by orionontv | Nov 13, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday November 7th at 6:25 PM
The Berkley Bears will have a new football coach next fall.
Coach Sean Shields has stepped down coaching the program after six seasons. He went 18-32 at Berkley and led the Bears to two postseason berths in 2019 and 2020 but they went 0-9 this season.
It was confirmed by “Inside the OAA.”
“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce after six seasons of hard work, loyalty, and love I’ve been asked to step down as the head coach of the Berkley high school football program. For the boys that are still in the program I can’t wait to see the great things that you do. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to complete your high school journey together. I know that your in great hands with Coach Horn and he’s going to make sure you guys have the best experience possible in your high school careers. For all of my former players and families I want to thank you all so much for allowing me to be a part of your and your children’s lives. I will always be grateful for the memories we’ve built and all the time that we’ve shared, you’ve meant so much to me and my family over these years. I love these young men and women you have all become after high school. Again thank you, I love every single one of my former players. I will always be your guy’s coach even if I’m not coaching you anymore. So for one last time, Bears on three, Family on six, one, two, three Bears, four, five, six family. I truly love you all” Shields posted on X.
Shields did a ton of good leading the program and he went 4-3 against arch rival Royal Oak. He also has one of the Bears best wins when they went into Livonia Clarenceville and stunned them which was a huge win at the time in 2019.
It will be very interesting to see who leads the Bears next season.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the tweet.
https://twitter.com/BerkleyBearsFB/status/1721896766831014390
by orionontv | Nov 8, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday November 7th at 7:00 PM
Welcome to the 2023 football season, here are our pickers for the season. Here are everyone who is doing picks this season.
SANDY DUNES is Sammy Taormina, OAA Now host and blogger.
COTTER is Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western football and North Farmington basketball video coordinator
DUNLAP is Keith Dunlap, WDIV freelance writer
STICK is Dan Stickradt, North Oakland Sports writer
BURNEY is Scott Burnstein, MIPrepZone and State Champs sports writer.
TIM is Tim English, High School Sports Historian and Blogger.
SANDY DUNES 108-39
COTTER 121-26
BURNEY 109-38
DUNLAP 102-45
STICK 115-32
TIM 113-34
We’ll get Tim’s picks when we can.
Carleton Airport at HARPER WOODS: The Jets have been rolling people since their week three loss to Flat Rock. Carleton Airport had been averaging over 40 points per game and even put 70 on Detroit East English Village Prep in the first round but Carleton Airport with deep respect hasn’t played the schedule the Pioneers have. Harper Woods has played a brutal schedule and it has paid dividends. They also have proven players as well. It should be a fun one in northeast Wayne County on Saturday afternoon.
SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 45, CARLETON AIRPORT 21.
COTTER: HARPER WOODS 32, CARLETON AIRPORT 21.
DUNLAP: CARLETON AIRPORT 24, HARPER WOODS 21.
STICK: HARPER WOODS over CARLETON AIRPORT.
BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 29, CARLETON AIRPORT 24.
TIM:
Haslett at Goodrich: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are rolling right now. The Martians survived Freeland 21-20 last week while the Vikings went into Chelsea and stunned the Bulldogs 30-22 last week. It should be a fun matchup on M-15 this week.
SANDY DUNES: GOODRICH 21, HASLETT 17.
COTTER: GOODRICH 35, HASLETT 28.
DUNLAP: GOODRICH 28, HASLETT 20.
STICK: GOODRICH over HASLETT.
BURNEY: HASLETT 40, GOODRICH 35.
TIM:
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH at Chippewa Valley: The Warriors are one game away from having the longest year in school history if they can go into Clinton Township and beat Chippewa Valley. Both teams have proven quarterbacks in Isisah Marshall and Andrew Schuster. Both teams have deep threats and solid rushing attacks. It should be a very interesting matchup that is for sure in Chippewa Valley.
SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 27.
COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 32, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 28.
DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 27, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 20.
STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over CHIPPEWA VALLEY.
BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 31, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 28.
TIM:
CLARKSTON at WEST BLOOMFIELD: This is a rematch of a 44-36 Wolves win over the Lakers in week seven. Clarkston is coming off a stunning 38-37 upset at Lake Orion last week behind the play of Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, and Brady Collins but injuries have seem to be piling up for Clarkston as of late. West Bloomfield is coming off a very impressive 24-6 win over Utica Eisenhower at Swienhart. Jaiden Allos had two interceptions including one for a touchdown while Rick Nance had three touchdown passes in that game. It should be a very interesting matchup in the Swamp.
SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, CLARKSTON 21.
COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 38, CLARKSTON 35.
DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 34, CLARKSTON 20.
STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over CLARKSTON.
BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 33, CLARKSTON 26.
TIM:
My Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6iPGnzqLi8&t=2463s
by orionontv | Nov 8, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday November 7th at 7:45 PM
The Falcons have their new boys basketball coach.
Farmington named Byron Johnson as their new coach according to the MHSAA website. He takes over for Derrick McDowell who was fired after a scandal that rocked the program.
Johnson played college basketball at Siena Heights where he was 58-16 as a player. He is eight all time in scoring, fifth in steals, and 11th in assists at the school.
Johnson brings a ton of playing experience. It will be very interesting to see how it translates into coaching.
He will have proven players in Greg Grays, Darrell Coltrane, and Quintez Sadler coming back.
Program strength and trust are going to be a huge challenge for Johnson. Farmington also has a tough district and a tough division looming this season.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the conformation of the hire.
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/farmington/boys/varsity/basketball
by orionontv | Nov 8, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday November 7th at 8:00 PM
The Cougars have a new girls basketball coach.
Stoney Creek named Columbus Williams as their new coach according to the MHSAA website. He takes over for Coach Kellen James who stepped down last month.
Williams coached at New Haven and is in charge of the Michigan Goonies AAU program. He was 54-26 in his four years at New Haven.
Williams takes over a Stoney Creek program that is loaded with proven talent and experience. They have Sarah LaPrarie, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj coming back. The Cougars won 46 games in the last three years under James.
It will be very interesting for the Cougars as they will have to go through a coaching transition period. It will be also interesting to see what Williams does different from what James did.
Stoney Creek will be in a very tough division in the Red and in a very tough district which has Adams, Rochester, Romeo, and Utica Eisenhower.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the conformation.
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/stoneycreek/girls/varsity/basketball
by orionontv | Oct 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 28th at 10:05 AM
Harper Woods: The Pioneers needed a strong fourth quarter to beat Croswell-Lexington 20-13 on Friday night. Harper Woods trailed 13-6 after three quarters but the offense came alive with Stephone Buford scoring three total touchdowns (two air, one rush) including a winning 20 yard pass to Ramonty House. The Pioneers held Croswell-Lexington to zero second half points. Harper Woods has Marysville looming next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a hard fought game with Holly on Friday night winning 34-24 at Dick Bye Field. Tyler Herzog was solid for Avondale and the ground game was also solid. They have a big one looming with Walled Lake Western next week.
Seaholm: The Maples have beaten Groves two straight weeks winning a Big Twelve shootout 56-49 on Friday night. Seaholm built a 35-7 halftime lead only to see Groves try and attempt to comeback but the Maples held on just enough to win. Colton Kinnie was dominant on the air and in the ground throwing to Louie Sullivan and Jack Lewis also found the end zone as well. Kinnie was responsible for five touchdowns in the game. Seaholm will have Waterford Mott or Livonia Franklin at home next week.
Groves: The Falcons saw Seaholm ruin their season in the last two weeks. The Maples won 56-49 in a wild shootout. Cayden Hardy did everything he could but the first half did not help Groves as they allowed 35 points. They won the second half 42-14 but it wasn’t enough. The Falcons lose Hardy to graduation but have the majority of their team coming back next season.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had no problem with Dearborn Fordson winning 38-14 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall was solid for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors defense played well limiting Dearborn Fordson all night. They have a big one looming with Detroit Cass Tech next week.
Adams: It was a rough night for the Highlanders on Friday night in the Swamp as they fell 42-14 to West Bloomfield. Adams had a rough night on both sides of the football. Rino Watters was picked off twice and was injured. Brady Prieskorn also got hurt in the game as well. It’s a rough way to go out for the Highlanders but Coach Patritto has an experienced group led by Watters coming back next season.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers showed their dominance in a shocking 42-14 blowout of Adams on Friday night at the Swamp. West Bloomfield had three interceptions and the offense had their moments of greatness. The Lakers have a big test looming when they head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves stars showed out in a big way on Friday night with Clarkston winning 33-10 over Romeo and snapping a three game losing streak in the process. The Wolves defense really stood out against a team that had equally played a brutal schedule. Desman Stephens had a 55 yard reverse touchdown, Brady Collins had his best game at quarterback on varsity of the season. He added a 14 yard passing touchdown and the Bowman twins combined for three rushing touchdowns. Clarkston has Lake Orion looming next week.
Oxford: The Wildcats were overwhelmed on Friday night by a potent Lake Orion offense falling 58-26. Oxford gave up 44 points in the first half which was shocking. Luke Johnson added a rushing touchdown. Jack Hendrix was solid throwing an early score to Jay Cady. The Wildcats were very young this season and have been through a lot. They will be back for sure next season.
Lake Orion: The Dragons offense was dominant on Friday night against their arch rivals from Oxford in a 58-26 win over the Wildcats. TR Hill was dominant in both passing and running the football. Billy Roberson had a solid night as well. Lake Orion put 44 points in the first half. The defense has been a concern in the last two weeks allowing 54 points. They have a big one looming with Clarkston next week.
by orionontv | Oct 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 28th at 9:30 AM
HARPER WOODS 20, Croswell-Lexington 13: The Pioneers showed their resolve on Friday night in a tough and physical game winning 20-13 at Harper Woods. The Pioneers scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter which ended up being the difference. Stephone Buford had three touchdowns, two from the air and one from the ground winning 20 yard passing score to Ramondy House. Harper Woods did lose Dakota Gurrant to an injury in the game, it is unknown if he will play next week. Croswell-Lexington gave everything Harper Woods can handle but playing the tough schedule the Pioneers have in the OAA came through for them. The Pioneers defense clamped down in the second half against a very stout Croswell-Lexington offense shutting them out in the second half. Harper Woods will host Marysville next week.
AVONDALE 34, Holly 24: It was a tight game at Dick Bye Field on Friday night between two teams that know each other quite well. The Yellow Jackets won 34-24 in a physical game of two teams that love to run the football. It was Avondale’s first postseason win since 2012 when they were coached by Steve Deutch. Tyler Herzog had a huge game for Avondale against a very good Bronchos defense. The Yellow Jackets have a big one looming when they head to Walled Lake to play Walled Lake Western next week.
SEAHOLM 56, GROVES 49: This was a rivalry game that turned into a classic Big Twelve shootout when usually that is a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. The Maples beat the Falcons for the second straight week 56-49 in Beverly Hills. Seaholm had a 35-7 lead at one point but Groves fought back and made it a game. Colton Kinnie played well for the Maples. He had 22 carries for 121 yards and four touchdowns along with 52 yards passing and two scores both were to Louie Sullivan. Cayden Hardy was solid in his final game for Groves but the Falcons defense really struggled in both matchups against the veer and the proven experience of Seaholm. Groves has a ton of talent coming back next season. The Maples will either host Livonia Franklin or Waterford Mott next week.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 38, Dearborn Fordson 14: The Warriors had no issue with Dearborn Fordson winning 38-14 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall had a solid game for Southfield Arts and Tech and the defense kept the Tractors in check all night. The Warriors have a big one looming with Detroit Cass Tech coming to Southfield next week.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, ADAMS 14: The Lakers had a great night especially defensively in a 42-14 win over Adams on Friday night in the Swamp. West Bloomfield had four turnovers including a pick six for a touchdown. Brandon Davis-Swain added two touchdowns, Rick Nance was solid, and Kam Flowers had a long rushing touchdown. What didn’t help things for the Highlanders is that they lost quarterback Rino Watters to an AC joint injury and Brady Prieskorn to a knee injury. Adams has a ton of proven talent coming back next season led by Watters. The Lakers will head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.
CLARKSTON 33, Romeo 10: The Wolves probably played their best game of the season on Friday night by beating Romeo 33-10 at the Wolves Den. Desman Stephens had a monster night for Clarkston including a 55 yard reverse touchdown. Brady Collins played his best game of the season for the Wolves running and passing the football. He had a 14 yard rushing score and the Bowman twins Lukas (eight and one) and Griffin (10) combined for three rushing scores. The Clarkston defense was stout all night shutting down Romeo and their offense. The Wolves will play Lake Orion on the road next week. Clarkston fell 42-21 to Lake Orion in week seven. It should be a very interesting and fun atmosphere.
LAKE ORION 58, OXFORD 26: The Dragons offense exploded on Friday night against arch rival Oxford winning 58-26. Tristian Hill was a beast in the air and especially on the ground scoring three long rushing scores and a passing score to Raymond Payne. Billy Roberson had a solid game scoring twice. Luke Johnson added a touchdown run and Jack Hendrix connected on a play action score to Jay Cady on the night. Oxford has a ton of talent coming back next season. Lake Orion will host Clarkston next week in a rematch where the Dragons won 42-21 in week seven.
