Written Saturday August 14th at 11:00 AM
Here is the 2021 Football Preview. This blog article will be updated with the most current and updated information.
INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN
1. West Bloomfield
2. Adams
3. Clarkston
4. Southfield Arts and Tech
5. Berkley
6. Oxford
7. Lake Orion
8. Stoney Creek
9. North Farmington
10. Farmington
Red
EARLY OUTLOOK: The Red is really one of the toughest leagues
in the State with four state championship programs. West Bloomfield won
the Division One State title last season. The Lakers are loaded again for new
coach Tyrice Grice. Grice takes over the program after then coach Ron Bellamy
left for Michigan. Southfield Arts and Tech has a new coach in Aaron
Marshall whom takes over for Tim Conley. Marshall will be tasked in turning the
Warriors around after being 14-21 since 2016. They feature his nephew in
quarterback Isiah Marshall along with some very talented wide receivers but
there are some questions especially up front. Clarkston has the majority
of their skill players back but they have some questions up front. Lake
Orion had a really off season in 2020. They have some questions coming into
2021 but the big question is can this group mesh for Coach John Blackstock. Oxford
had a rough first season changing the culture. They have a ton of experience
coming back for Coach Zach Line despite the brutal schedule that looms. Stoney
Creek won the White but they lost a ton of talent and experience from last
season. The Cougars should be very competitive in this division for Coach Nick
Merlo. The Red should be tough yet again so there is no days off in this
division.
LEAST DIFFICULT SCHEDULE: Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a
great year last season but they are going to be a different team in 2021. They
got bumped to the Red for their reward from their success last season. The
schedule is very tricky for “Team Armor Up.” Stoney Creek has non-league games
against Rochester, Adams, Port Huron, and Seaholm which looks very manageable.
“Team Armor Up” has Port Huron, Clarkston, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oxford,
and Adams coming to Tienken and Sheldon Road. They have West Bloomfield,
Rochester, Lake Orion, and Seaholm on the road. The Cougars have to replace a
ton of talent but they do have program strength which helps a ton but the Red
is going to be tricky.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Oxford: I talked to Dan Brown whenever
I’m at Chicago Brothers Pizza and he looked at that schedule with a grin and
for good reason. The Wildcats schedule is absolutely ridiculous with non-league
games against a team that went undefeated in the regular season, a team that
made the regional finals, a proven Macomb County power house, and a team that
runs the veer triple option, that’s just their non-league schedule. They have
Clarkston, Romeo, West Bloomfield, Rochester, and Chippewa Valley coming to the
blue turf but they have road trips to Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, Stoney
Creek, and Lake Orion. That schedule is the toughest that I have ever seen in
ages.
TEAM THAT HAS THE MOST QUESTIONS: Southfield Arts and Tech:
The Warriors have a new system and program with Aaron Marshall taking over for
Tim Conley. The schedule is very tricky with Detroit Cass Tech, River Rouge,
and Groves as non-league games. Southfield Arts and Tech has Detroit Cass Tech
at Wayne State and home dates with Lake Orion, Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Oak
Park. They have Clarkston, Groves, Stoney Creek, and River Rouge on the road. The
Warriors have a ton of questions coming into the season. Program strength is a
big time concern which needs to be addressed and quickly. They are more than
capable of having a great season but there are some things they need to address
to get there.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Lake Orion: The Dragons have a ton
of questions this season. The chemistry is a huge concern especially those who
have had Division One College dreams. Lake Orion took a step back last season
so hoping that this could be a one off. The schedule is very difficult with non-league
games against Utica Eisenhower, North Farmington, and Saline. They have to go
to North Farmington, Clarkston, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Saline but have
Utica Eisenhower, West Bloomfield, Oxford, Stoney Creek, and Seaholm coming to
Dragon Stadium. This season can go south real quick if things don’t go the
Dragons way and if everyone is not on the same page.
TOP FIVE MUST WATCH GAMES:
Clarkston at West Bloomfield: It was a classic between the
Wolves and Lakers which went overtime with Clarkston winning 24-21. The series
has been even as of late with each team winning three times over the other
since 2015.
Southfield Arts and Tech at Clarkston: The Wolves are 4-2
against the Warriors including last season’s 24-17 Clarkston victory in
Southfield. The last time Southfield Arts and Tech went to Clarkston it went
overtime but one bad penalty on the PAT cost the Warriors their season.
Lake Orion at Southfield Arts and Tech: These two did not
play last season because of COVID-19 within Southfield Arts and Tech’s program.
The Warriors have lost three of the last four meetings to the Dragons including
twice in Southfield.
Oxford at Lake Orion: They didn’t play last season because
of COVID-19 within Lake Orion’s program. Expect a very interesting quarterback
matchup between Brady Carpenter and Kyler Carson in this one.
Southfield Arts and Tech at Stoney Creek: The Cougars
embarrassed the Warriors 33-6 last season. It will be interesting to see how
Southfield Arts and Tech responds on Tienken and Sheldon Road.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
Last Season: 11-1, 4-1 Red. Won 41-0 over Davison in
Division One State Championship.
PS 476 (39.6 ppg), 150 Red (30 ppg)
PA 96 (8 ppg), 39 Red (7.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Experience, Proven Playmakers on both sides.
WEAKNESS: Defensive Secondary.
PROJECTED RECORD: 9-0, 5-0 Red.
SPI INDEX: 6
PRESEASON RANK: 1
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Adams.
TEAM COLORS: Green, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Reqez Nance-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Run Pass Option.
EARLY THOUGHTS: 2020 was special for West Bloomfield winning
the Division One State Championship. this offseason was very interesting as
then coach Ron Bellamy left West Bloomfield to go back to Ann Arbor which meant
that the Lakers would have a new coach in 2021. West Bloomfield kept it in
house and have their new coach in Tyrice Grice. Grice has a ton of talent
coming back which helps things and he is one of the best defensive minds in the
state. Program strength has been strong which Bellamy did a very good job with
the program. There has been a ton of people saying that West Bloomfield could
repeat and they very well could although Belleville and Detroit Cass Tech could
have very strong says. There really isn’t a true weakness
when it comes to program strength as they have built from within and not have
relied on transfers. They will have a new quarterback in Reqez Nance. Nance is
a duel threat was very impressive last season for the run pass option offense
the Lakers like to use. West Bloomfield has proven playmakers in Dillion Tatum at
running back and Semaj Morgan at wide receiver coming back. The backups are
really good in running backs Malik Matheia and Kerry Jones along with proven
wide receivers DeAndre Hill, Dwane Herring, and Davier Burt. The offensive and
defensive lines are loaded with Brandon Davis-Swan, Amir Herring, Ryan Ross,
and Zander Davis coming back. The defense should be very good after a stout
year last season with linebackers Michael Williams and Zavieon Marshall coming
back. The defensive secondary is a little bit of a concern despite having Kyle
Johnson, Kaden Tucker, Bertelle Rankin, Lorenzo Williams, and newcomers Jamir
Benjamin, Adrian Epps, and Bryce Rowe coming back. Once they get seasoned
things should be fine. This is a football team to watch for sure this season.
WHY 9-0: The schedule is very interesting especially with non-league
games against Adams, Oak Park, North Farmington, and Utica Eisenhower. West
Bloomfield has to go to Oak Park, Oxford, Lake Orion, Utica Eisenhower, and
Southfield Arts and Tech. They have Stoney Creek, Clarkston, Adams, and North
Farmington coming to the Swamp. The Lakers could very well be heading into late
November riding a ton of confidence.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
Last Season: 7-1, 5-0 Red. Lost 42-35 to Grand Blanc in
District Semifinals.
PS 252 (31.5 ppg), 161 Red (32.2 ppg)
PA 115 (14.3 ppg), 59 Red (11.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Linebackers, Proven
Offensive Playmakers, Program Strength.
WEAKNESS: Both Lines, Non-League Schedule, Defensive
Secondary.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 4-1 Red.
SPI INDEX: 10
PRESEASON RANK: 3
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Davison at
Michigan.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue, Yellow, Grey, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Cavanaugh Diton-Linebacker.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: 2020 was a resurging and disappointing all
at once for Coach Kurt Richardson and his program. They went 3-6 in 2019 which
was very unusual but they rebounded real nicely going unbeaten in the Red. The
postseason was a bit rough where they were upset on their home field by Grand
Blanc in the district semifinals last season. The Wolves should be very good on
the offensive side of the football in 2021. They were much better last season
when they scored 252 points than in 2019 when they scored 223 points. Clarkston
has the proven offensive playmakers and experience in quarterback Mike DePillo,
running backs Ethan Clark, Davis York, wide receivers Desman Stephens, Logan
Kaul, Kohl Jarvis, and tight end Brody Kosin coming back. DePillo has been very
good in his two years starting for the Wolves while Clark has been on varsity
for a year in a half. The rest of the proven playmakers were or have seen time
on varsity last season. The defense was much better last season (allowed 115
points) than they were in 2019 when they allowed 304 points which was the most
points allowed in Clarkston history. The big question mark is the defensive
secondary even though they could use Clark in that area which Richardson likely
doesn’t want but they have Brady Krcziok and Ian Olsen that could fill that
void. The linebackers should be the strength of the defense in 2021. Clarkston
added Cavanaugh Diton this offseason. Diton comes from Plymouth Salem which had
their fair share of struggles. He will join Caleb Stallworth, Stephens, Evan
McClorey, and Mekhi Battle at linebacker. The offensive and defensive lines are
question marks after losing two very good lineman in Rocco Splindler and
Garrett Dellinger to Notre Dam and Louisiana State respectably. They have Cole Dellinger,
Jacob Lenardson, Jacob McMahon, and Hayden Wuestenburg coming back. Program
strength looks to be solid for the Wolves which is a great thing to look
forward too.
WHY 7-2: The schedule looks very concerning when looking at
the Wolves. Clarkston
will be tested early when they play Davison in Ann Arbor. The rest of the non-league
schedule has Seaholm and Groves on it. They have Stoney Creek, Oxford, West
Bloomfield, and Seaholm on the road while Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and
Tech, Groves, and an unnamed Canada team come to Clarkston. Richardson is in a very interesting spot with
this team. The Wolves should be in the thick of things
again this season.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
Last Season: 3-3, 1-2 Red. Lost 28-14 to Grand Blanc in
First Round.
PS 101 (16.8 ppg), 45 Red (15 ppg)
PA 106 (17.6 ppg), 65 Red (21.6 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Offensive Playmakers, Offensive
Line, Program Strength.
WEAKNESS: Chemistry, Togetherness, Defensive Line, Defensive
Secondary.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 3-2 Red.
SPI INDEX: 5
PRESEASON RANK: 7
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Utica
Eisenhower.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Green, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Kyler Carson-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: Lake Orion is in a very interesting spot
after taking a bit of a step back in 2020 after a very strong 2019 season where
they won eight games. Chemistry and togetherness will be a question heading
into the season for Coach John Blackstock and his team. Lake Orion has the
offensive firepower but if they aren’t clicking then it could be trouble. They
have Kyler Carson at quarterback coming back. Carson had a very interesting
year last season and will look to have a better year this season. Carson has
proven pass catchers in wide receivers Dorian Hill, Patrick Rowland, Eric Pea,
Raymond Payne, and tight end Joey Thede coming back. Lake Orion is well known
for their rushing attack. They should have a very strong rushing attack with
Jack Wellman, James Patterson, Billy Robertson, CJ Witt, Jacob McCoy, and Nasir
Lardell coming back. The Dragons were not bad defensively allowing 106 points
last season. Lake Orion has to replace some talent especially at the defensive
line and in the defensive secondary. The linebackers should be very solid with
Ethan Strand, Judah Kinnie, Alec Fisher, and Nick Eaton coming back. The
defensive secondary is very concerning despite having Chase Whitaker, Caleb
Jones, Andrew Horton, and Stephen Brown coming back. Brown looks to be an X
factor on both sides of the football. He transferred from Grand Blanc this
winter and ran track and field for legendary coach Stan Ford this past spring.
The offensive and defensive lines have proven experience with Jonah Fix, Daniel
Babcock, Trevor Witt, and Edwin Morris coming back. Thede should spend time on
the defensive line as well. Lake Orion has program strength which always helps
with the present and also the future. The positives are there for the Dragons
but there are also dangers as well if this team doesn’t mesh.
WHY 6-3: This is a team that can be as good as six wins but
it can be as low as two wins. The schedule is brutal with Utica Eisenhower,
North Farmington, Seaholm, and Saline for non-league. Lake Orion has to go to
Southfield Arts and Tech, Clarkston, Saline, and Farmington. They have Utica
Eisenhower, Oxford, West Bloomfield, Seaholm, and Stoney Creek coming to Dragon
Stadium. The danger signs are there for the Dragons but if things go well then
a postseason appearance seems possible.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
Last Season: 3-4, 2-2 Red. Lost 19-14 to Sterling Heights
Stevenson in District Semifinals.
PS 169 (24.1 ppg), 86 Red (21.5 ppg)
PA 108 (15.4 ppg), 47 Red (11.7 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, Defensive Secondary.
WEAKNESS: Both Lines, Depth, Linebackers, Defense, Rushing
Attack, Media Hype, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5, 2-3 Red.
SPI INDEX: 2
PRESEASON RANK: 4
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Detroit Cass
Tech at Wayne State.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue, Red, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Daveon Young-Wide Receiver/Defensive
Back.
OFFENSE: Run Pass Option.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Warriors have a new coach and a familiar
name in Aaron Marshall. Marshall was an assistant and offensive coordinator
under then Coach Tim Conley last season. He is tasked on turning around a
program that has been 14-21 since 2016. They will have a new system to adjust
too and it will take some time to do so. Southfield Arts and Tech has a potent
run pass option offense with quarterback Isiah Marshall coming back. Marshall
is a duel threat quarterback that is more than capable of taking over games. He
should have the proven wide receivers in Devon Buskin, Daveon Young, Aaron Davis,
Al’lik McCain, and Darrell Jones coming back. The rushing attack will be a
question mark coming into the season. The offensive and defensive lines are
also very concerning but they have Aaron Bradley, Jusden Sorrell, Chimdindu
Obi, Xavier Davis, and Reggie Gardner coming back. The Warriors were much
better defensively in which they allowed 108 points last season. The strength
of the defense should be in the secondary with Ron Coleman, Buskin, Young, and
Jones along with Javon Jones and Dominant Johnson coming back. The linebackers
could be the problem along with the defensive line even though they have
Bradley, Sorrell, Davis, and Gardner up front and James Panagos, Jerome Baker,
and Cameron Smith at linebacker coming back. Program strength is a major concern
for Marshall and his program. They didn’t field three teams last season which
was very unusual and very concerning. The media hype this program gets is
always dangerous. This is something for sure they need to address and quickly.
There is a lot of good surrounding Southfield Arts and Tech but it can go south
real quick.
WHY 4-5: The Warriors could be a six or seven win team but
as low as two wins. The schedule is brutal for Southfield Arts and Tech
especially in the non-league with Detroit Cass Tech, Oak Park, Groves, and
River Rouge. They open with Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State which is going to
be a really tough game. The Warriors have Groves, Stoney Creek, Clarkston, and
River Rouge on the road. They have Lake Orion, Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Oak
Park coming to Southfield. Southfield Arts and Tech is more than capable of
being a postseason team but it’s not the talent that is the issue. The schedule
might be but we’ll see.
OXFORD WILDCATS
Last Season: 2-5, 1-3 Red. Lost 21-7 to Clarkston in First
Round.
PS 72 (10.2 ppg), 25 Red (6.2 ppg)
PA 149 (21.2 ppg), 114 Red (28.5 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Proven Experience,
Both Lines.
WEAKNESS: Wide Receivers, Defensive Secondary, Depth, Program
Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-7, 1-4 Red.
SPI INDEX: 1
PRESEASON RANK: 6
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Romeo.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue, Yellow, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brady Carpenter-Quarterback/Defensive
Back.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: It was a very tough year offensively especially
in the final four weeks of the season for the Wildcats. They scored 10 points
total in their final four games last season. Oxford is more than capable of
putting six or seven wins with the talent they have and the proven experience
that is back in the program. Coach Zach Line is building the program since
taking over for long time coach Bud Rowley. He has the majority of his offense
coming back which should be huge. The
Wildcats have a very good and talented quarterback in Brady Carpenter. Carpenter
had a ton of adversity he had to overcome last season in changing offenses from
Rowley to Line. Carpenter is also a baseball standout. The strength of the
offense should be their rushing attack which has Trent Myre coming back. Myre
had a really strong year at running back last season. He has also spent time in
the defensive secondary as a sophomore last season. They have Brendan Moore,
Sal Vackaro, and Jack Keene at wide receiver coming back which should help
Carpenter a ton this season. The defense should be very interesting heading in
2021. They really struggled especially in the Red last season despite having
more experience coming back. Oxford should be very strong up front and also at
linebacker. They have Mitchell Vivano, Cameron Jarrett, and Jacob Welc coming
back at linebacker and the defensive and offensive lines in Landon Severn,
Kewone Burton, and Gavin Green coming back. The defensive secondary should be a
major concern for Line even though Myre, Carpenter, Vackaro, and Moore are
coming back. Program strength is a major concern when looking at the Wildcats. Oxford
is getting doubted in the early projections but they are better than most
people think.
WHY 2-7: When the schedule came out I talked to Dan Brown,
the owner of Chicago Brothers Pizza in Lake Orion and when he saw the schedule
he was not happy seeing it. The talent is NOT
the problem at Oxford. The reason for this record for is simple, THE SCHEDULE. The Wildcats
schedule has the artwork created by Edvard Munch called “The Scream” written
all over it. Oxford has very difficult non-league games against Romeo, Adams,
Rochester, and Chippewa Valley but three of those four are at home. They go to
Lake Orion, Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Stoney Creek while Romeo,
Chippewa Valley, Clarkston, Rochester, and West Bloomfield coming to the blue
turf. Like Lake Orion, Oxford can get more than six wins but as less as two but
the schedule not the talent could be the difference here.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
Last Season: 7-1, 5-0 White. Lost 45-27 to Romeo in District
Semifinals.
PS 288 (36 ppg), 197 White (39.4 ppg)
PA 124 (15.5 ppg), 51 White (10.2 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Linebackers,
Defensive Secondary, Program Strength.
WEAKNESS: Both Lines, Quarterback, Wide Receivers.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 0-5 Red
SPI INDEX: 9
PRESEASON RANK: 8
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 10th vs Clarkston.
TEAM COLORS: Navy Blue, Gold, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jon Fogler-Running Back.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Cougars had a great 2020. They won the
White and went undefeated for the first time in school history. They knocked
off Chippewa Valley but fell to Romeo in the district finals. Stoney Creek
moved to the Red from the White. This is a program that will have some
questions this season. The Cougars have a quarterback completion in either
Jacob Best or Ethan Bieniasz whom could be their starter. Bieniasz played on
the junior varsity while Best was Echout’s backup last season. They really need
to replace the production of Cam Burford who has graduated and is in college. Jon Fogler comes
back at running back but Kyle Parks could see time as well. Stoney Creek does
not have a ton of proven experience at wide receiver for whomever the
quarterback is but they have Eric Boothe and Zach Hadler filling that role but
what should help is that they have tight ends Daniel Beccari and Jayson Igwe
coming back. The Cougars offensive and defensive lines are major concerns with
all the experience that was lost from last season. Stoney Creek has Gianmarco
Lochirco, Jake Schuman, Kyle Keffer, Ricardo Sotomayor, Arnav Sharma, Max
Rechnagel and Jacob Lewis coming back. The defense was really good under
defensive coordinator Gary Griffith allowing 124 points last season but this
season they could be very young but talented. The defensive secondary and
linebackers should be very solid with Steven Lambert, Boothe, Joe Murray, and
Hadler coming back in the defensive secondary. They also have Trent Baumann,
Seth Luhmann, and Luke McCay coming back at linebacker. Coach Nick Merlo has
done a remarkable job rebuilding the program to make its return to the Red. He
has built program strength and has created a new culture that many within the
Cougars community are buying into.
WHY 3-6: I think being in the Red will be too much for the
Cougars because the competition is that more difficult. They have Port Huron,
Rochester, Adams, and Seaholm for non-league. Stoney Creek has Port Huron,
Clarkston, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oxford, and Adams coming to Rochester.
They have to go to Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, Rochester, and Seaholm. It’s
going to be a bit of a transition year for Merlo and his team. They should be
fine with this difficult schedule that is looming because of the culture that
is in place.
Red Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0FMiR3EHtY
Red Soundcloud:
White
EARLY OUTLOOK: The White should be an interesting division
in 2021. There are some major storylines for each team heading into the season.
Oak Park comes from the Red after having a winless regular season. The
Knights had a very successful postseason which saw wins over Grosse Pointe
South, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Wyandotte, and Livonia Churchill.
They made it to the Division Two State Semifinals where they lost a
heartbreaker in overtime to Warren DeLaSalle last season for Coach Greg Carter.
Rochester comes from the Blue. They went unbeaten in the regular season
for the first time since 1993 but had a very disappointing postseason where
they were blown out by Adams on their home field. The Falcons have a ton of
experience coming back which helps especially moving up a division for Coach
Eric Vernon. Adams has a ton of experience coming back for Coach Tony
Patritto. North Farmington is in a very interesting spot. They have to
replace some proven experience after making the regional finals last season.
The Raiders should be in the conversation for the White this season for Coach
Jon Herstein. Groves has a lot of young promising talent coming for
Coach Brendan Flaherty. Seaholm lost a lot of experience from last
season which could make things very tough for Coach Jim DeWald. This should be
a fun division to watch this season.
LEAST DIFFICULT SCHEDULE: Rochester: The Falcons had
everything made in the Blue last season but now it’s going to be tougher for them
but the non-league is interesting with Oxford, Stoney Creek, and winnable non-league
games against Macomb L’Anse Creuse North and Ann Arbor Huron. They have to go
to Adams, Groves, Oxford, and Macomb L’Anse Creuse North and have home games
with Stoney Creek, North Farmington, Oak Park, Seaholm, and Ann Arbor Huron
coming to Rochester. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons handle this
schedule.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Oak Park: The Knights have played a very
difficult schedule every season under Coach Greg Carter. This season is no
different with tests against proven powerhouses in Orchard Lake St Mary’s, West
Bloomfield, Adams, North Farmington, and Groves in the first five weeks of the
season and that’s not mentioning playing Southfield Arts and Tech and
Rochester. They don’t have a ninth game as of yet. It’s going to be tough
sledding for Oak Park.
TEAM THAT HAS THE MOST QUESTIONS: North Farmington: The
Raiders were very good last season which they went to the regional finals.
North Farmington will have a new quarterback this season but depth will be a
question mark coming into the season along with program strength. The non-league
schedule is very interesting with Farmington, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and
Traverse City Central. They have Lake Orion, Traverse City Central, Farmington,
Groves, and Adams coming to Tom Holland Field. They have road games at West
Bloomfield, Seaholm, Oak Park, and Rochester. It should be an interesting
season for Coach Jon Herstein and the Raiders.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Seaholm: When you lose a ton of
talent from last season and the previous year. Also the non-league schedule is
very difficult not to mention the league schedule then you might be in some
trouble and that’s where the Maples are at as we speak. Seaholm has Byron
Center, Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek as their non-league matchups.
Also they are bringing a new set of offensive playmakers which is a major
concern. Coach Jim DeWald has a ton of concerns heading into the season. It
could be a very challenging one indeed.
TOP FIVE MUST WATCH GAMES:
Groves at North Farmington: The Raiders beat the Falcons
36-26 last season in Beverly Hills. Think Groves wants some revenge at Tom
Holland Field???
Adams at North Farmington: The Highlanders and Raiders went
overtime in Rochester but a gamble by Coach Tony Patritto didn’t pay off which
gave North Farmington a 34-33 victory last season. Could we be in store for
more drama at Tom Holland Field???
Groves at Adams: The Falcons fell to Adams 31-21 in Beverly
Hills last season. Groves might want to try to return the favor from that game
in Rochester.
Adams at Oak Park: This will be the first meeting since 2016
between the Knights and Highlanders. Oak Park won 44-43 in Rochester on that
night.
Rochester at Adams: Falcons still haven’t beaten the
Highlanders since 1996 and lost badly in the first round 39-7 last season on
their home field. Could this be the year???
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
Last Season: 3-5, 2-3 White. Forfeited 2-0 to Davison in District
Semifinals due to COVID-19.
PS 150 (18.7 ppg), 111 White (22.2 ppg)
PA 150 (18.7 ppg), 104 White (20.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Offensive Playmakers.
WEAKNESS: Both Lines, Defensive Playmakers.
PROJECTED RECORD: 8-1, 5-0 White.
SPI INDEX: 14
PRESEASON RANK: 2
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th at West Bloomfield.
TEAM COLORS: Brown, Yellow, Grey, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brady Prieskorn-Wide Receiver.
OFFENSE: Veer (Triple Option.)
EARLY THOUGHTS: It was an interesting 2020 for the
Highlanders where they had a ton of peaks and valleys. They were forced to go
back on COVID-19 protocol just before their district semifinal matchup with
Davison which ended their season. Adams has a ton of experience coming back
especially on the offensive side of the football in the veer triple option
attack for Coach Tony Patritto. The Highlanders have quarterback Parker Picot
coming back. Picot is a baseball standout. He played wide receiver in 2019. Picot
should have plenty of proven playmakers in wide receivers Brady Prieskorn, Nick
Stokan, Marco DiCresce, Christian Schomer, and Joe Shallow along with running backs Nick Paterra
and Griffin Henke coming back. Prieskorn is a basketball standout for Coach
Jaret Thomas. He really excelled at wide receiver as Picot’s top deep threat last season.
The offensive and defensive lines are very concerning despite having Hassan
Murray, Andrew Rolfs, and Alex Degrick leading both lines. The defense had
their peaks and valleys last season despite allowing more points in the White
than in non-league. Defensive playmakers at linebacker and the defensive
secondary are a huge concern for Patritto. This was the area they were just
torched last season. They have Tait Picot, Picot, Max Cibor, and DiCresce in
this area this season. Program strength looks to be on the comeback which is a
great sign. If Adams can overcome these challenges they could have a special
season. Everything is starting to come together for them.
WHY 8-1: Adams has a tough schedule to start off with the
defending Division One State Champs in West Bloomfield on the road. They also
have Oxford, Stoney Creek, and Detroit Renaissance for their non-league. The
Highlanders go to West Bloomfield, Detroit Renaissance, Stoney Creek, Oak Park,
and North Farmington. They have Rochester, Groves, Seaholm, and Oxford coming
to Rochester Hills. The schedule looks favorable. Adams is more than capable of
winning eight games if things go their way.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
Last Season: 7-3, 3-2 Blue. Lost 50-22 to Traverse City
Central in Regional Finals.
PS 238 (23.8 ppg), 112 White (22.4 ppg)
PA 215 (21.5 ppg), 127 White (25.4 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Offensive Playmakers, Coaching, Both
Lines.
WEAKNESS: Defensive Secondary, Linebackers, Depth, Program
Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 4-1 White.
SPI INDEX: 3
PRESEASON RANK: 9
GAME OF THE YEAR: October 1st vs Adams.
TEAM COLORS: Brown, Yellow, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ryan Shelby-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Raiders are starting to put things together.
They went to the postseason the last two years.
North Farmington lost a ton of talent after getting to the regional
finals where they had to go to Traverse City and played Traverse City Central
last season. North Farmington has a new quarterback in Ryan Shelby for Coach
Jon Herstein this season. Shelby takes over for Jacob Bousamara after he graduated. He
transferred from West Bloomfield during the winter and is a very talented
baseball player. Shelby should have a ton of offensive playmakers in wide receivers Aaron
Rice, Jasper Beeler, and Tristen Hoke along with running back Rayshawn Matthews
coming back. Rice and Beeler are very talented basketball players playing for
Coach Todd Negoshian. The offensive and defensive lines should be very
interesting for Herstein. They have Chike Udmeba, Dwight Walker, and Jaylen
Kelly leading the offensive and defensive lines along with Chase Reed and Logan
Kejbo at linebacker. The Raiders are very talented but they don’t have a ton of
depth which is very concerning heading into the season. North Farmington is as
good as anybody in the league but program strength and depth is very concerning
as mentioned.
WHY 6-3: The Raiders had a pretty good year. They won their
first ever district championship and made it to the postseason for a second
straight season and getting to the regional finals but fell apart in the second
half and fell 50-22 to Traverse City Central. North Farmington has them coming
to Tom Holland Field in week nine which should be very interesting. The Titans
are no strangers traveling down south, they went to Macomb Dakota last season.
The Raiders open with arch rival Farmington on their home field for “The
Farmington Cup” early. They have Farmington, West Bloomfield, and Lake Orion
for their other non-league games. North Farmington has Groves, Adams,
Farmington, Lake Orion, and Traverse City Central coming to Tom Holland Field
along with road trips to West Bloomfield, Seaholm, Rochester, and Oak Park. The
Raiders could be in line for another postseason run.
GROVES FALCONS
Last Season: 3-6, 1-4 White. Forfeited 2-0 to Warren Mott in
District Finals because of ineligible player.
PS 245 (27.2 ppg), 141 White (28.2 ppg)
PA 206 (22.8 ppg), 163 White (32.6 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Offensive Playmakers, Both Lines.
WEAKNESS: Unproven Quarterback, Linebackers, Program
Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 3-2 White.
SPI INDEX: 7
PRESEASON RANK: 11
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th vs Dexter at Wayne
State.
TEAM COLORS: Green, Yellow, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Cayden Hardy-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: It was a very interesting offseason for the
Falcons. They had to forfeit their district final appearance because they
played ineligible players after their district semifinal win over arch rival
Seaholm. I’m wondering if that would motivate them for this season. Groves lost
a ton of talent from last season which could be a major challenge for his
program. Coach Brendan Flaherty has an interesting situation at quarterback. They have Max Young whom was the backup last season and a sophomore quarterback that in Cayden Hardy.
Hardy is very talented but he hasn’t thrown a varsity game in high school yet. Young has a little more experience for the Falcons.
They have a Division One recruit in combo player Jaden Magnum. Magnum has had a
strong career and is expected to have a monster season for Groves. The Falcons
have other playmakers as well in wide receivers Logan Flaherty, Brett Taylor,
and Zach Rogers along with tight end Jack Wainer. They have running back
Starvos Panos in the backfield. Rogers is the son of the late former Detroit
Lions, Michigan State, and Saginaw wide receiver Charles Rogers. The Groves
defense had their fair share of issues allowing over 22 points per game last season.
The linebackers should be the strength of their defense in 2021. They have John
Hess, Logan Flaherty, and Nick Mason at linebacker. The defensive secondary
looks to be very interesting with Jackson Craine, Connor Sarafia, Josh Moore,
Evan Dundon, and Mangham coming back. The Falcons should be solid on the
offensive and defensive lines with Ben O Conner, Sam Silcox, Jimmy Holcomb,
Henry Everett, Malachi Coleman, and Michael Gardner coming back. Program
strength looks very troubling. It will be very interesting to see what Flaherty
does with a young offense and a defense that needs to get better and quickly.
WHY 3-6: The schedule is not friendly for the Falcons especially
with Dexter, Southfield Arts and Tech, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and
Clarkston as non-league games and that’s not the league schedule. They have
Southfield Arts and Tech, Oak Park, and Rochester coming to Beverly Hills and
road trips to North Farmington, Seaholm, Adams, Clarkston, Dexter, and Sterling
Heights Stevenson. It’s going to be a very challenging season for Groves.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
Last Season: 6-1, 6-0 Blue. Lost 39-7 to Adams in First
Round.
PS 274 (39.1 ppg), 267 Blue (44.5 ppg)
PA 98 (14 ppg), 59 Blue (9.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Experience, Program Strength.
WEAKNESS: Linebackers, Defensive Secondary, Playing against
better competition.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5, 2-3 White.
SPI INDEX: 15
PRESEASON RANK: 12
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 17th at Adams.
TEAM COLORS: Royal Blue, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Alex Bueno-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: 2020 was a special year for Rochester. They
went undefeated and won a league title (Blue) for the first time since 1993.
Everything was lined up for them to overcome another hurdle that had hindered
them and that was against their city rivals whom they haven’t beaten since 1996
in the district first round but in the thick of all of it darkness blew and
things didn’t go their way. The Falcons were shell shocked as they were blown
out by their city rivals for the 24th time in 26 tries last season.
Rochester moved up to the White which means they will be playing much better
competition. Coach Eric Vernon has a ton of proven experience coming back
especially on the offensive side of the football. The Falcons besides the Adams
disaster scored in bunches last season. They should very strong on this side of
the football this season. The Falcons have an experienced quarterback in Alex
Bueno coming back. He had a really strong year last season. Bueno has his wide
receivers in Preston Schroyer, Tom Lulgjuaj, and Andrew Hebekeuster coming
back. The rushing attack should be very talented with Jeff Hankins, Jeff
Weaver, and Grant Calcagno coming back. The offensive and defensive lines are
very experienced which always helps a quarterback and their playmakers.
Rochester has Gabe Mendoza, Humzah Abu Shanab, Ballaj Forcon Alhuk, Breden
Grabaum, Nik Guerrieri, and Nick Terenzi playing both the offensive and defensive
lines. Going to the White will bring challenges to the Falcons despite having
to replace some key areas on the defensive side of the football that was very
good last season. They need to replace is at linebackers and in the defensive
secondary. They have Nick Gerbi and Peyton Osentoski at linebacker. Vernon
should have a solid secondary in Cam Czerweien, Hunter Krempel, and Jaden
Bolden coming back Rochester will need to step it up big time if they want the
same success from last season to carry over.
WHY 4-5: The Falcons are in a new division which will pose
challenges and they have a very tough crossover game looming as well. Rochester has
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Groves, Oxford, and the rematch with Adams on the
road. They have Stoney Creek, Seaholm, Oak Park, and Ann Arbor Huron coming to
Rochester Stadium. The White is not the Blue which if the Falcons can’t adjust
too then trouble could loom for them.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
Last Season: 5-6, 0-5 Red. Lost 26-20 to Warren De LaSalle
in Division Two State Semifinals.
PS 184 (16.7 ppg), 25 Red (5 ppg)
PA 320 (29 ppg), 171 Red (34.2 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Both Lines, Offensive Playmakers.
WEAKNESS: Linebacker, Quarterback, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 1-7, 1-4 White.
SPI INDEX: 4
PRESEASON RANK: 13
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 24th at Groves.
TEAM COLORS: Red, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Glennie Cross-Wide Receiver/Defensive
Back.
OFFENSE: Run Pass Option.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Knights were in an interesting spot
going into the playoffs at 0-6 but they got healthy and pulled off one of the
most improbable postseason runs in State history by getting to the Division Two
State Semifinals last season. Oak Park has some questions heading into 2021
especially when it comes to program strength and also the schedule. They should
have the offensive playmakers with wide receiver Glennie Cross, Charles
Gillespe, Darin Jackson, and Bwada Miller along with running backs Sykunie
Watson, Darnell Boone, Isiah Moss, Lenard Covington, and Chris Wilson coming
back. Quarterback is the big concern for Coach Greg Carter. He will have Ryan
Ramsey playing quarterback. Ramsey was the backup quarterback last season for
Oak Park. The offensive and defensive lines should be very good and talented
with Anthony Collins, Landen Banks, Jaylin Stephens, William Colin, Karod Hill,
Jakobe Walker, Jason Price, Amari Washington, and Alex Jones coming back.
Carter’s specialty has always been the defense. It has been his staple since he
was at Detroit St. Martin DePorres, Inkster, and Oak Park. They had their fair
share of ups and downs but they really struggled especially in the Red last season.
The linebackers are a major concern of despite having Darnell Boon and Robert
Smith coming back. The defensive line mentioned earlier and the defensive secondary
should be the strength of the defense. They have Cross, Alreno O’Neil, Genard
King, Shamar Snow, Gillespe, Ramsey,
Marquise Campbell, and Josh Flake in the defensive secondary. The Knights have
to replace a ton of experience from last season and program strength is very
concerning. Oak Park is more than capable of surprising people like they did
last season and if they do they could wonders yet again.
WHY 1-7: The Knights don’t have a ton of household names
like they did from last season and program strength is a huge concern. When
playing this type of schedule it can be very difficult and challenging. They have
always have played a brutal schedule and it’s no different this season. Oak
Park has Orchard Lake St. Marys, Groves, and Southfield Arts and Tech on the
road. They have West Bloomfield, Adams, Seaholm, and North Farmington coming to
Knight Valley. The Knights don’t have a ninth game as of yet but knowing Carter
and company they will find a game. I see a very challenging season looming for
Oak Park.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
Last Season: 5-3, 4-1 White. Lost 30-21 to Groves in
District Semifinals.
PS 181 (22.6 ppg), 111 White (22.2 ppg)
PA 155 (19.3 ppg), 84 White (16.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Linebackers.
WEAKNESS: Quarterback, Offensive Playmakers, Both Lines,
Defensive Playmakers, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 0-9, 0-5 White.
SPI INDEX: 16
PRESEASON RANK: 16
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 17th vs Groves.
TEAM COLORS: Maple and White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jack Trinch-Defensive Secondary/Running
Back.
OFFENSE: Veer (Triple Option.)
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Maples have had very successful two years. They made the Division Two State Semifinals in 2019 in which included a postseason upset
of arch rival Groves in the district finals. Seaholm however took a step back falling to
the Falcons in the district semifinals after winning the regular season matchup in
2020. They are 2-8 against their arch rivals from Beverly Hills since 2014. 2021
looks to be a very rough year ahead. The Maples lost a ton of talent to
graduation last season. Program strength is a huge concern coming into the
season in talking to Coach Jim DeWald on the podcast he acknowledges this major
concern. He mentioned that they have three quarterbacks battling for that
position but he wasn’t specific with me whom his starter will be for week one
against Byron Center but there are some candidates in Jack Trinch and Colton
Kinnie that are possible options. Trinch is expected to be everywhere playing on
both sides of the football though. Seaholm has Andrew Lockhart at running back.
He brings some experience along with Juan Hammonds at wide receiver. Hammonds should
be very critical for whomever the quarterback will be with the passing threat. The
defense is a huge concern for Seaholm with the experience. The linebackers should be the strength with Jacob Vance, Kinnie,
and Zach Wischmeyer coming back. Vance could see time on the offensive line along with Dylan Bagie.
They have John Jokish and Brendan Barrett on the offensive and defensive lines coming back. Trinch
and Hammonds are in the defensive secondary. The Maples need to replace a ton
of talent which is going to be a huge challenge for DeWald and company.
WHY 0-9: The schedule is very difficult for Seaholm. They
have non-league games against Byron Center, Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Stoney
Creek. The Maples have Rochester, Adams, Oak Park, and Lake Orion on the road.
They have Byron Center, Stoney Creek, Clarkston, North Farmington, and Groves
coming to the Maple Forest. It could be a very difficult with what Seaholm has
on the horizon this season.
Seaholm Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LogT1UxjaAk
White Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LW4VbrPNF8
White Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-football-preview-show-white
Blue
EARLY OUTLOOK: The Blue is back to featuring nine teams in
the division. Farmington comes from the White and they have a new coach
in Jason Albrecht. The Falcons should be better in their new division. Berkley
has a ton of experience coming back for Coach Sean Shields but there are some
question marks. Ferndale rebounded after a really tough 2019 season but
the big school question remains for Coach Eric Royal. Pontiac has a new
coach and a new system to adjust too but the Phoenix have experience coming
back. Troy Athens will be very interesting to watch. The Red Hawks have
to replace a ton of experience for Coach Billy Keenest. Bloomfield Hills
should be an interesting team to watch after being embarrassed in the
postseason last year. They lost a ton of talent to graduation for Coach Dan
Loria. Troy has some questions to address on defense this season. Avondale
is an interesting team to watch for Coach Corey Bell. Royal Oak there is
more questions than answers for Coach Ray McMann. There is a ton of intrigue
heading into the season in the Blue.
LEAST DIFFICULT SCHEDULE: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks
lost a ton of talent from last season but they have a very interesting
schedule. They have Berkley, Farmington, Ferndale, and Troy coming to
Bloomfield Hills but they have to go to Waterford Kettering, Avondale, and Troy
Athens which will be tricky games. Avondale and Troy beat the Blackhawks last
season so those games will be interesting.
NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Farmington: The Falcons had it very
rough last season going winless. It’s been a very interesting offseason with a
new coach but it’s someone familiar to them. The scheduling makers gave them no
favors though. They have North Farmington, Berkley, Avondale, and Bloomfield
Hills on the road and tricky home games with Troy, Troy Athens, and Ferndale.
It will be very interesting to see how Farmington responds with the schedule
despite being better this season.
TEAM THAT HAS THE MOST QUESTIONS: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks
lost a ton of talent from last season but Coach Billy Keenest has put a system in
place with the red and gold. Troy Athens has to replace Waides Ashmon at
running back after graduating and also a lot on defense. The schedule is very
interesting with Ferndale, Bloomfield Hills, and Troy coming to Troy Athens.
They have Berkley, Avondale, and Farmington on the road. The Red Hawks haven’t
found a week eight opponent as of yet. Troy Athens has a ton of questions they
need to address this season.
TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Royal Oak: There could be some trouble
looming for the Ravens when it comes to the schedule. Royal Oak has a very
tough schedule which could define their season especially early. They have three of their first four games are at home however they are
against Ferndale, Troy Athens, and Berkley. The Ravens have Avondale and
Bloomfield Hills coming to Royal Oak later in the season. The Ravens have Troy,
Farmington, and Fraser on the road which won’t be easy games. Royal Oak could
struggle again this season looking at the schedule.
TOP FIVE MUST WATCH GAMES:
Farmington at Berkley: First meeting since 2019 when the
Falcons embarrassed the Bears 42-7 but Berkley is a much different team than
they were two years ago.
Troy Athens at Berkley: It’s Coach Billy Keenest’s return to
Hurley Field. It was a really good game last season with the Bears winning
22-20 at Troy Athens. It looks like it’s shaping up to be another interesting
matchup at Hurley Field.
Berkley at Ferndale: These two did not play last season
because of COVID-19 restrictions. Berkley has won seven of the last nine meetings over Ferndale
but the Eagles have won the last two meetings.
Ferndale at Troy Athens: The Eagles won 28-23 over the Red
Hawks last season. It should be very interesting when these two teams meet at
Troy Athens.
Berkley at Bloomfield Hills: Bears have to be still upset
about falling 35-34 in overtime to the Blackhawks after a winning PAT from Sara
Houston last season. It will be interesting to see how these two teams meet to
open the season.
BERKLEY BEARS
Last Season: 5-3, 3-2 Blue. Lost 49-14 to Warren Mott in District
Semifinals.
PS 195 (24.3 ppg), 138 Blue (27.6 ppg)
PA 157 (19.6 ppg), 88 Blue (17.6 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Both Lines. Creativity Offensively.
WEAKNESS: Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 8-1, 7-1 Blue
SPI INDEX: 17
PRESEASON RANK: 5
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th at Bloomfield
Hills.
TEAM COLORS: Maroon, Dark Blue, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Maurice-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Multiple
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Bears have turned things around as of
late gone is the time they were 5-23 since 2017 and now comes expectations.
They had a great start to the season going 4-0 but they weren’t the same after
the PAT was blocked in their overtime loss to Bloomfield Hills. Berkley lost
three of four including their postseason loss to Warren Mott. There is a lot to
be optimistic heading into the season for Coach Sean Shields. The Bears were
very good offensively last season and they have a ton of proven offensive
playmakers in quarterback Zach Maurice, running back Brandon Peacher, and combo
player Jake Domzalski coming back. When talking to Shields on the podcast he
was very optimistic that they could change things up offensively which would
create another dynamic. Berkley has Ben Maurice, Travir Jackson, Ryan Krause,
and Grant Clark coming back. Maurice will rely heavily on Domzalski, Ben
Maurice, Jackson, Clark, and also have a security blanket in tight end Nolan
Wesner coming back. The offensive and defensive lines have four starters in Sean
McKenzie, Lev Mechnicov, David Rolands, and Issac Dawkins coming back. They
have three very good linebackers in Henry Pennington, John Coleman, and Alex
Gagg coming back. The majority of the wide receivers including Domzalski,
Maurice, Jackson, and Clark also are in the defensive secondary. The defense is
more than capable of making big plays in key times despite linebacker being a
major concern. There is a ton to like heading into the season.
WHY 8-1: The Bears had a taste of playoff experience despite
losing to Warren Mott in the postseason last season. The schedule is very
interesting for Shields in 2021. They have Farmington, Troy Athens,
Avondale, and Troy coming to Hurley Field and have road trips to Livonia
Clarenceville, Bloomfield Hills to open the season, Ferndale, and Royal Oak. If
the Bears can keep improving and getting better than there is no reason why
they shouldn’t win eight games but they need to be careful or they could see a
repeat of last season.
Berkley Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8jJMQMydgE
FERNDALE EAGLES
Last Season: 4-3, 4-1 Blue. Lost 20-14 to Detroit
Renaissance in First Round.
PS 158 (22.5 ppg), 136 Blue (27.2 ppg)
PA 161 (23 ppg), 92 Blue (18.4 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Linebackers.
WEAKNESS: Depth, Offensive Playmakers, Defensive Secondary,
Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-2, 7-1 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 8
PRESEASON RANK: 14
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 17th vs Berkley.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Brown, Yellow, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Josh Cook-Linebacker/Running Back.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: There is something right about the system
that Coach Eric Royal is doing at Ferndale. The Eagles despite not having a ton
of depth have found ways to win games. Ferndale has a new group of skill
players coming in this season which includes the quarterback, running back, and
wide receiver spots. Royal will lean on Darnell Bates quarterback along with
running backs Jordan Malone and Jabari McCune coming back. Bates did not play
football due to COVID-19 concerns last season. Wide
receiver is going to be a question mark for Royal. Ferndale’s strength should
be the offensive and defensive lines. They have Thomas Smith and KeShawn
Sheppard, and Donye Carson Edwards coming back. The defense was much better
than 2019 even though they allowed over 20 points per game last season. The
linebackers should be another strength with Josh Cook, Malone, McCune, and
KeShawn Haney coming back. The defensive secondary is a major concern. This is
something that Royal needs to address. Ferndale has found ways to win with less
especially when it comes to depth and program strength. They have made the
postseason four of the last five years including one stretch where they were
22-8. The Eagles should be in the mix again this season.
WHY 7-2: Royal has found ways to win games which is a great
sign. He needs to address their record against bigger schools especially in the
non-league. It won’t get any easier as they head to Walled Lake Western for
their non-league game. If Ferndale can address this problem then they can take
the next step. They have Berkley and Avondale coming to Ferndale. Ferndale has Troy,
Troy Athens, Bloomfield Hills, and Farmington on the road. It won’t be easy but
I do see another postseason appearance in the future for Royal and the Eagles.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
Last Season: 0-7, 0-5 White. Lost 41-15 to Sterling Heights
Stevenson in First Round.
PS 75 (10.7 ppg), 53 White (10.6 ppg)
PA 272 (38.8 ppg), 196 White (39.2 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Offensive Playmakers, Both Lines, Defensive
Secondary.
WEAKNESS: Linebacker.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-3, 6-2 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 18
PRESEASON RANK: 10
GAME OF THE YEAR: August 27th at North
Farmington.
TEAM COLORS: Dark Blue, Silver, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Dominic Peshi-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Run Pass Option.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Falcons had a ton of changes this
offseason after having things really rough last season in the White. They have
a new coach and have changed divisions heading into 2021. Farmington has a ton
of experienced playmakers especially on the offensive side of the football.
They have running back Jacob Sanders and quarterback Dominic Peshi coming back.
Sanders had a very strong year last season at running back. Peshi was on the
junior varsity but became the starter in the final two games of the season.
Jaden Silver was the starter for most of the season but moved to wide receiver
when Peshi moved up to varsity and really excelled last season. The Falcons
have a new head coach in Farmington alumni Jason Albrecht in 2021. Albrecht
takes over the program for Kory Cicroch as he is now at Walled Lake Western. He
was the offensive coordinator for Cicroch last season. Peshi should have the proven
pass catchers in wide receivers Evan Martin, William Coltrain, and Silver
coming back. The offensive and defensive lines should be very experienced with Kyle
Braska, Paul Przeslawksi, Alex Roberson, Liam McCormick, and Steven Crager
coming back. Farmington has to address the defense that was torched despite
being in the White giving up 272 points last season. The defensive secondary
should be very interesting in 2021. They have Jayden Vann, Owen Matteson, and
Demetrian Moore coming back. It is very possible that Martin and Coltrain could
see some time in the secondary as well. Linebacker is a major concern coming
into the season despite having some proven experience coming back. Program strength
is a question mark. They were very solid in the junior varsity last season.
Albrecht should be in line for a much better season.
WHY 6-3: The Falcons had a lot of changes this offseason and
they have a new coach taking over the program. The schedule looks very
interesting. The first two games could describe the Falcons season with “the
Farmington Cup” against arch rival North Farmington and Berkley on the road. Farmington
also has Bloomfield Hills, North Farmington, Berkley, and Avondale also on the
road. They have Troy, Troy Athens, and Ferndale coming to Farmington. If the
Falcons can win both games over North Farmington and Berkley then something
could be brewing in Farmington.
Farmington Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCsW_9Zepwc
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
Last Season: 2-4, 2-3 Blue. Lost 62-6 to Southfield Arts and
Tech in First Round.
PS 114 (19 ppg), 108 Blue (21.6 ppg)
PA 146 (24.3 ppg), 84 Blue (16.8 ppg)
STRENGHTS: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, Both Lines.
WEAKNESS: Rushing Attack, Defense, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-3, 5-3 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 21
PRESEASON RANK: 17
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 3rd vs Ferndale.
TEAM COLORS: Red, Gold, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Evan Beiber-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
EARLY THOUGHTS: 2020
was a year of inches for the Red Hawks. Troy Athens lost three games by a combined 15
points. They had the lead heading into the fourth quarter in all three of those
losses. They are 7-35 since 2016 and have had two winning seasons since
2007. The Red Hawks have five wins in the last two years. There is some
optimism surrounding the program which has Coach Billy Keenest looking forward
to the season. The Red Hawks have Evan Beiber at quarterback coming back. Biber
has played nearly everywhere in his two years on varsity for the red and gold.
He should have a proven playmaker in Trey Vincent at wide receiver. They lost
quarterback Nate Hazen and running back Waides Ashmon to graduation last
season. The offensive and defensive lines should be solid with Brent Jansen,
Alexander Afnan, and Gjon Gjelaj coming back. The Red Hawks defense was all
right in 2020 even though most of those points allowed was to Southfield Arts
and Tech in the postseason last season (62 points.) They should be much
improved this season. Troy Athens has Doug Mersier, Vincent, and Ben Nast
coming back at linebacker. Nast should spend some time at fullback along with
Dominic Carroll whom Keenest is very high on after two injury plague seasons.
The defensive secondary will be very interesting with Andre Sheldon, Biber, and
Josh Lalik coming back. Program strength is a major concern surrounding the Red
Hawks especially when it comes to school size. There has been a ton of progress
being made at Troy Athens but can they sustain it is the question.
WHY 5-3: Keenest has a system going despite program strength
being a major concern along with other questions as well. The Red Hawks have
eight games for now. The schedule looks manageable for them. They go to
Farmington, Avondale, and Berkley but have Ferndale, Bloomfield Hills, and Troy
coming to Troy Athens. The Red Hawks have a long way to but my gut feeling
tells me that Troy Athens will be a postseason team this season.
Troy Athens Podcast:
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-07-26-21wav
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
Last Season: 3-4, 3-3 Blue. Lost 36-0 to Groves in First
Round.
PS 172 (24.5 ppg), 172 Blue (28.6 ppg)
PA 141 (20.1 ppg), 105 Blue (17.5 ppg)
STRENGHTS: Both Lines, Quarterback, Wide Receivers.
WEAKNESS: Rushing Attack, Linebackers, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5, 3-5 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 13
PRESEASON RANK: 15
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 24th at Ferndale.
TEAM COLORS: Purple, Yellow, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jake Herzog-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: It’s been a challenge for Avondale adjusting
to Coach Corey Bell and his system but they have been making progress despite a
9-9 record in the last two years. The Yellow Jackets have the athleticism and
talent to win the Blue but they haven’t been able to put things together in the
last two years. Avondale has the athletes to put up points. They were very good
last season especially with their balance of the run and the pass. They have a
lot of proven experience coming back especially on the offensive side of the
football. The Yellow Jackets have Jake Herzog coming back at quarterback. He
had a very strong year last season. Herzog should have multiple passing options
in proven pass catchers Eric Christoff, D’Angelo Harris, Gavin Betts, Khamani
Potts, Terry Daniel, and Drew Williams coming back at wide receiver. The key
should be their rushing attack to create that balance. The running back
position should be very interesting with David Holloman graduated and is now at
Indiana. Jimmie Anderson is expected to be their starting running back.
Anderson was solid in junior varsity last season. The Yellow Jackets defense
was up and down in 2020. Avondale had a
better year than in years past but they gave up 20 points per game which was
not good. The linebackers could very interesting despite having and Daniel
Lloyd and Betts playing on the outside. The defensive secondary should be fine
with some of the wide receivers playing in the secondary especially Christoff. The
offensive and defensive lines should be a strength with DeShawn Robinson,
Knicolas Friend, Dhruv Thakur, and Spencer Rasmussen coming back. Program
strength and depth looks to be in decent shape but it’s still a major concern.
The Yellow Jackets look very good on paper but they haven’t proven it on the
field lately which is why they are 7-9 in the last two years.
WHY 4-5: The Yellow Jackets have been a perennial program in
the Blue but they have taken a step back lately going 9-9 in the last two years.
The schedule looks manageable early where it’s possible that they could be 4-0
heading into their matchup with Ferndale which should be very interesting.
Avondale has Troy, Holly, Ferndale, Troy Athens, and Berkley all on the road. They
have Farmington and Bloomfield Hills coming to Dick Bye Field. If the Yellow Jackets
can overachieve which they are more than capable of doing then they could be
back in the postseason in 2021.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
Last Season: 3-4, 3-2 Blue. Lost 29-14 to Troy in First
Round.
PS 140 (20 ppg), 119 Blue (23.8 ppg)
PA 205 (29.2 ppg), 133 Blue (26.6 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Wide Receivers.
WEAKNESS: Quarterback, Both Lines, Defense, Linebackers, Program
Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 2-6 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 20
PRESEASON RANK: 19
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 17th at Avondale.
TEAM COLORS: Purple, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Shane Winter-Tight End.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: It was a tale of two seasons for Bloomfield
Hills when things went good early then it got bad late. Ever since then
quarterback Tanner Slazinski’s knee injury at Hurley Field despite winning that
game in overtime behind the PAT of kicker Sara Houston the Blackhawks have not
been the same team since that game at Berkley. Bloomfield Hills lost their
final two games at home by a combined 66-23 which included their first round
district postseason loss to Troy last season. They are 7-18 since 2018 which is
not good but the talent hasn’t been there for them. This is a program that will
be starting fresh in 2021. The offense was pretty stout last season but there
were times they went into some droughts. They will have a new quarterback this
season but it will be a competition between KJ Jackson and Kieran Crosby. Crosby
was the junior varsity quarterback last season. Jackson has some experience in
pressure like games when Slazinski got hurt but he also plays in the defensive
secondary which is a bit concerning. Whoever the quarterback is should have the
skill players in running back Christian Jackson and proven pass catchers in
wide receivers Shane Winter and Andrew Siespierski coming back. The defense was
very problematic all season for Coach Dan Loria and his team last season. They
gave up 185 points in their final five games which was 37 points per game. Last
season The Blackhawks need to shore this up and quickly. They have major questions
at linebacker they need to address. The defensive secondary should be the
strength of the defense with Derrick Lee, Winter, Jackson, Siespierski, and
Alex Aaron coming back. The offensive and defensive lines have a ton of concerns.
They have Antonio Mitchell and Zach Bornstein coming back up front. Program strength
is another major concern for the future. Bloomfield Hills can be very good if
things go right but there are a ton of red flags that surrounds the Blackhawks.
WHY 3-6: The schedule looks very interesting for Loria’s
team. Bloomfield Hills opens with the last team they beat in Berkley in
overtime on their home field. They have Troy, Ferndale, Berkley, and Farmington
coming to Bloomfield Hills as well. The Blackhawks have very tough games with
Avondale, Troy Athens, and Waterford Kettering on the road. It is possible that
Bloomfield Hills could overachieve but things could go south real quick if they
aren’t careful.
TROY COLTS
Last Season: 4-4, 2-3 Blue. Lost 56-3 to West Bloomfield in
District Semifinals.
PS 121 (15.1 ppg), 76 Blue (15.2 ppg)
PA 178 (22.2 ppg), 102 Blue (20.4 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Offensive Playmakers.
WEAKNESS: Depth, Program Strength, Defensive Secondary,
Record against Troy Athens and Berkley.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-6, 2-6 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 17
PRESEASON RANK: 18
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 10th vs Ferndale.
TEAM COLORS: Black, Grey, Red, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mohit Chunduri-Running Back.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Colts have been a struggling program
trying to find a spark that could turn things around. They were prior 2-16 in
the last two years until last season when they went 4-4. Things really changed
when they picked up a huge 29-14 win at Bloomfield Hills in the first round of
districts but they were no match for West Bloomfield in the district semifinals.
Could they carry that momentum from last season’s shocker and use it for this
season??? Heading into 2021, there are questions especially on the defensive
side of the football. Troy was up and down offensively in 2020 but they should
be better this season. They have the quarterback in Max Stromberg coming back
for Coach Chris Frasier. Stromberg’s top target should be wide receiver Darius
Whiteside. Whiteside has been getting some attention from the local media
lately. The Colts have other options to go to besides Whiteside in wide
receiver Brandon Kennedy and running back Mohit Chunduri. Chunduri should be
the key if Frasier’s team wants balance offensively. The Troy defense should be
very interesting even though they allowed over 20 points per game last season.
The strength of the defense should be at linebacker with Nolan Block and his
brother Ethan Block coming back. There are concerns in the defensive secondary
even though Whiteside plays in the secondary. The offensive and defensive lines
should very good with Fred Alidnger, Bret Dickerson, Xavier Newell, and George
Lawless coming back. Depth and program strength are major concerns for the
Colts. This is a program that is making baby steps but they have a long way to
go in the process.
WHY 3-6: It was a satisfying year for the Colts getting to
500 after upsetting Bloomfield Hills in the first round. The schedule in 2021
looks very interesting. Troy’s final three games are on the road which are
against Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, and Troy Athens. They have to go to Farmington
early in the season. The Colts have home games against Ferndale, Dearborn Edsel
Ford, and Avondale. There are a ton of obstacles that are standing in the Colts
way this season like “That School down the Road” (Troy Athens) where they have
lost the last three meetings by a combined 104-0 or falling to Berkley the last
two years by a combined 53-14. These are some things that Troy needs to change
if they want to make some noise this season. If Frasier wants to keep the
momentum going he needs to address this problem and then maybe the program will
be back.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
Last Season: 0-7, 0-6 Blue. Lost 64-0 to Bay City Western in
First Round.
PS 10 (1.4 ppg), 10 Blue (1.6 ppg)
PA 370 (52.8 ppg), 306 Blue (51 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Experience, Both Lines.
WEAKNESS: Depth, Program Strength.
PROJECTED RECORD: 2-7, 1-6 Blue
SPI INDEX: 12
PRESEASON RANK: 21
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 3rd vs Bloomfield
Hills.
TEAM COLORS: Purple, Silver, Black.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Kanye Donaldson-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: When looking at the Phoenix, it has been
really hard to watch the last few years but they made the playoffs for the
first time since 2011. Pontiac was blown out by Bay City Western in the first
round of districts last season. They are 5-73 since 2012 which has been very
challenging to find that consistency. The Phoenix are trying to change the
culture surrounding the program. They named Ken Wade to take over the program
back in May. Wade has really made major strides during the seven on sevens and
is really changing the culture. There are a ton positives that are going on at
Pontiac High School. They are getting a new multi sports field which they will
play Farmington in week eight in their new sports complex. There is a lot of optimism
surrounding the football program. Pontiac has a ton of experience coming back
however they will have a freshman in Kanye Donaldson taking over the reins at
quarterback. Donaldson is not a big guy but he will grow in time. He will have proven
pass catchers in wide receivers Charles White, Daymeion Logan, and tight end
TaQwon Ringgold. They have Issac Burrow at running back to create that balance.
White started at quarterback last season but is making the move to wide
receiver this season. The defense will be very young in 2021. They will have
some experience in linebacker Dequine Logan and Tevieian Etchen coming back. It’s
going to be a major challenge for Wade to build on the program’s depth and program
strength. The offensive and defensive lines should be very good. They have Letarius
Black, Keanu Humphrey, Tavieon Etchen, and Marco Gonzales coming back. If
Pontiac can build on the experience and change the culture then the wins will
come sooner than later.
WHY 2-7: The schedule is very interesting for Wade and his
program. They have Avondale, Troy, Troy Athens, and Ferndale on the road along
with having Berkley, Farmington, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, and Stockbridge
coming to Pontiac. It depends if the new complex is open however they could
play games at Wisner Stadium. The Phoenix have nothing to lose and everything
to gain with this schedule. It’s going to take time as mentioned to build the
program but things will be positive for sure for Wade and Pontiac.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
Last Season: 1-6, 1-4 Blue. Lost 23-14 to Berkley in First
Round.
PS 115 (16.4 ppg), 71 Blue (14.2 ppg)
PA 191 (27.2 ppg), 134 Blue (26.8 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Proven Tight End.
WEAKNESS: Both Lines, Defensive Playmakers, Program
Strength, Depth, Identity.
PROJECTED RECORD: 0-9, 0-8 Blue.
SPI INDEX: 13
PRESEASON RANK: 20
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 3rd at Troy.
TEAM COLORS: Blue, Black, Grey.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mekhi Jenkins-Running Back/Quarterback.
OFFENSE: I-Back Set.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Ravens really worry me heading into the
season. They are 27-100 since 2006 (20-33 from 2015-2020, was 7-57 from
2006-2014.) This is something that needs to change if this program wants to
make some noise. Royal Oak had some issues offensively early on but in the last
two games they started to put up some points (24 vs Fraser, 14 vs Berkley.)
There is some optimism coming into 2021 for Coach Ray McMann. The
Ravens have quarterback Hudson Siddle and running backs Mekhi Jenkins and David
Coburn coming back. Jenkins played quarterback in the final two games and
provided a spark. He brings more of a running threat.
Royal Oak went to more of an I-Back set with Jenkins which means time
possession football and it usually doesn’t bode well for the wide receivers
which usually means more blocking instead of catching the football. They have
Jayden Cadet, Ben O’Neil, and Kyler Thompson playing at wide receiver coming back. The Ravens top pass catcher is
tight end Jessie Hoisington. He had a very good year last season at tight end and on the defensive line. Hoisington is
a basketball standout for Coach Aaron Smith. The offensive and defensive lines
are major concerns despite having Jordan Wood, Jude Smalley, Max Teer, and Evan
Towery coming back and Hoisington playing on the defensive line. The
Ravens have Jenkins and Colbern in the defensive secondary. Depth and program
strength are also very concerning. They need to settle whom is going to be
their quarterback and find their identity. This is a team that needs to keep
their defense off the field. If the Ravens offense can stay on the field and
play time possession football then they could certainly be in games.
WHY 0-9: Looking at the schedule, I don’t know if I see the
Ravens want to “pump that Raven spirit up” especially with
Farmington, Fraser, Troy, and Ferndale on the road. They have Troy Athens, Berkley, Bloomfield
Hills, and Avondale coming to “The Ravens Nest.” It could be another rough year
for McMann and Royal Oak but if they get off to a great start and prove me wrong then who knows
what could happen.
Blue Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mWOGQsHgQ0
Blue Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-fotball-preview-show-blue
NON-LEAGUE FUTURE OAA.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
Last Season: 2-5, Lost 27-12 to Marysville in First Round.
PS: 156 (22.2 ppg)
PA: 208 (29.7 ppg)
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Defensive Secondary,
Proven Offensive Playmakers.
WEAKNESSES: Linebacker, Both Lines, Program Strength, Depth.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-5
GAME OF THE YEAR: September 10th at Orchard Lake
St. Marys.
TEAM COLORS: Maroon, Grey, Black, White.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Vinny Booth-Quarterback.
OFFENSE: Spread.
EARLY THOUGHTS: Although Harper Woods will be in the OAA
next season the Pioneers bring a ton of expectations into the OAA. They have
made the playoffs in the last three seasons and is 17-13 since but had an
unusual 2020 when they went 2-5 although playing against Davison, Pontiac Notre
Dame Prep, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central will do that to anybody. Harper
Woods has a ton of young and proven experience coming back this season
especially on the offensive side of the football where they were very good
against very tough competition. They have a new quarterback in Vinny Booth
coming back. Booth played at Dearborn Divine Child last season and will look to
give Coach Rob Oden’s team more success. They are very sound offensively
especially with the rushing attack with DaKhauri Tremble coming back. Booth
should have proven wide receivers in Willie Deal, RJ Hill, and Ramonty House
coming back. Oden has a quarterback in the waiting in Stephone Burford for next
season when the Pioneers officially enter the OAA. The offensive and defensive lines
should be solid in 2021. They have Brandin Sandiefor, Breon Key, Terique
Denning, and Damaino Farris coming back to play both lines. The defense was the
trouble area last season for the Pioneers something that Oden needs to improve
upon if they want to rebound from their unusual 2-5 season. The strength of the
defense should be in the defensive secondary where they have Christian Stokes,
Tremble, and James McLemone coming back. The linebackers are going to be
another area of concern despite having Jacob Oden coming back. Harper Woods has
the offense to be in games with anyone but the defense is very concerning.
Program strength should be very interesting to watch along with their depth. If
they can address some areas then they could be a postseason team for a fourth
straight year.
WHY 4-5: When looking at the Pioneers they have the talent
to do pretty well with this schedule but the schedule has a ton of tricky games
against some very good opponents. They have Ypsilanti, Allen Park, Pontiac
Notre Dame Prep, and Birmingham Detroit Country Day coming to Harper Woods. The
Pioneers have to go to Warren De LaSalle, Ecorse, Pinckney, and Hamtramck. It
looks very tough and difficult but knowing Oden playing this type of schedule
should get you ready when they come to the OAA next season.
My Podcast 8/9/21
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-08-09-21wav
