Week Fourteen Recap.

Written Saturday November 24th at 4:15 PM

Chippewa Valley 31, CLARKSTON 30

Who would had ever thought that Clarkston would get dominated in the trenches, that’s what Chippewa Valley did early at Ford Field in the Division One State Championship Game. The first half points allowed surpassed the most points allowed by the Wolves in the playoffs and during the game the most they have allowed all season. The Big Reds got two big plays on the opening drive which led to a five yard touchdown run early. Chippewa Valley would get an interception on the Wolves opening drive of the game which would lead to their second score of the game. The Big Reds would then go deep in the air for a 45 yard passing touchdown. Clarkston on their second drive would use the halfback pass which led to a 38 yard field goal and a 14-3 deficit. Chippewa Valley would respond in the second quarter by getting a 37 yard field goal making the score 17-3 Big Reds. The Wolves would then respond driving down the field by getting a three yard touchdown run to make the score 17-10 Chippewa Valley. The Big Reds would get a 94 yard kickoff return for a touchdown keeping momentum on their side for a 24-10 lead heading into the half. The Wolves opened the second half by going methodical which led to their scoring drive from five yards out making the score 24-17 Chippewa Valley. The Big Reds would then respond going to the air for a 25 yard passing touchdown making the score 31-17 Chippewa Valley. The Wolves would then respond by using the quarterback draw from 44 yards making the score 31-24 Big Reds. Clarkston drove deep into Big Red territory which led to a seven yard touchdown pass but they decided to go for two and the win but the trick play they had failed which resulted in Chippewa Valley retaining the 31-30 lead. I would question coach Kurt Richardson’s decision to go for two instead of going for the tie to force overtime and also the play call on a reverse with your tight end wide open. This will make Wolves fans sick to their stomach, this was a game that they could have won.

Week Fourteen Pick.

Written Thursday November 22nd at 4:45 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 senior editor, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 101-39

TRAIN 103-37

DUNLAP 110-30

STICK 97-43

BURNEY 104-36

COTTER 105-35

Clarkston vs Chippewa Valley

This is the first meeting between the two teams which will take place at Ford Field on Saturday afternoon. The Wolves are coming off a 21-3 win over Saline last week while the Big Reds beat Belleville 28-16 last week. Clarkston has a ton of experience playing at Ford Field and is playing for their fourth State title in six years. Chippewa Valley won the Division II State title in 2001 but they too bring some experience and play in the Macomb Area Red Division. This will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on.

DUNES: CLARKSTON 10, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 7

TRAIN: CLARKSTON 14, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 12

DUNLAP: CHIPPEWA VALLEY 20, CLARKSTON 16

STICK: CHIPPEWA VALLEY 28, CLARKSTON 21

BURNEY: CHIPPEWA VALLEY 30, CLARKSTON 20

COTTER: CLARKSTON 21, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 14

Southfield Arts and Tech has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Wednesday November 21st at 7:00 PM

The Warriors have their new boys basketball coach and it's a surprising move.

Southfield Arts and Tech has named Darryle Buchanan the team's new head coach replacing Mike Avery whom stepped down last season.

Buchanan was the Southfield School Board President but he is now coaching the Warriors whom will have a ton of experience back. He was a career politician but he did coach the Transition Michigan Basketball of Michigan program.

Buchanan will have Cameron McEvans, Terrell Humes, and a lot of experience coming back this season. Southfield Arts and Tech will compete in the White with Adams, Farmington, Avondale, Rochester, Stoney Creek, and Troy Athens. They will be in a brutal district with Oak Park, Detroit Renaissance, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Detroit Mumford, and Redford Union.

Thoughts

I'm not a fan of this hire. I'm not sure how his basketball background got him this job. He was the Southfield School Board President for a time so it will be interesting how the Warriors adjust to his style of coaching.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Week Thirteen Recap.

Written Saturday November 17th at 5:15 PM

Warren De LaSalle 28, GROVES 0

The Falcons couldn’t overcome the Pilots on Saturday afternoon against Warren De LaSalle at Hazel Park with their defense shutting Groves high octane offense down limiting them to less than 100 yards and shutting them out. The Pilots got two interceptions that led to touchdowns and a punt return that set the tone of the game. The Falcons couldn’t get anything going offensively and had trouble throughout the game. Groves finishes the season at 10-3 which ties their best mark a few seasons ago.

CLARKSTON 21, Saline 3

The Wolves used their playoff experience at Okemos against Saline on Saturday afternoon and it was used to perfection. Clarkston was not flashy but effective throughout the game shutting the Hornets down to three points and getting two fourth down stops deep in the red zone. The Wolves outrushed Saline 224-58 on the ground. Clarkston returns to Ford Field for the second straight season and will look to earn their fourth State title in six years next weekend when they play Chippewa Valley on Saturday afternoon.

2018 Girls Basketball Preview.

Written Friday November 16th at 9:40 PM

Here is my insight heading into the Girls season which starts in three weeks.

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10:

1. Southfield Arts and Tech

2. Royal Oak

3. Bloomfield Hills

4. West Bloomfield

5. Oxford

6. Stoney Creek

7. Lake Orion

8. North Farmington

9. Avondale

10. Troy

Red

Southfield Arts and Tech fresh off a tough disappointing loss to Detroit Martin Luther King last season brought in a few transfers to shore things up for the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech is very solid behind three top players in Alexis Johnson, Cheyenne McEvans, and Kayiona Willis for coach Michelle Marshall but the Warriors added two transfers in the offseason in Soleil Barnes and Jasmine Worthy. Barnes transferred from Nordonia Ohio and an All-State player in Ohio last season. Worthy transferred from Groves and both of them are expected to contribute to a team that has dreams of making the postseason this season. Southfield Arts and Tech will field a deep team this season and could very well be a team worth watching.

Royal Oak fresh off a tough loss to Birmingham Marian last season but this team could be coach Bryan Sopota’s best ever as the Ravens return seven seniors including Samantha Potter, Jessica Adams, Anna Ross, and Nila Conley. The question for Sopota will be is who will be that third scorer for Royal Oak and if they get that figured out then watch out for the Ravens. 

Bloomfield Hills is an interesting team to keep an eye on as coach Jeff Rubin will have a solid squad this season led by a boatload of experience in Grace Getz, Jordan Banks, and Maryiam Hashim. Size is a big concern for the Blackhawks this season as Banks is the only true big in Rubin’s lineup. Bloomfield Hills is a deadly three point shooting team and that experience will have to carry them in games this season.

Stoney Creek is a team to keep an eye on as well. Coach Kellen James has Lily DiPani, Emily Eckhout, Lauren Benitez, Devin Vowels, and Megan Solek. Eckhout and Solek are the Cougars top players but James team has the experience to be very competitive. The non conference schedule is hectic but manageable. It will be interesting to see what “Team Finebaum” has this season.

North Farmington is going through a transition from a post team to a guard heavy team. Coach Jeff Simpson has two very solid guards in Maya Kelly and Molly Simpson controlling things but their glaring weakness is the interior with Sam Cherney graduating. If Simpson can figure this out and create balance then the Raiders will be back in the discussion again.

Clarkston is in the midst of a coaching transition as John Weyer takes over for the Wolves after a State Quarterfinal appearance last season. The Wolves have one returning starter from that team in Taylor Heaten after losing Maddie Beck, Kayla Luchenbach, and Molly Nicholson whom have all graduated but there are several players ready to make a name for themselves in Kaitlyn Kaul, Lexi Linton, Piper Bosart, Sam Aris, and Olivia Toderian. Clarkston has a tough non conference schedule and with a young team that’s not a good omen. We’ll see what the Wolves have and if they struggle early then they could be in some trouble.

Groves comes up from the White to the Red this season but did suffer a defection as Jasmine Worthy transferred to Southfield Arts and Tech and losing Shea Carter whom graduated. The Falcons will rely on Elle Ruprich and Emily Felix to carry them this season. It could be a challenge for Groves this season for coach Jessica Wiesler as they take that next step up to developing their program.

White

West Bloomfield has everyone back for coach Bert Mosley led by Destiny Monroe, Mari Horton, Toni Brooks, Ikia Elam, and Mya Bobo. The Lakers will be athletic and talented as they will look to make that next step in Mosley’s second season. The non conference slate is interesting but manageable for West Bloomfield. The Lakers will be scary to watch this season.

Lake Orion is going through their fourth coach in four years with Bob Brydges taking over the team and he will have an experienced team back led by Paytin Shadaia, Sophie Wyborski, Abbey Maresch, Kylie Anderson, Meghan Marshall, and Grace Berger. There are questions for the Dragons though for Brydges heading into the season but if everyone is on the same page then this will be a team to keep an eye on.

Oxford has a lot of experience coming back for coach Rachel Bryer led by Ashley Herschman, Lauren Methner, Mackenzie Methner, Emma Van Loon, Sara Terrell, Halaya Cato, and Anna Raab. The Wildcats will look to have another successful season under Bryer. The non conference is favorable for Oxford to do some significant damage. This will be a team to keep an eye on for sure.

Avondale has a new coach in Bob Lees who comes to Auburn Hills from Troy. Lees has a ton of talent returning for the Yellow Jackets in the form of Olivia Russell, Keori Lee, Reigan Lawerence, Briala Benion, Angelis Willis, and Madelyn Harrod. Avondale’s question will be depth besides these five talented players and the non conference schedule is not as strong. It will be interesting to see how Lees who has a Troy Boys Basketball coaching background as an assistant under Gary Fralik so expect them to be scrappy. If Lees can get the Yellow Jackets athleticism and scrappiness then they could be a sleeper come playoff time.

Troy has a lot of experience returning for coach Simon Bato in Emily Olson, Athena Sampson, Nisha Bhargava, Riya Chakravity, Delaney Witz, Elena Rinke, and Jessica Chen. The Colts do have an incoming freshman who is talented that will bring some size to aid with Sampson this season. Troy should be a player in the White this season.

Adams will be an interesting to keep an eye on for coach Shay Lewis. The Highlanders have a ton of young talent back led by Lauren Petersmark, Amelia Drahnak, Maggie Dogehna, Nicole Clarehout, Sydney Reed, and Grace Van Pelt back. The question for the Highlanders will be size and in the interior. If Lewis can address this problem then Adams could have the balance to be a contender in the White this season.

Troy Athens will be a team to watch for coach Stacie Klumpp. They have a lot of experience returning in Isabelle Crumm, Grace Bright, and Abby Bright. I’m curious how the Red Hawks will replace the scoring and intensity of Maddie Crumm who has graduated. Troy Athens has an interesting non conference schedule but they will be a team to keep an eye on.

Farmington will have a very young team this season for coach Laura Guzman led by Cecelia Norris, Hailey Walker, and Iasia Rimpson. The Falcons will need to replace Olivia Perkins whom graduated among others. It will be interesting to see what Farmington has this season moving up to the White.

Blue

Rochester will have their third coach in three seasons as Jeff Haney takes over the team. The Falcons who are looking to have a bounce back season after years of turmoil return some key players in Tori Hawkins, Sam Thessian, Maddie Perkins, Alyssa Miller, and Payton Johnson. Rochester also has a blend of young talent rising as well. The non conference is interesting but manageable. The future looks bright for the Falcons.

Seaholm has a new coach in Chris Manchester who took over on an interim basis but the Maples will be a run and gun team under their new coach. Manchester coached the Center Line Boys Basketball team last season and will have some experience to work with in Julia Bell, Chole Burkett, Meredith Owens, Hailey Hartwig, and Audrey Stachelski. It will be interesting to see how Seaholm adjusts to Manchester’s system considering that Manchester is a Boys coach coming into the Girls game, it sometimes doesn’t work out that well but the Maples are in the right division to make a run right now.

Berkley will be a team worth watching this season for coach Kirk Carolan. The Bears have a ton of experience returning (10 players) led by Olivia DiCarlo, Savannah Casida, Caroline Robertson, and Marshayla Denham. Berkley’s non conference is not strong which could pose a big problem once they face the upper echelon teams. Until the Bears address their non conference schedule this team could be in some trouble.

Pontiac is a team that is waiting for a breakout and they could very well do that this season. The Phoenix has a solid team for coach Christopher Wright but depth is a question mark for Pontiac. If they can address their depth problem and let the talent will take over then the Phoenix have a talented team.

Oak Park will be a team worth mentioning this season but depth could be an issue for coach Deidra Hines team. On the bright side they do have a very talented player back in Kyla Wilson. Wilson will need to do a lot if the Knights want to reach their goals this season.

Ferndale was very young last season but they will hope to rebound after a rough season. Coach Christina Nagle will have three talented players back in Jayliah Love, Kenshia Williams, and Kyra Newman back. These three are expected to be the focal point for the Eagles if they want to make progress this season.

Hazel Park in their final season in the OAA lost a ton of talent last season but coach Chad Ossman will have some talent to work with although it won’t be the experience that he had last year but it could be a challenging season this year for the Vikings.

2018 Boys Basketball Preview.

Written Friday November 16th at 9:40 PM

We are two weeks away from the start of Boys season. Here is my insight heading into the season.

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10:

1. Clarkston

2. West Bloomfield

3. Lake Orion

4. Adams

5. Oak Park

6. Farmington

7. Oxford

8. Ferndale

9. Avondale

10. North Farmington

Red

Clarkston will be different this season as they have a new coach in Tim Waslik whom takes over for Dan Fife whom retired after 37 years behind the bench and two State titles. The Wolves will have a blend of youth and experience back in Matt Nicholson, Cole Donchez, Keegan Wasilk, Fletcher Loyer, Desmond Mills Bradley, and Jake Jenson. Clarkston will be a team to keep an eye on this season and see how they will jell with Waslik now coaching the team.

West Bloomfield has nearly everyone back for coach Jeremy Dehna. The Lakers have Donovan Moore, Tre Mosley, Robert Johnson, Chase Glover, Sterling Miles, and Tarron Carter back. The question is will Donovan Edwards come back after getting hurt in football season. If Dehna can get Edwards back and healthy then West Bloomfield with all that talent and athleticism will be a force to be a recon with.

Lake Orion moved up from the Blue to the Red this season and have a ton of experience back for coach Jim Manzo. The Dragons have Nate Talbot, Drew Van Heck, Jack Cummings, Kyle Loken, Hunter Sites, and Jake Rydquist returning from a team that won 17 games last season. Lake Orion will be an interesting team to watch this season as they have a ton of talent back.

Oak Park has a very talented team returning for coach Bobby Thompson and they moved up from the White to the Red. The Knights are led by Malik Carr, Dovante Edwards, Fred Garland, David Cotton, Jaylen Fisher, Marcell Carter, Jaylin Mines, and KeVon Kyle. Oak Park is a darkhorse candidate as well in the postseason. The Knights will be a team to watch.

Troy has two elite guards coming back for coach Gary Fralick in Clay Sebastian and Brody Parker but the interior players like Matt Johnansson will likely see time at forward this season among others. The Colts will rely on Parker and Sebastian to carry them this season. Troy is an underrated team that will always be tough and scrappy to handle, they always are.

North Farmington should be much improved this season for coach Todd Negoshian as they have a lot of talent coming back led by Justice Sallaam, Yusif Jihad, Jamal Hayes, Bashir Jihad, Deon Hayes, and Harrison transfer Eddie Linton. The Raiders had trouble scoring last season but this season they shouldn’t have that issue now. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Bloomfield Hills will be very young but they did get momentum after upsetting West Bloomfield in the pre-district last season. They have improved as the process has gone along. Blackhawks coach Phil Kurajian has a strong group led by Mason Canfield, Collin Hecker, Ben Mutz, Alex Higley, Ari Singler, and Alex Igwe. Bloomfield Hills has an interesting non conference schedule which could give them confidence heading into league play.

White

Adams will have a lot of talent back for coach Brad Crighton led by Ethan Emerzian, Jake Schuler, Jake Emerzian, George Gurraj, and Peyton Preiskorn. The Highlanders added Gunner Walters to the program which is a huge addition but lost Carter Farris to an injury during football season. Adams had a rough year two years ago but had a bounce back season and won a district last season. The Highlanders will look to make up some more stride and madness this season.

Farmington will have a ton of experience back for coach Terrance Porter in the form of Jared Atkins and Tariq Humes. The Falcons added Tariq Sheppard to their group from Detroit East English Village Prep. Farmington has some questions in the interior which is a huge concern for Porter and his team this season even though they added a California transfer in Bakyne Coly. The Falcons will rely on their strength of guards to carry them this season. They will be one of those teams to keep an eye on.

Avondale is a darkhorse contender this season. The Yellow Jackets have a ton of talent back led by Derrick Hinton, Ezekiel Ringstaff, Kobe Anthony, Donovan Bowers, Jaden Turner, and Daniel Hughes for coach Tim Morton. Avondale has a favorable non conference schedule which should get them some momentum heading into league play. It will be interesting to see what the Yellow Jackets have this season.

Southfield Arts and Tech has a new coach in Darryle Buchanan and a ton of experience coming back led by Cameron McEvans and Terrell Humes. I’m curious to see how the transition shapes up as the Warriors will need to adjust to the new coach’s style and mindset. It will be interesting to see what Southfield Arts and Tech has this season to say the least.

Groves could be a team that could be in the discussion. They have a new coach in Benny White. The longtime coach will have an athletic team coming back led by Daniel Lee, Grant Gilbert, and Rogers Motley. If the Falcons can adjust to White’s system then Groves could be a dangerous team going forward.

Stoney Creek should be an interesting team to keep an eye on this season with a blend of youth and experience. The Cougars have some young talent to work with Griffin Bears, Alex Reiter, and Trevor Smith. If coach Steve Norgrove can get a big season from Pat Galy in the interior then Stoney Creek will be dangerous this season. The Cougars non conference schedule is very manageable which helps. Stoney Creek will be a team to watch this season.

Troy Athens will be very young for coach Dave Scott led by Alex Sidorwictz, Andrei Tipuria, Josh Seifert, Ethan LaBay, Dylan Manos, and Jacob Thorton coming back. The Red Hawks lost a lot of experience last season which they could take some lumps in the non conference but they could be a player later in the season. Troy Athens will be an interesting team to keep an eye on.

Rochester lost a ton of talent when you look at LaMarko Gulledge and Hunter Schalater accounting for nearly all of their points last season graduating. The Falcons for coach Vance Kirkwood will have to rely on Cam Caggins, Corey Gulledge, and Drake Reid to carry them this season. Rochester could be in for a rocky road this season.

Blue

Oxford has a ton of experience returning led by Michael Rasich, Grant Kornberger, Tre Townshed, Zach Townshed, Nolan Hiller, Connor Nicholson, and D’Wayney Turner for coach Steve Laidlaw. The Wildcats had a tough season last year and moved down from the White to the Blue which will help them win more games. Oxford will be a player in the Blue race this year and their non conference schedule looks favorable as well.

Ferndale has a new coach in Juan Rickman whom comes over from Detroit East English Village Prep. The Eagles should be loaded with talent and athleticism led by returning players Brian Polozo, Teonah McKeithen, and Keelan Lucas whom played under former coach Tom Staten but it's what Rickman brought in that has Ferndale becoming a serious contender not only in the Blue but also in Division Two. The Eagles have five transfers in Jayshawn Moore, Collin Gholson, Simon Wheeler, Sidi McEroy, and DeAnthony Hamilton. The five incoming transfers played a ton of minutes for Rickman at Detroit East English Village Prep last season and will look to contribute for their new team in a new league. Ferndale has a lot of people in the media hyping them up but the OAA is a lot different than the Detroit Public School League however they will win a lot of games this season.

Royal Oak could very well be a darkhorse team in the Blue with their size and defense as coach Aaron Smith wants to turn the Ravens into a modified version of the Detroit Pistons which Smith works for in his free time. Royal Oak should be a defensive first team led by Jonvan Martin, Toby Adensyna, and Joe Binkowski and incoming players whom was also very talented and hardworking. The Ravens non conference schedule is manageable but wondering if it is tough enough for Smith’s team this season which it will help them going forward.

Pontiac is another darkhorse candidate in the Blue to watch out for. They have a lot coming back for coach Josh Schroeder led by D’Quarion Cole, Daveaun Cole, Keyshawn Shelmonson Bay, Kenyatta Green, William Avarex, Devonta Green, Ernesto Simpson, and Dominque Stovall. The Phoenix have also toughened up their non conference schedule which always helps if they want to be a contender in the Blue this season. Depth will be an issue for Pontiac this season though but the talent might make up for the lack of depth that they have.

Berkley has a nice blend of youth and experience led by Christian Talley, Jackson Sewell, and Ari Yaker but they have a ton of youth that are ready to make an impact in Arshad Walker, Charlie Serwa, and Angelo Evanhoff. The Bears who is coming off a tail of two seasons as mentioned will be young but competitive for coach Joe Sermo. Berkley even though is young could be a deep sleeper to keep an eye on this season.

Seaholm will be an interesting team to keep an eye on this season but they will be very young this season for coach Mike DeGeeter. The Maples will have some trouble as they are young as mentioned and don’t have a lot of size but if they grow quick enough then Seaholm could surprise some folks this season.

Harrison as their final season as a school will be in an interesting spot as they don’t have a lot of talent coming back and their best player Eddie Linton transferred to North Farmington. It will be interesting to see what the Hawks and coach Jerrell Hogan have this season.

Hazel Park had a ton of changes this offseason after a disappointing district semifinal loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and is in their final season in the OAA. They lost their coach Brendan Barrett whom is now coaching at Detroit Collegiate Prep and a ton of talent in Carl Bow, Devin Pettis, and David Hearns now the Vikings have one returning player and a new coach in Stefan Wilson whom has an OAA background coaching at Harrison. It could be a tough rebuild for Wilson to rebuild Hazel Park.

Week Thirteen Picks.

Written Tuesday November 13th at 10:15 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 senior editor, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 101-37

TRAIN 101-37

DUNLAP 108-30

STICK 96-42

BURNEY 103-35

COTTER 103-35

Groves vs Warren De LaSalle at Hazel Park

This will be the first ever meeting between the Falcons and the Pilots. Both teams common opponents have been Oak Park which Groves played them early losing 13-7 while Warren De LaSalle took on the Knights two weeks ago which they won 35-7. The Falcons have been scoring in bunches including a 53-29 win last week over Livonia Franklin. The Pilots have been shutting people down lately including two weeks ago against Oak Park and last week’s 21-3 win over Port Huron Northern. It will be an interesting matchup between the two teams as the winner will meet either Muskegon Mona Shores or Midland.

DUNES: GROVES 27, WARREN DELASALLE 21

TRAIN: WARREN DELASALLE 24, GROVES 23

DUNLAP: WARREN DELASALLE 28, GROVES 14

STICK: WARREN DELASALLE 35, GROVES 20

BURNEY: GROVES 24, WARREN DELASALLE 23

COTTER: WARREN DELASALLE 28, GROVES 14

Clarkston vs Saline at Okemos

This is a rematch of the 2015 State Final which the Wolves won 33-25 at Ford Field but it will take place at Okemos as the Hornets and Clarkston get together. Saline won 13-12 in overtime over Rockford last week while the Wolves went into Lapeer and beat the Lightning 13-0 last week. Whomever makes the least mistakes will head to Ford Field to take on either Chippewa Valley or Belleville.

DUNES: SALINE 21, CLARKSTON 17

TRAIN: CLARKSTON 14, SALINE 6

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 17, SALINE 14

STICK: SALINE 21, CLARKSTON 14

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 21, SALINE 17

COTTER: CLARKSTON 24, SALINE 14

Podcast from November 12th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9XGN83qSk

The End of an Era.

Written Sunday November 11th at 5:40 PM

An end of an era occurred on Saturday afternoon in Farmington Hills.

Harrison and their coach John Herrington whom is the State’s all-time winningest head coach at 443 wins lost a heartbreaker 21-14 to Chelsea in the Division Four Regional finals, ending the legendary era of Hawks football.

Harrison which is stated to close in June has a lot of football tradition from players like Devin Funchess, Mark Dell, Drew Stanton, Akim Shabaj, Kahid Kareem, Ovie Oguffalo, Roderick Heard, and others that have went on to play Division One College Football, and even in the NFL.

When Harrison entered the OAA in 2003 along with city rivals North Farmington and Farmington, no one knew what to expect and how the Hawks would adjust to life in the OAA.

The Hawks adjusted just fine to life in the OAA. Harrison was a proud football program with 13 State titles all under Herrington whom arrived in 1970 and been in 18 State Finals. Harrison would develop rivalries in the OAA with the likes of Southfield, Oak Park, Groves, Adams, Oxford, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Lake Orion, not to mention their city rivals in North Farmington and Farmington.

When the decision by the Farmington School Board came down in 2016 to close Harrison, there was controversy and there was a lot of backlash, several members of the community including Herrington spoke but at the end of the day the School Board did not change their decision and gave Harrison three years.

The Hawks were the football power in Farmington, going deep into the State playoffs including reaching the Division Three title game last season.

When I read Scott Burnstein’s article in the Oakland Press after Harrison’s loss to Chelsea, I read a quote by Herrington to Burnstein “Normally after a loss like this you tell your kids, you tell yourself, we put this behind us and we move on however right now there’s nowhere for us to move on to. That’s pretty hard reality to swallow.”

I remember the battles as a player (I played at Lake Orion) against Herrington’s Hawks teams. I was on the team that gave Herrington one of his 112 losses, winning 19-0 in my junior year and one that was a part of his 443 wins, losing my senior year 14-10.

It’s going to feel weird without Herrington or Harrison as a school as the Farmington School District who sold the property to the city of Farmington will turn Harrison into a Community Center in June but the complex will stay and Herrington's name and Sports Complex will stay forever. 

I’m going to miss Buller Field at the Herrington Sports Complex and the scoreboard which was old school with the 13 State Championship boards on the bottom that stood proudly on the north side of the endzone.

I’m going to really miss speaking to Herrington especially during Media Day. He was honest and kind when I interviewed him. This season, I didn’t want to talk about the end because I knew it was near but he was upbeat looking forward to the season. Herrington is truly an icon and he will forever be missed as well as the school that bared the green and gold.

The State of Michigan will lose one of its greatest legendary coaches and men on the sidelines but the legacy of Harrison football will always live on and forever will.

Here are some videos from Media Day and the ONTV News Story from Media Day.

2016

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

2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR0LJL5bUJk  

2018

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

ONTV News Media Day 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqjbEdj2VM8

Podcast from November 12th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9XGN83qSk

Week Twelve Recap.

Written Saturday November 10th at 4:00 PM

GROVES 53, Livonia Franklin 29

The Groves offense came out on fire in this contest against a solid Livonia Franklin team in Beverly Hills on Friday but the game didn’t start that way. The Falcons had a bad snap which led to a safety for the Patriots but Groves answered back on a 67 yard rushing touchdown giving themselves a 7-2 lead. The Falcons defense made a huge stand causing a Livonia Franklin fumble deep in the red zone keeping Groves in the lead. The Falcons would then strike getting a 30 yard touchdown run giving themselves a 14-2 lead. Groves would then answer again late in the first half getting another touchdown making the score 21-2. The Patriots would then answer with a 38 yard passing touchdown on fourth down and 13 making the score 21-9 in the third quarter. The Falcons would fumble the ball and Livonia Franklin recovered. They would score on a 15 yard touchdown pass on fourth down and seven making the score 21-15 Groves. The Falcons would get a huge touchdown run from 23 yards and the two point conversion giving themselves a 29-15 lead. Groves would get a huge interception which resulted in a five yard touchdown run giving themselves a 36-15 lead. The Patriots would answer keeping themselves in the game with a 56 yard passing touchdown making the score 36-22 Falcons. Groves would then get a huge 37 yard field goal making the score 39-22 Falcons. Livonia Franklin would then score on a nine yard touchdown pass to make it 39-29 Groves. The Falcons would get a 41 yard touchdown run sealing the game making the score 46-29. Groves would add insurance with another touchdown on the ground from 25 yards out making the score 53-29. The Falcons will move onto the State Semifinals and play Warren De LaSalle next at Hazel Park.

DeWitt 42, FARMINGTON 7

Farmington’s road in the playoffs are over as they were blown out by DeWitt on Saturday afternoon at Lansing Catholic. The Falcons suffered a bad start giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown and a two point conversion making the score 8-0 DeWitt. The Panthers would get an interception return for a touchdown making the score 15-0 DeWitt. The Panthers shut Farmington’s offense down again which led to another score to increase their lead to 22-0. DeWitt would then add another score to complete a great first quarter for the Panthers at 29-0. The Falcons in the first quarter was shut down to just two first downs. DeWitt would add another score to get the running clock on making the score 35-0. The Panthers continued their onslaught with another touchdown making the score 42-0. Farmington would get a 12 yard rushing touchdown to make the score 42-7 DeWitt.

Chelsea 21, HARRISON 14

The final ever home game at Harrison had some tense drama on Saturday afternoon which resulted in a tough 21-14 loss and an end of an era and legacy. The Hawks got off to a strong start with a ten yard touchdown run making the score 7-0 Harrison. The Hawks defense shut Chelsea down on a couple of occasions including getting a turnover on downs in the middle of the half. The Bulldogs would answer late in the first half as they scored on a 38 yard touchdown run tying the score at 7-7. Harrison would respond in the third quarter scoring a touchdown to retake the lead 14-7 however Chelsea answered the Hawks touchdown by scoring from 11 yards out tying the score at 14-14 which that score would be until late in the game. Harrison fumbled the ball late which gave the Bulldogs a chance to end the legendary career of the Harrison football program. Chelsea would score a touchdown on a 22 yard touchdown pass to give themselves a 21-14 lead with 32 seconds left in the game. The Hawks end their final season as a school and the legendary career of coach John Herrington at 8-4. Herrington is the winningest coach in State history.

CLARKSTON 13, Lapeer 0

Clarkston has always found ways to win these type of games and they did just that at Lapeer on a windy Friday night. There was not a lot going on in the first half as the wind became a factor in Lapeer. Both defenses have had strong first halves but the difference was the three illegal motion penalties and lack of tackling by the Lightning late which does not help against a team that doesn't make a lot of mistakes. The Wolves had an interception to close out the half but the big play was that the Visitors got a fourth down stop and an interception in this game. Clarkston would score on a two yard touchdown run to give themselves a 7-0 lead to start the fourth quarter. The Wolves would get a stop and then another touchdown making the score 13-0 Clarkston which would be the final score. The Wolves will move onto the State Semifinals as they take on Saline or Rockford next which will be at Okemos.

Belleville 13, WEST BLOOMFIELD 10

West Bloomfield’s season came to a rough end in Belleville on Friday night. The Lakers dodged two breaks in the second quarter as the Tigers had a 38 yard passing touchdown called back due to an illegal procedure penalty on fourth down forcing a punt and then had a 65 yard passing touchdown called back due to an ineligible man down field penalty. West Bloomfield would convert a 25 yard field goal giving themselves a 3-0 lead which they would take to the half. The Lakers opened the third quarter with a 28 yard touchdown pass to give themselves a 10-0 lead. West Bloomfield would then take advantage of a bad snap giving the Lakers the ball deep in Belleville territory but the Tigers got a big stop getting the ball back in the third quarter. Belleville would score a one yard touchdown run making the score 10-6 West Bloomfield. The Lakers fumbled which the Tigers got deep into the red zone but West Bloomfield stopped them getting the ball back. Belleville would then get another shot at the football but the Lakers again stopped the Tigers. West Bloomfield would get the football back but Belleville got the stop they needed at their own 20 yard line. The Tigers would then score on a 81 yard drive which were all running plays to take a 13-10 lead. The Lakers would have a chance but Belleville got a sack which caused West Bloomfield to turn the ball over on downs and it was the ball game The Lakers finished the season at 9-3.

Podcast from November 12th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9XGN83qSk

Week Twelve Picks

Written Wednesday November 7th at 11:15 AM

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 senior editor, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 99-34

TRAIN 98-35

DUNLAP 106-27

STICK 95-38

BURNEY 100-33

COTTER 101-32

Chelsea at Harrison

This will be the fourth meeting between the schools with the Hawks holding a 3-0 edge over Chelsea with the last meeting being in 2003 to which Harrison won 65-64. The Bulldogs won 35-14 last week over Milan on the road. The Hawks in what will be their final home game ever should be excited and pumped up. Harrison won 13-10 over Birmingham Detroit Country Day after the “Harrison Miracle” last week in overtime in Birmingham. There will be a lot of emotion heading into this matchup on Saturday afternoon.

DUNES: HARRISON 28, CHELSEA 17

TRAIN: HARRISON 28, CHELSEA 14

DUNLAP: HARRISON 20, CHELSEA 17

STICK: HARRISON 31, CHELSEA 30

BURNEY: HARRISON 21, CHELSEA 17

COTTER: HARRISON 21, CHELSEA 14

Farmington vs DeWitt @ Lansing Catholic

This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. The Falcons have seemed to found a rushing attack racking up nine touchdowns from the ground in two weeks including last week’s 34-3 blowout of South Lyon East. This week, Farmington will have a ton of challenges including a trip to Lansing Catholic to play a Panthers team that is undefeated on a Saturday afternoon. DeWitt needed a 28 yard field goal and strong defense to oust East Lansing 9-7 last week. The Falcons are a different animal but the key will be if they can get their passing attack going and if they do, watch out.

DUNES: DEWITT 17, FARMINGTON 14

TRAIN: DEWITT 42, FARMINGTON 14

DUNLAP: DEWITT 34, FARMINGTON 13

STICK: DEWITT 28, FARMINGTON 20

BURNEY: DEWITT 30, FARMINGTON 20

COTTER: FARMINGTON 20, DEWITT 17

Livonia Franklin at Groves

This will be the tenth meeting between the schools with the Patriots holding a 0-8-1 advantage with the last meeting being in 1971. The Falcons got revenge by beating Birmingham Brother Rice 38-24 last week and they were rewarded with another home game against the Division Two State runner up in Livonia Franklin. The Patriots needed a 27-25 home win over Temperance Bedford to get their third district title in four years despite having 468 total yards last week. Groves has played a tougher schedule than Livonia Franklin but the Patriots are well coached and play in a very good Kensington Lakes Activities Association. Livonia Franklin has also gone through some adversity as they haven’t had their coach for a few games but he’s back now and they have nothing to lose. This is a game of two different styles and it will be interesting to see which style of play comes out on top.

DUNES: GROVES 42, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 14

TRAIN: GROVES 35, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 14

DUNLAP: GROVES 28, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 14

STICK: LIVONIA FRANKLIN 28, GROVES 14

BURNEY: GROVES 24, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 23

COTTER: GROVES 38, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 28

West Bloomfield at Belleville

This is the first meeting between these two teams. Both teams have multiple Division One recruits including three players, two from Belleville and one from West Bloomfield going to Michigan State. The Lakers won in overtime 20-17 over Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Tigers won 49-33 over Monroe last week. West Bloomfield had someone on their staff lost a family member last week when they always play for someone’s honor they are that scary good. Belleville is talented as mentioned so this will be an interesting matchup. I wonder if coach Mark Dantonio will show up for this matchup knowing that three future Spartans are playing in this game.

DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, BELLEVILLE 17

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 24, BELLEVILLE 21

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 24, BELLEVILLE 20

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, BELLEVILLE 34

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 34, BELLEVILLE 31

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, BELLEVILLE 35

Clarkston at Lapeer

This will be the fifth meeting all time between the two rivals with Clarkston holding a 4-0 edge but oddly enough this will be the first meeting in Lapeer between the two squads. The Wolves needed a 26-6 win over Lakeland last week to keep their season alive. The Lightning won 35-10 over Oxford last week and has scored 35 points in the last two weeks. This maybe Lapeer’s best chance to take Clarkston out of the playoffs with the Wolves making the trip up to Lapeer and the Lightning has a ton of experience.

DUNES: LAPEER 28, CLARKSTON 7

TRAIN: CLARKSTON 28, LAPEER 24

DUNLAP: LAPEER 17, CLARKSTON 10

STICK: LAPEER 24, CLARKSTON 21

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 28, LAPEER 27

COTTER: CLARKSTON 24, LAPEER 21

Girls Volleyball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday November 3rd at 2:40 PM

Here is the previews heading into the regionals.

Region 2 @ Lake Orion

STONEY CREEK vs Walled Lake Northern

LAKE ORION vs TROY

INSIGHT: This is an interesting regional at Lake Orion with two State ranked teams in this regional (Lake Orion 2nd, Stoney Creek 9th.) The host Dragons are in this regional along with the Cougars, Colts, and Knights. There are some well known coaches in this regional to which all of them have a Lake Orion connection. There is former Lake Orion coach Ross Talbott who is at Stoney Creek, Troy coach Tom Vigilant whom worked the Lake Orion AAU program during the coach Bob Howey years, then there is current Lake Orion coach Tony Scavarda, and Walled Lake Northern coach Terry Baugman whom one time applied to be the coach of the Dragons. Lake Orion, Troy, and Stoney Creek are no strangers to each other playing in the always tough Red. The Cougars won at Lake Orion which gave them the Red crown but the Dragons were not at full strength at that time but they are now. Lake Orion is coming off a three game sweep of Clarkston in the district finals at Waterford Kettering. Stoney Creek is red hot coming into this regional. The Cougars are coming off two big three game sweeps at home against Macomb Area Conference foes in Romeo in the district semifinals and Macomb Area Conference Red champion Utica Eisenhower in the district finals earning their second straight district title. The Colts won over West Bloomfield in three games in the district final and beat Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals in four games at Bloomfield Hills. Walled Lake Northern is the newcomer to this regional after heading south and west now they come east. The Knights won their district by beating Walled Lake Western and Walled Lake Central in four games and Lakeland in three games at Lakeland but according to Baugman he said that his team didn't play well against Walled Lake Western in the district final which went four games. Walled Lake Northern was second in the Lakes Valley Conference behind South Lyon. Baugman knows that the Knights needs to play a lot better if they want to go deep in the regional. It will be interesting to see who comes out in this district.

Region 15 @ Harper Woods

Detroit Communication of Media Arts vs Detroit Cesar Chavez

FERNDALE vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

INSIGHT: This is an interesting regional when you look at the teams that will be heading to Harper Woods. There are no State ranked teams in this regional. Detroit Cesar Chavez really didn’t have any resistance in their two wins over Detroit Consortium in the district final and Detroit Collegiate Prep. Detroit Communication of Media Arts had a tough four game matchup with Detroit Cornerstone in the district semifinal and a sweep of Detroit Henry Ford in the district final. St. Clair Shores South Lake has played in a tough Macomb Area Conference and had to beat Harper Woods, Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in four games (district semifinals,) and Center Line in a hard fought five games (district final) on their home floor. The Eagles under first year coach Stella Johnstone has had an impressive season. Ferndale needed four games to beat Detroit University Prep in the district semifinals and a hard earned five games victory over Hazel Park on the road in the district finals. This is a wide open regional when you look at this one.

Here is the podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-11-05-18

Week Eleven Recap.

Written Friday November 2nd at 10:40 PM

Warren De LaSalle 35, OAK PARK 7

This game was a complete shocker that not even myself saw coming. Penalties against the Knights would prove to be the downfall as they had two costly penalties that killed them including one that had a touchdown called back against Warren De LaSalle. The Pilots whom only allowed 90 total yards on the night and 20 in the second half scored on a five yard touchdown early and then late in the first quarter recovered a fumble deep into Oak Park territory which would lead to another Warren De LaSalle touchdown which made it 14-0 Pilots. Warren De LaSalle would then get the football back in the middle of the second quarter as they got the Knights to turn the ball on downs. The Pilots would then continue the onslaught going on the ground again for a 21-0 Warren De LaSalle lead. The Pilots would then add to their lead making the score 28-0 and then got a fumble recovery for a touchdown making the score 35-0. Oak Park would then get a 70 yard touchdown pass making the score 35-7 Warren De LaSalle. The Pilots would beat the Knights for the second time and on their home field. Oak Park whom finishes the season at 9-2 has a lot coming back but they have a ton of questions.

GROVES 38, Birmingham Brother Rice 24

The Falcons passing attack was on all night. The defense started it with a fumble recovery and then went 49 yards for a touchdown early. Groves would then stop the Birmingham Brother Rice defense and then went to the air again for a 40 yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead. The Falcons would then get another passing score from nine yards out and a 21-0 lead. Groves would then recover the onside kick which led to a 23 yard field goal and a 24-0 lead. The Falcons defense would then get a pick six from 56 yards out for a touchdown sealing it for Groves and a 31-0 lead. The Warriors added a touchdown but the Falcons blocked the PAT attempt. Groves would then go to the air once more scoring making it a 38-6 Falcons lead. Birmingham Brother Rice answered with a score but the two point try was no good keeping the score 38-12 and then added another score making the score 38-18. The Warriors would then recover another onside kick and scored making the score 38-24 Falcons. Groves will move on and host Livonia Franklin who needed to win 27-25 over Temperance Bedford.

FARMINGTON 34, South Lyon East 3

The game was never really in doubt at Farmington. The Falcons scored a huge touchdown making the score 6-0 Farmington. The Cougars responded with a 35 yard field goal making the score 6-3 in favor of the home team. Farmington would then get a touchdown to open up the third quarter behind a 68 yard rushing score making the score 13-3 Falcons. Farmington would then add another score making the score 20-3. The Falcons would pull away with a touchdown making the score 27-3. Farmington would add another touchdown making the score 34-3 for extra insurance. The Falcons will go on the road and play at DeWitt next weekend. DeWitt beat East Lansing 9-7 to get to the next round. It will be interesting how Farmington adjusts to playing on grass and the travel.

HARRISON 13, Birmingham Detroit Country Day 10 OT

The Hawks pulled out the escape of the century or what MIPrepZone and State Champs sportswriter Scott Burnstein called it the “Harrison Miracle” shocking Birmingham Detroit Country Day 13-10 in overtime. Harrison started the game by getting a safety and then on the next drive they got a field goal making the score 5-0. The Hawks defense then made a fourth down stop taking over at their own 30 yard line. Birmingham Detroit Country Day would then score on a 22 yard touchdown pass making the score 7-5 in favor of the Yellow Jackets. Harrison would get another safety in the third quarter tying the score at 7-7. There wasn’t a lot of scoring and the game would go to overtime. Birmingham Detroit Country Day added a 34 yard field goal making the score 10-7. The Hawks attempted a field but a bobbled snap and a prayer that was caught for the winning touchdown stunning both sides. Harrison’s final season continues for another week as they will host Chelsea next week. Chelsea beat Milan 35-14 to get into this matchup.

CLARKSTON 26, White Lake Lakeland 6

The Wolves got off to a slow start but an 80 yard touchdown run early and another score really put the game out of reach in favor of the home team. Clarkston would score again making the score 19-0. In the third quarter the Wolves added a 15 yard touchdown run making the score 26-0. Lakeland who was never really in the game added a touchdown but it wasn’t enough as Clarkston will move onto the regional and play on the gray turf next week in Lapeer.

Lapeer 35, OXFORD 10

The Wildcats went all yellow in their matchup at Lapeer against the Lightning. Lapeer who had a ton of experience back scored a touchdown early in the first quarter. Oxford would respond as they got an interception which led to a field goal making the score 7-3 Lightning. The Wildcats defense would then get a stop and then got a touchdown taking a 10-7 lead. Lapeer would respond quickly with a 45 yard touchdown pass to take the lead back at 14-10 at the half. The Lightning would then play time possession football in the second half. They added another score to kick off the third quarter making the score 21-10. Lapeer would then shut the door going 94 yards in over six minutes making the score 28-10 Lightning. Lapeer scored late to make it 35-10 to put the game out of reach. The Lightning will get their long awaited rematch with Clarkston at home next week. The Wildcats finish the season with an 8-3 record.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 20, Novi Detroit Catholic Central 17 OT

The Lakers needed to use the word "survive and advance which they did against Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The start wasn't great for West Bloomfield, as they fumbled in their own territory which led to a time possession touchdown for the Shamrocks giving themselves a 7-0 lead. The Lakers would respond with a big touchdown tying the score at 7-7 and then stop Novi Detroit Catholic Central on downs. On the following possession they connected on an 82 yard touchdown strike for a 14-7 lead. What I didn't understand was why would West Bloomfield try a fake punt but was stopped by the Shamrocks in the second quarter. The Lakers defense would hold to force Novi Detroit Catholic Central to kick a field but it was no good keeping their halftime lead intact. The lead wouldn’t last for long as the Shamrocks scored on a 24 yard touchdown run tying the score at 14-14. The game would go to overtime as both teams battled for control and to move onto the regional. Novi Detroit Catholic Central kicked a field goal to go up 17-14. The Lakers would respond scoring a touchdown from eight yards out keeping its season alive. West Bloomfield has a big showdown at Belleville next week. Belleville beat a very good Monroe team 49-33 to get to this matchup.

Here is my podcast this week.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-11-05-18

Avery Out at Southfield Arts and Tech.

Written Thursday November 1st at 2:10 PM

The Warriors will have a new head coach this winter in Boys Basketball to which tryouts start on Monday.

Mike Avery has stepped down from coaching at Southfield Arts and Tech this season and the Warriors have a new coach to replace him but we do not know who he is as of yet.

Avery coached at Southfield-Lathrup and Southfield High when the school merged to become Southfield Arts and Tech to which it was a no brainier that he would be the guy.

Avery's biggest win as head coach was in 2017 his Warriors went into Clarkston and stunned the Wolves 64-60 in February that season.

Southfield Arts and Tech had a rough season last year and has Terrell Humes and Cameron McEvans back along with seven seniors and three juniors. This season, the Warriors moved down from the Red to the White and will compete against Farmington, Adams, Troy Athens, Stoney Creek, Rochester, Avondale, and Groves. They will be in a tough district with Oak Park, Detroit Renaissance, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Detroit Mumford, and Redford Union.

Thoughts.

I was surprised that Avery resigned from coaching the Warriors. I thought he would embrace the challenge of possibly contending for a league championship but it wasn't meant to be. Southfield Arts and Tech should be good this season with a ton of experience coming back.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.