by orionontv | Sep 23, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 20th at 9:10 AM
This week the rankings came out early with Avondale and Pontiac playing on Saturday, the game didn’t have an impact on the rankings so here they are this week.
1. Harper Woods: Dakota Guerrant basically saved the Pioneers league title hopes with three touchdowns in a classic 28-27 win over Stoney Creek Friday night.
2. Clarkston: Great week for the Wolves, getting some of their backups some key playing time.
3. West Bloomfield: Lakers senior experience really helping them here.
4. Adams: Welcome back Ryland Watters.
5. Stoney Creek: Cougars will be fine after this tough 28-27 loss to Harper Woods.
6. Seaholm: Patrick Hughes enough said.
7. Farmington: The 20-18 loss to Holly is officially forgotten for the Falcons.
8. Ferndale: Coach Donovan Jackson has the Eagles clicking right now.
9. North Farmington: Raiders exploded for 49 points against Bloomfield Hills on Friday night.
10. Groves: Falcons came out strong and had an impressive 35-7 win over Rochester. This win should help Groves moving forward.
Rankings Explanation:
Well we’re at week four in the season and I’ll explain the rankings this week.
I thought about moving Harper Woods down in the rankings after their surviving 28-27 win over Stoney Creek but the Pioneers beat Clarkston at Clarkston which is why the Pioneers are staying at one and the Wolves stay at two.
West Bloomfield stays at three after their impressive 33-16 win at Lake Orion. The Lakers have Clarkston in the Swamp looming. It should be a very interesting game. Adams moves up to four after an impressive second half against Oxford with a lot of it being Ryland Watters coming back.
I thought of keeping Stoney Creek at four but with Adams win over Oxford, I moved them down one spot but the Cougars have a chance to play the Highlanders so this could change in the future.
Seaholm stays at six after a big 24-21 win over Oak Park.
Farmington enters the rankings at seven after a 38-14 win over Troy Athens on Friday night.
Ferndale enters the rankings at eight after a strong fourth quarter at Hurley Field with a 26-14 win on Friday night.
North Farmington returns to the rankings at nine after putting up 49 points against Bloomfield Hills on Friday night.
Groves enters the rankings at 10 after an impressive 35-7 win over Rochester on Friday night.
I dropped Rochester, Oxford, and Oak Park from the rankings after two of the three teams took blowout losses while the other had a rough loss to Seaholm.
It will be very interesting to see what happens next week.
by orionontv | Sep 23, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 20th at 8:50 AM
Updated Saturday September 20th at 8:25 PM
Here are my week four thoughts.
Waterford Kettering: The Captains had a rough one with South Lyon East falling 51-14 on Friday night. Waterford Kettering’s defense has been a big problem and needs to be corrected quickly if they want to turn things around. The Captains have the talent to turn things around quickly and need to do so but they will have a new coach as Brian Barnes was forced out of Waterford Kettering after accepting the Athletic Director’s role at Madison Heights Bishop Foley.
Waterford Mott: What in the world happened to the Corsairs??? after an emotional 42-34 win at Walled Lake Western last week, Waterford Mott allowed 53 points in a stunning 53-19 blowout loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep on Friday night. The defense has been the problem in the last two weeks for Coach Tra’Jan Seay allowing 43.5 points per game in that stretch. The Corsairs control their destiny in the Lakes Valley Conference but the defensive points allowed is very troubling for Waterford Mott.
Pontiac: The Phoenix had a rough one with Avondale falling 34-14 on Saturday afternoon. Pontiac is struggling but they are moving along as Coach Wendall Jefferson said it’s about building a program with the Phoenix.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets won their first game under new Coach Jim Carlisle with a 34-14 win over Pontiac on Saturday afternoon. Avondale needed this one after a rough three weeks defensively, we’ll see if this starts something or the same story continues after three weeks..
Royal Oak: The Ravens got a measure of revenge against Livonia Clarenceville winning 38-6 over the Trojans on Friday night. Royal Oak was in total control leading 32-0 at one point in the game. As mentioned on previous podcasts, the Ravens are a Scooby Doo team and they still are with their play as of late. It will be very interesting to see what Royal Oak does going forward.
Berkley: Turnovers were the story for the Bears in their 26-14 loss to Ferndale at Hurley Field on Friday night. Berkley moved the ball well and overcame a 12-0 third quarter deficit to take the lead but they had a lot of critical errors in drives that stopped them. The Bears don’t control their destiny right now.
Ferndale: The Eagles are in the drivers seat in the Gold winning 26-14 over Berkley at Hurley Field. Turnovers were the story for Coach Donovan Jackson’s team as they are starting to turn things around after a rough start. Ferndale trailed at the end of the third quarter and found a way. As mentioned they control their own destiny right now.
Troy: The Colts got a dose of reality on Friday night falling to Clarkston 41-0. The Wolves defense was too much for Troy who is still a very young team. They still control their destiny in the Blue but the mental state of the Colts will be tested moving ahead into the season.
Troy Athens: It was a rough homecoming for the Red Hawks falling 38-14 to Farmington on Friday night. Troy Athens defense has been a problem spot this season. I’m not sure if there are any big injuries that is affecting Coach Tom Cook’s team or something. The Red Hawks are in a rough patch right now.
Farmington: The Falcons have seem to have bounced back after their 20-18 loss to Holly a few weeks ago by getting the Farmington Cup back and then winning 38-14 over Troy Athens on Friday night. The offense has been playing really well for Coach Jason Albrecht’s team thus far. Farmington is in a good spot in the Blue right now.
North Farmington: The Raiders had a strong bounce back after their tough 35-22 loss to arch rival Farmington they went and blew out Bloomfield Hills 49-7 at Ron Holland Field on Friday night. North Farmington was in total control the whole night dominating from start to finish, they still have Seaholm looming and could get back in the league race.
Bloomfield Hills: It was a rough night for Coach Scott Merchant and the Black Hawks falling 49-7 to North Farmington at Ron Holland Field. This is a long transition period for Merchant and also for Bloomfield Hills which they need to change the culture but it’s going to take time to do that. It will be very interesting to see what happens going forward.
Seaholm: The Maples had to overcome a 13-3 first quarter deficit to beat Oak Park 21-8 on Friday night. The play of the veer and resilience from quarterback Patrick Hughes was the difference. Coach Jim DeWald has this program in a good spot right now.
Oak Park: The Knights had a rough second, third, and fourth quarters getting outscored 21-8 and falling 24-21 on Friday night. Oak Park had a strong first quarter which led to a 13-3 lead but Seaholm took over behind their veer offense. The Knights are going through it right now.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a very rough time with Lowell on Friday night falling 40-8 to the Red Arrows. The misdirection that Lowell ran gave Southfield Arts and Tech problems all night. The Warriors are going through some tough times right now and playing two proven west side of the state teams should get them better in the long hall.
Groves: The Falcons proved that they can bounce back from tough losses like they did last week against Harper Woods in a stunning 35-7 win over Rochester. Groves used their athleticism and exposed a Rochester team that was coming off an emotional win the previous week. The Falcons are young still but seem to be growing up at the right time.
Rochester: The Falcons had a let down on Friday night after an emotional 23-21 win over Lake Orion the previous week, Rochester laid an egg falling 35-7 to Groves in Beverly Hills. The Falcons defense got exposed big time against a Falcons squad that is still pretty young. Rochester needs to bounce back if they want to keep their strong season intact.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a tough 28-27 loss to Harper Woods on Friday night but Stoney Creek went for two to try and win the game but didn’t get it. The Cougars have to feel good with the way their offense played against the Pioneers but the defense had some trouble particularly against Dakota Guerrant but most teams do have trouble against that type of play maker which Guerrant is. There will be some folks that question Coach Rick Powell on why they went for the win instead of going to the extra point to force overtime. It’s clear Powell has this program heading in the right direction despite the loss. Stoney Creek will be fine going forward.
Harper Woods: Dakota Guerrant and the defense saved the Pioneers White title hopes after Harper Woods escaped Stoney Creek with a 28-27 road win over the Cougars when things got really dicey late after Stoney Creek went for two to try and win the game but the defense got the stop and recovered an onside kick. Guerrant had three touchdowns and was a force all night against a program that has given them trouble. This should be a wake up call for Harper Woods after getting by Clarkston a few weeks ago and with Saline looming this needs to be one for Coach Rob Oden and the Pioneers.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a strong second half behind their athletes which proved huge in a 33-16 win at Lake Orion. West Bloomfield has been very good all season on defense but the Dragons were able to move the ball against them. The Lakers special teams were the difference as they took a punt return for a touchdown and had a long return which set them up to score which they did. West Bloomfield is in a good spot right now, just have to shore up some things.
Clarkston: The Wolves really had no issues with Troy winning 41-0 on Friday night. Clarkston got to play a lot of backups which is always a good sign if your Coach Justin Pintar. The Wolves are rolling along right now.
Oxford: The Wildcats have been up and down lately. They were in the game with Adams (tied 6-6 at the half) until the second half where the Highlanders outscored them 27-0 which resulted in a 33-6 loss on Friday night. Oxford has been in a bit of a rough patch right now but they should be fine going forward.
Adams: The Highlanders struggled offensively in the first half against Oxford but exploded for 27 second half points and beat the Wildcats 33-6 on Friday night. Ryland Watters came back from a knee injury that kept him out and it showed. If Watters stays healthy, Adams is dangerous going forward.
Lake Orion: The Dragons are going through a derecho after falling 33-16 to West Bloomfield falling to 0-4 for the first time since 1980. There are people that are questioning Coach Chris Bell on why he had Anderson Adams in at quarterback and not Brody Thompson at the two yard line late in the first half. Thompson led a really good drive and was playing very well to that point but Adams fumbled the ball off a bad snap and West Bloomfield recovered which led to a Lakers explosion in the second half. Lake Orion did have a ton of missed opportunities and ran the football well especially in the first half. Bell despite the injuries is facing a lot of questions and criticism right now.
by orionontv | Sep 19, 2025 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Council on Climate Solutions; Natural Resources Trust Fund Board; Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees; Mental Health Diversion Council; Library of Michigan Board of Trustees; Autism Council; Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports; Council on Future Mobility and Electrification; Michigan State Waterways Commission; State Construction Code Commission; State Fire Safety Board; Electronic Recording Commission; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; and the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision.
Council on Climate Solutions
Lana Pollack, of Ann Arbor, is retired and most recently served as chair of the United States Section of the International Joint Commission. Pollack also served as the president of the Michigan Environmental Council and is a former Michigan State Senator. Pollack holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Arts in education from the University of Michigan. Lana Pollack is reappointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 3, 2029.
The Council on Climate Solutions was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-182. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to formulate and oversee the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Natural Resources Trust Fund Board
Dr. Brandy Brown, of Kalamazoo, is the founder of Sadberry Singer, a firm dedicated to creating innovative, equity-centered climate solutions. Dr. Brown previously served as a vice president at DNV and as the chief innovation officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services. Dr. Brown also served as the climate and energy advisor for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, law, economics, and government and a Master of Public Administration from American University as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in interdisciplinary evaluation from Western Michigan University. Dr. Brandy Brown will be reappointed for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2029.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board oversees the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund which has been in place since 1976. The Trust Fund provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees
Kimberly Napoleon, of Saginaw, is an accredited veteran service officer for the Department of Michigan American Legion and was the first female commander of VFW Department of Michigan. Napoleon is also a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the Gulf War. Kimberly Napoleon is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 25, 2026. Napoleon succeeds Rodney Loonsfoot, whose seat designation has changed.
Rodney Loonsfoot, of Baraga, serves as a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council member and is a tribal veteran service officer for Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Loonsfoot is a veteran who served in the Marine Corps and the Michigan National Guard and is a member of National American Indian Veterans, Inc. Rodney Loonsfoot is appointed to represent a congressionally chartered veterans’ organization, The National American Indian Veterans (NAIV), for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring February 25, 2026. Loonsfoot succeeds Carol Hebert, who has resigned.
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds. In 1996, the Veterans Trust Fund was provided additional protection by being added to the State Constitution with voter approval of Proposal C. The Veterans Trust Fund was established to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Veterans Trust Fund, utilizing approximately $2 million in interest earnings from the trust, administers the Emergency Grant Program. Emergency Grants are available to honorably discharged war time service veterans and their dependents during times of unforeseen and short-term financial emergencies or hardships. Veterans Trust Fund grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments and expenditure from trust earnings are governed by this board.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mental Health Diversion Council
Chief David Boysen, of Kalamazoo, is the chief of Kalamazoo Public Safety. Previously, Boysen was an assistant chief of public safety, and the captain of community safety and problem solving for Kalamazoo Public Safety. Boysen holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and police science from Western Michigan University. Chief David Boysen is appointed to represent local law enforcement for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 30, 2029. Boysen succeeds Troy Goodnough, whose seat designation has changed.
The Mental Health Diversion Council was created in the Michigan Department of Community Health to advise and assist in the implementation of the Diversion Action Plan and provide recommendations for statutory, contractual or procedural changes to improve diversion.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Library of Michigan Board of Trustees
Breina Pugh, of Lansing, is the government and community relations manager for the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Pugh holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Alma College. Breina Pugh will be appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028. Pugh succeeds De’Janae Douglas, whose term has expired.
Audrey Barker, of Alto, is a youth branch librarian at the Kent District Library. Barker was previously a substitute teacher and paraprofessional at Professional Educational Services Group. Audrey holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Grand Valley State University. Audrey Barker will be reappointed to represent public libraries for a term commencing October 2, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library’s services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Krista Orellana, of East Grand Rapids, is the vice president of growth and chief clinical officer at Acorn Health. Orellana previously worked as a behavior analyst at Glenwood Resource Center and is a licensed behavior analyst. Orellana holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in behavioral analysis from Western Michigan University. Krista Orellana will be reappointed to represent certified behavior analysts for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.
The Autism Council is charged with overseeing Michigan’s Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State Plan. The Council will implement, monitor, and update the Michigan ASD State Plan which will provide for comprehensive, lifespan supports to individuals with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence-based practices.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports
Nichole Fisher, of Lansing, is the executive director of mParks. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in parks and recreation from Central Michigan University. Nichole Fisher is appointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2026. Fisher succeeds Rahaf Khatib, whose term has expired.
Bryan Rief, of Northville, is the co-founder and chief executive of EPIC Fitness Group. Rief holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Tufts University. Bryan Rief is reappointed for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2026.
The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports was established in 1992 to improve the health of, and increase physical activity among, Michigan residents.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Council on Future Mobility and Electrification
Oliver Gross, of Oxford, is the senior fellow of energy storage and electrification at Stellantis. Gross serves on the Moxion Power Corporate Advisory Board, the Calix Technical Advisory Committee, and the AnteoTech Scientific Advisory Board. Gross holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Applied Science in materials science from the University of Toronto. Oliver Gross will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.
Judd Herzer, of Holt, is the mobility director for Michigan State University. Previously, Herzer was the director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and an infrastructure and technology advisor to the Executive Office of Governor Whitmer. Herzer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political economy and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University. Judd Herzer will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.
Alan Taub, of West Bloomfield, is the director of the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center and is a professor of engineering in materials science, engineering, and mechanical engineering. Prior to joining the University in 2012, Taub retired from his role as vice president for Global Research and Development at General Motors. Taub holds a Bachelor of Science in materials engineering from Brown University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in applied physics from Harvard University. Alan Taub will be reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2029.
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan State Waterways Commission
Steve Remias, of Shelby Township, is a member of the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce and was previously the president and chief executive officer of MacRay Harbor. Remias was inducted into the Michigan Boating Industry Association Hall of Fame for his work on the state’s Clean Marinas program. Remias holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Wayne State University. Steve Remias is appointed as a representative of the marine trades industry for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring September 18, 2026. Remias succeeds Erik Krueger, who has resigned.
The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Construction Code Commission
Nicholas White, of Petoskey, is a retired architect. White holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine art from Ohio Wesleyan University and Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Nicholas White is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2028. White succeeds Justin Schott, whose term has expired.
Tyrese West, of Detroit, is an apprenticeship coordinator at LiUNA Training of Michigan. West holds a Bachelor of Science in actuarial science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in education technology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Tyrese West is appointed as a representative of organized labor for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 31, 2028. West succeeds Daryl Gallant, whose term has expired.
The State Construction Code Commission was created to improve the quality of housing for Michigan residents while assisting the housing industry. The Commission may study the effect of the code, and other related laws, to ascertain their effect on the cost of building construction and maintenance, and the effectiveness of their provisions for insuring the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. The Commission may take testimony and hold hearings relating to any aspect or matter relative to the administration or enforcement of this act.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Sarah Glann, of Sanford, is the superintendent for Meridian Public Schools. Glann holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Sarah Glann is appointed as a member of the governing board of a school district, public school academy, or intermediate school district for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring July 15, 2029. Glann succeeds Ruth Ann Knapp, whose term has expired.
The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Electronic Recording Commission
Corinne Rockoff, of Ferndale, is a senior attorney at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC, whose practice focuses on real estate, construction, and financial litigation. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin Hauser Roth & Heller, PC. Rockoff is also the chair of the board of directors for The Ruth Ellis Center. Rockoff holds a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. Corinne Rockoff is appointed to represent attorneys licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2026. Rockoff succeeds Dominic Rios, whose term has expired.
The Electronic Recording Commission keeps the standards and practices of county registers of deeds in this state in harmony with the standards and practices of offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions. The Commission keeps the technology used by county registers of deeds in this state compatible with technology used by offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice
Uolanda Davis-Campbell, of Detroit, is the executive director of Urban Solutions Training and Development. Davis-Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science in communications and non-profit management from Eastern Michigan University. Uolanda Davis-Campbell is appointed as a volunteer who works with delinquent youth or youth at risk of delinquency for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring August 2, 2028. Davis-Campbell succeeds Maryann Sarosi, whose term has expired.
The mission of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice is to advise the Governor on matters related to juvenile justice legislation and administration, mobilize communities to develop and implement comprehensive, data driven prevention services, and create a strategic plan that sets standards, determines priorities, and allocates funds for successful delinquency prevention and rehabilitative programs that promote stronger families, healthier youth, and safer communities.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
