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.