Boys Soccer District Preview.

Written Tuesday October 10th at 12:15 PM

Here are my Boys Soccer Projections and Insights heading into the districts next week.

District 8 @ Livonia Stevenson

Livonia Stevenson vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Novi vs Northville

Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs NORTH FARMINGTON

Novi Detroit Catholic Central/NORTH FARMINGTON vs OAK PARK

INSIGHT: You have four State Powerhouses in this district in Novi, Livonia Stevenson, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, and Northville. Novi and Northville will meet in the pre-district round so one of them will be out. The best OAA school that could spoil things is North Farmington, whom won the White this season but they have to play the Shamrocks which will be a tough task. Southfield Arts and Tech could put up a fight in this district but they will have to run into Novi or Northville. Oak Park has no chance in this district.

PREDICTION: I like Northville to come out of this district. I think they will beat Novi and then they beat whoever comes out of the Southfield Arts and Tech and Livonia Stevenson matchup. I think Novi Detroit Catholic Central defeats North Farmington and Oak Park. I think the Mustangs move on to the regional at Novi.

District 9 @ Groves

SEAHOLM vs TROY

Birmingham Brother Rice vs TROY ATHENS

BERKLEY vs GROVES

ROYAL OAK vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

INSIGHT: This district will be very competitive when you look at the teams that are here. The favorite has to be Troy Athens. The Red Hawks are a tough out for anyone and could pose a big time threat to get back to the State Finals. Troy could threaten along with Seaholm, Groves, Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills but the Red Hawks are the favorite.

PREDICTION: I like Troy Athens to win this district over Groves. I think the Falcons will have no problem with the Bears. Royal Oak beat Bloomfield Hills 2-0 in the regular season and could do so again. I think Seaholm beats Troy but loses to Troy Athens whom will beat Birmingham Brother Rice. The Red Hawks should move onto the regional final at Bloomfield Hills.

District 13 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER vs Waterford Mott

STONEY CREEK vs ORION

OXFORD vs Waterford Kettering

CLARKSTON vs ADAMS

INSIGHT: This is a district in which there are two powerhouse teams in Adams and Rochester but Stoney Creek, Orion, and Clarkston will have strong says whom comes out of this district. I think this district will be highly competitive with some quality teams in this district.

PREDICTION: I like Adams to come out of this district. I think Rochester, Stoney Creek, and Orion are evenly matched teams. Clarkston and Adams will be a battle but I think the Highlanders survive the Wolves and should get by Oxford with ease. This could be an all Rochester final with Adams advancing to the regional at Atwood Stadium.

District 14 @ Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western vs WEST BLOOMFIELD

Hartland vs White Lake Lakeland

Milford vs Walled Lake Central

Milford/Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Northern

INSIGHT: This will be a tough district for West Bloomfield but a winnable district. Walled Lake Central is very good along with Walled Lake Northern and Milford. This will be a tough chore for the Lakers after a tough season in the White.

PREDICTION: I think Walled Lake Northern moves on in this district but West Bloomfield will do wonders in this district and make the district final but the Knights will be too much for the Lakers. Walled Lake Northern will go to Atwood Stadium.

District 23 @ Hazel Park

St. Clair Shores South Lake vs Center Line

Hamtramck vs HAZEL PARK

Warren Woods Tower vs Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Woods Tower/Warren Fitzgerald vs Eastpointe

INSIGHT: This district isn’t the strongest but if you have to look at a favorite there is Warren Fitzgerald or Hamtramck. Hazel Park does host the district but they have not had a great season in the Blue. Warren Woods Tower is a darkhorse.

PREDICTION: I like the Spartans to beat Hamtramck and move on to the regional at Farmington. I don’t think Hazel Park has a chance in this district.

District 24 @ Harrison

HARRISON vs FARMINGTON

Madison Heights Lamphere vs AVONDALE

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood vs FERNDALE

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood/FERNDALE vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district with two State ranked teams possibly meeting in the district semifinals between Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood meeting Orchard Lake St. Marys. Avondale has had a rough year in the Red while Farmington whom won the Blue has a shot at getting to the district final. Harrison has also been solid even though this sets up to be a rematch of a 2-0 Falcons win. This will be a fun district to keep an eye on.

PREDICTION: I think whomever wins the Harrison/Farmington matchup will get to the district final but they will run into Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood and at the end of the day it will be the Cranes that move onto the regional at Farmington.

District 31 @ Brandon

Marysville vs North Branch

Croswell-Lexington vs St. Clair

PONTIAC vs Armada

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Brandon

INSIGHT: This district has one state ranked team in Brandon but there are several teams that could be strong darkhorses when you look at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Marysville. It will be interesting to see if anyone but Brandon doesn’t come out of this district.

PREDICITION: I like Brandon to come out of this district. I don’t think Pontiac will contend in this district. I think it will be Marysville taking on Brandon in this final with the Blackhawks moving on to East Lansing.

Week Seven Recap.

Written Saturday October 7th at 1:30 AM

1. West Bloomfield

2. Adams

3. Harrison

4. Oak Park

5. Ferndale

6. Groves

7. Clarkston

8. Bloomfield Hills

9. Hazel Park

10. Troy

ADAMS 21, CLARKSTON 14.

Ypsilanti Lincoln 35, AVONDALE 14.

ROYAL OAK 44, FARMINGTON 23

HAZEL PARK 48, NORTH FARMINGTON 7.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 48, TROY ATHENS 20.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 23, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 22.

HARRISON 17, OAK PARK 14.

FERNDALE 42, PONTIAC 6.

TROY 13, SEAHOLM 2.

ORION 31, OXFORD 14.

STONEY CREEK 21, BERKLEY 7.

GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 13.

BIG WIN: Harrison: Hawks coach John Herrington tied former Birmingham Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa by pulling off a huge 17-14 upset of Oak Park on Friday night. Herrington whom has 430 wins in his coaching career will have an opportunity to break the record next week against Berkley. This was a huge win for Harrison because this keeps them in the White race. This was a bad loss for the Knights and coach Greg Carter in this game. They struggled against a solid Hawks defense. Oak Park hosts Troy next week.

TOUGH LOSS: Clarkston: The Wolves had a tough one with Adams and lost 21-14 but they were down 21-0 at one point. Clarkston did battle back and made it a close game but was dominated by Steve Roncelli. The Highlanders though lost Cole Patrino to injury in the game so it will be interesting for Adams going forward. The Wolves will host Orion next week.

TEAM ON THE RISE: Stoney Creek: The Cougars have won two straight games since getting destroyed by Oak Park 48-0. Stoney Creek went into Hurley Field and picked up a big win over Berkley 21-7 at Hurley Field. The Cougars have a favorable matchup with Rochester next week and a tough one with Adams in two weeks but coach Bob Lantzy has Stoney Creek heading in the right direction.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Farmington: If there is one team that needs to clean house in the worst way, it’s the Falcons and here is why. Farmington lost 44-23 to Royal Oak and have not gotten better since moving down to the Blue. The Falcons have allowed 28 to Berkley, 37 to Ferndale, 42 to Highland Park Chandler Park Academy, and 45 to Avondale. Farmington coach Kory Cioroch has some problems with his program right now. The Falcons go to North Farmington next week for the Farmington Jug, imagine if they lose to the Raiders, then that would be really bad.

WHAT HAPPENED: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were at home and up 22-10 after three quarters but John Paddock and the Blackhawks came from behind scoring 13 unanswered points to pull off a big upset against Southfield Arts and Tech on their home field 23-22. Bloomfield Hills has big wins over Southfield Arts and Tech and West Bloomfield. The Warriors are in deep trouble and they host West Bloomfield next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Seaholm: It has been a long season for the Maples and it might not get any better in the next two weeks for Seaholm. The Maples lost 13-2 to Troy on the Colts Homecoming on Friday night. Seaholm has issues offensively with their veer offense but their defense has been solid even though this team has been decimated with injuries. The Maples have Groves next week in the Maple Forest.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Oxford: The Wildcats believed coming into their game with Orion that they matched well with the Dragons well it didn't turn out well as Orion kept the Double O Trophy for the third straight season and their fifth in seven years beating the Wildcats 31-14. The third quarter was the difference as the Dragons outscored Oxford 21-0. The Wildcats are struggling right now. Look for questions heading into the offseason for Oxford.

Week Seven Picks.

Written Tuesday October 3rd at 10:05 PM

Welcome to the 2017 OAA Football Season, this season we will pick games that include OAA Teams. This year we have Anthony Taormina from History Now and Between Taorminas on Orion Neighborhood Television, Scott Burnstein from MIPrepZone and State Champs, Dan Stickradt from North Oakland Sports, Keith Dunlap a free-lance writer at the Detroit Free Press, and Sean Cotter Ford worker and Farmington loyalist.

SAMMY 46-32

ANT 55-23

SEAN 57-21

STICK 59-19

KEITH 61-17

BURNEY 56-22

1. Oak Park at 7. Harrison

This is eventually the White division title game at Harrison between the Knights and Hawks. Oak Park has been rolling since their opening week loss to Utica Eisenhower. Harrison bounced back on the road winning 42-7 over Rochester. If this game becomes a game of attrition, its advantage Knights. The Hawks need to slow this game down if they have any shot at pulling off the upset.

SAMMY PICK: OAK PARK 31, HARRISON 7.

ANT PICK: OAK PARK 42, HARRISON 28.

SEAN PICK: OAK PARK 33, HARRISON 7.

STICK PICK: OAK PARK 42, HARRISON 35.

KEITH PICK: OAK PARK 24, HARRISON 10.

BURNEY PICK: OAK PARK 28, HARRISON 27.

Troy Athens at 2. West Bloomfield

Poor Red Hawks this week, struggling and going to the Swamp to play a Lakers team that is oozing with confidence right now. West Bloomfield has everything going on the right track. It could be yet another long night for Troy Athens and a happy Homecoming for the Lakers this week.

SAMMY PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 56, TROY ATHENS 10.

ANT PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, TROY ATHENS 14.

SEAN PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 56, TROY ATHENS 7.

STICK PICK:  WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, TROY ATHENS 14.

KEITH PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, TROY ATHENS 7.

BURNEY PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, TROY ATHENS 20.

4. Clarkston at 3. Adams

This one could be the biggest game in the area this week. The Wolves and Highlanders are solid teams and they have been playing well beyond to anyone’s expectations. Adams won 38-14 over Southfield Arts and Tech while Clarkston destroyed Troy Athens. This matchup will be a battle of wills and whomever will show themselves will win this week.

SAMMY PICK: ADAMS 24, CLARKSTON 14.

ANT PICK: CLARKSTON 28, ADAMS 27.

SEAN PICK: ADAMS 35, CLARKSTON 14.

STICK PICK: CLARKSTON 28, ADAMS 21.

KEITH PICK: ADAMS 21, CLARKSTON 14.

BURNEY PICK: ADAMS 24, CLARKSTON 23.

Rochester at 5. Groves

In what will be a battle of Falcons, the green Falcons have had a strong season so far but the distractions could play a factor in their game with Rochester this week. The blue Falcons were crushed at home by Harrison 42-7 last week and have lost their starter Brent Burtraw for the season with an injury. This is a matchup where Groves is favored heavily on paper but if they can’t get by the distractions then a possible upset might loom.

SAMMY PICK: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.

ANT PICK: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 14.

SEAN PICK: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.

STICK PICK: GROVES 28, ROCHESTER 14.

KEITH PICK: GROVES 28, ROCHESTER 13.

BURNEY PICK:  GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 17.

Pontiac at 6. Ferndale

In what is going to be a mismatch between two teams that are going in different directions, one going up and one struggling to find an identity. The Phoenix have really struggled with numbers and depth. This is a team that has scored 34 points total this season. This week they will be taking on a red-hot Eagles squad that came back from 31-7 to stun Royal Oak 42-31 on the road. This should be an easy one for Ferndale before their big test with Hazel Park looms next week.

SAMMY PICK: FERNDALE 63, PONTIAC 0.

ANT PICK: FERNDALE 49, PONTIAC 0.

SEAN PICK: FERNDALE 49, PONTIAC 0.

STICK PICK: FERNDALE 28, PONTIAC 0.

KEITH PICK: FERNDALE 56, PONTIAC 0.

BURNEY PICK: FERNDALE 40, PONTIAC 15.

Ypsilanti Lincoln at 8. Avondale

This will be a battle of two 4-2 teams going at it. Both teams started 0-2 before winning four straight games. The Railsplitters have really been scoring a ton of points and allowing in their four-game winning streak 49 points. Ypsilanti Lincoln’s losses were by a combined ten points. The Yellow Jackets have been rolling as well, only allowing 33 points in their four-game winning streak. This could be a fun one to watch.

SAMMY PICK: AVONDALE 24, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 20.

ANT PICK: AVONDALE 24, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 21.

SEAN PICK: AVONDALE 28, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 25.

STICK PICK: AVONDALE 38, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 31.

KEITH PICK:  AVONDALE 17, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 10.

BURNEY PICK: AVONDALE 29, YPSILANTI LINCOLN 10.

10. Bloomfield Hills at 9. Southfield Arts and Tech

This is a matchup that could have shootout written all over it on 10 Mile and Lahser Road. The Warriors lost 38-14 to Adams last week but they have a quarterback in John Darby that can put up points. The Blackhawks escaped Orion 27-21 behind their quarterback John Paddock. It’s which quarterback shows up in this game and whomever he is will get them a big win this week.

SAMMY PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

ANT PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 27, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 22.

SEAN PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 26, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

STICK PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 24, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21.

KEITH PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 20.

BURNEY PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 32, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 30.

North Farmington at Hazel Park

The Vikings control its destiny in the Blue knowing that Ferndale is lurking next week on the road. Hazel Park better be careful of a North Farmington team that has nothing to lose. The last three weeks the Raiders have not scored a point, which is not good. The Vikings have been rolling as of late but this is a trap game for Hazel Park.

SAMMY PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, HAZEL PARK 21.

ANT PICK: HAZEL PARK 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 0.

SEAN PICK: HAZEL PARK 38, NORTH FARMINGTON 0.

STICK PICK: HAZEL PARK 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 14.

KEITH PICK: HAZEL PARK 34, NORTH FARMINGTON 17.

BURNEY PICK: HAZEL PARK 26, NORTH FARMINGTON 22.

Seaholm at Troy

This is an interesting matchup for the Colts knowing they need this game if they want to sneak in and make the playoffs. Troy lost 21-3 to Groves last week and they know they are going to need a better effort if they want to beat an injury riddled Seaholm team. The Maples have lost two tough games to Stoney Creek 16-14 and Rochester 28-27 in a two-week span. Seaholm will be a dangerous game for the Colts in this matchup.

SAMMY PICK: SEAHOLM 21, TROY 17.

ANT PICK: TROY 24, SEAHOLM 21.

SEAN PICK: TROY 24, SEAHOLM 14.

STICK PICK: TROY 28, SEAHOLM 21.

KEITH PICK: TROY 21, SEAHOLM 16.

BURNEY PICK: TROY 27, SEAHOLM 23.

Royal Oak at Farmington

The Ravens were up 31-7 against Ferndale only to see the Eagles put up 35 points and stun Royal Oak 42-31 last week. This week, the Ravens will see a Farmington team that has really struggled especially defensibly. The Falcons allowed 45 points in it’s 45-26 loss to Avondale last week. This one could be interesting, Royal Oak scored points and Farmington gives them up in bunches.

SAMMY PICK: ROYAL OAK 45, FARMINGTON 7.

ANT PICK: ROYAL OAK 56, FARMINGTON 3.

SEAN PICK: ROYAL OAK 35, FARMINGTON 28.

STICK PICK: ROYAL OAK 21, FARMINGTON 20.

KEITH PICK: ROYAL OAK 38, FARMINGTON 15.

BURNEY PICK: ROYAL OAK 25, FARMINGTON 21.

Stoney Creek at Berkley

The Cougars and Bears have had tough seasons thus far. Stoney Creek has had trouble scoring points while being in the White has gotten to Berkley. The Bears were destroyed 62-0 by Oak Park last week while the Cougars won a 16-14 game with Seaholm. Looking at this matchup, everything favors Stoney Creek at Hurley Field.

SAMMY PICK: STONEY CREEK 31, BERKLEY 14.

ANT PICK: STONEY CREEK 24, BERKLEY 14.

SEAN PICK: STONEY CREEK 24, BERKLEY 6.

STICK PICK: STONEY CREEK 10, BERKLEY 7.

KEITH PICK: STONEY CREEK 24, BERKLEY 7.

BURNEY PICK: BERKLEY 33, STONEY CREEK 20.

Orion at Oxford

These are two 1-5 teams that have really struggled battling it out for the Double O Trophy this week. The Dragons have had a rough schedule but they have lost their last two games by a combined 14 points and have started to find their way offensively. The Wildcats have not had a great year defensibly but this is a big game for coach Bud Rowley. This game on the Blue turf is always close and it could very well be this year.

SAMMY PICK: ORION 24, OXFORD 14.

ANT PICK: ORION 28, OXFORD 14.

SEAN PICK: ORION 28, OXFORD 21.

STICK PICK: ORION 28, OXFORD 21.

KEITH PICK: ORION 24, OXFORD 21.

BURNEY PICK: OXFORD 28, ORION 25.

Why 2019 is very important for both North Farmington and Farmington.

Written Saturday September 30th at 10:45 AM

The city of Farmington has really struggled with football.

Besides Harrison which has been rolling under legendary coach John Herrington winning State Championships and being the consistent football power in Farmington.

Back in 2016 the Farmington School District deemed that it would be Harrison that would close thanks to declining enrollment. The Hawks will no longer be a school in 2019-2020.

What does that do???

You have the other two Farmington schools that have been struggling putting together their own stamps on their programs.

The first school mentioned is North Farmington. The Raiders are 1-14 since 2016 but what is concerning to me is that North Farmington has not scored a point in three weeks. The Raiders have a new coach in Bob Chiesa, whom is putting together a program from scratch. “You can’t change the past, but you can learn from the past” said Chiesa during Media Day. North Farmington’s participation numbers are up from a year ago. I believe this is a program that has the right coach and system in place but it takes time to build a program and teams like the Raiders have to take their lumps during the season. The only issue I have is the uniforms which Chiesa said will change after the season.

The second school is Farmington. The Falcons are 2-14 (1-15 technically) since their 17-14 loss to Orion in 2015. Farmington also has a new coach in Kory Ciroch. Ciroch was the defensive coordinator under then coach John Bechtel. The Falcons moved from the White to the Blue this season but the problems have continued especially on the defensive side of the football where they are giving up a ton of points. Losing Donovan King to a knee injury has hurt this team no doubt but this program has some big issues it needs to address especially in the lower levels.

This season has been pretty rough for both teams as they are a combined 2-10 this season. The Raiders and Farmington will meet in two weeks at North Farmington for the Farmington Cup. The Falcons hold the trophy after winning 40-9 at home over North Farmington last season.

Both coaches know where they need to fix to get their programs into title contention in the future.

The 2019 season will be interesting for both teams because that is when Harrison will close. You got to wonder where the Harrison kids will go for the 2019 season??? will they go to Farmington or will they go to North Farmington. I think these next two seasons are pivotal for both programs to see where they are at heading into the future.

Ferndale Keeps on Rolling but can they sustain it???

Written Saturday September 30th at 10:00 AM
Updated Wednesday October 4th at 11:30 AM

The Ferndale Eagles have been a football doormat for years.

Ferndale since their last playoff appearance in 2008 was 22-41.

My oh my has things changed.

Since the 2016 season the Eagles have turned things around going 12-4 since, making the playoffs last season before losing in the first round to eventual State Champs Detroit Martin Luther King.

A lot of that has to be credited with the MHSAA Co-Op Program that was merged between Ferndale and Ferndale University. The program was a big reason why the Eagles were in Division Two and not Division Three for playoffs last season. The MHSAA took into account both Ferndale and Ferndale University's enrollment numbers when they determined where they put the Eagles at.

Even though most of the talent is from Ferndale there are some talent that have went to Ferndale University. Four starters on the team are enrolled at Ferndale University.

Also, what has helped the Eagles is they have three very good football players in KeShawn Smith, Zoser Little, and Anthony Merriman. Smith is the team’s quarterback and was very instrumental in their 42-21 comeback win over Royal Oak. He had 134 yards passing with three passing touchdowns along with six carries for 51 yards. Zoser Little is the team’s running back. He was too also huge against the Ravens with 30 carries for 302 yards and three scores. Merriman is the team’s top wide receiver and he had six receptions for 103 yards and one score.

Ferndale controls their own destiny in the Blue as they sit at 5-1 with their only loss being to Avondale. The Eagles have Hazel Park whom is leading the Blue and at 4-2 overall coming to Ferndale in two weeks.

How will Ferndale Do Against the White or Red???

Now the Eagles in the Blue division, I wonder how coach Erik Royal’s team would do against better competition and bigger enrolled schools???

Ferndale is the second smallest school in the OAA based on enrollment but I wonder how they would match up against teams in the White or even the Red.

It could be possible next season that the Eagles move up to the White which means possible future clashes with the likes of Harrison, Troy Athens, Groves, Seaholm, Rochester, Troy, and Stoney Creek.

I think Ferndale can hold their own in the White, that’s how much of a roll they are on but Royal knows his team would need to step their games up if they move up a division. The move up will also help with playoff points as well. I don’t think they would matchup well with the likes of Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Adams, Orion, or Oxford.

The Eagles are rolling right now but can they keep this momentum up for years to come???, that is the question but right now Ferndale is in a good spot.

Week Six Recap.

Written Friday September 29th at 11:00 PM

1. Oak Park

2. West Bloomfield

3. Adams

4. Clarkston

5. Groves

6. Ferndale

7. Harrison

8. Avondale

9. Southfield Arts and Tech

10. Bloomfield Hills

WEST BLOOMFIELD 57, OXFORD 27

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 27, ORION 21

STONEY CREEK 16, SEAHOLM 14

GROVES 21, TROY 3

AVONDALE 45, FARMINGTON 26

OAK PARK 62, BERKLEY 0

HARRISON 42, ROCHESTER 7

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 44, NORTH FARMINGTON 0

CLARKSTON 45, TROY ATHENS 13

ADAMS 38, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14

HAZEL PARK 48, PONTIAC 0

FERNDALE 42, ROYAL OAK 31

BIG WIN: Adams: The Highlanders sent a message that they are for real when they beat Southfield Arts and Tech 38-14 setting up a big showdown with Clarkston next week. Adams used a strong second half to put the Warriors away. The Highlanders are proving right now that they are in good shape heading into postseason play.

TOUGH LOSS: Seaholm: The Maples have had two tough losses to both Rochester schools in the last two weeks, first it was to Rochester where they fell 28-27 and last week they lost 16-14 to Stoney Creek. Seaholm has been dealing with injuries but they have been in games where they could had won. The Maples have to go to Troy next week, that is another winnable game for Seaholm. It would help their confidence if they beat the Colts next week.

TEAM ON THE RISE: Groves: If only the Falcons can address their in-house issues after a 21-3 win over Troy on Thursday night. Groves has big wins over Harrison and Novi which is really helping their cause. The Falcons haven’t lost a beat and they host Rochester next week.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Farmington: The Falcons have no direction at all and is in deep trouble after a 45-26 loss to Avondale on Thursday. Farmington couldn’t stop anyone on defense, something that they have had problems in the last two seasons. I just don’t like the direction the program is going right now. The Falcons have lost 15 of their last 16 games (including the Walled Lake Western game where they got forfeit win) dating back to the 2015 season. Farmington is in deep trouble, a disaster in making right now.

WHAT HAPPENED: Royal Oak: The Ravens had a 24-0 lead and everyone thought an upset would happen, that was until the Eagles went on a 42-7 run to stun Royal Oak on the road 42-31 on Friday night. Ferndale battled back and never gave up putting up a strong second half performance when they trailed 31-14 at the half. This is a big win for coach Eric Royal. For coach Ray McMann, I don’t know what to say, this is demoralizing for the Ravens being at home and having the Eagles on the ropes but instead they let Ferndale off the hook. It wouldn’t surprise me next season that the Eagles move up to the White.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Orion: It’s been a long season for the Dragons and losing 27-21 to Bloomfield Hills hurts but I like the direction where this program is going. Orion has talent waiting in the wings but they have to address some things, particularly in the secondary but anyway coach John Blackstock has this team in the right direction, even though the record says 1-5, the schedule has been very brutal, so this might be the team to give a pass to this season.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Berkley: The Bears have lost five of six games but this put the icing to the cake when Berkley got destroyed 62-0 by Oak Park on Thursday night. I know the Knights are good and all that but what does this say for coach Billy Keenist’s team??? 62 points is the most points allowed since they allowed 61 to Owosso back in 1951. The Bears will be back at Hurley Field next week when they play Stoney Creek.

Groves in spotlight but not in good way.

Written Friday September 29th at 7:05 PM

It looks like an incident could be a major distraction for the Groves football team.

In wake of the Falcons 21-3 win over Troy on Thursday night, two Groves football players said they were assaulted in the school’s parking lot.

According to WDIV, they said that the attack was believed to be at random and unmotivated but both players admitted that they gave a false report to school officials after it became clear that the incident was caught on their security cameras.

Groves sent out two letters with the first letter alerting students, parents, and staff that the two players were safe and decided that two people attacked one football player while the other one stopped the attack.

The players then changed their story saying that it wasn’t a random attack but a fight which caused Groves officials to send another letter to students, parents, and staff saying that one of the players knew the attackers and that it was a fight.

Minor injuries did occur.

It is unknown that if the players will face charges of filing a false police report but Groves officials said that there will be discipline for the players.

Thoughts

This could be a distraction for the Falcons football team after getting a win. Groves is 5-1 right now. The incident is the talk of the town.

It’s important for coach Brendan Flaherty to keep his team together and not let this incident be a distraction.

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

Here is the article from WDIV right here.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/oakland-county-high-school-football-players-say-they-were-attacked-in-parking-lot-after-game