new coach in Sean Shields who comes from Madison Heights Bishop Foley but knows the Bears well coaching their Junior Varsity team two years ago after a disappointing 1-8 season. The Falcons revamped their whole coaching staff as John Goddard comes as an assistant to Kory Cioroch after a disappointing 3-6 season. Whomever wins this game will gain some confidence in the Blue early.

DUNES: FARMINGTON 31, BERKLEY 17

TRAIN: FARMINGTON 28, BERKLEY 24

DUNLAP: FARMINGTON 23, BERKLEY 13

STICK: FARMINGTON 20, BERKLEY 14

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 31, BERKLEY 23

COTTER: FARMINGTON 32, BERKLEY 21

Detroit University Prep at Hazel Park

This will be the first meeting between the Vikings and the Panthers. Hazel Park made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season. Detroit University Prep but is one game over 500 (9-8) since the 2015 season. The Vikings have basically replaced everyone but four players from last season. We’ll see how this one goes.

DUNES: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 20, HAZEL PARK 14

TRAIN: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 49, HAZEL PARK 13

DUNLAP: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 24, HAZEL PARK 17

STICK: HAZEL PARK 14, DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 6

BURNEY: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 21, HAZEL PARK 20

COTTER: HAZEL PARK 18, DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 6

Detroit Consortium at Pontiac

This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools at Wisner Stadium. Detroit Consortium is on a four game losing streak after starting the season 5-0 last season. The Phoenix are 4-49 since 2011 and are looking to write their own chapter. If Pontiac can win this game and start 1-0, it will certainly go a long way.

DUNES: PONTIAC 18, DETROIT CONSORTIUM 15

TRAIN: DETROIT CONSORTIUM 27, PONTIAC 6

DUNLAP: DETROIT CONSORTIUM 20, PONTIAC 6

STICK: DETROIT CONSORTIUM 14, PONTIAC 7

BURNEY: DETROIT CONSORTIUM 26, PONTIAC 16

COTTER: DETROIT CONSORTIUM 21, PONTIAC 8

Royal Oak at St. Clair Shores Lakeview

This will be the third meeting between the Ravens and the Huskies. Both teams split 21-0 victories on their home fields, St. Clair Shores Lakeview two seasons ago, Royal Oak last season. Both teams are also rebuilding a bit. The Huskies went 2-7 last season while the Ravens made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. I’ll be curious how Royal Oak will adjust on the road in St. Clair Shores against the Wing T of the Huskies. If the Ravens can shut it down again, it should give them some confidence.

DUNES: ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 21, ROYAL OAK 14

TRAIN: ST CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 17, ROYAL OAK 14

DUNLAP: ROYAL OAK 21, ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 20

STICK: ROYAL OAK 28, ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 17

BURNEY: ROYAL OAK 30, ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 25

COTTER: ST. CLAIR SHORES LAKEVIEW 31, ROYAL OAK 7

2018 Football Preview.

Written Wednesday August 15th at 8:30 PM

The moment we have been waiting for is here. The rankings are here. This blog articled will be updated with the videos from the preview shows.

Enjoy.

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10

1. Oak Park

2. West Bloomfield

3. Groves

4. Harrison

5. Adams

6. Southfield Arts and Tech

7. Clarkston

8. Ferndale

9. Avondale

10. Lake Orion

Blue

DREAM SCHEDULE: Royal Oak: The Ravens made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2006 with a schedule that really didn’t prepare them to get into the postseason. If they want to get back to the playoffs, they’ll have to earn their way back to the postseason but on paper the schedule looks manageable. Royal Oak will have road trips to St. Clair Shores Lakeview, Farmington, and Avondale. The Ravens lost to Avondale 21-7 last season and beat Farmington last season 44-23. The Ravens when they last went to St. Clair Shores, they lost 21-0. Royal Oak has home tests against North Farmington and Seaholm looming and the end of the season games against Monroe Jefferson and Detroit Edison are very winnable. If the Ravens can get off to a good start then maybe another playoff berth could be in the cards.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Farmington: Poor coach Kory Cioroch, he can’t catch a break with the schedule. If the Falcons want to turn around their season then they will have to earn their way to get back into the postseason. Farmington is 5-15 in the last two seasons and they have a brutal schedule with road games at Ferndale, Madison, and Seaholm not to mention that tough home games against North Farmington, Avondale, and Harrison loom. It certainly will not be an easy ride for the Falcons that is for sure.

TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Seaholm: The Maples feel like they shouldn’t be in this division but they are. They are 11-25 since 2013 and coach Jim DeWald wants to fix that. If Seaholm wants to prove that they don’t belong in this division then they have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat. The Maples have a tough schedule with non-league games against Troy Athens, South Lyon, and Groves. Seaholm has to go to Ferndale but they have North Farmington and Farmington coming to the Maple Forest. If the Maples want to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 then they have to win two of these games to get to that magic six win number. It will be interesting to see what Seaholm has.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Hazel Park: The Vikings made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season and they are in their final year in the OAA with only four returning players this season. Hazel Park has two winnable non-conference games against Detroit University Prep and Detroit Science and Math Academy but the rest of the schedule has a lot of hurdles written all over it. The Vikings have Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Avondale coming to Hazel Park. They have Madison Heights Lamphere, North Farmington, Pontiac, and Farmington on the road. This is not an easy schedule for a young football team like the Vikings will have this season. It could be a long season for Hazel Park.

Top Five Games:

Avondale at Troy: If the Yellow Jackets want to prove that they are for real then they need to win this game in Troy and also erase a 48-25 humiliating setback in Auburn Hills last season.

Farmington at Seaholm: This late season matchup could have league implications and possible playoff hopes at stake.

Seaholm at Ferndale: Big test for both teams, could be an indicator to see where both the Maples and Eagles are at heading into the season.

Ferndale at Avondale: This matchup could have league implications at stake in Auburn Hills. The Yellow Jackets went into Ferndale and stun the Eagles 21-13 last season.

North Farmington at Seaholm: This one could have an upset trap written all over it and it would be a statement win for coach Bob Chiesa’s team if they can win it.

AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS

Last Season: 6-4 (6-3) 5-1 Blue. Lost 45-44 to Brandon in Pre-District

Points Scored: 334 (33.4 ppg), 210 (35 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 224 (22.4 ppg), 76 (12.6 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: September 14^th vs Ferndale

Rank: 9

Strengths: Athleticism

Weakness: Depth

Projected Record: 8-1, 5-1 Blue

Insight: The Yellow Jackets had a full offseason under coach Ed Couturier and it paid dividends as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2012 last season. Avondale has a ton of talent coming back from a team that did very well last season even though they had a heartbreaking 45-44 playoff loss to Ortonville Brandon at home in the pre-district. The reason for optimism is the team’s offense. This unit was special last season, they scored 334 points a year ago which was a complete turnaround to where they were at two seasons ago. “Our expectations are high, it will be key for us” said Couturier. The team’s veer offense will be led by quarterback Ari Dotan whom had a great year last season and took a moment explaining his teams’ goals this season. “On behalf of our program, I would like to say how excited we are to compete this year against all of these great teams, even though last year may have not ended the way we wanted it too. It motivated all of us to put a lot of work in during the offseason. Overall our offseason has been very successful and we are very proud how we performed in our seven on seven, linemen challenges, and passing tournaments. Finally we are proud on how successful our team camp was and how everyone was ready to compete. On behalf of the Avondale football program, thank you” said Dotan. He will have weapons in wide receivers Derrick Hinton, Peyton Voeffray, and Vincent Johns but as mentioned if you want to run the veer you will need running backs and fullbacks, the Yellow Jackets have plenty of those led by Kobe Anthony, Zeke Ringstaff, Miguel Garcia, and David Holloman to go with fullbacks Torey Coleman and Baba Conate. In a veer you need good line play and Avondale has that in Gavin Breman, Gaitlin Coleman, Jason Cory, Shane Gubariu, Joey Secord, Tanner Lewandowski, Jalan Murray, and Chris Sawyers. The Yellow Jackets will need to improve defensibly especially against non-league competition. Last season, they allowed 48 points against Troy and 45 to Ortonville-Brandon in the playoffs. Avondale has Jamison Jodway and Sawyers leading the linebackers while Anthony, Hinton, and Johns are in the secondary along with Breman, Coleman, and Sawyers on the defensive line. Depth will be the big question mark for the Yellow Jackets but the athleticism makes up for a lot of the issues this team has heading into the season.

Why 8-1: Looking at the schedule it looks favorable for the Yellow Jackets with Warren Fitzgerald, Royal Oak, and Ferndale coming to Auburn Hills. They have to go to North Farmington, Troy, and Farmington. Avondale made the playoffs for the first time since 2012 after winning six of their last seven games last season. The Yellow Jackets have a ton of talent coming back for Couturier but depth is a major concern with this team. I see at least six of those games guaranteed wins with three being tossup games. Expect a very good season in Auburn Hills.

BERKLEY BEARS

Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 in White. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 69 (7.6 ppg), 34 (4.8 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 321 (35.6 ppg), 255 (36.4 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: September 7^th vs Warren Lincoln

Rank: 21

Strengths: Quarterback and Wide Receivers

Weakness: Proven Linemen and Depth

Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 Blue

Insight: The Bears will have their third coach in three seasons as Sean Shields takes over the program. Shields comes from Madison Heights Bishop Foley where he stared as a player and was an assistant there. He was the Junior Varsity coach under coach Chris Sikora when he was at Berkley from 2014-2016. During his only season at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Shields talked about his experience in his only season with the Ventures. “I stepped into a program that was pretty inexperienced. We had three seniors in the whole program. We were teaching a lot of fundamental football” said Shields. Berkley comes down from the White after spending one season in the league where they went 1-8. Shields will look to bring some stability for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 when they went to the regional finals before losing to Livonia Franklin. “I think it will be huge for us, I feel that’s where we belong (being in the Blue.) We get to play Royal Oak, we thought about switching the trophy this year” Shields continued. The Bears will have some experience returning led by quarterback Drake Monroe. It was a rough year for Monroe and company but Shields believes that Monroe could be in line for a better season. Berkley will have skill players returning as well led by running backs Jeremiah Watkins, Zach Nemeth and Evan Payne along with wide receivers Jeff Vlahakis, Ben Cummings, Eddie Rosenthal, Jacob Budzinski, and tight end Blake Ratliff. The Bears defense which was torched last season allowing 321 points last season. They will have a ton of guys playing two ways this season led by Payne with the linebackers. The lines will be the major challenge for Shields as they have a lot of guys that don’t have the varsity experience as of yet even though Anthony Marls will lead that group. The secondary will be tricky as well led by Kyle Domzalski and Vlahakis. Numbers are down a bit as well so it’s important for Shields’s team to stay healthy. “We want to stay healthy this year” he concluded. It will also be a major challenge for Shields and his team to get on the same page.

Why 3-6: Shields should know what Berkley has from his two seasons as the team’s Junior Varsity coach under Sikora. I have concerns with his team and how they will adapt to his style heading into the season knowing that they will have a transition period during the season. I looked at Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s first season under coach Brian Barnes, a staff where Shields was an assistant last season, Barnes said an interesting comment when he was hired at Madison Heights Bishop Foley saying to “be patient with us, you’ll be proud of what we’re able to put onto the football field this fall and into the future.” I don’t think Berkley is a patient fan base after what they experienced last season while they were in the White and having their third coach in three years. This was an interesting stat from last season, the Bears allowed fewer points (321) than the Ventures did (353.) Shields was Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s defensive coordinator last season. The Bears have a tough schedule this season with road trips to Farmington, Royal Oak, Seaholm, and Avondale. Berkley has Ferndale, North Farmington, and Troy coming to Hurley Field. Shields has a lot of work to do with the Bears and if everybody is not on the same page, this is going to get ugly real quick.

FARMINGTON FALCONS

Last Season: 3-6, 2-4 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 247 (27.4 ppg), 156 (26 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 223 (24.7 ppg), 153 (25.5 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: September 7^th at Ferndale

Rank: 14

Strengths: Both Lines

Weakness: Passing Attack and Mental Mindset

Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 Blue

Insight: The Falcons have been bitten with a bit of bad luck and injuries as of late. Farmington scored more (247) than they allowed (223) but they only had a three point difference in league (scored 156, allowed 153) did them in last season. The Falcons are 5-15 since 2016 and will look to rebound after a turmoil season last year. Farmington coach Kory Cioroch had made significant changes to his coaching staff as he brought in longtime Royal Oak Shrine coach John Goddard and his staff to assist him this season. The Falcons will have a ton of talent returning led by running backs Kendall Williams and Keian Shaw, along with receiver Jaren Anderson. They will need to address the quarterback situation especially as they don’t have a proven starter as of yet. “We got a handful of kids that are juniors this year that are competing for the job. We haven’t named one yet, we’ll figure it out as we move forward” said Cioroch. The other issue of need is whom will be the other pass catcher besides Anderson. Cioroch will have options in Shaw or Jacody Sikora and Jayone Fletcher. Farmington’s defense allowed 223 points last season which was a far cry from the 347 points allowed in 2016, (one of the worst in the OAA.) The defense got a big boost with the return of defensive end Donovan King from injury. King missed the season due to an ankle injury he injured during the offseason wrestling. “He’s back, he’s fully cleared, healthy, excited to have him back” said Cioroch. King will join a solid defensive line alongside Elijah Robinson and Corbin Bush. The strength of the defense should be the linebackers led by Jordan Turner, Shaw, and Roger Manley. Aaron Watson, Sikora, Fletcher, and Jeff Williams should be in the secondary. The Falcons got some new uniforms this offseason, getting away from the traditional Penn State look. It will be interesting to see what Farmington has this season.

Why 3-6: The Falcons should be talented but they need to find a true number one quarterback and quickly. The interview I had with Cioroch has me concerned about this team even though they made some upgrades in the coaching department this season. The schedule is very difficult for Farmington. They have tough non-league games against Madison Heights Madison on the road and Harrison at home. They also have tough league games against Ferndale, Avondale, and North Farmington. The Falcons needs to win at least two of these games if they want to make a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

FERNDALE EAGLES

Last Season: 8-2 (8-1), 5-1 in Blue. Lost 46-0 to Warren De LaSalle in the Pre-District.

Points Scored: 285 (28.5 ppg), 190 (31.6 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 159 (15.9 ppg), 82 (13.6 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: September 7^th vs Farmington

Rank: 8

Strengths: Both Lines

Weakness: Quarterback and Depth

Projected Record: 8-1, 6-0 Blue

Insight: The Eagles are 15-5 since merging with Ferndale University with the MHSAA Co-Op program but it’s a credit to coach Erik Royal and his staff for turning Ferndale around to become a playoff contender. “We’ve been able to build a more winning culture, expectation of winning, it’s starting to get stronger and stronger now that we’re not having to build from the ground zero. We’re taking some momentum heading into the offseason to be a better team hopefully this year with all of the success we’ve had in previous years” said Royal. The problem for the Eagles is that they run into a very good team in the first round of the playoffs and they are in Division Two for the playoffs, two years ago it was Detroit Martin Luther King and last season it was Warren De LaSalle. Both teams ended up winning State Championships. Ferndale could be a different team heading into 2018 as Zoser Little, Anthony Merriman, and KeShawn Smith graduated. Smith will be a hard to replace though but Royal said that the backup to Smith will be ready to go. “We had a really good quarterback (Smith), not only athletically but also in leadership as well. We did have a second string quarterback that plated with him as well. He got to learn a lot from him. He knows the offense, had limited game action. I’m very optimistic that the kid has the ability to do it offensively” Royal added. The lines on the offensive and defensive side of the football should be the strength for the Eagles which is led by Torian Belton, Angel DeFay-Merroe, DeJuan Parkman, Kevone Sanders, and William Brooks. Rodney Johnson transferred from Detroit Central, Antionio Parnell, Jaylin Adams, and Cameron Garrison will led the wide receivers along with fullback Donovan Pitts and running back JayShawn Adams. The Ferndale defense should be strong again this season with the defensive linemen being the strength. Pitts and Dylan Martin leads the linebackers while Johnson, Garrison, Parnell, Adams, and Adams are in the secondary. The Eagles will be a force to keep an eye on. “I expect us to compete for the OAA Blue title and make the playoffs for the third consecutive year and get over that hump in the first round” Royal concluded. Could a third straight playoff season be in the cards??? It’s possible.

Why 8-1: The Eagles have been on a roll, winning games, and playing very well lately which always bring the community out to support the team. Looking at the schedule it looks very manageable even though Ferndale has to play Seaholm, Farmington, Avondale, Redford Thurston, and Birmingham Detroit Country Day during the season but the balk of those teams with the exception of Avondale and Redford Thurston has to come to Ferndale. They close out with four straight road games which is never easy. I think Royal will figure out his quarterback situation very quick and this train should be rolling to the postseason again.

HAZEL PARK VIKINGS

Last Season: 6-4 (6-3) 5-1 in Blue. Lost 31-0 to Warren Woods Tower in the Pre-District.

Points Scored: 249 (24.9 ppg), 168 (28 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 162 (16.2 ppg), 62 (10.3 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: August 31^st at North Farmington

Rank: 22

Strengths: Both Lines

Weakness: Depth and Skill Players

Projected Record: 2-7, 0-6 Blue

Insight: The Vikings will enter their final season in the OAA. They will head to the Macomb Area Conference next season. They will be basically starting from scratch for Coach Kyle Rowley this season. Hazel Park has four returning players from a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 in linemen Noah Halleck, Ralph Woods, defensive end Cesare Brooks, and wide receiver Cameron Wyatt. Wyatt also plays in the secondary as well. There is some hope as the Vikings had a strong Junior Varsity team from last season. It could be a long final season in the OAA for Hazel Park.

Why 2-7: The Vikings only have four returning players back for coach Kyle Rowley. That’s going to be tough especially in their final season in the OAA departing for the Macomb Area Conference next year. The schedule is interesting especially with their non-conference, they open up the season at home against Detroit University Prep, then they get to go to the new Madison Heights Lamphere football stadium to play their future MAC rival the Rams whom is coached by Jeff Glynn in the middle of the season, and they close the year at home against Detroit Science and Math Academy. That’s not even mentioning games against Ferndale, Avondale, North Farmington, and Farmington are on the docket. I’m picturing Hazel Park’s future as we speak and it’s not a good one.

NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS

Last Season: 2-7, 1-5 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 58 (6.4 ppg), 42 (7 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 342 (38 ppg), 232 (38.6 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: September 7^th at Seaholm

Rank: 15

Strengths: Experience

Weakness: Linebacker and Mental Mindset

Projected Record: 5-4, 4-2 Blue.

Insight: The Raiders have new uniforms (should have new helmets next year), a new field, and a new attitude. North Farmington will look to improve on winning two games from a season ago (went 0-9 two seasons ago.) The Raiders have everyone coming back for coach Bob Chiesa and a full offseason to work with to get Chiesa’s system underway. “I was hired late but we didn’t get a chance to put in our offense or our defense. We started 18 guys mostly sophomores and juniors. I’ll have nine three year guys next year” said Chiesa. North Farmington is going to be changing offenses this season going to a triple option offense which is very interesting. “We had time (this offseason) to put in the offense, going to be a triple option” said Chiesa with optimism. The Raiders should have a solid line on both sides of the football led by Justin Mayes, Cameron Ashford, Tim Taylor, Shane Totin and Zach Wiggles even though there is always room for improvement. The North Farmington offense should score more points this season with what they have returning (scored 58 points last season.) As mentioned, they have everyone back led by quarterback Jon Brunette. Brunette shared time with Dylan Gordon whom has since graduated. Myles Gresham and Taj Cheathem should fill the running back and fullback spots, which is always important in a triple option offense. Oldel Hines, Cameron Dunlap, and Jalen Ferguson fill out the pass catching spots. On defense, this is where the Raiders need to address. They allowed over 40 points five times last season (allowed 342 points.) Hines and Dunlap will see time in the secondary along with Chris Covington and Harrison transfer Eddie Lenton. North Farmington will be young at linebacker with Kevin Prabhakar, Greg Kosiba, and Brunette. The Raiders will have a new attitude, a new coaching staff which includes Todd Negoshian whom also coaches Boys Basketball, and hopefully a huge change in these numbers will get his team to believe in the new culture that Chiesa has built. Now is the time to prove it.

Why 5-4: I went back and forth with this one, thinking that North Farmington could be a playoff team which they very well could be with all the experience back. Chiesa believes that his team is a year away from being a perinatal power. The schedule is interesting, they have to go to Harrison to open the season to which they haven't beaten the Hawks since 1978. They have Macomb Lutheran North as well but tough league games against Avondale, Seaholm, and Farmington loom. If they can improve up front and fix the numbers that have been killing them then they could be a playoff team this season. It wouldn’t surprise me if they get six wins.

PONTIAC PHOENIX

Last Season: 1-8, 0-6 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 52 (5.7 ppg), 40 (6.6 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 394 (43.7 ppg), 259 (43.1 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: August 31^st at Berkley

Rank: 23

Strengths: Athleticism

Weakness: Stability of the Program and Depth

Projected Record: 2-7, 1-5 Blue

Insight: The Phoenix have really struggled going through coaching changes, lack of depth, and an uncertain future. Pontiac is 4-49 since 2012 which is not good but there is some hope coming into the season. The Pontiac School District renovated both the football field at Pontiac High School and also at Wisner Stadium this offseason which should help. Phoenix coach Charles Talley will hope to get his team some confidence heading into the season. A positive for the program is that the numbers are up in the program to 35 kids. Talley admitted during Media Day that his team was still rebuilding but he expects his team to be a little bit more competitive this season. Pontiac will be led by quarterback Dominque Stovall. He will also captain the defense playing linebacker. The Phoenix will have Latino Mayberry and Moises DeJesus for Stovall as pass catchers along with playing in the secondary on defense. The running game will be a question mark for Talley and Pontiac. The Phoenix will need to address the stability of the program along with depth, even though they have 14 seniors on the team. Pontiac will have to keep developing and working to get where they want to be at.

Why 2-7: The Phoenix could match their win total from the last six years with this schedule. They have Detroit Consortium and Hazel Park coming to Wisner Stadium. Those two games could be Pontiac’s best opportunity of getting wins this season. The rest of those games look like they will be tough ones for them. I think the Phoenix with their athletes will matchup very well against a few of these teams. If Pontiac and Talley can get three wins then it would be a heck of an accomplishment and say you know what Pontiac is coming back in a positive direction.

ROYAL OAK RAVENS

Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 3-3 in Blue. Lost 34-13 to Oak Park in Pre-District.

Points Scored: 262 (26.2 ppg), 169 (28.1 ppg) in Blue

Points Allowed: 151 (15.1 ppg), 111 (18.5 ppg) in Blue

Game of the Year: August 31^th at Farmington

Rank: 20

Strengths: Both Lines

Weakness: Quarterback, Secondary, and Depth

Projected Record: 3-6, 1-5 Blue

Insight: The Ravens had a successful season last year by making the playoffs for the first time since 2006. They will hope to get a repeat performance this season. The reason why Royal Oak coach Ray McMann’s team was successful was the defense as they allowed 151 total points and 111 total points in the Blue last season. “I was really happy with the strides we made last year. It wasn’t only about making the playoffs for our guys but for our community so that was really cool. I think it also adds to the excitement this year” said McMann. The Ravens have one of their top guys returning in defensive back Joe Binkowski. Binkowski will be counted on to lead an inexperienced secondary this season. Royal Oak will be loaded with talented linemen in Cory Remick, Liam Brooks, Tommy Unger, Dell Beauchamp, James Haser, Daniel Bem, and Alistar Ramsey. They have Connor Jackson, Brandon Wright, and Demetri Rogers running the football while Binkowski, Max Ardwin, and Elijah Kidder as pass catchers. The Ravens will need to address the quarterback spot as Carter Ellis has graduated along with its depth. “The quarterback situation is going to be a battle among three guys on our team that all have different skill sets” added McMann. Royal Oak is taking things one day at a time according to McMann and developing on getting better. “My expectation this year is that we will be ready each week to compete. I am not worried about wins and losses because we are so young. I am focusing on continuing to grow each week” concluded McMann. The Ravens could be a team to keep an eye on this season.

Why 3-6: The Ravens youth could be a factor this season. At the same time they could make the playoffs for a second straight season if things go right and they mature. They have a nice rivalry with St. Clair Shores Lakeview to open up the season in St. Clair Shores. The last time Royal Oak was in Macomb County they were shutout 21-0 by the Huskies two years ago against St. Clair Shores Lakeview’s Wing T offense. The game that could decide their season is the game at Farmington in week two, the Falcons are better then what people think. The schedule gets tough for the Ravens in the middle of the season with Seaholm, North Farmington, and Avondale in that stretch. Royal Oak closes out the season with two home non-conference games against Detroit Edison and Monroe Jefferson. With basically a new team that McMann has, it will be interesting to see what the Ravens are made of heading into the season.

SEAHOLM MAPLES

Last Season: 1-8, 1-6 in White. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 158 (17.5 ppg), 132 (18.8 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 241 (26.7 ppg), 175 (25 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: August 24^th vs Troy Athens

Rank: 12

Strengths: Experience

Weakness: Proven Receivers, Defense, and Depth

Projected Record: 5-4, 4-2 Blue

Insight: It has been a few rough seasons for “the Maple Forest” since Seaholm made their last playoff appearance in 2013 to which the Maples are 11-25 since then. Seaholm was in the White last season but will go to the Blue this season which brings some optimism and familiarity. The Maples saw quarterback and linebacker Joel Mitchell transfer to their arch rival Groves this offseason but they have quarterback Gray Kinnie whom had a torn ACL last season returning to run coach Jim DeWald’s veer offense. “He’s (Kinnie) is a natural born leader. Our senior class is the closest class I’ve ever seen. When he went down, our team felt bad. I look forward to see him succeed on the field” said DeWald. In a veer offense you need good running backs and they have that in Max Shumaker and Chase Mentag. James DeWald will likely be the fullback but should get some carries as well. The wide receivers will be the question for the team but they have Harley Rockind and Will McBride returning to be pass catchers for Kinnie. The offensive line is always key in a veer attack, they will have Alex Oancea and Caden DeWald leading that front. The problem that hurt the Maples since 2014 has been its defense. They allowed a ton of points (241 last season) and has been the big reasons of Seaholm’s struggles (2014-282, 2015-267, 2016-266, and 2017-241.) The Maples have most of its defense back from a season ago. They are led by linemen Tre Hariston, Maxwell Lloyd, and Nick Winkler. The linebackers should be the strength of this defensive unit led by Paul Jokisch, McBride, Matt O’Connor, and DeWald. The secondary should be talented led by Connor Newcomb, Tommy Trotta, Metang, Paul Durocher, Shumaker, and Rockind. Seaholm has the opportunity to make some noise this season but they have to stay healthy if they want to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. “Mentally it hasn’t changed, we worked hard in the weight room, and had team bonding” DeWald concluded.

Why 5-4: The non-conference schedule for Seaholm is brutal with games against Troy Athens, South Lyon, and Groves. That’s not even mentioning their league games against Ferndale, Farmington, and North Farmington. It won’t be an easy road for DeWald and his team but if they can win two of these games then they could get back into the playoffs. I don’t know right now even if they win five games it could get them into the playoffs but it would be a heck of a turnaround considering what happened to them last season.

The Blue Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_t1v7DxTo

White

DREAM SCHEDULE: Harrison: The Hawks are in an interesting spot as this will be the final season for Harrison football. The Hawks have an interesting schedule with North Farmington, Troy, Troy Athens, Stoney Creek, and Adams all coming to Harrison. They have tough road games at Oak Park, Farmington, and Groves to close out the season. The schedule is friendly for coach John Herrington on paper but it’s business as usual at Harrison.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Troy Athens: Welcome to the White, Red Hawks. Troy Athens is 14-42 since 2011 have a familiar coach back in Billy Keenest but the schedule is not friendly especially with trips to Seaholm, Lake Orion, Harrison, Stoney Creek, and Troy. The Red Hawks home slate is not easy either with games against Groves, Oak Park on homecoming, and Oxford. It will feel like at times that Troy Athens is in the Red again but with Keenest in the fold the Red Hawks will get back on track, I don’t know if it will be this year though.

TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Oak Park: The Knights are 44-23 since 2012. They have the talent to make a run at a State title this season which should drive them to do so. Coach Greg Carter always have played a very tough schedule and this year is no different. Oak Park opens the season in the Prep-Kickoff Classic against Utica Eisenhower and have Groves on the road the following week then they have their home opener in Knight Valley against Harrison. Then later in the season they host West Bloomfield and go to Clarkston to close out the season. The reason why Oak Park is on this list is because it’s not because of their league record it’s can they get by the regional round in the playoffs. In 2012, the Knights fell to Wyandotte Roosevelt 10-6 and last season lost 14-7 to Warren De LaSalle. Oak Park has a lot to prove but not in the regular season but the postseason especially.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Troy: The Colts were very successful a season ago. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 but their biggest win was Avondale when they won 48-25 early in the season and their losses were to Oak Park, Groves, and Harrison by a combined 92-6 and if you include their 33-0 playoff loss to Waterford Mott they were outscored 125-6 in their losses. Troy has a tough schedule especially early with Avondale to open up the season on Northfield Parkway. They have Oak Park, and Clarkston at home as well along with their arch rivals Troy Athens. The Colts will have tough road trips against Stoney Creek, Groves, and Harrison. There could be trouble lurking for coach Chris Frasier’s team.

Top Five Games:

Oak Park at Groves: The White could be decided in this matchup. The Knights dominated the Falcons 34-14 last season.

Harrison at Oak Park: The Knights and Hawks have been back and forth with Harrison upsetting Oak Park 17-14 last season.

Utica Ford II at Stoney Creek: The Cougars start the Nick Merlo era in Stoney Creek. The Falcons are playing for their former coach Todd Koehn whom passed away in early July. There should be plenty of emotion heading into this game.

Troy Athens at Harrison: This is a statement game for coach Billy Keenest if the Red Hawks want to make a name for themselves.

Oak Park vs Utica Eisenhower at Wayne State: The Knights open up the season with high expectations but they are looking for some revenge after losing 24-7 to the Eagles last season.

TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS

Last Season: 0-9, 0-7 in Red. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 112 (12.4 ppg), 79 (11.2 ppg) in Red.

Points Allowed: 351 (39 ppg), 289 (41.2 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: September 7^th vs Rochester

Rank: 13

Strengths: Quarterback and Both Lines

Weakness: Not a lot of Varsity Experience

Projected Record: 4-5, 3-3 White

Insight: The Red Hawks have went through a ton of changes this offseason. They are in a new division after years of being in the Red and in Division One for 24 years. They have a new coach in Billy Keenest whom is familiar with not only with the program (he is a teacher in the building and served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2010-2016,) and in the division (White, he coached at Berkley last season.) Keenest gave credit to his former boss in Josh Heppner whom is now an assistant at Adams. Keenest served as the team’s offensive coordinator under Heppner for six seasons. “He’s been a big help, he’s taught me on how to manage a program and communication with parents. He’s a great friend of mine” Keenest said on Heppner. Troy Athens has a ton to fix within the Varsity program (14-42 since 2011 and 1-17 since 2015.) The offense was not good, scoring 112 total points, only scoring 79 total points in the Red while the defense was worse allowing 351 points and 289 of those points allowed were against Red teams last season. The Red Hawks will have a young team this season but they could be a sleeper to keep an eye on in the White as they have the talent to rebuild this thing quickly. The strength should be their offensive and defensive lines led by David Deman, Tim Erkerie, Jeff Westberry, Drew Conley, and Josh Kinsman. Troy Athens will have Bobby Birney at quarterback. Birney was the starter last season for the Red Hawks and Keenest is high on his quarterback this season. “It’s a new system for Bobby, he’s has a great summer. I think what we’re going to do fits his style and skill set, I’m expecting big things out of Bobby this year” Keenest added. Carson Eads and AJ Rasa will handle the running back duties and Kyle Spence will play tight end. Brandon Albedry and Mekeku will lead the wide receiving crew alongside Carson Cole and Raymond Johnson. Johnson will also play defensive back as well. Will Graham, Albedry, and Conley will play linebacker and Austin Kenan will be in the secondary. Troy Athens has a talented sophomore class coming up that shows a ton of promise. It’s going to be an interesting transition for the Red Hawks as they have a tough schedule and a young group that hasn’t had a ton of varsity experience. “Work each day and get better” Keenest concluded. Brighter days await this program.

Why 4-5: Let’s see the Red Hawks are in a division to which they can compete, they have a familiar face in the building coaching them, and they are built for the future. The schedule will be tricky this season with road games against Seaholm, Lake Orion, Harrison, and Troy. They will have home dates with Oak Park, Groves, Rochester, Stoney Creek, and Oxford. Troy Athens has had a tough history 14-42 since 2011 and 1-17 since 2015 which is something they need to change. The Red Hawks have a promising sophomore class coming up and the rest of the team have been getting better every day. Like North Farmington, Keenest has Troy Athens heading in the right direction but the league is tough, that will change next season though.

GROVES FALCONS

Last Season: 7-3 (7-2), 6-1 in White. Lost 24-21 in overtime to Birmingham Brother Rice in Pre-District.

Points Scored: 260 (26 ppg), 171 (24.4 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 211 (21.1 ppg), 117 (16.7 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: August 31^st vs Oak Park

Rank: 3

Strengths: Defense

Weakness: Running Game

Projected Record: 7-2, 5-1 White

Insight: The Falcons have been rocking lately going 42-13 since 2013, making the playoffs six of the last seven years, and looking for more this season. Many experts feel that this Groves team could be the best they have had since the team that went to the State semifinals in 2016. The Falcons coach Brendan Flaherty but he wasn’t happy how the season ended last season. “We have a lot on defense. We had great success early but as a coach I don’t think I prepared them well for the playoffs. We kind of flat-lined middle of the year and it hurt us against Brother Rice” said Flaherty. The Groves defense could be lethal this season as they have seven starters returning on that unit, led by defensive backs Khalil Dawsey (Harvard commit), Josh Salter, Kalab Coleman, and Damonte McCurdy along with linebackers Henry Van Faussien and Seaholm transfer Joel Mitchell. Charlie Riddle and Jacob Edleman should lead both defensive end spots and Tariq Heard, Ian Ebbing, Storm Mullen, and Curtis Rogers are expected to lead the line on both sides of the football. Groves has some questions offensively, Markis Alexander returns at quarterback with the likelihood that Mitchell will back him up. It’s possible that Flaherty could convert Mitchell to help Salter out whom is expected to see some time at running back. Alexander is the projected starter which he will have plenty of pass catchers to throw the football too in receivers Eli Turner, Taylor Colby, Rogers Motley, Dawsey, Clayton Fox, and tight end Antulio Eriksen-Suzuki. The schedule is brutal early for the Falcons but if there is any team that is a sleeper once playoff time comes, this is it.

Why 7-2: The Falcons have the talent, hunger, and experience to make a deep playoff run after what happened last year when they lost in triple overtime to Birmingham Brother Rice. The schedule is a reason why they are here and it could be treacherous. Groves has to play West Bloomfield to open the season which will be a tough game but it will be at home in Beverly Hills. “We’re excited (about playing West Bloomfield) but they create problems for us. We’re looking forward to the opportunity” said Flaherty. The Falcons also have to play Harrison, Oak Park, and an up and coming Troy Athens team. I like what Flaherty has and it could be a special season yet again.

HARRISON HAWKS

Last Season: 10-4 (6-3), 6-1 in White. Lost 28-10 to Muskegon in Division Three State Final.

Points Scored: 418 (29.8 ppg), 255 (36.4 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 190 (13.5 ppg), 71 (10.1 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: September 7^th at Oak Park

Rank: 4

Strengths: Linebackers

Weakness: Line and Depth

Projected Record: 6-3, 3-3 White

Insight: The Harrison Hawks have a rich history which includes 13 State Championships went to the Division Three State Final losing to a very good Muskegon team 28-10 but they did eliminate Warren Fitzgerald, Warren Woods Tower, Linden, and Riverview in their path to get to Ford Field last season. “Sometimes you got to admit the other team is better than you. I was happy to get there. I didn’t know if we were going to get our six wins” said Herrington. This season, things are different as Harrison is in their final season as a school however according to coach John Herrington they aren’t letting it bother them. The Hawks are very talented but have some concerns regarding their depth. Harrison has Roderick Heard (Northwestern commit) returning for his senior season this year. He is expected to play everywhere offensively ranging from wide receiver, running back, and even some quarterback at times. Heard plays defensive back as on the defensive side of the football. It will be his position once he gets to Northwestern next season. Herrington will have an interesting decision what to do at quarterback with either Max Martin or David Hiser. Hiser handles the punting duties but Herrington mentioned that Heard could also see time at quarterback as mentioned. “It’s still in flux. They have their talents, I’m going to have to figure that out in a hurry and what offense I’m going to have to run” Herrington added. Whomever is the starting quarterback is will have options to throw or run to in Heard, Sylvon Brown (running back), and Caleb Williams (tight end.) Maverick Hansen (Central Michigan commit) will lead both lines. Brown leads the linebackers while the secondary will be led by Heard along with Ben Williams. Depth is a major concern with the lack of numbers for Herrington’s team along with the development of both lines. The Hawks have the athletes to compete in this division. If Harrison can overcome everything against them and make the playoffs then it would be an accomplishment. “Get in the playoffs and make a long run, its business as usual at Harrison” Herrington concluded.

Why 6-3: The Hawks lack of numbers scare me (42 players) but they have the talent to make up for it. Harrison will have to do a lot of mix and matching heading into the season. The schedule is not as daunting as people think with the non-conference with Farmington and North Farmington in the fold but Adams will be a challenge and that’s not mentioning Oak Park or Groves once they get into league play. If the Hawks get into the playoffs then they could be back in Division Three in its final season as a school.

OAK PARK KNIGHTS

Last Season: 9-3 (7-2), 6-1 in White. Lost 14-7 to Warren De LaSalle in Regional Final.

Points Scored: 415 (34.5 ppg), 275 (39.2 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 135 (11.2 ppg), 31 (4.4 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: August 24^th vs Utica Eisenhower at Wayne State in Prep Kickoff Classic

Rank: 1

Strengths: Linemen, Skill Players, and Quarterback

Weakness: Kicking Game

Projected Record: 9-0, 6-0 White

Insight: The Oak Park Knights are 44-23 since 2012 and 47-29 since coach and Athletic Director Greg Carter took over the team. The Knights are very talented but the knock on this team is that they have not gotten past the regional. Oak Park lost to Wyandotte Roosevelt in 2012 and to Warren De LaSalle last season. “They definitely know about it (getting past the regional.) We want to work a little bit harder every year and get more committed to the cause” said Carter. His team has worked hard this offseason to get back to the thick of things according to coach Greg Carter. “They put in some hard work, that’s what you have to do. You got to put that work in. I’m expecting the kids to come out to bat this year” Carter added. The strength of the Knights will be on the lines led by Justin Rogers (top player in the State for class of 2020), Jermaine Keys, Jadikas Wilson, Rayshawn Benny, Shelby Givens, and Deon Harper. Most of these lineman also play on the defensive side of the football along with Don Price. Oak Park’s skill players are very talented led by Dwan Mathis (Ohio State commit) at quarterback. Mathis should be the full time starter now that Cory Graham has transferred to Harper Woods. The Knights will have a very talented running game in running backs Torrianno Richardson, Phillip Stewart, and Travis Boston. They have a talented pass catching core as well in wide receivers Maliq Carr, KaJuan Sutton, and Gregory Lassiter. The Oak Park defense was stout last season and should be stout again this season led by their linemen as mentioned along with their talented secondary in Richardson, Sutton, Lassiter, Corion Montgomery, and Enzo Jennings. Carr leads the linebackers and they have a ton of talent from their Junior Varsity team that went undefeated last season. The Knights have questions particularly in the kicking game which needs to be addressed if they want to have a deep playoff run. Oak Park should be a playoff team but getting past the regional will be the big challenge for this team. “Be really competitive and give everybody their best shot and we’ll see where the chips fall” Carter concluded.

Why 9-0: The talent on this team is the reason is astounding. There is a reason why this team could make it to Ford Field this season but they do have to clear some major hurdles heading into the season. The Knights remind me a lot of what Ohio State is on the football field with the system they run. Oak Park needs to get past its regional troubles, which is something that has bothered not only the coaches but the players as well. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel, if they finish 9-0 they could get the regional in Knight Valley instead of having to go on the road like they had to against Wyandotte Roosevelt and at Wayne State against Warren De LaSalle. To me it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Oak Park goes to Ford Field this season.

ROCHESTER FALCONS

Last Season: 3-6, 3-4 in White. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 134 (14.8 ppg), 121 (17.2 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 283 (31.4 ppg), 203 (29 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: September 7^th at Troy Athens

Rank: 17

Strengths: Skill Players and Experience

Weakness: Defense, Depth, and Both Lines

Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 White

Insight: The Falcons have had a rough decade. They have not made the playoffs since 2010 and is 23-40 since 2011 and 10-26 since 2015. Rochester coach Erik Vernon had a lot of trouble with the team’s defense. The Falcons defense has had issues since 2012 in which they have allowed over 220 points in the last five years including last season where they allowed 283 points (2013-220, 2014-312, 2015-323, 2016-267, 2017-283.) “Last year, it didn’t turn out the way it did but it allowed us to play a lot of the young guys” said Vernon. Rochester took a bit of a setback offensively with injuries derailing their season last year. They will have a ton of talent on that side of the football led by quarterback Owen Malanowski, running backs Noah Stout, Gabe Szafran, and wide receivers Drake Reid and Ryan Noble. The Falcons added two transfers in the offseason for the offensive side of the football as Nick Grabke comes from Troy Athens to play one of the wide receiving spots and Cam Liebzeit transferred from Walled Lake Northern. Vernon praised Malanowski whom also handles the kicking duties for getting better each day and crediting baseball in helping him which he was a starting pitcher for the team. “I’ve been really impressed with him. His arm strength is very good” Vernon added. The Rochester defense as mentioned earlier will have Reid and Szafran play in the secondary to go along with their wide receiving duties. Noble is a linebacker along with Jared Zacharski and Mark Cabalum. The Falcons also added Peyton Youngblood whom transferred from Stoney Creek in the offseason to join the linebacking core. David Robinson is expected to lead the both lines along with Romel Sharp whom will also play both lines for Rochester. “I expect to be better. We picked up a couple of kids from out of district. If we play injury free, we’ll be better” Vernon concluded. The Falcons have a tough schedule and depth concerns as well. They need to get off to a great start, if not it could be a long season yet again.

Why 3-6: The Falcons have a ton of experienced skill players returning but the lines concern me with Rochester besides Sharp and Robinson, they don't have anyone that is proven as of yet. The Falcons have a tough schedule opening up against a team they haven't beaten since 1996 in Adams even though the game is at home then the next week they have to go to Southfield to play the Warriors. That won't be an easy game to say the least. They have Bloomfield Hills to close out the season which won't be an easy game. The Falcons have tough league games looming against Oak Park, Harrison, Groves, Troy Athens, and Stoney Creek. It wouldn’t surprise me if Rochester wins two games but three right now looks right but there is a chance they could overachieve and surprise folks, it’s possible with this group.

STONEY CREEK COUGARS

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 in White. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 93 (10.3 ppg), 67 (9.5 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 211 (23.4 ppg), 154 (22 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: September 28^th vs Oxford

Rank: 16

Strengths: Quarterback

Weakness: Both Lines, Secondary, Skill Players, and Strength Conditioning Program

Projected Record: 1-8, 1-5 White

Insight: The Cougars have had a rough two seasons under former coach Bob Lantzy as they went 5-13 when he was there and is 8-19 since 2015. Lantzy resigned from Stoney Creek this past offseason and enter Nick Merlo. Nick Merlo is the son of legendary Rochester coach Mark Merlo whom spent 24 years coaching the Falcons. Merlo was hired in January comes from Rochester where he spent six years as an assistant coach and four of those years he served as the team’s defensive coordinator. Merlo has put a program in place at Stoney Creek. Merlo has brought in and promoted the theme “ARMOR UP” which is promoting winners on and off the field and the positives in the community. “Armor Up encompasses our attitude and beliefs that reach our goals and dreams. It’s something we will embrace for the next 30 years and will be foundational piece of our program” said Merlo in an email in January. He will also coach the throwers in spring for the Cougars track program. Stoney Creek will need to address a ton of things in Merlo’s first season starting with the strength conditioning program. Merlo said to C&G Sports that they were going to put in a strength and conditioning program addressing this concern. “We will be implementing a strength program immediately. We will focus on making our players tougher, faster, bigger and stronger. We want to block and tackle at an elite level and focus on the ball. Ball security on offense and takeaways on defense is crucial” Merlo said. Merlo will have three year starting quarterback Frank Potenza returning. Potenza battled through injuries last season and split time with Peyton Youngblood. However Youngblood transferred in the offseason to Rochester. The next issue will be is they have to develop linemen and get them to play more physical and to develop mental toughness. This season’s group of linemen is led by Jake Ropeda, Danny Nixon, and Blake Hamelin. “We got some great young linemen coming up, can’t wait to see them on the field” Merlo added. The secondary will be a big concern along with the skill players. The Cougars linebackers will be led by Myles Harris and Connor Toth. Stoney Creek is a young football team but with Merlo in place the Cougars football program will be in a better place.

Why 1-8: The Cougars were a mess before Merlo got to Stoney Creek in January. They were 5-13 under Lantzy in the two seasons he was there. Basically the culture was shot. Stoney Creek has brought in some key experience into their coaching ranks in hiring former Troy coach and Hazel Park defensive coordinator Gary Griffith to be their defensive coordinator. The schedule is challenging for the Cougars as they play Adams, Oak Park, Groves, Troy Athens, Rochester, Troy, and Harrison. Stoney Creek opens up with Utica Ford, a team that has went through a ton of adversity with the passing of their head coach Todd Koehn whom was a Stoney Creek assistant. “Thoughts and prayers going out to the (Utica) Ford community. It will be an emotional game” Merlo concluded. Stoney Creek could have some growing pains and a transition they will have to deal with during the season but if they can win four or five games which this team is more than capable of. It could be a struggle for the Cougars. Stoney Creek will be in a better place under Merlo but I don’t know if it will be this season.

TROY COLTS

Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 4-3 White. Lost 33-0 to Waterford Mott in Pre-District.

Points Scored: 145 (14.5 ppg), 77 (11 ppg) in White

Points Allowed: 203 (20.3 ppg), 126 (18 ppg) in White

Game of the Year: August 24^th vs Avondale

Rank: 19

Strengths: Linebackers and Both Lines

Weakness: Offense and Secondary

Projected Record: 1-8, 0-6 White

Insight: The Colts were a playoff team last season making the postseason for the first time since 2009 under second year coach, teacher, and alumni Chris Frasier. “Making the playoffs was a great accomplishment for the team last year. As we kept winning games, we see more and more people come out to our games and have more kids/teachers talk in the school talk about football. The positive message has continued on to this year, where we had a couple other sport athletes come out for the team this year” said Frasier. Troy got a huge win last season by winning in Auburn Hills, which experts say got them into the playoffs (beat Avondale 48-25) but lost to Oak Park (41-0), Harrison (30-3), and Groves (21-3) by a combined 92-6 and if you count their playoff loss to Waterford Mott (33-0) they were outscored 125-6. “The teams we lost to last year were highly skilled. We take our hats off what they did last year and hope to compete even harder against those teams this year. The OAA is a very talented league top to bottom and we just want to be able to compete on Friday night no matter who we are up against” Frasier added. The Colts will need to address their defense after allowing 203 points last season. What will help is that they will return their linebacking core in Jake Volek, Ricky Pennepalli, and Jeremy Lee. Troy should have good linemen returning on both sides of the football in Andrew Habib, Ben Buia, Johnathan LaFave, and Cole Hayden along with defensive end Reggie Lemmonds. The Colts secondary will be interesting as they are led by Matt Potesa, Will Flynn, and Corey Pischel. Troy’s offense could determine how this team does considering that the schedule is much tougher this year than last year. They scored less (145) than they allowed (203) last season which was alarming. The Colts have Matt Lenihan starting at quarterback. EJ Douglas is expected to be the team’s top running back. Drew Pijanowski, Potesa, Matt Johansson, and Drew Fodera will be the top pass catchers. Troy will need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke but too many questions surround Frasier’s team. “Our expectations this year are to go out and compete in every contest or challenge we face” Frasier added.

Why 1-8: Can the Colts play with the big boys??? The reason they could have trouble is the schedule. The schedule is brutal with rematches against Avondale, Groves, Harrison, and Oak Park to which they were 1-3 against last season but now add in the defending Division One State Champs in Clarkston and the situation looks dire even though that game is at home. Troy also has to play their arch rivals in Troy Athens at home this season. The game against the Red Hawks is a matchup that Frasier and his team looks forward too. “Our Athens rivalry is a great one for the city of Troy. The last couple of years Athens has done a great job taking care of business against us. Troy High School was really excited not only to beat Athens last year (won 20-19), but also the way we did it. In the end you have to take your hats off to how hard Athens played the entire game. We look forward to another great matchup this year” Frasier concluded. Could Troy be a playoff team??? Sure but they need to win against the top teams in the White if they want a return trip back to the postseason. Right now looking at the outlook it doesn’t seem likely right now.

The White Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTbp5b-gyA

Red

DREAM SCHEDULE: Adams by default: The Highlanders have to replace some talent from last season’s team that went to the district finals but lost a heartbreaker to Utica Eisenhower in the final moments of that game. Adams will open up its new field against Lake Orion. They also have West Bloomfield and Southfield Arts and Tech on its new field as well along with daunting road games at Clarkston, Oxford, Bloomfield Hills, and Harrison. They open up with Rochester on the road, a team that the Highlanders have dominated since 1996 and they do close out the year with Stoney Creek at home. Adams is 9-1 against the Cougars. The Highlanders have somewhat of a dream schedule because of their non-conference slate.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: West Bloomfield: The Lakers should be a State title contender this season but the schedule is daunting. West Bloomfield opens with Groves in Beverly Hills and then they have Clarkston the very next week on the road. They still have to go to Adams after surviving last season’s 17-16 win in Rochester and that’s not mentioning a trip to Oak Park in week eight. They have a matchup with whoever finishes last in the Catholic League whether it will be Orchard Lake St. Marys, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, or Birmingham Brother Rice to close out the season but that game will be in the Swamp. The Lakers have Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Oxford coming to the Swamp as well. It’s not going to be an easy road for coach Ron Bellamy and his team but it is what it is.

TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Southfield Arts and Tech: If the Warriors want to put last season’s 4-5 record behind them it might be wise to lay off the social media outlets and focus on what went wrong last season. Southfield Arts and Tech has a ton of talent returning including some with Division One College offers. Coach Tim Conley has some questions as well heading into the season. The schedule is interesting with home games on their new field which oddly are being played at 5:30 PM against Bloomfield Hills, Lake Orion, and Clarkston. The Warriors have more games on the road then at home starting with Davison at Wayne State in the Prep Kickoff Classic. They have to go to Oxford, West Bloomfield, River Rouge and Adams during the season. It won’t be an easy schedule but if there is a team that is ready for a bounce back its Southfield Arts and Tech.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks will look very different in 2018 as they will have to replace the balk of their defense along with bringing in a new quarterback and wide receivers. The schedule is not friendly for Bloomfield Hills especially from week two to week eight that will feature home games with Adams, West Bloomfield, and Clarkston along with road trips to Lake Orion, Oxford, Groves, and Southfield Arts and Tech.  Coach Dan Loria’s team could be in some trouble this season.

Top Five Games:

West Bloomfield at Oak Park: There will be a lot of talent and a lot of college scouts in Knight Valley ready for this one.

Lake Orion at Southfield Arts and Tech: The road team has won the last two meetings between the Dragons and Warriors. It will be interesting this time around.

West Bloomfield at Clarkston: A State Final rematch which the Wolves escaping with a 3-2 win but guaranteed more points will be scored in this meeting.

Lake Orion at Adams: This will be an interesting game after the Highlanders embarrassed the Dragons 39-8 at Lake Orion last season.

Southfield Arts and Tech vs Davison at Wayne State: The Warriors lost a tough 56-54 triple overtime game to the Cardinals last season. Can Southfield Arts and Tech rebound against a new look Davison team???

ADAMS HIGHLANDERS

Last Season: 9-2 (8-1), 6-1 Red. Lost 10-6 to Utica Eisenhower in District Final.

Points Scored: 371 (33.7 ppg), 256 (36.5 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 133 (12 ppg), 93 (13.2 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: September 7^th vs Lake Orion

Rank: 5

Strengths: Both Lines and Quarterback

Weakness: Running Back, Secondary, and Wide Receivers

Projected Record: 6-3, 3-3 Red

Insight: The Highlanders had somewhat of a surprising year making the playoffs for the second straight season but they lost a heartbreaking game at Sweinhart Field to Utica Eisenhower 10-6 in the district finals last season. There were some big changes that went on at Adams this offseason and it wasn’t with the team. The Highlanders had their stadium redone with new field turf and a new press box. Adams coach Tony Patritto will have a new quarterback to run the veer offense in Carter Farris. Farris did play in some games and was productive when he was in there last season as a sophomore. “Carter’s coming out party was against Lake Orion, quarterback (Zach Solodan) got hurt a little bit, he’s bleeding. Carter went in and his first ever pass was a touchdown so he’s a gamer and we’re expecting great things from Carter” said Patritto. The strength of the Highlanders should be the lines as they will be led by Joel Mitchell, Reed Vogt, and Connor Hess. The question will be is who will be the team’s starting running back, fullback, and wide receivers even though Anthony Patritto and Nico Jackson should fill the voids at wide receiver but the running back and fullback questions have been yet to be decided. “We lost all of our four key ball carriers last year, all of them were very good but it’s a balanced offensive attack and we have quite a few guys that can step in and those are big shoes to fill. It’s going to be a big test to see how good we’re going to be is how good those kids are going to be making those plays” Patritto added. The secondary will be a question mark this season for Adams even though Patritto and Jackson will be there but Ryan Rifenberg returns at linebacker which should help a young defense. The Highlanders are more than capable to have a successful season again especially with the veer offense. Adams will be interesting to keep an eye on.

Why 6-3: The Highlanders have to replace a ton of talent especially in the skill spots but Adams is Adams and they will reload under Patrino. The Highlanders schedule is interesting, they have to play their city rivals Rochester and Stoney Creek along with Harrison in their non-league competition. That’s not even their league schedule as they play Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech. Adams should be a playoff team for a second straight season.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS

Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 5-2 in Red. Lost 31-6 to West Bloomfield in Pre-District.

Points Scored: 252 (25.2 ppg), 186 (26.5 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 277 (27.7 ppg), 169 (24.1 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: August 31^st vs Adams

Rank: 18

Strengths: Quarterback and Wide Receivers

Weakness: Running Game, Both Lines, and Linebackers

Projected Record: 2-7, 0-6 Red

Insight: The Blackhawks have had a successful two seasons going 15-5 in that stretch but last season they allowed more (277) than scored (252) from a points perspective. Bloomfield Hills coach Dan Loria will have a challenge this season replacing a lot of talent and dealing with the recent departures of quarterback John Paddock and defensive end Jack Sape (both are now at Ball State) along with Ty Slazinski who also graduated. The Blackhawks which oddly could be one of their strengths is quarterback but they need to settle on a quarterback although according to many outside experts that Andrew Barash is expected to be the starter but Tanner Slazinski, younger brother of Ty could push Barash for the quarterback position as well. Whomever the quarterback is will have plenty of pass catchers to throw too in Jackson Irschmer, Jiovanni Harris, Alec Ward, Diego Badall, Darren Mack, and Radiz Zerki. Jacob Gasso is expected carrying the load this season at running back. The lines and defense will be major questions for Loria and his team. Bloomfield Hills as mentioned allowed 277 points last season, which has to change if they want to be successful this season. The Blackhawks have Mike Kramer, Ethan Poselli, and Parkeer Hasha playing on the lines. Grant Fox will play linebacker and Badall and Irschmer will be in the secondary. It will be interesting to see what Bloomfield Hills has this season.

Why 2-7: The Blackhawks will be a different team this season. Bloomfield Hills needs to address a ton of things. They’ll need to grow up in a hurry especially with the league like the Red and the caliber of teams they will have to deal with. The schedule is interesting as they open up the season against Utica. The Chieftains were a playoff team last season but they like the Blackhawks have to replace a ton of talent from last season, what will help Bloomfield Hills is that game is at home. The schedule gets tougher once the Blackhawks enter league play. They have Adams, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Rochester coming to Bloomfield Hills but they have to go to Southfield Arts and Tech, Groves, Lake Orion, and Oxford. It will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks have this season but the challenge could be greater this season than in years past.

CLARKSTON WOLVES

Last Season: 12-2 (7-2), 5-2 in Red. Won Division One State Championship.

Points Scored: 380 (27.1 ppg), 191 (27.2 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 164 (11.7 ppg), 107 (15.2 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: August 24^th vs Grandville at Michigan Stadium

Rank: 7

Strengths: Both Lines and Linebackers

Weakness: Secondary and Depth

Projected Record: 7-2, 5-1 Red

Insight: The Wolves had an improbable playoff run with wins over Grand Blanc, Davison, Holland West Ottawa, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, and West Bloomfield to get their third Division One State title in six years last season and is 55-9 since 2013. Clarkston will be different this season as they lost a ton of talent from their State Championship team a season ago. “There were always questions, there were questions last year too” said Richardson. The Wolves will have two proven linemen returning for coach Kurt Richardson in Rocco Splinter and Garrett Dellinger. Both of them are expected to play on both sides of the line this season. The Wolves also added Max Mengyan who is expected to help Splinter and Dellinger this season on the lines. Clarkston will have Jake Jenson as its starting quarterback along with running backs Jake Bellete, Jacob Honstetter, and Kidus Johnson. Bellete will likely be the starting running back. He was huge in the State title game against West Bloomfield last season. Honstetter transferred from Holly and was the team’s top running back last season. Johnson could get some carries as well for the Wolves. “We are a run first team, we always have been. That will allow Jake (Jenson) to pick choose the passing game and he’s a capable kid and we have capable wide receivers. As the season advances we’ll be a little bit more balanced” Richardson added. The receivers will be interesting for the Wolves as they have Connor Donahue and Matt Miller returning along with running backs Honstetter and Bellete that can be pass catchers as well. Max Nicklin, Ja’Viar Suggs, and Brendan Barker will lead the linebackers which should be a strength for the Wolves. The secondary could be a question mark heading into the season even though Clarkston has Bellete, Miller, Honstetter, Josh Luther, and Donahue that can also play there. Depth is a major concern for the team as Richardson said that the Varsity team only has 55 players. “Expectations are always the same, we want to win the first game, win our league, beat Lake Orion, and make a run in the playoffs” Richardson mentioned. It could be an interesting season to keep an eye on for the Wolves.

Why 7-2: I’ve been torn with 7-2 or 6-3 but either way they should be a playoff team defending their Division One State title. The lack of depth is a concern with the Wolves (55 players) but they will likely have to rely on Dellinger and Splinter carrying them on the lines. If their skill players including Jenson can develop then look out. Richardson will have his hands full with non-league games against Grandville, Oak Park, and Troy. That’s not even mentioning that they play in the Red against the likes of Oxford, Lake Orion, Adams, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech. Richardson is focusing on Grandville as we speak “Grandville is a really good program, like 18 starters coming back. They play smash mouth football. It will be a good one in the Big House” Richardson concluded. It could be a challenging season for the Wolves knowing that they are the hunted and not the hunters.

LAKE ORION DRAGONS

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 in Red. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 194 (21.5 ppg), 132 (18.8 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 203 (22.5 ppg), 176 (25.1 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: August 31^st vs Oxford

Rank: 10

Strengths: Quarterback, Lines, Experience, and Running Game.

Weakness: Secondary, Depth, and Wide Receivers

Projected Record: 6-3, 4-2 Red

Insight: The Dragons have made some changes especially to their offseason program where they were lacking at. Lake Orion has not been themselves lately (16-21 since 2014) which is something that coach John Blackstock has to fix this season. The Dragons will have new field turf this season after having a total remaking of Dragon Stadium. Lake Orion has a ton of experience returning on the offensive side of the football led by quarterback Blaze Lauer and running backs Drew Van Heck, Kobe Manzo, and Marlon Robinson. The wide receiver position will be a question mark but Mitchell Howell, Matt Freeman, and Brendan Robertson could fill the voids along with one of the running backs. The Dragons defense has really struggled since 2013 giving up a ton of big plays. It could be a concern once again especially in the secondary where players like Sam Parillo, Russell Hastings, and Marcus Brown should be tested. “We’re excited, we have two returning guys at corner in Marcus and Sam Parillo but we got some young guys that are coming up and have done a really nice job in the summer seven on seven and summer training which are going to push Marcus and Sam for those positions” said Blackstock. The linebackers should be solid led by Isaac Kinnie and Josh Wuensch as they bring a ton of experience. Both lines should be solid and experienced led by Sebastian Marku, Chris Vernon, Mason Slocum, Zac Foote, and Hunter Chambers. “Expectations don’t change of being a contender and in the hunt, battling for the OAA title, and making the playoffs” Blackstock concluded. Depth will be a concern heading into the season, the Dragons are around that 60-66 player range. Lake Orion should be a team to watch this season to see if Blackstock can get this team back to glory.

Why 6-3: The Dragons have a lot of experience coming back especially from the offensive side of the football. Lake Orion has the quarterback and running game but if they can develop pass catchers in the passing game and get balance then the offense will be in great shape for Blackstock. The defense is a concern particularly in the secondary. The schedule is tricky with a matchup against Lapeer at Michigan Stadium along with road trips to West Bloomfield, Southfield Arts and Tech, Monroe, and Adams. Lake Orion has Oxford, Bloomfield Hills, Troy Athens, and Clarkston coming to Lake Orion’s new field. The Dragons are a sleeper team to keep an eye on this season.

OXFORD WILDCATS

Last Season: 2-7, 1-6 Red. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 157 (17.4 ppg), 97 (13.8 ppg) in Red.

Points Allowed: 271 (30.1 ppg), 234 (33.4 ppg) in Red.

Game of the Year: August 24^th vs Romeo

Rank: 11

Strengths: Sophomore Class and Linebacker

Weakness: Defense, Depth, and Lines

Projected Record: 3-6, 1-5 Red

Insight: The Wildcats are an interesting team to keep an eye on this season but the defense has been a big concern for years now as they have allowed over 200 points each season since they entered the OAA and 1,715 points since then. “Very rough year, we didn’t do well. This is this year 2018 and we’re looking forward to it” said coach Bud Rowley. They are 9-18 since 2015. Oxford will have a young team this season but their sophomore class is very good as they went undefeated in their freshman season last year. Rowley will have Drew Carpenter whom is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback. Carpenter brought some experience last season and is converting from running back to quarterback. “He’s athletic, we’re looking forward to Drew coming in and running the show” Rowley added. Trent Myre and Jack Gordon will battle to see whom will get carries but it’s likely that Myre will be the guy. Brendan Mielnicki could also see some carries at fullback as well. The Wildcats will have tight end Evan Brunning likely going to be the team’s top pass catcher along with wide receiver Grant Kornburger. The defense is a major concern as mentioned but they have Mielnicki and Brunning playing defensive end, Austin Schlicht, Thomas Landrie, and Marcus Hufnagel at linebacker, and Myre and Carpenter are in the secondary. It will be interesting to see what Rowley has with Carpenter at quarterback for the “Pound the Rock-power football” scheme that his team likes to do.

Why 3-6: The schedule is the big reason why I see the Wildcats here, not the talent. Oxford is young but Rowley won’t let that be an excuse and talent won’t be an issue either for this team. The schedule could be the reason why they will have trouble especially with games against Romeo, Lake Orion, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Troy Athens. The Wildcats are looking forward to Romeo coming to the Blue turf. “Romeo is coming to our house on the (August) 24^th” Rowley concluded. Oxford will be tested mentally that is for sure but they have other questions like their defense are really big concerns heading into the season.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY WARRIORS

Last Season: 4-5, 3-4 Red. Didn’t make postseason.

Points Scored: 280 (31.1 ppg), 184 (26.2 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 251 (27.8 ppg), 188 (26.8 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: September 28^th vs Lake Orion

Rank: 6

Strengths: Athleticism

Weakness: Both Lines

Projected Record: 5-4, 3-3 Red

Insight: The Warriors had a very disappointing year last season despite scoring more points (280) than allowing (251.) Southfield Arts and Tech has a bunch of talented players returning this season for coach Tim Conley, which included 14 returning starters and redid their football field this offseason as well. “We graduated a lot of seniors. We were young last year. We got 14 returning starters, we’re excited about this season. It was a trial through fire. I think it’s good for the boys and good for the program to have that kind of a chip on that shoulder so that they don’t want that to happen again” said assistant coach and offensive coordinator Aaron Marshall. The coaching staff calls this group the best Academic team in school history, which is always a great feeling to see the team succeed. The Warriors named West Bloomfield transfer Anthony Romphf the team’s starting quarterback. Romphf is a duel threat quarterback with his passing and running ability. He led the Lakers Junior Varsity to a 7-2 season last season. Anwar Jackson is the team’s top running back but Blake Brunson, D’Anthony Robinson, Carlton Mack, Kaelon Green, and Brent Johnson could get some carries while Marcus Faqua (Buffalo commit) could get some carries as well at the fullback spot. Southfield Arts and Tech is loaded at wide receiver led by Cameron McEvans, Nick Jones (Ball State commit,) Justin Kennedy, Elijah Soloman, Aaron Foulkes, Sanders Carter, and Terrell Humes. The offensive and defensive lines should be solid especially the offensive line but there are some questions that loom with this group. The Warriors are led by Juan Walker, Raymen McDonald, Bryce Austin, Brandon Baldwin, James Wadsworth, Jalani Barker-Walls, and Abdul Jabbar. The Southfield Arts and Tech defense should be better this season with the strength being the team’s athleticism that will be led by Edward Usuomon and Devin Baldwin (Western Michigan commit) up front. The linebackers should be solid led by Brunson, Tarie Saunders, and Soloman Bell (transferred from Groves this offseason.) The secondary should be very good led by Ian Brocks, Alante Pickens, Chris Broaden, Faqua, Jones, and Damond Hardwick. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot to prove this season. “We want to get better every day and we’ll take it how it comes” Marshall added.

Why 5-4: The Warriors had a tough season last year, they need to get back to what made them who they were. Southfield Arts and Tech has a very tough schedule with non-conference games against Davison and River Rouge along with tough league games against Clarkston, Oxford, Lake Orion, Adams, and West Bloomfield. “One thing about coach Conley is he wants us to play the best and open up with a tough opponent. We want to be battle tested” Marshall concluded. They have enough talent to make a return to the postseason. The Warriors are more than capable for Conley, it’s all about proving themselves.

WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS

Last Season: 11-3 (7-2), 6-1 Red. Lost 3-2 to Clarkston in Division One State Final.

Points Scored: 468 (33.4 ppg), 294 (42 ppg) in Red

Points Allowed: 256 (18.2 ppg), 163 (23.2 ppg) in Red

Game of the Year: August 31^st at Clarkston

Rank: 2

Strengths: Athleticism

Weakness: Quarterback and Mental Mindset

Projected Record: 8-1, 6-0 Red

Insight: The Lakers got to the summit last season getting by Detroit Cass Tech and Utica Eisenhower to get to Ford Field but lost 3-2 to Clarkston in the State Finals. West Bloomfield is 35-10 since 2013 and have gotten to the playoffs each in the last four seasons. They are one of the favorites to get back to Ford Field this season. “We’re excited about this group, last year’s team made it to the State Final that was a great accomplishment for our school and our community, for the kids in our program but we’re setting our sights on the 2018 season. The kids have been working hard. This is the fun part of it, losing all the talent but develop the next batch” said coach Ron Bellamy. The Lakers feature a very talented receiving and secondary core led by Lance Dixon (Penn State) and Tre Mosley (Michigan State) whom are both Big Ten recruits. Dixon will led the secondary alongside Tyrone Broden while Mosley leads a talented receiving core that has Makari Paige, Dell Sheppard, McCano Hayes, and Chase Glover. What will be interesting for Bellamy and the Swamp is whom will be the quarterback in Bellamy’s zone-read offense, he has decided to go with CJ Harris under center. “We want CJ to be himself, he’s replacing Bryce Veasley. CJ needs to be CJ and not anyone else” Bellamy added. West Bloomfield has a very good running back as well led by Donovan Edwards. The Lakers defense is very good besides Broden, Paige, and Dixon in the secondary, there is Harris whom also plays there as well along with linebackers Cornell Wheeler, Terrell Thurman, and Brian Becks. The lines are solid as well led by Corey Williams, Cole Hall, Jackson Laird, Sterling Miles, and Jaden Green. West Bloomfield will be a force to be a recon with this season. “We want to compete in every game, every practice, to get better, and most importantly to have fun” Bellamy concluded.

Why 8-1: The Lakers talent is the reason why they could have a great chance to get back to Ford Field. The questions and doubters are there for West Bloomfield. The schedule is interesting but the team’s talent should carry them through this tough schedule even though they have to play Groves, Clarkston, Adams, Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park and the last place team in the Catholic League Central. Pending a major collapse, the Lakers should be a playoff team this season that is for sure.

The Red Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43eoxON7Jv8

The Podcast with "the Voice of Lake Orion Football" Doug Corless will be here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4q2lO0oPw4

ONTV News: Media Day Story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqjbEdj2VM8&t=256s