MHSAA needs to do better when it comes to transfers.

Written Monday August 24th at 10:30 AM

I have never seen so many transfers going in and out of schools in recent memory, it's out of control not only in Oakland County but in the State as well.

People are now finding a way to get by the new transfer rule the MHSAA put it in 2014 by changing residents believing that the transfer wasn't athletically motivated but academically motivated. The rule states for athletic transfers that the player must sit out for 180 days however there is a catch, the transfer meets one of the requirements and one of them is changing residents.

Of course there are parents that move their kids into the state, that's understandable but they should wait the one semester the MHSAA has like everybody else.

I've been reading Mick McCabe of the Detroit Free Press column on athletic transfers. He talked about a story about Steven Charles Jr. a running back whom transferred from Warren Cousino to Chippewa Valley. His dad made a courtesy call to Patriots coach Brad Nettles and left a voice message about the transfer. Nettles however sent the voice message to the MHSAA believing it was for athletic reasons, his father thought his son would be eligible to play this fall for the Big Reds because they followed for the transfer rules that make the student wait one semester to play but he has to sit out another semester and won't be eligible until January.

The dad looked at Detroit Martin Luther King whom had 12 transfers which the players moved into Detroit and they are immediately eligible. Harrison lost two players to transfers as they are now at Southfield. Desmond Fitzpatrick, a Louisville commit transferred to three different schools, now at Waterford Mott because his dad got a new job.

The MHSAA seriously needs to crack down on this issue. I think the best idea would be upping the 180 days transfer rule to INCLUDE those changing residents. Now I know a lot of people would leave the state but to get competitive balance and limit the transfers this must be done. The MHSAA needs to get tougher on these transfer rules and it starts with Jake Roberts and crew.

Falcon likely out for the Season.

Written Sunday August 23rd at 7:25 PM

The Southfield Blue Jays road to Ford Field just got harder with a monstrous loss.

Running back and Michigan recruit Matt Falcon is likely out for the season with a right knee injury according to State Champs and Detroit Free Press.

According to coach Tim Conley the injury they thought was a sprained ankle but it ended up being much worse. It happened during a blocking play on Thursday in it's scrimmage with Walled Lake Western.

The loss of Falcon means that Brendan Brown a transfer from Farmington Hills Harrison will probably be the starting running back heading into week one against Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State. Also the loss of Falcon will put more pressure on freshman quarterback Sam Johnson III as he goes up against a veteran Technicians defense.

Falcon a senior this season was a force in his three years playing at Southfield, going over 4,000 yards and over 10 touchdowns a season. He only played six games in 2014 but went over 1,100 yards and took the Blue Jays to the State semifinals last season before falling to Warren De LaSalle.

Southfield also has to play in the White with Oak Park, Adams, Harrison, and Farmington. Seaholm and North Farmington are also better teams as well.

Injuries are part of the game and it's next one up.

We'll keep an eye on the situation surrounding Falcon and the Blue Jays on OAA Now.

Football Picks-Week One.

Written Saturday August 22nd at 3:15 PM

This season joining me with doing picks is History Now and Between Taormina's co-host Anthony Taormina, Farmington Video coordinator Sean Cotter, North Oakland Sports and State Farm agent Dan Stickradt, and MIPrepzone Oakland High School Sports coordinator Keith Dunlap. Games will have the Inside the OAA rankings which will change weekly and insight on each game.

You can watch OAA Now on ONTV, OCTV, or on Youtube. Also catch North Oakland Sports.com with Dan Stickradt on coverage of North Oakland County teams and MIPrepzone for the Oakland Press with Keith Dunlap which covers the entire Oakland County. Also follow my blogs for Orion sports coverage with the Dragons Den and this blog Inside the OAA for complete coverage.

Well here are the picks for Week One. Games will be from Thursday until Saturday.

Sammy 0-0
Ant 0-0
Sean 0-0
Keith 0-0
Dan 0-0


1. Southfield vs Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State:

The Blue Jays will be a very good team heading into 2015 but they will have a stern test to start the season. Detroit Cass Tech is a very good team and is in a very tough Detroit Public School League East Division First Division with the likes of Detroit Martin Luther King, Detroit East English Village Prep, and Detroit Denby Tech. The Technicians have several college recruits of their own in Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michael Onweau, Demetric Vance, Donovan Johnson, Jaylen Kelly-Powell, among others. Southfield has a fast defense but suffered a massive loss as Matt Falcon is likely done for the season. The key matchup will be Sam Johnson III vs Rodney Hall, both are highly touted quarterbacks. This could be a low scoring game at Wayne State and whoever wins this game will be in much better shape than the one who loses this game.

SAMMY PICK: SOUTHFIELD 21, DETROIT CASS TECH 14.

ANT PICK:  DETROIT CASS TECH 24, SOUTHFIELD 23.

SEAN PICK:  SOUTHFIELD 22, DETROIT CASS TECH 20.

KEITH PICK: DETROIT CASS TECH 23, SOUTHFIELD 18.

DAN PICK: DETROIT CASS TECH 27, SOUTHFIELD 21.

2. West Bloomfield at Dearborn:

The Lakers are trying to ride the success of last season’s 7-2 record and is expected to do so once again this season for Coach Ronald Bellamy. West Bloomfield return five Division One players and is the favorite to win the Red. The Lakers won 35-13 over the Pioneers at Wayne State in 2014 but now this season’s game is back in Wayne County but it’s in Dearborn. The defensive line minus Theo Majette and linebackers are a huge concern for West Bloomfield. The Lakers should be fine in this game and should have no problems but in Red it could be an issue.

SAMMY PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, DEARBORN 7.

ANT PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, DEARBORN 7.

SEAN PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, DEARBORN 14.

KEITH PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, DEARBORN 7.

DAN PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, DEARBORN 14.

Stoney Creek at 3. Adams:

The Cougars trailed 20-7 in the second quarter and 14-0 early against the Highlanders. Stoney Creek coach Brad Zube made several adjustments at halftime which led to Adams not scoring the rest of the game. The Cougars would score three touchdowns and pulled off the big upset 28-20 last season on Tienken and Sheldon Roads. It was the first loss since 1996 for the Highlanders to lose to a Rochester school. It was the first loss to a Rochester school for Coach Tony Patrino and it was the first win for Stoney Creek over its rival school. This game cost Adams a trip to the playoffs last season as they would finish 5-4. The Cougars will make the short trip down Tienken Road and don’t think that the Highlanders would want to get payback for last season’s debacle.

SAMMY PICK: ADAMS 35, STONEY CREEK 14.

ANT PICK: ADAMS 17, STONEY CREEK 14.

SEAN PICK: ADAMS 28, STONEY CREEK 14.

KEITH PICK: ADAMS 21, STONEY CREEK 10.

DAN PICK: ADAMS 24, STONEY CREEK 17.

East Kentwood at 4. Harrison:

The Hawks have had a lot of off-season distractions heading into the season with the possible school closure but this could be an opportunity to get rid of these distractions. Harrison does have Khalid Kareem back. Kareem is expected to play both ways and make an impact on the field. The Hawks aren’t the same team after getting screwed by Muskegon Mona Shores in the State semifinals last season. The Falcons aren’t the same team either, losing 15 seniors from last season’s Ottawa-Kent Red and State semifinal team that was blown out by Clarkston. East Kentwood plays in the same division as Rockford, Hudsonville, and Holland West Ottawa. The Falcons are favorite to repeat as O-K Red Champions has a lot of versatility, size, depth, and speed led by Marlon Dorsey and quarterback Evan Maday. Dorsey is the backup quarterback will play safety this season for Coach Tony Kimbrough. Maday had a strong sophomore season a year ago and has a great arm as the starter. The Falcons size, versatility, and great speed has impressed legendary coach John Herrington. East Kentwood must make the trip the long four and a half hour drive east from Kent County to Oakland County. Harrison must find a way at home in this tough matchup to keep that great speed and size of the Falcons off the field if they want to win its first game of the season.

SAMMY PICK: EAST KENTWOOD 21, HARRISON 14.

ANT PICK: EAST KENTWOOD 10, HARRISON 7.

SEAN PICK: HARRISON 28, EAST KENTWOOD 21.

KEITH PICK: EAST KENTWOOD 13, HARRISON 10.

DAN PICK: EAST KENTWOOD 28, HARRISON 21.

5. Clarkston at Dakota:

The Wolves come into this game by default with the State’s longest winning streak at 27 games but this will be a different Clarkston team than one we have been used to seeing though with the Wolves being two time defending Division One State Champs. The big concern is quarterback for Coach Kurt Richardson’s team. Anthony Reiter is the starter replacing DJ Zezula for now but Straton Harris and Jacob Wagner will see snaps also they must replace all five starters on the offensive line, which all of them graduated and is playing college football. To make matters worse for Clarkston is that their all state running back Nolan Eriksen is out for this game due to an ankle injury. The Cougars had a disappointing season in 2014 in which coach Mike Giannonne wants to forget. They lost to the Wolves 24-21 in the first game of the season on the road. It didn’t get any better for Dakota though once they got into MAC Red play they was upset by Sterling Heights Stevenson 19-12 but did manage to beat Chippewa Valley and Utica Eisenhower in league play. The Cougars ended up sharing the MAC Red crown but once they got to the playoffs they lost to the Big Reds 28-27 in the district finals snapping a 16 game winning streak to Chippewa Valley on their home field to make matters worse. Dakota will be deep this season and will give the Wolves everything they can handle on 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township.

SAMMY PICK: DAKOTA 35, CLARKSTON 14.

ANT PICK: DAKOTA 31, CLARKSTON 14.

SEAN PICK: CLARKSTON 38, DAKOTA 35.

KEITH PICK: DAKOTA 24, CLARKSTON 7.

DAN PICK: DAKOTA 21, CLARKSTON 17.

6. Oak Park vs Zeeland West at Grand Valley State:

The Knights must replace some key players whom graduated last season. Oak Park has a tough game with a team that has scored at or near 600 points in the last two seasons in the Dux. Zeeland West won the Division Three State title in 2013. The Dux runs a Wing T offense which will be led by three year starting quarterback Casey Brinks and fullback Darius Perisee, who had 21 touchdowns last season. It will be a very difficult task for the Knights and their defensive coordinator, head coach, and Athletic Director Greg Carter to figure out how they will stop this Wing T offense. Carter has seen Zeeland West play, he has beaten them when he coached at Inkster 29-22 in 2009. The Wing T of the Dux is a hard offense to stop but limiting them to 22 points was huge in 2009. I don’t think Oak Park will hold Zeeland West to 22 points, this game will be a shootout but I think the Knights have more athletes on the field and will score with Zeeland West in Allendale.

SAMMY PICK: OAK PARK 56, ZEELAND WEST 49.

ANT PICK: ZEELAND WEST 49, OAK PARK 42.

SEAN PICK: OAK PARK 22, ZEELAND WEST 21.

KEITH PICK: ZEELAND WEST 31, OAK PARK 23.

DAN PICK: ZEELAND WEST 42, OAK PARK 35.

7. Orion vs Chippewa Valley at Wayne State:

The Big Reds will have a lot of emotion on its side come this season with three tragic events the last two seasons. The recent death of Duncan Blair will motivate Chippewa Valley in its big game with the Dragons at Wayne State in which both teams need. Most experts will pick the Big Reds to win this game. Chippewa Valley besides this game has to go to Macomb Dakota and Sterling Heights Stevenson but they do host Utica Eisenhower. Orion plays Troy Athens, Oxford and the crossover but they have trips to West Bloomfield and Clarkston. The Big Reds returns wide receiver and defensive back Stefan Claiborne and quarterback Patrick Briningstool. Briningstool did not play in the game last season but threw 27 touchdown passes, which is the most in Chippewa Valley football history and also threw six touchdowns in one game (against Utica) also most in Chippewa Valley football history. Claiborne whom is a Division One prospect caught two touchdowns in last season’s game and went over 100 yards. He will be a huge focus to the Dragons secondary and defense with Jaylen Wiggins likely drawing the assignment to defend him. The Big Reds also return two key offensive lineman as well to go along with their 40 seniors that Coach Scott Merchant has. Orion returns some key players in the secondary in Drew Casey and Connor O’Dea, both missed this game last season. In what is expected to be a shootout, the game will come down to the defense as it was last season in Chippewa Valley’s 38-35 win over Orion.

SAMMY PICK: ORION 45, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 35.

ANT PICK: ORION 35, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 31.

SEAN PICK: ORION 37, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 30.

KEITH PICK: CHIPPEWA VALLEY 24, ORION 21.

DAN PICK: ORION 28, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 21.

8. Groves at Seaholm:

The Falcons have made the playoffs three of the last four seasons and is the favorite to come out of the Blue this season. Groves also has a running back threat in Cedric Boswell and Ernest Allen and also a wide receiver threat as well. The quarterback is a question heading into this rivalry game for the Falcons. The Maples return linebacker Troy Hairston to a defense that was bad last season. Justin Newberry is huge in this game running the football. If quarterback Lee Murray can create balance for Coach Jim DeWald’s Seaholm team and get the Falcons to bite then anything is possible in the Maple Forest. This rivalry game will tell whom will come out and it will be a huge indicator game for both teams. Groves won last season 42-19 in Beverly Hills but this rivalry has been close historically.

SAMMY PICK: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 14.

ANT PICK: GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 14.

SEAN PICK: GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 21.

KEITH PICK: GROVES 24, SEAHOLM 14.

DAN PICK: GROVES 21, SEAHOLM 14.

9. Oxford at Romeo:

The Wildcats have made the playoffs seven of the last 10 seasons will have its hands full with a Bulldogs team that has also been equally as good as Oxford. Going to Dan Barnabo Field and competing on grass will be different for the Wildcats. Romeo will be led by senior quarterback Paul Hurley. Hurley has been huge in games against OAA teams’ ala Oxford and Orion in 2013. Oxford will be led by quarterback Brendan Lewis, running back Ben Nuss, fullback John Patrick and wide receivers Devon Davenport and Anson Rowley. These five would need to be big if the Wildcats have any chance to beat the Bulldogs at Powell Middle School. Oxford won 28-20 over Romeo last season on the blue turf but this matchup like I said will be on grass. The Wildcats defense must show up if they have any chance of winning in Macomb County.

SAMMY PICK: OXFORD 14, ROMEO 13.

ANT PICK:  OXFORD 21, ROMEO 20.

SEAN PICK: ROMEO 21, OXFORD 14.

KEITH PICK: ROMEO 21, OXFORD 10.

DAN PICK: OXFORD 17, ROMEO 14.

New Boston Huron at 10. Avondale:

The Yellow Jackets have missed the playoffs the last two seasons (10-8 record) but they feel this could be the season for Coach Steve Deutsch to return to the playoffs. The Chiefs went to the Division Three State semifinals before losing to Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s and finished 11-2 last season. New Boston Huron lost a lot of experience and will be very young heading into this game. This will be a test for the Yellow Jackets and their big offensive and defensive lines considering that his players wanted to toughen up the schedule and routine which Deutsch did for the players. What doesn’t help is that Avondale has a new quarterback in Tyler Grotz and will have to be huge in his first start. It won’t be an easy matchup to say the least but Avondale is at home.

SAMMY PICK: AVONDALE 35, NEW BOSTON HURON 21.

ANT PICK: AVONDALE 24, NEW BOSTON HURON 14.

SEAN PICK: AVONDALE 28, NEW BOSTON HURON 21.

KEITH PICK: AVONDALE 17, NEW BOSTON HURON 14.

DAN PICK: AVONDALE 21, NEW BOSTON HURON 7.

Holly at Berkley:

This will be a rematch of two teams that went in opposite directions in 2014. The Bears made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 when they finished 9-2. Berkley would finish 6-3 last season while the Bronchos had their worst season since 2001 going winless (0-9) and only scoring 86 points. Holly coach Ryan Culloy has changed its staff around bringing in coaches in Mike Millhouse whom was the head coach, the last time that Holly made the playoffs in 2011 and Jim Rohen whom was an assistant for Culloy at Madison Heights Madison. The Bronchos made an even bigger move to lure Dave Tooley away from Orion as the team’s new defensive coordinator and brought in his brother Darrin Tooley. Berkley has a strong offensive and defensive line led by Ian King and the combination of Ashten Wood and Nolan Given which will give the Bronchos defense problems but they have some questions at running back for Coach Chris Sikoria. The Bears beat Holly in Northwest Oakland County 34-7 last season and this season the game will be at Hurley Field, which is in Berkley. The Bronchos want some revenge after what happened in that game last season. When looking at this game the presence of Tooley will be huge in this game but can they solve the quarterback/wide receiver combo and stop a very good Berkley team at Hurley Field.

SAMMY PICK: BERKLEY 10, HOLLY 7.

ANT PICK: BERKLEY 28, HOLLY 21.

SEAN PICK: BERKLEY 28, HOLLY 27.

KEITH PICK: BERKLEY 38, HOLLY 7.

DAN PICK: BERKLEY 21, HOLLY 20.

Southfield-Lathrup at Detroit University Prep at Detroit Mumford:

The Chargers took a huge step last season, finishing 4-5 after finishing 2-16 the previous two seasons. Lathrup lost Coach Keith Stephens whom passed away from cancer last November. Jason Solloman takes over the reins in Lathrup Village and will debut with a very tough matchup with the Panthers in the final season of Lathrup as a school before they merge with Southfield. The Chargers have a lot of experience with 25 seniors back. Detroit University Prep made the playoffs at 6-3 last season and is 22-9 since 2011. This will be a tough home game to say the least for Lathrup to go up against a team that has been a playoff power but you can never count out the Chargers and their big offensive line being at home.

SAMMY PICK: SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP 24, DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 21.

ANT PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 14, SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP 12.

SEAN PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 24, SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP 13.

KEITH PICK: SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP 10, DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 7.

DAN PICK: SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP 21, DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP 14.

Ferndale at Garden City:

Eagles coach Eric Royal has turned Ferndale around after suffering through a combined 9-18 record in three seasons prior to Royal’s arrival. The Eagles finished 4-5 and could be a playoff team for the first time since 2008 heading into the season. Ferndale will be tested on the road early against Garden City whom does return some talent and experience. The Cougars are hungry to get back to the playoffs. They are 12-15 since 2011 and haven’t made the playoffs since. Prior to that playoff run Garden City is 21-69 from 2000-2010, which those years they didn’t make the playoffs either. This will be a good test for Ferndale to see if they are a playoff team or not.

SAMMY PICK: FERNDALE 28, GARDEN CITY 14.

ANT PICK: FERNDALE 21, GARDEN CITY 7.

SEAN PICK: FERNDALE 35, GARDEN CITY 14.

KEITH PICK: GARDEN CITY 27, FERNDALE 10.

DAN PICK: FERNDALE 14, GARDEN CITY 7.

Pontiac at North Farmington:

The Phoenix have struggled mightily with financial problems and inconsistency that has hurt the program. Pontiac will have its third coach in three seasons with Pete Scott taking over for John Lloyd whom passed away of a brain aneurysm in November. The Phoenix is 2-24 since Brad Zube left Pontiac for Stoney Creek in 2011. Coach Todd Schultz’s Raiders are 7-11 in the two seasons being in the White but they have been very successful against the Blue going 12-7 in that process. North Farmington leads the series 2-0 with their wins a combined 66-13, which included a 42-6 win last season for the Raiders. It will be tough for Coach Scott’s Phoenix but they know their backs are against the wall, it’s how they will respond to them what counts.

SAMMY PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 20, PONTIAC 18.

ANT PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 42, PONTIAC 14.

SEAN PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 49, PONTIAC 6.

KEITH PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 45, PONTIAC 6.

DAN PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, PONTIAC 14.

Farmington at Royal Oak:

The Falcons were successful last season in winning the Blue and its first division crown since 2003 while the Ravens struggled mightily last season finishing 0-9. Royal Oak is 6-57 since 2008 and it might not get any better for them this season. Ray McMann is in his first season in the helm but this is not a good matchup to start off your season. Farmington better be careful not to look ahead to the White because they have Oak Park and Southfield next. This game may be the easiest game on its schedule in 2015.

SAMMY PICK: FARMINGTON 49, ROYAL OAK 0.

ANT PICK:  FARMINGTON 35, ROYAL OAK 3.

SEAN PICK: FARMINGTON 49, ROYAL OAK 7.

KEITH PICK: FARMINGTON 42, ROYAL OAK 0.

DAN PICK: FARMINGTON 35, ROYAL OAK 7.

Lapeer at Rochester:

The Falcons have a lot of optimism coming into the season but the opponent is not a good one for Rochester to open up with despite the fact that they finished 0-9 last season. There are several reasons why Rochester fans should look away when looking at the stats, it was just awful. The Falcons open up with the Lightning in which they were shattered 42-0 in Lapeer County last season. Since merging Lapeer East and Lapeer West, Lapeer is a combined 10-1 in one season while Rochester has won 10 games in three seasons, which is alarming. Odds don’t favor the Falcons here against a very good Lightning team despite the fact that they have almost everyone back.

SAMMY PICK: LAPEER 56, ROCHESTER 0.

ANT PICK: LAPEER 42, ROCHESTER 0.

SEAN PICK: LAPEER 49, ROCHESTER 0.

KEITH PICK: LAPEER 42, ROCHESTER 14.

DAN PICK: LAPEER 14, ROCHESTER 10.

Troy Athens at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North:

The Red Hawks hope the changes they made will help the team in 2015, especially on defense and hopes to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Troy Athens is 6-21 since their playoff loss to Romeo in the 2011 playoffs and haven’t been back since. The Red Hawks beat Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 34-31 last season in Troy. The Crusaders defense was terrible a season ago as they allowed 195 points, and only scored 74 points. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North plays in the MAC Red and see teams like Chippewa Valley, Macomb Dakota, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Utica Eisenhower. The Crusaders had to forfeit four games due to an ineligible player last season. Expect the Red Hawks to score points in this game led by its quarterback Joey Stark and its big offensive line. The question will be is can they stop someone???

SAMMY PICK: TROY ATHENS 45, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 42.

ANT PICK: MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 21, TROY ATHENS 20.

SEAN PICK: MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 42, TROY ATHENS 28.

KEITH PICK: MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 24, TROY ATHENS 21.

DAN PICK: TROY ATHENS 21, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Troy:

The Colts were not an offensive juggernaut in 2014 as they struggled offensively last season, only scoring 104 points. Troy will face a Sterling Heights Stevenson team that had a lot of success, finishing 7-3 in Kevin Fredrick’s first season in Sterling Heights coming over from Whitmore Prescott (Bay County.) The Titans best win was over Macomb Dakota 19-12 but they did beat Troy 7-3 at Runkel Field. The Colts are a very young and inexperienced team in 2015 for Coach Gary Griffith. Sterling Heights Stevenson returns some talent led by quarterback Frankie D’Ascenzo and safety Jared Cutlip. This looks like a mismatch on paper favoring the Titans.

SAMMY PICK: STERLING HEIGHTS STEVENSON 21, TROY 6.

ANT PICK:  TROY 14, STERLING HEIGHTS STEVENSON 10.

SEAN PICK: STERLING HEIGHTS STEVENSON 28, TROY 13.

KEITH PICK: STERLING HEIGHTS STEVENSON 21, TROY 7.

DAN PICK: STERLING HEIGHTS STEVENSON 14, TROY 7.

Bloomfield Hills at Walled Lake Northern:

This game will be a huge test for the Blackhawks defense that has been shattered since merging Lahser and Andover. Bloomfield Hills has allowed 623 points in the last two seasons which is not good. They will be tested by a Knights team looking to get back into the playoffs and an offense that has been very good in the past. Walled Lake Northern beat Bloomfield Hills 34-12 last season. This looks to be a close game but got to give the advantage to the Knights being at home and the fact they can score in bunches.

SAMMY PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN 41, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

ANT PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

SEAN PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

KEITH PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 13.

DAN PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN 17, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

Hazel Park at Warren Fitzgerald:

The Vikings and Spartans are no strangers to each other. Warren Fitzgerald beat Hazel Park 44-0 on the Vikings new football field and Coach Kyle Rowley’s debut. The Spartans finished 6-4 and 3-2 in the MAC silver, they would made the playoffs. Warren Fitzgerald has a lot experience coming back and could make another playoff appearance this season. This will be a tough matchup for Rowley's Vikings. The key for Hazel Park is they need Jarred Schultz and Jaylen Adams to play well if the Vikings have any sort of chance of pulling off the upset in Macomb County.

SAMMY PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD 49, HAZEL PARK 7.

ANT PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD 42, HAZEL PARK 7.

SEAN PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD 49, HAZEL PARK 0.

KEITH PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD 48, HAZEL PARK 3.

DAN PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD 21, HAZEL PARK 14.

2015 Volleyball Preview.

Written Saturday August 22nd at 2:30 PM

Inside the OAA Top 10.

1. Seaholm

2. Clarkston

3. Orion

4. Stoney Creek

5. Oxford

6. Troy

7. Athens

8. Harrison

9. Adams

10. Groves

  

When looking into the 2015 Girls Volleyball season, Romeo is the defending Class A champion but it’s always a new season.

Red:

Seaholm

Clarkston

Orion

Stoney Creek

Adams

Oxford

Troy

Bloomfield Hills

Outlook: The league will be deep and balanced in 2015. There are three state powers in this division as well. Seaholm has to be the early favorite because of whom they return and also may be in the best position to go deep in the playoffs. Clarkston lost Taylor Dellinger a season ago but they will be reloaded once again this season. Orion is deep and talented but is 1-7 against Clarkston in games where they count (league and playoff games) since 2011. This maybe the best team Stoney Creek has and they could make the next step as a program this season. Troy has a lot of talent returning and this could be the best team in a long while that the Colts have had in years. Oxford is experienced but do they have enough playing experience together. Bloomfield Hills returns experience and a new court this season as they move into their new school on the old Andover campus. Adams moves up from the White. They will have experience but the move up means tough competition.

1. Seaholm Maples

Preseason Rank: 1

Last Season: Lost to Mercy in the regional finals

The Maples fresh off winning their second district title in three seasons will try to ride that momentum heading into the 2015 season. Seaholm will be very experienced for Coach Heather Lippert as this group has played a lot of volleyball. OH Kate Carey, OH Annie Schletcher, and MH Lauren McCleod will be key players this season in Birmingham. Seaholm will be state ranked to start the season and is expected to be a state championship title contending team if they can win their district and beat Marian for the third time in four years. Expect the Maples to be there until the very end this season.

2. Clarkston Wolves

Preseason Rank: 2

Last Season: Lost to Romeo in the regional finals

The Wolves have won seven straight district and league championships for Coach Kelly Averall Pinner. Last season ended on a sour note as Clarkston lost to Romeo in the regional finals at Troy Athens. The Wolves always find a way to reload whether it is in the sub varsity level or in the middle school level. They will be state ranked to start the season as well. OH Abby Malinowski, MH Sarah Austin, and L Ashley Schwartz are the three players to keep an eye on. They must address the center spot which was departed by Taylor Dellinger whom is playing college Volleyball and also the back row, something they will do. Clarkston will be a state ranked team this season as well.

3. Orion Dragons

Preseason Rank: 3

Last Season: Lost to Clarkston in district finals

For a team that won 60 games and then get swept by your arch rivals on your home court in the district finals kind of leaves a bad taste in the mouth for the Dragons. Coach Tony Scvarada also must address beating your arch rivals in games where they count, something this Orion program hasn’t done since 2011. The Dragons whom will also be state ranked returns L Kori Varney, H Katelyn Budreau, OH Wies Hurkmans, OH Natalie Wehner, OH Leah Kalugar, C Danielle Sargent, and OH Marley Redd. Kalguar is the huge part here because she is expected to replace Hannah Murdock whom is now at Michigan State. Orion also got a huge boost to their lineup as they added Courtney OH and S/L Lindsay Wightman both transferred from Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, whom went to the State semifinals last season and has moved into the district. Courtney was an All State in Class D and has committed to Oakland while Lindsay was second team All State. Expect Orion to be there in the league and in the district title hunt this season.

4. Stoney Creek Cougars

Preseason Rank: 4

Last Season: Lost to Clarkston in district semifinals

The Cougars are expected to make the next step up in 2015 after a successful season in 2014 and is on the way up. The defending Rochester City champs will  be very competitive with the rest of the league and could possibly contend for a league title if things go right. Coach Mandy Moran does return her two top players in OH Sammy Sattaman and OH Alexa Tomlack. Sattaman made herself a well-known name last season, even taking Clarkston to the brink. Stoney Creek is in a tough district as well but is expected to make some noise this season.

5. Adams Highlanders

Preseason Rank: 9

Lost to Stoney Creek in pre-district

The Highlanders struggled for second year coach Irick Gardner but he does return the balk of his team from last season. Adams will be led by OH Shannon Burger and OH Madison Tuchineky among others. The problem for the Highlanders this season is that they moved up from the White to the Red and will have to play powerhouses Orion, Clarkston, and Seaholm. Adams have plenty of experience and could have a strong season like they did in the second half of the year with big wins over Avondale and Troy Athens. Adams is a sleeper in this league because everyone is counting them out.

6. Oxford Wildcats

Preseason Rank: 5

Lost to Orion in district semifinals

The Wildcats will have a new coach this season as LaToria Thomas replaces Kristi McDevitt. McDevitt wanted toughness from her team after last season’s disappointing season and the loss to Orion but Thomas will give them that toughness and mentality. Oxford will be resilient this season as they look to play spoiler to teams. They will be led by OH Grace Wysocki, MB Lisa Savage, OH Nicole Elzerman, and L/DS Hailey Hartwick. among other players. The Wildcats must follow Thomas lead this season and build on what could be an interesting season in 2015.

7. Troy Colts

Preseason Rank: 6

Lost to Clarkston in regional semifinal

Colts coach Vince Muscat had a very young team in 2014 but they did gain some revenge on their arch rival from John R Road in the district finals. Troy returns OH Emma Loken and IH Kirsten Losey along with incoming freshman hitter Jessica Robinson. Loken will be counted on to perform for the Colts and could be a player to keep an eye on heading into the season along with Robinson. Losey was nominated as captain for the team and is also expected to contribute among others. This could be the best team that Muscat has had in a while on Northfield Parkway.

8. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Marian in pre-district

Blackhawks coach Bob Hurdle’s team was very young last season and struggled as well. Bloomfield Hills will return S Michaella Elliot. Ellott was huge in some games and they will have a new court at a new school this season. Amanda Sape will be the center and is athletic inside. The Blackhawks looks to take the next step if they want to do well this season. It could be interesting this season in the new court of Bloomfield Hills as they move from the Lahser campus to the Andover campus.

White:

Harrison

Groves

Troy Athens

Rochester

North Farmington

Farmington

West Bloomfield

Avondale

Outlook: The White will be an interesting league in 2015. Harrison is balanced but they don't have a lot of experience heading into the season. Groves returns two key players but they must replace some talent. Troy Athens is in the same boat as well. Rochester has a lot of talent returning but can they develop the chemistry over there. North Farmington  has experience and should be better heading into the season. West Bloomfield hopes to repeat its district final appearance with a strong season despite the fact they must replace most of their team. Farmington has experience coming back and moving down from the tough Red to the White.

1. Harrison Hawks

Preseason Rank: 8

Lost to Seaholm in district semifinal

The defending Farmington city champions will be off and running in 2015. Harrison and Coach Michael Love face an uncertain future with the possible school closure. The Hawks should be solid heading into the season. Harrison is led by OH Stefanie Jankiewicz and Mikael Coleman along with DS Brooke Russ. The downside for the Hawks though is they did lose a lot of experience last season which is a major concern.

2. Groves Falcons

Preseason Rank: 10

Lost to Seaholm in regional semifinal

Falcons coach Jenny Brown will have some experience coming back and will be a contender in the White. Anya Lev and Shelby Pitts return and will be pivotal to a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience. It will be interesting to watch this season in Beverly Hills.

3. Troy Athens Red Hawks

Preseason Rank: 7

Lost to Troy in district final

Red Hawks Coach Christine Stanichuck will have to replace some key talent whom had graduated from the program. Troy Athens had a successful campaign the last two seasons but will have to do some rebuilding. They will return OH Alexa Van Hoef whom had a huge sophomore season and will be relied on to do more in her junior season. it could be interesting in Troy this season.

4. Rochester Falcons

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Orion in pre-district

Falcons coach Lauren Duquette will have some experience coming back after being very young last season. Their inexperience showed in games but they would like to have a better result heading into this season. Rochester returns S Maddie Halsey and L Riley Gaber. The question for the Falcons will be is can their team gel and if they do, then look out.

5. North Farmington Raiders

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Marian in district semifinal

The Raiders will have a lot of versatility and experience heading into the 2015 season for Coach Jessica Concedi. North Farmington must replace two outside hitters and one defensive specialist as they are all graduated. The Raiders will rely on OH Haley Qassaca, C Summer Farris, DS Kerri Kopicko, S Catherine Dickow, and MH Mykela Ross. North Farmington will have a ton of experience but can they make the jump up after two down seasons, which will be the question.

6. Farmington Falcons

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Mercy in pre-district

The Falcons will be very young heading into the 2015 season for second year Coach Katie Drews but can they produce results after moving down from the Red to the White. Farmington will be led by S Rachel Hume, DS Genna Reed, DS Courtney Szymkowski, OH Jackie Carborne, DS Danielle Petras, OH Kayley Chandra, and OH Karlee Wengorovius. Farmington will have some experience back but the question will be is can they do well against some young and up and coming teams in the White.

7. West Bloomfield Lakers

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Lakeland in district final

Second year coach Dana Gray will have to replace some key Lakers whom she lost but she should have an experienced team coming back. The question for West Bloomfield is do they have the depth to compete with the big teams and they were moved to a much tougher district. It could be an interesting season in West Bloomfield.

8. Avondale Yellow Jackets

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Troy in district semifinal

The Yellow Jackets are going to have an interesting team in 2015 and they do have a new coach taking over the program in Joe Podvin. Podvin will return key players C Alyssa Smith, OH Ashley Bittinger, and MH Emma Ahern. Bittinger was Avondale's best player in 2014 but they do have upcoming players in Toya Golden and Brooke Blanchette. They have some questions and they must adjust to the new system under Podvin if they want to move up in the division this season.

Blue:

Oak Park

Berkley

Royal Oak

Ferndale

Hazel Park

Southfield

Lathrup

Pontiac

Outlook: When looking at this division, it's anyone's to win. Oak Park returns the best hitter in this division. Berkley returns the best liberio and could threaten Oak Park in the division. Ferndale lost a lot of talent last season and could struggle. Hazel Park is in the same boat as well. Royal Oak must improve on its consistency but their senior class is very strong. Southfield and Lathrup both have questions before they merge next season. Pontiac could struggle again this season.

1.  Oak Park Knights

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Groves in district semifinal

The Knights did lose two very good players a season ago but they do return C Jasmine Stackhouse for Coach AntWon Davis. Oak Park took a little step back last season but is expected to be one of the favorites in the Blue and could win a district title this season.

2. Berkley Bears

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Groves in district final

Bears coach Eric Gardner will return some experience to a team that lost to Groves in the district finals last season. Berkley returns L Cecilia Somers. Somers will be key for a team that is trying to win its first district title in a while and they very well could do it.

3. Royal Oak Ravens

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Groves in pre-district

Ravens coach Heidi Steudbacker’s team was not consistent last season but she has some experience coming back with it's senior class. Royal Oak must improve and be aggressive if they want to do well this season in the Blue.

4. Ferndale Eagles

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Livonia Ladywood in regional semifinals

The Eagles will be having to rebuilding a bit this season as they lost two of their top players from a district championship team. Ferndale and Coach Stacy Schock will have some work to do if they want to get back to where they want to be at.

5. Hazel Park Vikings

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Sterling Heights in pre-district

The Vikings lost a lot of talent last season. Hazel Park coach Sue Stuef must rebuild and it won’t be an easy rebuild either. The Vikings expect to be competitive this season but the move from Class A to Class B will help for sure.

6. Southfield Blue Jays

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Farmington in pre-district

The Blue Jays are an interesting team to keep an eye on this season. Southfield returns Tailir White whom is expected to carry Southfield this season.

7. Lathrup Chargers

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Berkley in district semifinal

The Chargers must improve on consistency in its final season as a school. Lathrup will compete but they do have some questions heading into the season as well.

8. Pontiac Phoenix

Preseason Rank: NR

Lost to Athens in district semifinal

The Phoenix are trying to build a program in Pontiac but it could be a tough order with the pressure the school district is facing. The Phoenix could struggle this season on the volleyball floor.