Teams that could threaten Detroit Cass Tech in 2013

Written Monday November 26th, at 1:50 AM

The 2012 football season is over and Detroit Cass Tech is yet again State Champions. Most sports writers predict that the Technicians are unbeatable and will be good for a long time.

So who can stop them???

Well it depends how the MHSAA does its playoff formatting. If Detroit Cass Tech is sent north then they are in trouble for these reasons. The north has had four consistent powerhouse programs and if they have to go on the road (ala Swienhart, Cougar Stadium, the Wolves Den, or Dragons Stadium) then they are in trouble because of travel and traffic concerns each area poses. The teams in the mid Wayne County area have not had consistent programs that could threaten the reigns of the Technicians. If Detroit Cass Tech were to be sent west then there is that possibility they could deal with Detroit Catholic Central again, a team they have beaten twice or western Wayne County with Plymouth or Canton in the districts if that were the case.

There are four teams that could stop the reign of Detroit Cass Tech in 2013. Two are from Oakland County and two are from Macomb County. Also others not mentioned could as well.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are a dangerous team heading into 2013 that could threaten the Technicians reign as back to back champions. Lake Orion is 1-1 against Detroit Cass Tech. Detroit Cass Tech had to survive Lake Orion 34-27 in the state semifinals in 2012. The Dragons have always been a consistent program and has beaten the Technicians 24-21 in 2010. This rivalry between these two hated rivals is far from over.

Clarkston: The Wolves had a disappointing season in 2012 with the loss in the regional final to Rockford and being split with Lake Orion. In 2013 Clarkston’s running attack could give Detroit Cass Tech problems if they meet. The weakness will be its passing game but they will have another year under its belt. Clarkston also has a defense as well.

Utica Eisenhower: The Eagles lost a lot of talent and size from its team but remember this team was the best defensive team in the Macomb Area Conference. Utica Eisenhower can beat Detroit Cass Tech especially with its defense. The last time these two teams met was in the state semifinals in 2011 when the Technicians survived the Eagles 7-6. If these two teams were to meet expect a defensive slug-fest.

Macomb Dakota: The Cougars are a dangerous offense and have a sound defense. In 2012 they won the Macomb Area Conference Red Division crown and lost in the regional finals to Lake Orion 51-35. The two teams have met in Detroit where Detroit Cass Tech beat Macomb Dakota 31-19 in 2010. It should be an interesting game if these two teams were to meet again especially in Macomb.

Like I said it all depends on the MHSAA and how they pair the districts up. True, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, and Macomb Dakota have to beat each other just to get a shot at Detroit Cass Tech while the Technicians get an easy path to the state semifinals. However in 2010 Macomb Dakota had to go to Detroit and lost, if the game was at Macomb it would have been a different result. If Detroit Cass Tech had two of these teams in its district or region and they had to go on the road, I don’t think they will survive even with the talent they have and recruiting. There is something that being on the road, effects teams especially with those who have to travel to those places in the playoffs.

If I’m the MHSAA I’m seriously looking at either going more of an east-west format for next season for the playoffs or send Detroit Cass Tech up north. If they play the northern teams like Lake Orion, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, or Macomb Dakota, they won’t survive especially on the road.

Dragons Fall to Technicians in State Semifinals

Written Sunday November 18th, at 12:50 AM

Sometimes dreams are meant to be broken. Sadly that's what happened on Saturday afternoon.

The Dragons fell to Detroit Cass Tech in a wild affair 34-27 at Troy Athens High School in the Division One State Semifinals. The win by Detroit Cass Tech sets up a rematch with Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday Afternoon at Ford Field in Detroit.

The Dragons could not stop the Technicians early on as quarterback Jayru Campbell opened up the scoring with a 71 yard pass to Damon Webb for a 7-0 Detroit Cass Tech lead.

The Dragons answered with a 80 yard pass play from quarterback Derrick DeLaura and three plays later running back Jacob Miller scored on a one yard run tying the score at 7-7.

Detroit Cass Tech then answered the Lake Orion touchdown by going down the field, leading to a Mike Weber five yard touchdown run making the score 14-7 Technicians.

Campbell then got going with his running ability scoring on an eight yard bootleg, making the score 21-7 Detroit Cass Tech.

However the Dragons responded.

Late in the half the Dragons drove to the Detroit Cass Tech ten yard line, only to see DeLaura throw to wide receiver Chaz Miller score to make the halftime score 21-14 Technicians.

In the third quarter Lake Orion ran the ball right down Detroit Cass Tech's throat only to lead to DeLaura's second touchdown of the game to wide receiver Jeremy King tying the score 21-21 all heading to the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter Detroit Cass Tech found a spark. Campbell then found Jordan Lewis for a 30 yard touchdown pass making the score 28-21 Detroit Cass Tech.

The Dragons responded by going 66 yards on a running back Cory Ester touchdown but the point after try was missed wide left making the score 28-27 Detroit Cass Tech.

Lake Orion then made a huge stop with four minutes left in the game as they stopped a Campbell fake field goal from the Dragons four yard line giving them a chance to possibly win it.

However that chance was wasted as Lake Orion turned the ball over on downs. A few plays later Weber scored from ten yards out but the kick was blocked making the score 34-27 Detroit Cass Tech.

The Dragons could not get yet another drive together as they struggled to get anything down field, leading to a turnover on downs sending the Detroit Cass Tech sideline wild.

The Dragons finish the season at 11-2. DeLaura was seven for 21 for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Ester had eight carries for 100 yards and a touchdown and Miller had 19 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown in defeat.

Campbell was ten of 13 for 192 yards and two touchdowns along with a running score. Weber had 21 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns for Detroit Cass Tech.

Neither side did not commit a turnover.

Detroit Cass Tech did get some measure of revenge in this game but it can never erase the 2010 defeat to Lake Orion. The rivalry between the Dragons and Technicians is just getting started, both teams are 1-1 vs each other.

Lake Orion will be back next season even though they will lose a lot on both sides of the football. It wouldn't surprise anyone if these two teams meet back up in 2013 in the same round.

There is nothing to be ashamed of this season for this group of young men as new path starts now.

State Semifinals Predictions

Written Wednesday November 14th, at 9:00 PM

All Games are Saturday at 1 PM at Neutral Sites.

DIVISION 1:

ROCKFORD VS NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL: This is a rematch of last season’s dramatic 23-20 overtime win by the Shamrocks over the Rams. Novi Detroit Catholic Central got revenge on Plymouth 28-7 last week. This is not the best Rockford team but they did go east into Clarkston and shocked the Wolves 25-14 last week. I like the Rams to get revenge and return to Ford Field for the first time since 2008. PICK: ROCKFORD 24, NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 21.

DETROIT CASS TECH VS LAKE ORION: This is a rematch between the 2010 State Champions vs. the 2011 State Champions. In a state semifinal game two seasons ago the Dragons beat the Technicians 24-21. Both sides have talent and athletes. Think this game will be close throughout but like Rockford this is not the best Lake Orion team but their is motivation on both sides (Detroit Cass Tech, 2010 loss: Lake Orion, being disrespected by the media, especially with the lack of D-1 recruits.) I like the Dragons in this game, heart and determination beats talent anytime. PICK: LAKE ORION 28, DETROIT CASS TECH 24.

DIVISION 2:

MUSKEGON VS CALEDONIA: This will be the greatest challenge the Fighting Scotts will face once they play the Big Reds. I think it will be close for one half but Muskegon will pull away over Caledonia. PICK: MUSKEGON 31, CALEDONIA 14.

BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE VS WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT: This is the worst match up to get for the Bears after beating Oak Park 10-6. We are likely heading to a Warriors-Big Reds State final. PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE 28, WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT 7.

DIVISION 3:

DEWITT VS GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN: This is going to get ugly for the Panthers, sorry Dewitt but Christian has too much offense for the Panthers, and also they destroyed previously unbeaten Stevensville Lakeshore in Stevensville last week. PICK: GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN 54, DEWITT 14.

BATTLE CREEK HARPER CREEK VS ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS: This is a rematch of a 14-10 win by the Eaglets over the Beavers last season. Harper Creek won a close one last week over Tecumseh 26-24 and Orchard Lake St. Marys blew out Detroit East English Village Prep. Both teams are quick and have speed but the edge in this game will be with the Eaglets in a close one. PICK: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 17, BATTLE CREEK HARPER CREEK 13.

Detroit Cass Tech Preview

Written Monday November 12th, at 10:30 PM

This is a rematch many Detroiters are waiting to see.

This is a rematch many Orioners are waiting to see.

Both Lake Orion and Detroit Cass Tech will meet in an epic rematch on Saturday afternoon at Troy Athens at 1 PM.

The last time the Dragons and Technicians met Lake Orion survived Detroit Cass Tech 24-21 just two seasons ago. Lake Orion went on beating Plymouth in the state finals that season.

The next season Detroit Cass Tech took home its first state championship by routing Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

Both teams are different though, taking different paths. Detroit Cass Tech has played a tough regular season schedule especially with its non-conference schedule. The Technicians played two Catholic League powers Birmingham Brother Rice and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Detroit Cass Tech (10-2) has lost two games this season, one to the Eaglets and one to the Crusaders of Detroit Martin Luther King in the Detroit Public School League semifinals. Lake Orion (11-1) went through the storm of Macomb County, beating Sterling Heights Stevenson, Utica Eisenhower, and Macomb Dakota by winning the Macomb Area Red Championship. Its only loss was to Clarkston for the Oakland Activities Association Red Championship.

This will be the most talented team that the Dragons will see all season along with the Technicians.

Detroit Cass Tech is known for their Division One recruit that comes out of the Detroit school and some of them are going to be on the field on Saturday.

Detroit Cass Tech will run a spread formation with two backs on each side but is a passing team as well. Last week the Technicians out gained Saline 330-180 and out rushed the Hornets 259-122 in route to a 21-14 win in Washtenaw County.

This season Detroit Cass Tech has scored 422 points, which is on average of 35.1 points per game. Lake Orion meanwhile has scored 451 points, which is 37.6 points per game.

The Technicians are led by star quarterback Jay’Ru Campbell. Campbell only a sophomore is a duel threat quarterback (can throw and run) has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season. He was only seven for 14 for 67 yards last week against Saline but has had some big games this season, ask Birmingham Brother Rice, week one at Wayne State. Campbell went nuts in the state finals last season against Novi Detroit Catholic Central, connecting on five touchdown passes against the Shamrocks in a shocking blowout.

The Technicians also feature three dangerous power backs with speed. Each of them was huge against Saline in their regional final win.

The first guy is sophomore Mike Weber. Weber is listed as an athlete on the roster at 5.10, 190 pounds but he is an athlete as a power back with very good direction and has speed to go down field, he can also catch passes in the backfield as well. Weber went nuts last week against Saline. He had 163 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries (the first score was for 17 yards. The other score was four yards out, which was the winning score.) He also had a 45 yard run that set up the other score for Detroit Cass Tech. Weber is a dangerous player who has speed and is a dangerous athlete who can score at will.

The next guy is Dion Drake Jr. Drake is 6.0, 210 pounds, power running back with speed. He had a 19 yard touchdown run last week against Saline. Drake Jr. is a very good runner with good speed and is a threat to score anytime on the field and has a good season so far.

The last power running back is Gary Hosey. Hosey is a 5.11, 225 pounds, power running back with strength and speed. He also plays linebacker as well on defense. Hosey will rush it from one yard out or even have a big play or two or even play tight end a bit as well with his size.

Detroit Cass Tech has two good receivers in Jordan Lewis and Damon Webb. Lewis and Webb are Campbell’s big targets. Lewis has had some big games against Detroit Public School League competition as well as Birmingham Brother Rice. Webb has also had big games as well. They have leaping ability and catch passes when pressured. Also they are on defense as well.

The Technicians have a big offensive line led by the junior 6.10, 345 pound Erik Mumford. They also have 6.3, 310 pound Dominick Hamilton who are two of their bigger lineman.

The Detroit Cass Tech defense has been very good as well. They have allowed 137 points this season, which is 11.4 points per game. The Technicians are a 4-3 defense and can sometimes go to a 3-4.

The Technicians have a big defensive line led by sophomore Keith Jones who is six feet, 237 pounds along with other talented players. They have a very good linebacker in junior William White. White was huge against Saline, keeping the Hornets out of the end zone. The team’s secondary is very good and also likely going to division one schools as well. They can pick off passes, break passes up, and make plays. Detroit Cass Tech is led by the three headed secondary of DeJuan Rodgers, Webb, and Lewis. But they have others as well who can play well as well for Thomas Wilcher’s crew. Rogers was huge last week in getting a pick to close the deal against Saline.

This is an interesting match up. Both Lake Orion and Detroit Cass Tech has speed and talent on both sides of the ball along with good offenses and good defenses. We’ll see what happens on Saturday afternoon at Troy Athens.

OAA Recap Week 12

Written Sunday November 11th, at 11:10 AM

The Dragons are the only OAA team left after he Wolves shockingly lost to Rockford and the Knights lost a heartbreaker to Wyandotte Roosevelt. Lake Orion will now play Detroit Cass Tech on Saturday at Troy Athens.

BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT: Lake Orion 51, Macomb Dakota 35: Dragons fans finally got the Cougars to come to their place and they finally won over one of their arch rivals from the MAC. Lake Orion led 31-7 at halftime and never looked back. The Dragons did win the MAC Red crown though

HEARTBREAKING LOSS: Wyandotte Roosevelt 10, Oak Park 6: The Knights were leading 6-3 late in the game but however gave up a passing touchdown to the Bears with 91 seconds left in the game for a 10-6 lead. Oak Park could not convert on its last chance to win. This is a tough loss for the Knights and Coach Carter will be back next season.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Rockford 25, Clarkston 14: The Wolves had the Rams, three hours away from home and still lost. Rockford had a good game plan to stop Clarkston’s rushing attack but personally thought that Clarkston abandoned the run way too early and was not in its element especially with throwing the ball down the field. This has been a bad week for the Wolves, first the girls’ volleyball team was swept by Seaholm in the regional finals and now the football team is now done for the year.

OAA Week 13 Big games:

Lake Orion vs. Detroit Cass Tech (Saturday 1 PM) at Troy Athens: This is a rematch of a 24-21 victory by the Dragons over the Technicians in 2010. Both these teams were the last two state champions of division one (Lake Orion 2010, Detroit Cass Tech 2011) Detroit Cass Tech is also the defending state champions and has a lot of division one players. However Lake Orion is balanced on both sides of the ball. This has the makings of yet another classic yet again.

Besides Clarkston going down, a couple undefeated teams also went down as well. Stevensville Lake Shore was blown out 31-7 by Grand Rapids Christian. Also Mendon suffered a blowout loss to Muskegon Catholic Central 28-6 at home, which is alarming also Midland lost to Muskegon 49-21. The Chemics were undefeated coming into the game had a bad first half. They trailed 35-7 at half and could not recover. Another team that went down was Flint Powers losing at home to Portland 45-28, which was a shock considering that Flint Powers was the defending division five state champions.

Dragons Finally get Revenge on Cougars. Next Play the Techinicians in the state semifinals

Written Saturday November 10th, at 1:20 AM

The rematch was on in the regional finals and something Dragons fans and players who played in this rivalry have been waiting for.

Macomb Dakota.

Lake Orion captured its second regional championship in three years and third in eight seasons by beating Macomb Dakota in a shootout 51-35 on Friday night. The Dragons captured the Macomb Area Red Division crown in the process.

The Dragons had previously lost three straight games to the Cougars, in 2004 (24-14), 2005 (27-13), and then 2007 (26-14.) All of those games were at Dakota.

However tonight was in Lake Orion.

The bus ride was an issue for the Cougars in coming over to Oakland County for the first time since 2009 when they fell to Clarkston. Macomb Dakota did not arrive at Dragon Stadium until 6:10 PM after a crash on Interstate 75 and then another accident on M-24 (Lapeer Road.)

That might have played a factor.

The Dragons took advantage of the Cougars first possession by cornerback Branden Clemens picked off Richmon Render, setting up the Lake Orion offense at the Macomb Dakota 22 yard line.

Then on a third down and inches from the Macomb Dakota 12 yard line, running back Chris Leigh then got the first down and then made a Cougar defender miss for a 12 yard touchdown, Jeremy King made the extra point making the score 7-0 Dragons.

The Dragons defense then forced the Cougars to turn the ball over on downs after an incomplete pass on fourth down and six.

Lake Orion then went down the field. The Dragons thought they had a touchdown by Jacob Miller only to be called back by an illegal block in the back penalty. It would have made it 14-0 but instead Lake Orion settled for three points on a 40 yard field goal by King made it 10-0 Dragons.

Then Miller got involved in the scoring. His first touchdown was a one yard scamper down the middle making the score 17-0.

Miller would then make an impact yet again, going 68 yards down the middle for a Dragons touchdown, making the score 24-0.

The rout was on after that.

Macomb Dakota got on the board after Render threw a nine yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Shadowens down the middle making the score 24-7 Lake Orion.

Miller then got involved again, scoring a one yard touchdown making the score 31-7 Dragons. Miller had 189 yards in the first half and three touchdowns.

The halftime score was a shocker, Dragons 31, Cougars 7. Macomb Dakota was at an unfamiliar place, everything against them, it was something that they haven’t been in all season, not even when they lost to Dearborn Fordson week one.

The Cougars started the second half, strong. After stopping the Dragons on its opening drive, Render then hit Cory Chase from 25 yards out to the Lake Orion 33 yard line. Then the very next play Render hit Angelo DiMaggo on a 33 yard touchdown pass making the score 31-14 Dragons.

Lake Orion then answered when quarterback Derrick DeLaura found Chaz Miller for a 20 yard touchdown near the left side of the end zone, making the score 38-14 Dragons.

Macomb Dakota then answered yet again when running back Nick Cattaneo scored his first touchdown of the night by rushing for one yard for a touchdown, making the score 38-21 Dragons.

The Dragons then answered again when Cory Ester entered the party by going 19 yards on a jet sweep for a touchdown making the score 45-21 Lake Orion.

The Cougars had a never say die attitude when Cattaneo scored on an 11 yard touchdown run, making the score 45-28 Dragons. I wondered why Macomb Dakota did not go for two to cut the deficit to 16 points.

Lake Orion scored yet again with a ten yard touchdown from DeLaura to Miller from the right side of the endzone. 20 yards yet again with two minutes in the game but the kick from King went wide left, making the score 51-28 Dragons.

Macomb Dakota then closed out the scoring with a one yard touchdown from Cattaneo with eight seconds left in the game making the score 51-35 Dragons.

Miller finished the game with 236 yards and three touchdowns. DeLaura was five for six passing for 96 yards and two touchdown passes. Chaz Miller had three catches for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Dominick Giovinnazzo had 76 yards on six carries. Leigh had eight carries for 40 yards and a touchdown. Ester had four carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. Zach Arnold had three carries for 40 yards for the Dragons.

Render was 22 for 35 passing for 245 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Cattaneo had three rushing touchdowns and Chase and DiMaggio went 100 yards respectably for the Cougars. Macomb Dakota won the second half, outscoring Lake Orion 28-20 in the process.

The Cougars were coming in allowing only 13 points per game tonight gave up 51 points, which is the most they allowed this season. The previous they have allowed was in it's 27-17 home loss in week one to the Tractors.

The Dragons allowed 35 points which was the most they have allowed since its 21-14 heartbreaking loss to Clarkston week eight.

The Dragons are now 11-1 will move on to face the Technicians of Detroit Cass Tech, who come in at 10-2 in the state semifinals on Saturday, likely will be at Troy Athens. Detroit Cass Tech beat Saline 21-14 on Friday in Saline. We’ll see what happens on Saturday in likely Troy.

D1-D3 Picks-Regional Finals

Written Thursday November 8th, at 8:15 PM

All Games are 7 PM Friday without mentioned if otherwise.

DIVISION 1:

REGION 1:

ROCKFORD AT CLARKSTON: (Saturday 1 PM.): The Rams will travel all the way east from Rockford to Oakland County. The Wolves have a big line and a good running back. Rockford is well Rockford with its multiple player-personal and Ram tough mentality. Clarkston blew out Grand Blanc 35-19 last week while Rockford came back from two touchdowns to stun Holland West Ottawa 35-28. The edge will go to Clarkston being at home in a wild one. PICK: CLARKSTON 35, ROCKFORD 28.

REGION 2:

NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL AT PLYMOUTH: (Saturday 1 PM.) This is a rematch of the 2010 regional finals in which the Wildcats stunned the Shamrocks 9-7 in Novi. Last week the Shamrocks beat Walled Lake Northern and Plymouth beat unbeaten Livonia Churchill. The bad news for Plymouth this time around is Kyle Brinza is not coming back through those doors and Catholic Central is going to get its revenge in Wayne County. PICK: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 17, PLYMOUTH 6.

REGION 3:

DETROIT CASS TECH AT SALINE: The defending division one state champions are talented once again but they are 1-1 outside of Wayne County. This will be a tough test for the Hornets but the good news is that Detroit Cass Tech has to travel to Saline. Dearborn had Detroit Cass Tech trailing at the half last week but the Technicians won 42-23. The Hornets won 31-17 over Ann Arbor Pioneer last week. This game will go down to the wire with the Hornets pulling off the shocker in the state in the Hornet’s nest. PICK: SALINE 34, DETROIT CASS TECH 31.

REGION 4:

MACOMB DAKOTA AT LAKE ORION: The Cougars and Dragons are meeting for the fourth time in history. The Cougars eliminated L’Anse Creuse North 42-17 while the Dragons survived Utica Eisenhower 10-7. Both teams are eventually matched with speed and talent along with good defenses. Both teams are also good in the second half. I think Lake Orion being at home will keep Macomb Dakota’s offense off the field long enough to get this win. PICK: LAKE ORION 24, MACOMB DAKOTA 14.

DIVISION 2:

REGION 1:

MUSKEGON AT MIDLAND (Saturday 1 PM): This is a match up of two state power houses. The Big Reds are going east to US-10 to face the Chemics. Muskegon survived Lowell 15-13 last week while Midland blew out Traverse City Central 28-16. Both teams have talent but Muskegon has the big game experience from playing teams like Rockford and Holland West Ottawa on a consistent bases. The Chemics played Canton earlier in the season and beat them but edge goes to Muskegon. PICK: MUSKEGON 31, MIDLAND 21.

REGION 2:

CALEDONIA AT MATTAWAN: The Fighting Scotts have been living on dangerous territory in this match up. Caledonia beat East Lansing 23-22 in overtime last week The Wildcats come in at 10-1 after blowing out Portage Central 42-21 last week. This should be a good one but the edge will be to Mattawan being at home. PICK: MATTAWAN 35, CALEDONIA 24.

REGION 3:

BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE AT WALLED LAKE WESTERN: This will be an interesting game for both Warriors. Birmingham Brother Rice is the defending division two champions while Walled Lake Western was not the Walled Lake City or the Kensington Lakes Champs. Well edge is to the Warriors but the orange and black in a two touchdown game. PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE 35, WALLED LAKE WESTERN 21.

REGION 4:

OAK PARK AT WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT: The Knights and Bears are going to battle this week in Wyandotte. Roosevelt won 9-0 over Taylor Truman last week while the Knights went to overtime to eliminate Southfield 19-12. I think the Bears will get some points but I like Oak Park getting it done on the road in Wayne County. Let’s remember folks that the Knights are 1-0 in Wayne County and soon will be 2-0. PICK: OAK PARK 28, WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT 12.

DIVISION 3:

REGION 1:

ST. JOHNS AT DEWITT: This is a rematch of Capital Area Conference Red Division rivals. DeWitt beat St. Johns 34-20 at St. Johns in the regular season, eventually winning the Capital Area Conference Red Division Championship. The Panthers blocked an extra point attempt in a six overtime victory to stun Linden 45-44 last week. The Red Wings beat Owosso 21-13 last week. This will be an interesting match up but the edge will go to the Panthers. PICK: DEWITT 28, ST. JOHNS 20.

REGION 2:

GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN AT STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE (Saturday 1 PM): This is a match up of two dangerous and high scoring teams even though Lakeshore is unbeaten coming in, this will be the toughest game of the season for them. The Eagles won 62-44 last week over Zeeland West. The Lancers blew out Hamilton 48-28 setting up this match up. This will be a high scoring affair but I like Grand Rapids Christian in this match up. PICK: GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN 56, STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE 53.

REGION 3:

TECUMSEH AT BATTLE CREEK HARPER CREEK: The Indians and the Beavers will meet in an east against west game. Battle Creek Harper Creek won 26-10 over Plainwell to get here while Tecumseh blew out Milan 26-6. These two teams have not met in the playoffs but the will in Battle Creek. The edge will go to the Beavers being at home in a close one over the Indians. PICK: BATTLE CREEK HARPER CREEK 27, TECUMSEH 24.

REGION 4:

DETROIT EAST ENGLISH VILLAGE PREP AT ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS (Saturday 1 PM): The Eaglets and Bulldogs will meet on the red turf. St. Mary’s beat Avondale 49-14 last week. Detroit East English Village Prep went up to St. Clair County and destroyed St. Clair 63-7. This could be a shootout but I like St. Mary’s to score more and hold East English Prep more in a shootout. PICK: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 56, DETROIT EAST ENGLISH VILLAGE PREP 35.

Macomb Dakota Preview.

Written Sunday November 4th, at 7:30 PM

The playoffs are an opportunity to get back at someone in the worst way.

Dragons fans and alumnus have been waiting for years to get back at Macomb Dakota. They will finally get that chance as the Dragons play the Cougars in the Regional Finals on Friday night.

Macomb Dakota is 3-0 all time against Lake Orion, all of the games was in Macomb. The Cougars are 13-3 in playoff games at home in their history as a school, three of them were over Lake Orion in 2004 in the district semifinals, 2005 and 2007 were in the Regional Final.

But this game will be in Lake Orion. This will be Macomb Dakota's first ever trip to Lake Orion.

The last time the 2006 and 2007 Division One state champions were in Oakland County they fell to Clarkston in the 2009 Regional Finals.

In the district finals last week, the Cougars scored 35 second half points, winning 42-17 over Macomb L’Anse Creuse North last week while the Dragons came back from 7-0 down in a defensive slug-fest to beat Utica Eisenhower 10-7.

Macomb Dakota has not fair well on the road in the playoffs in the last three seasons. Three seasons ago they lost to Clarkston. Two seasons ago the Cougars went to Detroit and lost to Detroit Cass Tech. Last season the Cougars were shut out by Utica Eisenhower at Swienhart field.

Lake Orion two seasons ago won a state championship but lost to Walled Lake Central last season in the playoffs.

Macomb Dakota comes into the game at 10-1, with their only loss to Dearborn Fordson in week one 27-17. The schedule was interesting though in the MAC Red. The Cougars played Dearborn Fordson, Utica Eisenhower (without running back Shane King), and Romeo all at home while they played Sterling Heights Stevenson (week two) and Chippewa Valley on the road.

Macomb Dakota this season have played its team regular season opponents that are a combined 12-24 away from Macomb. Lake Orion has played its team regular season opponents at home with a combined 30-15 record.

The Cougars have scored 407 points this season, which is 36.1 points per game this season but its defense have allowed 146 points, which is 13.2 points per game.

The Dragons have scored 380 points this season, which is 34.5 points per game but its defense has allowed 110 points, which is ten points per game.

In the playoffs this season Macomb Dakota has been a slow first half team but in the second half they have been very good. Lake Orion has struggled in two of it's last three games in the first half but are also a very good second half team.

Macomb Dakota coach Mike Giannone is officially the dean of the Macomb Area Conference Red after Utica Eisenhower Coach Bob Lantzsy retired.

The Cougars strength is their defense. Macomb Dakota runs a 4-3 defense and is very fast. Macomb Dakota was second in the MAC Red in points allowed, behind Utica Eisenhower. (Lake Orion was first in points allowed in the OAA Red at 11.4 points per game.)

Macomb Dakota is led by senior middle linebacker Clay Prickett. Prickett had a sack and had safety against Chippewa Valley two weeks ago. Also they have strong side linebacker Nicko Salvich, who is also a power running back. He had a one yard touchdown run last week and sophomore weak side linebacker Dimtri Abro. Abro had a huge game against Chippewa Valley and L’Anse Creuse North making key plays, even earning prases from his teammates. The Cougars are deep in their 4-3 scheme up front, led by Tommy Yombar (defensive end), Christian Gore (defensive end), Tony Balabani (defensive tackle), and Brandon Lozon (defensive tackle.) Mustafa Abdur-Redman, Connor Wonsowicz, and David Basirico are a part of a very good secondary. They can tackle very well and all of them are fast and talented.

The Cougars do have a very good kicking game and is one of their strengths. Macomb Dakota has a good field goal kicker in Pasquale Madonna. The punter is Josh Reuber. Reuber has a good leg and can punt the ball deep if need to.

Abdur-Redman is the punt and kickoff returner for Macomb Dakota. He had two interceptions on defense and had an 88 yard kickoff return untouched against the Crusaders. He is very fast and quick, probably the Cougars most speedy and dangerous player. Also he had a 33 yard return that set up a touchdown against Chippewa Valley.

Macomb Dakota is a spread, screen, and option team. They have speed and have a big and experienced offensive line led by senior center Mitch Gralewski and junior left guard Greg Brohl. The Cougars added a Tennessee transfer Jason Carley to play right tackle along with others. This is a very deep Macomb Dakota offensive line.

The Cougars have always ha a tradition at the quarterback position ever since the days of James Stallons, Matt Morris, and Mitch Lovett. This season they are led by quarterback Richmon Rendor. Rendor has had a strong season ever since Giannone looked at him during a baseball game and named him his starting quarterback. He does have a very good arm and can throw it down the field. So far this season, Render has thrown over 1,300 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions, five of his interceptions were against Chippewa Valley. Render is a very accurate and hasn’t lost a fumble all season.

Render’s top receiver is Angelo DiMaggio. DiMaggo caught a 60 yard touchdown pass from Render against L'Anse Creuse North. Macomb Dakota's second best receiver is Cory Chase. Chase had a 38 yard reception from Render setting up a touchdown two weeks ago against Chippewa Valley. Wonsowicz will also play receiver at times and is also on special teams did block a punt two weeks ago against the Big Reds. It is also possible that Abdur-Redman will get some touches as well at receiver with his dangerous speed.

The Cougars like to run the ball as well as spread it out. Macomb Dakota has two good running backs led by Nick Cattaneo. Cattaneo was a linebacker last season, he moved to running back for this season. Last week, Cattaneo had 116 yards and two touchdowns against the Crusaders. He had 26 carries for 136 yards for two scores but 20 carries for 110 yards were in the second half and two touchdowns against the Big Reds.

Another Macomb Dakota running back is Matt Crossley. Crossley can catch short passes and also runs well. He had a 57 yard touchdown run along with a six yard touchdown pass last week.

This is a very good match up of speed and athletes on both sides. Both teams will come in having good defenses and have different personalities especially on offense. So this will be an interesting match up to watch Friday night in Lake Orion.

OAA Recap. Week 11.

Written Saturday November 3rd, at 4:30 PM

The District finals in the OAA are now complete. Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Oak Park are going to the regional finals. Lake Orion survived Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston blew out Grand Blanc, and Oak Park beat Southfield in overtime.

Southfield, Avondale, and Oxford all lost their games. Southfield lost to Oak Park in overtime, Avondale got blown out by Orchard Lake St. Marys, and Oxford lost to Birmingham Brother Rice in the postseason.

BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT: Lake Orion 10, Utica Eisenhower 7: The Dragons overcame a 7-0 deficit early after a kickoff return for a touchdown and ended up scoring a touchdown with 1:58 left in the game then they got a huge defensive stop against the Eagles sending them to their fifth district title in seven years.

TOUGH LOSS: Oak Park 19, Southfield 12 O/T: The Knights and Blue Jays went down to the wire yet again but it was the Knights who won it again. Oak Park beat Southfield in the regular season meeting 24-18 and now they have beaten them once again. It is not easy beating a team twice, you got to feel bad for the Blue Jays.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Birmingham Brother Rice 38, Oxford 6: The Wildcats play in the White. They played this season against Lake Orion, Southfield, Adams, Oak Park, Harrison, and Farmington but to lay an egg like this against the Warriors (who is a very good team in its standards) is kind of rough. I thought Oxford would be competitive in this game but not get blown out like this. Brother Rice out rushed Oxford by an alarming 313-49, unbelievable.

Week 11 Big Games:

Macomb Dakota at Lake Orion: The Cougars are 3-0 all time against the Dragons in the playoffs but all of the games were in Macomb. This game is in Lake Orion and Macomb Dakota has to travel. In what is going to be a toss up game both Lake Orion and Macomb Dakota have played only two common opponents, Utica Eisenhower and Sterling Heights Stevenson. Macomb Dakota however has not played a tough opponent on the road since Chippewa Valley. So far the Cougars have played Utica Eisenhower, Dearborn Fordson, and Romeo all at home this season. This game will be on Friday.

Rockford at Clarkston: This is the first time that both the Rams and Wolves will meet. Clarkston has a big offensive line and a power running back. Rockford runs so many different formations that it could give the Wolves fits but have a suspect defense. If I’m Clarkston’s defensive coordinator, I’d be getting a telephone book to study Coach Ralph Munger’s playbook, his playbook is insane. The only good thing here for Clarkston is that they don’t get to travel to Kent County. Kent County travels to them in the form of Rockford. They could likely meet Saturday with the four hour ride across the state (75 mile rule unless both Athletic Directors agree to the Friday match up) but knowing Clarkston Athletic Director, Dan Fife, he would like for the game to be on a Friday.

Oak Park at Wyandotte Roosevelt: The Knights went overtime to eliminate Southfield from the playoffs 19-12 in Knight Valley. This was the first ever district championship in Knights football history. Oak Park will now have to travel to Wyandotte to take on the Bears. Wyandotte Roosevelt beat Taylor Truman 9-0 in Taylor. Both these teams have not played any common opponents this season. This game will likely be on Friday.

It wasn't a surprise that three unbeaten teams fell this week. In division one, the Plymouth Wildcats got their revenge against the Livonia Churchill Chargers 20-14. In division three Milan fell to Tecumseh 26-6 and in division six, Schoolcraft fell to Constantine 40-27. So it hasn't been a good week for unbeaten teams unless your name is Clarkston.

We'll see what happens next week folks.

Dragons Fall to Wolves in a tough five game match

Written Saturday November 3rd, at 4:15 PM

Sometimes dreams are made and sometimes dreams are never meant to be.

That’s what happened to the Lake Orion volleyball team against Clarkston.

The tenth ranked Dragons suffered a heartbreaking loss in the district finals to the second ranked Wolves in five games 25-21, 15-25, 25-17, 23-25, 10-15 at Romeo High School.

Lake Orion came from behind on six different occasions in the first set to beat Clarkston 25-21. The first set was led by Tess Marshall, Melanie Heath, Sophie Murdock, Hannah Murdock, and Rebecca Sylvain. Clarkston led 21-19. However after a Dragons timeout, Murdock then took over with a kill and the Dragons went on a 6-0 run to win the match.

Clarkston used its horses in the second game. Rachel Dickerson, Sarah Bullen, Brianna Frakes, Emily Popp, Kelly Konjarevich, and Katie Chadwell took advantage of several Dragons mistakes and good plays winning 25-15. Clarkston had a 10-1 run early giving them a 14-6 lead and eventually outscored the Dragons 11-9 tied the match at one a peace.

So now the match became a best of three.

The third game was all Lake Orion. The Dragons never trailed. Clarkston made three net errors leading to the Dragons rally. The Dragons never looked back after Heath's kill to making the score 25-17 and a two games to one lead for the Dragons.

The fourth set was tense drama. The match went back and fourth with kills and errors on both sides. The lead went back and fourth several times before Clarkston made it two point edge at 22-20 then the Dragons tied it up 23-23. Clarkston then got a kill from Bullen and then Chadwell's block gave the Wolves a 25-23 win, setting up game five.

The fifth game was tight with both team's seasons on the line. Clarkston took advantage early by going up 2-0 but Lake Orion responded by tying it up 2-2 then quickly the Wolves gained control behind Dickerson going up 10-6 and then 14-9. The last point was a side out giving Clarkston their sixth district championship in a row.

Murdock finished with 23 kills. Gabby Kalugar had 29 digs. Heath and Kayla Rockey had six blocks each for the Dragons.

Dickerson had 22 kills, seven in the fifth game. Emily Popp had 29 digs. Frakes had 39 assists for the Wolves

I thought both teams made mistakes with service errors and missed assignments but they did make some great plays, kills, digs, assists, you name it. I didn’t think Lake Orion did a good job containing Dickerson. Dickerson was a force all game and basically took over the match herself. The Dragons at times did a good job shutting down Katie Chadwell, Kelly Konjarevich, and their young players.

I also didn’t think that Clarkston did a good job stopping the short tips from Rebecca Sylvain and the kills from Murdock, Heath, and Marshall. Clarkston did a good job shutting down the Dragons middle in Sophie Murdock, Murdock was not her true self in the game at all.

I also thought that Clarkston would have tired legs after their five set game with Romeo and the low ceiling would favor Lake Orion but it wasn't meant to be.

It’s sad that someone had to lose this match. Both teams were in the state semifinals and were split up last season. These are two state powers going up against each other but there was nothing you can do about it.

Clarkston (52-6-1) will move on to the regional semifinals on Tuesday at Rochester against the Utica Eisenhower Eagles.

The Dragons in their first season under Ross Talbott finished the season at 47-18 and 8-1 in the Red. The future is very bright but they do lose Sophie Murdock, Rachel Livingway, Sabrina Cottrell, Kiana Brown, Sylvain, Heath, Kalugar, and Emillie Kipp. The Dragons will return Hannah Murdock, Marshall, Ally Shinouskis, Rachel Giwa, Hannah Sucicu, and Kayla Rockey for next season. The Dragons will be back next season and expect them to be one of the favorites in the Red yet again.

Sometimes it’s not meant to be and that's the sad part of it.

Just another Orion Eisenhower game going down to the wire yet again

Written Saturday November 3rd, at 12:22 AM

The word never stop believing is quite an understatement.

What happened Friday is any typical Lake Orion-Utica Eisenhower football game, it would be low scoring and good defense from both teams.

It was just another typical Orion/Eisenhower game.

A four yard quarterback bootleg keeper by Lake Orion senior quarterback Derrick DeLaura with 1:58 left in the game sent the Dragons to a 10-7 victory over the Eagles in the region four district one championship game, winning its fifth district title in seven years.

The game however got started with a bang.

Dragons kicker Jeremy King kicked the opening kickoff toward Eagles running back/kick returner Jay Miron. Miron took the ball past seven Dragons defenders and returned it 97 yards to the house for an Eagles touchdown. The touchdown sent players, coaches, and fans on the Eisenhower sideline to a frenzy for a 7-0 lead, 15 seconds into the game.

Lake Orion thought it tied the game with an 80 yard punt return for a touchdown by Nick Booker but it was called back by an illegal block in the back penalty. On that drive, DeLaura threw an interception in Eagles territory to defensive lineman Ethan Hines ending the drive with 8:53 left in the first half and Eisenhower still up by a touchdown.

The Dragons got a 33 yard field goal from King with 1:04 left the second quarter, making the score 7-3 Eagles. That would be the score at halftime and at the end of the third quarter.

Eisenhower did get an opportunity to score again in the third quarter after Adam Figlan blocked a Brad Schaenzer punt to the Lake Orion 16 yard line with 3:54 remaining in the third quarter. However the Eagles could not convert. Quarterback Joe Zerafa was sacked for an 11 yard loss and then a pass play to running back Shane King lost four yards and then on fourth down, instead of taking the three points Eisenhower went for it, Zerafa completed the pass to Dan Chmielewski for 18 yards but it wasn’t enough for the first down and the Eagles turned the ball over on downs.

The winning score was set up by a halfback pass by Cory Ester to Chaz Miller 32 yard pass through three Eagles defenders to the Eisenhower 31 yard line and then after that a few plays later DeLaura found Miller for an 11 yard gain to the Eagles six yard line. One play after that the bootleg by DeLaura happened on an 11 play, 74 yard drive.

After the DeLaura touchdown, the Dragons made a defensive stand, stopping Zerafa and crew on four downs giving Lake Orion the ball at the Eisenhower 16 yard line before running out the rest of the clock.

Utica Eisenhower only had 75 yards the whole game. Zerafa was 10-14 passing for 55 yards.

Lake Orion had 197 yards for the whole game (109 rushing, 92 passing.) DeLaura was 6-11 passing for 60 yards with an interception. Miller had five catches for 81 yards and Jacob Miller had 20 carries for 51 yards.

This is the third time that the Dragons have beaten the Eagles since 2008 all at Lake Orion. Eisenhower has lost the three games by a combined 17 points. The Dragons previously beat the Eagles 7-0 in the district semifinals in 2008 and 17-10 in the regional finals in 2010.

The Dragons (10-1) move on to the regional finals where they host the Macomb Dakota, Cougars. The Cougars like Lake Orion is also 10-1. The only loss was to Dearborn Fordson in week one 35-21 at home, won ten straight since. Macomb Dakota is the MAC Red champions and is 3-0 all time against the Dragons but the difference was all three games in the series were all in Macomb. This time it’s in Lake Orion.

Macomb Dakota beat Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 42-17 in Macomb on Friday to get here. It should be yet a good match up yet again on Friday night.

Dragons sweep Wildcats. Await Wolves on Saturday. Orion/Clarkston the sequel

Written Thursday November 1st, at 10:20 PM

The rematch is set.

The eighth ranked Dragons swept the Oxford Wildcats 25-15, 25-15, and 25-16 setting the stage for a rematch with second ranked Clarkston at Romeo on Saturday. 

The last time the Dragons and Wolves met, it was the Red title game with Clarkston coming out on top in a tough five game series including an 18-16 win in game five. The Dragons did not have Hannah Murdock for most of the game and did not return.

I wan't surprised that Lake Orion won in three games against Oxford. Hannah Murdock, Hannah Sucuiu, and Tess Marshall are back from injuries. The Dragons controlled tempo early and often. The closest that the Wildcats could get to the Dragons was 15-10 in the third set. From then on Lake Orion was in cruse control against their rivals to the north.

I was very surprised that Clarkston went five games with Romeo. The Wolves survived 25-23, 21-25, 19-25, 25-11, and 15-5 over Romeo. Clarkston outscored the Bulldogs 40-16 in the final two games, it was something that the Wolves have not seen all season long. With all the talent Clarkston has with Rachel Dickerson, Brianna Frakes, Katie Chadwell, Sarah Bullen, Emily Popp, among others to see them in that was shocking. I think Romeo’s crowd was a huge factor, especially in the second and third games and also the low ceiling of Romeo's small gym but in the end the Wolves found a way to win setting up the match with Lake Orion for the district crown.

It would had been more shocking if Clarkston had lost.

Both teams went to the state semifinals last season but only one will go to the regional finals on Tuesday at Birmingham Marian.

I’m not sure how this match will go. This match has five games written all over it just like the last meeting. That could favor the Dragons being that their win over Oxford was in three games while the Wolves went five.

Lake Orion should be motivated after losing to Clarkston a few weeks ago for the Red title. If the Dragons can play like they are capable of playing then they will be fine heading into this rematch of arch rivals.

Clarkston meanwhile has played a total of eight games in the playoffs. The Wolves have been battle tested in going the distance (Romeo) and winning easily (Adams.) Clarkston has been a resultant team in these playoffs so far.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Clarkston has some tired legs early by going five games with Romeo. Both teams will be a bit tired from watching their respective football games (Lake Orion: Eisenhower. Clarkston: Grand Blanc,) so that’s a wash right there but will be energized once the match begins. I think the first team who sets their will on the match up will win this match. Lake Orion (likely will wear either white or black) will be deemed the home team or the Romeo side in the match up being the top team on the draw while Clarkston (likely will wear either blue or yellow) will be on the Guests side.

This match will be interesting once again, two heavyweights going at it one last time but who wins, nobody knows.