Week Five Recap.

 Written Saturday September 25th at 3:00 PM

INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN

1. Adams

2. Clarkston

3. West Bloomfield

4. Berkley

5. Stoney Creek

6. Rochester

7. North Farmington

8. Troy

9. Bloomfield Hills

10. Troy Athens

 

WEEK FIVE SCORES

TROY 14, Dearborn Edsel Ford 0.

BERKLEY 31, TROY ATHENS 20.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 41, FARMINGTON 14.

AVONDALE 21, FERNDALE 0.

ROCHESTER 32, NORTH FARMINGTON 27.

GROVES 22, OAK PARK 14 OT.

ADAMS 35, SEAHOLM 0.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, LAKE ORION 21.

CLARKSTON 20, OXFORD 17.

STONEY CREEK 21, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14.

ROYAL OAK 1, PONTIAC 0.

 

TEAM THAT MADE A STATEMENT: Stoney Creek: The Cougars just proved that they belong in the Red with a stunning 21-14 homecoming victory over Southfield Arts and Tech on Friday night. Stoney Creek used time possession football and shut down the highly octane Warriors offense and Isiah Marshall. This is a monster win for the Cougars as they continue to improve. They have Lake Orion looming next week. 

TOUGH LOSS: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks saw their undefeated record come to an end at Hurley Field on Friday night when they fell 31-20 to Berkley. The Bears had four touchdowns from Savod Daniels in that game. Troy Athens still controls their own destiny in the Blue and they have a big one looming with Bloomfield Hills next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Oxford: The Wildcats have been playing much better there is no denying that but falling on a heartbreaker to Clarkston 20-17 on homecoming really hurts. I’m not pressing any panic buttons on Oxford. I think the Wildcats are just fine. They have a big time test looming on the road against Southfield Arts and Tech next week.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: North Farmington: This is the second week in a row that the Raiders had a lead and lost it in the fourth quarter when they fell 32-27 to Rochester on Saturday afternoon at Stoney Creek. It's a huge program win for the Falcons. They have a huge game looming next week with Adams.

Early Basketball Rankings.

Written Saturday September 25th at 12:00 PM

Basketball season is only a few weeks away. These are not the official rankings. That comes in mid-November when the season gets closer. 

Here are my top ten teams for now but things could change a month from now.

Girls

1. Clarkston: Wolves have a ton of experience coming back for new coach Aaron Goodnough. Ava Hernandez looks to be the X factor this season.

2. West Bloomfield: Lakers have a lot of experience coming back. Depth is the question mark though for new coach Darrin McAllister.

3. Stoney Creek: Cougars are back to being “Team Finebaum.”

4. Lake Orion: Olivia Peplowski is the X factor for an experienced Dragons squad this season.

5. Troy: Lizzy Bultynck is the X factor for the Colts this season.

6. Oxford: Curious to see how the Wildcats will replace Mackenzie Methner. Looks like the pressure is on Miranda Wyniemko and Peyton Ritcher.

7. Groves: Jordan Peterson is going to have to do a lot more for a Falcons squad that is in a transition.

8. Troy Athens: Ellie Mustko really stood out for the Red Hawks in the final weeks last season. Could be a possible sleeper in the White.

9. North Farmington: Halee Rogers is the key in the interior for the Raiders this season.

10. Adams: Really like what new Coach Joe Malburg has done with the Highlanders. Madison Kessman, Samantha Blaine, and Ainyah Howard should be the key players for the Highlanders.

 

Boys

1. Ferndale: Chris Williams is the X factor for the Eagles this season.

2. Clarkston: Zach Austin is the X Factor for the Wolves this season.

3. Adams: Welcome back to Michigan Gunner Walters.

4. Bloomfield Hills: Blackhawks have a ton of depth which makes them dangerous.

5. Lake Orion: Jeff Perkowski is a name to watch this season for the Dragons.

6. North Farmington: The addition of Ryan Hurst and Prince Jackson makes things interesting for the Raiders.

7. Rochester: New coach with proven experience could mean great things for the Falcons.

8. Berkley: Bears junior varsity from last season is a big reason why they could be in line for a good year.

9. Troy Athens: Is Alex Justice ready to take things over in the post for the Red Hawks???

10. Troy: Colts have foundation pieces in Darius Whiteside and Mason Parker to watch this season.

Boys Soccer Rankings Top Ten.

Written Saturday September 25th at 11:00 AM

Here is my top ten rankings for boys soccer as we speak.

1. Berkley- Bears have been playing very well and also state ranked.

2. Troy Athens- Red Hawks have been playing well lately.

3. Troy- Colts seem to be ready to make a postseason run.

4. Stoney Creek- Cougars needed a last second goal to win one the other day.

5. Clarkston- Wolves seem to have turned things around.

6. Royal Oak- Ravens are off to a strong start. Can they sustain it???

7. Rochester- Falcons have always had a solid program.

8. Groves- Falcons have been a very odd team lately.

9. Pontiac- Phoenix control their own destiny in the Blue.

10. Adams- Highlanders are still dangerous come postseason time.

Week Five Thoughts.

Written Friday September 24th at 11:00 PM

Berkley: The Bears made a huge statement on Friday night at Hurley Field by giving Troy Athens their first loss of the season 31-20. Berkley had four touchdowns from Savod Daniels. Daniels has really shown that he is the real deal. They are starting to put things together at the right time. Other than the second half disaster at Bloomfield Hills in week one they have been playing to my expectations. Berkley has Avondale looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles got back from COVID-19 protocol and it showed in their 21-0 loss to Avondale on Friday night. Ferndale has a tough matchup looming with Walled Lake Western on the road next week.

Farmington: It’s been a rough first year for Coach Jason Albrecht and the Falcons as Farmington got blown out 41-14 by Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. The Falcons have a lot of work to do going forward. They have Royal Oak next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks took their first loss of the season on Friday night falling 31-20 to Berkley at Hurley Field. Trey Vincent and Andre Sheldon caught touchdown passes from Evan Bieber while Vincent also added a rushing score for Troy Athens. The Red Hawks goals are still in front of them especially for a league title. They have a huge game when Bloomfield Hills comes to town next week.

Troy: The Colts had a defensive battle with Dearborn Edsel Ford on Friday night but found a way to win 14-0. The defense has been the story for them. The final three games will define their season though but they are on the right track. They have Pontiac looming next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets picked up a much needed win on Friday night by beating Ferndale 21-0. I'm not sure if Jake Herzog came back. Avondale needs to keep that momentum going. They head to Hurley Field to play Berkley next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks keep on rolling winning 41-14 over Farmington on Friday night. CJ Jackson has played really well but I need to see how he performs in a big game not name Berkley and there are a few that are on the horizon. I really haven’t been impressed by Bloomfield Hills despite their 5-0 record for a few reasons. They really haven’t been tested since the Berkley game as mentioned and Waterford Kettering is not as strong as first thought despite trailing 21-0 and scoring 42 unanswered points in that game. The Blackhawks should be tested next week when they play Troy Athens. That is my measuring stick game for Bloomfield Hills to see if they are for real or not.

Pontiac: This was a tough blow for the Phoenix not getting to play on Friday night. Pontiac has Troy next week in a tough matchup.

Royal Oak: The Ravens saw their game with Pontiac get cancelled. Royal Oak will travel to Farmington to play the Falcons next week.

Adams: The Highlanders were dominant on Friday night earning a homecoming win over Seaholm 35-0. Parker Picot has played very well thus far. Adams has a huge game looming next week with North Farmington.

North Farmington: The Raiders blew a 27-19 lead on Saturday afternoon only to fall to Rochester 32-27 at Stoney Creek. North Farmington is in some trouble a little bit. They have Adams looming next week.

Groves: Jaden Magnum has really paid dividends for the Falcons. They had a huge 22-14 overtime win over Oak Park on Friday night in Beverly Hills. Magnum has clearly helped Groves get back on track. They have Rochester looming next week.

Oak Park: The Knights are a weird team to figure out after falling 22-14 in overtime to Groves on Friday night. Oak Park’s strength of schedule could save them but they got to start winning games. They have Seaholm looming next week.

Rochester: Alex Bueno was the difference in the Falcons 32-27 stunner over North Farmington on Saturday afternoon. Rochester has been up and down but this is a huge win for Coach Eric Vernon and company. They have Groves looming next week.

Seaholm: It was a tough one for the Maples on Friday night falling 35-0 to Adams. Seaholm has Oak Park looming next week.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers earned a hard fought 28-21 win over Lake Orion on Friday night. Semaj Morgan and Dillon Tatum had big games. The defense had their fair shares of ups and downs. They need to shore this up next week with Clarkston looming in the Swamp.

Clarkston: The Wolves had to pick up a hard earned 20-17 win over Oxford on Friday night. Clarkston needed everything to beat a very good Wildcats team. The Wolves have a big one looming next week when they head to the Swamp to play West Bloomfield.

Lake Orion: The Dragons played much better despite falling 28-21 to West Bloomfield on Friday night. Lake Orion battled to the end which is a good thing going forward. They got to fix the penalties and their discipline. If they get that fixed, they are fine. The Dragons have Stoney Creek looming next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have a lot of struggles on the road and it showed on Friday night which saw them lose to Stoney Creek for the second straight year 21-14 on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech is a mystery team. They have a really tough schedule starting with Oxford next week.

Oxford: I’ll tell you what, I have to give the Wildcats so much credit despite falling 20-17 to Clarkston on Friday night. They are getting better and had the Wolves on the ropes on their homecoming. Next week is a must win for Oxford when they play Southfield Arts and Tech. The sky is the limit for the Wildcats.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars proved they belong in the Red after a 21-14 win over Southfield Arts and Tech on Friday night. Gary Griffith’s defense and time possession football has been huge for Stoney Creek. The Cougars have Lake Orion looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers picked up a huge 34-27 win over Birmingham Detroit Country Day on Friday night. They have an unfortunate week off next week UNLESS, they pick up an opponent which looks possible and knowing Coach Rob Oden, they will play anyone.

Volleyball Rankings Top Ten.

Written Wednesday September 22nd at 11:30 AM

Hello to all, hope all is well. I haven't covered volleyball as much but I have a top ten so here it is as of September 22nd.

1. Clarkston: Wolves have proven they are the best team in the league thus far and they are a state ranked team.

2. Lake Orion: The Marvel character Venom describes the Dragons thus far.

3. Adams: Highlanders looked strong against Oxford on Tuesday night despite falling in the first set.

4. Seaholm: Maples victory at Stoney Creek is creating some buzz.

5. Stoney Creek: What happened on Tuesday night Cougars??? They should be fine though going forward.

6. Oxford: Wildcats should be fine, no need to panic.

7. Bloomfield Hills: Blackhawks hung tough with Lake Orion on Tuesday night. They should be fine going forward.

8. Troy: Kendal Zeiter has fit in very nicely for the Colts. Could be a wildcard come postseason time.

9. North Farmington: Charlotte Warner has been key to the Raiders success thus far. North Farmington is a possible contender in the White.

10. Berkley: Sawyer Jones and Ava Beard are the key for the Bears going forward. They will be fine, no need to panic.

Week Five Picks.

Written Tuesday September 21st at 8:00 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 37-15

BURNEY 36-16

COTTER 41-11

TIM 38-14

DUNLAP 42-10

STICK 40-12

 

Seaholm at 1. Adams: The Highlanders are on a roll which is a great sign going forward. Adams blew out Rochester for their 26^th straight win over them 49-10 last week. The Maples have been struggling but they have improved each week despite falling 21-14 to Groves last week. This is a battle of the veers which means time possession football and not a lot of going through the air.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, SEAHOLM 7.

BURNEY: ADAMS 32, SEAHOLM 21.

COTTER: ADAMS 49, SEAHOLM 7.

TIM: ADAMS 42, SEAHOLM 0.

DUNLAP: ADAMS 42, SEAHOLM 7.

STICK: ADAMS 49, SEAHOLM 0.

 

2. Clarkston at Oxford: It’s the Wildcats homecoming but why choose Clarkston as your opponent??? Oxford is coming off an emotional high after beating Lake Orion 51-27 on the road last week. The Wildcats have scored 82 points in the last two weeks. Their defense will be tested against a red hot Wolves attack which put up 56 points in a 56-27 win over Southfield Arts and Tech last week. This could be a shootout but this could also be a blowout as well.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 35, OXFORD 31.

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 31, OXFORD 28.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 35, OXFORD 21.

TIM: CLARKSTON 35, OXFORD 28.

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 24, OXFORD 10.

STICK: CLARKSTON 35. OXFORD 28.

 

3. West Bloomfield at Lake Orion: These are two green and white teams that are heading in opposite directions. The Lakers have been rolling since their 35-17 loss to Adams in week one. West Bloomfield has used a mix of the run and pass which was prevalent in their 24-10 win in the Swamp over Stoney Creek last week. The Dragons have not been the same since the North Farmington game. They have been outscored 135-77 in the last three weeks. Lake Orion has some problems especially defensively that they need to address and quickly. This game could be a shootout but it could be a blowout as well.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, LAKE ORION 31.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 36, LAKE ORION 22.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, LAKE ORION 14.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, LAKE ORION 14.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, LAKE ORION 17.

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, LAKE ORION 27.

 

Dearborn Edsel Ford at 4. Troy: The Colts are 4-0 for the first time since 2000 and its homecoming week for Troy. They have a very interesting matchup with Dearborn Edsel Ford. The Thunderbirds were shut out in both of their losses (Carlson 42-0, and Brownstown Woodhaven 44-0.) Dearborn Edsel Ford is a very tricky team but the Colts are on a roll and don’t really see them get tested until their final three games.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: TROY 24, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 0.

BURNEY: TROY 35, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 20.

COTTER: TROY 24, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 7.

TIM: TROY 28, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 7.

DUNLAP: TROY 24, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 10.

STICK: TROY 27, DEARBORN EDSEL FORD 14.

 

5. Troy Athens at 8. Berkley: This should be the best game in the area this weekend. It has a storyline component written all over it. Billy Keenest returns to Hurley Field to face his former school. Keenest coached at Berkley in 2017 before leaving to go to back to Troy Athens where he served as the offensive coordinator for under then Coach Josh Heppener. Keenest has really turned the Red Hawks around. They have been battle tested on route to being 4-0 for the first time since 1996. Berkley has really improved under Coach Sean Shields. They beat Troy Athens 22-20 at Troy last season. The Bears come in to this game with one loss (Bloomfield Hills) didn't play because of Ferndale’s COVID-19 precautions last week. The Red Hawks are coming off an emotional come from behind 43-35 win over Royal Oak on their homecoming last week. It will be interesting how each team responds to this game. If Berkley wins this game then they are right back in the league race but if Troy Athens wins it gets them one step closer to their goals. This is shaping up to be an exciting game at Hurley Field.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BERKLEY 38, TROY ATHENS 35.

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 26, BERKLEY 18.

COTTER: BERKLEY 31, TROY ATHENS 21.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 42, BERKLEY 28.

DUNLAP: TROY ATHENS 21, BERKLEY 20.

STICK: TROY ATHENS 35, BERKLEY 21.

 

6. North Farmington at Rochester: This might be the best game of the weekend not named Troy Athens and Berkley which has major implications on the White. The Raiders have some issues to address especially on the defensive side of the football. They blew a 17-0 first half lead against Oak Park and fell 30-24 in Knight Valley last week. North Farmington is looking for a bounce back game and this could be it especially with what's ahead for them. The Falcons are coming off their 26th straight loss in  blowout fashion to arch rival Adams 49-10 last week. Rochester has a ton of experience but they still have a ton to prove. This could be the game to prove if they belong in the White. This is a must win for the Falcons if they want to make it back to the postseason. This should be a fun game at Rochester Stadium.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 31, ROCHESTER 24.

BURNEY: NORTH FARMINGTON 29, ROCHESTER 19.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 35, ROCHESTER 14.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 49, ROCHESTER 14.

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 42, ROCHESTER 21.

STICK: ROCHESTER 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 34.

 

Farmington at 7. Bloomfield Hills: Bloomfield Hills has been rolling. They earned a 38-6 blowout of Avondale at Dick Bye Field last week. Farmington has been struggling which is very surprising despite coming from the White and having a ton of experience coming back. They fell 17-7 to Troy on their home field last week. It’s homecoming for the Blackhawks which has their fair share of concerns. They better not underestimate the Falcons. Farmington is more than capable of pulling off and upset and ruining a homecoming. This could be the night if the Blackhawks aren't careful.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 24, FARMINGTON 21.

BURNEY: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 34, FARMINGTON 23.

COTTER: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, FARMINGTON 7.

TIM: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28, FARMINGTON 7.

DUNLAP: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 31, FARMINGTON 14.

STICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, FARMINGTON 14.

 

9. Southfield Arts and Tech at 10. Stoney Creek: This should be a very interesting matchup of 2-2 teams trying to make the postseason. Both teams are coming off road losses last week. The Warriors fell 56-27 to Clarkston and the Cougars fell 24-10 to West Bloomfield. Southfield Arts and Tech lost 36-7 to Stoney Creek on their home field last season. It's homecoming for the Cougars this week. It could be a trap game for the Warriors if they are not careful.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 31, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28.

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 26, STONEY CREEK 24.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 21, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 13.

TIM: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28, STONEY CREEK 14.

DUNLAP: STONEY CREEK 24, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21.

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28, STONEY CREEK 21.

 

Royal Oak at Pontiac: The Phoenix have really improved under first year coach Ken Wade. Pontiac is putting up some offensive numbers even though they haven't put a win on the win column yet. They fell 68-40 to Stockbridge last week. The 40 points scored was the most points that they scored in four years. Royal Oak played much better on their homecoming despite falling to Troy Athens 43-35 last week. The Ravens are a pure Jekyll and Hyde team. This is shaping up to be a very interesting game. Both of these teams have had losing pasts but at least someone will be very happy this weekend.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 66, ROYAL OAK 63.

BURNEY: ROYAL OAK 30, PONTIAC 13.

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 42, PONTIAC 14.

TIM: ROYAL OAK 63, PONTIAC 7.

DUNLAP: ROYAL OAK 35, PONTIAC 28.

STICK: ROYAL OAK 35, PONTIAC 13.

 

Oak Park at Groves: Both of these teams are coming off huge wins last week earning their first wins of the season. The Knights shocked North Farmington 30-24 in Knight Valley. They trailed 17-0 in the first half of that game and ran all over their defense in the second half. The Falcons saw Jaden Magnum come back from an injury and had to hold off Seaholm 21-14 on the road last week. Magnum clearly makes Groves that much better. I really think the strength of schedule could be a difference in this matchup. These two schools know each other well.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: OAK PARK 42, GROVES 14.

BURNEY: OAK PARK 30, GROVES 20.

COTTER: OAK PARK 44, GROVES 0.

TIM: GROVES 28, OAK PARK 14.

DUNLAP: OAK PARK 27, GROVES 20.

STICK: OAK PARK 21, GROVES 10.

 

Ferndale at Avondale: This has always been a rivalry which usually has postseason indications however both teams are struggling with a combined 1-6 record which was very surprising considering that both teams were picked to finish one and two in the preseason coaches poll. Ferndale didn't play Berkley because of COVID-19 within their program last week. It’s unknown if the Eagles can play this week which will be something to watch. Avondale really misses quarterback and safety Jake Herzog. Herzog has a knee injury and was missed in their 38-6 blowout loss to Bloomfield Hills at Dick Bye Field last week. It’s unknown when he will be back, hopefully it will be sooner than later. The Yellow Jackets need this one in the worst way going forward.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 11, FERNDALE 8.

BURNEY: FERNDALE 22, AVONDALE 21.

COTTER: AVONDALE 20, FERNDALE 12.

TIM: AVONDALE 2, FERNDALE 0.

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 24, FERNDALE 14.

STICK: AVONDALE 27, FERNDALE 21.

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day at Harper Woods: This is shaping up to be a very interesting game at Harper Woods. The Pioneers are coming off a huge 38-30 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep last week. Birmingham Detroit Country Day is coming off their first loss falling 31-7 to South Lyon last week. These are two teams that should be playoff bound in their respective divisions.

 

MR SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 35, BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 21.

BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 28, BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 24.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 28, BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 21.

TIM: BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 21, HARPER WOODS 14.

DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 28, BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 14.

STICK: BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY 21, HARPER WOODS 14. 

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