Thursday, September 10, 2020

2020 Football Preview.

Written Thursday September 10th at 11:10 AM

Here is the 2020 Football Preview with the Top Ten to start the season. Although we didn't do a preview show this year and I was really sadden about it because of everything that has been going on surrounding things we can't control. I posted the podcast of each show with the coaches I got after the team's preview but that doesn't mean that we can't do more. If you want to do an interview or have comments for the football preview just send me an email, my email is samsdragons@yahoo.com

We will update this blog very often.

INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN.

1. West Bloomfield
2. Stoney Creek
3. Clarkston
4. North Farmington
5. Oxford
6. Lake Orion
7. Seaholm
8. Oak Park
9. Adams
10. Groves

Blue

EARLY OUTLOOK: When looking at this nine team division it reminds me of the 2016 season when the OAA went this route. Two teams made the postseason in North Farmington and Farmington from last season and now they are both in the White. Bloomfield Hills comes down from the Red and brings with them a boatload of experience. Troy Athens comes from the White after being in the Red for a long time. Rochester comes from the White after really struggling especially on defense from years past. The Falcons should be better especially with the experience they have coming back. Avondale is looking for a bounce back after a disappointing 2019 season. Ferndale will look for a bounce back after falling short of high expectations in 2019. Berkley looks to make some strides this season after having three rough seasons. Royal Oak is looking to bounce back as well. Troy comes down from the White after really struggling to find an identity but questions remain with the Colts. Pontiac looks to be improved after playing a ton of young guys last season.

EASY SCHEDULE: Berkley: The Bears have a manageable schedule when looking at them. Berkley could go 3-0 but they have two tough games that stand out in which they have to go to Troy Athens and they host Bloomfield Hills at Hurley Field. There is no reason why Coach Sean Shields team couldn’t have a winning record heading into the postseason.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Troy Athens: The schedule makers really did not give Coach Billy Keenest any favors. The Red Hawks have to go to Bloomfield Hills and Ferndale while having Avondale and Berkley come to Troy Athens. What helps is that St. Johns and Troy closes out the year. It could be a tricky road for the Red Hawks.

TEAM THAT HAS MOST TO PROVE: Ferndale: The Eagles did not make the playoffs last season which has to eat Coach Eric Royal and his team alive. Ferndale needs to prove to everyone that last season was a mirage and get back to when they were 22-8 back then. The Eagles have tough road games at Avondale, Rochester, and Allen Park looming but Troy Athens comes to Ferndale. It’s gut check time for the Eagles.

TEAM THAT COULD HAVE IT TOUGH: Pontiac: When your 5-66 since 2011 there is nowhere to go but up. The Phoenix toughest teams come to Wisner Stadium with the exception of going to Berkley, Royal Oak, and Troy. Pontiac has Rochester, Avondale, and Ferndale at home. Coach Charles White has this team heading in the right direction though but it will take time to build a program.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Troy: The Colts had it rough in the White last season but they could have it rough in the Blue especially with program strength. Troy has to go to Bloomfield Hills, Ferndale, and Rochester. They have Troy Athens, Avondale, Walled Lake Central, and Berkley coming to Troy. Life is never easy in the OAA as said until the Colts find program strength they could be in trouble for a while.

TOP MUST WATCH GAMES:

Avondale at Bloomfield Hills: First meeting since 2016 where the Blackhawks beat the Yellow Jackets 35-14. Should be a very interesting game.

Ferndale at Avondale: The road team usually won the game until last season when the Eagles stunned the Yellow Jackets 42-28 keeping them out of the postseason. Both teams missed the postseason in 2019 and will look to get back on track.

Ferndale at Allen Park: This was a very tough loss for the Eagles falling 8-0 last season on their home field. Ferndale has to make the travel to Wayne County and play on grass against a very good Jaguars squad.

Avondale at Troy Athens: This is the third meeting all time between the Red Hawks and Yellow Jackets. Avondale is 2-0 against Troy Athens with the last time they played was in 1975. Odd stat is that the Yellow Jackets have outscored the Red Hawks 70-0 in those two years.

Rochester at Berkley: This is the first meeting since 2017 when the Falcons beat the Bears 36-12. Rochester has won the last four meetings over Berkley.

Troy at Troy Athens: The battle for Troy has not been much of a contest in the last two seasons. The Red Hawks have won the last two meets by a combined 73-0 including last season’s 42-0 beat down. The school from John R Road has won six of the last eight meetings over “that school down the road.”

Troy Athens at Ferndale: This is the second all-time meeting between the Red Hawks and the Eagles with the first meeting being in 1979 when Troy Athens beat Ferndale 21-20. A lot has changed since then.


BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS

(2-7, 0-6 Red. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 185 (20.5 ppg), 53 Red (8.8 ppg)
PA: 348 (38.6 ppg), 266 Red (44.3 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Experience.
WEAKENESS: Program Strength, Defensive Line, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-2
PRESEASON RANK: 17
SPI INDEX: 19
TEAM COLORS: Purple, Black, and White.

The Blackhawks have seen the ups and the downs in the last four years. Bloomfield Hills went a combined 13-5 which resulted in two playoff appearances in 2016 and 2017 along with a Blue title. 2016 was the last time that the Blackhawks were in the Blue however the last two years has been very challenging for Coach Dan Loria and the program. Bloomfield Hills is 4-14 in that span. The numbers prove why the Blackhawks have really struggled on both sides of the football. They allowed 349 points in 2018 and 348 points last season. Bloomfield Hills allowed 697 points (38.7 ppg) and scored 324 total points (18 ppg) in that stretch. The Blackhawks look to be very happy not being in the Red anymore.

Bloomfield Hills lost Alec Ward to graduation which was a huge loss but they have the quarterback back in Tanner Slazinski. Slazinski should have some very talented wide receivers in Derrick Lee, Andrew Sieperski, and Radiz Zerki. Hunter Neeley leads the rushing attack in Loria's spread offense. Both the offensive and defensive lines are questions marks despite having Antonio Mitchell, Norman Johnson, and Dave Patterson. The defense had a ton of problems as mentioned but they have some experience back in that area led by linebackers Cameron Coleman, Neeley, Brody Miller, and Joey Dorch. The secondary has a ton of experience that is back with Lee, Sieperski, Christian Farris, and Kobe Reed. Program strength is a big question mark for Loria but with the move down to the Blue it could help them.

WHY 4-2: The Blackhawks have a ton of experience back even though depth could be a huge challenge for Loria. Bloomfield Hills should use their experience of life being in the Red however on the down side is that the sub-varsity players haven’t seen life in the Red which could be a cause for alarm. Four wins seems reasonable but if they don’t address the defensive line then there could be some trouble down the road.


TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS

(3-6, 2-4 White. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 184 (20.4 ppg), 131 White (21.8 ppg)
PA: 320 (35.5 ppg), 214 White (35.6 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Experience.
WEAKENESS: Both Lines, Mental Mindset, Depth, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-1
PRESEASON RANK: 13
SPI INDEX: 17
TEAM COLORS: Red and Gold.

The Red Hawks have struggled as a program but there is optimism looming for Coach Billy Keenest and crew. Troy Athens is 16-56 since 2011 and haven’t been to the postseason since. The Red Hawks have a lot of experience back which helps things. Troy Athens improved offensively last season which is a start but allowed more than they did in 2018. The move to the Blue should help Keenest develop a program. The Red Hawks have made some noise this offseason luring Dave Brown from Oxford to be their new defensive coordinator.

Troy Athens has a ton of talent back led by quarterback Nate Hazen. Hazen had a good first year as a full time starter. The rushing attack should be the strength of the offense led by Waides Ashmon. Ashmon had some huge games in 2019 including an incredible four touchdown performance against Rochester in an overtime thriller on the road. Hazen should have plenty of proven  pass catchers in Trey Vincent, Grant Vandy, Evan Beiber, and Ben Nast. The lines should be improved led by Dylan Hudson, Gjon Gjelaj, and Evan Zendler. The defense really struggled last season but under Brown they should be better led by two way players in Ashmon at linebacker, Gjelaj, Hudson, and Zender on the defensive line while Vandy, Beieber, Nast, and Alex Shelton in the secondary. The Red Hawks should be a team in the conversation.

WHY 5-1: The Red Hawks have suffered with life in the Red and a year in the White but Keenest seems to have gotten the program heading in the right direction. I think with Brown as defensive coordinator it will make Keenest’s life easier at Troy Athens. The Red Hawks have a lot of proven players which helps things so there is a ton of upside for the program.

Troy Athens Coach Billy Keenest


FERNDALE EAGLES

(4-5. 4-2 Blue. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 148 (16.4 ppg), 142 Blue (23.6 ppg)
PA: 205 (22.7 ppg), 116 Blue (19.3 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Playmakers.
WEAKENESS: Quarterback, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-3
PRESEASON RANK: 16
SPI INDEX: 13
TEAM COLORS: Brown, Gold, and White.

THOUGHTS: It was a very strange season for the Eagles after going 22-8 in the last three years but they didn't make the playoffs after winning four games. Ferndale shockingly changed offenses going away from the spread zone read that made them successful to a wing T which was not as successful. The stats prove why Coach Eric Royal’s team really struggled. I talked to Royal in the winter and he said that they were going back to what got them to the dance which was the spread zone read. The Eagles to be better than they were last season.

Ferndale will have a ton of talent back even though they will have a new quarterback this season. The Eagles should be an interesting team to watch in 2020. The offensive and defensive lines look to be the strength of the team with Xavier Green, Jordan Malone, Dylan Jones, and Thomas Smith. Royal will have Zion Fields handling the running back duties along with Kajuan Moore as the team’s top pass catcher. Ferndale should be improved defensively after allowing 205 points which was very unusual for them last season. Royal has Green, Malone, Jones, and Smith on the defensive line, while Keshawn Haney leads the linebackers, and Monroe and Antione Brown are in the secondary. If the Eagles can address the quarterback situation then Royal’s team should be back to where they were at from 2017-2019.

WHY 3-3: It was an odd year for the Eagles not making the playoffs last season. The offseason issues not knowing if there would be a season could impact Royal’s team early. I think Ferndale will figure things out especially getting to later in the season and in the postseason but it might not be early.


AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS

(4-5, 3-3 Blue. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 258 (28.6 ppg), 191 Blue (31.6 ppg)
PA: 269 (29.8 ppg), 186 Blue (31 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Athleticism.
WEAKENESS: Linebacker, Both Lines.
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-1
PRESEASON RANK: 11
SPI INDEX: 12
TEAM COLORS: Purple and Yellow.

THOUGHTS: 2019 was a very odd year for the Yellow Jackets for Coach Corey Bell. Avondale’s offense was solid but the defense really let them down. The Yellow Jackets had some tough losses (Detroit Renaissance, Ferndale, North Farmington, Farmington, and Seaholm.) The losses were the reason why they didn’t make the postseason in 2019. The Yellow Jackets will look to bounce back in 2020 after a very disappointing campaign.

The Yellow Jackets looks very solid, athletic, and talented. The offense should be very good again with Maliaci Lyons at quarterback. Lyons had a good year in his first year being a full time starter in 2019. Bell should have plenty of options with his spread offense starting with David Holloman at running back. Holloman is very athletic and talented which makes opposing teams have to prepare for him. Avondale has other guys that can step up as well just incase if Holloman struggles. Lyons will have plenty of pass catchers to go too in Corbin Small, Elijah Wheeler, D’Angelo Harris, Eric Christoff, and Drew Williams along with AJ Knox at tight end. The offensive and defensive lines are going to be very interesting especially with Beau Keturakus, Knacolas Friend, Alpha Bangurah, and Ethan Schneider. All four linemen are also on the defensive line which that unit allowed 269 points last season. Small, Wheeler, Harris, Christoff, and Williams are in the secondary. Linebacking is a question mark for Bell’s team even though Small is capable of playing at linebacker. It will be very interesting to see if the Yellow Jackets can get back on track.

WHY 5-1: 2019 was a complete disaster for the Yellow Jackets. I think Avondale has adjusted well to Bell’s system. Also having a ton of athletes helps a lot. The defense was the problem last season even in tough losses. If Bell can shore up the defense then there is no reason why the Yellow Jackets could be right back to where they need to be.


ROCHESTER FALCONS

(1-8, 1-5 White. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 127 (14.1 ppg), 82 White (13.6 ppg)
PA: 371 (41.2 ppg), 230 White (38.3 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Program Strength.
WEAKENESS: Both Lines, Got to Get Stronger.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-4
PRESEASON RANK: 18
SPI INDEX: 15
TEAM COLORS: Royal Blue, Blue, White, and Black.

THOUGHTS: The Falcons were hit very hard with injuries in 2019 which caused the majority of their struggles. There were some bright spots especially from the underclassmen in which they performed very well in very tough situations. Rochester is 26-55 since 2010 which was also the last time they made the postseason. The defense has been the problem for Coach Eric Vernon. They have allowed over 220 points in the last six years (2013.) The Falcons come from the White to the Blue. Rochester won’t be able to play their city rivals in Stoney Creek or Adams this season so that will be a huge adjustment for Vernon and his team.

The injuries that hindered the Falcons gave some upside heading into the season. Rochester should be better in 2020 after playing in the White in 2019. They will have some consistency back, especially at quarterback with Alex Bueno taking over the reins to be the full time starter. Andrew Koss should be the team’s top running back while Bobby Kroner, Tommy Liddle, Aiden Harris, and Tom Lulgjuraj should be Bueno’s top passing targets for Rochester’s spread offense. The offensive and defensive lines have experience but they need to get stronger. They had three guys around 200 lbs last season. The defense really struggled allowing 371 points but the majority of the team returns which helps which includes Koss, Kroner, Harris, and Lulgjuraj in the linebacking and secondary positions. The Falcons also have program strength as well which helps in the long term. If Rochester can get some confidence in the Blue that possibly could be a playoff team for the first time since 2010. Anything is possible.

WHY 2-4: The Falcons have a ton of experience after being in the White last season. I think not playing Stoney Creek and Adams will hurt Rochester. The defense really needs to get stronger to say the least. It has been really challenging in wake of this crisis for them to get stronger. Vernon knows his team inside and out. Being in the Blue should l help the Falcons along with program strength but will they get better quick is the question, the talent is aligning there at Rochester.


BERKLEY BEARS

(2-7, 1-5 Blue. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 142 (15.7 ppg), 95 Blue (15.8 ppg)
PA 265 (29.4 ppg), 169 Blue (28.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Proven Experience, Depth.
WEAKENESS: Mental Mindset.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-2
PRESEASON RANK: 15
SPI INDEX: 16
TEAM COLORS: Dark Red, Navy Blue, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Bears have had three very rough seasons (5-23) since making the regional finals in 2016 but there is hope for optimism in 2020. Most of Coach Sean Shields team was very young and a lot of them saw a ton of time last season. Berkley will need to replace Hunter Kiesling and lineman Justin Anagonye as they both have graduated.

Berkley has a lot of talent coming back from a program that has really struggled in Shields two years. The offense had a ton of challenges last season as they scored 142 points. Mental mindset has me concerned with Shields program while program strength looks to be building for the better. The Bears will have a new quarterback as it could be that Zach Morrice that steps into a full time role replacing Kiesling at quarterback. When I talked to Shields on the podcast, he mentioned that they could go with Ian Domzalski at quarterback. Both of them have different styles which makes things interesting with Morrice more of a pocket passer while Domzalski is more of a playmaker. Domzalski played everywhere from running back, wide receiver, and in the secondary. What helps Berkley is that Jake Domzalski and Henry Pennington is back to lead the rushing attack. Whomever the new quarterback is will have a ton of solid pass catchers in Liam Sarris, Luke Auquier, and tight end Aaron Sugarman. The offensive line should be solid even though Anagonye graduated but there is still some talent that is there with Cody Rigley, Jake Spratt, Jake Hauger, Saliou Mbacke, and Sean Robinson. The defense had a rough year in 2019 allowing 265 points which was too much to handle. They should have enough experience in Rigley, Mbacke, and Robinson on the defensive line while Sarris, both Domzalski’s, Daryl Cunningham, Padrig Mulland, Travair Jackson, and Marcella DePaul are in the secondary while Spratt handles the linebacking duties however in talking to Shields on the podcast with the depth that was added that there could be several new players that could fill those roles and not rely on players playing two ways. The Bears could be a team to keep an eye on this season with the experience back.

WHY 4-2 : The Bears are going to be an interesting team this season especially with the experience back along with the depth this team has but there are some decisions that really worry me especially at the quarterback spot. There is a ton of optimism at Berkley that Shields can get this turned around. The Bears appear to be heading in the right direction.

Berkley Bears Coach Sean Shields


ROYAL OAK RAVENS

(2-7, 2-4 Blue. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 119 (13.2 ppg), 84 Blue (14 ppg)
PA: 246 (27.3 ppg), 151 Blue (25.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Proven Pass Catchers.
WEAKENESS: Quarterback, Inexperienced Rushing Attack.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-3
PRESEASON RANK: 19
SPI INDEX: 20
TEAM COLORS: Black, Blue, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Ravens have been a very inconsistent to figure out. Royal Oak was thought to have turned the corner in 2017 after a disastrous 10-69 record from 2008-2016. The Ravens are 7-11 since the 2017 season when they made the postseason. Royal Oak’s season historically has usually been decided after week one. The Ravens have played St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the last four years (1-3 record) but they are not on the schedule in 2020. Coach Ray McMann has some things to figure out with Royal Oak this season.

The Ravens strength in 2020 looks to be on the lines. Royal Oak will have a new quarterback though but the lines look strong in Jordan Wood, Ryan Bosanko, Javon Hardy, and Jessie Hoisington. The rushing attack will be different after Earl Weaver graduated. Mekhi Jenkins and Jayden Hakkany will be leaned on to lead the rushing attack. The pass catchers look solid as well with Hoisington also playing tight end along with wide receivers Kyler Thompson, Charlie Grobowski, and Jayden Cadet. The defense struggled last season allowing 246 points but the majority of the players mentioned played defense as well with Thompson, Grobowski, Hakkany, and Cadet in the secondary. Dustin Moser leads the linebackers while Hardy, Wood, Bosanko, and Hoisington are on the defensive line. Tommy Gardala handles the kicking duties. We don’t know what to expect with McMann’s squad this season.

WHY 3-3: It’s been hard for me to get any confidence with the Ravens. Royal Oak is 7-11 since making the playoffs in 2017. The quarterback and rushing attack are question marks which is something that McMann must address. The Ravens as mentioned have been an odd team to figure out.


PONTIAC PHOENIX

(0-9, 0-6 Blue. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 30 (3.3 ppg), 18 Blue (3 ppg)
PA: 359 (39.8 ppg), 246 Blue (41 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Linebackers.
WEAKENESS: Wide Receivers, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 1-5
PRESEASON RANK: 21
SPI INDEX: 21
TEAM COLORS: Purple, Silver, Black, and White.

THOUGHTS: It has been a challenge for the Phoenix lately putting together a program. Pontiac is 5-66 since 2011. Coach Charles White has been working hard alongside athletic director Lee Montgomery getting the program on the right track. The Phoenix have scored 164 points in the last three years but have allowed over 350 points in six of the last seven years. It has not been an easy road to say the least for Pontiac.

What helps the Phoenix is they have a boatload of experience back and want to get better. Charles White is back at quarterback. White had an interesting experience in 2019 but he will look to have a strong season in 2020. He has a very young but experienced offensive line protecting him in Keanu Humphrey, Tavieon Etchen, Roscoe Magee, Leartis Black, Marco Gonzales, and Brendan Michala. Antwon Hering should be their main running back while Jamall Cameron should see some carries as well. Obeil Barreto is expected to be the fullback and handle the kicking duties. Tariah Hazard and TaQwon Ringgold are going to be White’s top passing catchers. The defense have had their fair struggles in years past. They allowed 359 points last season and have allowed over 300 points in the last eight years. Pontiac will have Humphrey, Etchen, Magee, Black, Gonzales, and Michala playing on the defensive line. The linebacking group looks very solid with Lavon Faria and Dequine Logan. The secondary could be a challenge even though Daymeion Logan is there for the Phoenix. Pontiac is a team that is rising and with a ton of young talent blending in, it won’t be long until we hear about the Phoenix.

WHY 1-5: The Phoenix have been putting together a program but haven’t seen success or get a win since 2018. I really like what White has done with the program along with Montgomery. It could be a struggle again for Pontiac but I think they will be in a ton of close games. Player development is on the rise for the Phoenix. I think this team is heading in the right direction.


TROY COLTS

(0-9, 0-6 White. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 45 (5 ppg), 0 White (0 ppg)
PA: 385 (42.7 ppg), 273 White (45.5 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Special Teams.
WEAKENESS: Inexperience, Both Lines, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 0-6
PRESEASON RANK: 20
SPI INDEX: 18
TEAM COLORS: Black, Gray, Red, and White.

THOUGHTS: 2019 was a season to forget for Coach Chris Frazier and the Colts. Troy scored 45 points which is the sixth fewest points in school history and allowed 385 points which is the most in school history. All be it that the Colts scored 45 points in the final two weeks of the season but they did not score a point for seven straight weeks. Troy comes back down to the Blue after being there in 2016 hoping for some good fortune.

The Colts doesn’t have a lot of proven talent coming back from a program that is 29-58 since 2010. Troy has Max Stromberg taking over at quarterback. Stromberg played some defense last season which could be a possibility this season if they have a ton of injuries. Ryan Peluso is back as well Peluso could handle the running back duties along with the kicking duties for Frazier. Brian Seo is also expected to get some carries as well. Darius Whiteside should be Frazier’s top wide receiver along with Sergio Cortez, Jack Matthews, and Chris McAvoy. Xavier Newell is likely going to be Stromberg’s top option at tight end along with Brennan Taylor. The offensive and defensive lines are going to be huge question marks despite having Max Weallans, Max Hayden, Fred Aldinger, Bret Dickerson, Chris Ostrowski, Jose Manzanares, Justin Xiao, George Lawless, and Diego Cortez on the offensive line. They will also see a ton of playing time on the defensive line as well. The defensive line could to be the strength of the Colts defense that really struggled last season even though that area could be a concern this season. The linebacking core has some questions despite having Taylor back along with Evan Lam, Ethan Block, Seo, and newcomer Nolan Block. The secondary could be tested with Sebastian Orzame, Devin Cox, and Whiteside as well. It could be a long season for Troy again.

WHY 0-6: The Colts have had a ton of struggles in 2019 but looking at Frasier’s team there are a ton of questions. There is absolutely no reason why a school with this much school size can struggle this badly. Troy is in a division which should help gain confidence but pride has to be involved. The demographics have changed and I get it but for a once proud program to be in this situation, it’s tough. It’s going to be another challenging year for Frasier and the Colts.



White

EARLY OUTLOOK: The White could be a very interesting. Oak Park won the division last season is now up in the Red. There were five playoff teams from last season that are in this division. North Farmington and Farmington enter the White from the Blue. Adams comes down from the Red after being successful in that division. Stoney Creek has a ton of talent back from a team that made the playoffs last season and look better than ever. North Farmington went undefeated for the first time since 1970 but they had a very disappointing first round exit falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. They should be in the mix. Seaholm fresh off making a State Semifinals appearance looks to be riding on all cylinders. Groves had a disappointing final two games of the season where they could be very young. Adams will also be young as well but there are some promising players that could make some noise. Farmington lost a ton of talent from last season, they could have a struggle this season.

EASY SCHEDULE: Stoney Creek: The Cougars have the most favorable schedule in the division by default. Stoney Creek has Groves and Farmington coming to Rochester which helps but they will have more road games than home games. They go to Adams, Seaholm, North Farmington, and Southfield Arts and Tech. This may be Coach Nick Merlo’s best team he has had so this tough schedule could help in the long hall.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Farmington: The Falcons have a young team in 2020 but they could have it rough. Farmington has to go to Seaholm, Stoney Creek, and Lake Orion while hosting Groves, North Farmington, and Adams. It could be very challenging for Coach Kory Cicroch this season.

TEAM THAT HAS MOST TO PROVE: North Farmington: The Raiders made history last season winning the Blue and making the postseason but can they prove that they belong in the White??? North Farmington will play much better competition in 2020 which includes home games with Stoney Creek and Seaholm. The Raiders toughest road games are at Adams, Oxford, and Groves. Does Coach Jon Herstein’s team belong in this division??? We’ll find out.

TEAM THAT COULD HAVE IT TOUGH: Adams: The Highlanders are going to be very young especially at the skill positions. The schedule looks very daunting late in the year with road trips to Seaholm, Groves, and West Bloomfield. Not to mention home games with North Farmington, and Stoney Creek. Talk about having it tough if you’re Coach Tony Patritto.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Groves: The Falcons have a young team in 2020 and not a ton of program strength in the pipeline. Groves has to play Adams, North Farmington and Seaholm in Beverly Hills and to close out with road games to Oak Park and Stoney Creek, that’s brutal. Coach Brendan Flaherty I feel really bad for.

TOP MUST WATCH GAMES:

Stoney Creek at Adams: The Cougars have lost five straight meetings to the Highlanders but the last two games have been close including last season’s 21-14 loss to Adams. Stoney Creek has never won at Adams which makes this game more interesting.

Stoney Creek at Seaholm: The Maples had to hold off a gritty Cougars squad 20-13 last season. Wonder how Stoney Creek will handle life in the Maple Forest???

Stoney Creek at North Farmington: This is the first meeting since 2003 where the Raiders are 1-1 against the Cougars. However both teams are different than they were back then.

North Farmington at Adams: The Raiders coaching staff knows the Highlanders very well when they are at Harrison. This is the first meeting since 2016 where Adams blew out North Farmington 50-3. Both teams are a little bit different now than they were back then.

Groves at Stoney Creek: The Cougars were a pick six from upsetting Groves in Beverly Hills last season but it was the Falcons that escaped with a 28-23 victory. Stoney Creek is looking forward to this game in a big way.

Seaholm at Groves: The Falcons had won seven straight in this rivalry until last season’s shocking 42-7 blowout district finals loss to the Maples. Could this be a changing of the guard in Birmingham???

Seaholm at North Farmington: This is the first meeting since 2018 when the Maples blew out the Raiders 47-6. However the North Farmington coaching staff was at Harrison and they blew out Seaholm 41-0 that season. This should be interesting.


STONEY CREEK COUGARS

(5-5 (5-4), 3-3 White. Lost 21-14 to Lake Orion in Division One First Round)

PS: 273 (27.3 ppg), 183 White (30.5 ppg)
PA: 131 (13.1 ppg), 75 White (12.5 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Program Strength, Experience.
WEAKENESS: Deep Threat at Wide Receiver.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-0
PRESEASON RANK: 2
SPI INDEX: 7
TEAM COLORS: Navy Blue, Gold, and White.

THOUGHTS: 2019 was a great year for Stoney Creek Football. The Cougars returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. They have appeared to have put a program in place under Coach Nick Merlo. Stoney Creek was tough defensibly again under defensive coordinator Gary Griffith allowing 131 points. The Cougars offense settled in on a quarterback and when they did, they took off scoring 273 points last season. Stoney Creek is a program rising and the numbers prove it.

Merlo will have the majority of his offense back including his quarterback in Ryan Echout. Echout had a great season in 2019 taking over as the full time starter. Cameron Buford is back at running back. Buford is also in line for a huge 2020 season. The offensive and defensive lines should very good led by Austin Jordan, Aden Smith, Joey Englehardt, Garrett Joye, Matt Gaines, and Kevar Ellis. Echout needs a deep threat though could it be Grant Lowery who is listed at tight end but can play reciever as well. Ozzie Villafuerete, and Aaron Dargel are possible deep threat canadiates. The defense should be very good again under Griffith led by Jordan, John Layba, and Ellis at the defensive line while Cole Luhmann leads the linebackers and Donte Lainer is in the secondary. Stoney Creek should be a team to be a recon with this season.

WHY 6-0: The Cougars are on a roll with experience but this could be the year that Merlo and Stoney Creek could reach new heights. The Cougars could be in line for what Lake Orion went through last season even though there are questions at wide receiver. The Cougars have program strength as well which helps. They should be in fine shape moving forward.


SEAHOLM MAPLES

(9-4 (6-3), 4-2 White. Lost 60-17 to Detroit Martin Luther King in Division Two State Semifinals)

PS: 459 (35.3 ppg), 191 White (31.8 ppg)
PA: 301 (23.1 ppg), 118 White (19.6 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Experience, Linebackers.
WEAKENESS: Running Attack, Secondary.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-3
PRESEASON RANK: 7
SPI INDEX: 5
TEAM COLORS: Maple and White.

THOUGHTS: The Maples had their share of ups and downs in 2019. They needed to beat Avondale to get to six wins and the automatic postseason berth. Once they got to the postseason Coach Jim DeWald's team basically played with house money and made an incredible run. Seaholm had to beat Sterling Heights, Port Huron, and the upset by blowing out Groves 42-7 on the road in the district finals. The Maples fell to Detroit Martin Luther King in the Division Two State Semifinal. The loss left a bad taste in the Maples mouth but they are thriving for more in 2020 and they have the opportunity to replicate that success in 2020.

The Maples lost 11 seniors to graduation but they have several key players that are back. Anytime you have the quarterback of a veer offense returning that makes for some great things despite losing 11 seniors to graduation. Caleb Kroner returns at quarterback. Kroner will have plenty of targets to throw too in Will McBride, Jack Jurkovich, and Miles Metang. Seaholm should have both offensive and defensive lines covered in linemen Caden DeWald, Jacob LaBarge, John Jokish, and Michael Donavan. DeWald is going to need to find a running back as James DeWald graduated and is now in College. The defense had their fair share of struggles last season but they have DeWald, LaBarge, Donovan, and Jokish on the defensive line. The linebackers should be the strength of the defense led by Jacob Vance, Jurkovich, and Andrew LaBarge. The secondary could be tested despite having McBride and Metang in that area. The Maples program strength appears to be getting back on track as well. Seaholm could have something brewing this season.

WHY 3-3: The Maples have a ton of experience back from the team that went to the State Semifinals a year ago but they lost a lot of talent especially with James DeWald now in college. The secondary is a concern and playing Clarkston and North Farmington to close the season is a very tough chore. If they win four games that should be a huge step heading into the postseason.


ADAMS HIGHLANDERS

(7-3 (7-2), 4-2 Red. Lost 24-0 to Utica Eisenhower in Division One First Round)

PS: 252 (25.2 ppg), 154 Red (25.6 ppg)
PA: 195 (19.5 ppg), 127 Red (21.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Wide Receivers.
WEAKENESS: Both Lines, Defense.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-4
PRESEASON RANK: 9
SPI INDEX: 10
TEAM COLORS: Brown and Yellow.

THOUGHTS: The Highlanders were a very inconsistent team in 2019 despite being in the postseason and finding a way to win seven games in the very tough Red. Adams had a very disappointing 24-0 loss to Utica Eisenhower in the first round of the postseason at Sweinhart Field. The numbers looked solid even though the defense could have been a bit better despite the numbers especially in league play. The Highlanders have had a very rough offseason as a lot of other teams have had when it comes to the coronavirus outbreak. Coach Tony Patritto was diagnosed with the disease in late June. He has since recovered from the virus and is at home and getting better. Adams looks to have an interesting season in 2020 with a bunch of new faces in different spots.

The Highlanders could look like a different team in 2020. They lost their starting quarterback Carter Farris and all everything player Anthony Patritto to graduation. Adams is looking at three guys at quarterback to run their vaunted veer offense even though one of them likely heading to wide receiver in Parker Picot. Picot had an incredible freshman season last season at that position. The other two quarterbacks in the running are Marco DiCresce and Nick Paterra. DiCresce had a good year in the junior varsity ranks and has an arm. Paterra is a solid athlete, running the veer attack as a freshman. Paterra could be that next great one to come out of Adams. He is very athletic and talented to say the least. The rushing attack is very solid with Griffin Henkie and Nick Traficante back. The Highlanders will need these two to do more this season if they want to make some noise. The defense is going to be a major question mark despite having several players on offense that play on defense including Paterra. Santino Orsini is expected to be in the secondary for a young group. The Highlanders will be an interesting team to watch this season.

WHY 2-4: If the young group of the Highlanders mature and they can address their defense and both lines then the result could be higher. Adams should be motivated heading into the season even though they lost a lot of talent. Program strength looks to be very strong which helps in the future. The Highlanders are replacing a ton of talent from last season but there is always a ton of talent for a Patritto like team.


NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS

(9-1, (9-0), 6-0 Blue. Lost 34-21 to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in Division Two First Round)

PS: 393 (39.3 ppg), 293 Blue (48.8 ppg)
PA: 129 (12.9 ppg), 43 Blue (7.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, Secondary.
WEAKENESS: Both Lines, Rushing Attack.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-2
PRESEASON RANK: 4
SPI INDEX: 11
TEAM COLORS: Brown, Yellow, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Raiders made a ton of history last season. They won the Blue, had the most points in school history (393 points,) and went undefeated for the first time since 1970. North Farmington had a very disappointing postseason falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 34-21 in the first round. There was a lot to be proud of for Coach John Herstein but they will be looking for more in 2020. The Raiders should be an interesting team to watch especially with the coaching staff they have along with the talent in place. Herstein has done a very good job building the program strength in a short amount of time at North Farmington.

North Farmington has some talent coming back which always helps especially the quarterback in Jacob Bousama. Bousama had a great regular season in 2019. He was very instrumental in their 12-7 win over Farmington earning them the Blue title. Bousama had a really disappointing postseason against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit where he threw three interceptions in that loss. Justin Whitehorn should be the team’s top running back. Whitehorn transferred from Detroit Renaissance this offseason. Aaron Rice, Deon Hayes, and Jasper Beeler are expected to be the Raiders top pass catchers along with tight end Jaiun Hamilton. Both the offensive and defensive lines are big question marks for Herstein even though they will have Jui’Lan Hamilton, Rashad Green, and Carson Roberts. Chase Reed should be the top linebacker while Hayes, Beeler, Rice, and Justin Bryant are in the secondary. North Farmington is expected to be back in the mix again this season.

WHY 4-2: The Raiders have a system in place and with the coaching staff that came from Harrison there should be a smooth transition from the Blue to the White. The key will be Bousama which makes things that much interesting. If he played like he did during the regular season then the Raiders should be fine, if he played like he did in the Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit game then there could be trouble. North Farmington’s season will be in Bousama’s hands.


GROVES FALCONS

(8-3 (7-2), 5-1 White. Lost 42-7 to Seaholm in Division Two District Finals)

PS 306 (27.8 ppg), 211 White (35.1 ppg)
PA 202 (18.3 ppg), 73 White (12.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Athleticism.
WEAKENESS: Linebackers, Inexperience, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 1-5
PRESEASON RANK: 10
SPI INDEX: 6
TEAM COLORS: Green, Gold, Black, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Falcons would like to have their final two games of the season back which was rough to watch. Groves was outscored 99-35 in their losses to Wyandotte Roosevelt and Seaholm (playoffs) after a 7-1 start. The Falcons have made the playoffs in eight of the last nine years but that streak could be in jeopardy this season. Coach Brenden Flaherty is going to have to replace a ton of talent from last season so it will be interesting to see what Groves has in 2020.

The Falcons do still have some talent after last season but they need to find that touch that got them through their 7-1 start. Jaden Mangham is back at wide receiver. It's possible that he could play some at linebacker as well. Jack Woods takes over at quarterback for Marcus Alexander who graduated last season. Kyle Coleman is expected to be the top running back but Johnny Rex could be in the mix as well. Ben Simmons and JJ Ferguson should provide experience to the offensive and defensive lines. The defense should be very interesting to watch with Simmons and Ferguson leading the lines while Coleman and Jackson Tinsley are in the secondary. Groves is going to be very young this season.

WHY 1-5: The Falcons are going to be very young and I’m concerned that Mangham might have to do too much to succeed for Groves. There are a ton of questions surrounding this program. It could be a challenging season for Flaherty in Beverly Hills.


FARMINGTON FALCONS

(8-2 (7-1), 5-1 Blue. Lost 11-10 to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in Division Two District Finals)

PS: 296 (29.6 ppg), 206 Blue (34.3 ppg)
PA 105 (10.5 ppg), 68 Blue (11.3 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack.
WEAKENESS: Depth, Wide Receivers, Program Strength, Inexperience.
PROJECTED RECORD: 0-6
PRESEASON RANK: 14
SPI INDEX: 14
TEAM COLORS: Navy Blue and White.

THOUGHTS: The Falcons had an incredible season in 2019 but they lost 36 seniors from the team that went to the regional finals in 2018 and last season’s team that upset Oak Park in the first round 12-6. Farmington is going to be very young this season for Coach Kory Cicroch. The Falcons could be in for a struggle this season moving up to the White so it will be interesting to see what Cicroch’s team has in 2020.

Farmington is going to be very young and they are replacing a lot of talent from last season’s team. The Falcons have three quarterbacks battling for the job in Justin Ozdych, Jaden Silver, and Dominic Pesci. It is possible that two of three in the running for the quarterback spot could see time at other positions of need. Farmington has Asa Hollingsworth and Anthony Grandberry leading the offensive and defensive lines. Javen Culpeper should be the top running back however Demetrian Moore and Jacob Sanders could get some carries as well. Sanders transferred from Royal Oak Shrine this past offseason. Tyran Wilson should be Cicroch’s top pass catcher at tight end. The deep threat will be a question mark to keep an eye on especially chemistry could Evan Martin step in that role??? it's possible. The Falcons defense should be very interesting to watch especially with the heavy graduation losses. Hollingsworth and Grandberry should lead the lines while Wilson, Ejiro Oghoufo, and Moore at linebacker, and Julian Ama in the secondary. Ama could also see time on offense as well. Depth is a major concern along with inexperience for Farmington.

WHY 0-6: The Falcons are a young team that moved up to the White. They have a very tough schedule which has gotten tougher with the six game season. Farmington has a ton to prove especially with the graduation losses, it could be a struggle based on competition and program strength.

Farmington Coach Kory Cicroch



Red

EARLY OUTLOOK: The Red looks to be very interesting as it is every year. Adams went to the White and Bloomfield Hills went to the Blue. Oak Park is back in the Red after being very successful in the White. Three teams made the playoffs from the Red in Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Adams in 2019. West Bloomfield is loaded again with proven talent. Lake Orion is very young at the skill positions but they appear to be heading on the right track. Clarkston is looking for a bounce back 2020 after what happened to them last season. Oxford is in the same boat after having a very tough season but they have a new coach. Oak Park should be an interesting team to keep an eye on with a ton of talent back. Southfield Arts and Tech is trying to right the ship after missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. This division should be fun to watch.

EASY SCHEDULE: Clarkston: The Wolves had an odd season a year ago winning three games and missing the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Clarkston will have Oxford, West Bloomfield, Seaholm, and Oak Park coming to Clarkston. The Wolves have to go to Lake Orion and Southfield Arts and Tech. It could be an interesting season for Coach Kurt Richardson and his team.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Oxford: This is probably the most brutal schedule that I have ever seen the OAA give anyone especially for a first year coach in Zach Line. Thankfully what helps the Wildcats is that they have experience and familiarity from last season. Oxford has Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park, and North Farmington coming to the blue turf. The Wildcats have to go to Clarkston, Lake Orion and West Bloomfield. Talk about brutal, there could be a ton of stress going on in Oxford to say the least.

TEAM THAT HAS MOST TO PROVE: Lake Orion: The Dragons won nine games last season but this season they have to replace a ton of skill players. Lake Orion has the majority of their toughest teams at home including Clarkston, Oxford, and Oak Park. Coach John Blackstock’s team has to go to Southfield Arts and Tech and West Bloomfield. The Dragons have a brutal schedule and the development has to be kept an eye on.

TEAM THAT COULD HAVE IT TOUGH: Oak Park: Welcome to the Red Knights, Oak Park is no strangers to playing a brutal schedule under Coach Greg Carter. The Knights have West Bloomfield, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Groves coming to Knight Valley. Oak Park has to go to Clarkston, Lake Orion, Oxford, and Seaholm. That’s going to be very brutal for the Knights.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are 11-16 in three years as a school, that’s brutal. Coach Tim Conley’s team has a solid squad coming back especially at the skill positions but the lines are going to be serious concerns. The schedule looks very daunting with home dates against Clarkston, Stoney Creek, and Lake Orion. Not to mention trips to West Bloomfield, Oxford, and Oak Park. No wonder why this is brutal, talent might not be the issue for Southfield Arts and Tech but the schedule is big time.

TOP MUST WATCH GAMES:

Clarkston at Lake Orion: The Dragons won 55-21 at Clarkston last season. It was their first victory over the Wolves in 10 years and really took them out of the playoffs. Lake Orion though hasn’t won at home over Clarkston since 2010.

Oxford at Lake Orion: The “Double O Trophy” game where the Dragons have won seven of the last 10 meetings over the Wildcats. Always shapes up to be a very interesting game each year.

West Bloomfield at Clarkston: The Lakers blew out the Wolves 24-0 last season in the Swamp however West Bloomfield has had some struggles when they went to Clarkston lately.

Lake Orion at Southfield Arts and Tech: The Dragons have won four of the last five meetings over the Warriors.

Clarkston at Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors felt robbed after last season’s 22-21 loss to the Wolves. That loss started a tailspin of their season.

Oxford at Clarkston: The last two years have been nip and tuck between the Wolves and Wildcats. Oxford won at Clarkston on a last second touchdown in 2018 while the Wolves survived at Oxford last season 33-28. This should be a battle of two experienced teams.

West Bloomfield at Oak Park: The Lakers and Knights have a ton of Division One talent on the field. West Bloomfield has won the last two meetings by a combined 12 points including last season’s 20-14 win in the Swamp. It should be an interesting game in Knight Valley.


WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS

(10-2 (8-1), 6-0 Red. Lost 27-22 to Belleville in Division One Regional Final)

PS: 381 (31.8 ppg), 222 Red (37 ppg)
PA: 153 (12.8 ppg), 66 Red (52 to LO) (11 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Linebacker, Rushing Attack, Both Lines, Program Strength.
WEAKENESS: Offensive Line.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-0
PRESEASON RANK: 1
SPI INDEX: 9
TEAM COLORS: Green, Silver, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Lakers have become a State power year in and year out turning out kids to major colleges and proven results. Coach Ron Bellamy has done a marvelous job building up program strength along with putting his kids in the best position to succeed in the future. The numbers show why, West Bloomfield has made the playoffs six years straight and has a 58-15 since 2014. Bellamy has had some issues against Belleville. The Tigers have beaten the Lakers in two straight seasons including last year’s 27-22 loss in the regional finals. West Bloomfield should be a player again this season.

The Lakers will have a new quarterback in Alex Short to run their run-pass option offense. Short takes over for CJ Harris whom graduated after having a great season last year. Donovan Edwards is back at running back. Edwards also has a running mate in Mekhi Elam. Elam had a good year last season and is expected to have a big year. Dillon Tatum is also back and could spill Edwards to wide receiver if need be. Short should have plenty of pass catchers in Edwards, Ryan Bowens, Marcus Carter, Jaden Rambert, and Immanuel Mitchell. The offensive and defensive lines are loaded for Bellamy even though there are some concerns with the offensive line. There are plenty of guys that should help in that area with Amir Herring, Jordan Hoskins, Jaden Green, and Caidon Haliburton. The defense will be loaded again this season for the Lakers even though Cornell Wheeler and Makari Paige graduated. West Bloomfield has Herring, Hoskins, Green, Haliburton, and Christopher Johnson on the defensive line. Linebacker should be the strength of their very strong and talented defense with Terrell Thurman, Travis Reece, Michael Williams, Bertrelle Rankin, Zavieon Marshall, and Hayden Holden. The secondary looks to be very solid as well led by Tatum, Gavin Hardenman, Maxwell Hariston, and Carter. The kicking game is solid in Jake Ward. Expect another strong campaign from West Bloomfield.

WHY 6-0: The Lakers are loaded with talent and have a lot to accomplish. The big question for Bellamy could be complacency but the Red toughen teams like West Bloomfield for a deep and long playoff run. The Lakers have lost two straight years to Belleville and would like to get another shot at the Tigers. If West Bloomfield wants to have a deep playoff run it starts right here and right now.

West Bloomfield Coach Ron Bellamy


CLARKSTON WOLVES

(3-6, 3-3 Red. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 223 (24.7 ppg), 154 Red (25.6 ppg)
PA: 304 (33.7 ppg), 163 Red (27.1 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Offense.
WEAKENESS: Defense, Deep Threat at Wide Reciever.
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-1
PRESEASON RANK: 3
SPI INDEX: 8
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue, Yellow, and White.

THOUGHTS: 2019 was not a good year for the Wolves. Clarkston had a ton of injuries and missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. The Wolves inexperience at the skill positions hurt them in 2019 along with the injuries. The 304 points allowed by Clarkston was the most in school history which was shocking. The defense could still be a problem again this season but the offense is expected to make some strides this season.

The Wolves are loaded on the offensive side of the football for Coach Kurt Richardson and his pro-style offense. Rocco Splinder and Garrett Dellinger return to lead the offensive and defensive lines along with Cole Dellinger and Owen Foster. Ben Hass is back from a season ending injury which should help stabilize things. According to State Champs and MIPrepZone Scott Burnstein the linemen call themselves "The Hog Brothers." Mike DePillo returns at quarterback after having a solid first year under center. DePillo who is a basketball standout has really improved on his mechanics this offseason. Ethan Clark returns at running back after being called up to varsity after the West Bloomfield game. Clark is expected to have a big year in 2020 at the tailback spot. DePillo will have Blake Kosin at tight end after having a solid season in 2019. Kosin could be that number two wide receiver to go to if need be. Logan Forbes is their top wide receiver. He replaces Justin Buchmann whom transferred out of State. The deep threat besides Kosin and Forbes stands out to be a major concern for Clarkston. They will need another deep threat to help DePillo out. The defense was a complete disaster in 2019 allowing a ton of points but several key players are back in both Dellingers, Splinder, and Foster on the defensive line. Clark is in the secondary to go along with his running back duties. There are questions at linebacker as well despite having Nick Stallworth back. The kicking game is led by Stephen Rusnak. The Wolves had an off year last season but don’t expect them to be out for too long.

WHY 5-1: 2019 was a very odd year for the Wolves with a young team and a bunch of injuries that really hurt Richardson’s team. Even with Splinder, Foster, Hass, and both Dellinger's on the lines the young guys have had a year of experience. The offense should be in good shape especially with DePillo, Clark, Kosin, and Forbes even though they don’t have that deep threat. The defense is a question mark. They allowed a ton of points in 2019 and I don’t know if Clarkston has improved enough in that area. If everyone is not on the same page then it could lead to trouble. This team will score a ton but they will give up a lot. The Wolves should be a team to watch in 2020.
 
Clarkston Coach Kurt Richardson


OXFORD WILDCATS

(1-8, 1-5 Red. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 112 (12.4 ppg), 77 Red (12.8 ppg)
PA: 298 (33.1 ppg), 195 Red (32.5 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Experience, Junior Class.
WEAKENESS: Both Lines, Wide Receivers, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-4
PRESEASON RANK: 5
SPI INDEX: 1
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue and Yellow.

THOUGHTS: 2018 was a great year for the Wildcats. They went to the postseason and made some noise. They got to the district finals and played Lapeer tough for a half. They also beat Lake Orion, Davison and Clarkston. Everything went right for then coach Bud Rowley in that season. Then 2019 hit, Oxford was a very young football team despite having Drew Carpenter and Matthew Pullman, things really didn’t go their way which resulted in really bad losses. Both sides took a huge step back and all the good fortune and momentum that 2018 gave the Wildcats was gone. Oxford excluding the 2018 season is 10-26 since 2015. It was a very interesting offseason for the Wildcats as Rowley stepped down from coaching after 42 years and enter Zach Line. Line played for Rowley at Oxford from 2005-2008. He played College Football at Southern Methodist and played for the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. Line should give the Wildcats a new dimension in 2020.

The Wildcats are expected to do a ton of different things but still have some of Rowley’s pound the rock scheme. Oxford lost Drew Carpenter and Pullman to graduation but there is plenty of experience back. The junior class is one of the strengths of this program in 2020 despite having a new coaching staff. Brady Carpenter is back at quarterback after becoming the full time starter in week three of last season. Carpenter has a ton of throwing ability although he is not as a pronounce runner as his brother Drew was but he is more than capable of being a pronounce runner. Melvin Eckles returns at running back after a very tough year in 2019 which saw him in and out of the lineup whether it was injuries or disipline reasons. Brendan Mielnicki returns at fullback and he could get some carries. Carpenter’s deep threats are question marks despite having Joe Rauer and Trent Brown to throw too this season. The offensive line is a question mark but there are options. It is possible that Rauer, Kewone Burton, Carter Gilbert, or Brown could move to the offensive line for Line. The defense will be very interesting to watch. The Wildcats really struggled last on this side of the football last season. They will have a new system and scheme to learn. There should be plenty of options when it comes to talent with Brown, Mielnicki, and Rauer on the defensive line while Eckles, Jack Wandrie, and Mitchell Viviano are at linebacker, while Carpenter like his brother could see time in the secondary along with Trent Muir. Muir made some noise in his freshman campaign last season for the Wildcats. John Valvo is also there as well in the secondary. The talent is there for Oxford however there is going to have to be a transition period during the season but they should adjust well to Line’s system.

WHY 2-4: Talent is NOT be the reason why I see the Wildcats winning two games. It’s the schedule. This schedule is probably the most brutal that I have ever seen a program have to play. Oxford has Oak Park, Southfield Arts and Tech, and North Farmington coming to the blue turf. They have to go to Clarkston, West Bloomfield, and Lake Orion. They have a boatload of experience which helps things but schedule will be the BIG reason they could struggle but it should help them especially heading into the playoffs.


LAKE ORION DRAGONS

(9-2 (8-1), 5-1 Red. Lost 27-20 to Utica Eisenhower in Division One District Finals)

PS: 406 (36.9 ppg), 257 Red (42.8 ppg)
PA: 206 (18.7 ppg), 124 Red (59 to WB) (20.6 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Offensive Line, Program Strength.
WEAKENESS: Defense, Offensive Skill Players.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-2
PRESEASON RANK: 6
SPI INDEX: 2
TEAM COLORS: Green and White

THOUGHTS: It was a great year to be a Dragon in 2019. Lake Orion had been hovering around 500 (28-26 since 2014 since then.) Coach John Blackstock led the team to nine wins which was the most since 2012. The Dragons had victories over Lapeer, Oxford, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Clarkston. Their two losses were a four overtime classic to West Bloomfield (59-52) and a very disappointing 27-20 district final loss to Utica Eisenhower last season. Lake Orion has been in the postseason three of the last four years and two of the last three under Blackstock. The Dragons have a program that is rising.

Lake Orion will be an interesting team in 2020. This team reminds me a lot of Lapeer from last season except they don’t have a Phoenix Dickson type player. There will be a ton of inexperience at the skill players. There are a ton of questions on defense for second year defensive coordinator Rick Powell after they lost so much from a very talented 2020 class that was very good last season. The quarterback battle will be very interesting to watch for Blackstock and offensive coordinator Brad Fisher. There could be a possible three quarterback competition between Drew Knieper, Dominic Bruno, and Kyler Carson. Bruno and Knieper has seen varsity experience while Carson has gotten a lot of attention lately. Nasir Lardell is expected to be the lead running back. Lardell was called up to varsity prior to the Rochester game and made an immediate impact. Lardell takes over for Kobe Manzo whom graduated after a great career as a Dragon. Whoever the quarterback will be should have plenty of pass catchers to throw too in Kade Manzo, Mitchell DeBrincat, and Hunter Schurr. The offensive line should be the strength of Blackstock’s team this season with Connor Compton, Sergio Figueroa, Daniel Babcock, and Ben Tarkayni anchoring that area. The defense will be the question mark in 2020 but there are still some playmakers especially in the secondary with Manzo, Irariu Marku, Griffin Firestine, and Jacob McCaffery. The linebacking core will be young has Brock Iwanski, AJ Mouzon, and Knieper. Joey Thede returns to lead the defensive line and Andrew Bryant should handle the kicking duties.

WHY 4-2: OK maybe I’m giving this team the benefit of the doubt but the Dragons have similar traits to Lapeer except for Phoenix Dickson. The majority of their opponents in 2020 come to Lake Orion. Being at home always helps a young team and especially those who lost a ton of talent and experience from last season. Blackstock needs to settle on a quarterback and if they do then who knows. The Dragons are in a very interesting spot this season.


OAK PARK KNIGHTS

(8-2 (8-1), 6-0 White. Lost 12-6 to Farmington in Division Two First Round)

PS 352 (35.2 ppg), 233 White (38.8 ppg)
PA 128 (12.8 ppg), 48 White (8 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Rushing attack, Both Lines.
WEAKENESS: Linebacker, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-4
PRESEASON RANK: 8
SPI INDEX: 3
TEAM COLORS: Black, Red, Silver, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Knights have been very successful since coach and athletic director Greg Carter got to Oak Park in 2011. The Knights are 61-27 since 2012 and have eight straight postseason appearances in that span. Oak Park will be in the Red for the first time since 2009 which could pose some challenges. The Knights problem has been in the playoffs where they haven’t gotten past the regional final despite being in that round twice. Oak Park won the White after going unbeaten in the league but was upset in the first round of the playoffs by Farmington falling 12-6. The Knights have traditionally played a very tough schedule under Carter which should help with Oak Park going forward.

Oak Park runs a run-pass option offense. The Knights lost a ton of talent last season including Maliq Carr. They will have a new quarterback in James Burnley. Burnley has had a good offseason getting better as a player which should help in 2020. Oak Park will have a very strong rushing attack led by Davion Primm. Primm made an impact especially against Groves. Primm reminds people a bit of Edwin Baker when he was a Knight. Burnley should have plenty of pass catchers to throw too as well in Jaylin Mines, Dayvon Young, Charles Gillespie, and Glenne Cross. The offensive line should be solid as well led by Rayshawn Benny and Ossian Harris. The defense will be interesting as Oak Park has been known for their strong defense. Benny and Harris both play on the defensive line as well while Mines, Young, Cross, and Gillespie are in the secondary. Marlon Dawson returns at linebacker which is an area of concern. Depth is another area of concern as well for Carter’s team. It will be interesting to see what the Knights have this season.

WHY 2-4: I loved what Carter has done with the Knights since he got there in 2011. Oak Park moved up to the Red which could pose some challenges. The Knights have the talent to be one of the top teams in the league but the lack of familiarity in their new division could pose some problems. With all the high expectations that the program has gone through, maybe flying under the radar could help Carter’s team going forward.


SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS

(4-5, 2-4 Red. Didn’t make Postseason)

PS: 257 (28.5 ppg), 143 Red (23.8 ppg)
PA: 184 (20.4 ppg), 119 Red (19.8 ppg)

STRENGTHS: Offensive Skill Players, Secondary.
WEAKENESS: Linebacker, Both Lines, Depth, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 0-6
PRESEASON RANK: 12
SPI INDEX: 4
TEAM COLORS: Navy Blue, Red, and White.

THOUGHTS: The Warriors have had a rough three years since merging Southfield and Southfield Lathrup in 2016. They have made the postseason only once (2016) but they have had some struggles lately and is 11-16 since then. What has hurt Coach Tim Conley’s team has been there are times that his team hasn’t been on the same page and the numbers along with results prove that. They pulled off a huge week one victory over Clarkston 28-14 at West Bloomfield which sent shockwaves throughout the state but they had two really tough losses to Lake Orion and West Bloomfield where they were outscored 54-15 in that stretch. The Warriors picked up two big wins (Bloomfield Hills and Troy Athens) to keep their hopes alive at 3-2. The turning point of their season was a week later against Clarkston where they blocked the extra point attempt giving them the 21-20 overtime win and giving them their third straight victory but instead Southfield Arts and Tech was called for a 15 yard penalty which gave the Wolves another chance to which they took advantage by scoring on a two point conversion earning themselves a 22-21 win while sending Conley’s team to 3-3. The Warriors had another chance to get into the playoffs at 5-4 as they played River Rouge at home in a must win game to make the postseason. Southfield Arts and Tech trailed 24-3 in the third quarter but they fought back to get within 24-17 in the middle stages of the fourth quarter but then quarterback Anthony Romphf threw an ill-advised pick on a screen pass ending the Warriors hopes falling 31-24 to the Panthers. The loss to River Rouge denied Southfield Arts and Tech a trip to the playoffs for the third time in four years.

The Warriors run pass option offense will look a lot different this season. They will have a new quarterback in Isiah Marshall who takes over for Romphf. Marshall has been getting a ton of hype lately especially from college powerhouses despite only being a freshman. RaeQuan Lee is back at running back and Marshall’s top targets should be Robert Army, Jeff Bowens, and tight end Caleb Banks. The lines are going to be a major concern for Conley despite having Abudul Jabbar on the offensive line. The defense had their fair share of ups and downs in 2019 returns several key defenders in the secondary in Army, Bowens, Javin Jones, and Devon Buskin while Jabbar and Banks lead the defensive line. Program strength is also going to be a problem along with depth. If Conley can address both lines along with linebacking and program strength questions then maybe Southfield Arts and Tech could get back on track.

WHY 0-6: There is something about Southfield Arts and Tech that leads to doom and gloom. Last season the loss to Clarkston cost them a trip to the playoffs. I know about all the hype surrounding Marshall along with Lee, Bowens, Banks, and Army but there are a ton of questions for Conley especially up front. The Warriors might want to stay off social media, not post anything that others can use as motivation. I think with the new playoff format, Southfield Arts and Tech could be a playoff team despite the record because of their schedule.

My Podcast with Coach Corless

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