OAA Picks Week Nine

Written Tuesday October 16th, at 12:21 PM

All games are 7 PM unless otherwise mentioned.

1. Clarkston (8-0, 7-0 Red) at 4. Oak Park (7-1, 6-1 White) 6 PM: The Wolves survived at Lake Orion last week with a 21-14 win while the Knights went up north to Oxford and fell 14-12 to the Wildcats. The game is in Knight Valley and the Knights are fast and explosive but Clarkston slowed down the Dragons offense, limiting them to one series all second half. The 6 PM start could be a problem for the Wolves, this will be their first game of the season in which a game is not at 7 PM. The Knights are battle tested but so are the Wolves. I can see Oak Park winning this game real close because of the hostile environment. PICK: OAK PARK 20, CLARKSTON 14.

2. Seaholm (7-1, 7-0 Blue) at Groves (2-6, 2-5 Blue): The Maples won the Blue this week over Hazel Park and it's offense and defense should continue to ride the momentum heading to the playoffs in the battle of Birmingham in Beverly Hills. It has been a disappointing season for the Falcons this season but a win over their city rivals would lessen that pain but it won’t happen in this game. PICK: SEAHOLM 38, GROVES 7.

3. Lake Orion (7-1, 6-1 Red) at 9. Farmington (6-2, 5-2 White): Both teams are coming off tough losses to rivals last week and both teams are in the playoffs. Lake Orion to Clarkston 21-14 and Farmington got destroyed by Harrison 48-13. Both teams have a lot to play for on Farmington's Homecoming. Lake Orion is 2-0 on homecoming games (their own over Rochester and at Pontiac.) The Dragons have a five man rushing attack and a good offensive line along with a good defense. The Falcons have a three man rushing attack and two good wide receivers. Depth is going to be a factor in this game and that favors the Dragons, not sure where the Falcons mindset after last week's home blowout loss to Harrison. PICK: LAKE ORION 42, FARMINGTON 21.

Ferndale (3-5, 2-5 Blue) at 5. Avondale (7-1, 6-1 Blue): The Yellow Jackets are rolling after beating Lahser by 17 last week (37-20). Avondale should win this week against a disappointing Eagles team and march on to the playoffs. Ferndale has no chance. PICK: AVONDALE 40, FERNDALE 17.

Troy (5-3, 4-3 Red) at 6. Oxford (5-3, 5-2 White): This is the highest rank the Wildcats have had in the Dragons Den poll. Oxford beat Oak Park 14-12 last week to keep its playoff hopes alive. Troy has only scored 10 points in the last two games (Clarkston and Troy Athens), that’s not a good way to get into the playoffs if they get there. The Wildcats should get into the playoffs even if they lose (losses to Lake Orion, Southfield, and Farmington) however the Colts need to win this game if they have any chance of making the playoffs. On the blue turf, the Colts won’t win this game. PICK: OXFORD 24, TROY 0.

7. Stoney Creek (5-3, 4-3 Red) at 10. Southfield (5-3, 4-3 White) 4 PM: The Cougars have won three in a row since the 28-21 loss to Clarkston. The Blue Jays are 3-1 since its overtime loss to Oak Park. Both teams are hot right now going into the final week of the season. Stoney Creek has confidence it can win on the road. The last time the Blue Jays were at home they hammered Oxford 49-7 and the Wildcats have won three in a row since. This game will be a shootout but I think the Cougars will give the Blue Jays all they can handle and leave them praying on their television sets. PICK: STONEY CREEK 27, SOUTHFIELD 24.

West Bloomfield (2-6, 1-6 Red) at 8. Harrison (5-3, 4-3 White): Welcome back to the playoffs Harrison. West Bloomfield is likely going to go through major changes after the season. PICK: HARRISON 56, WEST BLOOMFIELD 0.

Rochester (5-3, 4-3 Red) at Adams (3-5, 3-4 White): The Falcons are reeling after losing two of their last three games. The Highlanders had won two in a row since their loss to Farmington that took them out of the playoffs. Rochester hasn't won at Adams since 1996 but the Highlanders won’t make it easy for them. If the Falcons win they would had earned it if not then they won’t make the playoffs. Hey if Clarkston could win at Lake Orion for the first time since 1999, then Rochester could do the same at Adams however they won’t and won’t make the playoffs. PICK: ADAMS 35, ROCHESTER 14.

Troy Athens (1-7, 1-6 Red) at Lathrup (1-7, 0-7 White): 4 PM: The Red Hawks have had a disappointing season with high expectations and another trip back to the playoffs but that won't happen this season. Troy Athens will go out with a bang over the Chargers in Lathrup Village. PICK TROY ATHENS 63, LATHRUP 0.

Pontiac (1-7, 1-6 Red) at North Farmington (2-6, 1-6 White): It’s been a tough season for both the Phoenix and the Raiders but North Farmington is at home and has better football players than Pontiac. The Raiders will finish out the year 3-6 in its first season in the White after winning the Blue last year. PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 38, PONTIAC 14.

Berkley (4-4, 4-3 Blue) at Royal Oak (1-7, 1-6 Blue): The Bears could sneak into the playoffs after winning two in a row but it probably won’t be likely. The Ravens have the offense in place but next season needs to fix its defense. Its defense has failed them this season. The Bears will win this game and wait hopefully to have its name called on Sunday even though it’s not likely. PICK: BERKLEY 42, ROYAL OAK 21.

Lahser (5-3, 5-2 Blue) at Hazel Park (4-4, 4-3 Blue): This is a big game for both teams especially for postseason dreams. The Knights have lost three of its last four games. That has to change if Lahser wants to make the playoffs. The Vikings scored 32 points against a good Seaholm defense last week. I think Lahser will be too much for Hazel Park but it won’t be without fireworks. PICK: LAHSER 77, HAZEL PARK 63.