OAA 2012 Football Preview

Written, Saturday August 11th at 4:07 PM.

This fall marks the beginning of a new football season for Oakland County teams in the Oakland Activities Association or the OAA. There are teams that will do well and others teams that will struggle. This season marks a new journey to league championships and hopefully some OAA teams will be at Ford Field by Thanksgiving, holding championship glory.

The Dragons Den: Top 10 Football Rankings

1. Southfield Blue Jays

2. Lake Orion Dragons

3. Troy Athens Red Hawks

4. Farmington Falcons

5. Oak Park Knights

6. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks

7. Birmingham Groves Falcons

8. Birmingham Seaholm Maples

9. Clarkston Wolves

10. Bloomfield Hills Lahser Knights

OAA Red Projections:  Underlined Playoff teams

1. Lake Orion

2. Troy Athens

3. Clarkston

4. Pontiac

5. Rochester

6. Troy

7. Stoney Creek

8. West Bloomfield

Dark-Horse: Troy

Team to Keep an Eye on: Stoney Creek

Team that is going up: Troy Athens

Team that is in trouble: West Bloomfield

The Red was shared by both Lake Orion and Clarkston last season. The Dragons and the Wolves finished 6-3 but had one league loss each while Troy Athens finished 6-3 and had two league losses ironically both were to Clarkston and Lake Orion. The Red looks to be anybody’s race at the top between the three top teams. Troy Athens is riding high after a playoff appearance for the first time since 2004. The Red Hawks lost had a five overtime heartbreaking 34-31 to Romeo will be fast and talented. The Dragons and Wolves  face questions in 2012 with their respective teams. Lake Orion was exposed defensibly in their four losses last season, allowing 27.2 ppg in their final three games (28-7 to Harrison, 38-31 to Clarkston, and 20-17 to Walled Lake Central) and 31.7 ppg for the whole season. The Dragons have to replace a four year starting quarterback in that process as well. Clarkston has questions on both sides of the ball but a strong offensive line will help them out under Coach Kurt Richardson but two home playoff losses (2010, 38-14 to Grand Blanc, and  45-26 to Walled Lake Central) has some folks on edge a bit. Pontiac was a playoff team last season but fell to Clarkston in the first round. The Phoenix had to replace head coach Brad Zube who left for Stoney Creek with Damien Redmond. Redmond does have ties to the area as a former wide-out at Pontiac Northern and  returns to coach the Phoenix. Redmond must replace some key pieces on offense and defense with seven players are returning starters. Rochester, West Bloomfield, and Troy look to have bounce back seasons after each team had a rough season. The Falcons were in the playoffs in 2010 and had a disappointing year last season but are on the rise while at West Bloomfield the hot seat is on Ronald Belamy after a tough two seasons with a 5-13 record during his arrival. The Lakers have not lived up to expectations since the playoff run in 2009. Troy will be in the mix once again trying to overcome more disappointment. The Colts after a tough two seasons will try to return to the postseason for the first time since 2009 under coach Garry Griffith. Stoney Creek is the new team on the block in 2012 and after winning one game is hoping that moving up to the Red from the White will increase the win total along with a new coach in Brad Zube.

1. Lake Orion Dragons: (# 2)

Last Season: 6-4, 6-1 Red, Shared Red with Clarkston. Lost 20-17 to Walled Lake Central in First Round

Toughest Game: August 31^st Troy Athens at Ford Field

Dragons Den Projection: 8-1, 7-0 Red

Analysis: The Dragons will be looking for a bounce back season after a disastrous 6-4 season with losing its final three games last season. Lake Orion scored 286 points which averaged 28.6 points per game and allowed 195 points, which averaged 19.5 points per game. In their four losses the Dragons defense allowed 31.7 points per game in those games and 27.2 points per game in the final three games. The defense has to change if the Dragons want to get back to Ford Field like they were in 2010. Lake Orion does have enough talent and speed to the promise land but the schedule is interesting, they play Oxford week one and then gets tested with Troy Athens at Ford Field. The Dragons do get to play Pontiac, Clarkston, and the crossover opponent in the last three weeks of the regular season. If the Dragons have enough desire in them then they will do some damage and possibly return back to Ford Field.

2. Troy Athens Red Hawks: (# 3)

Last Season: 7-3, 5-2 Red. Lost 34-31 to Romeo in First Round

Toughest Game: August 31^st Lake Orion at Ford Field

Dragons Den Projection: 7-2, 6-1 Red

Analysis: The Red Hawks are the most dangerous team in the Red. After a tough five overtime loss to Romeo in the playoffs last season most writers will predict that the Red is the Red Hawks to lose however Troy Athens still has to be beat the two top teams to get that goal in Lake Orion and Clarkston. The Red Hawks are not as deep as they were last season but they are fast and dangerous. Last season Troy Athens scored 269 points, which they averaged 26.9 points per game. On defense the Red Hawks were the best defensive team in the league only allowing 185 points, which on average was 18.5 points per game. The schedule is brutal in the first four weeks of the season for the Red Hawks with games against Warren Mott, Lake Orion, Pontiac, and Clarkston on there. Those games will test the morale of the Red Hawks. If Troy Athens goes 1-3 in that span then it could be trouble.

3. Clarkston Wolves: (# 9)

Last Season: 7-4, 6-1 Red, Shared Red with Lake Orion. Lost 45-26 to Walled Lake Central in District Final

Toughest Game: September 14^th at Troy Athens

Dragons Den Projection: 6-3, 5-2 Red.

Analysis: The Wolves are young and inexperienced on both sides of the ball. Last season Clarkston scored 384 points, which averaged 34.9 points per game, while the defense allowed 216 points, which the Wolves gave up 20.5 points per game. Clarkston's strength is going to be it's offensive line with one going to Illinois in 2013 and some others that will be huge, the Wolves have five players between 6.3-6.6 and 250-275 lbs however the big concern in Clarkston will be it's defense. The defense was exposed in games against Lake Orion and Walled Lake Central with allowing 38 points per game in those two losses both were at Clarkston. The Wolves offense struggled in the district final against the Vikings only scoring 26 points in that game but this is a new season and with new expectations the Wolves might have to deal with some growing pains of their own. What will help is that Clarkston has five home games to play with including the three of  their four games are in the Wolves Den but none of those teams are Troy Athens and Lake Orion, both of those games are on the road. Expect to see the Wolves in the playoffs but that first game with Adams is huge. If they lose that game then Clarkston might not make the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

4. Pontiac Phoenix:

Last Season: 6-4, 6-3 Red. Lost 40-12 to Clarkston in First Round

Toughest Game: September 7^th Troy Athens

Dragons Den Projection: 5-4, 4-3 Red.

Analysis: With only seven starters back from a team that made the playoffs losing to Clarkston, new coach Damien Redmond has his work cut out for him with a young group but Pontiac will be a good conditioned team with team speed. Last season the Phoenix averaged scored 32.8 points per game but against teams named Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Troy Athens, Pontiac only scored 56 points total against those three teams, including the playoffs against Clarkston which only counts for 18 points per game and as a defense the Phoenix allowed 21.8 points per game but allowed 37.2 points per game against teams name Clarkston, Troy Athens, and Lake Orion. Pontiac if they want to be good has to improve it's defense against good teams. The Phoenix should be 2-0 heading into the Red Hawks game and if they win that game they could be undefeated heading toward the Clarkston and Lake Orion games, then playoffs will be in sight once again.

5. Rochester Falcons:

Last Season: 4-5, 2-5 Red. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: September 21^st Pontiac

Dragons Den Projection: 4-5, 3-4 Red.

Analysis: After a disappointing year in Rochester last season the Falcons finished strong, winning three of its final four games to close out the year and looks to continue riding that streak into this season. What needs to be improved is the Falcons offense. Last season Rochester scored the second worst points in the league at 173 points, which is 17 points per game and allowed 197 points which is 21.8 points per game. If Rochester can clean this up they could be a playoff team. Also the schedule is going to be a challenge as well. If the Falcons can somehow upset Clarkston on the road then they should be undefeated heading into the Pontiac game at home and if they do that and win the Troy Athens game along with the Adams game then they could return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

6. Troy Colts:

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 Red. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 24^th Romeo

Dragons Den Projection: 3-6, 2-5 Red.

Analysis: The Colts ever since 2009 have had high expectations but have failed to meet them in the last two seasons however there is hope and optimism around Troy that this team can return to the playoffs with a new look team. If the Colts want to compete for a playoff spot they have shore up it's defense and  relay a lot on the run since Troy will have a big offensive line this upcoming season. Coach Gary Griffith calls it one of the best offensive line's he seen in his tenure at Troy. The Colts will also have a new quarterback after their former quarterback moved to wide receiver and along with three new transfers coming over to Troy. Last season the Colts allowed 30.1 points per game in their six losses to playoff teams (Romeo, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Pontiac, Adams, and Troy Athens.) The schedule is going to be tricky though with Romeo, Lake Orion, Troy Athens, and Clarkston on the slate. They have Romeo and Troy Athens at home but they have to go to Clarkston and Lake Orion, which will not be easy trips. The first game against Romeo which will not be an easy game for the Colts, the Bulldogs will be one of the top teams in the Macomb Area Conference Red this season along with Utica Eisenhower, Warren Mott, and Macomb Dakota. Troy has to beat the teams they are suppose to beat, including Romeo and Troy Athens just to get that shot at the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

7. Stoney Creek Cougars:

Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 White. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 31^st at Pontiac

Dragons Den Projection: 2-7, 1-6 Red.

Analysis: The Cougars moving up to the Red should have some success under first year coach Brad Zube. Last season Stoney Creek scored 78 points on offense, which is eight points per game while it's defense allowed 37 points per game. However there is hope, Stoney Creek’s JV team was very good last season and that group is now up with the Varsity and their quarterback returns and should be good. The White also has prepared the Cougars well for the transition up but the schedule is going to be tricky with Pontiac being the week two opponent for Stoney Creek and trips to Lake Orion and Troy Athens are going to be difficult but this is a very dangerous team to keep an eye on this season. I think one more year, the Cougars will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007 but they aren’t there quite yet but they are close enough to breaking through.

8. West Bloomfield Lakers:

Last Season: 2-7, 2-5 Red. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: September 14^th at Rochester

Dragons Den Projection: 1-8, 0-7 Red.

Analysis: Ronald Belamy is on the hot seat in Laker land. After winning two games last season the Lakers have some holes to fill and this maybe a critical year to fix those holes. Belamy is 5-13 and a 4-10 league record in his last two seasons as head coach. What didn't help was the Lakers defense allowed 315 points, which is averaged at 35 points per game in 2011. West Bloomfield allowed 66 points against Pontiac and 42 points each against Lake Orion and Troy, that has to change if the Lakers want to be good this season also the offense wasn't any better, they scored 175 points, which is 19.4 points per game on average. However there is hope coming in the form of the Lakers sophomores. Last season, West Bloomfield had a good freshman team and should continue to improve.

TOP GAMES:

WEEK ONE

Romeo at Troy (Thursday): The Colts's defense kept the game close at Dan Barnabo Field until the fourth quarter last season

Adams at Clarkston: This one will count for real this time, no forfeit

Oxford at Lake Orion: Dragons want the Double O Trophy back after last season's debacle on the blue turf

Warren Mott at Troy Athens (Thursday): Could it be three in a row for the Red Hawks over the Marauders???

WEEK TWO

Lake Orion at Troy Athens: Gridiron Classic (Ford Field) 5:45 PM: Dragons won by two touchdowns (28-14) last season at home but the Red Hawks will be ready for this one. The Dragons have experience playing at Ford Field in 2008 and 2010

Troy at Rochester: The Falcons want revenge after losing by three touchdowns last season to the Colts

Stoney Creek at Pontiac: Brad Zube returns to Wisner with his new team to face his old team

WEEK THREE

Troy Athens at Pontiac: This game will be a big test for new coach Damien Redmond and his young Phoenix team. The Phoenix were in this game until the very end last season

Troy at Stoney Creek: First home game in the Red for the Cougars, should be interesting with the Colts in town

WEEK FOUR

Clarkston at Troy Athens: The Wolves defense won them this game last season but this game is at Troy Athens and if history is right Clarkston is right for the pickings. The Wolves have dominated this series overall but things are looking up for the Red Hawks

Pontiac at Troy: The Phoenix scored 50 points on the Colts on Troy's homecoming and to add insult to injury they eliminated them from the playoffs last season. Think Troy hasn’t forgotten???

West Bloomfield at Rochester: This game could decide the Lakers season and possibly coach Ronald Belmany’s job

WEEK FIVE

Troy at Lake Orion: The Colts held the Dragons to 17 points last season on their home field but still lost

Pontiac at Rochester: This game could decide which team goes to the playoffs. This game has done that in the last two seasons with the winner getting the spoils

WEEK SIX

Pontiac at Clarkston: The Phoenix return to the scene of the crime when they fell in the playoffs to the Wolves

Rochester at Lake Orion: There is nothing like homecoming night in Orion, unless you’re the Falcons. The Dragons usually don’t lose on homecoming

WEEK SEVEN

Lake Orion at Pontiac (Saturday 1 PM): This game could decide the Phoenix playoff hopes on a Saturday afternoon

Troy at Clarkston: This is a make or break game for the Colts. Can Troy make a statement in Clarkston???

Troy Athens at Rochester: For some reason the Red Hawks always had close games with the Falcons

WEEK EIGHT

Clarkston at Lake Orion: The Wolves came back from 17 down to stun the Dragons last season. This season it's Orion's defensive line vs Clarkston's big offensive line that will determine this game

Troy Athens at Troy: Playoffs could be on the line in this heated rivalry game

Rochester at Stoney Creek: First time since 2010 that these two Rochester schools will battle it out after a 38-35 win by the Falcons the last time they met over the Cougars

Pontiac at West Bloomfield: Last season there was no defense played between the two teams with 106 points scored. The final score was 66-40 in favor of Pontiac. That game got the Phoenix into the postseason. Could it be in store for another shootout yet again???

WEEK NINE

CROSSOVERS:

Rochester at Adams: Could this game be the first win for the Falcons over the Highlanders since 1996???

DREAM SCHEDULE: Lake Orion: The Dragons who were the 2010 State Champions for Division One are still bothered by losing their final three games last season (Harrison, Clarkston, and Walled Lake Central) and finishing at 6-4. One of their losses was a 20-17 upset loss to Walled Lake Central in the first round of the playoffs. However coming into the season the schedule is very manageable for the Dragons. Lake Orion will start the season with a new quarterback for Coach Chris Bell. The Dragons will have five home games this season to play with including Clarkston, Rochester, and Troy all coming to Lake Orion. If the Dragons can get by Troy Athens in the Gridiron Classic at Ford Field in week two then the schedule should ease up with Stoney Creek, Troy, and Rochester at home in a span of three weeks. The only two road games will be at Wisner on a Saturday afternoon against Pontiac in week seven and week nine against the OAA White Champion.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE (1): Stoney Creek: Welcome to the Red, Stoney Creek. Last season the Cougars played in the always dangerous White with the likes of Farmington, Oak Park, Harrison, Adams, and Southfield. Stoney Creek finished 1-8 and didn't win a league game in 2011 and they got rewarded by moving up to the Red. The Cougars struggled on both sides of the ball and it probably won't be better having to face teams like Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Troy Athens. The Red hasn’t been as strong in the past but depth could be a problem since there are more kids in the Red.  The Cougars do have a new coach in Brad Zube. Zube takes over the program after a 2011 playoff appearance at Pontiac. His knowledge will help his team this season and in the future because he knows the league. The Cougars schedule wise have Lake Orion, Pontiac, and Troy Athens on the road while Clarkston, Rochester, and Troy come to Rochester.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE (2): Troy Athens: The Red Hawks is a close second when it comes to their schedule. Troy Athens kicks off the season against four playoff teams from 2011 in a span of four weeks. The first game the Red Hawks kick off the season hosting Warren Mott. The Marauders were a playoff team last season. The next week is the Gridiron Classic with Lake Orion at Ford Field, where the Red Hawks lost 28-14 last season, then the next week the Red Hawks go to Wisner and battle Pontiac. The Phoenix have given the Red Hawks fits in the past and this game should be no different. Then to close out the tough schedule they play Wolves of Clarkston for their home opener. After that Clarkston game for the Red Hawks it should be smooth sailing until the playoffs start.

OAA White Projections: Underlined Playoff teams

1. Southfield

2. Farmington

3. Oak Park

4. Harrison

5. Rochester Adams

6. North Farmington

7. Oxford

8. Southfield Lathrup

Dark-Horse: Oak Park and Farmington

Team to Keep an Eye on: Harrison

Team that is going up: Farmington

Team that is in trouble: Oxford

The White is still going to be one of the toughest leagues in the state in 2012. This season probably the team with the best defense will win the White this season. Harrison won the White last season but injuries and suspensions led to their playoff demise against defending division two state champion Birmingham Brother Rice but the Hawks lost a lot of talent from their best team they had in a long time under legendary coach John Herrington and it will be hard to replace that production especially on both sides of the ball. Southfield may have its best team they ever had in 2012 with its depth and talent. Farmington and Oak Park appear to be the dark horses in the White and each team is on the rise but on different terms. Rochester Adams will be young but still runs the veer option to perfection under Tony Patrino. This could be the first time that the Highlanders might not make the playoffs. The schedule is tough for the Highlanders, they play Clarkston week one and the schedule doesn't get better with Harrison, Oak Park, Southfield, Oxford, and Farmington yet to play. Depth could be a problem over at Adams this season once again after last season the team had only 35 kids. Southfield Lathrup brings in a new transfer from Birmingham Brother Rice whom will help them right away. Oxford lost a lot of talent but still returns their starting quarterback who is a sophomore and North Farmington, who made the playoffs last season and shared the Blue with Birmingham Groves won seven games, is the new kids on the block and could be in for a long season.

1. Southfield Blue Jays (# 1):

Last Season: 8-4, 5-2 White. Lost 26-6 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the Regional Final

Toughest Game:  September 21^st at Harrison

Dragons Den Projection: 9-0, 7-0 White

Analysis: This could be one of the best Blue Jays teams under Gary Teasely. Last season during it's run in the Regional Final, Southfield scored 369 points, which was 30.8 points per game and only allowed 210 points which was 17.5 points per game. The Blue Jays are going to be good once again this season. The schedule is going to be tough for Southfield especially with the first game being at Wayne State against Detroit Martin Luther King and the rest of the league is also going to be tough as well. However the Blue Jays will be a playoff team this season and wants another crack at Birmingham Brother Rice again.

2. Farmington Falcons (# 4):

Last Season: 6-5, 4-3 White. Lost 27-9 to Southfield in District Final

Toughest Game: August 31^st at Southfield

Dragons Den Projection: 7-2, 6-1 White.

Analysis: Could this be the year the Falcons can break through past the Hawks for Farmington bragging rights? After a blowout loss to Harrison last season, Farmington thought they missed the playoffs with their 5-4 record, players turned in their equipment and their seniors said their last good byes but they found out they had enough playoff points and were in the playoffs. The team then had to re get their equipment and prepare in a span of a week. The Falcons finished strong getting to the district finals falling to Southfield, last season Farmington scored 277 points, which was 25.1 points per game, and allowed 270 points, which was 24.5 points per game. Farmington will have the athletes and speed to contend this season and with Harrison coming to Farmington in week eight would bring bragging rights and possibly a long playoff run with it. This could be the year the Falcons break through and become the best team in Farmington.

3. Oak Park Knights (# 5):

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 White. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game:  September 14^th at Southfield

Dragons Den Projection: 7-2, 5-2 White

Analysis: The second year of the Gary Carter regime in Knight Valley is going to be tough when it comes to the schedule and being in a tough league. Oak Park had three wins and had to forfeit a game last season which severely damaged any hopes of making the playoffs but they scored more points than they gave up, the Knights scored 194 points, which was 21.6 points per game and allowed 184 points, which was 20.4 points per game. Still Carter brings in a lot of transfers from Detroit, Inkster, and other areas around the state to play in Knight Valley. Oak Park kicks off the season at Wayne State against Detroit East English Village Prep and this could be the year, not even since the Edwin Baker years that the Knights could be a playoff team for the first time since 2005.

4. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks (# 6):

Last Season: 10-1, 7-0 White, Won White. Lost 30-7 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Final

Toughest Game: September 21^st Southfield

Dragons Den Projection: 6-3, 4-3 White

Analysis: The Hawks lost a lot of star talent on both sides of the ball but returns their star running back from a year ago and are ranked in the preseason state's poll to start the 2012 season (#14th). Harrison features four very talented football players this season but they do lack the depth and most of them play two ways. Last season Harrison scored 435 points, which averaged 39.5 points per game and allowed 134 points, which was 12 points per game last season. The Hawks are still going to be a good team but they will have an inexperience on both sides of ball but they are still talented under legionary coach John Herrington. Winning on 12 Mile in Farmington Hills is no easy chore especially that Harrison has lost one game at Herrington Field in the last four seasons (2011 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the postseason.) The schedule is tough starting with the opening game in Detroit against Detroit Renaissance. If the Hawks don’t beat Detroit Renaissance then trouble could loom in Farmington Hills with the schedule they have to play after that with Oak Park, Farmington, and Southfield are better teams than last year.

5. Rochester Adams Highlanders:

Last Season: 7-4, 4-3 White. Lost 27-21 to Port Huron in District Final

Toughest Game: September 7^th at Oak Park

Dragons Den Projection: 4-5, 3-4 White

Analysis: Last season, Rochester Adams had their smallest number of kids play football with 35 kids but somehow found a way to make the playoffs scored 294 points, which was 26.7 points per game and allowed 245 points, which was 22.2 points per game. The Highlanders will still run the triple option veer offense, which won them a state championship under Tony Patrino in 2002. Adams features an experienced crew this season and has a good quarterback coming in to take over the offense along with a big offensive and defensive lines. However questions will remain over at Adams, can they make the playoffs in 2012??? the schedule is going to be challenging, especially opening up at Clarkston won't help at all with that cause. If the Highlanders can win the Clarkston game and win at least four games in the White then they can make the playoffs once again but the schedule is tough with Southfield, Harrison, Farmington, Oak Park, Oxford, and Rochester all on the schedule. The last time the Highlanders have failed to make the playoffs was in 1996 could it be possible???

6. North Farmington Raiders:

Last Season: 7-3, 6-2 Blue, Shared Blue with Groves. Lost 34-8 to Birmingham Brother Rice in First Round

Toughest Game: September 7^th Southfield

Dragons Den Projection: 2-7, 2-5 White.

Analysis: The Raiders enter from the Blue after having a seven win season but 2012 could be a challenge. North Farmington has to deal with the new competition with moving up to the White from the Blue, it won't be Groves, Lahser, Avondale, and Seaholm that the Raiders were use to playing. Now North Farmington will play against the likes of Harrison, Oak Park, Oxford, Southfield, Farmington, and Adams. Last season the Raiders scored 272 points which averaged 27.5 points per game and allowed only 193 points, which led the Blue and averaged 19.3 points per game. The league is different and it would be shocking if the Raiders could get the same or close to the stats as they did last season. Points are going to be hard to come by for North Farmington with the move up and the games will be more difficult to win. It could be a long season in Farmington for the Raiders.

7. Oxford Wildcats:

Last Season: 7-3, 5-2 White. Lost 26-20 to Adams in First Round

Toughest Game: August 24^th at Lake Orion

Dragons Den Projection: 2-7, 1-6 White.

Analysis: The Wildcats beat Lake Orion, Adams, Southfield, and Clarkston on their way to the postseason last season. In those four big wins the Wildcats scored 154 points, which averaged 38.5 points per game. Oxford returns eight starters on both sides of the ball so they will have experience. Last season Oxford scored 327 points, which averaged 32.5 points per game and allowed 234 points, which averaged 23.5 points per game. However another trip to the postseason could be in jeopardy with the schedule they are dealt with. Oxford won’t be out especially with the old school power offense that coach Bud Riley runs and they do also return their starting quarterback. The Wildcats play Lake Orion, Southfield, and Farmington on the road, Adams, Oak Park, and Harrison are at home. This could be a tough season in Oxford this year with all the talent they lost but they could surprise some folks once again like last season.

8. Southfield Lathrup Chargers:

Last Season: 2-7, 1-6 White. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 31^st at Oak Park

Dragons Den Projection: 2-7, 1-6 White.

Analysis: The Chargers did get a Birmingham Brother Rice transfer that will help them right away on both sides of the ball but as for the team it could be a long season at Lathrup Village especially with cross-town rival Southfield being really good again and everybody on top is also good as well. Last season the Chargers scored 131 points, which averaged 14.5 points per game and allowed 269 points, which averaged 29.8 points per game. If Lathrup can win their first game at Pontiac then they can go up from there.

TOP GAMES:

WEEK ONE

Detroit Martin Luther King at Southfield: Prep Kickoff Classic (Wayne State) (Saturday) 4:30 PM: One of the best games in the state featuring two division two powerhouses. In what is expected to be a shootout, can the Blue Jays defense stop the high octane Crusaders offense and can the Crusaders do the same against the Jays high octane offense???

Detroit East English Village Prep at Oak Park: Prep Kickoff Classic (Wayne State) (Saturday) 11 AM: The Knights and their transfers vs the combination of Detroit Crockett Tech and Detroit Finney to form this new charter school. Interesting match-up at Wayne State especially at 11 AM

Adams at Clarkston: This game is going to be tough for the Highlanders especially with the game at Clarkston

Harrison at Detroit Renaissance: Big test for the Hawks especially in Detroit. If the Hawks lose this game they are in trouble

Oxford at Lake Orion: Dragon fans remember 41-20 real well. Good luck Wildcats

North Farmington at Bay City John Glenn (Thursday): The Raiders go north for an interesting game in Bay County. The Bobcats were a playoff team last season so this should be a good test for the Raiders to see where they are at

WEEK TWO

Farmington at Southfield: Big test for both teams here. It could prove that the Falcons belong with the top teams. For the Jays how will their minds be after playing Detroit Martin Luther King???

Harrison at Adams: Highlanders got crushed at home by the Hawks last season, think Adams wants revenge for that???

Oxford at North Farmington: First game in the White for the Raiders. Could be a good game with the Wildcats

WEEK THREE

Adams at Oak Park: This game got the Highlanders into the playoffs last season. The Knights remember 23-13 in Knight Valley. Oak Park would love to get revenge for this one last season

WEEK FOUR

Oak Park at Southfield: The Knights lost this game last season but this season could make amends for that game

North Farmington at Harrison: This game renews the Farmington rivalry to the north but has doom written all over it for the Raiders

Oxford at Farmington: The Falcons led 24-7 at the half only to withstand a Wildcats rally then score a touchdown with 46 seconds left and score a two point conversion to stun Oxford 32-31 on the blue turf. Think Oxford has thought about that game and could more fireworks be in store in this game at Farmington???

WEEK FIVE

Adams at Oxford: Both teams won on the opposing field last season except the Highlanders got the last laugh in the playoffs

Oak Park at Farmington: Last season there was only 20 points scored, could more be in store???

Southfield at Harrison: The Blue Jays remember the two touchdown loss on their home field last season, (28-14) they would love payback and they could with the Hawks losing a lot of talent along with being on the Hawks home turf

WEEK SIX

Adams at Farmington: The Highlanders won 35-28 last season, the Falcons want payback and the Highlanders are vulnerable

Oxford at Southfield: Last season the Wildcats upset the Jays 49-26 on the blue turf but this year will be different because the game is in Southfield.

WEEK SEVEN

Southfield at Adams: This game was entertaining last year in Southfield. The bad news is the Highlanders lost their quarterback to Hartland and graduation

Harrison at Oak Park: Last year was a shootout. Could we be in store for another???

Farmington at North Farmington: Rivalry is restored with the Raiders but it won't be close. Good luck Raiders

Lathrup at Oxford: The Chargers were the first league victim for the Wildcats last season

WEEK EIGHT

Harrison at Farmington: Last season this crosstown rivalry was a blowout however this season will be different

Oak Park at Oxford: The Wildcats have won two in a row over the Knights since Oxford entered the OAA from the Flint Metro

Southfield at Lathrup: Rivalry has been one sided in last few seasons in the Jays favor

WEEK NINE

CROSSOVERS:

Rochester at Adams: The Highlanders playoff lives might be at stake in this game

DREAM SCHEDULE: Southfield: This might be the best Blue Jays team in recent years under Coach Gary Teasley. Southfield looks like they can make a deep run into the playoffs with the talent and speed they have this year. The Jays lost a tough regional championship game last season to the defending division two state champion Birmingham Brother Rice Warriors on their home field. Southfield would like to get another shot at them if they do meet in the postseason. The schedule is interesting for the Jays in 2012, Southfield kicks off it's season at Wayne State against Detroit Martin Luther King and if they get that win then they play Farmington and Oak Park at home. The Jays will have difficult games at Harrison, Lathrup and Adams which they will contend with. If they can get by that brutal schedule that the White has to offer then a possible showdown looms with Lake Orion, Clarkston, or Troy Athens in week nine.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE (1): Oak Park: Knights coach Greg Carter’s second year at Oak Park after coming over from Inkster is going to be tricky. Last season Oak Park did not make the playoffs including one game that they had to forfeit with a 3-6 record. The Knights did bring in a lot of transfers and should help them on both sides of the ball. If the Knights do get into the playoffs they would have earned it with the schedule they are dealt with this season. The Knights play a de-facto road game at Wayne State against Detroit English Village Prep formally a combination of Detroit Crockett Tech and Detroit Finney to kick off the season and that’s not yet the brutal part of their schedule when it comes to league play for the Knights. Oak Park has tough games against Adams and Harrison at Knight Valley while they play Southfield and Farmington on the road. Also the possibly of playing a Clarkston, or Troy Athens, or Lake Orion in week nine, that could be scary to say the least.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE (2): Oxford: Wildcats coach Bud Riley had a very successful season last season with wins over Lake Orion, Clarkston, Adams, Southfield, and a trip to the playoffs however this season things could be different and real quick. The Wildcats face six playoff teams from last season in a span of six weeks starting with a trip week one to Lake Orion to face an angry Dragons team who wants the Double O trophy back in the worst way possible. After that game the next week Oxford goes to North Farmington to play the Raiders. Then the next week is the home opener for the Wildcats and it's against the defending OAA White Champion Harrison. Then in week four the Wildcats travel to Farmington to play the Falcons, in which they would want some revenge after losing at home 32-31 last season. Then the next week in week five the Wildcats return to the blue turf to play Adams, the same team that eliminated them from the postseason last season and most likely would be their homecoming game. Then to wrap up the brutal stretch they get to go play an angry Southfield team in Blue Jay country. I wouldn't be surprised if Oxford starts the year 0-6 with this nightmare of a schedule and also add that Oak Park comes calling as well in the last league game of the regular season, yikes.

OAA Blue Projections: Underlined Playoff teams

1. Birmingham Groves

2. Birmingham Seaholm

3. Lahser

4. Avondale

5. Royal Oak

6. Andover

7. Ferndale

8. Berkley

9. Hazel Park

Dark-Horse: Royal Oak

Team to Keep an Eye on: Lahser

Team that is going up: Royal Oak

Team that is in trouble: Ferndale

The Blue is an interesting conference heading into 2012. This league will basically have shootouts galore, most of these teams run a spread offense and probably the team with the best defense will win the Blue this season. Last season Groves and North Farmington won the Blue. North Farmington moved up to the White. This will be the last year that Andover and Lahser are going to be opponents, next year they will become Bloomfield Hills. The Blue is wide open between six teams in the division. Lahser is experienced after going through a difficult stretch in the playoffs last season when they lost 28-7 to Redford Thurston. Groves won the Blue in 2011 and should be good once again. The Falcons had a difficult 53-7 pounding to Southfield and could see them again in the playoffs. Seaholm has a tough home schedule in 2012 but they are more experienced then last season and should be a playoff team. The Maples fell to Harrison 35-0 last season in the playoffs. Avondale made the playoffs last season but lost some talent but it doesn’t mean they can make the playoffs over there. Royal Oak enters the Blue from the Red and could be in the playoffs in its first season in the Blue. The Ravens are the dark horse in the league. Last season the Ravens beat Sterling Heights Lakeshore 21-20 for their first win since 2007 and students stormed the field in celebration of that victory. Ferndale had another disappointing season after having a great home schedule last season. Andover will be competitive after going win less in 2011. Most of the Barons losses were seven points or less. Hazel Park still has issues especially throwing the football and on defense. Berkley will be competitive as well after a 4-5 season and has an opportunity at getting a playoff spot.

1. Birmingham Groves Falcons (# 7):

Last Season: 6-4, 6-2 Blue, Shared Blue with North Farmington. Lost 53-7 to Southfield in First Round

Toughest Game: October 12^th Owosso

Dragons Den Projection: 8-1, 8-0 Blue.

Analysis: Still feeling disrespected the Falcons can win this division again but knows six wins can’t do it alone. Last season the Falcons allowed more points than scored. Groves allowed 270 points, which is 27 points per game and scored 263 points which was 26.3 points per game. If the Falcons can score more points than they allow then the have a good chance of repeating as champions of the OAA Blue once again.

2. Birmingham Seaholm Maples (# 8):

Last Season: 6-4, 5-3 Blue. Lost 35-0 to Harrison in First Round

Toughest Game: September 7^th Detroit Country Day

Dragons Den Projection: 7-2, 7-1 Blue.

Analysis: The Maples offense sunk last season in the final two games only scoring three points in the final two games against Groves and in the playoffs against Harrison. Last season Seaholm scored 276 points, which is 27.5 points per game and allowed 196 points, which was 19.6 per game. If the Maples struggle to get their offense going especially against good teams then it could be a long season in Birmingham. The schedule is not an easy one with games against Country Day, Groves, and Lahser. Seaholm will be an interesting team to watch.

3. Bloomfield Lahser Knights (# 10):

Last Season: 6-4, 5-3 Blue. Lost 28-7 to Redford Thurston in First Round

Toughest Game: September 7^th at Groves

Dragons Den Projection: 6-3, 6-2 Blue.

Analysis: The Knights allowed more points than scored in 2011, Lahser scored 200 points, which was 20 points per game and allowed 219 points which averaged 21.9 points per game. The Knights return a lot of experience so that will help them this season. If the Knights want to make the playoffs once again they have to score more and not rely on that defense. Lahser had a horrible 45-15 loss to Berkley last season and if you want to be a good team and go deep into the playoffs you have to beat the bottom feeders in the Blue.

4. Auburn Hills Avondale Yellow Jackets:

Last Season: 5-5, 4-4 Blue. Lost 48-13 to Lapeer East in First Round

Toughest Game: September 28^th at Seaholm

Dragons Den Projection: 5-4, 4-4 Blue

Analysis: The Yellow Jackets lost a lot of talent during the last two seasons that were postseason teams. Last season Avondale allowed more points than it scored, the Yellow Jackets scored 263 points which averaged 26.3 points per game and allowed 293 points which averaged 29.3 points per game. The schedule is pretty demanding this upcoming season with a young group with games against Seaholm, Inkster, Groves, and Lahser on the schedule. Avondale's strength is coaching under former Lake Orion coach Steve Deuctch, and he'll have his team contented for a playoff spot  this season but the lack of talent could get to the Jackets and playoffs could be in jeopardy with the same record.

5. Royal Oak Ravens:

Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 Red. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: September 7^th at Avondale

Dragons Den Projection: 4-5, 4-4 Blue.

Analysis: The Ravens are in the Blue after four rough years in the Red. Royal Oak should get some wins under their belt under first year coach Ryan Irish but they could be a playoff team with this schedule and experience of playing in the Red this could help Royal Oak in the short term. Last season the Ravens were just beaten up playing the likes of Clarkston, Lake Orion, Pontiac, and Troy Athens. Royal Oak scored 107 points, which averaged 18 points per game, and allowed an alarming 383 points, which averaged 42.9 points per game. Thankfully the Ravens will bounce back and bring pride back to Royal Oak.

6. Bloomfield Hills Andover Barons:

Last Season: 0-9, 0-8 Blue. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: September 21^st at Seaholm

Dragons Den Projection: 4-5, 3-5 Blue.

Analysis: Andover has to clean up it's defense after a win-less season last season. The Barons allowed 297 points, which averaged 33 points per game and scored 209 points, which is 23.2 points per game. Despite not winning a game last season the Barons were close enough to win some games but they should at least win their fair share of games. There is no where to go but up in the final season of Andover football.

7. Ferndale Eagles:

Last Season: 4-5, 4-4 Blue. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 24^th at Seaholm

Dragons Den Projection: 3-6, 2-6 Blue

Analysis: The Eagles have had a disappointing two seasons of high expectations now, there are no more excuses and this team could be in trouble yet again with the schedule along with expectations. Ferndale returns half of their team after a rough season in 2011. Last season the Eagles couldn't take advantage of it's home heavy schedule and failed to make the playoffs. The Eagles are an up and down team, when it comes consistency. They will have big wins and then sometimes they will have crushing losses that costs them a trip to the postseason. The Eagles were pretty good on defense in 2011, only allowing 182 points total, which averaged 20.2 points per game but the problem was on offense, Ferndale scored 174 points, which averaged 19.3 points per game. That won't get it done if the Eagles want to get to the playoffs.

8. Berkley Bears:

Last Season: 4-5, 4-4 Blue. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 31^st Saginaw

Dragons Den Projection: 1-8, 1-7 Blue

Analysis: The Bears made some strides last season but they could struggle especially since the league has gotten better. Last season the Bears scored more than they allowed but didn't make the playoffs. Berkley scored 254 points, which averaged 28.2 points per game, the problem was on defense, the Bears allowed 222 points, which averaged 24.8 points per game. If Berkley wants to be playoff bound it has to clean up it's defense. The Bears best win was a shocking 45-15 crushing over Bloomfield Hills Lasher on their home field last season but they to be careful Berkley could be the next Andover when it comes to tough luck losses. It could happen in Hurley Field.

9. Hazel Park Vikings:

Last Season: 3-6, 2-6 Blue. Did not make Postseason

Toughest Game: August 23rd at Avondale

Dragons Den Projection: 0-9, 0-8 Blue

Analysis: The Vikings were not good defensibly last season, allowing 366 points which on average is 40.7 points per game. Other than Avondale, in which that series have been insane especially on the offensive column, neither defense was that good. Hazel Park on offense scored 250 points which was 27.7 points per game. If the Vikings want to be good they have to improve their defense and if they don’t do that then it could be a long season yet again in Viking country. 

TOP GAMES:

WEEK ONE

Andover at Lahser: Last game in the Bloomfield rivalry before both schools become the Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks

Ferndale at Seaholm (Thursday): Last season was 27-21 Eagles but this game is on the Maple turf. It will be close once again

Hazel Park at Avondale: Last season was 64-44 in favor of the Jackets, two seasons ago it was 58-50, and in the playoffs it was 50-48 both in favor of the Jackets. Could we in store for more high scoring games in this series???

Groves at Berkley (Thursday): Last season was 38-37 classic win for the Falcons. Can the Bears get revenge at Hurley Field against the Falcons???

WEEK TWO

Ferndale at Lahser: Last season it was 45-15 Eagles in an upset of the Knights, could revenge be in store???

Groves at Avondale: The Jackets remember 56-14 last season in Beverly Hills. This has revenge written all over it

Hazel Park at Andover: This game could be interesting especially that two points decided this game last year 28-26

Seaholm at Royal Oak: Welcome to the Blue after a tough three seasons in the Red, Ravens. However the bad news it’s against the Maples

Saginaw at Berkley: This game is Saginaw County vs. Oakland County. The Trojans are going to be tough for the Bears at Hurley Field

WEEK THREE

Birmingham Country Day at Seaholm: These two rivals renew their city rivalry for the first time since 2010

Royal Oak at Avondale: Ryan Irish versus Steve Deuctch is a great coaching match up here of two former Lake Orion coaches

Lahser at Groves: The Knights won 34-20 last season over the Falcons. This game is going to be in Beverly Hills, this should be interesting

WEEK FOUR

Hazel Park at Groves: The Falcons beat the Vikings 39-32 last season in Hazel Park, could it continue again???

Ferndale at Andover: The Barons have the Eagles at home after a three point loss last season 27-24 in Ferndale. Maybe this could break the bad string of losses the Barons have had recently

Inkster at Avondale: This game could be interesting, probably not the same Inkster team under Coach Greg Carter but will be a formidable opponent for the Yellow Jackets

WEEK FIVE

Lahser at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Looks like a mismatch on paper and in divisions when it comes to playoffs, a division three school versus a division seven school but don’t tell that to the Irish this game has trap game written all over it for the Knights

Groves at Ferndale: The Falcons were upset 27-13 in Beverly Hills last season could Groves turn the table on the road against the Eagles???

WEEK SIX

Avondale at Seaholm: Last season the Jackets won 29-26 at Auburn Hills. This time the game is in Birmingham

Andover at Groves: The Barons lost a heartbreaking 28-27 to the Falcons last season, yet another game to motivate Andover

Lahser at Berkley: Last season was 45-15 Bears at Bloomfield Hills. Think the Knights want revenge after they were humiliated on their home field???

WEEK SEVEN

Andover at Avondale: Another tough loss for the Barons last season 27-24. This could be their best chance at pulling the upset especially in Auburn Hills

Hazel Park at Berkley: Last year was 66-40. We know the Vikings don’t play defense very well but what about the Bears???

WEEK EIGHT

Berkley at Ferndale: 7-0 Bears??? This victory by Berkley cost the Eagles a trip to the playoffs last season

Avondale at Lahser: It could be the Knights final home game at Lahser

Owosso at Groves: The Trojans shocked the Falcons 28-19 in the Shiawassee County seat. How do you think Owosso will do away from Shiawassee County into Oakland County???

WEEK NINE

Seaholm at Groves: A lot could be on the line in this game from playoffs to bragging rights for 365. Last season the Falcons pulled off a shocker in Birmingham 21-3 over the Maples

Lahser at Hazel Park: The Vikings upset the Knights in Bloomfield Hills 24-22 last season, can the Knights return the favor???

Avondale at Ferndale: The Eagles shocked the Jackets in Auburn Hills 23-22 can the Jackets get revenge in Ferndale???

Goodrich at Andover: Could this be the final game for the Barons until they become Bloomfield Hills on the same campus next year???

DREAM SCHEDULE: Royal Oak: The Ravens thankfully moved down from the Red to the Blue after three tough years. Gone from the schedule are Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Troy Athens. Now you can add Berkley, Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Andover to the schedule. First year Coach Ryan Irish is back after serving last season as the offensive coordinator at Royal Oak and has experience as a head coach when he was at Lake Orion and Livonia Clarenceville. The Ravens opens up the season at Stoney Creek which will be an interesting game especially now that the Cougars are in the Red and the Ravens are in the Blue. Also it will be the first game head coached by Ryan Irish since 2010 when he was at Livonia Clarenceville. The Ravens have Lahser, Seaholm, Groves, and Berkley coming to Royal Oak which helps them. The test for the Ravens is the Avondale game, that game is on the road and might decide the fate of the Ravens playoff hopes. If Royal Oak can win the Ferndale and Avondale games then playoffs could be in sight.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Lahser: The Knights may have one of the best team’s in the Blue but the schedule will not benefit them especially during the middle part of the season. Besides Andover and Ferndale coming to Lahser, the next home game won’t be until week eight and that’s when Avondale comes a calling to Lahser. That game will probably be the final one at Lahser unless there is a home playoff game. Next season both Andover and Lahser will become the Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks and play their games at the Andover campus. If the Knights want to get back to the postseason they have to become road warriors to do so with Berkley, Notre Dame Prep, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Hazel Park and Groves on the road.

We'll find out what happens in 2012 this year.