Cross Country Regional Preview.

Written Wednesday October 24th at 12:00 AM

Here are my projections and insight heading into the Boys and Girls Regional for Cross Country. With thanks to my co-host Ian Locke and Athletic.net, here are my projections.

Region 6 @ Willow Metro Park

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

Ann Arbor Huron

Canton

Salem

Plymouth

Detroit Cass Tech

Detroit Western

Detroit Martin Luther King

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University Detroit Jesuit

Garden City

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Northville

Novi

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Redford Thurston

Boys: Plymouth has five runners in the top ten. Salem has three runners in the top 15. Canton has three in the top 20. I think these three teams will move to the State final but it will be Plymouth that wins the trophy. PICK: PLYMOUTH.

Girls: The regional is a three team race between Northville, Salem, and Plymouth. Northville has six runners in the top 15. Plymouth has two runners in the top five and Salem has three in the top 15 and four in the top 20. I think Northville wins this regional. PICK: NORTHVILLE.

Region 7 @ Hess Hathaway Park

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

Lakeland

Holly

Milford

Fenton

Grand Blanc

Farmington Hills Mercy

Boys: This will be interesting as Milford has four runners in the top 15 while Walled Lake Central has three runners in the top ten. Lakeland has two runners in the top 15 and Fenton has two in the top 20. I think Milford and Walled Lake Central are locks while Lakeland survives and moves on to States. Milford looks to be the favorite to hold the regional crown. PICK: MILFORD.

Girls: Fenton has four runners in the top 20 while Milford has two runners in the top 15. I think Fenton and Milford are locks while Lakeland has two runners in the top 15. I see these three teams moving onto States and I see Milford pulling off an upset of sorts over Fenton. PICK: MILFORD.

Region 8 @ Lake St. Clair Metro Park

GROVES

SEAHOLM

TROY

TROY ATHENS

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

ROYAL OAK

Birmingham Brother Rice

Fraser

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Roseville

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Warren De LaSalle

Warren Mott

Warren Cousino

Warren Woods Tower

Boys: Grosse Pointe North has four runners in the top ten. Birmingham Seaholm has three runners in the top 20 and Birmingham Brother Rice has three in the top 20. I see the Norsemen, Maples, and Warriors moving onto States. I see Grosse Pointe North winning the regional crown. PICK: GROSSE POINTE NORTH.

Girls: I see Troy, Seaholm, and Bloomfield Hills moving onto States. The Colts have five runners in the top 20 while the Maples have four runners in the top 15 and the Blackhawks have three runners in the top 10. I think Troy wins this regional. PICK: TROY.

Region 9 @ Algonac

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Chippewa Valley

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Macomb Dakota

Romeo

Utica Ford

Utica Eisenhower

Utica

Macomb Lutheran North

Boys: Clarkston has four runners in the top 15 while Lake Orion has two in the top 15 and Oxford has three in the top 15. Stoney Creek has three in the top 20. I see the Wolves, Wildcats, and Cougars moving onto States but Clarkston wins the regional crown. PICK: CLARKSTON.

Girls: Clarkston has a deadly core of runners as they have six runners that are in the top 15. Lake Orion has two runners that are in the top 15 along with Romeo. These are the three teams I see getting to States but it will be Clarkston that holds the regional trophy. PICK: CLARKSTON.

Region 16 @ Linden Middle School

HARRISON

FERNDALE

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Birmingham Marian

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Clawson

Detroit Communication Media Arts

Detroit Cody

Detroit Fredrick Douglass

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Old Redford

Detroit University Prep

Goodrich

Linden

Lake Fenton

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Brandon

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Boys: This will be an interesting regional. I see Goodrich with five runners in the top 15 along with Lake Fenton who has six runners in the top 15 going through to States and Linden barely sneaks by as they have two runners in the top 15. I see Lake Fenton winning this regional over a solid Goodrich team. PICK: LAKE FENTON.

Girls: This is shaping up to be a tight meet between Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Birmingham Marian, and Goodrich. All three of these teams have at least two runners in the top 15 coming into this meet. I think these three teams will be State bound but it will be the Fighting Irish that takes home the regional trophy. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

Region 17 @ Algonac

HAZEL PARK

Algonac

Armada

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Regina

Center Line

Croswell-Lexington

Harper Woods Chandler Park

Imlay City

Madison Heights Lamphere

Macomb Lutheran North

Marysville

Richmond

St. Clair

Yale

Boys: This will be interesting between Yale, Madison Heights Lamphere, and Armada. I think these teams will move onto States with the depth and talent that each team has. Armada has three runners in the top ten but Yale has four runners in the top 15. This will be a close meet but Yale survives close. PICK: YALE.

Girls: This is an interesting meet between Croswell-Lexington and Imlay City. Macomb Lutheran North might have a say as well. I like Croswell-Lexington to win this regional thanks to their running depth but Imlay City and Macomb Lutheran North will join them at States.  PICK: CROSWELL-LEXINGTON.

Week Ten Picks.

Written Wednesday October 24th at 12:00 AM

Welcome to the 2018 OAA football season. We will pick games this season with my good friends in the media this season, here are the pickers for the season. Anthony Taormina-Host Between Taorminas and History Now on ONTV, Scott Burnstein-State Champs insider, Oakland Press sports writer, Keith Dunlap-Detroit Free Press sports writer, Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports, sports writer, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 89-29

TRAIN 89-29

DUNLAP 94-24

STICK 84-34

BURNEY 91-27

COTTER 88-30

Groves at Seaholm

The Falcons and Maples met last week in Beverly Hills with Groves winning 26-9 over Seaholm. It’s odd that the playoff game will be played in front of the Maple Forest even though the Falcons have played a much tougher schedule than the Maples. It’s always hard to beat a team twice and it hasn’t been easy for Groves at Seaholm lately. The winner of this game will either see Birmingham Brother Rice at home or travel to Livonia Churchill next week.

DUNES: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 21

TRAIN: GROVES 24, SEAHOLM 7

DUNLAP: GROVES 17, SEAHOLM 14

STICK: GROVES over SEAHOLM

BURNEY: GROVES 24, SEAHOLM 23

COTTER: GROVES 21, SEAHOLM 10

Davison at Oxford

This is the eighth meeting all time between the Wildcats and the Cardinals. Davison who is 4-3 in the series features quarterback Cannon Hall whom is a Mr. Michigan Football Candidate but he didn’t look like one last week against Lapeer where his team was blown out 28-6 by the Lightning. The Wildcats are a tough out for anybody have tough wins over Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Romeo but they haven’t been tested in the last two weeks. The winner of this game will likely head to Lapeer next week baring a miraculous upset by Grand Blanc. Things will get interesting at Wildcat Stadium on Friday night.

DUNES: OXFORD 28, DAVISON 21

TRAIN: DAVISON 24, OXFORD 14               

DUNLAP: OXFORD 24, DAVISON 14

STICK: OXFORD over DAVISON

BURNEY: OXFORD 21, DAVISON 20

COTTER: OXFORD 28, DAVISON 20

Ferndale at Oak Park

This will be the sixth meeting all time between the Knights and the Eagles. Ferndale even though they won 30-0 last week over Redford Thurston, I feel bad for them because they have now played three tough opponents to open the playoffs in three years. Oak Park is on a mission to get to Ford Field which included a 21-14 victory over Clarkston. If the Knights can win this game and get by Warren De LaSalle next week then Ford Field could be a reality for Oak Park.

DUNES: OAK PARK 42, FERNDALE 32

TRAIN: OAK PARK 48, FERNDALE 7

DUNLAP: OAK PARK 42, FERNDALE 0

STICK: OAK PARK over FERNDALE

BURNEY: OAK PARK 30, FERNDALE 15

COTTER: OAK PARK 42, FERNDALE 6

Plymouth at West Bloomfield

This is the first meeting between the Lakers and the Wildcats that will take place on Friday night in the Swamp. Plymouth had won four straight games but lost 42-21 to Livonia Churchill last week. West Bloomfield has won two straight including a 13-10 victory over Orchard Lake St. Marys. The winner of this one is looking at Novi Detroit Catholic Central or Plymouth Canton next week.

DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, PLYMOUTH 14

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, PLYMOUTH 7

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, PLYMOUTH 24

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over PLYMOUTH

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 34, PLYMOUTH 24

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 38, PLYMOUTH 14

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood at Harrison

This will be the only meeting between the Hawks and the Cranes. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood has not beaten any playoff teams this season. They did get a forfeit win over Detroit Delta Prep last week. Harrison had to beat Farmington 48-7 last week to get into the playoffs and they have played a very tough schedule. The Hawks should be dominant on Saturday afternoon and play either Birmingham Detroit Country Day or Center Line next week.

DUNES: HARRISON 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD 0

TRAIN: HARRISON 45, BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD 7

DUNLAP: HARRISON 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD 0

STICK: HARRISON over BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD

BURNEY: HARRISON 33, BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD 17

COTTER: HARRISON 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD 7

White Lake Lakeland at Adams

This is the first ever meeting between the Highlanders and the Eagles. Lakeland has big wins over Walled Lake Western, Waterford Mott, and South Lyon East. The Eagles won the battle of Bogie Lake over Walled Lake Northern 57-14 last week. Adams has that big win at Oxford and won 17-3 over Stoney Creek last week. It will be interesting to see what happens in this matchup in Rochester.

DUNES: ADAMS 24, LAKELAND 14

TRAIN: ADAMS 23, LAKELAND 14

DUNLAP: ADAMS 17, LAKELAND 16

STICK: ADAMS over LAKELAND

BURNEY: ADAMS 28, LAKELAND 25

COTTER: ADAMS 27, LAKELAND 24

Avondale at Farmington

The Falcons beat the Yellow Jackets 28-14 in week five which took Avondale out of the Blue title race but things have changed recently for both the Yellow Jackets and Farmington. The Falcons have been outscored 69-7 in the last two weeks while Avondale is putting up gaudy numbers including last week blowing out North Farmington 44-3. It will be interesting to see what happens in this rematch in Farmington with the winner seeing either South Lyon East or Brandon. The Yellow Jackets for sure want revenge after losing 45-44 to the Blackhawks last season in Auburn Hills but they have to get by the Falcons first to make that happen.

DUNES: AVONDALE 35, FARMINGTON 14

TRAIN: AVONDALE 28, FARMINGTON 21

DUNLAP: FARMINGTON 21, AVONDALE 14

STICK: FARMINGTON over AVONDALE

BURNEY: AVONDALE 27, FARMINGTON 26

COTTER: FARMINGTON 28, AVONDALE 21

Lake Orion at Clarkston

The Dragons and Wolves just met two weeks ago at Lake Orion with Clarkston winning 24-14 on their Football for a Cure night. This time both teams are meeting in the postseason. The Wolves are coming off a 21-14 loss to Oak Park last week while the Dragons went into Monroe and beat the Trojans 31-24 last week. Clarkston has won the last eight meetings. If Lake Orion can stay mistake free then an upset could be very well possible here.

DUNES: LAKE ORION 24, CLARKSTON 20

TRAIN: LAKE ORION 31, CLARKSTON 24  

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 28, LAKE ORION 17

STICK: CLARKSTON over LAKE ORION

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 21, LAKE ORION 17

COTTER: CLARKSTON 21, LAKE ORION 17

Regional Soccer Outlook.

Written Monday October 22nd at 5:15 PM

Here is the outlook and insight for both Clarkston and Berkley's chances in the regional.

Clarkston: The Wolves won their tough district with a 1-0 victory over Adams at Oxford in the district final. They also beat Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. Clarkston will have a tough matchup with Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the regional at Grand Blanc. It will be interesting to see how that matchup goes. It has been somewhat of a surprising season for the Wolves.

Berkley: The Bears have a great chance to go far but they will have to go through a very good Warren De LaSalle team that they have scrimmaged during the season at Utica Ford. If Berkley gets by the Pilots then they could clash with Utica Eisenhower or Utica Ford II. The Falcons shocked Troy Athens in the district final 1-0 last week. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Playoff Thoughts.

Written Sunday October 21st at 9:05 PM

Here are my thoughts on each team heading into the playoffs.

Harrison: The Hawks open up with Dearborn Heights Crestwood at home. That is a great matchup for Harrison, I don't think that the Cranes have an answer for the Hawks athleticism. Harrison matches up well with Birmingham Detroit Country Day based on athletes. My main concern for the Hawks going forward will be Grosse Ile. Grosse Ile is a very athletic team that can give Harrison problem and lack of depth could be an issue in that game. I like the draw that the Hawks got and they are in Division Four which is a bonus.

Farmington: This is a horrible matchup for the Falcons now yes they are at home and they beat Avondale 28-14 at Farmington and it's back at the scene of the crime. The Falcons have lost two straight by a combined 69-7. The key is can Farmington break out of this slump if not, good bye.

Avondale: This could not have gone any perfect for the Yellow Jackets, another chance at Farmington and if they win that one looking at Brandon in Ortonville. This is more of revenge week for Avondale which they are more than capable of winning this district.

Ferndale: The Eagles can't seem to get a break when it comes to the playoffs. First it was Detroit Martin Luther King, then it was Warren De LaSalle, and now it's Oak Park. The enrollment with Ferndale University has affected how the matchups have been for the Eagles and it showed this time.

Oak Park: The Knights picked up a big win last week over Clarkston now they will face Ferndale in the postseason. Oak Park has to get past the Eagles and then a likely clash with Warren De LaSalle in a rematch at Oak Park. If the Knights can win this district then they have a great chance to get to Ford Field.

Groves: The Falcons have an interesting matchup with Seaholm. They have won five straight over the Maples including a 26-9 win last week but the last time they went to Seaholm they needed to escape with the win last season. Groves has played by far a more tougher schedule than the Maples but anything is possible in the Maple Forest.

Seaholm: This is an interesting rematch with your arch rival at home. The Maples lost 26-9 to Groves in Beverly Hills last week. If I'm coach Jim DeWald this is the perfect time to look at adjustments and it's another opportunity to get revenge on Groves. The Maple Forest will be rocking this weekend.

Adams: The Highlanders got a great draw with Lakeland coming to Rochester but I'm very concerned about Adams defense because they give up a ton of points. Lakeland is a dangerous opponent for the Highlanders because of who they have back. It will be interesting to say the least.

Oxford: Can the Wildcats solve Cannon Hall??? Hall is Davison's quarterback and he was shut down last week against Lapeer. I'm very concerned with Oxford schedule the last two weeks since they beat Clarkston. If the Wildcats can regain that same intensity that they had prior to Clarkston then Oxford could give Lapeer big problems.

West Bloomfield: This is a tough district for the Lakers even though they have everyone coming to the Swamp but they have Novi Detroit Catholic Central and Canton as well. Plymouth is no easy pushover and West Bloomfield lost Donovan Edwards to injury a few weeks ago. The Lakers if they get by the district will have to deal with Belleville in the regional. This is a tough road for West Bloomfield.

Clarkston: The Wolves have been limping into the playoffs after losing to Oak Park last week but Clarkston always performs well in the playoffs. They have a great district draw and a rematch with their arch rival. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are back in the playoffs for the second time in five years and they take on a familiar opponent in Clarkston. Lake Orion has struggled against the Wolves not having beaten them since 2010, does that all change Friday???

Playoff Projections.

Written Saturday October 20th at 3:40 PM
Updated Sunday October 21st at 2:00 AM

Here are my projected playoff parings. These are the projected parings from Division One through Four. The underline is the projected teams who gets in at 5-4 based on their playoff points and classes.

The official matchups will be released on Sunday at 7 PM on Fox Sports Detroit.

Numbers are by number of points.

Division 1

R1 D1

Rockford (61) at Traverse City West (89)

Holland West Ottawa (72) at Hudsonville (74)

R1 D2

Kalamazoo Central (71) at Saline (102)

Brighton (87) at East Kentwood (99)

R2 D1

Grand Blanc (60) at Lapeer (112)

Davison (79) at CLARKSTON (89)

R2 D2

LAKE ORION (63) at OXFORD (87)

ADAMS (73) at Romeo (82)

R3 D1

Lakeland (72) at WEST BLOOMFIELD (96)

Plymouth Canton (73) at Novi Detroit Catholic Central (82)

R3 D2

Plymouth (68) at Belleville (119)

Monroe (72) at Brownstown Woodhaven (98)

R4 D1

Utica Eisenhower (76) at Chippewa Valley (122)

Macomb Dakota (85) at Grosse Pointe South (95)

R4 D2

Detroit Western (55) at Detroit Cass Tech (114)

Dearborn (57) at Dearborn Fordson (100)

Division 2

R1 D1

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (60) at Muskegon Mona Shores (96)

Jenison (72) at Traverse City Central (84)

R1 D2

Okemos (68) at Jackson (104)

Portage Northern (82) at Portage Central (83)

R2 D1

Midland Dow (55) at Flushing (88)

Midland (67) at Swartz Creek (73)

R2 D2

Temperance Bedford (58) at South Lyon (112)

Dexter (63) at Fenton (84)

R3 D1

Walled Lake Western (70) at SEAHOLM (84)

Birmingham Brother Rice (79) at GROVES (82)

R3 D2

Livonia Franklin (59) at Livonia Churchill (87)

Wyandotte (69) at Dearborn Heights Crestwood (87)

R4 D1

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (65) at Port Huron Northern (96)

Roseville (68) at St. Clair Shores Lakeview (71)

R4 D2

FERNDALE (81) at OAK PARK (100)

Warren Mott (84) at Warren DeLaSalle (92)

Division 3

R1 D1

Petoskey (61) at Mount Pleasent (104)

Gaylord (64) at Cedar Springs (95)

R1 D2
East Grand Rapids (72) at Muskegon (115)

Grand Rapids Northview (76) at Grand Rapids Christian (87)

R2 D1

St. Joseph (61) at Zeeland East (95)

Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (75) at Zeeland West (84)

R2 D2
Mattawan (56) at Parma Western (78) 

Stevensville Lakeshore (58) at Battle Creek Central (64)

R3 D1

St. Johns (55) at DeWitt (115)

Haslett (88) at East Lansing (98)

R3 D2

South Lyon East (57) at Brandon (97)

AVONDALE (77) at FARMINGTON (78)

R4 D1

Garden City (63) at Warren Woods Tower (82)

River Rouge (74) at Detroit Martin Luther King (81)

R4 D2

Trenton (70) at Gibraltar Carlson (97)

Riverview (74) at Allen Park (84)

Division 4

R1 D1

Big Rapids (48) at Escanaba (74)

Whitehall (52) at Ludington (67)

R1 D2

Spring Lake (47) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (83)

Allendale (53) at Wyoming Goodwin Heights (57)

R2 D1

Otsego (49) at Lake Odessa Lakewood (71)

Grand Rapids South Christian (57) at Holland Christian (63)

R2 D2

Plainwell (60) at Edwardsburg (97)

Paw Paw (71) at Three Rivers (84)

R3 D1

Chelsea (67) at Alma (82)

Flint Powers (71) at Willamston (78)

R3 D2

Yale (51) at St. Clair (70)

Croswell-Lexington (68) at North Branch (70)

R4 D1

Goodrich (51) at Birmingham Detroit Country Day (77)

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (63) at HARRISON (70)

R4 D2

Center Line (58) at Grosse Isle (104)

Detroit Cody (71) at Milan (75)

Week Nine Recap.

Written Saturday October 20th at 12:35 AM

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10

1. Groves

2. Oxford

3. Oak Park

4. Ferndale

5. West Bloomfield

6. Seaholm

7. Harrison

8. Adams

9.  Avondale

T-10. Lake Orion

T-10. Clarkston

Week Nine Scores

WEST BLOOMFIELD 13, Orchard Lake St. Marys 10

ADAMS 17, STONEY CREEK 3

LAKE ORION 31, Monroe 24

OXFORD 35, TROY ATHENS 0

River Rouge 45, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0

OAK PARK 21, CLARKSTON 14

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, ROCHESTER 15

GROVES 26, SEAHOLM 9

AVONDALE 44, NORTH FARMINGTON 3

ROYAL OAK 39, Monroe Jefferson 8

HARRISON 48, FARMINGTON 7

HAZEL PARK 46, Detroit University Science and Math 20

TROY 20, BERKLEY 12

FERNDALE 30, Redford Thurston 0

Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 48, PONTIAC 6

BIG WIN: Lake Orion: The Dragons went into Monroe trailing 17-10 at the half but came out in the second half and stunned the Trojans 31-24 on Friday night. The win gives Lake Orion a great shot at making the playoffs. They will be waiting to see if they get an invite on Sunday night but odds are they should.

TOUGH LOSS: Clarkston: The Wolves lost a tough one to Oak Park 21-14 at home on Friday night. Clarkston’s offense had three opportunities to score but couldn’t come through against the Knights and their stout defense. Oak Park looks to likely host multiple playoff games. The Wolves could be on the bubble of hosting a playoff game.

TEAM THAT SENT A STATEMENT: Harrison: I’m so happy that the Hawks will be competing in the playoffs after blowing out Farmington 48-7. Harrison deserved to be in the playoffs and they will be likely in Division Four. The Hawks could be a factor heading into the postseason.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Farmington: On the other side of that defeat was the Falcons as they fell 48-7 to Harrison. Farmington has been outscored 69-7 in the last two weeks. That’s not a good sign if they want to do something in the playoffs.

WHAT HAPPENED? Seaholm: The Maples and Groves wore military uniforms on Friday night in Beverly Hills but it was the Falcons that won 26-9 on Friday night. Groves just ran the football all over Seaholm. It will be interesting if both of these teams meet next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Rochester: It’s been a tough journey for the Falcons and they lost 21-15 to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Rochester had some tough losses to Adams, Groves, Oak Park, and Harrison but they lost to Stoney Creek and Bloomfield Hills by close games. The Falcons head into the offseason with some questions.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were destroyed on Friday night by River Rouge 45-0. Southfield Arts and Tech was outmatched by River Rouge and it showed. The Warriors have a ton of questions with their program heading into next season.

Week Nine Picks.

Written Wednesday October 17th at 7:00 PM

Welcome to the 2018 OAA football season. We will pick games this season with my good friends in the media this season, here are the pickers for the season. Anthony Taormina-Host Between Taorminas and History Now on ONTV, Scott Burnstein-State Champs insider, Oakland Press sports writer, Keith Dunlap-Detroit Free Press sports writer, Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports, sports writer, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 76-27

TRAIN 77-26

DUNLAP 81-22

STICK 71-32

BURNEY 78-25

COTTER 76-27

3. Seaholm at 1. Groves

This maybe the game of the season as the battle of Birmingham takes place. The Falcons have owned the Maples winning the last four meetings and have played a tougher schedule than Seaholm. Groves has won six straight since a 0-2 start. The Maples have had a renaissance winning four straight since losing to South Lyon leading to the Blue crown for the first time since 2013. This one will be a good one that is for sure.

DUNES: GROVES 27, SEAHOLM 24

TRAIN: GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 28

DUNLAP: GROVES 24, SEAHOLM 21 OT

STICK: GROVES 21, SEAHOLM 14

BURNEY: GROVES 31, SEAHOLM 28

COTTER: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 7

Troy Athens at 2. Oxford

The Wildcats have made the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and have won three straight since being upset by Adams. Oxford looks to stay healthy as they get ready for the postseason. The Red Hawks and former Oxford quarterback and coach Billy Keenest has had a rough season but they did get their first win of the year by beating Troy 31-0 last week. There are better days ahead for Troy Athens but it will be interesting how Wildcats coach Bud Rowley plays this against his former quarterback.

DUNES: OXFORD 35, TROY ATHENS 21

TRAIN: OXFORD 42, TROY ATHENS 7        

DUNLAP: OXFORD 48, TROY ATHENS 7

STICK: OXFORD 35, TROY ATHENS 14

BURNEY: OXFORD 27, TROY ATHENS 17

COTTER: OXFORD 42, TROY ATHENS 7

4. Oak Park at 6. Clarkston

It’s always hard to recover from a loss but the loss to West Bloomfield 27-21 last week may have been the best thing to happen to Oak Park. The Knights had won seven straight heading into that matchup with the Lakers. If Oak Park wants to make a statement then why not go into Clarkston and make that statement. The Wolves beat Lake Orion 24-14 last week and have not looked impressive since. This is the Knights best chance if they want to host a regional.

DUNES: OAK PARK 30, CLARKSTON 27

TRAIN: CLARKSTON 24, OAK PARK 21

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 27, OAK PARK 24

STICK: OAK PARK 28, CLARKSTON 21

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 27, OAK PARK 24

COTTER: CLARKSTON 24, OAK PARK 21

5. Ferndale at Redford Thurston

This is a big matchup for both teams but for different reasons with both teams named Eagles. Ferndale is red hot winning five straight games to make their third straight playoff appearance including last week’s 20-7 victory at Hurley Field over Berkley. Redford Thurston is also red hot since losing three straight early in the season as they sit at 5-3 needing one win to get to the playoffs. It will be a good one in Redford that is for sure.

DUNES: FERNDALE 28, REDFORD THURSTON 21

TRAIN: FERNDALE 42, REDFORD THURSTON 14

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 35, REDFORD THURSTON 10

STICK: FERNDALE 21, REDFORD THURSTON 19

BURNEY: FERNDALE 24, REDFORD THURSTON 14

COTTER: FERNDALE 28, REDFORD THURSTON 6

Orchard Lake St. Marys at 7. West Bloomfield

The Battle of Orchard Lake is upon us. It is the first ever meeting between these two neighborhood rivals on the gridiron. The Lakers are playoff bound after a 27-21 victory over Oak Park last week. The Eaglets lost 24-21 to Birmingham Brother Rice last week and will not make the playoffs for a second straight season. This could be a highly entertaining game in the Swamp.

DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 14

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 7

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 18

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 14

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 33, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 25

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 27

8. Avondale at North Farmington

The Yellow Jackets are in the playoffs for a second straight season including locking up a 45-6 victory over Hazel Park to secure a playoff berth. The Raiders are improving but lost 23-17 to Macomb Lutheran North last week. It will be interesting to see where North Farmington’s mindset is at heading into next season but for Avondale it’s about staying healthy and getting ready for the playoffs.

DUNES: AVONDALE 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 22

TRAIN: AVONDALE 49, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 31, NORTH FARMINGTON 14

STICK: AVONDALE 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 20

BURNEY: AVONDALE 23, NORTH FARMINGTON 20

COTTER: AVONDALE 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

Stoney Creek at 9. Adams

This is a must win game for the Highlanders as they look to get to the playoffs for a third straight season which included a huge 33-14 win over Southfield Arts and Tech last week. Adams has won eight of nine against Stoney Creek but this is a different Cougars team than the Highlanders have seen. Stoney Creek has really improved, outscoring their opponents 59-14 in the last two weeks which included a shocking 25-0 victory over Rochester last week. This one could surprise some folks as the Cougars really have nothing to lose and Adams has everything to lose.

DUNES: ADAMS 28, STONEY CREEK 24

TRAIN: ADAMS 35, STONEY CREEK 7

DUNLAP: ADAMS 31, STONEY CREEK 13

STICK: ADAMS 24, STONEY CREEK 14

BURNEY: ADAMS 32, STONEY CREEK 21

COTTER: ADAMS 38, STONEY CREEK 6

Farmington at 10. Harrison

This will be an interesting matchup to close the season on Harrison’s final home game of the regular season. Both teams are coming off losses, the Falcons to Seaholm 21-0 and the Hawks to Groves 25-6 last week. Harrison has owned the series over Farmington by going 30-5 in that span. This will be an interesting matchup to say the least.

DUNES: HARRISON 35, FARMINGTON 0

TRAIN: HARRISON 35, FARMINGTON 14

DUNLAP: HARRISON 42, FARMINGTON 7

STICK: HARRISON 35, FARMINGTON 21

BURNEY: HARRISON 30, FARMINGTON 23

COTTER: HARRISON 35, FARMINGTON 0

Rochester at Bloomfield Hills

I’m still in shock to see what happened to the Falcons at Stoney Creek when looking at the score. Rochester was shocked 25-0 by the Cougars last week with all the close losses they have had during the season. The Blackhawks have not been competitive losing seven straight games and been blown out in six of them. It’s going to be interesting to see who comes out and finishes the season strong.

DUNES: ROCHESTER 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7

TRAIN: ROCHESTER 17, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 20

STICK: ROCHESTER 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21

BURNEY: ROCHESTER 23, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 20

COTTER: ROCHESTER 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

Lake Orion at Monroe

It’s do or die for the Dragons as they travel south down I-75 to Monroe to take on a 6-2 Trojans team that is really athletic and solid. It’s the first meeting between the teams since 1998 when they met in the regional. Lake Orion is coming off a 24-14 loss to Clarkston. Monroe lost 28-6 to Saline last week. The Dragons has a size advantage and has played a tougher schedule than the Trojans. If Blaze Lauer shows up and not make mistakes then Lake Orion will be playoff bound at 5-4 even though this will be their first game on grass since Romeo in the postseason in 2015.

DUNES: LAKE ORION 35, MONROE 28

TRAIN: LAKE ORION 28, MONROE 14

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 31, MONROE 21

STICK: LAKE ORION 21, MONROE 20

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 23, MONROE 20

COTTER: LAKE ORION 28, MONROE 21

Southfield Arts and Tech at River Rouge

The Warriors saw their playoff hopes dashed last week by Adams 33-14 which will make them miss the postseason for a second straight season. We don’t know what the mindset of Southfield Arts and Tech will be as they travel to River Rouge to play the Panthers. River Rouge has not played a game in two weeks so it’s possible they could be rusty but it will be a tough task to say the least for the Warriors.

DUNES: RIVER ROUGE 37, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 30

TRAIN: RIVER ROUGE 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 31

DUNLAP: RIVER ROUGE 27, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20

STICK: RIVER ROUGE 22, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 20

BURNEY: RIVER ROUGE 34, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 31

COTTER: RIVER ROUGE 26, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14

Troy at Berkley

The Colts have lost their scoring touch in their six game losing streak which included getting shutout by a combined 69-0 in the last two weeks. The Bears meanwhile has lost five straight including a 20-7 defeat to Ferndale last week. Someone has to win this game at Hurley Field.

DUNES: BERKLEY 10, TROY 3

TRAIN: BERKLEY 14, TROY 10

DUNLAP: TROY 21, BERKLEY 14

STICK: TROY 21, BERKLEY 20

BURNEY: TROY 28, BERKLEY 26

COTTER: BERKLEY 7, TROY 3

Riverview Gabriel Richard at Pontiac

It’s been another rough season for the Phoenix as they look to next season. Pontiac has lost seven straight games and they haven’t even been competitive in any of them getting outscored 337-28 in that span. They will take on a Riverview Gabriel Richard team that is one win away from making the playoffs. The Pioneers have won two straight outscoring their opponents 72-21 in that span. It’s going to get ugly at Wisner Stadium.

DUNES: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 56, PONTIAC 0

TRAIN: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 35, PONTIAC 0

DUNLAP: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 28, PONTIAC 6

STICK: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 21, PONTIAC 13

BURNEY: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 26, PONTIAC 16

COTTER: RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD 49, PONTIAC 8

Monroe Jefferson at Royal Oak

The Ravens will need a ton of help if they want to make the playoffs. Monroe Jefferson lost 17-0 at home to Royal Oak last season. The Bears have been outscored 81-0 in the last two weeks which is not good. The Ravens won 35-0 over Detroit Edison last week. It could be a long ride up north for Monroe Jefferson.

DUNES: ROYAL OAK 24, MONROE JEFFERSON 0

TRAIN: ROYAL OAK 28, MONROE JEFFERSON 7

DUNLAP: ROYAL OAK 35, MONROE JEFFERSON 14

STICK: ROYAL OAK 24, MONROE JEFFERSON 21

BURNEY: ROYAL OAK 30, MONROE JEFFERSON 22

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 35, MONROE JEFFERSON 0

Detroit Science and Math at Hazel Park

It’s the final game in the OAA for the Vikings as they are leaving for the MAC next season. The Vikings are coming off a 45-6 loss to Avondale last week. Detroit Science and Math won 20-18 over Marine City Cardinal Mooney last week. It will be an interesting matchup for Hazel Park.

DUNES: DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 24, HAZEL PARK 16

TRAIN: HAZEL PARK 35, DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 0

DUNLAP: HAZEL PARK 23, DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 15

STICK: HAZEL PARK 22, DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 7

BURNEY: HAZEL PARK 25, DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 15

COTTER: HAZEL PARK 32, DETROIT SCIENCE AND MATH 8