Week Two Picks.

Written Tuesday August 31st at 4:15 PM

Hello everyone and welcome to the 2021 Football season. It is shaping up to be a very good season this year. Here are your guest pickers.

 

Sammy Taormina-Host OAA Now, Between Taorminas known as Mr. Sandy Dunes.

Scott Burnstein-Host State Champs Sports Show, Blogger known as Burney.

Sean Cotter- North Farmington and Walled Lake Western film guy known as Cotter.

Tim English-High School Sports Fan known as Tim.

Keith Dunlap-WDIV freelance writer and High School Sports Fan known as Dunlap.

Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports writer known as Stick.

 

MR. SANDY DUNES 11-5

BURNEY 9-7

COTTER 12-4

TIM 8-8

DUNLAP 11-5

STICK 12-4

 

7. Oxford at 1. Adams: The Highlanders made a name for themselves. They are coming off an impressive 35-17 win in the Swamp over West Bloomfield last week. Adams better be careful of a letdown when Oxford comes a calling to Rochester. The Wildcats lost 28-13 to Romeo last week. Oxford has to come into this game with nothing to lose and everything to gain. The pressure is on Adams.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 35, OXFORD 21.

BURNEY: ADAMS 30, OXFORD 20.

COTTER: ADAMS 35, OXFORD 14.

TIM: ADAMS 42, OXFORD 7.

DUNLAP: ADAMS 28, OXFORD 7.

STICK: ADAMS 28, OXFORD 20.

 

2. Clarkston at Seaholm: The Wolves picked up a huge 29-26 victory over Davison at Ann Arbor last week. The Maples were competitive despite falling 42-28 to Byron Center. There is some hope for Seaholm. It’s going to be a tough assignment for them this week but the veer offense could do wonders if things work perfectly.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 35, SEAHOLM 21.

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 25, SEAHOLM 21.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 42, SEAHOM 14.

TIM: CLARKSTON 35, SEAHOLM 14.

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 35, SEAHOLM 14.

STICK: CLARKSTON 31, SEAHOLM 14.

 

 

3. West Bloomfield at 10. Oak Park:  Both of these teams are coming into this game with losses last week. The Lakers were stunned 35-17 at the Swamp by Adams. The Knights lost 21-16 to Orchard Lake St. Marys. Whomever bounces back should be OK while the other could see trouble on the horizon in Knight Valley.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, OAK PARK 16.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, OAK PARK 19.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, OAK PARK 16.

TIM:WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OAK PARK 21.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, OAK PARK 10.

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 21, OAK PARK 19.

 

 

4. Lake Orion at 5. North Farmington: This might be the best game in the area this week. The Dragons are coming off a 33-7 win over Utica Eisenhower last week. The Raiders are coming off an impressive 49-6 blowout of Farmington last week. It’s a clash of different styles that is looming at Ron Holland Field this week.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 21.

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 33, NORTH FARMINGTON 23.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 26, NORTH FARMINGTON 21.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 21, LAKE ORION 14.

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 27, LAKE ORION 24.

STICK: LAKE ORION 31, NORTH FARMINGTON 21.

 

 

6. Stoney Creek at Rochester: It's the Falcon Frenzy game which makes this game really interesting. These two city rivals are no strangers to one another and it is Coach Nick Merlo’s return to Rochester. Merlo has led the Cougars to two straight wins over the Falcons. Rochester is a different team than during the years they have struggled. This is shaping up to be a very good game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 31.

BURNEY: STONEY CREEK 27, ROCHESTER 24.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 31, ROCHESTER 14.

TIM: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 14.

DUNLAP: STONEY CREEK 28, ROCHESTER 27.

STICK: ROCHESTER 35, STONEY CREEK 28.

 

 

9. Royal Oak at 8. Troy:  The Colts have picked up where they left off after their surprise postseason run in 2020. Troy beat Avondale 21-0 last week. The Ravens have been through darker places but found a shed of light in their stunning 35-28 win over Ferndale on the road last week. This should be a good game between two crosstown rivals at Don Colt Stadium this week.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: TROY 49, ROYAL OAK 35.

BURNEY: TROY 32, ROYAL OAK 25.

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 28, TROY 21.

TIM: TROY 35, ROYAL OAK 21.

DUNLAP: TROY 24, ROYAL OAK 21.

STICK: TROY 24, ROYAL OAK 14.

 

 

Southfield Arts and Tech at Groves: Both of these teams were big disappointments last week at Wayne State. The Warriors lost 49-22 to Detroit Cass Tech while the Falcons lost 40-8 to Dexter. Whoever wins the battle in the trenches and not make mistakes should win this game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: GROVES 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 22.

BURNEY: GROVES 17, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14.

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 26, GROVES 14.

TIM: GROVES 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21.

DUNLAP: GROVES 27, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 17.

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20, GROVES 19.

 

 

Ferndale at Troy Athens: This is a rematch of a 28-23 Eagles win last season over the Red Hawks. This season’s matchup is at Troy. Troy Athens is coming off a 58-0 blowout of Pontiac last week. Ferndale is coming off a shocking 35-28 loss to Royal Oak. This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 31, TROY ATHENS 28.

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 23, FERNDALE 20.

COTTER: TROY ATHENS 35, FERNDALE 14.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 35, FERNDALE 14.

DUNLAP: TROY ATHENS 27, FERNDALE 20.

STICK: TROY ATHENS 21, FERNDALE 14.

 

 

Bloomfield Hills at Pontiac: This is the first meeting between these two teams. The Blackhawks picked up a huge 13-10 victory over Berkley last week. The Phoenix lost 58-0 to Troy Athens last week. This looks like a complete mismatch on paper but you never know.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 42, PONTIAC 12.

BURNEY: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 31, PONTIAC 21.

COTTER: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 56, PONTIAC 6.

TIM: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 63, PONTIAC 0.

DUNLAP: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 49, PONTIAC 0.

STICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, PONTIAC 14.

 

Avondale at Holly:  This is shaping up to be a very interesting non league matchup at Holly. Both of these teams have been reeling a little bit after tough losses. The Yellow Jackets lost 21-0 at Troy. The Bronchos lost 16-7 to Fraser last week. This is the first ever meeting between these two teams. Someone will be 0-2 after this game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 21, HOLLY 14.

BURNEY: AVONDALE 24, HOLLY 17.

COTTER: HOLLY 14, AVONDALE 6.

TIM: HOLLY 28, AVONDALE 14.

DUNLAP: HOLLY 28, AVONDALE 21.

STICK: AVONDALE 21, HOLLY 20.

 

 

Farmington at Berkley: Both of these teams had high expectations coming into the season but they are coming off stunning losses. The Bears lost 13-10 to Bloomfield Hills last week behind a tough second half. The Falcons were blown out 49-6 by North Farmington last week. No one wants to be 0-2 but someone will be after this game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BERKLEY 28, FARMINGTON 21.

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 22, BERKLEY 20.

COTTER: FARMINGTON 21, BERKLEY 14.

TIM: BERKLEY 28, FARMINGTON 7.

DUNLAP: BERKLEY 21, FARMINGTON 17.

STICK: BERKLEY 28, FARMINGTON 20.

 

 

Harper Woods at Pinckney: The Pioneers should be tested when they head into Livingston County to take on a very good Pirates squad. Pinckney is coming off an impressive 48-21 blowout of Ann Arbor Skyline. Harper Woods won 55-21 over Ypsilanti. This is shaping up to be a very interesting game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: PINCKNEY 27, HARPER WOODS 24.

BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 29, PINCKNEY 22.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 38, PINCKNEY 21.

TIM: PINCKNEY 28, HARPER WOODS 7.

DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 20, PINCKNEY 17.

STICK: HARPER WOODS 14, PINCKNEY 10.

Week One Recap.

Written Monday August 30th at 2:10 PM

INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN.

1. Adams

2. Clarkston

3. West Bloomfield

4. Lake Orion

5. North Farmington

6. Stoney Creek

7. Oxford

8. Troy

9. Royal Oak

10. Oak Park

 

Week One Scores.

LAKE ORION 33, Utica Eisenhower 7.

CLARKSTON 29, Davison 26.

Romeo 34, OXFORD 13.

ADAMS 35, WEST BLOOMFIELD 17.

STONEY CREEK 48, Port Huron 17.

ROCHESTER 35, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 2.

Orchard Lake St. Marys 21, OAK PARK 16.

NORTH FARMINGTON 49, FARMINGTON 6.

Byron Center 42, SEAHOLM 28.

Dexter 40, GROVES 8.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 13, BERKLEY 10.

TROY 21, AVONDALE 0.

TROY ATHENS 58, PONTIAC 0.

ROYAL OAK 35, FERNDALE 28.

Detroit Cass Tech 49, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 22.

HARPER WOODS 55, Ypsilanti 13.

 

TEAM THAT MADE A STATEMENT: Adams: Parker Picot is legit as I told ONTV producer Joe Johnson when describing this young man. Picot played great against a young and very talented West Bloomfield squad. He and his team made head waves throughout the State in a stunning 35-17 win over the defending Division One State Champs in the Swamp. The offensive and defensive lines were brilliant in this game and veer went to work. The Lakers had a lot of trouble with the veer as a lot of teams do. There is something brewing with the Highlanders.

TOUGH LOSS: Oak Park: The Knights had their fair share of ups and downs on Friday night in Orchard Lake. The Knights struggled offensively all night against a good Orchard Lake St. Marys defense but their defense played well despite the score and kept them to 21 points in their 21-16 loss. Oak Park should be fine going forward. I have a lot of confidence in Coach Greg Carter that he can fix this program.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Ferndale: The Eagles gave up a late touchdown with 23 seconds left in the game which resulted in a shocking 35-28 Ravens upset at Ferndale on Thursday night. This game went back and forth. The Eagles are in a lot of trouble in the Blue while the schedule is going to get a lot tougher from here on out. This is a huge win for Coach Ray McMann and Royal Oak. Maybe they have might have found their identity but can they sustain it is the question. The Ravens have to go to Troy next week while the Eagles head to Troy Athens next week.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Groves: I was outright flabbergasted on Friday afternoon when the Falcons took on the Dreadnoughts at Wayne State and the score was equally stunning to see. Cayden Hardy really struggled in his first start and the defense had a rough game in a 40-8 blowout loss to Dexter. Groves is in a lot of trouble right now. They have an equably struggling Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.

Week One Thoughts.

Written Saturday August 28th at 11:00 AM

Updated Monday August 30th at 2:20 PM

Here are my thoughts on each team for the week.

Berkley: What happened to the Bears in the second half??? They were held scoreless and missed a chance to force overtime which resulted in a stunning 13-10 loss to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. I’m not panicking yet on Berkley but they need to find some points in a hurry. They have Farmington at Hurley Field next week but this is not a good way to start if you’re Coach Sean Shields and the Bears.

Ferndale: The Eagles could be in a lot of trouble after losing 35-28 on their home field on Thursday night to Royal Oak. The schedule is very brutal going forward. I was very disappointed in Ferndale’s defense allowing 35 points, that’s too much if the Eagles want to get back to the playoffs. It was a major setback for Ferndale which has to play Troy Athens next week.

Farmington: It wasn’t a good debut for Coach Jason Albrecht on Friday night. I was stunned how the Falcons were outplayed by North Farmington. They were dominated. I know its one game but still it’s not a good way to get humiliated by your arch rivals. Farmington needs to fix some things and quickly if they want to turn this thing around.

Troy Athens: I can’t judge the Red Hawks yet after blowing out Pontiac 58-0 on Thursday night. We’ll know a lot more about Troy Athens when they have Ferndale next week.

Troy: The Colts picked up right where they left off from the postseason in a stunning 21-0 home win over Avondale on Thursday night. Ethan Block played really well against the Yellow Jackets and was responsible for all three scores on the night. Troy could be better than people think. This is a program that is trending up right now that’s for sure.

Avondale: I’m at a loss for words when describing the Yellow Jackets. They were shutout by Troy 21-0 on Thursday night. This is not a consistent program when looking at Avondale. They are very young and had a ton of struggles. The Yellow Jackets need to find a way when they head to Holly next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks defense played really well in a stunning 13-10 win over Berkley on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills have found a quarterback in CJ Jackson. Although he is different from Tanner Slazinski and John Paddock whom were both throwers Jackson is a playmaker which he was when he needed too. I’m still not sold on this team yet but we’ll know a lot about them soon enough.

Pontiac: It’s going to take time for Coach Ken Wade to get his program in Pontiac. I didn’t expect to see them get blown out 58-0 on Thursday night by Troy Athens. Wade has to get this program out of this funk and quickly. It won’t be easy for the Phoenix especially with Bloomfield Hills looming next week.

Royal Oak: Ok, ok I was wrong to predict that the Ravens were going to go 0-9. They had way too many questions and an identity crisis. I was stunned how they scored a winning touchdown with 23 seconds left and beat a very good Ferndale program last Thursday night. Mekhi Jenkins and Jessie Hoisington both had big games. Maybe this is a new Royal Oak team than from past years, I don’t know. If they can beat Troy next week and keep improving then maybe there is something here that I haven’t seen in a long while.

Adams: Parker Picot is legit enough said. He went over 200 yards and accounted for three touchdowns including one to Brady Prieskorn against a vaunted West Bloomfield squad which resulted in a 35-17 stunned in the Swamp. The offensive line was brilliant. I knew the Highlanders would be very good but now the entire state knows. The veer offense is back in a big way.

North Farmington: The Raiders put up 49 points which was the most they had scored in a game in two years. Jasper Beeler put on a clinic against Farmington in a stunning blowout. Ryan Shelby was efficient and Aaron Rice had a really good game as well. It was a great night for North Farmington on Friday night at Ron Holland Field. Depth is still a concern surrounding the Raiders but they look very good. They should be tested on Friday night when Lake Orion comes a calling.

Groves: I was very disappointed with the Falcons against Dexter in their stunning 40-8 loss at Wayne State on Friday afternoon. Cayden Hardy really struggled and the defense had their fair share of issues with the Dreadnoughts. Dexter is a very good team don’t get me wrong but Groves just didn’t show up. They are in a lot of trouble especially with what is looming in the future.

Oak Park: I was encouraged that the Knights battled back on Friday night against Orchard Lake St. Marys despite falling 21-16 on the red turf. The offense really struggled for most of the game but they look good defensively. Oak Park needs to be more consistent if they want to win games. They have a huge test looming when West Bloomfield comes a calling.

Rochester: The Falcons looked very good on Thursday night by beating Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 35-2 on Thursday night. Coach Eric Vernon’s team has a lot of proven experience. The Crusaders I didn’t think were very good. Rochester should be tested when they host Stoney Creek next week in a very interesting game.

Seaholm: The Maples were better than thought on Thursday night even though they lost 42-28 to Byron Center whom is a very good program. I thought Seaholm competed and didn’t give in and hung right in there with the Bulldogs. The schedule is going to get tough for them but if I’m Coach Jim DeWald I’m encouraged with what I have.

West Bloomfield: I was stunned that the Lakers had a very hard time with the veer option offense on Friday night against Adams in the Swamp. West Bloomfield looked flabbergasted but I think a lot of that had to do with the Highlanders veer offense which kept the Lakers defense on the field all night. West Bloomfield will be fine though so I’m not too worried but if they don’t clean things up then it could be a concern going forward.

Clarkston: Clarkston might have found more weapons than previously thought. Everyone knew about Mike DePillo and Ethan Clark but Adrian McClain and Lucas McKinney had big nights against a very good Davison program on Friday night along with many others. The Wolves defense is still a problem spot especially late in the fourth quarter where they needed to hang on but they did just enough against the Cardinals. Clarkston should be fine going forward.

Lake Orion: The Dragons crowded backfield is legit. Billy Robertson is the real deal in Lake Orion’s 33-7 shocker over Utica Eisenhower. Robertson is only a sophomore and getting better each day which is a good sign going forward. I thought Nasir Lardell also had a good day as well. The Dragons offensive line has been clicking as well which could mean good things going forward. Lake Orion still has defensive secondary concerns but everywhere they are solid. The Dragons have a tough one looming with North Farmington next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: I was very disappointed in the Warriors on Saturday afternoon against Detroit Cass Tech losing 49-22 at Wayne State. All of Southfield Arts and Tech's points came in garbage time to make the score closer than it really was. The Warriors are in a ton of trouble right now. They have Groves whom also struggled against Dexter looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats made a ton of mental lapses on Friday night against Romeo which resulted in a 27-13 loss. Oxford kept close with Romeo on multiple occasions but it was the Bulldogs experience and Oxford’s mistakes that got them in that game. I think Coach Zach Line’s team is fine. There is no need to panic with the Wildcats. They have Adams looming next week which could be a tough one.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars looked very good on Thursday night beating Port Huron 48-17 but you can’t really judge them yet. I didn’t think the Big Reds were that good than in years past. Stoney Creek should be tested when they play Rochester next week. That could be a measuring stick game for Coach Nick Merlo and his team.

Harper Woods: Harper Woods had no problem with Ypsilanti on Thursday night. They look very strong offensively but I think the Grizzlies were not very good though. The Pioneers should be tested when they play Pinckney next week. It won’t get any easier going forward for Harper Woods.

Week One Picks.

Written Monday August 23rd at 4:00 PM

Hello everyone and welcome to the 2021 Football season. It is shaping up to be a very good season this year. Here are your guest pickers.

 

Sammy Taormina-Host OAA Now, Between Taorminas known as Mr. Sandy Dunes.

Scott Burnstein-Host State Champs Sports Show, Blogger known as Burney.

Sean Cotter- North Farmington and Walled Lake Western film guy known as Cotter.

Tim English-High School Sports Fan known as Tim.

Keith Dunlap-WDIV freelance writer and High School Sports Fan known as Dunlap.

Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports writer known as Stick.

 

MR. SANDY DUNES 0-0

BURNEY 0-0

COTTER 0-0

TIM 0-0

DUNLAP 0-0

STICK 0-0

 

2. Adams at 1. West Bloomfield: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup of two different styles in the Swamp. The Highlanders are a veer team while the Lakers are a RPO team. If this turns up to be a physical game advantage Adams. If it turns out to be an RPO and athletic type advantage West Bloomfield. The Lakers have a new coach in Tyrice Grice taking over the program and have won the last four meetings over Adams. Whoever shows their will should win in the Swamp.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, ADAMS 21.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 26, ADAMS 17.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 38, ADAMS 7.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, ADAMS 7.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 27, ADAMS 24.

STICK: ADAMS 21, WEST BLOOMFIELD 20.

 

3. Clarkston vs Davison at Michigan: This will be the fourth meeting between Davison and Clarkston. The Wolves are a much different team from last season especially up front without Cole Dellinger and Rocco Splinder whom are now playing College Football. Clarkston is very talented with their proven playmakers in quarterback Mike DePillo, running backs Davis York and Ethan Clark, linebacker Caleb Stallworth, among others. Davison has made the postseason the last six years and is very motivated according to their story on ABC 12 (WJRT-Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland.) The Cardinals were blown out 41-0 by West Bloomfield in the Division One State Finals last season. They want to get back to Ford Field. Davison has a fair share of proven playmakers in wide receiver Jaylen Flowers and quarterback Chandler Thrower coming back. The Cardinals are very strong at linebacker with Carter Herriman and Gabe Smith and up front with Tyler Dosh, Issac Norton, and Zane Richardson. It should be a very interesting game to say the least in Ann Arbor.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 28, DAVISON 14.

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 33, DAVISON 23.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 21, DAVISON 14.

TIM: DAVISON 28, CLARKSTON 21.

DUNLAP: DAVISON 28, CLARKSTON 21.

STICK: CLARKSTON 24, DAVISON 21.

 

4. Southfield Arts and Tech vs Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State: There should be a ton of talent on display in Detroit. Both the Warriors and Technicians have new coaches in Marvin Rushing and Aaron Marshall. They have really good quarterbacks in Leeshawn Mumpfield and Isiah Marshall coming back. The supporting cast should be key in this game. Detroit Cass Tech has done very well against Southfield Arts and Tech when they were Southfield. This is a much different Warriors team than in years past. This is shaping up to be an interesting game that could decide the fate of both teams.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: DETROIT CASS TECH 27, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 6.

BURNEY: DETROIT CASS TECH 24, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20.

COTTER: DETROIT CASS TECH 32, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14.

TIM: DETROIT CASS TECH 21, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 7.

DUNLAP: DETROIT CASS TECH 27, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20.

STICK: DETROIT CASS TECH 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27.

 

5. Berkley at Bloomfield Hills:  These are two teams that are no strangers to one another especially with what happened last season. 35-34 in overtime at Hurley Field is all the Bears had to be thinking about after seeing Sara Houston kick the winning PAT which sent Berkley’s season into a tailspin losing three of four to close the season. Bloomfield Hills was not the same team either. They lost two straight games to close their season including their first round postseason at home loss to Troy. The Bears have a ton of experience coming back. The Blackhawks have too many questions to figure out and their defense is very suspect. This could be a revenge game in the making.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BERKLEY 41, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

BURNEY: BERKLEY 33, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 27.

COTTER: BERKLEY 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 20.

TIM: BERKLEY 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

DUNLAP: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 25, BERKLEY 17.

STICK: BERKLEY 33, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28.

 

Romeo at 6. Oxford: These two schools are no strangers to one another even though one is in Oakland County while the other is in Macomb County. This will be the 7^th straight meeting between these two rivals. It will be Coach Zach Line’s first game against the Bulldogs as a coach. The Wildcats scored only 10 points in the final four games last season. They made some strides in the offseason to be more  from Line’s days with the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. Romeo wasn’t an offensive juggernaut in the regular season but they caught fire in the postseason which included wins over Macomb Dakota, New Baltimore Anchor Bay, and Stoney Creek all on the road. Both teams have very talented quarterbacks in Brady Carpenter and Logan Rolfs coming back. This is shaping up to be a smash mouth football game on the blue turf.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 31, ROMEO 24.

BURNEY: OXFORD 23, ROMEO 21.

COTTER: ROMEO 28, OXFORD 14.

TIM: ROMEO 35, OXFORD 14.

DUNLAP: ROMEO 31, OXFORD 20.

STICK: ROMEO 28, OXFORD 21.

 

Utica Eisenhower at 7. Lake Orion: It was an off year for the Dragons last season as they look to have a much better season. Lake Orion should be tested off the get go against a very good Eagles team on their home field. It is the 10^th meeting between these two teams. Utica Eisenhower has had their fair share of struggles offensively but they are known for their defense which unusually struggled last season. Both teams are very good defensively. Utica Eisenhower improved offensively late into the season and has proven wide receivers in Aiden Himes, Ethan Barker, and Angelo Marku coming back for quarterback Preston Crumm. This will be a big test for the Dragons.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 24, UTICA EISENHOWER 14.

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 30, UTICA EISENHOWER 27.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 28, UTICA EISENHOWER 21.

TIM: UTICA EISENHOWER 35, LAKE ORION 7.

DUNLAP: UTICA EISENHOWER 27, LAKE ORION 24.

STICK: LAKE ORION 21, UTICA EISENHOWER 14.

 

Port Huron at 8. Stoney Creek: It was a magical season for the Cougars last season but they are a very young team this season. Stoney Creek should be tested against a very good Port Huron squad that has Joe Maiuri coming back at linebacker and Nash Phillips leading both offensive and defensive lines. The Big Reds are 16-5 in the last two seasons. This is the first meeting between these two teams. It should be a very interesting matchup to see whose style wins out in Rochester.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 21, PORT HURON 14.

BURNEY: STONEY CREEK 23, PORT HURON 15.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 35, PORT HURON 14.

TIM: PORT HURON 28, STONEY CREEK 7.

DUNLAP: STONEY CREEK 17, PORT HURON 14.

STICK: STONEY CREEK 16, PORT HURON 13.

 

10. Farmington at 9. North Farmington: “The Farmington Cup” is an interesting trophy to have in the city of Farmington. The Raiders have won “the Farmington Cup” the last two years over their rivals from Shiawassee Street. Both teams have very young quarterbacks in Alex Shelby and Dominic Peshi. Both teams have proven playmakers which makes this game the more interesting. This game could go down to who is deeper and whoever wins the battle up front. For the Falcons if they want to prove they belong they need to win this game and bring “the Farmington Cup” home at Ron Holland Field. Farmington Public Access TV 10 should be in line for another chapter of the battle of Farmington.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 27, FARMINGTON 24.

BURNEY: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, FARMINGTON 21.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 31, FARMINGTON 14.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 35, FARMINGTON 7.

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 31, FARMINGTON 7.

STICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, FARMINGTON 24.

 

Royal Oak at Ferndale: This is shaping up to be a very interesting game over on Pinecrest. Ferndale has won three straight over Royal Oak. The quarterback matchup between Hudson Siddle and Durrell Jones should be very interesting. Jones comes back to football while Siddle struggled last season and was replaced by Mekhi Jenkins whom gave them a spark. The Eagles should have the advantage up front with their linemen. The Ravens should have the advantage with the playmakers especially Jenkins and Jessie Hoisington. Ferndale have seemed to have found themselves, Royal Oak I’m not sure. There should be a ton of questions answered this week.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 35, ROYAL OAK 14.

BURNEY: FERNDALE 25, ROYAL OAK 20.

COTTER: FERNDALE 42, ROYAL OAK 14.

TIM: FERNDALE 21, ROYAL OAK 7.

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 25, ROYAL OAK 24.

STICK: FERNDALE 21, ROYAL OAK 20.

 

Pontiac at Troy Athens: This will be the fourth meeting between the Phoenix and the Red Hawks. It looks like a complete mismatch on paper but that's on paper. Pontiac has changed a lot of things under new coach Ken Wade this offseason. They are 5-73 since 2012 Troy Athens is also improving as well but they are not the deepest of teams. I think the Red Hawks should win this game but the Phoenix could surprise some folks and if they keep it close, it's a start in the right direction.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: TROY ATHENS 16, PONTIAC 13.

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 20, PONTIAC 19.

COTTER: TROY ATHENS 49, PONTIAC 6.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 28, PONTIAC 0.

DUNLAP: TROY ATHENS 42, PONTIAC 6.

STICK: TROY ATHENS 35, PONTIAC 19.

 

Avondale at Troy: Got to love trophy games early in the season. The Little Brown Jug is on the line at Troy between the Yellow Jackets and the Colts. This is the 33^rd meeting all time between these two neighborhood rivals. Avondale won 22-0 in 2019. They didn’t play last season because of COVID-19 restrictions. The Yellow Jackets are 9-9 in the last two years. The quarterback battle between Max Stromberg and Jake Herzog is going to be very interesting. Something has to give in this game.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 27, TROY 24.

BURNEY: TROY 29, AVONDALE 23.

COTTER: TROY 28, AVONDALE 22.

TIM: TROY 21, AVONDALE 14.

DUNLAP: TROY 17, AVONDALE 16.

STICK: TROY 21, AVONDALE 17.

 

Groves vs Dexter at Wayne State: This is shaping up to be an interesting game between the Falcons and the Dreadnoughts. Dexter had a strong year last season. Groves had a strong year as well but was forced to forfeit most of their season because of ineligible players. The Dreadnoughts have a ferocious defense which should test a very young Falcons offense. Dexter is 19-9 in the last three seasons. Groves is going to need to make plays if they want to be in it with Dexter in Detroit.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: DEXTER 24, GROVES 10.

BURNEY: GROVES 28, DEXTER 22.

COTTER: GROVES 35, DEXTER 28.

TIM: DEXTER 35, GROVES 28.

DUNLAP: DEXTER 28, GROVES 24.

STICK: GROVES 20, DEXTER 14.

 

Oak Park at Orchard Lake St. Marys: The Knights are coming off a Division Two State Semifinals appearance after being 0-6 in the regular season last year. They want to get back at the Catholic League after falling to Warren DeLaSalle in overtime last season. The Eaglets really struggled which was very unusual for them last season. Player personal should be very interesting as both teams are replacing a ton of talent from last season. The coaching matchup between George Porritt and Greg Carter is very interesting. Both coaches know each other. It is also Porritt’s last season coaching at Orchard Lake St. Marys. This should be very interesting to say the least on the red turf.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 24, OAK PARK 16.

BURNEY: OAK PARK 27, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 17.

COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 28, OAK PARK 12.

TIM: OAK PARK 21, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 17.

DUNLAP: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 21, OAK PARK 20.

STICK: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 22, OAK PARK 21.

 

Byron Center vs Seaholm: This is the first meeting between the Maples and the Bulldogs. They were supposed to meet last season but because of COVID-19 restrictions it didn’t happen. Byron Center is 17-3 in the last two seasons. They have a very young team with a proven wide receiver in Nathan Wieber this season. Seaholm has a very young team coming back and with not a lot of experience things could get very ugly very fast. The good news for the Maples is the game is in Birmingham so that’s a plus but the bad news is the Bulldogs are still very good.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BYRON CENTER 20, SEAHOLM 7.

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 28, BYRON CENTER 22.

COTTER: BYRON CENTER 28, SEAHOLM 14.

TIM: BYRON CENTER 42, SEAHOLM 7.

DUNLAP: BYRON CENTER 20, SEAHOLM 17.

STICK: SEAHOLM 21, BYRON CENTER 16.

 

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at Rochester: The Falcons are fresh off a very strong year. They were unbeaten for the first time since 1993 however was blown out by arch rival Adams 39-7 in the first round of the postseason last season. Rochester will like to start their season strong when they host a Crusaders program that is 8-24 since 2017. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North was very young last season but they should be improved. If the Falcons want to start a new streak this is a must win early because the schedule doesn’t get any easier from here.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: ROCHESTER 40, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 14.

BURNEY: ROCHESTER 34, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 24.

COTTER: ROCHESTER 40, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

TIM: ROCHESTER 42, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 34, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

STICK: ROCHESTER 35, MACOMB L'ANSE CREUSE NORTH 14.

 

Ypsilanti at Harper Woods: This is a test run for the Pioneers before entering the OAA next season. Harper Woods really struggled last season despite playing a very tough schedule. The Grizzlies really struggled as well. Ypsilanti should be no match for the Pioneers and if they are, it could be a bad omen for them going forward.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 41, YPSILANTI 14.

BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 30, YPSILANTI 20.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 35, YPSILANTI 6.

TIM: YPSILANTI 21, HARPER WOODS 7.

DUNLAP: YPSILANTI 21, HARPER WOODS 17. 

STICK: HARPER WOODS 21, YPSILANTI 14.

Boys Soccer Districts are Out-2021.

Written Saturday August 21st at 12:00 PM

Here are the districts released for soccer. Insight will be later during the season. It will be written by History Now host Anthony Taormina.

Region 3, District 9 at West Bloomfield

 

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Livonia Stevenson

 

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Groves, Seaholm

 

 

 

Region 3, District 12 at Lake Orion

 

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

Davison

Flushing

Grand Blanc

Lapeer

 

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Clarkston

DARKHORSE: Lake Orion, Oxford

 

 

 

Region 4, District 13 at Sterling Heights Stevenson

 

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

 

FAVORITE: Adams

NEXT: Stoney Creek

DARKHORSE: Rochester, Utica Eisenhower

 

 

Region 4, District 14 at Troy

 

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Warren Mott

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

 

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Berkley

DARKHORSE: Troy

 

 

Region 6, District 24 at Brandon

 

PONTIAC

Fenton

Goodrich

Holly

Lake Fenton

Linden

Brandon

 

FAVORITE: Brandon

NEXT: Pontiac

DARKHORSE: Goodrich

 

 

Region 7, District 25 at Ferndale

 

AVONDALE

FERNDALE

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Madison Heights Lamphere

Birmingham Brother Rice

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Warren Fitzgerald

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

DARKHORSE: Ferndale

Harper Woods has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Thursday August 19th at 9:40 PM

The Pioneers have their new boys basketball coach.

Harper Woods named Tajuan Porter to coach the program. He takes over for Brandon Jenkins whom stepped down in June.

Porter played College Basketball at Oregon and played his high school basketball at Detroit Renaissance. He came back to Michigan after his playing career was done.

Harper Woods has a ton of experience for Porter in Julian Young, DeAndre Williams, Marquise Kelly, Isiah Lewis, Quincy Dickinson, and Rozell Matthews coming back.

Porter is the younger brother of former Farmington boys coach Terrance Porter.

The Pioneers are in the Gold with Pontiac, Avondale, Royal Oak, and Ferndale University. They are at Eastpointe for their district with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy, Detroit Denby Tech, Detroit Osborn, Eastpointe, and St. Clair Shores South Lake.

Thoughts

It's an interesting hire to say the least. Porter is going to have a real challenge ahead of him at Harper Woods. The Pioneers are going to be in a new league but he has experience which helps. He has played college basketball, he knows the terrain. Program strength is a huge issue for Harper Woods. If they can field three teams then program strength will be addressed.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with Harper Woods.

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

Harper Woods Boys Basketball Page.

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/harperwoods/boys/varsity/basketball

Ferndale has their new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Thursday August 19th at 9:30 PM

Ferndale has their new girls basketball coach and it's a pretty good one to say the least.

The Eagles named Al Kattola as their new coach. He takes over a program that is in need of a reboot after not fielding a team last season.

Kattola is no stranger to coaching high school basketball and rebuilding projects. He coached boys basketball at Oak Park and has been very successful in coaching the program.

Kattola will have a very difficult path at Ferndale as mentioned the Eagles did not field a girls basketball program last season. He needs to find players and develop program strength. If he can do this then he can turn the program around.

The Eagles will need to rely on Kattola's experience if they want to be successful. Ferndale will be in the Blue with Harper Woods, Farmington, Avondale, Oak Park, Seaholm, and Ferndale University. They are at Birmingham Detroit Country for their district with Ferndale University, Detroit Old Redford, and Detroit Jalen Rose Academy.

Thoughts

It's a really good hire for Ferndale Athletic Director Shaun Butler to go with Kattola. He brings experience which matters. I'm curious to see how he adjusts to the girls game from the boys game. Kattola is going to need to build a program which he can do real quickly. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Eagles this season.

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

Ferndale Girls Basketball page MHSAA

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/ferndale/girls/varsity/basketball

Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Oxford Split Up in Basketball Districts.

Written Tuesday August 17th at 9:30 PM

When the MHSAA released the basketball districts last month no one would ever believe that Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Oxford would be separated into different districts. 

It didn’t seem possible.

Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Oxford are not that far from each other. They usually play each other every season and when they meet in the postseason two or at least all three are put in the same district.

That won't be the case this season.

When the MHSAA released the district, they put Lake Orion, Oxford, and Clarkston in three different districts. It’s the first time since 2006 that the Dragons and Wildcats aren’t in the same district and first time since 2012 that the Dragons and Wolves are not in the same district.

Clarkston got the easiest draw based on their location. They are going south and east in District Six. The Wolves are at Waterford Kettering in the girls and Waterford Mott in the boys. Clarkston is in a district with Pontiac, Avondale, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott.

Lake Orion is going east based on their location. They are in District Five. The Dragons are at home for the girls and is at Romeo for the boys. Lake Orion is in a district with Romeo, Utica Eisenhower, Rochester, Adams, and Stoney Creek.

Oxford got the toughest draw based on their location. They are heading north and west for their district in District Four. Both of their teams are at Davison for their district. The Wildcats are in a district that has Grand Blanc, Davison, Lapeer, and Flint Kearsley.

The Wildcats are not in the same regional as the Dragons or the Wolves.

Oxford should be up at arms because of their proximity. Clarkston is much closer to Grand Blanc and Davison than Oxford is but it was the Wildcats that got sent north and west and not Clarkston.

People are going to say that is not a big deal. It happens all the time especially with Farmington and North Farmington going into separate districts or that Troy and Troy Athens are in separate districts or the Rochester schools, usually Adams goes west because of proximity, it happens.

However with the proximity in northern Oakland County not seeing the big schools together in a district is very interesting and also different.

It has been a long while since Lake Orion, Oxford, and Clarkston are not in the same district. They play each other in middle school, youth sports, and in high school and are usually in the same district together.

It will be a big test to see how these three schools do in their separate districts. Clarkston has the much more favorable path than Lake Orion and Oxford in both boys and girls basketball. Oxford has the toughest district in both boys and girls basketball. I think the MHSAA is doing something different which I have no problem with them doing. It creates more intrigue to see these three schools go different paths for the postseason.

March 2022 will certainly be an interesting month to keep a close eye on for sure. 

 

Girls Basketball Districts

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2022-Districts

Boys Basketball Districts

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2022-Districts