Final OAA Boys Soccer Rankings

Final OAA Boys Soccer Rankings

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Uncategorized

Final OAA Boys Soccer Rankings.

Written Monday October 6th at 11:59 PM

Here are the final Boys Soccer rankings for the season by Anthony Taormina.

1. Clarkston- Wolves won the Red, will be battle tested going into districts.

2. Troy- Colts look strong going into a very tough district.

3. Seaholm- Despite not being the top seed, the Maples are the most dangerous and they host.

4. Troy Athens- Red Hawks should have no problem in their Macomb County District that they host.

5. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks won the White, big matchup with Seaholm looming.

6. Royal Oak- First round matchup with Berkley has the potential to be a classic.

7. Lake Orion- Possible rematches with Blue and Gold rivals could happen.

8. Berkley- First round matchup with Royal Oak has the potential to be a classic.

9. Oxford- Looking to avenge their league loss to their arch rival in districts.

10. Groves- Back to back matchups with the arch rival in store.

11. Stoney Creek- Cougars look to avenge their loss to Adams earlier in the season.

12. Rochester- Falcons host a rivalry district that features Rochesters, Romeos, and Uticas alike.

13. Adams- Highlanders able to gain a tie in their final Red game. Districts different animal.

14. West Bloomfield- Lakers staying consistent in the White.

15. North Farmington- Leaving the OAA winning the Blue.

16. Farmington- Leaving the OAA last in the White.

17. Pontiac- Phoenix and Waterford Mott has a potential to be a great OAA rivalry.

18. Ferndale- Eagles finished in the middle of the pack in the Blue.

19. Avondale- Yellow Jackets have a tough rematch in districts with St. Mary’s.

20. Oak Park- Knights have a very brutal district matchup with Divine Child.

21. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors have a tough matchup with Troy looming in districts.

22. Harper Woods- Pioneers finish the season not making districts.

Final OAA Boys Soccer Rankings

Week Six Thoughts

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Six Thoughts.

Written Saturday October 4th at 7:50 AM

Here are my thoughts on each team after week six.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains had it rough with Walled Lake Western which was to be expected falling 56-8 on Friday night. The defense needs to be shored up heading into the offseason along with certain questions Kettering will face in what could be another turnover within the program before they enter the OAA.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs seen their Lakes Valley Conference title hopes take a big hit falling 21-20 to South Lyon on Friday night. Mott had a 14-0 lead at one point but the Lions bounced back and stunned the Corsairs keeping their hopes alive in the Lakes Valley Conference. The focus for the Corsairs should be is get to the postseason.

Pontiac: The Phoenix have been making progress in what is a very difficult season falling 31-6 to Ferndale on Friday night. Pontiac has made a lot of progress despite the record but there is still a ways to go for Coach Wendall Jefferson if they want to turn things around.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are really struggling to adjust to Coach Jim Carlisle’s system. It was shocking when they fell 35-6 to Royal Oak on Friday night. Avondale is a mess right now on both sides of the football. There is going to be a lot of questions for Carlisle heading into the offseason.

Berkley: The Bears got a measure of revenge heading into Jackson and stunning Jackson Northwest 37-30 on Friday night. Berkley got a measure of revenge against the Mounties after what happened to them at Hurley Field last season. This is a big win for Coach Casey Humes and the Bears. Things could be changing really quickly.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are the ultimate Scooby Doo team and it showed in a stunning 35-6 win over Avondale. Royal Oak was on all night against a Yellow Jackets defense that has really struggled all season long. The Ravens have seem to be making progress which is a good sign for Coach Colin Campbell.

Ferndale: The Eagles won the Gold with an impressive 31-6 win over Pontiac on Friday night. Now the test begins for Coach Donovan Jackson and Ferndale as they have the Wayne County gauntlet that is looming. Win two of these next three games and the postseason could be a possibility.

Troy: The Colts are in a rough spot after a 42-0 loss to Farmington on Friday night. The defense which has been the story allowing 107 points in the last three games albeit was against Clarkston, Farmington, and Oak Park. If the defense is allowing points in bunches that’s not a good sign going forward. This is something Coach Chris Frasier and Troy needs to fix.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks needed a win and got it in a 35-21 win over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. The defense played better against Bloomfield Hills which needs to be the normal if Coach Tom Cook wants to turn things around and quick. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Troy Athens going forward.

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks had a rough time with Troy Athens falling 35-21 on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills has made some progress but there is still a long way to go for Coach Scott Merchant and the Black Hawks.

Farmington: The Falcons went off for 42 points in a 42-0 win over Troy on Friday night. Farmington is a completely different team after what happened against Holly in week two. We’ll know a lot about Coach Jason Albrecht’s team when they head to Clarkston in two weeks.

North Farmington: The Raiders have seemed to turn things around with a huge 28-20 win over Seaholm. Elijah Cobb has played well for North Farmington and seems to be the quarterback of the future for Coach Jon Herstein. Terrance James has been solid on both sides of the football as well. The Raiders are in a good spot right now.

Seaholm: The Maples have lost two straight which is very concerning after a 28-20 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. Seaholm’s defense has to be a concern going forward after getting exposed by Farmington last week and now North Farmington. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Coach Jim DeWald which has Adams and Groves looming.

Oak Park: The Knights had a really tough loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep falling 20-19 on Friday night. Oak Park has been playing well lately but they still have some games where they have been inconsistent. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Greg Carter’s Knights do to finish out the season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have had a rough season falling 43-22 to Groves on Friday night however they are making progress. 22 points against a good program is progress for Coach Keith McKenzie. If the Warriors keep making progress then they could finish the season strong and look ahead to next season.

Groves: The Falcons got a big win on Friday night against Southfield Arts and Tech winning 43-22 in Beverly Hills. Groves has been up and down which is a sign of a young team. It will be very interesting to see what the Falcons will look like going forward and if they can make the postseason in a tough Division Two.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars took a very tough 26-20 overtime loss to Adams on Friday night. It was a back and fourth game between the two teams but Stoney Creek couldn’t get the stop they needed. It is possible that these two teams could meet again in the postseason. Despite the loss the Cougars are fine going forward.

Rochester: The Falcons have not been the same team since upsetting Lake Orion 23-21 three weeks ago falling 41-7 to Harper Woods on Friday night. Rochester has been outscored 117-14 in the last three weeks. The Falcons used a lot of energy in their upset of the Dragons but they have not been able to figure it out which is not a good sign for Coach Eric Vernon and the Falcons.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers showed their dominance against Rochester winning 41-7 on Friday night. Harper Woods has been very consistent all season which has showed in why they have been winning games. It should be very interesting to see what the Pioneers do heading into the postseason.

Adams: The Highlanders had to survive Stoney Creek winning 26-20 on Friday night in overtime. Adams got big plays from quarterback Brady Lindstrom and also Ryland Watters was huge as well. The Highlanders defense played well despite allowing 20 points. It is possible they could see Stoney Creek again in the postseason

Clarkston: The Wolves were ready from the get go on Friday night against Lake Orion winning 42-21 on their homecoming night. Clarkston stormed out early scoring 21 first quarter points and never looked back. The experience of the Wolves has shown all season. It will be interesting to see what happens for Coach Justin Pintar’s team going forward.

West Bloomfield: What happened to the Lakers very strong defense in their stunning 34-33 loss to Oxford on Friday night??? West Bloomfield had been allowing under ten points coming into this game but allowing 34 points which has star lineman Jeremiah Benson and Will Espy in the secondary is inexcusable. Espy had two touchdowns and Jamal Shakespear added another touchdown. If your Coach Zack Hilbers you got to figure things out and quick if you want to turn things around.

Oxford: The Wildcats system and belief in each other was a big difference in a 34-33 upset win over West Bloomfield on Friday night. Jack Hendrix found Brady Hasselbring in the endzone with 26 seconds left which sealed the win on homecoming night. Seth Tabert had three touchdowns while Oxford found a running back in Chris Pullman who added a touchdown. This win likely got the Wildcats to the postseason

Lake Orion: The Dragons have been going through a storm which hasn’t gone through yet in a 42-21 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. Anderson Adams looks to be the quarterback of the future rushing and scoring a touchdown. Lake Orion needs to address the defense heading into the offseason after allowing their second straight 40 point game. The Dragons need to finish the season strong and reevaluate a lot of things this offseason.

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Regional News

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

Post Date:10/03/2025 11:57 AM

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced a sweeping new ethics and conflict of interest reform package for Oakland County elected officials and senior appointed employees. The proposal goes further than the state law by closing loopholes, eliminating spousal exemptions and establishing an Ethics Ombudsperson.

“We are living through extraordinary challenges in our nation and our state. Washington is shut down, Lansing barely avoided one, and the American people overwhelmingly believe government is too divided to solve problems,” Coulter said.

“Oakland County is better than this. I will not allow recent political discord and lack of transparency to undermine the trust our residents place in us and the progress we are making. We have too much important work to do. Just last month we approved a historic budget unanimously — proof that we can rise above partisanship. Now I am calling for that same unity so that we may cast questions aside and put in place commonsense transparency and ethics reforms.”

Coulter’s proposal uses Michigan’s “Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act” (P.A. 281 of 2023) as its base. He proposes the following requirements that go beyond what is required under P.A. 281 for Oakland County to include:

  • Spouse/domestic partner reporting
  • Household adult dependent reporting
  • Assets/interests held by certain trusts related to a person required to report
  • Requirement to amend financial disclosure midyear with any new outside income source greater than $10,000

Under Coulter’s proposal, disclosure forms would be maintained online by the Oakland County Clerk and accessible for all residents.

Coulter is also calling for the appointment of an independent ombudsperson to receive ethics-related referrals from the public and internal government sources.

“Ethics and transparency are not about playing ‘gotcha’—they are about building trust with the public,” Coulter said. “An independent ombudsperson will guarantee ethical concerns are handled fairly, above politics and beyond personalities.”

Coulter directed his staff to immediately finalize language with the Board of Commissioners so that they may introduce a resolution at their next board meeting and vote on it by the end of the year.

“Let me be very clear: this reform must happen,” Coulter said. “Oakland County leads by example, and we will continue to lead by showing that government can be open, accountable, and beyond question.”

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: Oct. 6, 2025

MDARD media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

Celebrate with a visit to a Michigan cider mill, pumpkin patch, corn maze and more

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month – the perfect time for family-friendly fun at any of the hundreds of agritourism farms and orchards across Michigan. The month-long celebration recognizes the economic and social benefits of agritourism to our state’s farms and communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s thriving food and agriculture industry.

“Agritourism connects Michigan families to locally grown food and beverages while enabling farmers to diversify and build resiliency into their businesses,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring. “MDARD is proud to support Michigan agritourism operators that strengthen our food and agriculture industry, boost agricultural education and improve quality of life for Michiganders.”

Agritourism supports Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $54.8 billion tourism industry. It offers farmers the opportunity to diversify their businesses, which can help them stay viable during adverse weather conditions and market fluctuations.

Michigan’s agritourism destinations include:

Many Michigan farms offer agritourism opportunities year-round, but Agritourism Month is celebrated in October at the peak of harvest and during a time when people traditionally visit farms, pumpkin patches and cider mills. Michigan Agritourism Month is a special time to acknowledge and experience the vast, integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers who produce a safe and nutritious food supply, as well as provide fun and unique farm experiences.

Throughout the month of October, MDARD will feature examples of Michigan agritourism businesses on its social media channels. Follow along to experience Michigan agritourism at its best.

Visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com for a directory of Michigan agritourism businesses. The directory is searchable by business name, product, and region.  

View the Michigan Agritourism Month proclamation.
Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake

Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
Oct. 6, 2025
Contact: Jeff Vasher, 989-745-2942

Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake; public urged to use caution amid extreme fire danger

Aerial view of 2025 Roscommon County fireWith fire danger extremely high across much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula today, firefighters are working near Houghton Lake in Roscommon County to contain a wildfire burning since Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5, near the Roscommon State Forest Area.

The fire was reported early Sunday afternoon east of Old U.S. Highway 27, near the Clare–Roscommon county line. The cause remains under investigation.

The fire is estimated to be at approximately 85 acres in a marshy area of mixed pine and hardwood forest, where dry fuels and gusty winds have challenged firefighting efforts.

“Crews have been working through difficult terrain to contain the fire,” said Jeff Vasher, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lower Peninsula resource protection manager. “High winds have made suppression challenging, but firefighters are holding the lines and continuing to reinforce containment.”

Resources on scene include DNR firefighters, local fire departments, bulldozers, fire engines and drone aircraft support being used for aerial mapping and situational awareness. The DNR urges the public to avoid the area while crews continue suppression operations.

Across northern Michigan, fire danger remains high to very high, driven by warm temperatures, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation. Open burning is not advised, and residents are asked to use extreme caution with any outdoor heat or spark sources.

“We are currently experiencing severe drought conditions across the mid-to-lower peninsula,” added Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “While there is some chance of rain tonight and tomorrow, expected rainfall amounts will not be enough to ease the drought or reduce the overall fire danger.”

Burn permits were suspended Friday, Oct. 3, to help prevent additional wildfires under these increasingly dry conditions. The DNR strongly urges residents to refrain from any outdoor burning until conditions improve.

For updates, fire safety information, and prevention tips, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Aerial view: Photo of the smoke from the 2025 Roscommon County wildfire.