Friday, August 8, 2014

Football Preview

Written Friday August 8th, at 9:10 PM

I went to Media Day and enjoyed myself. Anyway here are the football previews for the upcoming football season.

Dragons Den Top 10:

1. Clarkston Wolves
2. Oak Park Knights
3. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks
4. Rochester Adams Highlanders
5. Lake Orion Dragons
6. Oxford Wildcats
7. West Bloomfield Lakers
8. Avondale Yellow Jackets
9. Southfield Blue Jays
10. Stoney Creek Cougars

Rest of the teams:

11. Seaholm Maples
12. Southfield Lathrup Chargers
13. Farmington Falcons
14. Hazel Park Vikings
15. Royal Oak Ravens
16. Troy Athens Red Hawks
17. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks
18. Groves Falcons
19. Berkley Bears
20. Ferndale Eagles
21. Troy Colts
22. Rochester Falcons
23. North Farmington Raiders
24. Pontiac Phoenix

Blue Preview:

Avondale
Southfield Lathrup
Farmington
Hazel Park
Groves
Berkley
Pontiac
Ferndale

When looking at the Blue, you see that three new teams are in this division. Pontiac drops down from the Red to the Blue after a disastrous last season. Southfield Lathrup moves down to the White but made progress for second year coach Keith Stephens. Farmington out of the whole thing moved down admit controversy despite the fact in 2012 they made the playoffs. The Blue will be an interesting one to watch this season.

Avondale Yellow Jackets:
Last season 5-4, 3-4 Blue (Did not make postseason)
Game of Year: September 12th at Farmington

The Yellow Jackets was a hit or miss team despite winning three in a row last season but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs at 5-4. Avondale under coach Steve Deutch has done well in past seasons and look poise to make the playoffs this season. “We just have all our skill kids are back and hopefully we can get our line in play and we’ll see where we are at” said Deutch. The Yellow Jackets will rely on running back and Cincinnati recruit Joshua Holloman whom ran a 4.2 at Alabama’s team camp in the summer. “Looking forward to having a successful senior season with my football team” said Holloman. The Yellow Jackets will also have two year starter Travis Janes returning at quarterback as well as he looks to improve on a team that scored 297 points (33 ppg.) Avondale was not very good on defense last season, especially in losses to Berkley, Groves, and North Farmington. They allowed 223 points (24.7 ppg) last season but returns defensive end and offensive lineman Tricola Battle, lineman Chase Lalla, and safety James Prince. “Travis and Chase will carry the load” Deutch also added. If there was one game on the schedule that will motivate Avondale it was the loss in Beverly Hills to Groves 49-22 a season ago. “The Groves game will motivate us this year” said Janes. If the Yellow Jackets can lower the points allowed then they could return to the playoffs.

Southfield Lathrup Chargers:
Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 White (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 5th at Farmington

The Chargers last season was tough for first year coach Keith Stephens but Southfield Lathrup will return quarterback Reggie Harris on a team that scored 88 points (9.7 ppg) but they did almost beat Farmington (6-25) and Bloomfield Hills (14-21) and beat Pontiac (25-23.) Lathrup must improve on it’s defense and what will help will be the competition, gone will be the likes of Oak Park, Adams, Harrison, and Southfield. The Chargers allowed 281 points (31.2 ppg) last season. This is a number that Lathrup must bring down if they have a chance to do well this season. The schedule is interesting with the Chargers kicking off the season against Detroit Southeastern and closing out the season with a tough match up against Westland John Glenn.

Farmington Falcons:
Last season 2-7, 1-6 White (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: August 29th Harrison

The Falcons return seven starters on defense and nine on offense on a team that had chemistry issues and could very well have them again. Farmington wasn’t good last season, they were 2-7, 1-6 in the White. The Falcons scored 192 points (21.3 ppg) but does return quarterback Kyle Collins and wide receiver Desmond Kirkpatrick but will have questions at whom will run the ball this season. Farmington will also have a star studded defense led by lineman Justin Banks, linebacker David Reese, and cornerback Kyle Brunson whom will lead an experienced defense that allowed a shocking 284 points (31.5 ppg.) Farmington is in a lower division and if they can’t make the playoffs with this group then it could be a long winter yet again. “Our coaches worked hard, looking forward to the challenge, the future is bright” said coach John Bechtel.

Hazel Park Vikings:
Last Season 0-9, 0-7 Blue (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 5th at Avondale

The Vikings were a disaster last season and in came a coaching change, out was Scott Gutherie and in is Kyle Rowley. Rowley was an assistant coach at Oxford and is ready to take the reigns at Hazel Park. Rowley will likely implement the same offense and theme that his dad currently runs at Oxford which is pound the rock. He takes over an offense that scored 134 points (14.9 ppg) but will have some talent and experience on the offensive side of the ball in Jalen Adams and Tyrone Ball, whom is expected to carry the load a lot and also have quarterback/safety Jared Schultz. Michael Booker and Marquise Hill return at wide receiver. Schultz besides quarterback will lead a defense that was not good last season allowing 410 points (45.5 ppg), which was the most in the Blue. Antonio Russi will anchor the defense as well for Hazel Park. If Rowley wants to take this team to the playoffs he must make sure to keep his defense off the field. “Goal is to rebuild” Rowley said of his Vikings this season.

Groves Falcons:
Last Season: 7-3, 6-1 Blue (lost to Birmingham Brother Rice 42-0, First Round)
Game of the Year: October 3rd Avondale

The Falcons will miss Ross Williams and 26 other seniors a lot from a 7-3 team last season. Groves will have to rely a lot on quarterback Zach Van Fassen to carry the load for a team that scored 364 points (36.4 ppg) last season but all hope is not lost for the Falcons. “We have balance, we have good seniors, and young guys will step up for us” said coach Brandon Flaherty. Groves returns cornerback Devin Curry on a team that allowed 189 points (19 ppg,) which was the best defense in the Blue last season counting this season’s teams. The Falcons might not be in trouble yet but a playoff berth could be difficult to come by this season.

Berkley Bears:
Last Season: 3-6, 3-4 Blue (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 26th at Avondale

The Bears in Chris Sikoria’s second season in Berkley and questions do remain. The Bears missed the playoffs last season and lost a lot of seniors. “We underperformed last year, depth was a problem” said Sikoria. The cupboard is not bare though for Berkley, a team that finished 3-6 last season and shocked Avondale 34-31 on their homecoming last season. Depth will still be a problem this season, Berkley returns eight defensive starters that struggled but was oddly second in the Blue last season (allowed 196 points (21.3 ppg.) The Bears will be led by Dakota Drabek who plays on both lines this season along with Jake Bills, Mike Budurowich who was a linebacker and fullback, and defensive end Austen Wood. “This is the strongest we have been as a program said Sikoria, referring to the commitment of the program. The Bears must replace some key players on offense who scored 191 points (21.2 ppg) last season. If Berkley can score enough points then this team could be a playoff team. The Bears however will have some inexperience to deal with especially with replacing a quarterback and running game as well.

Pontiac Phoenix:
Last Season: 0-9, 0-7 Red (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: August 29th North Farmington

The Phoenix had a tough season in the Red and hope it could reclaim it’s glory from 2009 when they made the playoffs in the first season at Pontiac. With the financial issues surrounding the school and things out of their control, Pontiac could be in line for another tough season yet again. The Phoenix moved down from the Red to the Blue and it could be a good thing for them. Pontiac will have a new coach in first year coach John Lloyd who takes over for Damien Redmond. “We worked really hard in the off season” Lloyd said. Lloyd’s Phoenix will return four offensive linemen, which will be their strength. Pontiac must improve on it’s defense, they allowed 308 points last season (38.6 ppg) last season and only scored 108 points (12 ppg) and will relay heavily on wide receiver and cornerback Henry Rowe to carry them this season.

Ferndale Eagles:
Last Season: 2-7, 1-6 Blue (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: August 28th Livonia Clarenceville

The Eagles had a tough season last season and have changed coaches and mentality at Ferndale, out is Ryan Dunlap and in is Eric Royal. Royal brings some much needed optimism to Ferndale after a tough start a season go. “We have tons of optimism returning, and the kids are buying into the system to earn a victory” said Royal. Ferndale has a tough week one match up with Livonia Clarenceville and knows what it will take for his Eagles to win not only that game but also the rest of the season “It’s about executing. If we can improve on our execution then we will go places” he added. Royal must address a defense that was terrible a season ago allowing 267 points (30 ppg) last season but will return quarterback/playmaker Darius Sinclair on a offense that scored 134 points (14.9 ppg) last season. Ferndale also returns lineman Javon Weiz and running back Ronald Goehagen for Royal’s new pro style offense. “I’m looking forward to competing for a league title.”

White Preview:

Oak Park
Adams
Harrison
Southfield
Seaholm
Rochester
Royal Oak
North Farmington

The White will once again be tough to see, and fun to watch. It looks like it will be a four team race between Harrison, Adams, and Oak Park, and Southfield. Seaholm is the dark horse. Rochester, Royal Oak, and North Farmington could have tough season’s ahead.

Oak Park Knights:
Last Season 6-5, 4-3 White (lost to U-D Jesuit 14-8 District Finals)
Game of the Year: September 12th at Harrison

The Knights made the playoffs on a brutal schedule last season (5-4) and could very well return back to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Oak Park will return a very talented team for coach and athletic director Greg Carter. “Every game is a barn burner. You can’t be declining during the season. Playing in the OAA has prepared us” said Carter. Oak Park returns it’s star running back John Kelly, quarterback Chauncey Lowman, and wide receiver Juan Hernandez on a team that scored 304 points (27.6 ppg) last season. “I think our team is going to be amp up for the season” said Kelly. The Knights will have a tough week one match up with Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State but is ready for the challenge “It’s just another game to us. We’ll go in as any team against them” said Hernandez. Oak Park has always enjoyed playing the role of the underdog as of late, especially in the last two week one games they were underdogs and won both those games. “We have something to prove, especially the first game” said wide receiver and defensive back Marvin White. “It’s going to be a great match up” said lineman Shahid Bellamy. Oak Park will have better home schedule despite having three home games last season. The Knights defense led by defensive end Richardo Smith and Bellamy on a team that only allowed 236 points (21.5 ppg.) “We talk with our pads” Bellamy added. Oak Park could have a special season yet again this season, “always attempt to win every game, we are not going to do anything special” said Carter on the game with Detroit Cass Tech and the rest of the season.

Adams Highlanders:
Last Season: 8-4, 4-3 White (lost to Clarkston 56-28 in Regional Final)
Game of the Year: September 5th Southfield

The Highlanders will be talented again especially in running the veer option this season for coach Tony Patrino. Patrino has been in a lot of big games and is looking forward to the season “It comes down to how we execute the veer” he said. Adams offense scored 308 points (25.6 ppg) last season and is led by quarterback Kyle Wood who comes back for his sophomore season. “We hope he throws the ball well and we are excited for him” said Patrino. Wood will have some targets this season in Clarence Broadnax and Jacob McOarski. Adams also has a good sophomore class that went undefeated last season and will also have lineman Paul Morceli returning to fill the roll as top lineman this season and really didn’t notice a difference from former quarterback Matt Sokol, now at Michigan State and Wood “They were both good quarterbacks. They were both well rounded quarterbacks” Morceli said. The Highlanders defense wasn’t bad either in returning to the playoffs last season. The Highlanders allowed 255 points (21.5 ppg.) That was a huge reason why Adams did not make the playoffs in 2012, “Two years ago we were really bad” Patrino added. Adams plays a really good Stoney Creek team week one and isn’t taking the Cougars nor anyone in the league lightly “Biggest thing is we always work hard. The way you approach the game, it depends. Against Stoney Creek they will think they will think they will be the underdog and we can’t take them lightly” said McOarski. The Highlanders will be dangerous again this season, “We love the challenge, you can beat any team. Division One Scholarships don’t win you football games” Patrino concluded.

Harrison Hawks:
Last Season:  10-2, 6-1 White (lost to Portage Central 42-21 in Regional Final)
Game of the Year: September 12th Oak Park

The Hawks return 10 starters from a team that lost to Portage Central in the Regional Finals last season will return a strong defense and also a star quarterback in Javon Shaw, who will lead a John Herrington offense that scored 439 points (36.5 ppg) last season and returns a defense that was just nasty in allowing 213 points (18 ppg.) Harrison will return cornerback Devon Cook, lineman Mike Ojemuda, linebacker Iwani Smith, and added West Bloomfield transfer Khalid Kareem to the fold. This Hawks team could have a strong say in the White this season and opens up with Farmington. “We have a lot of talent and a fast defense. Our weakness is running back but we have candidates who can fill that role” said Herrington.

Southfield Blue Jays:
Last Season 7-3, 7-0 White (lost to Seaholm 17-16 First Round)
Game of the Year: Setember 5th at Adams

Coach Gary Teasley will have his hands full this season with the Blue Jays after a disapointing 7-3 last season and a 17-16 playoff loss to Seaholm should motivate them to well this season. Southfield will be talented again and its theme is “Unfinished Business.” The Blue Jays will have some offense this season with their traditional pistol offense that scored 218 points (22 ppg) a season ago and will be led by quarterback Kayne Harris and have running backs Matt Falcon and Adrian Carter. The Blue Jays will have a deep and talented secondary to rely on this season. Southfield will have three cornerbacks who will be going to Division One Schools and will be likely tough to throw on for a 3-3-5 defense. The top guy back is three year starter cornerback Ray Buford (going to Minnesota next season), along with Davonte Ginright, who will be going to Western Michigan next season, incoming Pontiac transfer and Central Michigan recruit Jamal Antione and upcoming cornerback Dior Johnson to go with linebacker Keith Dubur on a defense that allowed 106 points (10.6 ppg) last season. The Blue Jays will be very good as well and could get back to the playoffs yet again this season. The schedule is tricky with Orchard Lake St Mary’s at Wayne State and games against Harrison (Home), Oak Park (Home), Adams (Home.)

Seaholm Maples:
Last Season: 8-1, 7-0 Blue (lost to Birmingham Brother Rice 34-7 in District Finals)
Game of the Year: September 12th at Adams

The Maples make the move up from the Blue to the White will feel right at home though. Seaholm returns quarterback Tommy Sheppard to a team that scored 342 points (31 ppg) last season but the Maples and it's beloved Maples Forest were mostly known for their defense. Seaholm did lose a lot of talent last season on defense but will have cornerback Austin Paritee and lineman Jack Payne back on a defense that allowed 170 points (15.5 ppg.) The Maples are a quiet giant nobody is talking about this season. Depth will be a big problem for coach Jim DeWald this season after losing nine starters on both sides of the football.

Rochester Falcons:
Last Season: 4-5, 3-4 Red (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: August 28th at Lapeer

The Falcons lost a lot of talent from a season ago and could struggle this season moving down from the Red to the White. Rochester must replace quite a bit of starters and will be led by running back Chris Ross and wide receiver DeAnthony Skiola. The Falcons have three starters coming back and their strength will be up front and have depth and corners. Mentality is a huge concern this season. Rochester allowed 220 points (24.4 ppg) and scored 210 points (23.3 ppg.) Schedule is not friendly as well for Rochester as they travel to Lapeer to kick off the season and conclude with a game against Stoney Creek. The Falcons still have to play Oak Park, Harrison, Southfield, Seaholm, and a team that they have not beaten since 1996 in arch rival Adams. It could be a long season for coach Eric Vernon and Rochester.

Royal Oak Ravens:
Last Season: 4-5, 4-3 Blue (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 5th at Oak Park

The Ravens finished 4-5 last season and changed coaches. Out is Ryan Irish and in is Tim Chapman who takes over the reigns in Royal Oak. “We want to rebuild the tradition and passion of Royal Oak football. You have to have confidence especially in life” said Chapman. The Ravens do return some talent especially on offense in which Royal Oak scored 193 points (21.4 ppg) in quarterback Brendan Beerer along with running back/cornerback Noah Kochanski. The Ravens defense was an issue that Chapman must address though this season, they allowed 252 points (28 ppg) last season and will relay on lineman Cullen Conway to anchor the Royal Oak defense. “We want to move forward, respect victory, it’s a mindset” Chapman concluded.

North Farmington Raiders:
Last Season: 5-4, 4-3 Blue (lost to Harrison 49-7 in First Round)
Game of the Year: September 5th at Seaholm

The Raiders come back up to the White after a successful season last year in the Blue but lost Chauncey Bridges to graduation and that will hurt. North Farmington will return a good defense allowing 233 points (23.3 ppg) last season and have lineman Matt Blair, defensive end Marvin Yaldo, and cornerback John Smith to rely on this season. The Raiders must replace Bridges from an offense that scored 247 points (24.8 ppg) last season and must do so fast.

Red preview:

Clarkston
Orion
Oxford
West Bloomfield
Stoney Creek
Troy Athens
Bloomfield Hills
Troy

The Red is deep this season, Orion and Clarkston look to be in the race all season long and also include Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Stoney Creek. Troy Athens could surprise people along with Bloomfield Hills and Troy could have some trouble this season.

Clarkston Wolves:
Last Season 13-1, 7-0 Red (Division One State Champions)
Game of the Year: August 28th Macomb Dakota

The Wolves won the Division One State Championship last season and is one of the favorites to repeat this season. Clarkston returns about 60 percent of it’s offense from last season that scored 548 points (39.1 ppg) and will be led by quarterback DJ Zezula and have running backs Nolan Ericksen and Centris Williams. The Wolves return tight end Cole Chewins and also have receivers Joe Popp and Austin Egler for Kurt Richardson’s offense. Clarkston will have some issues on defense this season but does return some talent on a team that allowed 207 points (14.8 ppg) and will be led by lineman Adam Matich, linebacker Christopher Millsop, and cornerback Merrick Canada. The Wolves will be very good again but the question will be is this team ready to be the hunted and not the hunters, we’ll find out.

Orion Dragons:
Last Season: 7-3, 5-2 Red (lost to Romeo 24-21 First Round)
Game of the Year: September 19th at Oxford

The Dragons enter this season on a transition after a disappointing 7-3 year last season. The line will be bigger this season for coach Chris Bell for the first time in years. “We will be transitioning to a throwback Orion team” said Bell. There is a question, who will be quarterbacking the green and white? The Chris Bell led offense scored 354 points (35.4 ppg) and will be led by running backs Matt Krause and Keith Fields along with receiver Zach Serzo. “I’m looking forward to the year, having fun, and enjoying it with my team” said Krause. “We will watch film and work hard in the weight room” said Serzo. The problem was the defense, this team allowed 222 points (22.2 ppg) which was unusual for a Orion defense last season. The defense will be anchored by lineman Justin Cathers, defensive end Jack Luby, linebacker Logan Shadia, and have cornerback’s Jaylen Wiggins and Drew Casey to rely on this season. “Glad to work with a core group of guys” said Shadia. The schedule is brutal with only three home games this season (Troy, West Bloomfield, and Clarkston) and a week one trip to Clinton Township Chippewa Valley but if there is one team that can navigate it, it’s Orion. “I’m excited to play somewhere we have never been before” said Luby. The Dragons will be transiting this season and is looking forward to the season. “I love my team, they get better every single week” Bell concluded.

Oxford Wildcats:
Last Season 5-5, 4-3 White (lost to Clarkston 30-27 First Round)
Game of the Year: September 19th Lake Orion

The Wildcats will rely a lot on quarterback Glacier Wallington for a team that scored 307 points (30.7 ppg) with its pound the rock scheme for coach Bud Rowley however the problem for Oxford will be is that Ben Line is gone and they rely on running the football. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Wildcats do go to the air a bit more because they do have a wide receiver threat in Dallas Truitt whom was a long jumper in Track and also will have Will Horne as well. Oxford has been able to rely on time possession football a lot, one reason why was because the Wildcats have had defensive issues, last season Oxford allowed 227 points (22.7 ppg.) It could be an interesting season, especially if Wallington gets hurt also he does play safety as well on defense. We’ll see what happens but expect Oxford to be a playoff team yet again this season.

West Bloomfield Lakers:
Last Season: 5-4, 4-3 Red (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 12th at Clarkston

This could be the Lakers best team under coach Ronald Belmany. West Bloomfield won two huge games over Troy and Stoney Creek but lost to Oxford to finish 5-4 last season The Lakers will be motivated on improving a team that scored 254 points (28.2 ppg) last season and making the playoffs for the first time since 2008. “We were fortunate to have a dynamic offense” said West Bloomfield assistant and current Girls Basketball coach Matt Hilbers. The Lakers returns wide receiver/quarterback Tristian Jackson and quarterback Michael King. “Tristian is a good athlete, still a receiver, he has taken snaps at quarterback, he is a game changer”  Hilbers added. Jackson did not play the Lake Orion or Clarkston games last season which opened up the door for Michael King. “Michael is fun to watch, give him space and he’ll make anyone pay” Hilbers added. The Lakers will also have lineman Evan Boyer controlling the lines this season as well. The problem for West Bloomfield was it’s defense and they allowed a lot of points last season 248 points (27.5 ppg) but the Lakers will have transfer Justice Hollins who comes over from Birmingham Brother Rice, defensive end Eddy Wilson who is going to Bowling Green next season, and defensive back Obbie Jackson who likes to be around the ball. The schedule is a nightmare this season with trips to Clarkston, Orion, Oxford, and Stoney Creek and they will open up at Wayne State with Dearborn. “No matter how you shake it up, you’re playing great football teams, no matter what” Hilbers concluded. This season will be interesting for West Bloomfield hoping to end a six year playoff drought.

Stoney Creek Cougars:
Last Season 6-4, 5-2 Red (lost 17-6 to Adams First Round)
Game of the Year: September 5th at Oxford

Last season may have been the best season for coach Brad Zube and his Cougars, you beat Lake Orion 36-7, make the playoffs for the first time since 2007 but now the tough part. Stoney Creek lost a lot from that team (15 starters) that may have been the best ever at Stoney Creek and could be rebuilding a little bit but don’t say that to Zube “I like them a lot, a lot of unanswered questions, still working on depth and we are looking forward to compete” Zune said. The Cougars recently changed coordinators on an offense that scored 301 points (30.1 ppg) off their triple option offense a season ago. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Zube added. Stoney Creek will have some players returning in linebackers Joe Platz, and Jack Price on a defense where they allowed 185 points (19 ppg), which was the least amount of points in the Red last season. “Senior year, just excited to play with brothers” said Price. The Cougars will move cornerback Jack Allen to quarterback and he is looking forward to the challenge of being the signal caller in Rochester “I played quarterback freshman and sophomore years. Jack Allor (last season’s quarterback) kind of taught me some things as well” Allen said. Running back Scott Reader also returns for the Cougars, both Allen and Reader are basketball players as well for coach Steve Norgrove “A lot more game planning for football. Making changes on the fly though in basketball” Reader said. Coach, Brad Zube has this program going up but it could be an interesting season in Rochester especially having to play Rochester Adams week one and Rochester week nine, “I thought all three Rochester schools would be in the same league. We got Adams week one and now we got Rochester week nine.” The Adams game has Platz motivated for that one since it was the Highlanders that eliminated the Cougars from the playoffs last year “Adams since the day we lost to them” said Platz. The schedule is interesting besides Adams and their recent rivalry with West Bloomfield is not what people think it is, considering that both teams got into a brawl in 2012. "Coach Bellamy and I are very good friends and the media took it another direction. I don’t predict any nastiness on the roster this year” Zube concluded. Stoney Creek plays Lake Orion and Clarkston at home but goes to Oxford this season. Things will be interesting in Rochester.

Troy Athens Red Hawks:
Last Season: 2-7, 2-5 Red (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 5th Lake Orion

Three seasons ago the Red Hawks made the playoffs however things have changed since then. They are 4-14 since the Romeo playoff game in 2011. “We want to get back to the 7-3 season of 2011, we have size up front, speed, and a relentless defense” said coach Josh Heppner. One thing that has made Heppner lose sleep at night is his defense. The defense was a complete disaster in allowing 301 points (33.4 ppg) but Troy Athens will have an offense to rely upon and a good Junior Varsity team from last season as well. The Red Hawks offense scored 148 points (16.4 ppg) returns quarterback Alex Muscat, running back Devin Terry and wide receiver Brennan McHugh. It could be different in Troy this season but we will see what happens. “Win everything, everything matters” Heppner concluded.

Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks:
Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 White (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: September 12th Stoney Creek

In its first season as a combined school the Blackhawks were a disaster going 3-6 last season and now with 12 starters gone, they find out moving up from the White to the Red. One big reason why it was bad for coach Jeff Loria was the defense, they allowed 308 points (34.2 ppg) and it looks not to get any better in year two but they have linebackers John Mitchem and Andrew Rabich and free safety Nate Emery returning as well. Emery transferred back to Bloomfield Hills after spending one season at Utica Eisenhower, he played two seasons at Bloomfield Hills Lahser before going to Utica Eisenhower. Loria has said that Emery will be his starting quarterback week one but he can also play running back as well despite the fact they have Cameron Dalton at quarterback on a offense that scored 170 points (18.8 ppg) last season. Bloomfield Hills returns four offensive lineman led by Jeff Ross, and Bryan Gutowski. “The leadership my seniors bring, it starts with them” said Loria.

Troy Colts:
Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 Red (Did not make postseason)
Game of the Year: August 28th at Sterling Heights Stevenson

The Colts are 1-4 since the fourth quarter of the Lake Orion game at Ford Field last season. Troy will be young and inexperienced this season for coach Gary Griffith for a team that finished 3-6 last season. The Colts will rely on lineman Chris Koumousopolus to carry both lines and running back Eric Papanderea to carry the spread offense the Colts will bring this season. Troy’s 52 defense was a disaster on defense allowing 251 points (27.8 ppg) and offensively the Colts struggled as well scoring 134 points (16.8 ppg.) “We won’t have a lot of size this season and we have a young skill set” said Griffith In terms of Troy Boys Basketball Coach Gary Fralick, this could be a long season in Troy.



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