Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview.

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:22 AM

Here is the insight of the Boys Soccer preview for the State Semifinals. Could we get an all OAA Red final between Adams and Oxford, it’s possible but they have some challenges so here they are with both games on Wednesday October 30th at 7 PM.

OXFORD vs Byron Center @ East Lansing

 

PREVIEW: The Wildcats have been through a lot this postseason which included wins over Clarkston, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central with their games against the Dragons and Shamrocks going to penalties. Byron Center has been really good all season long. They needed to beat Grand Haven in penalties and had 1-0 wins over Portage Central and East Kentwood. This should be a really good game as both teams aren’t too familiar with each other, there is no common opponents between the two clubs.

 

 

ADAMS vs Saline @ Troy Athens

 

PREVIEW: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Highlanders and the Hornets. Adams has played a really tough schedule and has wins over Troy and Utica Eisenhower in the postseason. Saline has been dominant this postseason but had to survive Ann Arbor Skyline where they won 3-2 in the district finals. These two have one common opponent in Clarkston. The Highlanders beat the Wolves 3-0 while the Hornets lost 2-1 to the Wolves in the Balconi tournament. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams in Troy.

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:10 AM

These are the updated volleyball districts.

This article will be updated often with the most updated information

District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

 

OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. The Marlins always have found a way to reload really quickly despite losing proven talent to college and they have a Miss Volleyball finalist in Campbell Flynn. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be much improved for new coach Dan Englehardt. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for new coach Rachel Watson. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn’t look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I really don’t see anyone in this district touching Farmington Hills Mercy. They have home court, well coached, and proven talented college bound athletes.

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

WEST BLOOMFIELD/Walled Lake Northern vs South Lyon

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Walled Lake Central/Walled Lake Western vs Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: South Lyon

NEXT: Lakeland

DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference as they head into White Lake. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m really impressed with South Lyon with the way they have been playing all season. I think they have a good chance to win this district. I’ve been very disappointed with West Bloomfield. This will be a really tall task for the Lakers in this district. I see a Lions vs Eagles district final in White Lake.

 

District 26 @ Holly

OXFORD vs Waterford Mott

OXFORD/Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

Holly vs Waterford Kettering

Holly/Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Oxford

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district looks like it will be Clarkston vs Lake Orion in the district finals. The Wolves won in four over the Dragons. Lake Orion has been really hard to trust as of late. Got to give the edge to Clarkston in this district.

 

District 27 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER/STONEY CREEK vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

AVONDALE vs ADAMS

AVONDALE/ADAMS vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills

DARKHORSE: Adams

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is what in soccer terms is considered the “group of death.” These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been rapidly improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This really hasn’t changed when it comes to the group of death in soccer terms. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the favorite with Bloomfield Hills right there in the mix. Adams is the wildcard after they have been a funk as of late. Rochester and Stoney Creek are both solid teams but they both have tough roads if they want to make noise. This will be a battle harden district.

 

District 28 @ Berkley

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK

GROVES/ROYAL OAK vs Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY

SEAHOLM/BERKLEY vs NORTH FARMINGTON

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Groves

DARKHORSE: Berkley

EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they need to find it under Coach Derrick Williams. Groves has been up and coming under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: North Farmington has been up and down this season. It has been a surprise that both Birmingham schools have struggled. Berkley is the wildcard with home field but seriously I don’t see how any of the OAA teams can beat Birmingham Marian in this district. The Mustangs are loaded with proven talent and well coached.

 

District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower

TROY vs Utica Ford II

TROY/Utica Ford II vs Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson vs Utica

Sterling Heights Stevenson/Utica vs TROY ATHENS

 

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Troy

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: It has been a very interesting season. The Colts have underperformed this season which is surprising. The Red Hawks have had a strong season but having home court helps Utica Eisenhower in this district. I think the Eagles move on.

 

District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Henry Ford vs Detroit Old Redford

Detroit Henry Ford/Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE: Ferndale University

EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is between Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I’m not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won’t play the competition as both Eagles teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale has a new coach in Andrea Phillips taking over the program where they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I was really impressed with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. The Eagles have performed well this season. Ferndale University could give them some fits in the district semifinals. I like where Ferndale is at. They could make some noise and I’ve favored them since June. This should be a very interesting district in Detroit.

 

District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Lincoln

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I could have thought more about this district over but Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has impressed me. Harper Woods has had a solid season as well but they could have some trouble with the hosts from St. Clair Shores South Lake. Whoever wins that matchup should have an interesting matchup with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.

 

District 59 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

PONTIAC/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Waterford Oakdale Prep

 

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district. Pontiac came to Division Two this offseason and is looking for a new coach. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is determined to get to Battle Creek for Coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel. Birmingham Detroit Country Day was up and down last season but they have been a powerhouse in the past for Coach Kim Lockhart. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back district for Coach Rachel Zawodny. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school and a lot of questions remain for them heading into the season. Overall this should be a two team district but you never know.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: Like I said no changes from the early thoughts other than most likely seeing a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final which should be a very interesting distict final.

My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0

 

MHSAA Volleyball districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2024-Districts

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

The Sammy Postseason Projections

The Sammy Postseason Projections.

Written Saturday October 26th at 3:35 PM

Updated Sunday October 27th at 8:50 AM

These are the updated postseason projections. These AREN’T the official postseason projections. I’m sure Snooze2You and GoosePoop will have different projections than me. I based them on where each team is located based on postseason points with the recent MHSAA playoff point summary from Division’s One through Four.

This will be updated very often. So here we go.

Division Four

Sammy 1.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Forest Hills Eastern

 

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Hastings

Edwardsburg at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Paw Paw at Niles

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Freeland

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Haslett

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

 

Sammy 2.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Freeland

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Forest Hills Eastern

Edwardsburg at Niles

Hastings at Paw Paw

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Haslett

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

Division Three

Sammy 1.

Cadillac at Petoskey

Coopersville at Cedar Springs

 

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Lowell

Jackson at DeWitt

St. Johns at Mason

Bay City John Glenn at Fenton

Linden at Mount Pleasent

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

Sammy 2.(Snooze Map)

Bay City John Glenn at Petoskey

Cadillac at Mount Pleasant

St. Johns at DeWitt

Cedar Springs at Lowell

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Coopersville

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

Jackson at Mason

Linden at Fenton

 

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

 

Division Two

Sammy 1.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

Lakeland at Dexter

Milford at East Lansing

South Lyon East at NORTH FARMINGTON

Orchard Lake St. Marys at FARMINGTON

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

Temperance Bedford at Gibraltar Carlson

Livonia Franklin at Allen Park

 

Sammy 2.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

 

South Lyon East at East Lansing

Lakeland at Milford

 

Temperance Bedford at Dexter

Allen Park at Gilbratar Carlson

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON at Livonia Franklin

 

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

 

 

Division One

Sammy 1.

Kalamazoo Central at Hudsonville

East Kentwood at Grandville

Grand Ledge at Howell

Rockford at Brighton

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

CLARKSTON at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

OXFORD at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Romeo at Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Detroit Cass Tech

Dearborn at Dearborn Fordson

Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Belleville

Saline at Northville

 

Sammy 2.

East Kentwood at Hudsonville

Grandville at Rockford

 

Kalamazoo Central at Howell

Grand Ledge at Brighton

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Novi at CLARKSTON

Livonia Stevenson at Northville

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Saline

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

OXFORD at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

Romeo at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Utica Eisenhower

Dearborn at Belleville

Dearborn Fordson at Detroit Cass Tech

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

OAA/MAC Boys Basketball Showcase

OAA/MAC Boys Basketball Showcase.

Written Saturday October 12th at 8:00 PM

This will be updated with updated information.

This is the first ever OAA vs Macomb Area Conference Showcase that is taking place at Rochester High School on Saturday December 7th for Boys Basketball.

Here are the matchups and times.

LAKE ORION vs Macomb Dakota- 12 PM: These are two teams that could make some noise in their respective divisions. The Dragons are one of the favorites in the White have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Jose Andrades. The Cougars are one of the favorites in the MAC Red. They are also loaded with a ton of proven experience and are well coached under Coach Paul Tocco. These are also two teams that have had a ton of close games during the summer. Expect this game to be really interesting to watch.

STONEY CREEK vs Utica-1:30 PM: These are two teams that are coming into the season with a ton of questions. Utica was senior heavy last season after winning district crown last season. The Chieftains will look to continue their success for second year coach David Hinkle. Stoney Creek has a ton of questions this season for Coach Jeff Olind despite having proven players in Tyree Smith and Gideon Beers coming back. The Cougars are 9-35 in the last two years. This should be a really interesting game of two teams really trying to find their ways.

ROCHESTER vs Macomb L’Anse Creuse North-3 PM: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Falcons and the Crusaders. Rochester is 13-34 in the last two years which is not good for Coach Nick Evola but there is optimism. The Falcons return a ton of proven experience in Max Muhl and Jacob Tandy and they could make some noise in the Blue. The Crusaders have had a ton of success for Coach Kurt Wilson and they have a really tough schedule as well. This should be a really interesting matchup.

ADAMS vs Chippewa Valley-4:30 PM: The Highlanders lost their two top guards from last season but they have the LaGardge brothers coming back for Coach Isiah Novak. Adams is in the Red and will play the likes of proven powers in Clarkston, North Farmington, Groves, Ferndale, and West Bloomfield. Chippewa Valley lost a ton from last season after being 27-22 in the last two years. This should be a really interesting matchup.

Football Thoughts, Playoff Points, and Rankings Explanation.

Written Saturday October 12th at 9:35 AM

Updated Monday October 14th at 12:05 AM

The Gold was decided by Thursday night. Avondale took the crown with a 49-7 win over Berkley. The Yellow Jackets started 0-2 with losses to Cedar Springs and Seaholm but have bounced back nicely. Ferndale had a rough 49-14 loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep falling to 4-3 on the season. Royal Oak won 38-12 on their homecoming night over Pontiac. It’s been a challenging season for both teams. So when looking at the division it pretty much went as what I thought before the season.

The Blue is far from over but North Farmington is in a great spot. The Raiders beat Seaholm 24-23 in a crazy game. Seaholm doesn’t have a league game left but has to play West Bloomfield and Groves. North Farmington has Troy to play. The 32-23 loss the Colts took to Farmington puts them in a terrible spot most likely needing to win out. Troy Athens won 28-25 over Bloomfield Hills. Oak Park fell 26-12 to Lapeer. It will be very interesting to see how the Knights respond after this tough loss.

The Red went to Oxford after an impressive 38-14 win over Oxford in the Swamp. Clarkston had a chance to share the crown but Lake Orion denied them with a hard fought 20-13 win. Adams won a hard fought 21-13 win over Stoney Creek. The Red has been a battle all season with all but one game was won by the home team.

The White was decided with Groves win over Harper Woods. The Falcons have played well despite not being tested as of late. The Pioneers have played much better as of late. Rochester likely had their postseason dreams shattered after a 44-15 loss to Harper Woods. Southfield Arts and Tech has struggled all season. Stoney Creek has to win out after a really tough 21-13 loss to Adams. Overall the division went as what I thought it would be.

Playoff Points

Groves: 70.4- fourth in Division Two. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: The Falcons have been a lock for a while now. The big concerns is the lack of tests surrounding Groves despite having to play Seaholm week nine. Multiple home postseason games are in the cards for the Falcons at this time.

Seaholm: 66.7- fifth in Division Two. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: The Maples despite the 24-23 loss to North Farmington remain in the hunt for multiple home postseason games. The road for Seaholm gets tough with West Bloomfield and Groves but they are safely into the postseason with the schedule they have played.

Lake Orion: 64.2- ninth in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: After their 20-13 win over Clarkston it puts the Dragons in a great position for a postseason spot. Northville’s win over Hartland is huge at the moment for Lake Orion even though they sit at 5-2. If they can win out over Farmington and Saline then they will likely be hosting a postseason game.

Oxford: 63.2- 11th in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: It has been a special season for the Wildcats winning the Red for the first time in school history. Oxford is a lock for the postseason and they have two very interesting games looming with Oak Park and Macomb Dakota. The Wildcats if they can win both will be in prime position to hosting a postseason game.

Adams: 62.5- 12th in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: The Highlanders have gone through a ton of adversity with the injury to Ryland Watters but it’s possible that Watters could come back in the postseason. They have North Farmington and New Baltimore Anchor Bay looming. Adams is in a great spot to be in the postseason and could get a home postseason game if things go right.

North Farmington: 58.7- 14th in Division Two. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: The Raiders have worked their way back into the postseason after an 0-2 start with losses to Ferndale and Livonia Stevenson. The Raiders have won five straight which has them here. Home postseason looks possible and the postseason is a safe bet for North Farmington with Adams and Troy looming.

Avondale: 56.1- 14th in Division Three. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: It has been a rough go for the Yellow Jackets especially early but there is an opportunity for Avondale to improve on their postseason positioning. They are safe in the postseason and a home game looks very possible. The Yellow Jackets have Stoney Creek and Carleton Airport looming. Avondale is in a great spot right now.

Clarkston: 55.7- 18th in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION-Safe: The Wolves despite the 20-13 loss to Lake Orion remain in great position to get into the postseason. Clarkston has Bloomfield Hills and Utica Eisenhower remaining and both at home. The Wolves are safe when it comes to the postseason especially with Utica Eisenhower in week nine. They could get a home game but that’s borderline at the moment but they are safe when it comes to the postseason.

Harper Woods: 55.2- eighth in Division Four. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Safe: The Pioneers schedule is really helping them when it comes to postseason positioning. Harper Woods has played a really tough schedule. The wins aren’t the greatest when it comes to bonus points but the wins matter for the Pioneers at the moment. They could be in line to host a few home postseason games.

Farmington: 55.2- 18th in Division Two. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Not Safe: The Falcons 32-23 win over Troy is huge at the moment for Farmington. The Falcons have a ton to play for especially with Lake Orion and Dearborn Heights Crestwood looming. Farmington has gone through a ton of adversity but the wins over Division One schools Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and Troy Athens has really helped at the moment. The Falcons have to win one of their next two games to be safely in the postseason field.

Ferndale: 48.2- 29th in Division Two. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Not Safe: The Eagles are in a strong spot to get into the postseason despite playing a tough schedule. The 20-12 win over North Farmington in week two is huge at the moment for Ferndale’s chances. They have Southfield Arts and Tech and Utica Ford II looming. The Eagles have to win one of their next two games to be safely in the postseason but big challenges await in Division Two.

West Bloomfield: 48- 27th in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Not Safe: I thought about where the Lakers were right now. The 49-41 win over Lake Orion is really helping them but Chippewa Valley has improved as well sitting at 3-4. West Bloomfield didn’t help themselves falling 38-14 to Oxford on Thursday night. The Lakers need to win one of two to be safe when it comes to the postseason against proven Division Two powers in Seaholm and Roseville but if they lose both of them they will be out. It will be very interesting to see where West Bloomfield is at heading into the postseason but if they lose both games it could be very close.

Stoney Creek 45.1- 32nd in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Not Safe: The Cougars postseason dreams took a hit falling 21-13 to Adams on Friday night. Stoney Creek will need to win at least one of the next two games to make the postseason but it would be much stronger if they won both games. They have Avondale and Ann Arbor Huron which are very interesting matchups. It will be really interesting to see where the Cougars are at especially with Jenison, Kalamazoo Central, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, and Chippewa Valley are on the outside looking in.

Troy: 40.7- 38th in Division One. S PLAYOFF PROJECTION- Not Safe: The Colts postseason dreams is in severe jeopardy. The 32-23 loss to Farmington severely damaged their postseason hopes. If Troy can beat North Farmington then there is a chance they could sneak into the postseason and that includes beating Troy Athens. If they lose one or both games they are out.

Rankings Explanation

Groves has kept the top spot most of the season despite not being tested. Did have thoughts of putting Oxford at the top spot but kept the Falcons there for that top reason. The Wildcats are second winning the Red crown. Lake Orion is at three after their emotional 20-13 win over Clarkston on Friday night. Moved Adams to four because of their 28-10 win over Clarkston. The Wolves moved down to five after the loss to Lake Orion but have played a tough schedule. North Farmington moves up to six after their emotional 24-23 win over Seaholm. Seaholm goes to seven after their tough loss to North Farmington. West Bloomfield goes to eight after their tough loss to Oxford, I thought about moving them down in the rankings but kept them at eight. Avondale and Harper Woods stay at nine and ten respectively. Farmington is at 11, Stoney Creek is 12, and Ferndale is 13 at the moment.

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Week Seven Thoughts

Week Seven Thoughts.

Written Saturday October 12th at 1:25 AM

West Bloomfield: The Lakers after an impressive win over Lake Orion last week laid an egg on Thursday night against Oxford falling 38-14 in the Swamp. The Wildcats shut the Lakers down in every phase of the game which West Bloomfield had no answers. The Lakers are in must win mode if they want to make the postseason. They have Seaholm looming next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons got a bounce back after a really disappointing loss to West Bloomfield last week by beating Clarkston 20-13 on Friday night. TR Hill had a big night for Lake Orion who celebrated homecoming with a throwing and passing touchdown in the game. The defense which allowed 35 second half points to the Lakers played much better allowing three points in the second half. Lake Orion has Farmington looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves had a very controversial 20-13 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night. The penalties were an issue for Coach Justin Pintar. The call was off setting penalties which the officials declared the game was over instead of giving Clarkston an extra play. Wolves quarterback Alex Waszczesko had a monster game for the Wolves especially with his running ability. Clarkston will be fine, they have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.

Adams: The Highlanders earned a tough 21-13 win over Stoney Creek on Friday night. Adams played the veer to perfection on homecoming night but found a way to win. They have North Farmington looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats proved that they belong in the Red after an impressive 38-14 win in the Swamp over West Bloomfield on Thursday night. Jack Hendrix was outstanding for the Oxford offense. Luke Johnson added three touchdowns for the Wildcats who right now have a ton of momentum heading to the postseason. They have Oak Park looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers have found their way after a rough start to the season winning 44-15 over Rochester on Friday night. They have Nate Rocheleau back at quarterback really stabilizes things. The defense looked stout for the Pioneers and they have outscored their last two opponents by a combined 93-21. The penalties are still a big issue for Coach Rob Oden’s team. They have Pontiac looming next week.

Groves: The Falcons had no issues with Southfield Arts and Tech winning 42-12 on Thursday night. Groves had a 35-0 halftime lead and didn’t look back. The Falcons have Royal Oak looming next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a tough 21-13 loss to Adams on Friday night. Stoney Creek will be fine. They have a big one with Avondale looming next week.

Rochester: The Falcons saw their postseason hopes likely dashed after falling 44-15 to Harper Woods on Friday night. Rochester’s defense had a rough night against a high octane Harper Woods offense who seems to be finding their way as of late. Rochester has Berkley looming next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a tough 42-12 loss to Groves on Thursday night. Southfield Arts and Tech trailed 35-0 at halftime but did outscore Groves 12-7 in the second half. The Warriors have Ferndale looming next week.

Farmington: The Falcons made a statement with an impressive 32-23 win over Troy on Thursday night. Farmington used their balance on offense and made a ton of noise on a really good Colts defense taking a 25-7 lead at one point. The Falcons are in a really good spot right now. They have Lake Orion looming next week.

North Farmington: The Raiders have taken control of the Blue at the moment stunning Seaholm 24-23 on Thursday night. North Farmington got an interception to seal the game after Seaholm recovered an onside kick. It’s the first win for the Raiders in school history against the Maples and it’s a huge win for Coach Jon Herstein. Terrance James had three big touchdowns including the game winner. North Farmington controls its own destiny right now. They have Adams looming next week.

Oak Park: The Knights had a tough 26-12 loss to Lapeer on Friday night. Oak Park had chances but the Lighting defense shut the Knights down and Lapeer had a big game winning a big game they needed. They have Oxford looming next week.

Troy: The Colts had a tough 32-23 loss to Farmington on Thursday night. The offense wasn’t the issue for Troy but the defense has some serious concerns. They had a 25-7 deficit but got it within 25-23 late in the game but Farmington got a score to seal the deal. They have a rivalry game looming next week with postseason dreams on the line.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had to survive with a 28-25 win over Bloomfield Hills on Thursday night. Troy Athens needed this one in the worst way possible. It’s a sign of progress for Coach Tom Cook’s team with Troy looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples had a tough 24-23 loss to North Farmington on Thursday night. Seaholm had a hard time with quarterback Terrance James who had three rushing touchdowns but had a ton of chances including scoring a touchdown but went for two and didn’t get it however they recovered the onside kick but threw an interception sealing the win for the Raiders. Seaholm has West Bloomfield looming next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a tough 28-25 loss to Troy Athens on Thursday night. Bloomfield Hills has made a ton of progress on the offensive side of the football which is a great sign. They have Clarkston looming next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets earned the Gold for the second straight season with a 49-7 win over Berkley on Thursday night. Avondale has been a completely different team ever since their 0-2 start. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles had a tough 49-14 loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep on Friday night. Ferndale knew it was going to be a challenge against the Fighting Irish on their homecoming. Postseason is a concern at the moment for Coach Eric Royal. They have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.

Berkley: The Bears had a rough night falling 49-7 to Avondale on Thursday night. Berkley had trouble on both sides of the football. They have Rochester looming next week.

Royal Oak: The Ravens earned a 38-12 win on their homecoming night over Pontiac on Friday night. Royal Oak was clicking on all cylinders in the game. They have Groves looming next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a tough 38-12 loss to Royal Oak on Friday night. Pontiac has struggled since their week one win over Detroit Fredrick Douglass. Depth has been an issue for Coach Wendell Jefferson’s program. They have Harper Woods looming next week.

 

 

Standings After Week Seven

Red

  1. Oxford 3-1, 5-2
  2. Lake Orion 2-2, 5-2
  3. Adams 2-2, 5-2
  4. Clarkston 2-2, 4-3
  5. West Bloomfield 1-3, 3-4

 

White

  1. Groves 4-0, 7-0
  2. Harper Woods 3-1, 4-3

Stoney Creek 2-2, 3-4

Rochester 1-3, 2-5

Southfield Arts and Tech 0-4, 1-6

Blue

  1. North Farmington 5-0, 5-2
  2. Seaholm 5-1, 6-1

Farmington 4-2, 5-2

Troy 2-2, 3-4

Oak Park 1-4, 2-5

Troy Athens 1-4, 2-5

Bloomfield Hills 0-5, 1-6

Gold

  1. Avondale 4-0, 5-2

Ferndale 3-1, 4-3

Berkley 1-3, 2-5

Royal Oak 1-3, 2-5

Pontiac 0-4, 1-6

Boys Soccer State Semifinal Preview

Week Seven Recap

Week Seven Recap.

Written Saturday October 12th at 1:15 AM

UPDATED TOP TEN

  1. Groves
  2. Oxford
  3. Lake Orion
  4. Adams
  5. Clarkston
  6. North Farmington
  7. Seaholm
  8. West Bloomfield
  9. Avondale
  10. Harper Woods

 

WEEK SEVEN SCORES

 

AVONDALE 49, BERKLEY 7.

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 49, FERNDALE 14.

ROYAL OAK 38, PONTIAC 12

Lapeer 26, OAK PARK 12.

FARMINGTON 32, TROY 23.

TROY ATHENS 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 25.

NORTH FARMINGTON 24, SEAHOLM 23.

ADAMS 21, STONEY CREEK 13.

HARPER WOODS 44, ROCHESTER 15.

GROVES 42, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 12.

OXFORD 38, WEST BLOOMFIELD 14.

LAKE ORION 20, CLARKSTON 13.

 

WIN OF THE WEEK: Lake Orion: The Dragons bounced back after a really tough 49-41 loss to West Bloomfield by keeping Clarkston from sharing the Red crown with a 20-13 win over the Wolves on the Dragons homecoming. TR Hill had a big night for the Dragons throwing and passing for a touchdown while the Lake Orion defense bounced back limiting Clarkston’s offense to three points in the second half. They have Farmington looming next week.

WHAT IN THE BLUE WORLD: Rochester: The Falcons have not been the same team since falling 22-21 to Stoney Creek in overtime last week. They really struggled falling to Harper Woods 44-15 on Friday night. Rochester needs some help if they want to make the postseason. They have Berkley looming next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Seaholm: The Maples seen their unbeaten record come to an end at Ron Holland Field on Thursday night falling 24-23 to North Farmington. Seaholm took a 14-8 lead at one point but the Raiders fought back and it went back and forth. The Maples got a touchdown but missed the two point try and got an onside kick only to throw an interception sealing the win for North Farmington. They have West Bloomfield looming next week.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a really rough night falling 38-14 to Oxford on Thursday night falling to 3-4 on the season. Luke Johnson had three touchdowns for the Wildcats which gave Oxford their first Red crown in school history. West Bloomfield will possibly need to win out to make the postseason. They have a big one looming with Seaholm next week.