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.