The moment we have been waiting for is here. The rankings are here. This blog articled will be updated with the videos from the preview shows.
Enjoy.
INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10
1. Oak Park
2. West Bloomfield
3. Groves
4. Harrison
5. Adams
6. Southfield Arts and Tech
7. Clarkston
8. Ferndale
9. Avondale
10. Lake Orion
Blue
DREAM SCHEDULE: Royal Oak: The Ravens made the playoffs last
season for the first time since 2006 with a schedule that really didn’t prepare
them to get into the postseason. If they want to get back to the playoffs,
they’ll have to earn their way back to the postseason but on paper the schedule
looks manageable. Royal Oak will have road trips to St. Clair Shores Lakeview,
Farmington, and Avondale. The Ravens lost to Avondale 21-7 last season and beat
Farmington last season 44-23. The Ravens when they last went to St. Clair Shores, they lost 21-0. Royal Oak has home tests against North
Farmington and Seaholm looming and the end
of the season games against Monroe Jefferson and Detroit Edison are very
winnable. If the Ravens can get off to a good start then maybe another playoff
berth could be in the cards.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Farmington: Poor coach Kory Cioroch, he can’t
catch a break with the schedule. If the Falcons want to turn around their
season then they will have to earn their way to get back into the postseason.
Farmington is 5-15 in the last two seasons and they have a brutal schedule with
road games at Ferndale, Madison, and Seaholm not to mention that tough home
games against North Farmington, Avondale, and Harrison loom. It certainly will
not be an easy ride for the Falcons that is for sure.
TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Seaholm: The Maples feel like they
shouldn’t be in this division but they are. They are 11-25 since 2013 and coach
Jim DeWald wants to fix that. If Seaholm wants to prove that they don’t belong
in this division then they have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat.
The Maples have a tough schedule with non-league games against Troy Athens,
South Lyon, and Groves. Seaholm has to go to Ferndale but they have North
Farmington and Farmington coming to the Maple Forest. If the Maples want to get
back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 then they have to win two of
these games to get to that magic six win number. It will be interesting to see
what Seaholm has.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Hazel Park: The Vikings made the
playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season and they are in their final
year in the OAA with only four returning players this season. Hazel Park has
two winnable non-conference games against Detroit University Prep and Detroit
Science and Math Academy but the rest of the schedule has a lot of hurdles
written all over it. The Vikings have Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Avondale coming
to Hazel Park. They have Madison Heights Lamphere, North
Farmington, Pontiac, and Farmington on the road. This is not an easy schedule for a young
football team like the Vikings will have this season. It could be a long season
for Hazel Park.
Top Five Games:
Avondale at Troy: If the Yellow Jackets want to prove that
they are for real then they need to win this game in Troy and also erase a
48-25 humiliating setback in Auburn Hills last season.
Farmington at Seaholm: This late season matchup could have
league implications and possible playoff hopes at stake.
Seaholm at Ferndale: Big test for both teams, could be an
indicator to see where both the Maples and Eagles are at heading into the
season.
Ferndale at Avondale: This matchup could have league
implications at stake in Auburn Hills. The Yellow Jackets went into Ferndale
and stun the Eagles 21-13 last season.
North Farmington at Seaholm: This one could have an upset
trap written all over it and it would be a statement win for coach Bob Chiesa’s
team if they can win it.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
Last Season: 6-4 (6-3) 5-1 Blue. Lost 45-44 to Brandon in
Pre-District
Points Scored: 334 (33.4 ppg), 210 (35 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 224 (22.4 ppg), 76 (12.6 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: September 14th vs Ferndale
Rank: 9
Strengths: Athleticism
Weakness: Depth
Projected Record: 8-1, 5-1 Blue
Insight: The Yellow Jackets had a full offseason under coach
Ed Couturier and it paid dividends as they made the playoffs for the first time
since 2012 last season. Avondale has a ton of talent coming back from a team
that did very well last season even though they had a heartbreaking 45-44
playoff loss to Ortonville Brandon at home in the pre-district. The reason for optimism
is the team’s offense. This unit was special last season, they scored 334
points a year ago which was a complete turnaround to where they were at two
seasons ago. “Our expectations are high, it will be key for us” said Couturier.
The team’s veer offense will be led by quarterback Ari Dotan whom had a great
year last season and took a moment explaining his teams’ goals this season. “On
behalf of our program, I would like to say how excited we are to compete this
year against all of these great teams, even though last year may have not ended
the way we wanted it too. It motivated all of us to put a lot of work in during
the offseason. Overall our offseason has been very successful and we are very
proud how we performed in our seven on seven, linemen challenges, and passing
tournaments. Finally we are proud on how successful our team camp was and how
everyone was ready to compete. On behalf of the Avondale football program,
thank you” said Dotan. He will have weapons in wide receivers Derrick Hinton,
Peyton Voeffray, and Vincent Johns but as mentioned if you want to run the veer
you will need running backs and fullbacks, the Yellow Jackets have plenty of
those led by Kobe Anthony, Zeke Ringstaff, Miguel Garcia, and David Holloman to
go with fullbacks Torey Coleman and Baba Conate. In a veer you need good line
play and Avondale has that in Gavin Breman, Gaitlin Coleman, Jason Cory, Shane
Gubariu, Joey Secord, Tanner Lewandowski, Jalan Murray, and Chris Sawyers. The
Yellow Jackets will need to improve defensibly especially against non-league
competition. Last season, they allowed 48 points against Troy and 45 to Ortonville-Brandon
in the playoffs. Avondale has Jamison Jodway and Sawyers leading the linebackers
while Anthony, Hinton, and Johns are in the secondary along with Breman,
Coleman, and Sawyers on the defensive line. Depth will be the big question mark
for the Yellow Jackets but the athleticism makes up for a lot of the issues this team has
heading into the season.
Why 8-1: Looking at the schedule it looks favorable for the
Yellow Jackets with Warren Fitzgerald, Royal Oak, and Ferndale coming to Auburn
Hills. They have to go to North Farmington, Troy, and Farmington. Avondale made
the playoffs for the first time since 2012 after winning six of their last
seven games last season. The Yellow Jackets have a ton of talent coming back
for Couturier but depth is a major concern with this team. I see at least six
of those games guaranteed wins with three being tossup games. Expect a very
good season in Auburn Hills.
BERKLEY BEARS
Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 in White. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 69 (7.6 ppg), 34 (4.8 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 321 (35.6 ppg), 255 (36.4 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: September 7th vs Warren Lincoln
Rank: 21
Strengths: Quarterback and Wide Receivers
Weakness: Proven Linemen and Depth
Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 Blue
Insight: The Bears will have their third coach in three
seasons as Sean Shields takes over the program. Shields comes from Madison
Heights Bishop Foley where he stared as a player and was an assistant there. He
was the Junior Varsity coach under coach Chris Sikora when he was at Berkley
from 2014-2016. During his only season at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Shields
talked about his experience in his only season with the Ventures. “I stepped
into a program that was pretty inexperienced. We had three seniors in the whole
program. We were teaching a lot of fundamental football” said Shields. Berkley
comes down from the White after spending one season in the league where they
went 1-8. Shields will look to bring some stability for a team that hasn’t made
the playoffs since 2016 when they went to the regional finals before losing to
Livonia Franklin. “I think it will be huge for us, I feel that’s where we
belong (being in the Blue.) We get to play Royal Oak, we thought about
switching the trophy this year” Shields continued. The Bears will have some
experience returning led by quarterback Drake Monroe. It was a rough year for
Monroe and company but Shields believes that Monroe could be in line for a better
season. Berkley will have skill players returning as well led by running backs
Jeremiah Watkins, Zach Nemeth and Evan Payne along with wide receivers Jeff
Vlahakis, Ben Cummings, Eddie Rosenthal, Jacob Budzinski, and tight end Blake
Ratliff. The Bears defense which was torched last season allowing 321 points
last season. They will have a ton of guys playing two ways this season led by
Payne with the linebackers. The lines will be the major challenge for Shields
as they have a lot of guys that don’t have the varsity experience as of yet
even though Anthony Marls will lead that group. The secondary will be tricky as
well led by Kyle Domzalski and Vlahakis. Numbers are down a bit as well so it’s
important for Shields’s team to stay healthy. “We want to stay healthy this
year” he concluded. It will also be a major challenge for Shields and his team
to get on the same page.
Why 3-6: Shields should know what Berkley has from his two
seasons as the team’s Junior Varsity coach under Sikora. I have concerns with
his team and how they will adapt to his style heading into the season knowing
that they will have a transition period during the season. I looked at Madison
Heights Bishop Foley’s first season under coach Brian Barnes, a staff where
Shields was an assistant last season, Barnes said an interesting comment when
he was hired at Madison Heights Bishop Foley saying to “be patient with us, you’ll be proud of what we’re able
to put onto the football field this fall and into the future.” I don’t think Berkley
is a patient fan base after what they experienced last season while they were
in the White and having their third coach in three years. This was an
interesting stat from last season, the Bears allowed fewer points (321) than
the Ventures did (353.) Shields was Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s defensive
coordinator last season. The Bears have a tough schedule this season with road
trips to Farmington, Royal Oak, Seaholm, and Avondale. Berkley has Ferndale,
North Farmington, and Troy coming to Hurley Field. Shields has a lot of work to
do with the Bears and if everybody is not on the same page, this is going to
get ugly real quick.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
Last Season: 3-6, 2-4 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 247 (27.4 ppg), 156 (26 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 223 (24.7 ppg), 153 (25.5 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: September 7th at Ferndale
Rank: 14
Strengths: Both Lines
Weakness: Passing Attack and Mental Mindset
Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 Blue
Insight: The Falcons have been bitten with a bit of bad luck
and injuries as of late. Farmington scored more (247) than they allowed (223)
but they only had a three point difference in league (scored 156, allowed 153)
did them in last season. The Falcons are 5-15 since 2016 and will look to
rebound after a turmoil season last year. Farmington coach Kory Cioroch had
made significant changes to his coaching staff as he brought in longtime Royal
Oak Shrine coach John Goddard and his staff to assist him this season. The
Falcons will have a ton of talent returning led by running backs Kendall
Williams and Keian Shaw, along with receiver Jaren Anderson. They will need to
address the quarterback situation especially as they don’t have a proven
starter as of yet. “We got a handful of kids that are juniors this year that
are competing for the job. We haven’t named one yet, we’ll figure it out as we
move forward” said Cioroch. The other issue of need is whom will be the other
pass catcher besides Anderson. Cioroch will have options in Shaw or Jacody
Sikora and Jayone Fletcher. Farmington’s defense allowed 223 points last season
which was a far cry from the 347 points allowed in 2016, (one of the worst in
the OAA.) The defense got a big boost with the return of defensive end Donovan
King from injury. King missed the season due to an ankle injury he injured during
the offseason wrestling. “He’s back, he’s fully cleared, healthy, excited to
have him back” said Cioroch. King will join a solid defensive line alongside Elijah
Robinson and Corbin Bush. The strength of the defense should be the linebackers
led by Jordan Turner, Shaw, and Roger Manley. Aaron Watson, Sikora,
Fletcher, and Jeff Williams should be in the secondary. The Falcons got some
new uniforms this offseason, getting away from the traditional Penn State look.
It will be interesting to see what Farmington has this season.
Why 3-6: The Falcons should be talented but they need to find
a true number one quarterback and quickly. The interview I had with Cioroch has
me concerned about this team even though they made some upgrades in the coaching department this season. The schedule is very difficult for Farmington. They
have tough non-league games against Madison Heights Madison on the road
and Harrison at home. They also have tough league games against Ferndale,
Avondale, and North Farmington. The Falcons needs to win at least two of these
games if they want to make a return to the playoffs for the first time since
2016.
FERNDALE EAGLES
Last Season: 8-2 (8-1), 5-1 in Blue. Lost 46-0 to Warren De
LaSalle in the Pre-District.
Points Scored: 285 (28.5 ppg), 190 (31.6 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 159 (15.9 ppg), 82 (13.6 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: September 7th vs Farmington
Rank: 8
Strengths: Both Lines
Weakness: Quarterback and Depth
Projected Record: 8-1, 6-0 Blue
Insight: The Eagles are 15-5 since merging with Ferndale
University with the MHSAA Co-Op program but it’s a credit to coach Erik Royal
and his staff for turning Ferndale around to become a playoff contender. “We’ve
been able to build a more winning culture, expectation of winning, it’s
starting to get stronger and stronger now that we’re not having to build from
the ground zero. We’re taking some momentum heading into the offseason to be a
better team hopefully this year with all of the success we’ve had in previous
years” said Royal. The problem for the Eagles is that they run into a very good
team in the first round of the playoffs and they are in Division Two for the
playoffs, two years ago it was Detroit Martin Luther King and last season it
was Warren De LaSalle. Both teams ended up winning State Championships. Ferndale could be a different team heading into 2018 as
Zoser Little, Anthony Merriman, and KeShawn Smith graduated. Smith will be a
hard to replace though but Royal said that the backup to Smith will be ready to
go. “We had a really good quarterback (Smith), not only athletically but also
in leadership as well. We did have a second string quarterback that plated with
him as well. He got to learn a lot from him. He knows the offense, had limited
game action. I’m very optimistic that the kid has the ability to do it
offensively” Royal added. The lines on the offensive and defensive side of the football should be the strength for the Eagles which is
led by Torian Belton, Angel DeFay-Merroe, DeJuan Parkman, Kevone Sanders, and
William Brooks. Rodney Johnson transferred from Detroit Central, Antionio
Parnell, Jaylin Adams, and Cameron Garrison will led the wide receivers along
with fullback Donovan Pitts and running back JayShawn Adams. The Ferndale defense
should be strong again this season with the defensive linemen being the
strength. Pitts and Dylan Martin leads the linebackers while Johnson, Garrison,
Parnell, Adams, and Adams are in the secondary. The Eagles will be a force to
keep an eye on. “I expect us to compete for the OAA Blue title and make the playoffs
for the third consecutive year and get over that hump in the first round” Royal
concluded. Could a third straight playoff season be in the cards??? It’s
possible.
Why 8-1: The Eagles have been on a roll, winning games, and
playing very well lately which always bring the community out to support the team. Looking at the schedule it looks very manageable even
though Ferndale has to play Seaholm, Farmington, Avondale, Redford Thurston, and
Birmingham Detroit Country Day during the season but the balk of those teams
with the exception of Avondale and Redford Thurston has to come to Ferndale. They
close out with four straight road games which is never easy. I think Royal will
figure out his quarterback situation very quick and this train should be
rolling to the postseason again.
HAZEL PARK VIKINGS
Last Season: 6-4 (6-3) 5-1 in Blue. Lost 31-0 to Warren
Woods Tower in the Pre-District.
Points Scored: 249 (24.9 ppg), 168 (28 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 162 (16.2 ppg), 62 (10.3 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: August 31st at North Farmington
Rank: 22
Strengths: Both Lines
Weakness: Depth and Skill Players
Projected Record: 2-7, 0-6 Blue
Insight: The Vikings will enter their final season in the OAA. They will head to the Macomb Area Conference next season. They will be basically
starting from scratch for Coach Kyle Rowley this season. Hazel Park has four
returning players from a team that made the playoffs for the first time since
2010 in linemen Noah Halleck, Ralph Woods, defensive end Cesare Brooks, and
wide receiver Cameron Wyatt. Wyatt also plays in the secondary as well. There
is some hope as the Vikings had a strong Junior Varsity team from last season.
It could be a long final season in the OAA for Hazel Park.
Why 2-7: The Vikings only have four returning players back
for coach Kyle Rowley. That’s going to be tough especially in their final
season in the OAA departing for the Macomb Area Conference next year. The
schedule is interesting especially with their non-conference, they open up the
season at home against Detroit University Prep, then they get to go to the new Madison
Heights Lamphere football stadium to play their future MAC rival the Rams whom
is coached by Jeff Glynn in the middle of the season, and they close the year at
home against Detroit Science and Math Academy. That’s not even mentioning games
against Ferndale, Avondale, North Farmington, and Farmington are on the docket.
I’m picturing Hazel Park’s future as we speak and it’s not a good one.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
Last Season: 2-7, 1-5 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 58 (6.4 ppg), 42 (7 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 342 (38 ppg), 232 (38.6 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: September 7th at Seaholm
Rank: 15
Strengths: Experience
Weakness: Linebacker and Mental Mindset
Projected Record: 5-4, 4-2 Blue.
Insight: The Raiders have new uniforms (should have new
helmets next year), a new field, and a new attitude. North Farmington will look to
improve on winning two games from a season ago (went 0-9 two seasons ago.) The
Raiders have everyone coming back for coach Bob Chiesa and a full offseason to
work with to get Chiesa’s system underway. “I was hired late but we didn’t get
a chance to put in our offense or our defense. We started 18 guys mostly
sophomores and juniors. I’ll have nine three year guys next year” said Chiesa. North
Farmington is going to be changing offenses this season going to a triple
option offense which is very interesting. “We had time (this offseason) to put
in the offense, going to be a triple option” said Chiesa with optimism. The
Raiders should have a solid line on both sides of the football led by Justin
Mayes, Cameron Ashford, Tim Taylor, Shane Totin and Zach Wiggles even though
there is always room for improvement. The North Farmington offense should score
more points this season with what they have returning (scored 58 points last
season.) As mentioned, they have everyone back led by quarterback Jon Brunette.
Brunette shared time with Dylan Gordon whom has since graduated. Myles Gresham and
Taj Cheathem should fill the running back and fullback spots, which is always
important in a triple option offense. Oldel Hines, Cameron Dunlap, and Jalen
Ferguson fill out the pass catching spots. On defense, this is where the
Raiders need to address. They allowed over 40 points five times last season
(allowed 342 points.) Hines and Dunlap will see time in the secondary along
with Chris Covington and Harrison transfer Eddie Lenton. North Farmington will
be young at linebacker with Kevin Prabhakar, Greg Kosiba, and Brunette. The
Raiders will have a new attitude, a new coaching staff which includes Todd
Negoshian whom also coaches Boys Basketball, and hopefully a huge change in
these numbers will get his team to believe in the new culture that Chiesa has
built. Now is the time to prove it.
Why 5-4: I went
back and forth with this one, thinking that North Farmington could be a playoff
team which they very well could be with all the experience back. Chiesa
believes that his team is a year away from being a perinatal power. The schedule
is interesting, they have to go to Harrison to open the season to which they haven't beaten the Hawks since 1978. They have
Macomb Lutheran North as well but tough league games against Avondale, Seaholm,
and Farmington loom. If they can improve up front and fix the numbers that have
been killing them then they could be a playoff team this season. It wouldn’t
surprise me if they get six wins.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
Last Season: 1-8, 0-6 in Blue. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 52 (5.7 ppg), 40 (6.6 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 394 (43.7 ppg), 259 (43.1 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: August 31st at Berkley
Rank: 23
Strengths: Athleticism
Weakness: Stability of the Program and Depth
Projected Record: 2-7, 1-5 Blue
Insight: The Phoenix have really struggled going through
coaching changes, lack of depth, and an uncertain future. Pontiac is 4-49 since
2012 which is not good but there is some hope coming into the season. The Pontiac
School District renovated both the football field at Pontiac High School and
also at Wisner Stadium this offseason which should help. Phoenix coach Charles
Talley will hope to get his team some confidence heading into the season. A
positive for the program is that the numbers are up in the program to 35 kids.
Talley admitted during Media Day that his team was still rebuilding but he
expects his team to be a little bit more competitive this season. Pontiac will
be led by quarterback Dominque Stovall. He will also captain the defense
playing linebacker. The Phoenix will have Latino Mayberry and Moises DeJesus
for Stovall as pass catchers along with playing in the secondary on defense. The
running game will be a question mark for Talley and Pontiac. The Phoenix will
need to address the stability of the program along with depth, even though they
have 14 seniors on the team. Pontiac will have to keep developing and working
to get where they want to be at.
Why 2-7: The Phoenix could match their win total from
the last six years with this schedule. They have Detroit Consortium and Hazel
Park coming to Wisner Stadium. Those two games could be Pontiac’s best opportunity of getting wins this season. The rest of those games look like they will be
tough ones for them. I think the Phoenix with their athletes will matchup very
well against a few of these teams. If Pontiac and Talley can get three wins
then it would be a heck of an accomplishment and say you know what Pontiac is
coming back in a positive direction.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 3-3 in Blue. Lost 34-13 to Oak Park in Pre-District.
Points Scored: 262 (26.2 ppg), 169 (28.1 ppg) in Blue
Points Allowed: 151 (15.1 ppg), 111 (18.5 ppg) in Blue
Game of the Year: August 31th at Farmington
Rank: 20
Strengths: Both Lines
Weakness: Quarterback, Secondary, and Depth
Projected Record: 3-6, 1-5 Blue
Insight: The Ravens had a successful season last year by
making the playoffs for the first time since 2006. They will hope to get a
repeat performance this season. The reason why Royal Oak coach Ray McMann’s
team was successful was the defense as they allowed 151 total
points and 111 total points in the Blue last season. “I was really happy with
the strides we made last year. It wasn’t only about making the playoffs for our
guys but for our community so that was really cool. I think it also adds to the
excitement this year” said McMann. The Ravens have one of their top guys
returning in defensive back Joe Binkowski. Binkowski will be counted on to lead an inexperienced secondary this season. Royal Oak will be loaded with
talented linemen in Cory Remick, Liam Brooks, Tommy Unger, Dell Beauchamp,
James Haser, Daniel Bem, and Alistar Ramsey. They have Connor Jackson, Brandon
Wright, and Demetri Rogers running the football while Binkowski, Max Ardwin,
and Elijah Kidder as pass catchers. The Ravens will need to address the
quarterback spot as Carter Ellis has graduated along with its depth. “The
quarterback situation is going to be a battle among three guys on our team that
all have different skill sets” added McMann. Royal Oak is taking things one day
at a time according to McMann and developing on getting better. “My expectation
this year is that we will be ready each week to compete. I am not worried about
wins and losses because we are so young. I am focusing on continuing to grow
each week” concluded McMann. The Ravens could be a team to keep an eye on this
season.
Why 3-6: The Ravens youth could be a factor this season. At
the same time they could make the playoffs for a second straight season if
things go right and they mature. They have a nice rivalry with St. Clair Shores
Lakeview to open up the season in St. Clair Shores. The last time Royal Oak was
in Macomb County they were shutout 21-0 by the Huskies two years ago against
St. Clair Shores Lakeview’s Wing T offense. The game that could decide their
season is the game at Farmington in week two, the Falcons are better then what
people think. The schedule gets tough for the Ravens in the middle of the
season with Seaholm, North Farmington, and Avondale in that stretch. Royal Oak
closes out the season with two home non-conference games against Detroit Edison
and Monroe Jefferson. With basically a new team that McMann has, it will be
interesting to see what the Ravens are made of heading into the season.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
Last Season: 1-8, 1-6 in White. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 158 (17.5 ppg), 132 (18.8 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 241 (26.7 ppg), 175 (25 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: August 24th vs Troy Athens
Rank: 12
Strengths: Experience
Weakness: Proven Receivers, Defense, and Depth
Projected Record: 5-4, 4-2 Blue
Insight: It has been a few rough seasons for “the Maple
Forest” since Seaholm made their last playoff appearance in 2013 to which the
Maples are 11-25 since then. Seaholm was in the White last season but will go
to the Blue this season which brings some optimism and familiarity. The Maples
saw quarterback and linebacker Joel Mitchell transfer to their arch rival
Groves this offseason but they have quarterback Gray Kinnie whom had a torn ACL
last season returning to run coach Jim DeWald’s veer offense. “He’s (Kinnie) is a
natural born leader. Our senior class is the closest class I’ve ever seen. When
he went down, our team felt bad. I look forward to see him succeed on the
field” said DeWald. In a veer offense you need good running backs and they have
that in Max Shumaker and Chase Mentag. James DeWald will likely be the fullback
but should get some carries as well. The wide receivers will be the question
for the team but they have Harley Rockind and Will McBride returning to be pass
catchers for Kinnie. The offensive line is always key in a veer attack, they
will have Alex Oancea and Caden DeWald leading that front. The problem that
hurt the Maples since 2014 has been its defense. They allowed a ton of points
(241 last season) and has been the big reasons of Seaholm’s struggles
(2014-282, 2015-267, 2016-266, and 2017-241.) The Maples have most of its
defense back from a season ago. They are led by linemen Tre Hariston, Maxwell
Lloyd, and Nick Winkler. The linebackers should be the strength of this
defensive unit led by Paul Jokisch, McBride, Matt O’Connor, and DeWald. The
secondary should be talented led by Connor Newcomb, Tommy Trotta, Metang, Paul
Durocher, Shumaker, and Rockind. Seaholm has the opportunity to make some noise
this season but they have to stay healthy if they want to get back to the
playoffs for the first time since 2013. “Mentally it hasn’t changed, we worked
hard in the weight room, and had team bonding” DeWald concluded.
Why 5-4: The non-conference schedule for Seaholm is brutal
with games against Troy Athens, South Lyon, and Groves. That’s not even
mentioning their league games against Ferndale, Farmington, and North
Farmington. It won’t be an easy road for DeWald and his team but if they can
win two of these games then they could get back into the playoffs. I don’t know
right now even if they win five games it could get them into the playoffs but
it would be a heck of a turnaround considering what happened to them last
season.
The Blue Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_t1v7DxTo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_t1v7DxTo
White
DREAM SCHEDULE: Harrison: The Hawks are in an interesting
spot as this will be the final season for Harrison football. The Hawks have an
interesting schedule with North Farmington, Troy, Troy Athens, Stoney Creek,
and Adams all coming to Harrison. They have tough road games at Oak Park,
Farmington, and Groves to close out the season. The schedule is friendly for
coach John Herrington on paper but it’s business as usual at Harrison.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Troy Athens: Welcome to the White, Red
Hawks. Troy Athens is 14-42 since 2011 have a familiar coach back in Billy
Keenest but the schedule is not friendly especially with trips to Seaholm, Lake
Orion, Harrison, Stoney Creek, and Troy. The Red Hawks home slate is not easy
either with games against Groves, Oak Park on homecoming, and Oxford. It will
feel like at times that Troy Athens is in the Red again but with Keenest in the
fold the Red Hawks will get back on track, I don’t know if it will be this year
though.
TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Oak Park: The Knights are 44-23
since 2012. They have the talent to make a run at a State title this season
which should drive them to do so. Coach Greg Carter always have played a very tough
schedule and this year is no different. Oak Park opens the season in the
Prep-Kickoff Classic against Utica Eisenhower and have Groves on the road the
following week then they have their home opener in Knight Valley against
Harrison. Then later in the season they host West Bloomfield and go to
Clarkston to close out the season. The reason why Oak Park is on this list is
because it’s not because of their league record it’s can they get by the
regional round in the playoffs. In 2012, the Knights fell to Wyandotte
Roosevelt 10-6 and last season lost 14-7 to Warren De LaSalle. Oak Park has a
lot to prove but not in the regular season but the postseason especially.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Troy: The Colts were very successful
a season ago. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 but their
biggest win was Avondale when they won 48-25 early in the season and their
losses were to Oak Park, Groves, and Harrison by a combined 92-6 and if you
include their 33-0 playoff loss to Waterford Mott they were outscored 125-6 in
their losses. Troy has a tough schedule especially early with Avondale to open
up the season on Northfield Parkway. They have Oak Park, and Clarkston at home
as well along with their arch rivals Troy Athens. The Colts will have tough
road trips against Stoney Creek, Groves, and Harrison. There could be trouble
lurking for coach Chris Frasier’s team.
Top Five Games:
Oak Park at Groves: The White could be decided in this
matchup. The Knights dominated the Falcons 34-14 last season.
Harrison at Oak Park: The Knights and Hawks have been back
and forth with Harrison upsetting Oak Park 17-14 last season.
Utica Ford II at Stoney Creek: The Cougars start the Nick
Merlo era in Stoney Creek. The Falcons are playing for their former coach Todd
Koehn whom passed away in early July. There should be plenty of emotion heading
into this game.
Troy Athens at Harrison: This is a statement game for coach
Billy Keenest if the Red Hawks want to make a name for themselves.
Oak Park vs Utica Eisenhower at Wayne State: The Knights
open up the season with high expectations but they are looking for some revenge
after losing 24-7 to the Eagles last season.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
Last Season: 0-9, 0-7 in Red. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 112 (12.4 ppg), 79 (11.2 ppg) in Red.
Points Allowed: 351 (39 ppg), 289 (41.2 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: September 7th vs Rochester
Rank: 13
Strengths: Quarterback and Both Lines
Weakness: Not a lot of Varsity Experience
Projected Record: 4-5, 3-3 White
Insight: The Red Hawks have went through a ton of changes
this offseason. They are in a new division after years of being in the Red and
in Division One for 24 years. They have a new coach in Billy Keenest whom is
familiar with not only with the program (he is a teacher in the building and
served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2010-2016,) and in the division
(White, he coached at Berkley last season.) Keenest gave credit to his former
boss in Josh Heppner whom is now an assistant at Adams. Keenest served as the
team’s offensive coordinator under Heppner for six seasons. “He’s been a big
help, he’s taught me on how to manage a program and communication with parents.
He’s a great friend of mine” Keenest said on Heppner. Troy Athens has a ton to
fix within the Varsity program (14-42 since 2011 and 1-17 since 2015.) The
offense was not good, scoring 112 total points, only scoring 79 total points in
the Red while the defense was worse allowing 351 points and 289 of those points
allowed were against Red teams last season. The Red Hawks will have a young
team this season but they could be a sleeper to keep an eye on in the White as
they have the talent to rebuild this thing quickly. The strength should be
their offensive and defensive lines led by David Deman, Tim Erkerie, Jeff
Westberry, Drew Conley, and Josh Kinsman. Troy Athens will have Bobby Birney at
quarterback. Birney was the starter last season for the Red Hawks and Keenest
is high on his quarterback this season. “It’s a new system for Bobby, he’s has
a great summer. I think what we’re going to do fits his style and skill set,
I’m expecting big things out of Bobby this year” Keenest added. Carson Eads and
AJ Rasa will handle the running back duties and Kyle Spence will play tight
end. Brandon Albedry and Mekeku will lead the wide receiving crew alongside
Carson Cole and Raymond Johnson. Johnson will also play defensive back as well.
Will Graham, Albedry, and Conley will play linebacker and Austin Kenan will be
in the secondary. Troy Athens has a talented sophomore class coming up that
shows a ton of promise. It’s going to be an interesting transition for the Red
Hawks as they have a tough schedule and a young group that hasn’t had a ton of
varsity experience. “Work each day and get better” Keenest concluded. Brighter
days await this program.
Why 4-5: Let’s see the Red Hawks are in a division to which
they can compete, they have a familiar face in the building coaching them, and
they are built for the future. The schedule will be tricky this season with
road games against Seaholm, Lake Orion, Harrison, and Troy. They will have home
dates with Oak Park, Groves, Rochester, Stoney Creek, and Oxford. Troy Athens
has had a tough history 14-42 since 2011 and 1-17 since 2015 which is something
they need to change. The Red Hawks have a promising sophomore class coming up and the rest of the team have
been getting better every day. Like North Farmington, Keenest has Troy Athens
heading in the right direction but the league is tough, that will change next
season though.
GROVES FALCONS
Last Season: 7-3 (7-2), 6-1 in White. Lost 24-21 in overtime
to Birmingham Brother Rice in Pre-District.
Points Scored: 260 (26 ppg), 171 (24.4 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 211 (21.1 ppg), 117 (16.7 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: August 31st vs Oak Park
Rank: 3
Strengths: Defense
Weakness: Running Game
Projected Record: 7-2, 5-1 White
Insight: The Falcons have been rocking lately going 42-13
since 2013, making the playoffs six of the last seven years, and looking for
more this season. Many experts feel that this Groves team could be the best
they have had since the team that went to the State semifinals in 2016. The
Falcons coach Brendan Flaherty but he wasn’t happy how the season ended last
season. “We have a lot on defense. We had great success early but as a coach I
don’t think I prepared them well for the playoffs. We kind of flat-lined middle
of the year and it hurt us against Brother Rice” said Flaherty. The Groves
defense could be lethal this season as they have seven starters returning on
that unit, led by defensive backs Khalil Dawsey (Harvard commit), Josh Salter, Kalab Coleman, and
Damonte McCurdy along with linebackers Henry Van Faussien and Seaholm transfer Joel
Mitchell. Charlie Riddle and Jacob Edleman should lead both defensive end spots
and Tariq Heard, Ian Ebbing, Storm Mullen, and Curtis Rogers are expected to
lead the line on both sides of the football. Groves has some questions offensively,
Markis Alexander returns at quarterback with the likelihood that Mitchell will
back him up. It’s possible that Flaherty could convert Mitchell to help Salter
out whom is expected to see some time at running back. Alexander is the
projected starter which he will have plenty of pass catchers to throw the
football too in receivers Eli Turner, Taylor Colby, Rogers Motley, Dawsey,
Clayton Fox, and tight end Antulio Eriksen-Suzuki. The schedule is brutal early
for the Falcons but if there is any team that is a sleeper once playoff time
comes, this is it.
Why 7-2: The Falcons have the talent, hunger, and experience
to make a deep playoff run after what happened last year when they lost in
triple overtime to Birmingham Brother Rice. The schedule is a reason why they
are here and it could be treacherous. Groves has to play West Bloomfield to
open the season which will be a tough game but it will be at home in Beverly
Hills. “We’re excited (about playing West Bloomfield) but they create problems
for us. We’re looking forward to the opportunity” said Flaherty. The Falcons
also have to play Harrison, Oak Park, and an up and coming Troy Athens team. I
like what Flaherty has and it could be a special season yet again.
HARRISON HAWKS
Last Season: 10-4 (6-3), 6-1 in White. Lost 28-10 to
Muskegon in Division Three State Final.
Points Scored: 418 (29.8 ppg), 255 (36.4 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 190 (13.5 ppg), 71 (10.1 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: September 7th at Oak Park
Rank: 4
Strengths: Linebackers
Weakness: Line and Depth
Projected Record: 6-3, 3-3 White
Insight: The Harrison Hawks have a rich history which
includes 13 State Championships went to the Division Three State Final losing
to a very good Muskegon team 28-10 but they did eliminate Warren Fitzgerald,
Warren Woods Tower, Linden, and Riverview in their path to get to Ford Field
last season. “Sometimes you got to admit the other team is better than you. I
was happy to get there. I didn’t know if we were going to get our six wins”
said Herrington. This season, things are different as Harrison is in their
final season as a school however according to coach John Herrington they aren’t
letting it bother them. The Hawks are very talented but have some concerns
regarding their depth. Harrison has Roderick Heard (Northwestern commit)
returning for his senior season this year. He is expected to play everywhere
offensively ranging from wide receiver, running back, and even some quarterback
at times. Heard plays defensive back as on the defensive side of the football. It will be his position
once he gets to Northwestern next season. Herrington will have an interesting
decision what to do at quarterback with either Max Martin or David Hiser. Hiser
handles the punting duties but Herrington mentioned that Heard could also see
time at quarterback as mentioned. “It’s still in flux. They have their talents,
I’m going to have to figure that out in a hurry and what offense I’m going to
have to run” Herrington added. Whomever is the starting quarterback is will have
options to throw or run to in Heard, Sylvon Brown (running back), and Caleb
Williams (tight end.) Maverick Hansen (Central Michigan commit) will lead both
lines. Brown leads the linebackers while the secondary will be led by Heard along
with Ben Williams. Depth is a major concern with the lack of numbers for
Herrington’s team along with the development of both lines. The Hawks have the
athletes to compete in this division. If Harrison can overcome everything
against them and make the playoffs then it would be an accomplishment. “Get in
the playoffs and make a long run, its business as usual at Harrison” Herrington
concluded.
Why 6-3: The Hawks lack of numbers scare me (42 players) but
they have the talent to make up for it. Harrison will have to do a lot of mix
and matching heading into the season. The schedule is not as daunting as people
think with the non-conference with Farmington and North Farmington in the fold
but Adams will be a challenge and that’s not mentioning Oak Park or Groves once
they get into league play. If the Hawks get into the playoffs then they could
be back in Division Three in its final season as a school.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
Last Season: 9-3 (7-2), 6-1 in White. Lost 14-7 to Warren De
LaSalle in Regional Final.
Points Scored: 415 (34.5 ppg), 275 (39.2 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 135 (11.2 ppg), 31 (4.4 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: August 24th vs Utica Eisenhower
at Wayne State in Prep Kickoff Classic
Rank: 1
Strengths: Linemen, Skill Players, and Quarterback
Weakness: Kicking Game
Projected Record: 9-0, 6-0 White
Insight: The Oak Park Knights are 44-23 since 2012 and 47-29
since coach and Athletic Director Greg Carter took over the team. The Knights
are very talented but the knock on this team is that they have not gotten past
the regional. Oak Park lost to Wyandotte Roosevelt in 2012 and to Warren De
LaSalle last season. “They definitely know about it (getting past the regional.) We want to work a little
bit harder every year and get more committed to the cause” said Carter. His
team has worked hard this offseason to get back to the thick of things
according to coach Greg Carter. “They put in some hard work, that’s what you
have to do. You got to put that work in. I’m expecting the kids to come out to
bat this year” Carter added. The strength of the Knights will be on the lines led
by Justin Rogers (top player in the State for class of 2020), Jermaine Keys,
Jadikas Wilson, Rayshawn Benny, Shelby Givens, and Deon Harper. Most of these lineman also play on the defensive
side of the football along with Don Price. Oak Park’s skill players are very
talented led by Dwan Mathis (Ohio State commit) at quarterback. Mathis should
be the full time starter now that Cory Graham has transferred to Harper Woods.
The Knights will have a very talented running game in running backs Torrianno
Richardson, Phillip Stewart, and Travis Boston. They have a talented pass
catching core as well in wide receivers Maliq Carr, KaJuan Sutton, and Gregory
Lassiter. The Oak Park defense was stout last
season and should be stout again this season led by their linemen as mentioned
along with their talented secondary in Richardson, Sutton, Lassiter, Corion
Montgomery, and Enzo Jennings. Carr leads the linebackers and they have a ton of talent from their Junior Varsity team that went undefeated last season. The Knights
have questions particularly in the kicking game which needs to be addressed if they want to have a deep playoff run. Oak
Park should be a playoff team but getting past the regional will be the big
challenge for this team. “Be really competitive and give everybody their best
shot and we’ll see where the chips fall” Carter concluded.
Why 9-0: The talent on this team is the reason is
astounding. There is a reason why this team could make it to Ford Field this
season but they do have to clear some major hurdles heading into the season.
The Knights remind me a lot of what Ohio State is on the football field with
the system they run. Oak Park needs to get past its regional troubles, which is
something that has bothered not only the coaches but the players as well.
However there is a light at the end of the tunnel, if they finish 9-0 they
could get the regional in Knight Valley instead of having to go on the road
like they had to against Wyandotte Roosevelt and at Wayne State against Warren
De LaSalle. To me it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Oak Park goes to Ford Field
this season.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
Last Season: 3-6, 3-4 in White. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 134 (14.8 ppg), 121 (17.2 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 283 (31.4 ppg), 203 (29 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: September 7th at Troy Athens
Rank: 17
Strengths: Skill Players and Experience
Weakness: Defense, Depth, and Both Lines
Projected Record: 3-6, 2-4 White
Insight: The Falcons have had a rough decade. They have not
made the playoffs since 2010 and is 23-40 since 2011 and 10-26 since 2015.
Rochester coach Erik Vernon had a lot of trouble with the team’s defense. The
Falcons defense has had issues since 2012 in which they have allowed over 220
points in the last five years including last season where they allowed 283
points (2013-220, 2014-312, 2015-323, 2016-267, 2017-283.) “Last year, it
didn’t turn out the way it did but it allowed us to play a lot of the young
guys” said Vernon. Rochester took a bit of a setback offensively with injuries
derailing their season last year. They will have a ton of talent on that side
of the football led by quarterback Owen Malanowski, running backs Noah Stout,
Gabe Szafran, and wide receivers Drake Reid and Ryan Noble. The Falcons added
two transfers in the offseason for the offensive side of the football as Nick
Grabke comes from Troy Athens to play one of the wide receiving spots and Cam
Liebzeit transferred from Walled Lake Northern. Vernon praised Malanowski
whom also handles the kicking duties for getting better each day and crediting
baseball in helping him which he was a starting pitcher for the team. “I’ve
been really impressed with him. His arm strength is very good” Vernon added.
The Rochester defense as mentioned earlier will have Reid and Szafran play in
the secondary to go along with their wide receiving duties. Noble is a
linebacker along with Jared Zacharski and Mark Cabalum. The Falcons also added
Peyton Youngblood whom transferred from Stoney Creek in the offseason to join
the linebacking core. David Robinson is expected to lead the both lines along
with Romel Sharp whom will also play both lines for Rochester. “I expect to be
better. We picked up a couple of kids from out of district. If we play injury
free, we’ll be better” Vernon concluded. The Falcons have a tough schedule and
depth concerns as well. They need to get off to a great start, if not it could
be a long season yet again.
Why 3-6: The Falcons have a ton of experienced skill players returning
but the lines concern me with Rochester besides Sharp and Robinson, they don't have anyone that is proven as of yet. The Falcons
have a tough schedule opening up against a team they haven't beaten since 1996 in Adams even though the game is at home then the next week they have to go to Southfield to play the Warriors. That won't be an easy game to say the least. They have Bloomfield Hills to close out the season which won't be an easy game. The Falcons have tough league games looming against Oak Park, Harrison, Groves,
Troy Athens, and Stoney Creek. It wouldn’t surprise me if Rochester wins two games but three right now looks right but there is a chance they could
overachieve and surprise folks, it’s possible with this group.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 in White. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 93 (10.3 ppg), 67 (9.5 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 211 (23.4 ppg), 154 (22 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: September 28th vs Oxford
Rank: 16
Strengths: Quarterback
Weakness: Both Lines, Secondary, Skill Players, and Strength Conditioning
Program
Projected Record: 1-8, 1-5 White
Insight: The Cougars have had a rough two seasons under
former coach Bob Lantzy as they went 5-13 when he was there and is 8-19 since
2015. Lantzy resigned from Stoney Creek this past offseason and enter Nick
Merlo. Nick Merlo is the son of legendary Rochester coach Mark Merlo whom spent
24 years coaching the Falcons. Merlo was hired in January comes from Rochester
where he spent six years as an assistant coach and four of those years he
served as the team’s defensive coordinator. Merlo has put a program in place at
Stoney Creek. Merlo has brought in and promoted the theme “ARMOR UP” which is
promoting winners on and off the field and the positives in the community. “Armor
Up encompasses our attitude and beliefs that reach our goals and dreams. It’s
something we will embrace for the next 30 years and will be foundational piece
of our program” said Merlo in an email in January. He will also coach the
throwers in spring for the Cougars track program. Stoney Creek will need to address
a ton of things in Merlo’s first season starting with the strength conditioning
program. Merlo said to C&G Sports that they were going to put in a strength
and conditioning program addressing this concern. “We will be implementing a
strength program immediately. We will focus on making our players tougher,
faster, bigger and stronger. We want to block and tackle at an elite level and
focus on the ball. Ball security on offense and takeaways on defense is
crucial” Merlo said. Merlo will have three year starting quarterback Frank Potenza
returning. Potenza battled through injuries last season and split time with
Peyton Youngblood. However Youngblood transferred in the offseason to
Rochester. The next issue will be is they have to develop linemen and get them
to play more physical and to develop mental toughness. This season’s group of
linemen is led by Jake Ropeda, Danny Nixon, and Blake Hamelin. “We got some
great young linemen coming up, can’t wait to see them on the field” Merlo
added. The secondary will be a big concern along with the skill players. The
Cougars linebackers will be led by Myles Harris and Connor Toth. Stoney Creek
is a young football team but with Merlo in place the Cougars football program
will be in a better place.
Why 1-8: The Cougars were a mess before Merlo got to Stoney
Creek in January. They were 5-13 under Lantzy in the two seasons he was
there. Basically the culture was shot. Stoney Creek has brought in some key experience into their coaching
ranks in hiring former Troy coach and Hazel Park defensive coordinator
Gary Griffith to be their defensive coordinator. The schedule is challenging
for the Cougars as they play Adams, Oak Park, Groves, Troy Athens, Rochester,
Troy, and Harrison. Stoney Creek opens up with Utica Ford, a team that has went
through a ton of adversity with the passing of their head coach Todd Koehn whom
was a Stoney Creek assistant. “Thoughts and prayers going out to the (Utica)
Ford community. It will be an emotional game” Merlo concluded. Stoney Creek could
have some growing pains and a transition they will have to deal with during the
season but if they can win four or five games which this team is more than
capable of. It could be a struggle for the Cougars. Stoney Creek will be in a
better place under Merlo but I don’t know if it will be this season.
TROY COLTS
Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 4-3 White. Lost 33-0 to Waterford
Mott in Pre-District.
Points Scored: 145 (14.5 ppg), 77 (11 ppg) in White
Points Allowed: 203 (20.3 ppg), 126 (18 ppg) in White
Game of the Year: August 24th vs Avondale
Rank: 19
Strengths: Linebackers and Both Lines
Weakness: Offense and Secondary
Projected Record: 1-8, 0-6 White
Insight: The Colts were a playoff team last season making the
postseason for the first time since 2009 under second year coach, teacher, and alumni
Chris Frasier. “Making the playoffs was a great accomplishment for the team
last year. As we kept winning games, we see more and more people come out to
our games and have more kids/teachers talk in the school talk about football.
The positive message has continued on to this year, where we had a couple other
sport athletes come out for the team this year” said Frasier. Troy got a huge
win last season by winning in Auburn Hills, which experts say got them into the
playoffs (beat Avondale 48-25) but lost to Oak Park (41-0), Harrison (30-3),
and Groves (21-3) by a combined 92-6 and if you count their playoff loss to
Waterford Mott (33-0) they were outscored 125-6. “The teams we lost to last
year were highly skilled. We take our hats off what they did last year and hope
to compete even harder against those teams this year. The OAA is a very
talented league top to bottom and we just want to be able to compete on Friday
night no matter who we are up against” Frasier added. The Colts will need to
address their defense after allowing 203 points last season. What will help is
that they will return their linebacking core in Jake Volek, Ricky Pennepalli,
and Jeremy Lee. Troy should have good linemen returning on both sides of the
football in Andrew Habib, Ben Buia, Johnathan LaFave, and Cole Hayden along
with defensive end Reggie Lemmonds. The Colts secondary will be interesting as
they are led by Matt Potesa, Will Flynn, and Corey Pischel. Troy’s offense
could determine how this team does considering that the schedule is much
tougher this year than last year. They scored less (145) than they allowed
(203) last season which was alarming. The Colts have Matt Lenihan starting at
quarterback. EJ Douglas is expected to be the team’s top running back. Drew
Pijanowski, Potesa, Matt Johansson, and Drew Fodera will be the top pass
catchers. Troy will need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke but too many
questions surround Frasier’s team. “Our expectations this year are to go out
and compete in every contest or challenge we face” Frasier added.
Why 1-8: Can the Colts play with the big boys??? The reason
they could have trouble is the schedule. The schedule is brutal with rematches against
Avondale, Groves, Harrison, and Oak Park to which they were 1-3 against last
season but now add in the defending Division One State Champs in Clarkston and
the situation looks dire even though that game is at home. Troy also has to
play their arch rivals in Troy Athens at home this season. The game against the
Red Hawks is a matchup that Frasier and his team looks forward too. “Our Athens
rivalry is a great one for the city of Troy. The last couple of years Athens
has done a great job taking care of business against us. Troy High School was
really excited not only to beat Athens last year (won 20-19), but also the way
we did it. In the end you have to take your hats off to how hard Athens played
the entire game. We look forward to another great matchup this year” Frasier
concluded. Could Troy be a playoff team??? Sure but they need to win against
the top teams in the White if they want a return trip back to the postseason.
Right now looking at the outlook it doesn’t seem likely right now.
The White Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTbp5b-gyA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTbp5b-gyA
Red
DREAM SCHEDULE: Adams by default: The Highlanders have to
replace some talent from last season’s team that went to the district finals
but lost a heartbreaker to Utica Eisenhower in the final moments of that game.
Adams will open up its new field against Lake Orion. They also have West
Bloomfield and Southfield Arts and Tech on its new field as well along with
daunting road games at Clarkston, Oxford, Bloomfield Hills, and Harrison. They
open up with Rochester on the road, a team that the Highlanders have dominated
since 1996 and they do close out the year with Stoney Creek at home. Adams is
9-1 against the Cougars. The Highlanders have somewhat of a dream schedule
because of their non-conference slate.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: West Bloomfield: The Lakers should be a
State title contender this season but the schedule is daunting. West Bloomfield
opens with Groves in Beverly Hills and then they have Clarkston the very
next week on the road. They still have to go to Adams after surviving last
season’s 17-16 win in Rochester and that’s not mentioning a trip to Oak Park in
week eight. They have a matchup with whoever finishes last in the Catholic
League whether it will be Orchard Lake St. Marys, Novi Detroit Catholic
Central, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, or Birmingham Brother Rice to close
out the season but that game will be in the Swamp. The Lakers have Lake Orion,
Southfield Arts and Tech, and Oxford coming to the Swamp as well. It’s not going to be an
easy road for coach Ron Bellamy and his team but it is what it is.
TEAM THAT HAS TO PROVE: Southfield Arts and Tech: If the
Warriors want to put last season’s 4-5 record behind them it might be wise to lay off the social media outlets and focus on what went wrong last season.
Southfield Arts and Tech has a ton of talent returning including some with
Division One College offers. Coach Tim Conley has some questions as well
heading into the season. The schedule is interesting with home games on their
new field which oddly are being played at 5:30 PM against Bloomfield Hills, Lake
Orion, and Clarkston. The Warriors have more games on the road then at home starting
with Davison at Wayne State in the Prep Kickoff Classic. They have to go to Oxford, West Bloomfield, River
Rouge and Adams during the season. It won’t be an easy schedule but if there is
a team that is ready for a bounce back its Southfield Arts and Tech.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks
will look very different in 2018 as they will have to replace the balk of their
defense along with bringing in a new quarterback and wide receivers. The
schedule is not friendly for Bloomfield Hills especially from week two to week
eight that will feature home games with Adams, West Bloomfield, and Clarkston
along with road trips to Lake Orion, Oxford, Groves, and Southfield Arts and
Tech. Coach Dan Loria’s team could be in
some trouble this season.
Top Five Games:
West Bloomfield at Oak Park: There will be a lot of talent
and a lot of college scouts in Knight Valley ready for this one.
Lake Orion at Southfield Arts and Tech: The road team has
won the last two meetings between the Dragons and Warriors. It will be
interesting this time around.
West Bloomfield at Clarkston: A State Final rematch which
the Wolves escaping with a 3-2 win but guaranteed more points will be scored in
this meeting.
Lake Orion at Adams: This will be an interesting game after
the Highlanders embarrassed the Dragons 39-8 at Lake Orion last season.
Southfield Arts and Tech vs Davison at Wayne State: The
Warriors lost a tough 56-54 triple overtime game to the Cardinals last season.
Can Southfield Arts and Tech rebound against a new look Davison team???
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
Last Season: 9-2 (8-1), 6-1 Red. Lost 10-6 to Utica
Eisenhower in District Final.
Points Scored: 371 (33.7 ppg), 256 (36.5 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 133 (12 ppg), 93 (13.2 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: September 7th vs Lake Orion
Rank: 5
Strengths: Both Lines and Quarterback
Weakness: Running Back, Secondary, and Wide Receivers
Projected Record: 6-3, 3-3 Red
Insight: The Highlanders had somewhat of a surprising year
making the playoffs for the second straight season but they lost a
heartbreaking game at Sweinhart Field to Utica Eisenhower 10-6 in the district
finals last season. There were some big changes that went on at Adams this offseason
and it wasn’t with the team. The Highlanders had their stadium redone with new
field turf and a new press box. Adams coach Tony Patritto will have a new
quarterback to run the veer offense in Carter Farris. Farris did play in some
games and was productive when he was in there last season as a sophomore. “Carter’s
coming out party was against Lake Orion, quarterback (Zach Solodan) got hurt a
little bit, he’s bleeding. Carter went in and his first ever pass was a
touchdown so he’s a gamer and we’re expecting great things from Carter” said
Patritto. The strength of the Highlanders should be the lines as they will be
led by Joel Mitchell, Reed Vogt, and Connor Hess. The question will be is who
will be the team’s starting running back, fullback, and wide receivers even
though Anthony Patritto and Nico Jackson should fill the voids at wide receiver
but the running back and fullback questions have been yet to be decided. “We
lost all of our four key ball carriers last year, all of them were very good
but it’s a balanced offensive attack and we have quite a few guys that can step
in and those are big shoes to fill. It’s going to be a big test to see how good
we’re going to be is how good those kids are going to be making those plays”
Patritto added. The secondary will be a question mark this season for Adams
even though Patritto and Jackson will be there but Ryan Rifenberg returns at
linebacker which should help a young defense. The Highlanders are more than
capable to have a successful season again especially with the veer offense.
Adams will be interesting to keep an eye on.
Why 6-3: The Highlanders have to replace a ton of talent
especially in the skill spots but Adams is Adams and they will reload under
Patrino. The Highlanders schedule is interesting, they have to play their city
rivals Rochester and Stoney Creek along with Harrison in their non-league
competition. That’s not even their league schedule as they play Lake Orion,
Clarkston, Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech. Adams should
be a playoff team for a second straight season.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
Last Season: 6-4 (6-3), 5-2 in Red. Lost 31-6 to West
Bloomfield in Pre-District.
Points Scored: 252 (25.2 ppg), 186 (26.5 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 277 (27.7 ppg), 169 (24.1 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: August 31st vs Adams
Rank: 18
Strengths: Quarterback and Wide Receivers
Weakness: Running Game, Both Lines, and Linebackers
Projected Record: 2-7, 0-6 Red
Insight: The Blackhawks have had a successful two seasons
going 15-5 in that stretch but last season they allowed more (277) than scored (252)
from a points perspective. Bloomfield Hills coach Dan Loria will have a
challenge this season replacing a lot of talent and dealing with the recent
departures of quarterback John Paddock and defensive end Jack Sape (both are
now at Ball State) along with Ty Slazinski who also graduated. The Blackhawks which oddly could be one of their strengths is quarterback but they need
to settle on a quarterback although according to many outside experts that
Andrew Barash is expected to be the starter but Tanner Slazinski, younger
brother of Ty could push Barash for the quarterback position as well. Whomever
the quarterback is will have plenty of pass catchers to throw too in Jackson
Irschmer, Jiovanni Harris, Alec Ward, Diego Badall, Darren Mack, and Radiz
Zerki. Jacob Gasso is expected carrying the load this season at running back.
The lines and defense will be major questions for Loria and his team.
Bloomfield Hills as mentioned allowed 277 points last season, which has to
change if they want to be successful this season. The Blackhawks have Mike
Kramer, Ethan Poselli, and Parkeer Hasha playing on the lines. Grant Fox will
play linebacker and Badall and Irschmer will be in the secondary. It will be
interesting to see what Bloomfield Hills has this season.
Why 2-7: The Blackhawks will be a different team this
season. Bloomfield Hills needs to address a ton of things. They’ll need to grow
up in a hurry especially with the league like the Red and the caliber of teams
they will have to deal with. The schedule is interesting as they open up the
season against Utica. The Chieftains were a playoff team last season but they
like the Blackhawks have to replace a ton of talent from last season, what will
help Bloomfield Hills is that game is at home. The schedule gets tougher once the
Blackhawks enter league play. They have Adams, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and
Rochester coming to Bloomfield Hills but they have to go to Southfield Arts and
Tech, Groves, Lake Orion, and Oxford. It will be interesting to see what the
Blackhawks have this season but the challenge could be greater this season than
in years past.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
Last Season: 12-2 (7-2), 5-2 in Red. Won Division One State
Championship.
Points Scored: 380 (27.1 ppg), 191 (27.2 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 164 (11.7 ppg), 107 (15.2 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: August 24th vs Grandville at
Michigan Stadium
Rank: 7
Strengths: Both Lines and Linebackers
Weakness: Secondary and Depth
Projected Record: 7-2, 5-1 Red
Insight: The Wolves had an improbable playoff run with wins
over Grand Blanc, Davison, Holland West Ottawa, Novi Detroit Catholic Central,
and West Bloomfield to get their third Division One State title in six years
last season and is 55-9 since 2013. Clarkston will be different this season as they lost a ton of
talent from their State Championship team a season ago. “There were always
questions, there were questions last year too” said Richardson. The Wolves will
have two proven linemen returning for coach Kurt Richardson in Rocco Splinter
and Garrett Dellinger. Both of them are expected to play on both sides of the
line this season. The Wolves also added Max Mengyan who is expected to help
Splinter and Dellinger this season on the lines. Clarkston will have Jake
Jenson as its starting quarterback along with running backs Jake Bellete, Jacob
Honstetter, and Kidus Johnson. Bellete will likely be the starting running back.
He was huge in the State title game against West Bloomfield last season.
Honstetter transferred from Holly and was the team’s top running back last
season. Johnson could get some carries as well for the Wolves. “We are a run
first team, we always have been. That will allow Jake (Jenson) to pick choose
the passing game and he’s a capable kid and we have capable wide receivers. As
the season advances we’ll be a little bit more balanced” Richardson added. The
receivers will be interesting for the Wolves as they have Connor Donahue and
Matt Miller returning along with running backs Honstetter and Bellete that can
be pass catchers as well. Max Nicklin, Ja’Viar Suggs, and Brendan Barker will
lead the linebackers which should be a strength for the Wolves. The secondary
could be a question mark heading into the season even though Clarkston has
Bellete, Miller, Honstetter, Josh Luther, and Donahue that can also play there.
Depth is a major concern for the team as Richardson said that the Varsity team
only has 55 players. “Expectations are always the same, we want to win the
first game, win our league, beat Lake Orion, and make a run in the playoffs”
Richardson mentioned. It could be an interesting season to keep an eye on for
the Wolves.
Why 7-2: I’ve been torn with 7-2 or 6-3 but either way they
should be a playoff team defending their Division One State title. The lack of depth
is a concern with the Wolves (55 players) but they will likely have to rely on
Dellinger and Splinter carrying them on the lines. If their skill players
including Jenson can develop then look out. Richardson will have his hands full
with non-league games against Grandville, Oak Park, and Troy. That’s not even
mentioning that they play in the Red against the likes of Oxford, Lake Orion,
Adams, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech.
Richardson is focusing on Grandville as we speak “Grandville is a really good
program, like 18 starters coming back. They play smash mouth football. It will
be a good one in the Big House” Richardson concluded. It could be a challenging
season for the Wolves knowing that they are the hunted and not the hunters.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 in Red. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 194 (21.5 ppg), 132 (18.8 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 203 (22.5 ppg), 176 (25.1 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: August 31st vs Oxford
Rank: 10
Strengths: Quarterback, Lines, Experience, and Running Game.
Weakness: Secondary, Depth, and Wide Receivers
Projected Record: 6-3, 4-2 Red
Insight: The Dragons have made some changes especially to
their offseason program where they were lacking at. Lake Orion has not been
themselves lately (16-21 since 2014) which is something that coach John
Blackstock has to fix this season. The Dragons will have new field turf this
season after having a total remaking of Dragon Stadium. Lake Orion has a ton of
experience returning on the offensive side of the football led by quarterback
Blaze Lauer and running backs Drew Van Heck, Kobe Manzo, and Marlon Robinson.
The wide receiver position will be a question mark but Mitchell Howell, Matt
Freeman, and Brendan Robertson could fill the voids along with one of the
running backs. The Dragons defense has really struggled since 2013 giving up a
ton of big plays. It could be a concern once again especially in the secondary
where players like Sam Parillo, Russell Hastings, and Marcus Brown should be
tested. “We’re excited, we have two returning guys at corner in Marcus and Sam
Parillo but we got some young guys that are coming up and have done a really
nice job in the summer seven on seven and summer training which are going to
push Marcus and Sam for those positions” said Blackstock. The linebackers
should be solid led by Isaac Kinnie and Josh Wuensch as they bring a ton of
experience. Both lines should be solid and experienced led by
Sebastian Marku, Chris Vernon, Mason Slocum, Zac Foote, and Hunter Chambers.
“Expectations don’t change of being a contender and in the hunt, battling for
the OAA title, and making the playoffs” Blackstock concluded. Depth will be a concern
heading into the season, the Dragons are around that 60-66 player range. Lake
Orion should be a team to watch this season to see if Blackstock can get this
team back to glory.
Why 6-3: The Dragons have a lot of experience coming back
especially from the offensive side of the football. Lake Orion has the quarterback
and running game but if they can develop pass catchers in the passing game and
get balance then the offense will be in great shape for Blackstock. The defense
is a concern particularly in the secondary. The schedule is tricky with a matchup
against Lapeer at Michigan Stadium along with road trips to West Bloomfield,
Southfield Arts and Tech, Monroe, and Adams. Lake Orion has Oxford, Bloomfield
Hills, Troy Athens, and Clarkston coming to Lake Orion’s new field. The Dragons
are a sleeper team to keep an eye on this season.
OXFORD WILDCATS
Last Season: 2-7, 1-6 Red. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 157 (17.4 ppg), 97 (13.8 ppg) in Red.
Points Allowed: 271 (30.1 ppg), 234 (33.4 ppg) in Red.
Game of the Year: August 24th vs Romeo
Rank: 11
Strengths: Sophomore Class and Linebacker
Weakness: Defense, Depth, and Lines
Projected Record: 3-6, 1-5 Red
Insight: The Wildcats are an interesting team to keep an eye
on this season but the defense has been a big concern for years now as they have allowed
over 200 points each season since they entered the OAA and 1,715 points since
then. “Very rough year, we didn’t do well. This is this year 2018 and we’re
looking forward to it” said coach Bud Rowley. They are 9-18 since 2015. Oxford will have a young team this season but their sophomore class
is very good as they went undefeated in their freshman season last year. Rowley
will have Drew Carpenter whom is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback.
Carpenter brought some experience last season and is converting from running
back to quarterback. “He’s athletic, we’re looking forward to Drew coming in
and running the show” Rowley added. Trent Myre and Jack Gordon will battle to
see whom will get carries but it’s likely that Myre will be the guy. Brendan
Mielnicki could also see some carries at fullback as well. The Wildcats will have
tight end Evan Brunning likely going to be the team’s top pass catcher along
with wide receiver Grant Kornburger. The defense is a major concern as
mentioned but they have Mielnicki and Brunning playing defensive end, Austin
Schlicht, Thomas Landrie, and Marcus Hufnagel at linebacker, and Myre and
Carpenter are in the secondary. It will be interesting to see what Rowley has
with Carpenter at quarterback for the “Pound the Rock-power football” scheme
that his team likes to do.
Why 3-6: The schedule is the big reason why I see the
Wildcats here, not the talent. Oxford is young but Rowley won’t let that be an excuse and
talent won’t be an issue either for this team. The schedule could be the reason
why they will have trouble especially with games against Romeo, Lake Orion,
Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Troy Athens.
The Wildcats are looking forward to Romeo coming to the Blue turf. “Romeo is coming
to our house on the (August) 24th” Rowley concluded. Oxford will be
tested mentally that is for sure but they have other questions like their defense
are really big concerns heading into the season.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY WARRIORS
Last Season: 4-5, 3-4 Red. Didn’t make postseason.
Points Scored: 280 (31.1 ppg), 184 (26.2 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 251 (27.8 ppg), 188 (26.8 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: September 28th vs Lake Orion
Rank: 6
Strengths: Athleticism
Weakness: Both Lines
Projected Record: 5-4, 3-3 Red
Insight: The Warriors had a very disappointing year last
season despite scoring more points (280) than allowing (251.) Southfield Arts
and Tech has a bunch of talented players returning this season for coach Tim
Conley, which included 14 returning starters and redid their football field
this offseason as well. “We graduated a lot of seniors. We were young last
year. We got 14 returning starters, we’re excited about this season. It was a
trial through fire. I think it’s good for the boys and good for the program to
have that kind of a chip on that shoulder so that they don’t want that to happen
again” said assistant coach and offensive coordinator Aaron Marshall. The
coaching staff calls this group the best Academic team in school history, which
is always a great feeling to see the team succeed. The Warriors named West
Bloomfield transfer Anthony Romphf the team’s starting quarterback. Romphf is a
duel threat quarterback with his passing and running ability. He led the Lakers
Junior Varsity to a 7-2 season last season. Anwar Jackson is the team’s top
running back but Blake Brunson, D’Anthony Robinson, Carlton Mack, Kaelon Green,
and Brent Johnson could get some carries while Marcus Faqua (Buffalo commit)
could get some carries as well at the fullback spot. Southfield Arts and Tech
is loaded at wide receiver led by Cameron McEvans, Nick Jones (Ball State
commit,) Justin Kennedy, Elijah Soloman, Aaron Foulkes, Sanders Carter, and
Terrell Humes. The offensive and defensive lines should be solid especially the
offensive line but there are some questions that loom with this group. The
Warriors are led by Juan Walker, Raymen McDonald, Bryce Austin, Brandon
Baldwin, James Wadsworth, Jalani Barker-Walls, and Abdul Jabbar. The Southfield
Arts and Tech defense should be better this season with the strength being the
team’s athleticism that will be led by Edward Usuomon and Devin Baldwin (Western
Michigan commit) up front. The linebackers should be solid led by Brunson, Tarie
Saunders, and Soloman Bell (transferred from Groves this offseason.) The secondary
should be very good led by Ian Brocks, Alante Pickens, Chris Broaden, Faqua,
Jones, and Damond Hardwick. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot to prove this
season. “We want to get better every day and we’ll
take it how it comes” Marshall added.
Why 5-4: The Warriors had a tough season last year, they
need to get back to what made them who they were. Southfield Arts and Tech has
a very tough schedule with non-conference games against Davison and River Rouge
along with tough league games against Clarkston, Oxford, Lake Orion, Adams, and
West Bloomfield. “One thing about coach Conley is he wants us to play the best
and open up with a tough opponent. We want to be battle tested” Marshall
concluded. They have enough talent to make a
return to the postseason. The Warriors are more than capable for Conley, it’s
all about proving themselves.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
Last Season: 11-3 (7-2), 6-1 Red. Lost 3-2 to Clarkston in
Division One State Final.
Points Scored: 468 (33.4 ppg), 294 (42 ppg) in Red
Points Allowed: 256 (18.2 ppg), 163 (23.2 ppg) in Red
Game of the Year: August 31st at Clarkston
Rank: 2
Strengths: Athleticism
Weakness: Quarterback and Mental Mindset
Projected Record: 8-1, 6-0 Red
Insight: The Lakers got to the summit last season getting by
Detroit Cass Tech and Utica Eisenhower to get to Ford Field but lost 3-2 to
Clarkston in the State Finals. West Bloomfield is 35-10 since 2013 and have
gotten to the playoffs each in the last four seasons. They are one of the
favorites to get back to Ford Field this season. “We’re excited about this
group, last year’s team made it to the State Final that was a great
accomplishment for our school and our community, for the kids in our program
but we’re setting our sights on the 2018 season. The kids have been working
hard. This is the fun part of it, losing all the talent but develop the next
batch” said coach Ron Bellamy. The Lakers feature a very talented receiving and
secondary core led by Lance Dixon (Penn State) and Tre Mosley (Michigan State)
whom are both Big Ten recruits. Dixon will led the secondary alongside Tyrone
Broden while Mosley leads a talented receiving core that has Makari Paige, Dell
Sheppard, McCano Hayes, and Chase Glover. What will be interesting for Bellamy
and the Swamp is whom will be the quarterback in Bellamy’s zone-read offense,
he has decided to go with CJ Harris under center. “We want CJ to be himself,
he’s replacing Bryce Veasley. CJ needs to be CJ and not anyone else” Bellamy
added. West Bloomfield has a very good running back as well led by Donovan
Edwards. The Lakers defense is very good besides Broden, Paige, and Dixon in
the secondary, there is Harris whom also plays there as well along with
linebackers Cornell Wheeler, Terrell Thurman, and Brian Becks. The lines are
solid as well led by Corey Williams, Cole Hall, Jackson Laird, Sterling Miles,
and Jaden Green. West Bloomfield will be a force to be a recon with this
season. “We want to compete in every game, every practice, to get better, and
most importantly to have fun” Bellamy concluded.
Why 8-1: The Lakers talent is the reason why they could have
a great chance to get back to Ford Field. The questions and doubters are there
for West Bloomfield. The schedule is interesting but the team’s talent should
carry them through this tough schedule even though they have to play Groves, Clarkston,
Adams, Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park and the last place team
in the Catholic League Central. Pending a major collapse, the Lakers should be
a playoff team this season that is for sure.
The Red Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43eoxON7Jv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43eoxON7Jv8
The Podcast with "the Voice of Lake Orion Football" Doug Corless will be here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4q2lO0oPw4
ONTV News: Media Day Story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqjbEdj2VM8&t=256s
ONTV News: Media Day Story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqjbEdj2VM8&t=256s
