by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 30th at 7:00 PM
The postseason is only a month away so here are some scenarios surrounding some teams in the OAA that have a chance to make the postseason, some are locks, others are on the bubble and others need to win out.
Thanks to GoosePoop on Twitter/X for giving me some analytics on each team’s chances to make the postseason so here they are.
LOCKS:
Lake Orion (6-0): The Dragons are looking really good when it comes to the postseason. Lake Orion has had strong wins over Harper Woods, West Bloomfield, and Adams. They still have arch rival Clarkston and Saline coming up, both of whom are strong teams with Farmington in between week eight. It is possible, pending with what happens with Clarkston this week, that both teams could be undefeated going into week nine. The Dragons are safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Clarkston (4-2): The Wolves are looking really good when it comes to the postseason and they keep getting better every week. They have played a really tough schedule and have beaten some really good teams as well. Despite losing to Northville and Southfield Arts and Tech (both of whom are strong teams), they hold quality wins over Adams and West Bloomfield. Clarkston still has arch rival Lake Orion, Division Four, Harper Woods and strong Macomb Area Red power Utica Eisenhower which will all be very tough and competitive games. If you’re a Wolves fan, you won’t have to worry about not making the postseason. Clarkston is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
West Bloomfield (4-2): The Lakers have had some issues especially defensively. The win over Chippewa Valley is huge at the moment for West Bloomfield. They need to address the defense as they have a ton of injuries right now. The schedule is very interesting for the Lakers with Oxford and Oak Park, both of whom could be fighting to get into the playoffs. Southfield Arts and Tech could be a big yard stick where the Lakers stand going into the playoffs. West Bloomfield is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Southfield Arts and Tech (6-0): The Warriors early season wins have already got them into the postseason. Southfield Arts and Tech is kind of in a lull when it comes to competition in the White with their two toughest challengers in Groves and Harper Woods they faced earlier in the season. The win over Detroit Cass Tech is looking better and better. They still have West Bloomfield which is always interesting as both teams look to that game as a barometer game. The Warriors are safely in the postseason field for Division One.
Seaholm (5-1): The Maples have been rolling with confidence heading into the postseason. Seaholm has some big wins under their belt as well and will have three quality opponents to help prepare them for the postseason in Avondale, Oak Park (possibly for the league title) and arch rival Groves who have given them a lot of problems in the past, mostly because Groves has played in the much tougher White division. Despite having to figure out their problems with Groves, the Maples are safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Groves (4-2): The Falcons have played some very strong opponents (West Bloomfield and Southfield Arts and Tech) and picked up some big wins including a big league win over Harper Woods and a big non league win over North Farmington. Groves still has games over Division One Bloomfield Hills, Ferndale, and arch rival Seaholm, who they could possibly meet twice in the postseason in which the Falcons have gotten the better of the Maples primarily because of playing in the tougher OAA White. Groves is safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Harper Woods (3-3): For a team who is in Division Four, the Pioneers have played a really tough schedule playing against a ton of Division One (Stoney Creek, Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech) and Division Two teams (Groves). Harper Woods still has to play two more Division One programs in Rochester and powerhouse Clarkston and finish the year against Division Two Roseville. Even if they have a losing record, the Pioneers are safely in the postseason field for Division Four because of their strength of schedule and could be a state championship contender come postseason time.
Avondale (6-0): The Yellow Jackets have been rolling as of late, most likely securing the Gold Championship in the process. Avondale has also been tested with quality wins over Division Three Brandon and Division Two Oak Park. Avondale still has Division Two power Seaholm looming along with rivals Pontiac and Warren Fitzgerald. The Maples will be a barometer on where the Yellow Jackets stand when it comes to the playoffs in Division Three. They also might not have to worry about Brother Rice being in the playoffs. They are safely in the postseason field for Division Three and they could make a ton of noise.
BUBBLE:
North Farmington (3-3): The Raiders have been playing well as of late, despite playing a very daunting schedule especially early with Division Two powers Groves, Caledonia, and Seaholm. The Raiders have held their own and was able to get strong wins over Division One’s Troy and Troy Athens along with Division Two, Oak Park. The Raiders will have two strong tests coming up with Division One foes Oxford and Bloomfield Hills. Should North beat one of those teams, they will probably qualify for the playoffs. If they lose to both of them, the chances of making it will not happen. Oxford is the toughest of the three teams remaining on their schedule.
Troy (3-3): The Colts have been struggling a little bit as of late especially going against Division Two powers Seaholm, Oak Park, and North Farmington. Troy however, has benefited with wins over Division One Detroit Mumford and Division One Macomb L’Anse Creuse North but that was early in the season. The schedule lightens up again with Division Two Royal Oak and Division Two Fraser on the horizon. Troy Athens, their arch rival will be their biggest test, it is a rivalry game so you throw records out the window. Despite Troy being successful, the last few years, Athens has had a history of playing spoiler. If Troy loses one of these next three games, their chances of making the postseason is slim.
Adams (3-3): The Highlanders are a very interesting team to watch because they are a wildcard. Their chances of getting in the postseason are still very strong, probably the strongest of the bubble teams. Adams has Stoney Creek, Bloomfield Hills, and Sterling Heights Stevenson, all three Division One teams, all three teams they are capable of beating. If they win out or win two of the next three games they should be in the postseason. It’s hard to envision this program not making the postseason, is it a possibility??? Sure but it is not likely. Also whoever gets them first (should they make it), it will be a tough test going against the vaunted veer offense.
Ferndale (3-3): The Eagles could be a postseason team should they win out or at least win two out of the next three games. They have Oak Park, Groves, and St. Clair Shores Lake Shore on the horizon. Ferndale has played a tough schedule despite getting a forfeit win over Pontiac. Ferndale has finally been able to turn the corner recently with wins over Royal Oak and Berkley but strong Division Two programs like Oak Park and Groves will test this group. They win out or win two of three, they are most likely in the postseason.
Oak Park (2-4): The Knights are a darkhorse to watch when it comes to the postseason but the schedule looks very challenging. Oak Park has Division One power West Bloomfield, along with Division Two powers Seaholm and Ferndale looming. For the Knights, it’s either win out or win two out of three, Ferndale is a must win for the Knights to even consider making it to the postseason. These next three games will not be easy for the Knights but if they win at least two out of three, they should make the postseason given the schedule they have played.
NEED TO WIN OUT:
Oxford (2-4): The Wildcats are in a win now mode if they want to make the postseason. They have Division One powerhouse West Bloomfield, North Farmington, and University-Detroit Jesuit all at Wildcat Stadium. Despite playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston, Adams, and arch rival Lake Orion, Oxford has two wins (Division Two, Oak Park and Division One, Stoney Creek.) If Oxford can win all three home games then they are most likely a postseason team. If they lose one of these three games they are likely to miss the postseason. It’s that simple for the Wildcats, win out and most likely you’re in the postseason.
by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 30th at 5:10 PM
West Bloomfield (4-2): The Lakers have some serious concerns on defense and the stats prove it. They have allowed over 30 points in three of the last four weeks including a 44-36 loss to Clarkston on Friday night and were down 37-14 at one point in the fourth quarter. Rick Nance had a really rough game but the defense as mentioned has some serious concerns. They have allowed 166 points this season (27.6 ppg) which is un Laker like. Bryce Rowe did not play and Kari Jackson and Montelle Johnson are out for the season with ACL and MCL injuries. They have Oxford looming next week.
Lake Orion (6-0): The Dragons defense was just incredible in their 35-0 win over Adams on Friday night. They had six sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Lake Orion was solid offensively as well with Raymond Payne’s two scores, Billy Roberson and Tristian Hill each had a score as well. The Dragons are rolling right now. They have a big one looming with Clarkston for the Red next week.
Clarkston (4-2): The Wolves were very impressive especially offensively in their 44-36 win over West Bloomfield on Friday night. Clarkston had a 37-14 lead in the fourth quarter. The game really wasn’t as close as the score indicated. Griffin Bowman had three rushing touchdowns while Brody Kosin had two touchdown catches while Desman Stephens had a touchdown pass, an interception, and a touchdown score in the game. Lukas Bowman was also very good as well. The defense was solid all night including a big fourth down stop at the two yard line. The Bowman twins have been very good as had Brady Collins along with Stephens and Kosin as well. Clarkston has Lake Orion looming for the Red next week.
Adams (3-3): The Highlanders had a rough night in their 35-0 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night. Adams was dominated everywhere in the game. I know they are a very young team but Coach Tony Patritto has to be very disappointed with the performance. The postseason could be very interesting to watch for the Highlanders with what’s ahead. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.
Oxford (2-4): The Wildcats needed a big win like this and they got it by winning 38-28 over Stoney Creek. This could be the turning point that Coach Zach Line talked about during the preview show and the podcast. Oxford still has a shot to get into the postseason with their very tough schedule. Jack Hendrix and Luke Johnson were huge for the Wildcats in the game. Johnson had two touchdowns including a 50 yard rushing score while Hendrix had three passing scores including a 51 yard catch by Liam O’Neil, a 47 yard catch by Dean Rice, and a one yard catch by Ian Jones. They have West Bloomfield looming next week.
Stoney Creek (1-5): The Cougars postseason hopes took a huge hit with a 38-28 loss to Oxford on Friday night. Stoney Creek was leading most of the game but let Oxford come back and seal the win. Jayden McCarthy had all four rushing touchdowns on the night. The Cougars have a tough stretch ahead of them. They have Adams looming next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech (6-0): The Warriors rolled in their 40-0 win over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech rested their starters in the second half for the second week in a row. It’s also great to keep them healthy as they get ready for the final stretch. They have Rochester looming next week.
Harper Woods (3-3): The Pioneers had a very tough loss to Groves on Friday night falling 20-12. Harper Woods will be fine in the postseason with three losses to three really good teams. They have Farmington looming next week.
Groves (4-2): The Falcons went into Wayne County and beat Harper Woods 20-12 on Friday night. Chris Little had a big night. He caught an interception and threw for a touchdown in the game. Groves is rolling right now. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Farmington (2-4): The Falcons have really struggled since Cam Pettaway went down. They fell 33-7 to Rochester on Friday night. Farmington has been outscored 79-7 in the last two weeks and it won’t get any easier. They have Harper Woods looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills (0-6): The Blackhawks have had a rough two weeks. They fell 40-0 to Southfield Arts and Tech on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills has been outscored 89-0 in the last two weeks. They have a tough one looming with Groves next week.
Rochester (2-4): The Falcons earned a surprising 33-7 win on their homecoming over Farmington on Friday night at Rochester Stadium. Jack Lower had a solid game for Rochester. The defense was also solid all night for Rochester. They have a tough one with Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Seaholm (5-1): The Maples spread the wealth in their domination of Troy on Friday night. Seaholm has outscored the Colts 94-6 in their last two meetings including a 42-6 blowout. The Maples have scored 198 points in the last four weeks which is really impressive and have allowed 20 points in three weeks. The Kinnie boys are the Kinnie Boys along with Kyle Robbins and Jack Lewis. They had a great night all around and have all been playing really well down the stretch. The Maples have a big one with Avondale looming next week.
North Farmington (3-3): The Raiders have started to turn things around which is a great sign for them in their 9-6 win over Oak Park on Friday night. Duke Blanch had a three yard touchdown run but he got hurt in the game. The defense shut down a good Knights offense all night. They also got a field goal as well. The Raiders sit in a great spot right now. They have Pontiac looming next week.
Oak Park (2-4): The Knights had another tough loss falling 9-6 to North Farmington on Friday night. They lost their last two games by a combined eight points. The defense was solid all night for Oak Park but the offense including Artelle Guyton who had a 15 yard rushing touchdown also struggled and that’s a credit to the Raiders defense and their coaching staff. The Knights have Ferndale looming next week.
Troy (3-3): The Colts could be in some trouble after a 42-6 loss to Seaholm on Friday night. The schedule has clearly hurt them and it’s showing in their losses. Troy has scored 12 points in two games and allowed 94 points in the last three weeks which were all losses (31.3 ppg) in that stretch. The schedule looks very manageable going forward for the Colts with Berkley looming next week.
Troy Athens (2-4): The Red Hawks bounced back after two really tough weeks with a 35-15 win over Pontiac on Saturday afternoon. Troy Athens took advantage in the middle quarters and built a 28-7 lead at one point to get the win. They have Royal Oak looming next week.
Ferndale (3-3): The Eagles are starting to put it together after winning 61-8 over Berkley at Hurley Field. Ferndale has scored 94 points in the last two weeks. Cullen Hock had five touchdowns in the game. He has started to turn things around. They have Oak Park looming next week.
Avondale (6-0): The Yellow Jackets had no problem with Royal Oak winning 42-0 on Friday night. Avondale has been dominant in the division and they are well on their way to clinching the crown. They have a big one looming with Seaholm next week.
Berkley (0-6): The Bears were blown out 61-8 by Ferndale at Hurley Field on their homecoming Friday night. That is five losses at Hurley Field which is unheard off for Berkley. They have Troy looming next week.
Royal Oak (2-4): The Ravens had a ton of trouble with Avondale on Friday night falling 42-0. Royal Oak really struggled moving the football against a very good Avondale defense. They have Troy Athens looming next week.
Pontiac (3-3): The Phoenix had a rough homecoming on Saturday afternoon falling to Troy Athens 35-15. Pontiac had a tough time with mistakes against the Red Hawks. They have another tough matchup with North Farmington looming next week.
by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 30th at 5:10 PM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Six
- Lake Orion
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- Clarkston
- Avondale
- Seaholm
- West Bloomfield
- Groves
- North Farmington
- Harper Woods
- Adams
TROY ATHENS 35, PONTIAC 15.
FERNDALE 61, BERKLEY 8.
AVONDALE 42, ROYAL OAK 0.
NORTH FARMINGTON 9, OAK PARK 6.
SEAHOLM 42, TROY 6.
GROVES 20, HARPER WOODS 12.
ROCHESTER 33, FARMINGTON 7.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 40, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
OXFORD 38, STONEY CREEK 28.
CLARKSTON 44, WEST BLOOMFIELD 36.
LAKE ORION 35, ADAMS 0.
BEST WIN: Seaholm: The Maples have been very impressive as of late. They have scored 194 points in the last four weeks including a 42-6 win over Troy on Friday night. The Kinnie brothers, Kyle Robbins, and Jacob Vance were very good against the Colts. Seaholm has some big games coming up which should help them especially with the postseason looming in a few weeks.
TOUGH LOSS: Stoney Creek: The Cougars postseason hopes took a hit after Stoney Creek fell 38-28 at home on Friday night. The Cougars need to win out to make the postseason most likely. Oxford is in the same boat as well. Jayden McCarthy had four rushing touchdowns in the game. Stoney Creek has a tougher challenge ahead of them if they want to make the postseason.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Oak Park: The Knights have had a ton of bad luck in the last two weeks. Oak Park has lost their last two games by a combined eight points including a 9-6 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. The Knights defense was solid all night but the offense had their struggles. Postseason hopes could be very interesting to watch going forward for Oak Park.
VALENTI RANT: West Bloomfield: The Lakers defense is a big concern heading into the final three weeks. They have allowed 30 points or more in three of the four weeks including a 44-36 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. They are without their linebackers in Kari Jackson and Montelle Johnson as they are out for the season with ACL and MCL injuries respectably. Bryce Rowe did not play against Clarkston. West Bloomfield needs to address their defense in the worst way if they want to have a deep postseason run.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Troy: The Colts have really struggled in the last three weeks. The defense has allowed 101 points in that stretch. The non conference schedule has really hurt Troy especially with the three losses. The schedule looks manageable but the postseason could be a question mark.
by orionontv | Sep 25, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday September 24th at 11:40 PM
These are the top 21 according to History Now and Between Taormina co-host Anthony Taormina.
- Berkley- Bears win over Oxford on the road gives them a ton of confidence.
- Oxford- Wildcats win over Clarkston gives them confidence going into districts and possibly the Red.
- Clarkston- Wolves loss to Oxford could be a good thing to motivate them for districts.
- Troy Athens- Red Hawks are the consistent yardstick of the OAA.
- Troy- Colts continuing to build heading into districts.
- Adams- Highlanders could play spoiler in the Red.
- Royal Oak- Ravens on track to win the White and possibly move up to the Red.
- Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks proving they are for real in the White.
- Rochester- Falcons continue to improve despite playing Red schedule.
- Seaholm- Maples beating on teams outside of the Red but very young team as seen with their Junior Varsity.
- Lake Orion- Dragons continue to improve, strong showing against Red teams.
- Avondale- The road to the Blue runs through Auburn Hills.
- Groves- League title looks lost for the Falcons but they are one of the stalwarts in the White.
- Stoney Creek- Must start winning league games if your the Cougars.
- West Bloomfield- Lakers continue to improve in the White.
- North Farmington- Raiders need some help if they want to win Blue.
- Farmington- Falcons have difficult stretch coming up.
- Ferndale- Eagles can play spoiler in the Blue.
- Pontiac- Phoenix can play spoiler in the Blue.
- Southfield Arts and Tech- Can Warriors improve after win over Oak Park???
- Oak Park- Knights continue to improve.
at September 24, 2023 No comments:
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Saturday, September 23, 2023
Written Saturday September 23rd at 3:40 PM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Five
- Lake Orion
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- West Bloomfield
- Avondale
- Seaholm
- Clarkston
- Adams
- Harper Woods
- Groves
- Pontiac
WEEK FIVE RECAP.
PONTIAC 34, BERKLEY 28.
FERNDALE 33, ROYAL OAK 14.
AVONDALE 25, OAK PARK 20.
NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 6.
SEAHOLM 49, TROY ATHENS 14.
HARPER WOODS 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 46, FARMINGTON 0.
GROVES 42, ROCHESTER 7.
CLARKSTON 39, OXFORD 13
WEST BLOOMFIELD 36, ADAMS 32.
LAKE ORION 49, STONEY CREEK 28.
BEST WIN: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets earned a big 25-20 win over Oak Park on Friday night after scoring a touchdown with eight seconds left in the game after the Knights had taken the lead with 1:08 left in the game. Avondale has a ton of confidence right now which is a great sign. They have Royal Oak looming next week.
TOUGH LOSS: Adams: The Highlanders are getting better despite falling 36-32 on Friday night to West Bloomfield. Adams will be fine but they have a tough one looming with Lake Orion next week.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Berkley: The Bears scored points, there is hope despite falling 34-28 to Pontiac on Friday night. Berkley has Ferndale looming next week.
VALENTI RANT: Troy: The Colts were exposed on Friday night as they fell 24-6 to North Farmington. Troy has scored six points against the Raiders. They have Seaholm looming next week.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Troy Athens: It was not a happy homecoming for the Red Hawks as they fell 49-14 to Seaholm on Friday night. Playoff dreams could be dashed right now. They have Pontiac looming next week.
by orionontv | Sep 25, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 23rd at 3:30 PM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a really tough with Adams winning 36-32 on Friday night in the Swamp on their homecoming. Reqez Nance had a big game with three passing touchdowns but there are some concerns with the defense going forward for West Bloomfield. They have a big one with Clarkston looming next week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons had a hard fought game with Stoney Creek winning 49-28 on Friday night. Billy Roberson had four touchdowns and Andrew Parker had an interception and an onside kick score for Lake Orion. The Dragons have a big one looming with Adams next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves earned a 39-13 win over Oxford on Friday night. The offense had a great night especially Brady Collins whom was impressive on the night. Clarkston has a tough test looming with West Bloomfield next week.
Adams: The Highlanders had a tough loss to West Bloomfield 36-32 on Friday night in the Swamp. Adams has really grown in the past few weeks which is a great sign going forward. Ryan Watters looked solid as did Drew Heppner whom I thought played well against West Bloomfield. They have a big one with Lake Orion looming next week.
Oxford: The Wildcats had a tough night on their homecoming falling 39-13 to Clarkston on Friday night. Oxford needs to get things back in the right direction with a very good Stoney Creek team looming next week.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a tough one with Lake Orion falling 49-28 on Friday night. They got it to 28-21 in the fourth quarter but the Dragons got an onside kick return for a touchdown and things went south. Stoney Creek will be fine. They have a big one with Oxford looming next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had no issue with Farmington winning 46-0 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall and Tashi Braceful had big games for Southfield Arts and Tech. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers have been dominant in the last two weeks including a 49-0 win over Bloomfield Hills on Saturday afternoon. Harper Woods has outscored their opponents by a 105-26 in the last two weeks. They have a big one looming with Groves next week.
Groves: The Falcons had no issue with Rochester on Friday night winning 42-7 on Friday night. Noah Sanders and Nick Hardy are names to know in Beverly Hills to go along with their proven experienced players. Groves has a big one looming when they head to Wayne County to play Harper Woods next week.
Farmington: The Falcons were blown out by Southfield Arts and Tech 46-0 on Friday night at Falcon Field. Cam Pettaway did not play as he got hurt in their game against Bloomfield Hills last week. Farmington has Rochester looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks were outmatched by Harper Woods on Saturday afternoon falling 49-0. Bloomfield Hills had a really tough time moving the ball against a stout Pioneers defense. The defense had a rough time as well. It does not get any easier for the Blackhawks as they have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Rochester: The Falcons were blown out by Groves 42-7 on Friday night. Rochester had a rough night on all phases. They have Farmington next week.
Seaholm: The Maples had no issue with Troy Athens on their homecoming winning 49-14 on Friday night. Colton Kinnie was dominant all night and the offense has scored 153 points in the last three weeks. Seaholm has a big one looming with Troy looming next week.
North Farmington: The Raiders earned a huge win over Troy winning 24-6 at Don Colt Stadium on Friday night. North Farmington is starting to put it together which is a great sign going forward. They have Oak Park looming next week.
Oak Park: The Knights had a tough loss to Avondale on Friday night falling 25-20 in Auburn Hills. Oak Park took the lead behind a 69 yard touchdown run from Artrell Guyton late but the defense could not get the stop late in the game. It’s no question that Oak Park has played much better despite this heartbreaking loss and they have some solid players in Guyton and Michael Jones whom both had monster games. They have North Farmington looming next week.
Troy: The Colts had a rough night with North Farmington at Don Colt Stadium winning 24-6 on Friday night. Troy’s offense has only scored six points in two years against the Raiders. It will be very interesting to see what the Colts have especially with Seaholm looming next week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks fell 49-14 to Seaholm on their homecoming on Friday night. Troy Athens has really struggled this season. They have Pontiac looming next week.
Ferndale: The Eagles bounced back by winning 33-14 over Royal Oak on Friday night. Cullen Hock had a nice game for Ferndale. They have Berkley looming next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets earned a 25-20 win over Oak Park at Dick Bye Field on Friday night. Avondale dominated the game but gave up a controversial touchdown with 1:08 left but Tyler Herzog brought the Yellow Jackets back and scored the winning touchdown with eight seconds left in the game. Myles Moore had 143 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Avondale is red hot right now and they are peaking at the right time. They have Royal Oak looming next week.
Berkley: The Bears got their first points of the season but they fell 34-28 to Pontiac on Friday night. Berkley is getting better despite the record. They have Ferndale looming next week.
Royal Oak: The Ravens are a pure Jekyll and Hyde after falling 33-14 to Ferndale on Friday night. Both sides of the football struggled all night. Royal Oak has Avondale looming next week.
Pontiac: The Phoenix snapped a losing streak by beating Berkley 34-28 on Friday night. Coach Wendell Jefferson has this team believing and that’s big. They have Troy Athens looming next week.
by orionontv | Sep 20, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday September 20th at 7:40 AM
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 39-15
COTTER 46-8
BURNEY 36-18
DUNLAP 36-18
STICK 41-13
TIM 40-14
We’ll get Tim’s picks when we can.
Stoney Creek at 1. Lake Orion: The Cougars have been an up and down team despite their record, they have been very competitive. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 17-13 win over West Bloomfield last week. The Lake Orion defense has been the story, allowing 33 points in three weeks which was the same amount of points they allowed against Livonia Stevenson. That unit should be tested against a Stoney Creek program that likes to run a ton of time possession football. The Dragons need to be careful in this game, the Cougars are playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 38, STONEY CREEK 10.
COTTER: LAKE ORION 24, STONEY CREEK 10.
DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 31, STONEY CREEK 17.
STICK: LAKE ORION over STONEY CREEK.
BURNEY: LAKE ORION 33, STONEY CREEK 16.
TIM:
- Southfield Arts and Tech at Farmington: Farmington TV-10 should be in for a treat when the Warriors come to Falcon Field. Southfield Arts and Tech has been battle tested and has beaten four quality teams which three of them were at home. Tashi Braceful and Isiah Marshall have been the real deal for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Falcons we don’t know the status of Cam Pettaway after he got hurt in their 21-19 win over Bloomfield Hills last week. If Pettaway can’t play then Farmington is in big trouble against a very high octane offense.
SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 45, FARMINGTON 14.
COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 14.
DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 7.
STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over FARMINGTON.
BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 39, FARMINGTON 19.
TIM:
- Adams at 3. West Bloomfield: Civic Center TV and Tyler Kieft should have a very interesting matchup with the Lakers and the Highlanders. West Bloomfield has lost three straight to Adams and is coming off a tough 17-13 loss to Lake Orion last week. The Lakers should be motivated against the Highlanders that has found ways to win with Matteo Humbert, Ryan Watters, Drew Heppner, and Brady Prieskorn. West Bloomfield still has proven players in Nigel Dutton, Requen Nance, Brandon Davis-Swain, Jamir Benjamin, and Bryce Rowe. Discipline has been the Lakers problem lately, if Coach Zach Hilbers can clean that up then it should be a happy Homecoming for West Bloomfield in “the Swamp.”
SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, ADAMS 14.
COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, ADAMS 7.
DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, ADAMS 20.
STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over ADAMS.
BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 23, ADAMS 21.
TIM:
- Avondale at Oak Park: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are on winning streaks. The Yellow Jackets are red hot right now winning four straight games and have a ton of confidence behind a changed offense and they can beat you in so many ways. The Knights have won two straight since their losses to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and Oxford by beating both Troy schools which is big points since they are in Division One. This should be a very interesting matchup in Knight Valley and the coaching matchup is not too shabby either between Coach Greg Carter and Coach Bob Meyer.
SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 17, OAK PARK 12.
COTTER: AVONDALE 21, OAK PARK 12.
DUNLAP: AVONDALE 24, OAK PARK 20.
STICK: OAK PARK over AVONDALE.
BURNEY: AVONDALE 30, OAK PARK 24.
TIM:
- Seaholm at Troy Athens: The Maples are back to themselves since their hiccup against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Kinnie brothers along with Kyle Robbins are back to their normal selves which means great things for Seaholm and their athletic trainer Bill Watson. The Red Hawks have been struggling allowing 52 points in the last two weeks. That’s not going to make new principal Vernon Burden too happy. It should be a very interesting matchup but it could also be a long night for Troy Athens.
SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 63, TROY ATHENS 14.
COTTER: SEAHOLM 49, TROY ATHENS 14.
DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 27, TROY ATHENS 17.
STICK: SEAHOLM over TROY ATHENS.
BURNEY: SEAHOLM 45, TROY ATHENS 22.
TIM:
- Clarkston at Oxford: The Wolves defense has been the story since allowing 24 points to Northville in week one. They have allowed 17 points in the last two weeks. Clarkston has relied a ton on Desman Stephens to carry them in games. He had a touchdown run in their 14-10 win over Stoney Creek last week. The offense is still a work in progress but Brady Collins and the Bowman twins have started to settle in and they still have Brody Kosin. The Wildcats have really struggled moving the football. Luke Johnson has been their best option thus far but he needs his quarterback in Jack Hendrix to step up and create that balance. It’s a big game for Oxford if they want to turn things around.
SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 17, OXFORD 14.
COTTER: CLARKSTON 28, OXFORD 7.
DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 24, OXFORD 14.
STICK: CLARKSTON over OXFORD.
BURNEY: CLARKSTON 26, OXFORD 20.
TIM:
- Harper Woods at Bloomfield Hills: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are getting better. The Blackhawks despite the losses have lost two close games by a combined nine points. Kierran Crossley and Jace Reed have been the main catalysts for Bloomfield Hills. The Pioneers snapped a two game losing streak with a 56-26 win over Rochester last week. Harper Woods has a proven offense but the defense has had some issues lately. It should be a very interesting matchup in Bloomfield Hills.
SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
COTTER: HARPER WOODS 44, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.
DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.
STICK: HARPER WOODS over BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 18.
TIM:
Rochester at 9. Groves: These are two teams of Falcons that are at a crossroads. Rochester has really struggled all season long especially defensively. Groves has played Southfield Arts and Tech and West Bloomfield which are two really good teams. Groves has more talent on paper but it doesn’t always happen that way. Groves needs to be careful.
SANDY DUNES: GROVES 28, ROCHESTER 14.
COTTER: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.
DUNLAP: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 10.
STICK: GROVES over ROCHESTER.
BURNEY: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 14.
TIM:
North Farmington at 10. Troy: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are in a crossroads. The Colts gave up their first points of the season and fell 28-21 to Oak Park last week. The Raiders have played a brutal schedule but picked up their first win by winning 22-7 over Troy Athens last week. Troy will have a big test against a proven quarterback in Ryan Shelby. North Farmington has to deal with a solid Colts defense also let’s not forget the Raiders won 9-0 with a third string quarterback in this game last season.
SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 14.
COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 17, TROY 7.
DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 21.
STICK: TROY over NORTH FARMINGTON.
BURNEY: TROY 29, NORTH FARMINGTON 27.
TIM:
Berkley at Pontiac: This is a big game for both teams for different reasons. The Phoenix is coming off a really tough 40-14 loss to Royal Oak. The Bears have been outscored 160-0 in four weeks. It’s Berkley’s first road game. Pontiac needs to get that magic they had the first two weeks. It’s an interesting matchup between two teams finding their ways.
SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 49, BERKLEY 35.
COTTER: PONTIAC 20, BERKLEY 14.
DUNLAP: PONTIAC 21, BERKLEY 7.
STICK: PONTIAC over BERKLEY.
BURNEY: PONTIAC 25, BERKLEY 17.
TIM:
Royal Oak at Ferndale: The Ravens have been up and down this season but the two wins they have had doubled their win total from last season. The Eagles had high expectations coming into the season but things have not gone their way as of late. This is a big game for both teams just for confidence sake.
SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 34, ROYAL OAK 8.
COTTER: FERNDALE 20, ROYAL OAK 7.
DUNLAP: FERNDALE 17, ROYAL OAK 14.
STICK: FERNDALE over ROYAL OAK.
BURNEY: FERNDALE 38, ROYAL OAK 28.
TIM:
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