by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 21st at 1:50 AM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Nine
- Lake Orion
- Seaholm
- West Bloomfield
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- Harper Woods
- Adams
- Avondale
- Oxford
- Groves
- Clarkston
SCORES.
Garden City 40, PONTIAC 6.
AVONDALE 50, Warren Fitzgerald 20.
Madison Heights Lamphere 20, ROYAL OAK 0.
FERNDALE 32, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 6.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview 42, BERKLEY 10.
Utica Ford II 21, TROY ATHENS 13.
Fraser 20, TROY 19.
Utica 34, FARMINGTON 30.
ROCHESTER 31, Walled Lake Northern 10.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 41, Detroit Renaissance 14.
HARPER WOODS 24, Roseville 7.
SEAHOLM 21, GROVES 14.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS 50, NORTH FARMINGTON 49 3 OT.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 50, OAK PARK 6.
OXFORD 24, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 21.
STONEY CREEK 24, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 23.
ADAMS 37, Sterling Heights Stevenson 13.
Utica Eisenhower 36, CLARKSTON 19.
LAKE ORION 35, Saline 28.
BEST WIN: Lake Orion: The Dragons earned a big 35-28 win at Saline on Friday night. The defense was the story pressuring star quarterback CJ Carr to throw two interceptions and 37 yards on four for 12 passing in the second half. Lake Orion has a ton of confidence right now.
TOUGH LOSS: Groves: The Falcons lost a tough one to arch rival Seaholm 21-14 on Friday night. Groves will be fine, no need to panic with them right now.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Pontiac: The Phoenix had a tough 40-6 loss to Garden City on Friday night but they did win three games which is the first time since 2011. Pontiac is heading in the right direction heading into next season.
VALENTI RANT: Troy: The Colts saw their season end on the final play in a 20-19 loss to Fraser costing them a trip to the postseason. The schedule did not help things for them. Troy has a ton of questions to look at this offseason.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: North Farmington: The Raiders were comfortably in the postseason but they fell 50-49 in three overtimes to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night costing themselves a trip to the postseason. This hurts North Farmington for sure. They have a ton of questions this offseason.
by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Volleyball Districts are Out-2023.
Written Tuesday June 20th at 6:40 PM
Updated Monday October 23rd at 8:10 AM
This are the volleyball districts. Here are my thoughts and insight surrounding each district. This article will be updated.
District 17 @ Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston vs Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston/Livonia Stevenson vs Novi
FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Livonia Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Novi
PLAYER ON SPOT: Kaitlyn Pallozzi-Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very tough district. Three teams have a great chance to win this district. Novi made a ton of head waves last season despite losing a ton of proven experience from last season’s final four run. The Wildcats have Cece Regoli, Mallory Stoy, Grace Hoener, Izzy Earley, Kate Harpenau, Paige O’Connor, and Zoe Adams coming back for Coach Kacey Moran. Livonia Stevenson should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Ava Schoen, Dea Alushi, Natalie West, Brynlee Hass, Erin Cahill, Megan Ervans, Cate Sosnowski, Jessica Muller, Kennedy Hinkle, Lauren Micallef, Kelsey Bahr, and Grace Trantham coming back for Coach Amy Osborn. Farmington Hills Mercy has been a perennial power in volleyball and they should be again. The Marlins have Kaitlyn Pallozzi, Maya Zarow, Angie Butler, Lana LaFontaine, Jillian Collins, Cree Hollier, Campbell Flynn, Keira McNutt, and Ava Fitzgerald coming back for Coach Loretta Vogel. Southfield Arts and Tech has a really good season last year winning the Blue for Coach Michael Armstrong. Redford Thurston was up and down last season. They should be better this season for Coach Scott Gray. Farmington really struggled last season. The Falcons should be much improved for Coach Kate Drews. This should be a very interesting district to watch this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: There is no changes to this district. Farmington Hills Mercy got a great draw and should get to the district finals while Novi and Livonia Stevenson should see each other in the district semifinals. If your Coach Loretta Vogel, your living right, right now.
District 21 @ Birmingham Marian
Birmingham Marian vs SEAHOLM
Birmingham Marian/SEAHOLM vs GROVES
ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Berkley
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: In the words of the great Paul Heyman, the word defending and undisputed champion is in this district and that is Birmingham Marian. They are the two time defending Division One State Champs and they host the district. The Mustangs area young team but they are loaded again with Allie Davison, Danielle Mertz, Mackenzie Swanson, Maggie Scott, Jayla Zayti, Maria Odeesh, Izzy Busignani, and Ella Swanson coming back. They also added Clarkston transfer Chloe Gehtbrock for Coach Mayssa Cook. Seaholm really struggled last season. The Maples should be better for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Groves should be very interesting this season. The Falcons have Jordan Allen, Anna Apsey, Chloe Cast, Autumn DeGroat, Emily Eshelby, Adison Gerken, Alexis Heller, Molly Heller, Sydney Lezovich, Sofia Scott, Ayden Weber, and Ariell White coming back for Coach Madison Close. Berkley had an incredible run getting to the Division One State Quarterfinals last season. The Bears have Sophie Owens, Lili Herron, Karsen Savage, Mariah Jones, Erika Mayry, Emily High, Alana White, and Julia Watson coming back for Coach Dakota Stanichuk. Royal Oak has a ton of ups and downs last season. The Ravens have Ava Emery, Brie Emery, Charlotte Graves, Riley Maizy, Jaelynn Prebelich, Hannah Saunders, and Emmy Walden coming back for Coach Ciara Schultz. This district is the Mustangs to lose but the Bears, Falcons, Ravens, and maybe Maples might have a strong say how this district goes.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district doesn’t have a ton of changes except Oak Park dropped out. This district looks like it will be Birmingham Marian despite all the young talent they have likely up against Berkley in the district final. The Mustangs should be favored but the Bears could surprise some folks and pull off a stunner. They are more than capable of doing that.
District 25 @ Waterford Mott
Walled Lake Western vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Walled Lake Western/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Walled Lake Central
Waterford Mott vs NORTH FARMINGTON
Waterford Mott/NORTH FARMINGTON vs WEST BLOOMFIELD
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Walled Lake Central
FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills
NEXT: Walled Lake Central
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Western
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Natalie Petrucci- Bloomfield Hills
EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines coming into this district. Walled Lake Central is veteran heavy. The Vikings have Madeline Elkow, Lauren Browser, Angelina Virga, Angelina Saco, Samantha Klenczar, Makalynn Czamecki, Brielle Thomas, and Reagan Adams coming back for Coach Elizabeth Kaplin. Walled Lake Western is another team that is veteran heavy. The Warriors have Blaire Waling, Evynne Santana, Natalie Kosaian, Ryah Dewey, Brie Woodman, and Megan Hill coming back for Coach Angie Dewey. Bloomfield Hills has a ton of proven experience. The Blackhawks have Jessica Pal, Kacy Rankin, Emily Daitch, Kora Nicolanti, Jamie Zousmer, Natalie Peturcci, Annalise Parker, Gabrielle Gippert, Mia Feinglold, Celeste Arabo, and Kayla Nwabuezee coming back for Coach Jacob Paige. Waterford Mott has struggled in the past but they should be better for Coach Beth MacVicar. North Farmington was very young last season. They have experience which should help. The Raiders have Skyler Wayne, Sydney Ostrofsky, Liz Grajewski, Sofi Licari, Sam Hoffer, Amara Gatson, Isaiah Bartlett, Mehar Khanna, Sullivan Totin, Whalen Kennedy, Collin Zimmerman, Kayli Piper, and Kanoto Noguchi coming back for Coach Michael Love. West Bloomfield should be very interesting with a new coach and system coming into the program. The Lakers have Arielle Newsome, Jordanne Shannon, Gabrielle Hale, and Felcia Fulton coming back for new coach Elizabeth Ferguson. This should be a very interesting district to watch. It’s anyone’s district but give a slight edge to the Blackhawks.
DISTRICT UPDATE: It really stinks to me that the two top teams in this district will likely meet in the district semifinals but it is what is. West Bloomfield and North Farmington should be a very interesting district semifinal matchup. I see whoever wins that game seeing Bloomfield Hills when looking at the bracket. My district projection has no changes.
District 26 @ Adams
Utica Eisenhower vs PONTIAC
Utica Eisenhower/PONTIAC vs ROCHESTER
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Utica Eisenhower
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Adams
DARKHORSE: Rochester
PLAYER ON SPOT: Lola Hurst-Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. There are four teams that have a shot to win this district. Utica Eisenhower should be a very interesting team. The Eagles have Jada Pantaleo, Shpresa Nikolai, Gina Fredrigo, Kayla Ostrander, Claire Bemis, Danielle Becker, and Jenna Fraser coming back for Coach Caitlyn Mahoney. Rochester has made a ton of strides from last season. They should be very good this season. The Falcons have Aleeza Carballo, Lola Hurst, Abby He, Kaitlin Allen, Kylah Vigant, Vivian Campbell, Carol Campbell, Isabella Ferrara, Joran Suhajda, Bruce Suhajda, and Makena Torri coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Adams should be back in the mix. The Highlanders have Emily Edwards, Maddie Wilson, Julia Fidler, Tori Lang, Tina Barnekova, Emerson Straub, Bella Guthrie, Sayrha Nahra, and Olivia Carroll coming back for Coach Terry Baughman. Stoney Creek was very young last season which was very unusual. The Cougars have Lexi Mazzola, Grace Bonner, Joslyn Becker, Julia Gojcaj, Lili Sipila, Caroline Khury, Zoe Champine, Ana Cano, Jillian Van Stee, and Cassandra Younggren coming back for Coach Ross Talbot. Pontiac should be very young this season for Coach Kyrie Holloman. This district should be very competitive with the Cougars, Highlanders, Falcons, and Eagles have great chances to win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This should be a very fun district when looking at the matchup. Rochester got a great draw but could see Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Adams and Stoney Creek should go five games which would be very interesting. I’m seeing right now a Rochester/Adams district final but Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower could easily replace both teams.
District 27 @ Avondale
AVONDALE vs Sterling Heights
AVONDALE/Sterling Heights vs Utica Ford II
TROY vs TROY ATHENS
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Avondale
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Avondale
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Caroline Cubitt-Troy Athens
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Auburn Hills. Utica Ford II should be solid this season. The Falcons have Natalia Malewicz, Bella Allen, Ruby Sandison, Kaitlyn Marsh, Stephanie Saunders, and Samantha Yantus coming back for Coach Randy Schantz. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a solid year last season. The Titans have Diana Marku, Kaitlyn Davis, Samantha Fenwick, and Katie Coles coming back for Coach Karolina Dziedzic. Troy has been very good in the past. The Colts have Anna Rich, Bella Colon, Gabby Bouzide, Emma Runke, Riley Smith and, Anika Abelgas coming back for Coach Vince Muscat. Troy Athens has been improving. The Red Hawks have Ashlyn Andrzejewski, Caroline Cubitt, Macy Van Tiem, Maya Sabra, Madigan Tennies, and Julia Heywood coming back for Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Avondale has been improving each season. The Yellow Jackets have Ava Williams, Cate Pastori, Marissa Jewell, Paige Inez and Kennedy Wolfe coming back for Coach Andrew Stepp. I think this is a wide open district to say the least.
DISTRICT UPDATE: No real changes to this district. Troy has really emerged as the favorite and should be the favorite in this district going forward. Utica Ford II has been really interesting while Avondale is the wildcard. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Falcons or Yellow Jackets and Colts are the district final matchup.
District 29 @ Lake Orion
Lakeland vs CLARKSTON
Lakeland/CLARKSTON vs LAKE ORION
Walled Lake Northern vs Waterford Kettering
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Northern
PLAYER ON SPOT: Cayla Cogan-Clarkston
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very competitive and very tough district. Four teams have a shot to win this district. Walled Lake Northern is veteran heavy this season. The Knights have Kaitlyn Freitag, Amelia Foster, Ava Epley, Kayla Budziak, Hadley Krygier, Avery Alfano, Lexi Peters, and Lucy McCarthy coming back for Coach Suzanne Krygier. Lakeland has been very good and they should be again this season. The Eagles have Kenzie McCombs, Kylie Kennedy, Ivana Fillipovic, Rylie Finzel, and Finley Ostach coming back for Coach Meghan Polce. Waterford Kettering has struggled in recent years. The Captains have Isabel Nuttall, Sarai Villegas-Rosa, Isabella Labo, Delaney Hall, Andrea Brown, Kyra Nickerson, and Riley Buczek coming back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Lake Orion is a very interesting team. They kind of remind you of the 2015 Michigan State Spartans College Football team. The Dragons have Charlotte Peplowski, Teresa Gaberdiel, Allison O’Rourke, Sydney Bell, Carly Zibell, Ella Johnson, Sydbey Small, Addison Dukus, Kennedi Miller, and Devin Brunk coming back for Coach Tony Scarvada. Clarkston made a ton of noise and took Birmingham Marian to the brink last season in the State Quarterfinals. The Wolves have Morgan Lozzi, Addison Newblatt, Kiley Gallagher, Cayla Cogan, Jessica Petker, Emery Kuebler, and Isabelle Henry coming back for Coach Alison Smith. This district should be the one of the most competitive in the State this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks like Walled Lake Northern will head to the district final with ease. Lakeland and Clarkston looks very interesting but the Wolves should pull through setting up a rematch with Lake Orion. The Wolves beat the Dragons in three games. This district looks like it’s a Clarkston/Walled Lake Northern district final.
District 32 @ Romeo
Port Huron vs OXFORD
Port Huron/OXFORD vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Romeo vs Lapeer
Romeo/Lapeer vs Port Huron Northern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: New Baltimore Anchor Bay
NEXT: Oxford
DARKHORSE: Port Huron
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jordyn Fiedler-Port Huron
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, three teams have a great shot to win this district. New Baltimore Anchor Bay was solid last season. The Tars have Ashlyn Cunha, Grace Lancaster, Lea Wasielewski, Brooklyn Haack, Rachel Youngblood, Korin Hitton, and Amelia Klos coming back for Coach Kristy Morrow. Port Huron should be a very interesting team. The Big Reds have Brylynn Balon, Jordan Fiedler, Alana Haller, Erica Hudy, Gwen Kamendat, Bryn Mullens, Isabelle Trombly, Illiana Williams coming back for Coach Derek Arena. Port Huron Northern really struggled last season. The Huskies have Elizabeth Block, McKenna Kiteley, Paisley Peyerk, Alexis Umbreit, Emma Vandergraff, Sydney Betts, and Anna Kerhoulas coming back for Coach Jacqueline Jamison. Lapeer was solid last season. The Lightning have Josie Jacob, Rosa Freeland, Berkley Dixon, Zoe Lomerson, Addison Seifferly, Vanessa Carr, Ginger Grzyb, Eva LeClaire, Oaklee Callans, Shannon Nolan, Baylee Osentoski, and Lexi Norman coming back for Coach Barry Jones. Oxford should be very interesting. The Wildcats have Alexandra Lantzy, Abby Jones, Jenna Miller, Kaitlyn Weiss, Tara Swanson, and Ella Sharrow coming back for Coach Noelle Zebb. Romeo has home court and should have a bounce back season. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Alyson Culkin, Kara Plutschuck, Emma Pagliarella, and Hannah Tymitz coming back for Coach Stacey Williams. Overall this should be a very interesting district as mentioned between the Tars, Big Reds, and Wildcats are the early favorites but never count the Bulldogs out by any means.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks wide open. Romeo has been much better than advertised and should make a run to the district final. The top of the bracket should be fun with Port Huron and Oxford playing each other with the winner getting a proven powerhouse in New Baltimore Anchor Bay. Port Huron is a scary team right now but can’t count the Tars out. This is a perfect opportunity for Romeo to make some noise.
District 54 @ Hazel Park
Detroit Henry Ford vs FERNDALE
Detroit Henry Ford/FERNDALE vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Hazel Park vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Hazel Park/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Hazel Park, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Hazel Park
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Isabella Mendoza-Ferndale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be a three team district. Detroit Henry Ford really struggled last season for Coach Tiffany Jackson. Detroit Lincoln King struggled last season for Coach Briana Moss. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy for Coach Rhea Cooper. Hazel Park has been very good since leaving the OAA for the Macomb Area Conference. The Vikings have Alayna Brown, Lacy Chambers, Gabrielle, Figueroa, Emily Hudnall, and Savannah Lopez coming back for Coach Sherry Rietz. Ferndale should be a contender this season. The Eagles have Tatiyana Butts, Isabel Dutra, Charlotte Keller, Isabella Mendoza, Scarlet Reid, Katie Stokes, and Djene Sy coming back for Coach Natalie Satkowiak. Ferndale University should be very interesting this season. The Eagles have Ja-Kai George Tate, JonNae Kitchen, Briah Wadley, and Chanel Watson coming back for Coach Kenton Maki. As mentioned earlier, this district could come down to the Vikings, the Eagles, and the Eagles whom could win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks very interesting. Ferndale got a great draw and should make the district finals. Hazel Park and Ferndale University could be a very interesting matchup in the district semifinals. I see a Eagles/Vikings district finals so no changes right now.
District 56 @ Harper Woods
Detroit Denby vs Detroit East English Village Prep
Detroit Denby/Detroit East English Village Prep vs HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park vs Detroit Southeastern
Harper Woods Chandler Park/Detroit Southeastern vs Detroit Osborn
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Detroit Southeastern
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park
NEXT: Detroit Southeastern
DARKHORSE: Harper Woods
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Detroit Southeastern was very good last season for Coach Ricardo Brown. Detroit Osborn has a new coach. Detroit East English for Coach Pamela Green. Detroit Denby for Coach Leif Seed. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down last season but they will have home court which helps. The Eagles have Micha White, Asia Newsom, Destiny Hardy, Jaiden Brooks, Shardae Littlejohn, Autumn Howard and Jailah Carter coming back for Coach Michelle Smith. Harper Woods really struggled last season for Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. This district on paper looks like this is the Eagles to lose but the Jungaleers could give a battle for sure.
DISTRICT UPDATE: The matchups are very interesting. Harper Woods got the best draw and should be in the district final. Harper Woods Chandler Park and Detroit Southeastern has to go through each other. Should be a very interesting district.
by orionontv | Oct 16, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Postseason Watch-Week Nine.
Written Saturday September 30th at 7:00 PM
Updated Saturday October 14th at 1:30 AM
The postseason is a week 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 (8-0): The Dragons are looking really good when it comes to the postseason. Lake Orion has had strong wins over Harper Woods, West Bloomfield, Oxford, Adams, and Clarkston. They still have state power undefeated Saline coming up on the road which should be a good barometer to see where both teams are at going into the postseason. The Dragons are safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Clarkston (4-4): 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, Southfield Arts and Tech, Lake Orion, and Harper Woods (all of whom are strong teams). They hold quality wins over Adams and West Bloomfield. Clarkston finishes the regular season playing Co Macomb Area Conference Red champion Utica Eisenhower. If you’re a Wolves fan, you won’t have to worry about not making the postseason but finishing strong is another concern. Clarkston is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
West Bloomfield (6-2): The Lakers had a big win over Southfield Arts and Tech to add to strong wins over Chippewa Valley, Adams, and Oxford. The Lakers only setbacks were to Clarkston and Lake Orion, both of whom field very strong programs. The Lakers finish the regular season against Oak Park. West Bloomfield is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Southfield Arts and Tech (7-1): The Warriors early season wins have already got them into the postseason. Southfield Arts and Tech after dealing with their remaining White opponents took a setback against Red power West Bloomfield. Despite that, the Warriors hold strong wins over Detroit Cass Tech and Clarkston. The Warriors are safely in the postseason field for Division One.
Seaholm (7-1): The Maples have been rolling with confidence heading into the postseason. Seaholm has had some big wins under their belt as well with their only setback against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Maples will play arch rival Groves who have given them a lot of problems in the past, mostly because Groves has played in the much tougher White. Despite having to figure out their problems with Groves, the Maples are safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Groves (6-2): 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 has arch rival Seaholm, whom 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 White. Groves is safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Harper Woods (5-3): 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, Clarkston) and Division Two teams (Groves). Harper Woods finishes the year at Roseville. 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 (7-1): The Yellow Jackets have been rolling as of late, winning the Gold Championship in the process. Avondale has also been tested with quality wins over Division Three Brandon and Division Two Oak Park but had a setback against Division Two power Seaholm. Avondale has rival Warren Fitzgerald looming on their schedule. They are safely in the postseason field for Division Three and they could make a ton of noise.
Adams (5-3): 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 Sterling Heights Stevenson looming, two Division One teams, both teams they are capable of beating. The Highlanders based off their strength of schedule is safely in the postseason field for Division One.
North Farmington (4-4): The Raiders, despite the setback to Oxford and playing a very daunting schedule especially early with Division Two powers Groves, Caledonia, and Seaholm 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, and Division Three Pontiac. The Raiders are safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Troy (5-3): The Colts, despite setbacks with division two powers Seaholm, Oak Park, and North Farmington has been much more successful against Division One opponents, particularly Detroit Mumford, Macomb L’Anse Creuse and arch rival Troy Athens. The Colts also have wins over Royal Oak and Berkley as well. They have another big game looming with Fraser but win or lose, the Colts for another year is safely in the postseason in Division One. Will they win a playoff game, that is another question we will find out.
NEED TO WIN OUT:
Oxford (3-5): The Wildcats are in a win now mode if they want to make the postseason. They have University-Detroit Jesuit at Wildcat Stadium. Despite playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston, Adams, arch rival Lake Orion, and West Bloomfield, Oxford has three wins (Division Two, Oak Park and North Farmington along with Division One, Stoney Creek.) If Oxford wins, given their strength of schedule, they will be in the postseason for Division One.
Oak Park (3-5): The Knights have faced a very difficult postseason, despite getting strong quality wins over Division One Troy and Troy Athens, the Knights have had tough losses to Division One Oxford along with Division Two University of Detroit-Jesuit, Seaholm, and North Farmington. The Knights will have a tough test looming with Division One power West Bloomfield visiting Knight Valley. Should Oak Park win, they will be in the postseason but if they don’t, then they will have to wait and see to be in the postseason.
by orionontv | Oct 16, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday October 13th at 11:45 PM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers earned a big 31-20 win over Southfield Arts and Tech on Friday night. Bryce Rowe returned and had a big night for West Bloomfield and the rest of the Lakers followed suit as well. West Bloomfield was clearly the better team. They have Oak Park looming next week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons had no issues on their homecoming with Farmington winning 42-7 on Friday night. TR Hill had three total touchdowns and Billy Roberson had two touchdowns in the game. Lake Orion has a big one looming with Saline next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves have some defensive issues to address. They have allowed 66 points in two weeks including a 34-7 stunner to Harper Woods on Friday night. Clarkston could not get off the field on third down which was a huge problem. They have a tough one with Utica Eisenhower looming next week.
Adams: The Highlanders had no problem with Bloomfield Hills on their homecoming winning 42-13 on Friday night. Brady Prieskorn had a strong game for Adams. They have Sterling Heights Stevenson looming next week.
Oxford: The Wildcats had no problem with North Farmington winning 34-7 on Friday night. Luke Johnson had a big game for Oxford. They still have a shot at the postseason but they need to beat Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit next week.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars had no issue with Rochester winning 35-7 in the Falcon Frenzy Game on Friday night. They got 14 points from their defense with two pick sixes. Stoney Creek concludes the season with a trip to New Baltimore Anchor Bay next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors lost a tough one to West Bloomfield falling 31-20 on Friday night. West Bloomfield was clearly the better team in that game. They have Detroit Renaissance looming next week.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers made a huge statement with a 34-7 stunner at Clarkston on Friday night. Harper Woods proved that they are for real and will be a force in Division Four that is for sure. Kobe Taylor was huge early and Nate Rocheleau and Stephone Buford had great games at quarterback. They need to clean up the penalties. The Pioneers have Roseville looming next week.
Groves: The Falcons earned a 49-0 win over Ferndale setting up the showdown with arch rival Seaholm next week. It should be a fun one to watch that is for sure.
Farmington: The Falcons had a ton of trouble with Lake Orion falling 42-7 on Friday night. Farmington concludes the season with Utica next Thursday night.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks fell to Adams 42-13 on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills will conclude the regular season with North Farmington next week.
Rochester: The Falcons fell to Stoney Creek 35-7 in the Falcon Frenzy Game on Friday night. They threw two pick sixes in the game which was a difference. Rochester concludes the season against Walled Lake Northern next week.
Seaholm: The Maples won the Blue and set up a big showdown with arch rival Groves in a 42-22 win over Oak Park in the Maple Forest. The Kinnie brothers, Kyle Robbins, and company have been very consistent. They have Groves as mentioned next week.
North Farmington: The Raiders had a tough 34-7 loss to Oxford on Friday night. North Farmington will be fine. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Oak Park: The Knights postseason hopes took a hit with a 42-22 loss to Seaholm on Friday night. Oak Park needs to beat West Bloomfield to have a chance at the postseason next week.
Troy: The Colts kept their postseason hopes alive with a 35-13 win over Troy Athens on Friday night. Troy got big games from Nolan Block and Greg Tester. They have Fraser looming next week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks postseason hopes took a hit with a 35-13 loss to Troy Athens on Friday night. Troy Athens has Utica Ford looming next week.
Ferndale: The Eagles were blown out by Groves 49-0 on Friday night. Ferndale closes the regular season against St. Clair Shores South Lake next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets rolled to a 49-19 win over Pontiac. Avondale has Warren Fitzgerald looming next week.
Berkley: The Bears were shutout by arch rival Royal Oak 37-0 on Friday night. Berkley closes the regular season against St. Clair Shores Lakeview next week.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have scored 74 points in the last two weeks and took the Battle of Woodward Trophy with a 37-0 win over Berkley on Friday night. Coach Colin Campbell has this program believing. They have a tough one with Madison Heights Lamphere looming next week.
Pontiac: The Phoenix lost a tough one to Avondale 49-19 on Friday night. Pontiac closes the season against Garden City next week.
by orionontv | Oct 9, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Postseason Watch-Week Eight.
Updated Saturday October 7th at 12:30 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 (7-0): The Dragons are looking really good when it comes to the postseason. Lake Orion has had strong wins over Harper Woods, West Bloomfield, Adams, and Clarkston. They still have state power and likely undefeated Saline coming up. Lake Orion has Farmington in their homecoming this week. The Dragons are safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Clarkston (4-3): 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, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Lake Orion (all of whom are strong teams), they hold quality wins over Adams and West Bloomfield. Clarkston still has, Division Four, Harper Woods for their homecoming and finish the regular season playing Co Macomb Area Conference Red champion Utica Eisenhower. Both teams are strong programs. 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 (5-2): 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 starting with Southfield Arts and Tech who could a potential postseason opponent and Oak Park who is fighting for a playoff birth. West Bloomfield is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Southfield Arts and Tech (7-0): 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 (6-1): The Maples have been rolling with confidence heading into the postseason. Seaholm has some big wins under their belt as well and will have two quality opponents to help prepare them for the postseason in Oak Park (For the Blue 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 (5-2): 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 with 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 (4-3): 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 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 (6-1): 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 but had a setback against division two power Seaholm. Avondale still has rivals Pontiac and Warren Fitzgerald looming on their schedule. They are safely in the postseason field for Division Three and they could make a ton of noise.
Adams (4-3): 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 Bloomfield Hills, and Sterling Heights Stevenson, two Division One teams, both teams they are capable of beating. It’s hard to envision this program not making the postseason, also whoever gets them first, it will be a tough test going against the vaunted veer offense.
North Farmington (4-3): 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, and division three . The Raiders will have two strong tests coming up with Division One foes Oxford and Bloomfield Hills. Even if North loses to one of these teams, they should be a lock for the postseason. Oxford is the toughest of the two teams remaining on their schedule.
BUBBLE:
Troy (4-3): 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. They did bounce back with a homecoming win over Berkley. They also have two tests on the horizon with Fraser and arch rival 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 two games, their chances of making the postseason is slim.
Oak Park (3-4): The Knights are a dark horse to watch when it comes to the postseason but the schedule looks very challenging. After an 0-2 start, Oak Park has bounced back with wins over Troy Athens and Troy respectively. Oak Park however, has Division One power West Bloomfield, along with Division Two power Seaholm looming. For the Knights, it’s either win out or win one of two. Should this happen, the Knights will be able to make the postseason given the schedule they have played.
NEED TO WIN OUT:
Oxford (2-5): The Wildcats are in a win now mode if they want to make the postseason. They have North Farmington, and University-Detroit Jesuit all at Wildcat Stadium. Despite playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston, Adams, arch rival Lake Orion, and West Bloomfield, Oxford has two wins (Division Two, Oak Park and Division One, Stoney Creek.) If Oxford can win their next two home games and receive help from the teams they have played then they are most likely a postseason team. It’s that simple for the Wildcats, win out and most likely you’re in the postseason.
Troy Athens (3-4): The Red Hawks overtime win against Royal Oak has put them in a position where they have to win out in order to make the postseason. They have wins over Berkley, Royal Oak and Pontiac. If Athens is to make the postseason, they must beat their arch rival Troy and Utica Ford II, both games are very winnable for the Red Hawks.
