by orionontv | Nov 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday November 23rd at 3:50 PM
The 2024 OAA football season has came to an end. Here are the shortcomings for each team in the OAA.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had an up and down year but had a really tough matchup against Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the district finals. West Bloomfield turned the ball over twice which led to Shamrocks touchdowns in a 41-14 loss. The Lakers lose a lot of proven talent but they have the majority of their defense coming back along with Jamal Shakesphere. It will be very interesting to see what the Lakers have next season.
Lake Orion: The Dragons seen their season come to an end after a disappointing 34-16 loss to Clarkston in the first round. Lake Orion lost to a better team and was outplayed in every single fashion. The Dragons also have a Clarkston problem. The Wolves are 14-3 in their last 17 games against the Dragons. Lake Orion’s offense scored 23 points in the last two weeks. The Dragons lose a lot of proven experience but it’s clear for Coach Chris Bell and his program they need to hit a reset button this offseason.
Clarkston: The Wolves will have a ton of questions this offseason after a shocking 41-0 loss to Adams in the district finals. Clarkston has the majority of their team coming back next season but this has to be a humbling experience and something that Wolves fans and especially Coach Justin Pintar don’t ever want to feel again.
Adams: The Highlanders had a great run getting to the Division One State Semifinals but fell 27-7 to Hudsonville. Adams has a strong junior class coming back with Nolan Farris most likely going back to wide receiver with Ryland Watters at quarterback along with Cam Darwood at wide reciever coming back for Coach Tony Patritto. They lose Matteo Humbert which will be a tough loss with the rushing attack. The defense will be stout as well. Program strength is strong with Adams, they will be back next season.
Oxford: The Wildcats had a great season winning the Red (First league title since 2007 when they were in the Flint Metro League) and beating Davison in the first round but fell 29-7 to Grand Blanc in the district finals. Oxford loses a ton of proven experience but they have Eli Tabert and Jack Hendrix coming back next season for Coach Zach Line. Program strength will be something to watch for the Wildcats next season as well.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers made it back to the Division Four State Semifinals but fell to a really good and motivated Goodrich program 28-14. Harper Woods loses Colby Bailey and others to graduation. They have Nate Rocheleau, DeAndre Bidden, and Dakota Guerrant coming back for Coach Rob Oden. Program strength looks solid for Oden but this will be a tough pill to swallow. The Pioneers will be back next season.
Groves: The Falcons went unbeaten until they had a heartbreaking 28-27 overtime loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Division Two State Semifinals denying a trip to Ford Field for the fourth time. People are going to question Coach Brendan Flaherty’s decision to go for two instead of the extra point. There will be so many what if’s. Groves loses a ton of proven experience. It will be really interesting to see what happens with Coach Brendan Flaherty’s team heading into next season losing a ton of experience.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars seen their season come to an end in the first round falling 44-14 to Adams for the second time in three weeks. They lose Spencer Beckeman and Sam Fogler to graduation but Coach Rick Powell has program strength on his side with his sub-varsity programs. Stoney Creek is back to where they need to be heading into the offseason.
Rochester: The Falcons finished the season strong with a 45-8 win over Walled Lake Northern. Rochester was the better team that night finishing the season at 4-5. There will be a ton of what if’s for Coach Erik Vernon and his program heading into the offseason but winning two games to finish is a start heading into next season.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a really disappointing season concluding against Detroit Renaissance winning 26-22 to close at 2-7 this season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be a team to watch for Coach Keith McKenzie this offseason.
Farmington: The Falcons had a tough matchup with Orchard Lake St. Marys falling 51-0 in the district finals at Falcon Field. Farmington had a strong season getting to the postseason and beating Lakeland in the process. Coach Jason Albright has this program heading in the right direction and will be a team to watch this offseason.
North Farmington: The Raiders had a rough 42-7 loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys at Ron Holland Field in the first round. North Farmington had a rebirth winning the Blue but they were dealt a terrible fate by the MHSAA getting the Eaglets first. Coach Jon Herstein has this program heading in the right direction.
Oak Park: The Knights had a season of what ifs winning 32-21 over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. You have to wonder what if Oak Park was in Division Three and not in Division Two, it could have been different. There will be a ton of questions for Coach Greg Carter and his team come this offseason.
Troy: The Colts had a tough 35-7 loss to North Farmington keeping them out of the postseason for a second straight season. Troy loses a lot of proven talent and they will be a different team next season for Coach Chris Frasier. There will be a ton of questions this offseason.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a rough season finishing at 2-7 but went out on top with an impressive 42-7 win over Fraser. There will be some questions heading into the offseason for Troy Athens about the direction of the program but for Coach Tom Cook it’s about looking forward to the offseason.
Seaholm: The Maples had a tough matchup against arch rival Groves in the district finals. Seaholm was no match falling for the second time in three weeks 36-7 in the district finals. The Falcons outscored the Maples 71-7 in both meetings this season. Seaholm really overachieved this season. They will be very interesting to watch this offseason.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a lot of questions heading into next season after a 32-21 loss to Oak Park. Bloomfield Hills saw some strides at times offensively but they struggled when they played good teams. There will be questions for Coach Dan Loria after finishing 1-8 this season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a tough matchup in the district finals against Walled Lake Western. They kept it close but they fell apart falling 42-0 to the Warriors for the second straight year. Avondale has been outscored 92-22 in the last two years against Walled Lake Western. If Coach Bob Meyer wants to have a deep postseason run it’s clear he has to figure a way to get by Walled Lake Western.
Ferndale: The Eagles had a great season getting to the postseason after winning 10-0 over Utica Ford II in week nine. They fell 49-14 to Groves in the first round of the postseason. Ferndale loses a ton of proven experience and Coach Eric Royal has stepped down so it will be a different team next season for sure.
Berkley: The Bears had an improving year under first year coach Casey Humes despite falling 45-0 to Madison Heights Lamphere finishing at 2-7 this season. Berkley should keep improving heading into next season under Humes. They are in a much better place than they were last season.
Royal Oak: The Ravens kept Clawson from making the postseason with a 21-7 win finishing the season at 3-6. Royal Oak should be a very interesting to watch in the future. They had some great and not so great moments this season. It will be very interesting to see how Coach Collin Campbell handles this offseason.
Pontiac: The Phoenix closed the season with a 28-0 loss to Detroit Lincoln Park Academy finishing the season at 1-8. Depth was an issue for Pontiac all season. They lose a ton of talent including quarterback Kanye Donaldson. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Wendell Jefferson does this offseason.
by orionontv | Nov 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday November 23rd at 3:45 PM
Hudsonville 27, ADAMS 7. The Highlanders have had chances but mistakes were the story at Okemos on Saturday afternoon. They had an opportunity to go up 14-7 but fumble at the one yard line cost Adams their second touchdown. Nolan Farris found Tommy Oliver for a 39 yard passing touchdown to respond to Hudsonville’s 80 yard touchdown drive to start the game. The Highlanders went for it on fourth down and couldn’t convert which led to the Eagles touchdown. Hudsonville got an interception off a tip ball to close the third quarter which led to another rushing touchdown. Hudsonville quarterback Griffin Baker had three rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown for the Eagles. Adams had chances as mentioned but they made too many mistakes in this game which denied them a trip to Ford Field.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 28, GROVES 27. The Falcons had a really tough and heartbreaking loss at West Bloomfield on Saturday afternoon. Groves answered every Orchard Lake St. Marys drive with Noah Sanders 50 yard rushing touchdown tying the score at 7-7. Ryan Counts had a seven yard pass to Wyatt Shortridge to tie the score at 14-14. Sanders added his second rushing touchdown for Groves tying it at 21-21. Chris Little got a huge interception for the Falcons giving them a chance to take the lead. He has two picks so far for Groves but they couldn’t convert and the game to overtime. Sanders added his third touchdown of the game in overtime but missed the two point try which was a really interesting decision to go for two. The miss proved costly as Bryson Williams scored his second touchdown of the game giving the Eaglets the tie and the extra point gave them to win and denying the Falcons a trip to Ford Field. Big plays hurt Groves and a questionable call by Flaherty to go for two proved costly. There are going to be a ton of what ifs in this game.
Goodrich 28, HARPER WOODS 14. The Pioneers had a rough time with a motivated Goodrich team on Saturday afternoon at Stoney Creek. Chase Burnett three rushing touchdowns for the Martians. Harper Woods made a really questionable call going for it on fourth and one from their own 30 yard line which led to the winning score for Goodrich. The Martians defense shut the high octane Pioneers offense down holding them to 14 points. Harper Woods has a lot of proven experience coming back next season but this is a tough pill to swallow.
by orionontv | Nov 21, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday November 20th at 10:18 PM
The OAA could have two potential new members as early as next school year.
The Waterford school district (Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott) have applied to rejoin the league.
The vote or the site visit hasn’t been confirmed yet.
MIPrepZone and Brandon Folsom confirmed the articles but neither school is in the OAA yet. In Folsom’s article, Tom Flynn, former Groves Athletic Director mentions that there is a committee of principals and athletic directors that do site visitations and typically the school applying will have to do a presentation of their programs and what they bring and it will be up to the committee of principals to allow entry into the OAA.
“We are grateful for the competition we have been privileged to experience as a member district of the LVC (Lakes Valley Conference) for the past eight years. Many factors went into our decision to apply for membership of the OAA such as competitive alignment with like districts, game proximity, and academic and student leadership advantages. These opportunities will best serve our Waterford School district athletes, coaches, and families now and in the future” said Waterford Schools communications director Sarah Davis to MIPrepZone.
Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott were original members of the league when it formed in 1994 but they left the league for the Kensington Valley Conference in 2008. The KVC became the Kensington Lakes Activities Association but the league saw a mass exit and the Waterford schools joined the Walled Lake schools (Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western), the Huron Valley schools (Lakeland and Milford), and the South Lyon schools (South Lyon and South Lyon East) to form the Lakes Valley Conference in 2016-2017.
The OAA has 23 schools and uses a competitive balance system (Red,White, Blue, Gold) when it comes to divisions with the best playing against the best and the teams that are struggling play against other struggling teams. The league realigns with teams who win the division gets a chance to go up while those who finishes in last goes down a division.
It will be very interesting to see how Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott fit into the league if they are approved. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Folsom story
https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2024/11/19/leaving-the-lvc-waterford-mott-kettering-apply-to-rejoin-oaa/76424849007/
by orionontv | Nov 21, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday November 20th at 7:05 PM
Here are the pickers and the picks for week thirteen.
SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.
TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.
COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.
KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.
SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.
SANDY DUNES: 115-42
TIM: 119-38
COTTER: 125-32
KEITH: 121-36
SCOTT: 122-35
WEATHER FORECAST: Mostly Cloudy 45 degrees.
We’ll get Tim and Scott’s pick when we can.
Frankemuth vs Grand Rapids Catholic Central @ Mount Pleasant: This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that are red hot right now. Grand Rapids Catholic Central had to survive 21-14 over Kalamazoo Hackett Prep last week. Frankenmuth had no issue winning 35-0 over Gladwin last week. This should be really interesting to watch.
SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 35, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 31.
TIM:
COTTER: FRANKENMUTH 42, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 14
KEITH: GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 31, FRANKENMUTH 28.
SCOTT:
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Flat Rock @ Westland John Glenn: This is a really interesting matchup between Flat Rock and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The Irish have been tested and had an impressive 45-19 win over Armada in the regional semifinals last week. Flat Rock was really impressive in a 41-0 win over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard last week. This should be a really interesting matchup in Westland.
SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 42, FLAT ROCK 14.
TIM:
COTTER: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 49, FLAT ROCK 14.
KEITH: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 28, FLAT ROCK 24.
SCOTT:
Goodrich vs HARPER WOODS @ Stoney Creek: This is a rematch of a 35-24 Pioneers win in Livonia in the Division Four State Semifinals last season. Goodrich started off strong but Harper Woods bounced back and took over behind an opportunistic defense. The ground attack has fueled the Martians all season long. This should be a really interesting matchup between two teams that know each other quite well.
SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 35, GOODRICH 21.
TIM:
COTTER: HARPER WOODS 38, GOODRICH 28.
KEITH: HARPER WOODS 28, GOODRICH 20.
SCOTT:
Niles vs Grand Rapids South Christian @ Three Rivers: The Sailors looking to get back to the Division Four State Championship game. Their path hasn’t been that easy especially in the last two weeks. Grand Rapids South Christian had to beat Whitehall 28-21 in the regional finals and Hudsonville Unity Christian 35-28 in the district finals. The Vikings hadn’t really been tested until last week when they had to survive Portland 37-34 in the regional final. This should be a really interesting State semifinal in Three Rivers.
SANDY DUNES: NILES 38, GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 35.
TIM:
COTTER: GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 49, NILES 14.
KEITH: GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 17, NILES 14.
SCOTT:
Byron Center vs East Lansing @ Greenville: This is a really interesting matchup between the Bulldogs and the Trojans. Byron Center has been battle tested which included a 30-23 in the district final win over Muskegon Mona Shores. East Lansing had to survive Dexter 50-49 in the district final. These are two teams that are battle tested. This should be a really interesting matchup.
SANDY DUNES: BYRON CENTER 35, EAST LANSING 21.
TIM:
COTTER: BYRON CENTER 38, EAST LANSING 31.
KEITH: BYRON CENTER 27, EAST LANSING 17.
SCOTT:
Orchard Lake St. Marys vs GROVES @ West Bloomfield: There are a ton of storylines heading into this game. The Falcons had to survive 21-19 over Warren DeLaSalle last week in the regional final. They will head to the Swamp to play another Catholic League foe in Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Eaglets have played North Farmington and Farmington in the district rounds and had a 27-3 win over Carlson in the regional finals. Another storyline is Nick Merlo is on staff at Orchard Lake St. Marys as their offensive coordinator. This should be a fun matchup in the Swamp.
SANDY DUNES: GROVES 35, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 31.
TIM:
COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 21, GROVES 14.
KEITH: GROVES 31, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 30.
SCOTT:
Detroit Cass Tech vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central @ Troy Athens: This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that have faced each other in the State Finals in the past. Novi Detroit Catholic Central has seen teams that are very similar to Detroit Cass Tech, perfect example, Belleville. The Shamrocks beat the Tigers and ended Bryce Underwood’s high school career with a 35-21 win last week in Novi. The Technicians who have similar traits to the Tigers had to survive 21-14 over Macomb Dakota last week. This should be a really interesting matchup.
SANDY DUNES: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, DETROIT CASS TECH 14.
TIM:
COTTER: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, DETROIT CASS TECH 21.
KEITH: DETROIT CASS TECH 25, NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 24.
SCOTT:
Hudsonville vs ADAMS @ Okemos: The Highlanders get to head west for their State Semifinals matchup but to Ingham County to play Hudsonville. Adams is coming off a tough 21-14 win over Grand Blanc last week and had an impressive 41-0 win over Clarkston two weeks ago. The Eagles were really impressive coming into Livingston County and stunning top seeded Howell 35-6 last week. Hudsonville also had a 19-16 district final win over Grandville. It should be a really interesting matchup to say the least.
SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, HUDSONVILLE 20.
TIM:
COTTER: ADAMS 28, HUDSONVILLE 21.
KEITH: HUDSONVILLE 24, ADAMS 14.
SCOTT:
My podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQMC3Vnscwg&t=2596s
by orionontv | Nov 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Thursday November 14th at 11:45 PM
Ferndale University has a new girls basketball coach.
The Eagles named Bennie Szczepkowski their new head coach taking over for Coach Brianna Rowe who stepped down recently.
Szczepkowski took the Ferndale University job two weeks before the season started which he confirmed on Media Day at Groves.
Szczepkowski has a hard task ahead of him in turning around a program that went 0-18 last season. He will have a ton of proven experience coming back in LeAnna Spencer, Gabrielle Thompson, Kayla Sanders, Taniyah Crawford, Tamary Powell, Kendall Spencer, and Jayda Wilson.
Ferndale University will need a strong start to build confidence this season. It won’t be an easy transition and it has to happen during the season. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
by orionontv | Nov 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday November 15th at 10:10 PM
This will be updated.
HARPER WOODS 48, Macomb Lutheran North 3: The Pioneers were the dominant team on Friday night in Harper Woods shutting down a very solid Crusaders team and running back Vincent Campisi was held in check by a really strong Pioneers defense. The offense was really good for Harper Woods in this game. The Pioneers will move on to have a rematch with Goodrich in the Division Four State Semifinals.
GROVES 21, Warren De LaSalle 19. Ryan Counts was the story on Friday night in Beverly Hills. Counts had two passing touchdowns (one was a very controversial touchdown) and a running score while the Falcons defensive line was the story in a 21-19 win over Warren De LaSalle. The touchdown in question was on a fourth and 16 there was a battle between Chris Little and the Warren De LaSalle player pushed Little out of bounds but Little came back in and caught the ball in bounds. It was originally called incomplete which would have been called illegal touching but the officials reversed it and called it a touchdown infuriating the Pilots. According to the replay it looked like Little was pushed out of bounds which if he’s pushed out of bounds by the defender then he can return to play without being penalized but if he went out on his own and came back on his own then it’s illegal touching which the replay showed Little was pushed out of bounds. The Counts to Little connection has been really good all season for Groves. The Falcons proved they can win against proven Catholic League powers and they will need to do it again when they play Orchard Lake St. Marys and former Stoney Creek Coach Nick Merlo (Merlo is the offensive coordinator for the Eaglets) in the Division Two State Semifinals.
ADAMS 21, Grand Blanc 14. The Highlanders overcame a ton of mistakes and a strong air raid attack from the Bobcats on Friday night. Adams got a key catch from backup quarterback Nolan Farris to Cameron Darwood which set up an eight yard touchdown from Matteo Humbert and the Highlanders defense held off Grand Blanc in a 21-14 win on Friday night. Humbert was really good all night for Adams. The Highlanders defense was really good all night shutting down a really good Bobcats offense despite allowing some yardage in the air. Adams will likely head west to play Hudsonville next week in the Division One State Semifinals.
