Written Wednesday September 30th at 10:10 AM
Blackhawks coach Bob Hurdle knew that his Bloomfield Hills team had a very tough matchup with the second ranked team in the State. On Tuesday he found out why Orion was ranked second in the State.
The Dragons knocked off the Blackhawks on it's new court at the new Bloomfield Hills High School 25-23, 25-18, and 25-14.
Orion was led by Courtney Wightman whom had 13 kills, Natalie Wehner had eight kills. Lindsey Wightman had four aces and Marley Redd had six blocks.
The Dragons are now 38-2 on the season and will move on and face Clarkston on Thursday at home. It's a big game for both teams as Orion hasn't won the big one in league or in the district over the Wolves since 2011. The Wolves meanwhile was upset by Stoney Creek at home on Monday 23-25, 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 15-13. The loss puts Clarkston one game back of Orion and Seaholm in the standings.
The eighth ranked Wolves led by coach Kelly Averall-Pinner are very solid, young, and formidable. Clarkston features Abby Malanowski, Sarah Austin, Grace Craft, Maggie Rogers, Emma Hurd, and Ashley Schwartz.
Orion has not done well with Clarkston recently. They are 1-7 all time against the Wolves in league or state tournament matches since 2011, maybe this could be the season that it all changes. Clarkston knows if they lose on Thursday then they are out of the league race knowing that both teams will play Seaholm whom is the other state ranked contendor in the Red. The Dragons and Wolves will face each other in a predistrict match at Waterford Kettering in November.
We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Dragons Shut Out By Lakers. Season In Jeporday Now.
Written Friday September 25th at 11:10 PM
The last two seasons haven't been kind to the Dragons against West Bloomfield.
Given the fact that the Lakers may have had their two best teams in school history. They have outscored Orion in their last two meetings by a combined score of 66-0. The game was 27-0 on Friday night in the Swamp. Last season the Dragons lost 39-0 on their homecoming.
Given the fact that the Lakers are ranked third in the State and features the State's best player in Tristian Jackson (Michigan State) along with Navon Mosley (Purdue), Evan Foster (Bowling Green), Justin Clark (Toledo) and Theo Majette (likely D1 School.) All six of them are expected or going to Division One Schools next season.
Orion had chances to score (six times) but couldn't do so thanks to a Lakers defense that has shut the Dragons down for eight quarters now.
West Bloomfield started the scoring on the opening drive as Jackson led the Lakers down the field leading to a Garrett Winn one yard touchdown run but the PAT was no good and it was 6-0.
Orion would then stall on it's first possession and then got a punt block at the Dragons 13 yard line. Just a few plays later Lakers running back Dorian Sanders ran up the gut through the Orion defense for a 13-0 lead for West Bloomfield.
The Dragons had a chance to score but could not as they would miss a 42 yard field goal. The Lakers went down the field and got a questionable ejection of defensive lineman Ethan Beckman but Orion kept West Bloomfield out of the endzone for a 13-0 Lakers lead at the half.
Orion struggled on drives as West Bloomfield's defense pressured quarterback Caiden Prieskorn all night. West Bloomfield would then get another touchdown as Davian Johnson rushed in from 20 yards out and a 20-0 lead.
Jackson then showed the Dragons why he is heading to Michigan State and coach Mark Dantionio as he sprinted to his right down the sideline 79 yards for a touchdown, making six different defenders miss which made the score 27-0.
The Swamp then stormed the field marking their second big win over a Oakland County power.
Keith Fields finished with 19 carries for 121 yards for the Dragons. Jackson had ten carries for 133 yards and the touchdown. He was nine for 11 passing for 92 yards.
Orion now sits at 2-3 and needing to win out to make the playoffs. The schedule is interesting as they play three of their final four games of the season at home. They do go to Clarkston and play the Wolves in a few weeks. The Dragons know they need to win out or they are sitting out for a second straight season. Orion hosts Stoney Creek, who is also 2-3 on Friday night in the annual Pink Game.
We'll see what happens.
The last two seasons haven't been kind to the Dragons against West Bloomfield.
Given the fact that the Lakers may have had their two best teams in school history. They have outscored Orion in their last two meetings by a combined score of 66-0. The game was 27-0 on Friday night in the Swamp. Last season the Dragons lost 39-0 on their homecoming.
Given the fact that the Lakers are ranked third in the State and features the State's best player in Tristian Jackson (Michigan State) along with Navon Mosley (Purdue), Evan Foster (Bowling Green), Justin Clark (Toledo) and Theo Majette (likely D1 School.) All six of them are expected or going to Division One Schools next season.
Orion had chances to score (six times) but couldn't do so thanks to a Lakers defense that has shut the Dragons down for eight quarters now.
West Bloomfield started the scoring on the opening drive as Jackson led the Lakers down the field leading to a Garrett Winn one yard touchdown run but the PAT was no good and it was 6-0.
Orion would then stall on it's first possession and then got a punt block at the Dragons 13 yard line. Just a few plays later Lakers running back Dorian Sanders ran up the gut through the Orion defense for a 13-0 lead for West Bloomfield.
The Dragons had a chance to score but could not as they would miss a 42 yard field goal. The Lakers went down the field and got a questionable ejection of defensive lineman Ethan Beckman but Orion kept West Bloomfield out of the endzone for a 13-0 Lakers lead at the half.
Orion struggled on drives as West Bloomfield's defense pressured quarterback Caiden Prieskorn all night. West Bloomfield would then get another touchdown as Davian Johnson rushed in from 20 yards out and a 20-0 lead.
Jackson then showed the Dragons why he is heading to Michigan State and coach Mark Dantionio as he sprinted to his right down the sideline 79 yards for a touchdown, making six different defenders miss which made the score 27-0.
The Swamp then stormed the field marking their second big win over a Oakland County power.
Keith Fields finished with 19 carries for 121 yards for the Dragons. Jackson had ten carries for 133 yards and the touchdown. He was nine for 11 passing for 92 yards.
Orion now sits at 2-3 and needing to win out to make the playoffs. The schedule is interesting as they play three of their final four games of the season at home. They do go to Clarkston and play the Wolves in a few weeks. The Dragons know they need to win out or they are sitting out for a second straight season. Orion hosts Stoney Creek, who is also 2-3 on Friday night in the annual Pink Game.
We'll see what happens.
Monday, September 21, 2015
West Bloomfield Preview.
Written Monday September 21st at 1:30 PM
The Dragons sit at 2-2 but this could be it's toughest test yet to date as Orion will travel to the Swamp to take on the 4-0 West Bloomfield Lakers on the road Friday night.
It was the Lakers that humialted the Dragons 39-0 last season on it's homecoming a season ago. One of the reasons why Orion missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
Orion will have to deal with the hostile fans that West Bloomfield has but also they must deal with a very talented Lakers team and that starts with the head of the snake in quarterback/wide receiver and Michigan State recruit Tristan Jackson whom led West Bloomfield to its first playoff appearance since 2008 in which they finished 7-2 before losing to Walled Lake Central 11-7 in the district finals last season.
West Bloomfield is a READ OPTION team, in which they like to read the defensive end and see what he does. The offense having either Jackson handling the ball through a spread formation which makes it hard for opposing defenses to pressure. The quarterback will either run with the football, give it to the running back on a jet, or throw the football. They will throw a lot of bubble screens trying to get their athletes in space.
Jackson is an all around athlete and is a Mr Michigan football candidate. He will throw the football but loves to run the ball. Jackson knows how to get out of trouble and use his athleticism to his advantage. He will play receiver at times like he did in the 2013 season when he was hurt but came back late in the season and that's where he will be when he gets to East Lansing.
Usually Brandon Williams whom is the backup to Jackson will be the quarterback throwing the ball to Jackson when he plays wide receiver but Jackson will usually play quarterback for coach Ronald Bellamy's team.
Jackson will have some weapons to throw too in wide receivers Evan Foster whom is heading to Bowling Green and Navon Mosley whom is heading to Purdue. Also they will have wide receiver Gervon Winn whom replaced Obbie Jackson and running back DeVian Johnson whom took over for Michael King. Both Obbie and King graduated. Also West Bloomfield has a solid offensive line led by left tackle Jake Phillips and Anthony Kay. They do have an experienced line as well to protect Jackson or Williams if back there which Orion expect him to be there for a few plays.
Johnson ran a 36 yard touchdown off a read option and caught a ten yard touchdown against Troy Athens. Jackson was responsible for three of those touchdowns against the Red Hawks in their 28-17 victory. He caught one from Williams from 20 yards out and threw one to Winn and Johnson respectably. Jackson was responsible for all five touchdowns. He threw for one from 45 yards to Mosley but ran for four of them in their 35-21 win over Clarkston.
Defensively West Bloomfield is very good but has allowed 38 points in the last two weeks against two very good teams in Clarkston and Troy Athens. They have a very good defensive lineman in Theo Majete. Majete played very well next to Eddy Wilson whom made an impact on the game last season. He should getting college offers soon. Wilson is now at Purdue. Also Jordan Swestian is a very good linebacker and then you have Mosley, Justin Clark whom is heading to Toledo, and Foster whom are in the secondary that is very solid.
The Lakers have a good kicker and good special teams as well whom is being looked at by Division One schools in Ari Goldberg. Goldberg is a solid kicker. West Bloomfield also has Nick O' Sea whom can also kick as well.
This will be a tough game for the Dragons as the Lakers are very good, athletic, and balanced but last season Orion did not have a few players whom didn't play in that game last season but West Bloomfield did limit Matt Krause to 60 yards on the ground so we'll see what happens.
The Dragons sit at 2-2 but this could be it's toughest test yet to date as Orion will travel to the Swamp to take on the 4-0 West Bloomfield Lakers on the road Friday night.
It was the Lakers that humialted the Dragons 39-0 last season on it's homecoming a season ago. One of the reasons why Orion missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
Orion will have to deal with the hostile fans that West Bloomfield has but also they must deal with a very talented Lakers team and that starts with the head of the snake in quarterback/wide receiver and Michigan State recruit Tristan Jackson whom led West Bloomfield to its first playoff appearance since 2008 in which they finished 7-2 before losing to Walled Lake Central 11-7 in the district finals last season.
West Bloomfield is a READ OPTION team, in which they like to read the defensive end and see what he does. The offense having either Jackson handling the ball through a spread formation which makes it hard for opposing defenses to pressure. The quarterback will either run with the football, give it to the running back on a jet, or throw the football. They will throw a lot of bubble screens trying to get their athletes in space.
Jackson is an all around athlete and is a Mr Michigan football candidate. He will throw the football but loves to run the ball. Jackson knows how to get out of trouble and use his athleticism to his advantage. He will play receiver at times like he did in the 2013 season when he was hurt but came back late in the season and that's where he will be when he gets to East Lansing.
Usually Brandon Williams whom is the backup to Jackson will be the quarterback throwing the ball to Jackson when he plays wide receiver but Jackson will usually play quarterback for coach Ronald Bellamy's team.
Jackson will have some weapons to throw too in wide receivers Evan Foster whom is heading to Bowling Green and Navon Mosley whom is heading to Purdue. Also they will have wide receiver Gervon Winn whom replaced Obbie Jackson and running back DeVian Johnson whom took over for Michael King. Both Obbie and King graduated. Also West Bloomfield has a solid offensive line led by left tackle Jake Phillips and Anthony Kay. They do have an experienced line as well to protect Jackson or Williams if back there which Orion expect him to be there for a few plays.
Johnson ran a 36 yard touchdown off a read option and caught a ten yard touchdown against Troy Athens. Jackson was responsible for three of those touchdowns against the Red Hawks in their 28-17 victory. He caught one from Williams from 20 yards out and threw one to Winn and Johnson respectably. Jackson was responsible for all five touchdowns. He threw for one from 45 yards to Mosley but ran for four of them in their 35-21 win over Clarkston.
Defensively West Bloomfield is very good but has allowed 38 points in the last two weeks against two very good teams in Clarkston and Troy Athens. They have a very good defensive lineman in Theo Majete. Majete played very well next to Eddy Wilson whom made an impact on the game last season. He should getting college offers soon. Wilson is now at Purdue. Also Jordan Swestian is a very good linebacker and then you have Mosley, Justin Clark whom is heading to Toledo, and Foster whom are in the secondary that is very solid.
The Lakers have a good kicker and good special teams as well whom is being looked at by Division One schools in Ari Goldberg. Goldberg is a solid kicker. West Bloomfield also has Nick O' Sea whom can also kick as well.
This will be a tough game for the Dragons as the Lakers are very good, athletic, and balanced but last season Orion did not have a few players whom didn't play in that game last season but West Bloomfield did limit Matt Krause to 60 yards on the ground so we'll see what happens.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Dragons Smash Wildcats 36-0.
Written Friday September 18th at 10:31 PM
Last season it was the Oxford Wildcats that stunned the Dragons 21-14 giving them the Double O Trophy. Orion had four opportunities in that game but didn't convert on each of them.
This season however the Dragons made sure they converted on most of the drives they have had thanks to Keith Fields and they have the Double O Trophy because of it.
Orion had 387 yards of total offense, most was led by Fields whom had 14 carries for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-0 rout of the Wildcats. Most of his impact was thanks to an offensive line that has improved in recent weeks.
Orion scored on it's opening drive after the defense shut down Wyatt Harden and the Oxford offense on downs. Fields scored on a 55 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage offensively with 9:36 left in the first quarter making the score 7-0 Dragons.
Orion would then answer again as Caiden Prieskorn found Jaylen Wiggins streaking up the field for a 35 yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. It would be 14-0 at the half after the Dragons shut the Wildcats drive as they were in the red zone.
Orion would then began the third quarter with some confusion but ended up getting over it as Fields ran down the field for 60 yards setting up his own 10 yard touchdown run making the score 20-0.
The Dragons would then force a three and out and they capitalized again as Fields scored his third touchdown of the night from four yards out making the score 26-0.
Orion would add one more touchdown in the third quarter as Chris Wilson ran 23 yards for a touchdown making the score 33-0.
Luke Bevaliquia added a 34 yard field goal to wrap up the scoring at 36-0.
The defense was stout all night shut the Oxford offense down. They started play with a fumble of Harden which kind of changed the momentum in the first quarter. Prieskorn was only two for three for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Orion is now 2-2 on the season and will play unbeaten West Bloomfield whom comes in 4-0 after beating Troy Athens 28-17. Oxford is in trouble at 1-3 having to go to Clarkston next week.
We'll see what happens.
Last season it was the Oxford Wildcats that stunned the Dragons 21-14 giving them the Double O Trophy. Orion had four opportunities in that game but didn't convert on each of them.
This season however the Dragons made sure they converted on most of the drives they have had thanks to Keith Fields and they have the Double O Trophy because of it.
Orion had 387 yards of total offense, most was led by Fields whom had 14 carries for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-0 rout of the Wildcats. Most of his impact was thanks to an offensive line that has improved in recent weeks.
Orion scored on it's opening drive after the defense shut down Wyatt Harden and the Oxford offense on downs. Fields scored on a 55 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage offensively with 9:36 left in the first quarter making the score 7-0 Dragons.
Orion would then answer again as Caiden Prieskorn found Jaylen Wiggins streaking up the field for a 35 yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. It would be 14-0 at the half after the Dragons shut the Wildcats drive as they were in the red zone.
Orion would then began the third quarter with some confusion but ended up getting over it as Fields ran down the field for 60 yards setting up his own 10 yard touchdown run making the score 20-0.
The Dragons would then force a three and out and they capitalized again as Fields scored his third touchdown of the night from four yards out making the score 26-0.
Orion would add one more touchdown in the third quarter as Chris Wilson ran 23 yards for a touchdown making the score 33-0.
Luke Bevaliquia added a 34 yard field goal to wrap up the scoring at 36-0.
The defense was stout all night shut the Oxford offense down. They started play with a fumble of Harden which kind of changed the momentum in the first quarter. Prieskorn was only two for three for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Orion is now 2-2 on the season and will play unbeaten West Bloomfield whom comes in 4-0 after beating Troy Athens 28-17. Oxford is in trouble at 1-3 having to go to Clarkston next week.
We'll see what happens.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Dragons Sweep Cougars.
Written Thursday September 17th at 11:10 PM
The Dragons kicked off league play in the right note.
The second ranked team in the state knocked off the Stoney Creek Cougars in three sets 25-18, 25-15, 25-14 in Rochester.
Orion (30-1, 1-0 Red) was led by Natalie Wehner whom had 10 kills, Wies Hurkmans had nine kills, Leah Kalugar had seven kills and 16 assists, while freshman Wren MaCaulay had 21 assists in the contest.
The Dragons shut down the Cougars top hitter in Sammy Sattman. Sattmann had 11 kills and nine digs for coach Mandy Moran's Stoney Creek crew.
Orion will move on to Saturday when they go to Kalamazoo County and compete in the Portage Central Invitational in Portage. The Dragons will have their home opener on Thursday as they host Rochester Adams. The Highlanders were swept on the road by Clarkston in three sets 13-25, 18-25, 8-25.
We'll see what happens.
The Dragons kicked off league play in the right note.
The second ranked team in the state knocked off the Stoney Creek Cougars in three sets 25-18, 25-15, 25-14 in Rochester.
Orion (30-1, 1-0 Red) was led by Natalie Wehner whom had 10 kills, Wies Hurkmans had nine kills, Leah Kalugar had seven kills and 16 assists, while freshman Wren MaCaulay had 21 assists in the contest.
The Dragons shut down the Cougars top hitter in Sammy Sattman. Sattmann had 11 kills and nine digs for coach Mandy Moran's Stoney Creek crew.
Orion will move on to Saturday when they go to Kalamazoo County and compete in the Portage Central Invitational in Portage. The Dragons will have their home opener on Thursday as they host Rochester Adams. The Highlanders were swept on the road by Clarkston in three sets 13-25, 18-25, 8-25.
We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Oxford Preview.
Written Wednesday September 16th at 12:10 PM
The Double O Trophy is on the line this week in Orion.
The Dragons will take on the Oxford Wildcats on Friday night hoping to get the Double O Trophy back after losing 21-14 last season on the blue turf. Orion holds a 26-8-4 all time record against Oxford.
The Wildcats don't have Glacier Wallington anymore but they do return and experienced offensive line along with quarterback Branden Lewis and have an emerging running back in Wyatt Harden. Harden had 32 carries for 103 yards in a loss to Troy Athens and had 185 yards on 25 carries in a win over Stoney Creek. Jermaine Etchen is the power back for Oxford and you have Devon Davenport whom is the team's top receiver.
Oxford comes into this game 1-2 and just like Orion they need this game if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. The Wildcats lost 47-0 to Romeo, won 21-19 over Stoney Creek, and lost 28-0 to Troy Athens last week. Both teams still have to travel to West Bloomfield and Clarkston during the season.
We'll see what happens this week.
The Double O Trophy is on the line this week in Orion.
The Dragons will take on the Oxford Wildcats on Friday night hoping to get the Double O Trophy back after losing 21-14 last season on the blue turf. Orion holds a 26-8-4 all time record against Oxford.
The Wildcats don't have Glacier Wallington anymore but they do return and experienced offensive line along with quarterback Branden Lewis and have an emerging running back in Wyatt Harden. Harden had 32 carries for 103 yards in a loss to Troy Athens and had 185 yards on 25 carries in a win over Stoney Creek. Jermaine Etchen is the power back for Oxford and you have Devon Davenport whom is the team's top receiver.
Oxford comes into this game 1-2 and just like Orion they need this game if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. The Wildcats lost 47-0 to Romeo, won 21-19 over Stoney Creek, and lost 28-0 to Troy Athens last week. Both teams still have to travel to West Bloomfield and Clarkston during the season.
We'll see what happens this week.
Stoney Creek Preview.
Written Wednesday September 16th at 11:55 AM
The Red season is about to get underway starting Thursday night in Rochester in Volleyball.
The Dragons will open league play with a 29-1 record against the Stoney Creek Cougars. Orion is ranked second in the State according to the Michigan Volleyball Coaches Association. Stoney Creek has an honorable mention in the poll.
Mandy Moran's Cougars return two very good hitters in Sammy Sattaman and Alexa Tomlauck. Both players have been counted on to lead Stoney Creek but they have had some bumps in the road lately.
Stoney Creek appears to be one of the favorites once district play starts as they go to Utica Eisenhower and see Adams, Rochester, Utica, and Utica Eisenhower.
We'll see what happens.
The Red season is about to get underway starting Thursday night in Rochester in Volleyball.
The Dragons will open league play with a 29-1 record against the Stoney Creek Cougars. Orion is ranked second in the State according to the Michigan Volleyball Coaches Association. Stoney Creek has an honorable mention in the poll.
Mandy Moran's Cougars return two very good hitters in Sammy Sattaman and Alexa Tomlauck. Both players have been counted on to lead Stoney Creek but they have had some bumps in the road lately.
Stoney Creek appears to be one of the favorites once district play starts as they go to Utica Eisenhower and see Adams, Rochester, Utica, and Utica Eisenhower.
We'll see what happens.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Dragons Bounce Back to Top Colts.
Written Friday September 11th at 11:00 PM
It looks like the Dragons season is back at least for one night.
Orion got it's first win of the season on Friday night as they knocked off the Troy Colts 37-3 at Troy on Friday night.
The Dragons started the scoring early as Keith Fields went 70 yards on the first play from scrimmage. He would score on a six yard touchdown run to give Orion a 7-0 lead.
Four minutes later the Dragons answered again as Danny White scored from one yard out for a 14-0 lead.
On the next Colts drive Bay Smart intercepted Scott Middlebrun for a 40 yard pick six for a 21-0 Orion lead. Two minutes later Troy had a missed snap which resulted in a safety and a 23-0 lead.
The Dragons would then close the half with a 31 yard touchdown pass from Caiden Prieskorn to Jaylen Wiggins for a 30-0 lead.
The Colts would get their first points in the fourth quarter as Luca Grosky kicked a 23 yard field goal making it 30-3.
Orion would then close the scoring out with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Prieskorn to Brody Kreutzer making the score 37-3 Dragons.
Fields finished with 16 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown, Prieskorn was four for eight for 60 yards. Wiggins had two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.
The Dragons are now 1-2 on the season and will host Oxford, also 1-2 on Friday night in Dragons Stadium.
We'll see what happens.
It looks like the Dragons season is back at least for one night.
Orion got it's first win of the season on Friday night as they knocked off the Troy Colts 37-3 at Troy on Friday night.
The Dragons started the scoring early as Keith Fields went 70 yards on the first play from scrimmage. He would score on a six yard touchdown run to give Orion a 7-0 lead.
Four minutes later the Dragons answered again as Danny White scored from one yard out for a 14-0 lead.
On the next Colts drive Bay Smart intercepted Scott Middlebrun for a 40 yard pick six for a 21-0 Orion lead. Two minutes later Troy had a missed snap which resulted in a safety and a 23-0 lead.
The Dragons would then close the half with a 31 yard touchdown pass from Caiden Prieskorn to Jaylen Wiggins for a 30-0 lead.
The Colts would get their first points in the fourth quarter as Luca Grosky kicked a 23 yard field goal making it 30-3.
Orion would then close the scoring out with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Prieskorn to Brody Kreutzer making the score 37-3 Dragons.
Fields finished with 16 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown, Prieskorn was four for eight for 60 yards. Wiggins had two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.
The Dragons are now 1-2 on the season and will host Oxford, also 1-2 on Friday night in Dragons Stadium.
We'll see what happens.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Orion loses a tough one to Troy Athens. Is the season in doubt?
Written by Anthony Taormina, Sammy's Brother at 10:12pm, September 4th 2015
0-2,
Would never thought I would read, say, or write that the Lake Orion Dragons are 0-2 but they are,
They lost to Troy Athens 21-14 after a pass Athens Quarterback Joey Stark to Jake Vincent for a 60 yard touchdown pass on a third down and 28 with 26 seconds to go in the game. A flag came out on the play but it was concluded that Orion roughed up the QB and Athens declined the penalty and took the touchdown.
Simple foreplay, Troy Athens was the better team today also more prepared. They did not expect to win this game. They saw this game as an indicator to see where they were. Can't blame them. Lake Orion had beaten them 14 straight times. Athens last win (until today) was in 2000 when they beat the Dragons 45-17. Some of those games were lopsided and some of those times, Athens had very good teams.
Athens made a statement, got to give them credit,
Got to give the Red Hawks credit especially since it felt like they wanted it more. Throughout the game they were very much into it, their coaches, their trainer, their players, even Bob Dowd, the Athletic Director was into the game. It also felt at times LO was very complacent especially the lineman both defensive and especially offensive lines. Caden Prieskorn, LO's Quarterback was sacked about seven times. Keith Fields LO's Running Back, despite scoring a touchdown was shut down for most of the game. Got to credit Athens defense but also got to fault LO's offensive line who did not do a good job protecting them. The defense did alright in the first half, holding Athens scoreless but the third quarter was when the Red Hawks got going. A lot of it was Orion's lack of offense which put the defense in very tough positions. Also penalties did not help, Orion had at least five procedure penalties, especially off sides. Both lines especially offensive though defensive had some as well. That can't happen. If Orion is going to win games, they have to be more disciplined.
The question now is, can Lake Orion get six wins and make it to the playoffs? They sit at 0-2. It is not going to be easy but it is very possible that they can get the wins but they are going to have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat and beat a team they are not supposed to beat. The Dragons have tough tests at West Bloomfield and Clarkston looming also home contests with Oxford and Stoney Creek. Not to mention the crossover game. It could be Adams, Harrison, Oak Park, maybe Farmington. Those are not easy teams either. I'm not sure 5-4 will cut it with the Athens loss but who knows Athens could prove people wrong. They did so today.
Can this team do it?
Sure, they have to believe in each other. Believe in what the coaches say. Every team goes through adversity at some point in the season. This team has it right now.
How will they respond??
We will find out starting next week at Troy
Ta Ta for now and Go Dragons
0-2,
Would never thought I would read, say, or write that the Lake Orion Dragons are 0-2 but they are,
They lost to Troy Athens 21-14 after a pass Athens Quarterback Joey Stark to Jake Vincent for a 60 yard touchdown pass on a third down and 28 with 26 seconds to go in the game. A flag came out on the play but it was concluded that Orion roughed up the QB and Athens declined the penalty and took the touchdown.
Simple foreplay, Troy Athens was the better team today also more prepared. They did not expect to win this game. They saw this game as an indicator to see where they were. Can't blame them. Lake Orion had beaten them 14 straight times. Athens last win (until today) was in 2000 when they beat the Dragons 45-17. Some of those games were lopsided and some of those times, Athens had very good teams.
Athens made a statement, got to give them credit,
Got to give the Red Hawks credit especially since it felt like they wanted it more. Throughout the game they were very much into it, their coaches, their trainer, their players, even Bob Dowd, the Athletic Director was into the game. It also felt at times LO was very complacent especially the lineman both defensive and especially offensive lines. Caden Prieskorn, LO's Quarterback was sacked about seven times. Keith Fields LO's Running Back, despite scoring a touchdown was shut down for most of the game. Got to credit Athens defense but also got to fault LO's offensive line who did not do a good job protecting them. The defense did alright in the first half, holding Athens scoreless but the third quarter was when the Red Hawks got going. A lot of it was Orion's lack of offense which put the defense in very tough positions. Also penalties did not help, Orion had at least five procedure penalties, especially off sides. Both lines especially offensive though defensive had some as well. That can't happen. If Orion is going to win games, they have to be more disciplined.
The question now is, can Lake Orion get six wins and make it to the playoffs? They sit at 0-2. It is not going to be easy but it is very possible that they can get the wins but they are going to have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat and beat a team they are not supposed to beat. The Dragons have tough tests at West Bloomfield and Clarkston looming also home contests with Oxford and Stoney Creek. Not to mention the crossover game. It could be Adams, Harrison, Oak Park, maybe Farmington. Those are not easy teams either. I'm not sure 5-4 will cut it with the Athens loss but who knows Athens could prove people wrong. They did so today.
Can this team do it?
Sure, they have to believe in each other. Believe in what the coaches say. Every team goes through adversity at some point in the season. This team has it right now.
How will they respond??
We will find out starting next week at Troy
Ta Ta for now and Go Dragons
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