Regional Previews.

Written Wednesday October 22nd at 11:45 AM

Here are my regional previews for Soccer and Cross Country.

Soccer

Region 4 @ West Bloomfield

CLARKSTON vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Novi vs Grand Blanc

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a tough regional if you’re the Wolves this is a tough matchup with the Shamrocks. If Clarkston can get by Novi Detroit Catholic Central then they would have to deal with either Novi or Grand Blanc, also proven soccer powers. This will be a tough chore for the Wolves as mentioned to say the least. I like the Wildcats to win this regional and move on. PICK: NOVI over NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL.

Region 3 @ Troy

ADAMS vs Chippewa Valley

TROY ATHENS vs Warren De LaSalle

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is an interesting regional. The Highlanders came out of nowhere to win their district and take on the Pilots. The Red Hawks are a state power and should be the favorite to win this regional. I see this regional being dressed in red and gold over a solid Adams squad. PICK: TROY ATHENS over ADAMS.

Cross Country

Region 6 @ Willow Metro Park

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

Ann Arbor Huron

Canton

Salem

Plymouth

Detroit Cass Tech

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Martin Luther King

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Western

Garden City

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Northville

Novi

Redford Thurston

Westland John Glenn

BOYS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Plymouth, Northville, Salem.

GIRLS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Plymouth, Northville, Salem.

REASON: All three of these teams have experience which helps in both boys and girls. Also all three teams have depth to work with and are primed to get back to MIS.

Region 7 @ Springfield Oaks Park

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

CLARKSTON

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Birmingham Brother Rice

Farmington Hills Mercy

Hartland

Holly

Milford

Waterford Mott

Waterford Kettering

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

Lakeland

BOYS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Walled Lake Central, Clarkston, Milford.

GIRLS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Bloomfield Hills, Milford, Lakeland.

REASON: There is a ton of proven experience in this regional. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if Clarkston gets left out in Girls this season. This is a tough regional in the Girls and there were four teams that went to MIS as a team last season.

Region 8 @ Chandler Park Golf Course

GROVES

SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Fraser

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Roseville

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Sterling Heights

Warren De LaSalle

Warren Woods Tower

Warren Mott

Warren Cousino

BOYS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Grosse Pointe North, Royal Oak, Troy.

GIRLS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Seaholm, Troy, Royal Oak.

REASON: The Maples have a ton of experience back along with the Colts. I’m high on Royal Oak making some noise. It shall be interesting to see what happens.

Region 9 @ Algonac

AVONDALE

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ADAMS

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

Chippewa Valley

Macomb Dakota

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron Northern

Port Huron

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Utica

Utica Ford II

BOYS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Stoney Creek, Romeo, Lake Orion.

GIRLS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Stoney Creek, Romeo, Rochester.

REASON: I think these three teams bring experience although Lake Orion wasn’t there as a team last season in the boys I think the Dragons get there this time around. I’m high on Stoney Creek, they have a ton of experience back along with Romeo. I see both Stoney Creek and Romeo getting both squads to states while the Falcons in the girls and the Dragons in the boys get to State’s as a team.

Region 16 @ Linden Middle School

FERNDALE

PONTIAC

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Clawson

Detroit Cody

Detroit Communication Media Arts

Detroit Fredrick Douglas

Detroit Henry Ford Creative Studies

Detroit Old Redford

Detroit Mumford

Detroit University Prep

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Goodrich

Lake Fenton

Linden

Brandon

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

Redford Union

BOYS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Goodrich, Linden, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.

GIRLS: TEAMS THAT SHOULD MOVE ON: Birmingham Marian, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Linden.

REASON: All these teams have experience being at MIS last season which helps. It shall be interesting to see who moves on in this regional.

Football Thoughts After Week Eight.

Written Saturday October 19th at 2:30 PM

The OAA Football Season is well underway and in full swing. Here are my thoughts before heading to the Podcast room on Monday to analyze what has happened around the league.

Adams: The Highlanders picked up a huge win on the road by beating Southfield Arts and Tech 31-20 on Friday night. Adams sits at 6-2 on the season and will travel to Stoney Creek for a huge game with the Cougars next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons made a huge statement by beating their arch rival Clarkston 55-21 on Friday night. Lake Orion sits at 7-1 and will host Monroe next week.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers had no problem with Oxford on Friday night shutting out the Wildcats 48-0. West Bloomfield who sits at 7-1 will have a tough matchup looming next week when they go to Wayne State to play Warren De LaSalle.

Clarkston: The Wolves saw their 16 year playoff streak come to an end on Friday night at the hands of Lake Orion 55-21. Clarkston sits at 3-5 on the season and will host Detroit Cass Tech next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats were shut out for the third time this season as they were shut out 48-0 by West Bloomfield on Friday night. Oxford is 1-7 on the season and will conclude with a trip to Oak Park next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are in some trouble after losing 31-20 at home to Adams on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech sits at 4-4 on the season. They will need to beat River Rouge next week to even have a shot at making the playoffs. The Panthers are 7-1 after beating Novi Detroit Catholic Central 16-3 on Friday night. If the Warriors lose they will miss out for the third straight year.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks got their first win of the season on Friday night by beating Troy 63-31 on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills sits at 1-7 on the season and will travel to Rochester next week to take on the Falcons.

Groves: The Falcons bounced back after surviving last week by beating Seaholm for the seventh time 35-14 on Friday night behind a strong second half. Groves sits at 7-1 on the season. They will travel to Brownstown Woodhaven who comes in undefeated at 8-0 and have been rolling teams.

Oak Park: The Knights had no problem with Troy Athens blowing them out 41-6 on Friday night. Oak Park sits at 7-1 on the season and will host Oxford on Friday night.

Seaholm: The Maples are in a very bad spot after losing 35-14 to Groves on Friday night. Seaholm is now 5-3 on the season and will need to win to get in with a matchup with Avondale on the road. It will not be an easy matchup to say the least.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars set the stage for a huge city title showdown next week with a 49-0 blowout of Rochester on Friday night. As mentioned the Cougars who are 5-3 will host Adams in a win and in matchup of win and you’re in for the first time since 2013. It will be very interesting next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were blown out by Oak Park 41-6 on Friday night in Knight Valley. Troy Athens is 3-5 on the season and will have a tough matchup with a very good Pontiac Notre Dame Prep squad next week to conclude the season.

Rochester: The Falcons have battled a slew of injuries and it showed in their 49-0 loss to Stoney Creek on Friday night. Rochester is 1-7 on the season and will host Bloomfield Hills next week.

Troy: The Colts scored a point for the first time this season but the bad news is they allowed 63 points in a 63-31 loss to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Troy sits at 0-8 on the season and will host Berkley next week but there is progress being made for the Colts.

North Farmington: The Raiders are likely going to be undefeated for the first time since 1970 pending if they win next week but they made a statement by beating Farmington 13-9 to take the Farmington Cup along with the Blue and stay unbeaten at 8-0 which they are for the first time since 1984. North Farmington hosts Ypsilanti Lincoln next week before the postseason begins. Things have to be looking good for coach Jon Herstein and company.

Farmington: The Falcons took two major hits on Friday night. They lost the Farmington Cup and their undefeated record to North Farmington 13-9 on Friday night. Farmington does not have a week nine so they will finish with a 7-1 record and wait for their name to be called in Division Two.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets snapped a three game losing streak by exploding in the second half scoring 27 unanswered points in a 40-27 victory at Hurley Field on Friday night over Berkley. Avondale sits at 4-4 and has a huge game next week with Seaholm at home. The Yellow Jackets will need to win and hope they have enough playoff points.

Ferndale: The Eagles picked up another huge win over Royal Oak 20-7 on Friday night. Ferndale sits at 4-4 and needs to beat Birmingham Detroit Country Day for a third time and hope they have enough playoff points next week.

Berkley: It been a long season for the Bears but they let a 27-13 halftime lead crumble and lost 40-27 to Avondale on Friday night. Berkley is 1-7 on the season and will head to Troy to take on the Colts.

Royal Oak: The Ravens lost 20-7 to Ferndale on Friday night to fall to 1-7 on the season. Royal Oak will have a tough matchup to close out the season with a trip to Flint Kearsley next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix suffered another tough loss to Detroit Leadership Academy 14-6 on Friday night at Wisner Stadium. Pontiac is 0-8 on the season. They will have a very tough matchup in Ann Arbor with Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard next week to close the season. The Fighting Irish come into this matchup with a 4-4 record so they will be needing this victory in the worst way.

My Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-10-21-19

Week Eight Recap.

Written Friday October 18th at 11:30 PM

We will update the Pontiac/Detroit Leadership Academy game when we get the score.

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10.

1. West Bloomfield

2. Lake Orion

3. Oak Park

4. Groves

5. Adams

6. North Farmington

7. Stoney Creek

8. Farmington

9. Seaholm

10. Ferndale

Week Eight Scores.

FERNDALE 20, ROYAL OAK 7.

AVONDALE 40, BERKLEY 27.

NORTH FARMINGTON 13, FARMINGTON 9.

Detroit Leadership Academy 14, PONTIAC 6.

OAK PARK 41, TROY ATHENS 6.

STONEY CREEK 49, ROCHESTER 0.

GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 14.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 63, TROY 31.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 48, OXFORD 0.

ADAMS 31, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20.

LAKE ORION 55, CLARKSTON 21.

BIG WIN: North Farmington: The Raiders took home the Farmington Cup after beating the Falcons 13-9 on Friday night. North Farmington sits at 8-0 on the season and will host Ypsilanti Lincoln to close the season. Farmington doesn’t play next week and will get ready for the playoffs with a 7-1 record.

TOUGH LOSS: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are in a real tough spot after losing 31-20 on Friday night to Adams. Southfield Arts and Tech has to beat River Rouge who beat Novi Detroit Catholic Central 16-3 on Friday night. The Warriors sit at 4-4 on the season. The Highlanders meanwhile are 6-2 on the season and will head to Stoney Creek next week to take on the 4-4 Cougars.

WHAT HAPPENED: Seaholm: The Maples lost their seventh straight game to Groves 35-14 on Friday night in Birmingham. The Falcons are 7-1 on the season and will head to Brownstown to take on Brownstown Woodhaven next week. Seaholm sits at 5-3 and will take on Avondale who sits at 4-4.

TEAM THAT NEED A HUG: Berkley: The Bears had a 27-13 halftime lead on Friday night against Avondale only to see the Yellow Jackets score 27 unanswered points in a 40-27 loss. Berkley is 1-7 on the season and will travel to Troy to play the 0-8 Colts. Avondale has a huge game next week as they sit at 4-4 and will host the 5-3 Seaholm Maples.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Troy: The good news is that the Colts scored points but the bad news is they gave up 63 points in a 63-31 blowout loss to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Troy now is 0-8 and will host Berkley next week. The Blackhawks are 1-7 and will head to Rochester to play the 1-7 Falcons.

TEAM THAT ME SHAKE MY HEAD: Clarkston: The Wolves will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2003 after losing 55-21 to Lake Orion on Friday night. Clarkston is 3-5 on the season and will conclude the year with Detroit Cass Tech coming to Clarkston next week. The Dragons who are 7-1 on the season will host Monroe next week.

My Podcast this week
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-10-21-19

Clarkston finds a Week Nine Game.

Written Wednesday October 16th at 2:00 PM

The Clarkston Wolves found themselves a week nine game.

After months of questions and agony, the Wolves will host Detroit Cass Tech next Friday as confirmed on Twitter and the Clarkston Athletic Department.

Clarkston had not been without a week nine game until this opportunity came up.

The Technicians had an opening after not making the Detroit Public School League playoffs. Detroit Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher said to the Detroit News sports writer David Goricki “Clarkston, sure I’d play them.”

Clarkston sits at 3-4 needing to win out in their final two games (Lake Orion and Detroit Cass Tech) and hope to get enough playoff points to make the postseason for a 17^th straight season.

The sub varsity matchups for the Wolves will not change with their freshman playing Farmington and their junior varsity playing Walled Lake Western. Both games are at Clarkston.

Detroit Cass Tech sits at 3-4 which they will need to win out and hope they have enough playoff points to make the playoffs for a tenth straight season. They should beat Detroit East English Village Prep this week.

This is the first time these two teams are playing each other in the regular season. Both teams have combined to win six state titles since 2011.

The Technicians are no strangers to playing against OAA Schools. Detroit Cass Tech fell 9-7 to West Bloomfield in the Division One State Semifinals at Troy Athens in 2017. The Technicians are 5-4 all-time against OAA schools having played Lake Orion, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Oak Park, Pontiac Northern, and Harrison.

Both teams have a ton of athletes and were ranked in the State Champs Preseason Top 25 but they have struggled this season.

What also makes this an interesting matchup is both teams have seen each other. They scrimmaged each other along with Orchard Lake St. Marys and Grand Blanc at Clarkston in August.

This should be a very interesting matchup to say the least.

Thoughts

I’m very happy for the Wolves that they have a ninth game. Clarkston did not deserve to play eight games. It wouldn’t been fair to the players, coaches, and the community.

It doesn’t change the fact that the Wolves need to win out. Clarkston has Lake Orion this week but for them to play Detroit Cass Tech next week gives the players at least another week to play and the Clarkston community another chance to see and root for their team.

It’s a win-win for both sides.

Week Eight Picks.

Written Wednesday October 16th at 1:05 PM

Welcome to the 2019 football season. This season will feature picks throughout the season. This season will be different, each win will be worth 10 points however if you get the exact score it would be an extra five points.

Most are familiar with doing picks. Here are the pickers.

Sammy Taormina-host of OAA Now, writer of Inside the OAA, and one of the hosts of Between Taorminas on Orion Neighborhood Television.

Keith Dunlap-Freelance writer at the Detroit Free Press.

Scott Burnstein-Writer at the Oakland Press and State Champs.

Dan Stickradt-Writer for North Oakland Sports.

Sean Cotter-Former Farmington Scouter.

Matt Mowery-State Champs Writer.

Tim English-Website designer.

Jeff Corrion-D-Zone blogger and recruit insider.

We’ll get Matt and Tim’s picks ASAP.

SANDY DUNES: 69-12      690

DUNLAP: 69-12                  695

BURNEY: 66-15                  660

STICK: 65-16                        660

COTTER: 70-11                   700

FULL COURT: 23-58          230

TIM: 66-15                           660

D-ZONE: 66-15                   660

1. West Bloomfield at Oxford: It has been a disappointing season for the Wildcats seeing their record at 1-6 and being shut out twice including last week’s 27-0 loss to Southfield Arts and Tech. Oxford will play a Lakers team that has been picking up steam since their 59-52 four overtime win over Lake Orion a few weeks ago. West Bloomfield beat Bloomfield Hills 44-0 last week. It should be interesting to see how the travel impacts the Lakers but they should be fine in this matchup.

SANDY DUNES PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 56, OXFORD 14.

DUNLAP PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, OXFORD 0.

BURNEY PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OXFORD 15.

STICK PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OXFORD 21.

COTTER PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OXFORD 0.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, OXFORD 7.

D-ZONE PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 48, OXFORD 10.

2. Lake Orion at Clarkston: The Wolves 16 year playoff streak is on the line in this “Football for a Cure” matchup with the Dragons. Clarkston has beaten Lake Orion eight straight times coming into this game but there is something different with this Dragons team. Lake Orion sits at 6-1, the six wins is the most since 2013 but the Dragons are 1-3 in “Football for a Cure or Pink Out games” including last season’s 24-14 loss at Lake Orion. The Wolves come into this game with a 3-4 record after losing a 28-27 heartbreaker to Adams last week but they have been playing better lately behind a young talented group of skill players led by Mike DePillo, Blake Kosin, Jack Gurn, Justin Buchman, and Ethan Clark. Clarkston also has future Division One recruits in Garrett Dellinger and Rocco Spindler on the lines. Lake Orion has used these last two weeks to get healthier which should help them moving forward. This will be an interesting football game.

SANDY DUNES PICK: LAKE ORION 49, CLARKSTON 35.

DUNLAP PICK: LAKE ORION 28, CLARKSTON 24.

BURNEY PICK: LAKE ORION 32, CLARKSTON 24.

STICK PICK: LAKE ORION 28, CLARKSTON 21.

COTTER PICK: LAKE ORION 28, CLARKSTON 21.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: CLARKSTON 28, LAKE ORION 21.

D-ZONE PICK: LAKE ORION 38, CLARKSTON 20.

Troy Athens at 3. Oak Park: The Knights picked up a huge win over Troy 51-0 last week to go to 6-1 and make their sixth straight playoff appearance. Oak Park will take on a Troy Athens team that has been up and down. The Red Hawks lost 50-22 to Seaholm last week sending Coach Billy Keenest’s team to 3-4 on the season. The Knights won 33-14 last year at Troy Athens. This should be an interesting game in Knight Valley.

SANDY DUNES PICK: OAK PARK 42, TROY ATHENS 7.

DUNLAP PICK: OAK PARK 42, TROY ATHENS 0.

BURNEY PICK: OAK PARK 40, TROY ATHENS 14.

STICK PICK: OAK PARK 43, TROY ATHENS 21.

COTTER PICK: OAK PARK 49, TROY ATHENS 7.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: OAK PARK 49, TROY ATHENS 7.

D-ZONE PICK: OAK PARK 48, TROY ATHENS 8.

4. Groves at 8. Seaholm: The Battle of Birmingham is this week in Beverly Hills. The Falcons have won six straight meetings over the Maples including beating them twice last season. Seaholm is coming off a 50-22 victory over Troy Athens last week while Groves survived Stoney Creek 28-23 last week. The Maples sit at 5-2 needing a win to make the playoffs. The Falcons are already in the postseason at 6-1. Bragging rights are on the line in this game.

SANDY DUNES PICK: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 22.

DUNLAP PICK: GROVES 24, SEAHOLM 21.

BURNEY PICK: GROVES 30, SEAHOLM 26.

STICK PICK: GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 27.

COTTER PICK: GROVES 21, SEAHOLM 14.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 28.

D-ZONE PICK: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 10.

5. Adams at 10. Southfield Arts and Tech: This is a huge game for both teams. The Warriors are fighting for their playoff lives sitting at 4-3. Southfield Arts and Tech won 27-0 on their homecoming last week. The Highlanders are coming off a huge 28-27 comeback victory over Clarkston pushing their record to 5-2. Adams is 0-2 on the road this season with losses to Lake Orion (36-31) and West Bloomfield (30-6.) If the Highlanders want to get to 6-2 they need to win this game on the road. The winner will be in good shape while the loser will have work to do.

SANDY DUNES PICK: ADAMS 31, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21.

DUNLAP PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27, ADAMS 24.

BURNEY PICK: ADAMS 26, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 25.

STICK PICK: ADAMS 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27.

COTTER PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27, ADAMS 21.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: ADAMS 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21.

D-ZONE PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 16, ADAMS 9.

7. Farmington at 6. North Farmington: This is a battle for the Blue title along with the Farmington Cup between the Raiders and Falcons. Both teams come in unbeaten at 7-0 along with a ton of experience. Also what makes this matchup very interesting is that there are former Harrison kids on both rosters. North Farmington has home field along with the former Hawks coaching staff on their side. Farmington has had a ton of recent success on their side. This will be a fun matchup.

SANDY DUNES PICK: FARMINGTON 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 24.

DUNLAP PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 21, FARMINGTON 20.

BURNEY PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 31, FARMINGTON 28.

STICK PICK: FARMINGTON 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 27.

COTTER PICK: FARMINGTON 21, NORTH FARMINGTON 14.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, FARMINGTON 24.

D-ZONE PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 21, FARMINGTON 17.

9. Stoney Creek at Rochester: This is the “Falcons Frenzy” game which invites the entire Rochester community to the game but there is a huge storyline coming in between these two city rivals. This is Coach Nick Merlo’s return to Rochester where he was a teacher and an assistant under Coach Eric Vernon and his dad is legendary Falcons coach Mark Merlo. The Cougars are coming off a tough 28-23 loss to Groves last week. Rochester was blown out 46-7 by Lake Orion last week. Stoney Creek has won five of the last seven meetings over the Falcons. Rochester is injury riddled so this makes this matchup the more interesting.

SANDY DUNES PICK: STONEY CREEK 42, ROCHESTER 7.

DUNLAP PICK: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 7.

BURNEY PICK: STONEY CREEK 25, ROCHESTER 23.

STICK PICK: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 21.

COTTER PICK: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 7.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: STONEY CREEK 35, ROCHESTER 7.

D-ZONE PICK: STONEY CREEK 24, ROCHESTER 10.

Detroit Leadership Academy at Pontiac: It’s been a rough season for the Phoenix and it could get worse this week. The Cougars are having their best season ever as a school at 6-1. They have scored 69 points in two straight weeks including last week’s 38-6 blowout over Ecorse. Pontiac who has played a much tougher schedule than Detroit Leadership Academy lost 32-6 to Royal Oak last week at Wisner Stadium. The Phoenix are 5-63 since 2011. It would be huge if Pontiac can get this one at Wisner Stadium.

SANDY DUNES PICK: DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 45, PONTIAC 6.

DUNLAP PICK: PONTIAC 17, DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 14.

BURNEY PICK: PONTIAC 14, DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 12.

STICK PICK:  PONTIAC 14, DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 13.

COTTER PICK: DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 42, PONTIAC 0.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 49, PONTIAC 0.

D-ZONE PICK: PONTIAC 6, DETROIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 0.

Avondale at Berkley: It has been a tough three weeks for Coach Corey Bell and his Yellow Jackets. Avondale has allowed 149 points in three games including a shocking 42-28 loss to Ferndale last week. The Bears lost 42-7 to Farmington at Hurley Field last week. This one should be interesting this week.

SANDY DUNES PICK: AVONDALE 35, BERKLEY 7.

DUNLAP PICK: AVONDALE 34, BERKLEY 10.

BURNEY PICK: BERKLEY 24, AVONDALE 22.

STICK PICK: AVONDALE 28, BERKLEY 14.

COTTER PICK: AVONDALE 32, BERKLEY 14.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: AVONDALE 56, BERKLEY 7.

D-ZONE PICK: AVONDALE 24, BERKLEY 7.

Ferndale at Royal Oak: Both of these teams have had rough seasons but the Eagles have an outside shot at making the playoffs if they win out and get some help. Ferndale sits at 3-4 but picked up a huge upset win 42-28 over Avondale last week. The Ravens sit at 2-5 after beating Pontiac 32-6 last week at Wisner Stadium. It should be an interesting matchup.

SANDY DUNES PICK: FERNDALE 38, ROYAL OAK 7.

DUNLAP PICK: FERNDALE 21, ROYAL OAK 14.

BURNEY PICK: ROYAL OAK 21, FERNDALE 20.

STICK PICK: FERNDALE 27, ROYAL OAK 24.

COTTER PICK: FERNDALE 28, ROYAL OAK 7.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: FERNDALE 28, ROYAL OAK 7.

D-ZONE PICK: FERNDALE 34, ROYAL OAK 20.

Troy at Bloomfield Hills: Could this be the week that the Colts score some points??? Troy lost 51-0 to Oak Park last week while the Blackhawks were blown out 44-0 by West Bloomfield. Someone has to win this game with both teams coming in at 0-7.

SANDY DUNES PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, TROY 0.

DUNLAP PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 31, TROY 0.

BURNEY PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 23, TROY 21.

STICK PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, TROY 14.

COTTER PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 35, TROY 7.

FULL COURT PICK:

TIM PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 35, TROY 0.

D-ZONE PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14, TROY 0.

My Podcast

https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-101419

Football Thoughts After Week Seven.

Written Saturday October 12th at 4:15 PM

The OAA Football Season is well underway and in full swing. Here are my thoughts before heading to the Podcast room on Monday to analyze what has happened around the league.

Adams: The Highlanders picked up a huge win in front of the “Gold Rush” by coming back twice from 13-0 and 27-14 to stun Clarkston 28-27 at home on Friday night to go to 5-2 on the season. Adams has two tough road games to close out the season (they are 0-2 on the road.) The Highlanders are at Southfield next week to play Southfield Arts and Tech and then will head to Stoney Creek to close the season.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are back in the playoffs for the second straight year after beating Rochester 46-7 on their homecoming to go to 6-1 on the season. Lake Orion heads to Clarkston next week for a huge showdown and then close the regular season against Monroe. The Dragons have been rolling since their 59-52 heartbreaking loss to West Bloomfield a few weeks ago.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers had no problem with Bloomfield Hills on Friday night in the Swamp beating the Blackhawks 44-0. West Bloomfield is 6-1 on the season. The Lakers have a tough schedule to close the season. They go to Oxford next week and then to possibly Warren De LaSalle the following week, talk about being battle tested.

Clarkston: The Wolves suffered a tough 28-27 loss to Adams on Friday night falling to 3-4 on the season. Ethan Clark had a monster game for Clarkston scoring three touchdowns. The Wolves are in must win mode next week as Lake Orion pays a visit to Clarkston.

Oxford: The Wildcats were shut out for the second time this season as they fell to Southfield Arts and Tech 27-0 on Friday night. Oxford is 1-6 on the season and will host West Bloomfield next week. It hasn’t been easy for the Wildcats and these final two weeks won’t be easy for them at all with the Lakers and then Oak Park the following week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors picked up a huge homecoming win by beating Oxford 27-0 on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech sits at 4-3 on the season and will have a huge two weeks when they have both Adams and River Rouge coming to Southfield. The bottom line for the Warriors is win both games and you’re in.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks got shut out 44-0 by West Bloomfield last week falling to 0-7 on the season. Bloomfield Hills will have an opportunity to get their first win of the season when they host Troy.

Groves: The Falcons had to survive on Friday night 28-23 against a very good Stoney Creek team. Groves is now 6-1 on the season and will host Seaholm next week. The Falcons schedule the next two weeks is brutal with the Maples as mentioned next week but they go to Brownstown Woodhaven in two weeks. That’s not an easy thing for the Falcons.

Oak Park: The Knights had no problem on their homecoming night beating Troy 51-0 to go to 6-1 on the season. Oak Park will have Troy Athens next week at home so the Knights are in great shape right now.

Seaholm: The Maples snapped a two game losing streak by beating Troy Athens 50-22 on Friday night to improve to 5-2 on the season. Seaholm will travel to Beverly Hills to face a Groves team that they have lost six straight games too. There has to be a lot of motivation for the Maples heading into this game.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars suffered a heartbreaking 28-23 loss to Groves on Friday night in Beverly Hills. Stoney Creek had the game won but mistakes doomed them sending their record to 4-3 on the season. The Cougars have Rochester next week. Playoff talk could still be in play if they win out. Also next week it’s Coach Nick Merlo’s return to Rochester. Merlo was an assistant and teacher and Rochester and his dad Mark Merlo coached the Falcons as well. It will be interesting but Stoney Creek is a team on the upward swing.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks lost a tough one to Seaholm on their home field 50-22 on Friday night. Troy Athens falls to 3-4 on the season. The Red Hawks will head to Oak Park to play the Knights next week.

Rochester: The Falcons have battled a slew of injuries and it showed in their 46-7 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night. Rochester is 1-6 on the season and they will have Stoney Creek next week coming to town in their “Falcon Frenzy” game.

Troy: The Colts still have not scored a point at all this season after a 51-0 loss to Oak Park on Friday night putting them at 0-7. Troy still has two more opportunities to score starting with next week when they head to Bloomfield Hills to play the Blackhawks.

North Farmington: The Raiders took care of business at home on Friday night beating Okemos 48-0 on their homecoming. North Farmington is 7-0 for the first time since 1984. They will have a huge test next week when they host arch rival Farmington who is also 7-0.

Farmington: The Falcons cruised this week to 7-0 as they beat Berkley 42-7 on Friday night at Hurley Field. Farmington will head to North Farmington next week to defend the Farmington Cup in a very interesting showdown.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are in huge trouble after losing their third straight game in a shocking 42-28 defeat to Ferndale on Friday night. Avondale is now 3-4 on the season and will likely need some help if they want to make the playoffs. The Yellow Jackets have Berkley next week on the road.

Ferndale: The Eagles exploded for 42 points in a shocking 42-28 victory over Avondale on Friday night. Ferndale sits at 3-4 still needing to win out to be in the playoff conversation. The Eagles have Royal Oak next week and then it’s Birmingham Detroit Country Day on the road to close the season.

Berkley: It has been a long season for the Bears and it got worse with a 42-7 loss to Farmington on Friday night. Berkley sits at 1-6 and they play Avondale next week.

Royal Oak: The Ravens picked up a huge 32-6 win at Wisner Stadium over Pontiac to get their record to 2-5 on the season. Royal Oak plays Ferndale next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix suffered another tough loss to Royal Oak 32-6 on Friday night falling to 0-7 on the season. Pontiac is 5-63 since 2011. The Phoenix will play Detroit Leadership Academy next week. The Cougars are 6-1 and having their best season in school history. It will be a tough one for Pontiac.

Week Seven Recap.

Written Friday October 11th at 11:00 PM 

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10.

1. West Bloomfield

2. Lake Orion

3. Oak Park

4. Groves

5. Adams

6. North Farmington

7. Farmington

8. Seaholm

9. Stoney Creek

10. Southfield Arts and Tech

Week Seven Scores.

ROYAL OAK 32, PONTIAC 6.

NORTH FARMINGTON 48, Okemos 0.

FARMINGTON 42, BERKLEY 7.

FERNDALE 42, AVONDALE 28.

OAK PARK 51, TROY 0.

GROVES 28, STONEY CREEK 23.

SEAHOLM 50, TROY ATHENS 22

LAKE ORION 46, ROCHESTER 7.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 44, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27, OXFORD 0.

ADAMS 28, CLARKSTON 27.

BIG WIN: Adams: The Highlanders had to overcome a 13-0 deficit along with a 27-14 deficit in the fourth quarter and three Ethan Clark rushing touchdowns in a stunning 28-27 victory over Clarkston on Friday night. Adams had struggled coming into this game after scoring 50 points since their 36-31 loss to Lake Orion. They were really close to falling to 4-3 but instead they are 5-2. The Wolves are 3-4 on the season and their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. They must win next week at home over Lake Orion if they want any shot at the playoffs. The Highlanders will be tested next week at Southfield Arts and Tech in a huge game for both teams.

TOUGH LOSS: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a huge 44-38 road victory over Rochester in triple overtime last week however they could not take advantage against Seaholm as the Maples won 50-22 on the road on Friday night. The Maples are 5-2 on the season and will travel to Beverly Hills next week to play Groves. Troy Athens travels to Oak Park and sits at 3-4 on the season.

WHAT HAPPENED: Avondale: What has happened to the Yellow Jackets??? Avondale lost 42-28 to Ferndale on Friday night falling to 3-4 on the season. The Yellow Jackets defense has struggled allowing 149 points in the last three games. They play Berkley next week.  The Eagles are also 3-4 on the season and will play Royal Oak.

TEAM THAT NEED A HUG: Stoney Creek: The Cougars battled and competed in Beverly Hills on Friday night but their own mistakes done them in in a tough 28-23 loss to Groves. Stoney Creek is now 4-2 on the season. They will look to bounce back when coach Nick Merlo makes his return to Rochester to play the Falcons next week. The Falcons sit at 6-1 will play Seaholm next week.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Oxford: The Wildcats were shut out by Southfield Arts and Tech 27-0 on Friday night in Southfield. This is the second time Oxford has been shut out this season. The Wildcats drop to 1-6 on the season and will host West Bloomfield next week. The Warriors have a huge game next week against Adams. Southfield Arts and Tech sits at 4-3 right now.

TEAM THAT ME SHAKE MY HEAD: Troy: The Colts still have not scored a point this season. Troy fell 51-0 to Oak Park on their homecoming falling to 0-7 on the season. The Colts have two more opportunities to get some points. Next week they head to Bloomfield Hills who is also winless on the season. The Knights sit at 6-1 on the season will host Troy Athens.