Football Shortcomings

Football Shortcomings

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Football Shortcomings.

Written Saturday November 23rd at 3:50 PM

The 2024 OAA football season has came to an end. Here are the shortcomings for each team in the OAA.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers had an up and down year but had a really tough matchup against Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the district finals. West Bloomfield turned the ball over twice which led to Shamrocks touchdowns in a 41-14 loss. The Lakers lose a lot of proven talent but they have the majority of their defense coming back along with Jamal Shakesphere. It will be very interesting to see what the Lakers have next season.

Lake Orion: The Dragons seen their season come to an end after a disappointing 34-16 loss to Clarkston in the first round. Lake Orion lost to a better team and was outplayed in every single fashion. The Dragons also have a Clarkston problem. The Wolves are 14-3 in their last 17 games against the Dragons. Lake Orion’s offense scored 23 points in the last two weeks. The Dragons lose a lot of proven experience but it’s clear for Coach Chris Bell and his program they need to hit a reset button this offseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves will have a ton of questions this offseason after a shocking 41-0 loss to Adams in the district finals. Clarkston has the majority of their team coming back next season but this has to be a humbling experience and something that Wolves fans and especially Coach Justin Pintar don’t ever want to feel again.

Adams: The Highlanders had a great run getting to the Division One State Semifinals but fell 27-7 to Hudsonville. Adams has a strong junior class coming back with Nolan Farris most likely going back to wide receiver with Ryland Watters at quarterback along with Cam Darwood at wide reciever coming back for Coach Tony Patritto. They lose Matteo Humbert which will be a tough loss with the rushing attack. The defense will be stout as well. Program strength is strong with Adams, they will be back next season.

Oxford: The Wildcats had a great season winning the Red (First league title since 2007 when they were in the Flint Metro League) and beating Davison in the first round but fell 29-7 to Grand Blanc in the district finals. Oxford loses a ton of proven experience but they have Eli Tabert and Jack Hendrix coming back next season for Coach Zach Line. Program strength will be something to watch for the Wildcats next season as well.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers made it back to the Division Four State Semifinals but fell to a really good and motivated Goodrich program 28-14. Harper Woods loses Colby Bailey and others to graduation. They have Nate Rocheleau, DeAndre Bidden, and Dakota Guerrant coming back for Coach Rob Oden. Program strength looks solid for Oden but this will be a tough pill to swallow. The Pioneers will be back next season.

Groves: The Falcons went unbeaten until they had a heartbreaking 28-27 overtime loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Division Two State Semifinals denying a trip to Ford Field for the fourth time. People are going to question Coach Brendan Flaherty’s decision to go for two instead of the extra point. There will be so many what if’s. Groves loses a ton of proven experience. It will be really interesting to see what happens with Coach Brendan Flaherty’s team heading into next season losing a ton of experience.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars seen their season come to an end in the first round falling 44-14 to Adams for the second time in three weeks. They lose Spencer Beckeman and Sam Fogler to graduation but Coach Rick Powell has program strength on his side with his sub-varsity programs. Stoney Creek is back to where they need to be heading into the offseason.

Rochester: The Falcons finished the season strong with a 45-8 win over Walled Lake Northern. Rochester was the better team that night finishing the season at 4-5. There will be a ton of what if’s for Coach Erik Vernon and his program heading into the offseason but winning two games to finish is a start heading into next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a really disappointing season concluding against Detroit Renaissance winning 26-22 to close at 2-7 this season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be a team to watch for Coach Keith McKenzie this offseason.

Farmington: The Falcons had a tough matchup with Orchard Lake St. Marys falling 51-0 in the district finals at Falcon Field. Farmington had a strong season getting to the postseason and beating Lakeland in the process. Coach Jason Albright has this program heading in the right direction and will be a team to watch this offseason.

North Farmington: The Raiders had a rough 42-7 loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys at Ron Holland Field in the first round. North Farmington had a rebirth winning the Blue but they were dealt a terrible fate by the MHSAA getting the Eaglets first. Coach Jon Herstein has this program heading in the right direction.

Oak Park: The Knights had a season of what ifs winning 32-21 over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. You have to wonder what if Oak Park was in Division Three and not in Division Two, it could have been different. There will be a ton of questions for Coach Greg Carter and his team come this offseason.

Troy: The Colts had a tough 35-7 loss to North Farmington keeping them out of the postseason for a second straight season. Troy loses a lot of proven talent and they will be a different team next season for Coach Chris Frasier. There will be a ton of questions this offseason.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a rough season finishing at 2-7 but went out on top with an impressive 42-7 win over Fraser. There will be some questions heading into the offseason for Troy Athens about the direction of the program but for Coach Tom Cook it’s about looking forward to the offseason.

Seaholm: The Maples had a tough matchup against arch rival Groves in the district finals. Seaholm was no match falling for the second time in three weeks 36-7 in the district finals. The Falcons outscored the Maples 71-7 in both meetings this season. Seaholm really overachieved this season. They will be very interesting to watch this offseason.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a lot of questions heading into next season after a 32-21 loss to Oak Park. Bloomfield Hills saw some strides at times offensively but they struggled when they played good teams. There will be questions for Coach Dan Loria after finishing 1-8 this season.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a tough matchup in the district finals against Walled Lake Western. They kept it close but they fell apart falling 42-0 to the Warriors for the second straight year. Avondale has been outscored 92-22 in the last two years against Walled Lake Western. If Coach Bob Meyer wants to have a deep postseason run it’s clear he has to figure a way to get by Walled Lake Western.

Ferndale: The Eagles had a great season getting to the postseason after winning 10-0 over Utica Ford II in week nine. They fell 49-14 to Groves in the first round of the postseason. Ferndale loses a ton of proven experience and Coach Eric Royal has stepped down so it will be a different team next season for sure.

Berkley: The Bears had an improving year under first year coach Casey Humes despite falling 45-0 to Madison Heights Lamphere  finishing at 2-7 this season. Berkley should keep improving heading into next season under Humes. They are in a much better place than they were last season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens kept Clawson from making the postseason with a 21-7 win finishing the season at 3-6. Royal Oak should be a very interesting to watch in the future. They had some great and not so great moments this season. It will be very interesting to see how Coach Collin Campbell handles this offseason.

Pontiac: The Phoenix closed the season with a 28-0 loss to Detroit Lincoln Park Academy finishing the season at 1-8. Depth was an issue for Pontiac all season. They lose a ton of talent including quarterback Kanye Donaldson. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Wendell Jefferson does this offseason.

Football Shortcomings

Week Thirteen Recap

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Thirteen Recap.

Written Saturday November 23rd at 3:45 PM

Hudsonville 27, ADAMS 7. The Highlanders have had chances but mistakes were the story at Okemos on Saturday afternoon. They had an opportunity to go up 14-7 but fumble at the one yard line cost Adams their second touchdown. Nolan Farris found Tommy Oliver for a 39 yard passing touchdown to respond to Hudsonville’s 80 yard touchdown drive to start the game.  The Highlanders went for it on fourth down and couldn’t convert which led to the Eagles touchdown. Hudsonville got an interception off a tip ball to close the third quarter which led to another rushing touchdown. Hudsonville quarterback Griffin Baker had three rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown for the Eagles. Adams had chances as mentioned but they made too many mistakes in this game which denied them a trip to Ford Field.

 

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 28, GROVES 27. The Falcons had a really tough and heartbreaking loss at West Bloomfield on Saturday afternoon. Groves answered every Orchard Lake St. Marys drive with Noah Sanders 50 yard rushing touchdown tying the score at 7-7. Ryan Counts had a  seven yard pass to Wyatt Shortridge to tie the score at 14-14. Sanders added his second rushing touchdown for Groves tying it at 21-21. Chris Little got a huge interception for the Falcons giving them a chance to take the lead. He has two picks so far for Groves but they couldn’t convert and the game to overtime. Sanders added his third touchdown of the game in overtime but missed the two point try which was a really interesting decision to go for two. The miss proved costly as Bryson Williams scored his second touchdown of the game giving the Eaglets the tie and the extra point gave them to win and denying the Falcons a trip to Ford Field. Big plays hurt Groves and a questionable call by Flaherty to go for two proved costly. There are going to be a ton of what ifs in this game.

 

Goodrich 28, HARPER WOODS 14. The Pioneers had a rough time with a motivated Goodrich team on Saturday afternoon at Stoney Creek. Chase Burnett three rushing touchdowns for the Martians. Harper Woods made a really questionable call going for it on fourth and one from their own 30 yard line which led to the winning score for Goodrich. The Martians defense shut the high octane Pioneers offense down holding them to 14 points. Harper Woods has a lot of proven experience coming back next season but this is a tough pill to swallow.

Thanksgiving Food Safety: Tips to Enjoy a Safe Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving Food Safety: Tips to Enjoy a Safe Holiday Feast

by | Nov 26, 2024 | Agriculture

bob new header
For immediate release: November 26, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Thanksgiving Food Safety: Tips to Enjoy a Safe Holiday Feast

Lansing, MI – As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the country are busy planning their holiday meals. While preparing the perfect turkey and all the trimmings can be exciting, food safety is critical to ensure your celebration remains joyful and healthy. Follow these essential tips for a safe and stress-free Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings and bounty of the harvest,” said Tim Slawinski, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health. “As you celebrate, however, it’s important to take a few precautions to keep foodborne illness off your guest list.”

Here are a few simple steps you can take to assure your holiday feast is safe:

Planning Ahead

Preparation: Store your food at the correct temperatures before preparation. Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are set to 40°F or below and 0°F, respectively. Make room for holiday meal items and leftovers by clearing outdated foods from your refrigerator. Make sure your refrigerator shelves and storage drawers are clean by washing and wiping them with hot, soapy water and letting them air dry.

Thawing Your Turkey Safely

The USDA outlines three safe methods for thawing your turkey:

  1. Refrigerator Thawing: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 16-pound turkey will take four days to thaw.
  2. Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound.
  3. Microwave Thawing: Check your microwave’s manual for specific instructions. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

Unsafe methods, such as thawing on the counter or in the garage, should be avoided under all circumstances.

Cooking Tips

  • Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and stuffing (if cooked inside the turkey).
  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: Wash hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly after handling raw meat. Use separate tools for raw and cooked foods.
  • Stuffing Safety: Cook stuffing in a separate dish or ensure it reaches 165°F if prepared inside the turkey.

Leftovers Made Safe

  • Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Store leftovers in small, shallow containers for quick cooling.
  • Reheat to 165°F before serving and consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers and use within 2-6 months for best quality.

By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal without worrying about foodborne illnesses.

For additional food safety tips, visit www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety or the USDA Health and Safety page.
News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

a few fallen orange and burgundy colored leaves lie on the green grass of a low-lying rise in the forest
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (snowmobiling in Marquette County and jumping girl) are available in the DNR’s public image gallery. The wild turkey photos are available in a separate folder.

Join DNR, partners for ‘Inside Michigan State Parks’ webinar series

young girl in black leggings, sneakers and jacket stretches arms up while jumping over rocks, logs and grass in forest at Bewabic State ParkCalling all fans of Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas! You’re invited to the special two-part “Inside Michigan State Parks” webinar series highlighting a few of the exciting projects in the works around the state.

Each webinar features DNR team members and the partners who are helping bring these projects to life. Two webinars are coming up in December.

“Creating a Sense of Place”
Monday, Dec. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Space Haus and the DNR are creating interpretive experiences at Muskegon, Orchard Beach, Dodge #4 and Sterling state parks this year. Hear about curating the stories that make each place special and the creative process for telling the stories in a way that is compelling for many generations. You’ll also explore examples of how this has been done successfully around the country.

“Creating More Resilient Children through Nature Play”
Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The DNR is proud to partner with the Natural Learning Initiative to foster nature-based design thinking for our play spaces. These make play educational for our littlest visitors. Hear from the preeminent experts on nature-based play, who have insight into shaping experiences that help children engage in the natural world.

Register for the series (you can sign up for one or both). These projects are made possible thanks to support from Recreation Passport purchases and the $2 Difference (from campers and boaters who gave an additional $2 when making their camping or boating reservations), as well as donor contributions and purchases of outdoor-inspired products from the DNR’s These Goods are Good for Michigan partners.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.

From extinction to abundance: Wild turkeys flourish in Michigan

a beautiful wild turkey hen with dark brown, tan and cream markings perches on a narrow tree branch to pluck red berries from a twigDid you know that turkeys not only gobble, they also cluck and purr? And in addition to flying, wild turkeys can even swim when they need to! Thanks to collaborative conservation, these incredible birds are thriving across Michigan.

In the early 1900s, overhunting and habitat loss nearly wiped out the state’s population, but the DNR and partners including the National Wild Turkey Federation worked together to reintroduce wild turkeys to the state and restore habitat they need to flourish.

Michigan’s oak-savannah habitats are of particular importance. These lightly forested grasslands with abundant oak trees provide turkeys with acorns to eat and habitat to build their nests at the base of trees, under shrub or in the tall grass. Oak-savannah habitats also support the nesting needs of migratory birds, such as the blue-winged warbler and eastern towhee. In addition to forests, Michigan’s wild turkey population can be found in fields, wetlands and urban and suburban parks.

The resurgence of wild turkeys is a conservation success story and a reminder of the impact that partnerships can have in protecting wildlife. Ongoing support and awareness of habitat conservation are essential to maintaining this progress. Learn more about Michigan’s wild turkey conservation efforts.
Two striking, mature wild toms with white heads and thick brown tail feathers stand together in low-lying grass, a sunny field in backMichiganders can help by volunteering with the DNR on public lands stewardship efforts, establishing food plots on their property, or participating in community science initiatives like turkey population monitoring each summer.

While it might seem counterintuitive, regulated hunting of wild turkeys also supports their conservation and management. Hunting license fees and excise taxes on hunting equipment support the DNR’s Wildlife Division. A portion of turkey hunting license fees also goes into the DNR’s “turkey fund,” which is used for habitat management on public lands to conserve populations and critical habitat. Learn more at the DNR turkey webpage. Turkey hunting season is closed for 2024 and will open in the spring and fall of 2025.

MI Birds is a public outreach and engagement program presented by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR that works to build and bring together wildlife enthusiasts across the state to engage with and conserve Michigan’s birds and public lands.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Snowmobile season is near – are you ready?

Two people in winter gear ride green and black snowmobiles down a wide, gently sloping, well-groomed trail surrounded by treesWhile we don’t yet know what winter has in store, state-designated snowmobile trails are open Dec. 1 to March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Now is a good time to prep for the season (think snow!), starting with purchasing your snowmobile trail permit.

Michigan is home to 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized).

Did you know that nearly 1,900 private landowners allow use of their land to create the trails network? Their generosity allows the DNR to offer trails that connect communities and bring snowmobilers to special places of interest that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them.

“We’re incredibly grateful to these property owners and their partnerships with their local snowmobile clubs,” said Jessical Roehrs, statewide motorized trails analyst for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s important for all of us to give thanks to these landowners and to remember to be respectful of the land, wherever we ride.”
Michigan DNR snowmobile safety Ride Right graphic identifierHere is ride-related info to keep in mind:

  • Always Ride Right: Ride sober, ride at safe speeds and ride on the right side of the trail. Get more tips at Michigan.gov/RideRight.
  • Your $52 snowmobile trail permit is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. Buy permits online through eLicense (your sticker will be mailed within seven to 10 days) or the Michigan Snowmobile ORV Association (which processes permit orders daily Monday through Friday) and in person at DNR license agents and dealers.
  • Residents must also register snowmobiles with the Michigan Secretary of State (unless sleds are used solely on private property). Registration is good for three years, and those registration dollars support the purchase of easements, law enforcement on trails and safety education.
  • The snowmobile program is 100% funded by trail permit and registration dollars that are directly reinvested into the program to benefit snowmobilers. The funds pay for grooming, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, purchase of new equipment, liability insurance, maintenance of trailhead amenities (signage, bathrooms, plowing of parking lots) and other snowmobile-related expenditures.
  • Remember that some snowmobile trails may not be open Dec. 1 due to trail conditions or other factors such as in-progress maintenance projects. Know before you go by checking the DNR’s closures webpage.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Questions? Contact Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790.

ICYMI: Now is a great time to prune, protect your oak trees

A gray and black oak wilt fungal pad found underneath the bark of an infected oak tree.Now that most trees across the state have dropped their leaves, tree maintenance may not be top of mind. When it comes to your oak trees, however, you might want to reconsider!

Oak trees in areas of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties in the Upper Peninsula, are dying from oak wilt. One of the best ways to help prevent oak wilt from infecting trees on your property is to avoid wounding them during the high-risk infection period, April 15 to July 15. In fact, the safest time to prune oak trees is the winter season. In case you missed it, this recent DNR news release explains more about oak wilt, covers the benefits of off-season pruning and gives other useful information.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Picture-perfect perspective

bright blue sky and wispy white clouds reflect off calm lake surrounded by mature pines, downed wood and irregular shorelineSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Stacy Pokrywka, for the Michigan DNR, at Craig Lake State Park in Baraga County.)

THINGS TO DO

When it comes to Michigan’s great outdoors, there’s much to be thankful for. This holiday weekend, discover things to do and enjoy a new adventure!

BUY & APPLY

Snowshoe building, ice fishing (panfish, steelhead and walleye), turkey hunting and more, you can learn it all with the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy in 2025.

GET INVOLVED

Want to support Michigan’s outdoors and history but aren’t sure how to help? Visit our Get Involved page and learn about ways to give, volunteer and partner.
US-24/M-102 diverging diamond interchange open soon

US-24/M-102 diverging diamond interchange open soon

by | Nov 22, 2024 | Transportation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

November 21, 2024                                                                Diane Cross

                                                                  [email protected]

 

US-24 (Telegraph Road)/M-102 (8 Mile Road) diverging diamond interchange expected to open soon in Metro Detroit

DETROIT/SOUTHFIELD, Mich. ­– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project to modernize the US-24 (Telegraph Road)/M-102 (8 Mile Road) interchange to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is wrapping up, with the new DDI expected to be in operation sometime this weekend or early next week. This is the first DDI in this part of Metro Detroit.

While the majority of work for this project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, crews will return next spring for landscaping and punch list work.

DDIs allow for safer driving as they eliminate loop ramps, reduce conflict points and delays, and produce lower traffic speeds. MDOT has already installed DDIs at the I-96/Cascade Road interchange in Grand Rapids, the I-75/University Drive interchange in Auburn Hills, and the I-94/US-127/West Avenue interchange in Jackson, among others. 

US-24 (Telegraph Road) will be closed in each direction at M-102 (8 Mile Road) from 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, to 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, while crews continue to install supports for overhead signs, complete traffic signal and under-bridge lighting, place pavement markings and begin work on traffic control islands to help direct drivers through the new interchange. Traffic will be detoured onto M-102 (8 Mile Road) to the first turnaround, then back to US-24 (Telegraph Road) via M-102 (8 Mile Road).

Beginning at 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25, if weather cooperates, northbound and southbound US-24 (Telegraph) will have a combined 18 new traffic signals at M-102 (8 Mile Road) in operation to control traffic through the newly modernized interchange, with left turns from US-24 (Telegraph Road) to M-102 (8 Mile Road). 

As part of the DDI design, US-24 (Telegraph Road) now shifts first left and then right under the M-102 (8 Mile Road) bridge to permit left turns from US-24 (Telegraph Road) to M-102 (8 Mile Road) without encountering oncoming traffic. 

Initially, there will be only two lanes open for northbound and southbound US-24 (Telegraph Road) at M-102 (8 Mile Road) until mid-December when traffic will reopen to four lanes in each direction.

In addition to modernizing this interchange to improve efficiency and enhance safety, MDOT invested $54 million over two years to rebuild 1.4 miles of US-24 (Telegraph Road) between M-5 (Grand River Avenue) to north of M-102 (8 Mile Road). Work also included improving five bridges, drainage and water main relocation work, sidewalk ramp improvements compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), replacing signs, and traffic signal and lighting work from the M-5 (Grand River Avenue) intersection to M-102 (8 Mile Road).

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 653 jobs.