James Steps Down at Stoney Creek

by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

James Steps Down at Stoney Creek.

Postseason Watch-Week Seven

by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Postseason Watch-Week Seven.

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.

Week Six Thoughts

by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Six Thoughts.

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.

Week Six Recap

by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Six Recap.

Written Saturday September 30th at 5:10 PM

AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Six

1. Lake Orion
2. Southfield Arts and Tech
3. Clarkston
4. Avondale
5. Seaholm
6. West Bloomfield
7. Groves
8. North Farmington
9. Harper Woods
10. 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.