2013 OAA Football Previews

Written Wednesday August 7th, at 5:45 PM

Dragons Den: Top 10 Teams (Week One)

1. Southfield Blue Jays

Finished last season 7-3, 3^rd White: lost to Oak Park 19-12 OT in the District Finals

Points Scored: 277 points (25.1 ppg): Points Against: 172 points (15.6 ppg)

Projected Record: 8-1, 7-0 White.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Oxford, Week Six: The Blue Jays have difficult games early in the season with Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State, at Oak Park, and hosts Harrison and Adams but going north of M-59 has been a huge problem for the Blue Jays in the past. Southfield was blown out on the blue turf 49-26 in 2011 and lost 34-20 to Adams in Rochester last season. The Blue Jays hammered the Wildcats 49-7 at Southfield last season and with its new additions this game appears to be a cakewalk for Southfield however not so fast, Oxford has not lost a regular season home game since Farmington 32-31 and Adams 26-20 in the playoffs in 2011. This game could have upset written all over it for the Blue Jays especially going up against a pound the rock team that loves clock possession on its home field.

2. Clarkston Wolves

Finished last season 11-1, 1^st Red: lost to Rockford 25-14 in the Regional Finals

Points Scored: 424 points (35.3 ppg): Points Against: 159 points (13.2 ppg)

Projected Record: 8-1, 7-0 Red.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Rochester Adams, Week One: The Wolves are still trying to get rid of last season’s 25-14 playoff loss to Rockford returns tons of talent from last season’s team. Clarkston will have six division one players for 2013 but has questions at quarterback, wide receiver, and at linebacker. The schedule later in the year is tough with home games against Stoney Creek, Lake Orion, and the crossover. The Wolves open up on the road against an improved Highlanders team. Rochester Adams has won three straight games going back to last season. One of those wins was against Southfield 34-20 on its home field. Last season the Wolves beat the Highlanders 42-28. If Clarkston doesn’t win this game then they could be in trouble.

3. Lake Orion Dragons

Finished last season 11-2, 2^nd Red: lost to Detroit Cass Tech 34-27 in the State Semifinals

Points Scored: 478 points (36.7 ppg): Points Against: 179 points (13.7 ppg)

Projected Record: 8-1, 6-1 Red.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Oxford, Week One: The Dragons just off their third state semifinal appearance in five years has questions at quarterback, linebacker, and the left side of the offensive line after losing playmakers at those positions to graduation. Last season, Lake Orion trailed Oxford 10-0 at the half before scoring 17 unanswered second half points to stun the Wildcats 17-10. The last time the Dragons were in the blue turf was the inaugural game called the battle on M-24 (Lapeer Road.) Oxford opened it up with ease and stunned Lake Orion 41-20 in 2011. The Dragons were not the same team after that game and ended up being upset in the playoffs by Walled Lake Central. The road schedule is very difficult for Lake Orion with games at Stoney Creek, Troy at Ford Field, and at Clarkston in week eight. If the Dragons want to make a statement in 2013 they must win this game.

4. Oxford Wildcats

Finished last season 7-4, 4^th White: lost to Birmingham Brother Rice 38-6 in the District Finals

Points Scored: 272 points (24.7 ppg: Points Against: 224 points (22.1 ppg)

Projected Record: 6-3, 5-2 White.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Lake Orion, Week One: If there is one game that Wildcats fans look forward to it’s the Orion game. The Dragons stunned the Wildcats last season 17-10 behind a strong second half from Lake Orion. Oxford did manage to recover from that defeat with huge wins over Adams, Harrison, Troy, and Oak Park, which took them to the postseason. The Wildcats have not lost a home game since 2011, Rochester Adams 26-20 in the playoffs and in the regular season since losing to Farmington 32-31. If the Wildcats want to make the playoffs they have to go through the White vaunted schedule but getting a win over their southern rivals from M-24 would be a good start to that process.

5. Stoney Creek Cougars

Finished last season 5-4, 3^rd Red: did not make postseason

Points Scored: 266 points (29.5 ppg): Points Against: 194 points (21.5 ppg)

Projected Record: 7-2, 5-2 Red.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Troy, Week Three: The Cougars rode a three game winning streak after it’s painful loss to Clarkston from a season ago into the Southfield game but fell 25-15 in the last week of the regular season. Stoney Creek could had afforded the Lake Orion and Clarkston losses and even the loss to Southfield but the loss that took them out of the playoffs was a home loss to Troy 19-14. If the Cougars won that game then they would had been in the playoffs for the first time since 2007 (lost to Birmingham Brother Rice in the Division Two first round.) Stoney Creek should be undefeated heading into the Troy game but the defense will be a major concern along with its depth. The Colts will be battle tested after having to play at Romeo in week one so if Stoney Creek can get this game then they will be in good shape especially having to play Lake Orion and Clarkston in a span of two weeks, if not then it could be a re-run of last season.

6. Rochester Adams Highlanders

Finished last season 4-5, 6^th White: did not make postseason

Points Scored: 230 points (25.5 ppg): Points Against: 198 points (22 ppg)

Projected Record: 5-4, 5-2 White.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Farmington Hills Harrison, Week Two: The Highlanders come into the 2013 season after with motivation after missing the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons and the first under coach Tony Patrino. Adams has won three straight games to close out the season which included wins over Rochester (31-7) and Southfield (34-20.) The Highlanders returns some talent at quarterback and also at running back. The game that will make or break their season is the Clarkston game. The Wolves beat Adams 42-28 at Clarkston last season and the Highlanders have won three straight games coming into this home contest. Now this game was originally supposed to be played at Ford Field but the sponsor Forgotten Harvest couldn’t get the money to do the classic so the game got moved to Rochester. Adams has a daunting task after the Clarkston game and if they lose this game then they have the Hawks the next week. The Highlanders lost 19-7 to Harrison in Rochester and should be motivated to get some revenge after what happened last season. If Adams beat Clarkston then this will give them great confidence, especially with the schedule with games against Oak Park and Oxford at home and a trip to Southfield is never pleasant so they need this game if they want to make the playoffs.

7. Oak Park Knights

Finished last season 8-4, 1^st White: lost to Wyandotte Roosevelt 10-6 in Regional Finals

Points Scored: 294 points (24.5 ppg): Points Against: 209 points (17.4 ppg)

Projected Record: 5-4, 4-3 White.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Farmington, Week Four: The Knights won the White last season and do come into 2013 with motivation after making the playoffs for the first time since 2005 but suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss to Wyandotte Roosevelt 10-6 in the regional finals. The schedule is absolutely brutal this season with only two games in Knight Valley and they are against Oxford and Southfield. Oak Park has to play Orchard Lake Saint Marys at Wayne State to open the season. The Knights have road trips to Adams, Harrison, and the crossover. If Oak Park wants to make the playoffs then they need to win the Farmington game. The Falcons lost a lot of talent from a season ago but their junior varsity team was good and also Farmington added some transfers from Farmington Hills Harrison. Oak Park beat Farmington 20-15 in Knight Valley last season. This game is that the Knights really need for confidence issues and it could help them get into the playoffs.

8. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks

Finished last season 6-3, 5^th White: lost to Fenton 22-19 in First Round

Points Scored: 327 points (32.7 ppg): Points Against: 167 points (16.7 ppg)

Projected Record: 5-4, 4-3 White.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Southfield, Week Five: Harrison returns a healthy running back for the season and should have an impact on the season and especially this game with Southfield. Harrison went into Southfield and beat the Blue Jays by two touchdowns (28-14 in 2011.) The Blue Jays returned the favor as they trailed 20-3 at halftime in Farmington and came back with a strong second half to beat the Hawks 27-20 last season. Southfield added some top transfers from other school in the state and always had the athletes to compete. Harrison has always been a state power under legionary coach John Herrington, winning state championships and league titles whether in the Kensington Valley Conference or the OAA in the history at Farmington Hills Harrison. This game with the Blue Jays will tell a lot where Harrison will be at this season and teams like Adams, Oxford, Farmington, and Oak Park all have to come to Herrington Field. If Harrison can win this game then the playoffs and possibly a chance to win the White will be a safe bet.

9. Avondale Yellow Jackets

Finished last season 9-2, 1^st Blue: lost to Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s 49-14 in the District Finals

Points Scored: 363 points (33 ppg): Points Against: 206 points (18.7 ppg)

Projected Record: 8-1, 6-1 Blue.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Birmingham Seaholm, Week Two: The Yellow Jackets finished 8-1 last season before losing in the district finals to Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s for the second season in a row. Avondale’s only loss was at Birmingham, when the Maples stunned Avondale and won by two touchdowns 28-15. The Yellow Jackets is one of the favorites to contend in the Blue this season but the Birmingham Seaholm game is huge because if they can win this game it would wipe the bad taste out of the mouth from a season ago. Avondale has a difficult road schedule in 2013. The Yellow Jackets will travel to Hazel Park, Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, and North Farmington this season but they also host Berkley in a game that could have playoff implications. Avondale needs the Birmingham Seaholm for confidence reasons even though they will kick off the season with a trip to Wayne County to play Redford Union. Redford Union should be a win for the Yellow Jackets.

10. North Farmington Raiders

Finished last season 3-6, 7^th White: did not make postseason

Projected Record: 8-1, 6-1 Blue.

GAME OF THE YEAR: at Birmingham Seaholm, Week Three: The Raiders re-enter the Blue from the White after a three win season from a year ago. North Farmington should be 2-0 heading into the Birmingham Seaholm game thus being careful of the Bay City John Glenn game. The experience from playing in the White should help the Raiders in this game against the Maples. Last season, Birmingham Seaholm was knocked out of the playoffs by Oxford, a team in the White that beat North Farmington by a touchdown 36-28. The Raiders have Avondale, Berkley, and Hazel Park at home but the trips to Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves and Royal Oak will be tricky games for North Farmington this season. It could be a special season in the north side of Farmington Hills if things go right.

Red Projections (Italic: Playoffs)

Clarkston                   7-0       8-1      (Proj Crossover: Southfield)

Lake Orion                 6-1       8-1      (Proj Crossover: Harrison)

Stoney Creek              5-2       7-2      (Proj Crossover: Adams)

Troy Athens                4-3       5-4      (Proj Crossover: Oxford)

Troy                            3-4       4-5      (Proj Crossover: Farmington)

Rochester                   2-5       3-6      (Proj Crossover: Oak Park)

West Bloomfield         1-6       2-7      (Proj Crossover: Lathrup)

Pontiac                       0-7       0-9      (Proj Crossover: Bloomfield Hills)

Top Ten Games that will make an impact on League

1. Lake Orion at Clarkston (Week Eight)- Dragons looking for revenge after a 1^st and 37 late in the game led to an touchdown from Clarkston in last season’s 21-14 loss to the Wolves.

2. Clarkston at Adams (Week One)- Wolves quest to Ford Field starts here but the Highlanders have won three in a row since last season.

3. Lake Orion at Oxford (Week One)- This game was a tale of two halves, are we in store for more fireworks?

4. Stoney Creek at Troy (Week Three)- The Colts cost the Cougars a trip to the playoffs last season by winning 19-14 in Rochester. Think Stoney Creek wants to return the favor for what happened that night.

5. Lake Orion at Stoney Creek (Week Four)- Could be the biggest game in Stoney Creek’s seventh year as a school. This is a very dangerous game for the Dragons.

6. Stoney Creek at Clarkston (Week Five)- Cougars were up by two scores late, only to see Ian Erickson and the Wolves steal it at the end 28-21. Stoney Creek will be ready for this one.

7. Troy at Romeo (Week One)- The Colts beat the Bulldogs 24-20 at Troy last season but Dan Barnabo field is a tricky place for visitors especially those in the MAC Red. The Colts need this one if they want to think playoffs.

8. Lake Orion vs. Troy (Ford Field: Week Five)- The Dragons will have experience being at Ford Field for the Gridiron Classic. The Colts need this game if they want to make the playoffs.

9. Troy Athens at Warren Mott (Week One)- The Red Hawks gave up 496 rushing yards last season and were blown out 41-6 at home by the Marauders. Think the Red Hawks have forgotten that game, it cost them their whole season.

10. Stoney Creek at West Bloomfield (Week Six)- It will be the first time that these two teams got back together since the ugly brawl at Rochester from a season ago.

FAVORITE: Clarkston: This season maybe Clarkston’s best chance if they want to get to Ford Field. The Wolves return a lot of talent and experience from a team that went undefeated last season and took out Davison (41-0) and Grand Blanc (35-19) in the process. The program itself (Freshman and Junior Varsity) went undefeated as well. The Wolves combined went 29-1, if you include the playoffs. Clarkston coach Kurt Richardson might have his most talented team that he has had, since 2009. The Wolves have a lot of individual talent led by offensive/defensive lineman Nick Matich who is going to Western Michigan along with cornerback/wide receiver Tim Cason while defensive lineman David Beddle is going to Michigan State next season. Running back Ian Erickson had two thousand yards and 34 touchdowns last season will go to Eastern Michigan next season and kicker Shane Hynes returns as well and committed to Kent State. Clarkston led the Red defensibly only allowing 159 points (13.2 ppg) but only 67 points in league play (under nine ppg.) The Wolves were second in the Red in offense scoring with 424 points (35.3 ppg) and 251 points in league play (35.8 ppg) last season. Clarkston will have questions at quarterback, either D.J. Zezula or Cane Watlington will be the starter with the loser of that quarterback battle will likely play the slot wide receiver. The Wolves will have juniors Adam Matich on the offensive line and tight end Cole Chewins, which should add some depth for the Wolves. Another question that could derail a trip to Ford Field, is can the Wolves throw the deep ball on a consistent basis if the running attack is shut down? It hurt them in the playoff loss to Rockford when Clarkston had to abandon the run when they were trailing. The schedule is very friendly for Clarkston and they could be undefeated once again but the quarterback issue along with a passing game could hurt this team once again deep in the playoffs if they don’t get this addressed. Clarkston is not the greatest of home teams, considering the last three seasons they were ousted from the postseason at home (2010: Grand Blanc, 2011: Walled Lake Central, 2012: Rockford.)

NEXT BEST: Lake Orion: The Dragons went to the State Semifinals for the third time in five years after beating Sterling Heights Stevenson (35-0), Utica Eisenhower (10-7), and Macomb Dakota (51-35) before falling to Detroit Cass Tech 34-27 on a controversial extra point last season. Three seasons ago, Lake Orion was state champions (2010) in Division One. The Dragons enter the season having some questions at quarterback especially with Derrick DeLaura graduating last season and Sean Charette two seasons ago, that could be decided with either Kyle Bell or Connor Grant getting the nod week one against Oxford. The running game is there in the form of Zach Arnold, Cory Ester, Matt Krause, Chris Leigh, Dominic Giovinazoo, and Zach Serzo. The question is everyone’s mind will be how will Dragons coach Chris Bell use them? It is possible that one or more of these running backs can play wide receiver. The Dragons were top dogs on offense in the Red last season scoring 478 points (36.7 ppg) but 295 points in league play (42.1 ppg.) The Lake Orion offensive line has some questions heading into 2013. They will have Nick Sally returning on the right side of the offensive line but will need someone to step up from the left side of the line. They do have some candidates who can fill that area but they will be young there. The Dragons defense is a concern especially up front with only one starter back on the defensive line and linebacker is a major concern but Lake Orion will have a good secondary to lean on, this season. The Dragons lost Derrick Williams and Nick Booker to graduation but players like Brendan Rourke, Bell, Grant, Aaron Hughes, and Austin Taylor should be key players in the Dragons defense. Lake Orion allowed 179 points (13 ppg) and in league play, allowed 75 points (10.5 ppg.) The schedule you can say is 50-50, the road slate is brutal with trips to Oxford, Stoney Creek, and Clarkston. Troy is at Ford Field and the crossover game will be tough as well this season.

DARK-HORSE: Stoney Creek: This maybe the best class to come out athletically at Stoney Creek since the days of Phil Swanson during the early years of Stoney Creek becoming a high school. The Cougars lost a 25-15 heartbreaker to Southfield in the final week of the regular season. The loss cost Stoney Creek (5-4 in 2012) a trip to the playoffs last season, which would have been the first time since 2007. In Coach Brad Zube’s second season at the helm, the Cougars return a lot of talent in the triple option attack but the expectations are much higher thanks to this class’s performance together. Stoney Creek scored 266 points, which was third in the Red (29.5 ppg) and 196 points in league play (28 ppg) last season. The Cougars returns quarterback Joe Cox who is a duel threat along with running back and slot wide receiver Shawn Scullen along with Justin Allor. Scullen had a big season scoring ten touchdowns last season and can play quarterback, throws the football very well. (Lake Orion when Cox was out last season because of injury) Cox, Allor, and Scullen will put up some points this season because of the triple option attack. Brady and Beru Stabelin will be big on both offensive and defensive lines this season for Stoney Creek. The Cougars defense will be a major concern. The Stoney Creek defense allowed 194 points (21.5 ppg) and 162 points (21.1 ppg) in league play last season but if their offense can stay on the field it would help the defense a lot. Another major concern will be the depth on the team. A lot of Cougars go two ways on both sides of the football. The schedule is manageable to start for Stoney Creek with Royal Oak on the road and Pontiac at home but the Troy game will be tricky. The Cougars should be motivated after losing 19-14 to the Colts last season. Another reason why is that game with Troy is on the road. If Stoney Creek can win that game over the Colts then the two games week four and week five will tell a lot in Stoney Creek’s season when Lake Orion comes to Rochester and the Cougars travel to Clarkston. If the Cougars can get a strong season from Scullen and Cox then Stoney Creek could return to the postseason for the first time since 2007.

TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were 6-3 in 2011 and lost a five overtime 34-31 playoff game to Romeo in the first round at Troy. Last season was just a disaster for the Red Hawks which finished at 2-7. This season if Troy Athens wants to return to the playoffs then they have to improve as a team especially defensibly where their run defense was absolutely horrible. The Red Hawks allowed the sixth most points in the Red last season at 266 points (29.5 ppg) and in Red play allowed 218 points (31.1 ppg.) Troy Athens returns tight end and basketball standout Lucas Bezerra, whom will go to Western Michigan next season for football. Bezerra will be counted on to score more for Coach Terry Heppener’s pro formation attack which scored 156 points (17.4 ppg) and 120 points (17.1 ppg.) Bezerra had over 500 yards and five touchdowns last season. Also keep an eye on quarterback Jake Nelson, Nelson is a duel threat quarterback who had a big year from that position with his arm and his running ability. With these two back expect the Red Hawks to try and contend for a playoff spot this season. Troy Athens plays at Warren Mott to kick off the season. The Marauders made the playoffs last season blew out the Red Hawks 41-6 in Troy in the opener. The Red Hawks goes to Lake Orion, Stoney Creek, and Clarkston during the season but hosts Rochester, the crossover, and arch rival Troy in week eight. Troy Athens could have a chance at the playoffs if things go right for them this season.

ANOTHER TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Troy: When you look at a season ago, a team that had some tough luck with injuries and other hurdles, it’s Troy. The Colts theme this season is “What Ever It Takes.” Last season, the Colts beat Romeo at Troy 24-20 but lost to Lake Orion 38-0, Clarkston 28-0, Rochester 13-7 with the Colts forced to go to their third string quarterback and Oxford 34-20. The losses to Rochester and Oxford cost Troy a trip to the playoffs. The Colts were just snake bitten with injuries in 2012, losing key players in key games. Troy beat Stoney Creek 19-14 in Rochester, which was one of their big wins last season along with Romeo. Troy lost running backs Terrance and Torrance Cherry from a season ago along with everyday player quarterback/running back/wide receiver Justin Losey to graduation but the Colts return quarterback Jay Darish and wide receiver/safety and punter Danny Wunderluch along with receivers Derrick Daschke and Eric Flanagan. Darish is a duel threat quarterback, he can throw and run when needed to do so. Darish did miss some time last season due to an injury that he suffered in the Rochester game. He returned for the Lake Orion game and was effective the rest of the season. The question for Coach Gary Griffith’s Colts is who will replace Losey’s production from a season ago. It could Justice Bigelow whom might fit that role in Colt country. Troy does have some questions at the line though, they do replace a lot of experience on both sides of the ball. The Colts will be anchored by Damien Howard Downey on both sides of the ball will help this season. Last season the Colts were just awful on offense especially in league play. Troy scored 93 points in league play (10.3 ppg) and 137 points for the whole season (15.2 ppg.) If the Colts want to contend for a playoff spot they must improve on this number and fast especially with how good Lake Orion’s, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek’s offenses are going to be this season. Troy’s defense wasn’t good either the Colts allowed 191 points (21.3 ppg) or 137 points were allowed in league play (15.2 ppg.) The schedule is not friendly to Troy especially having to go to Dan Barnabo Field to play Romeo. The Bulldogs will be motivated for that game after losing last season to Troy. The Colts play Clarkston, Stoney Creek, and the crossover at home, which will all be tough games for Troy. They get Lake Orion at Ford Field, which won’t be easy and have to go to Troy Athens, which that will be a dangerous game for the Colts in week eight. The Colts beat the Red Hawks in a defensive slugfest 10-7 last season at Troy. If things go right for the Colts then it could be the first time since 2009 that Troy could be back in the postseason.

DREAM SCHEDULE: Clarkston: Yes the Wolves are going to be veteran laden and very talented with Ian Erickson, Nick Matich, Tim Cason, Shane Hynes, and David Beddle going to Division One Schools along with a strong junior class. This maybe Coach Kurt Richardson’s best team he has had at Clarkston but a tough non league game at Adams is always interesting, especially that the Wolves has struggled against teams that have ran the veer offense (Rochester Adams) and the triple option offense (Stoney Creek). Clarkston beat the Highlanders 42-28 last season and escaped the Cougars 28-21. Rockford ran some option last season against them in the playoffs. Also what helps the Wolves is that it’s two toughest competitors in the Red, Stoney Creek and Lake Orion, along with the crossover opponent has to come to Clarkston this season. What really counts for Clarkston is can they get over the hump and get it done in the playoffs.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Lake Orion: Lake Orion just off a State Semifinal appearance for the third time in five seasons, last season appears to be in a bit of a reloading mode especially at quarterback. The home slate of the schedule is not the greatest for the Dragons with games against Troy Athens, West Bloomfield, and Pontiac for it’s homecoming but the road slate is absolutely brutal. Lake Orion plays at Oxford week one and then have dates at Stoney Creek week four, Troy at Ford Field week five, and at Clarkston in week eight. The crossover will be at home and that could be Southfield, Oak Park, Harrison, or Farmington. The Dragons had to survive Oxford 17-10 last season and the Wildcats would like to see a repeat of the 41-20 win in Oxford in 2011. One slip up could mean missing the playoffs for the second time in the Chris Bell era (2000.)

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Pontiac: The Phoenix was 1-8 last season and could be in trouble this season but they will compete for Coach Damion Redmond. Pontiac will have some good lineman coming back in defensive lineman/tight end Dario Franklin, offensive lineman Jaylen Mays and Edwin Jimenez. The best chance for Pontiac to win a game this season is when they travel to Lathrup Village to take on former Pontiac Northern Coach Keith Stephens and his new look Southfield-Lathrup Chargers in week one. Pontiac wanted to go down to the Blue because of the enrollment numbers and the talent is not there but was denied until next season. The Phoenix last season scored 122 points (13.5 ppg) and had 94 points (10.4 ppg) in league play. Pontiac’s defense was not good from a season ago. The Phoenix allowed 296 points (32.8 ppg) and 246 points (27.3 ppg) in league play. The Red is brutal this season for the Phoenix, Pontiac has Clarkston coming to Wisner Stadium for likely will be their homecoming and travels to Lake Orion on their homecoming and goes to Stoney Creek. It could get ugly in Pontiac this season but they will compete in a difficult situation.

FEELINGS: The Red will be a three team race this season with Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek. I can see all three teams making the postseason. It would be the first time since 2007 that Stoney Creek would make the playoffs. Coach Brad Zube has done a magnificent job in year one in Rochester heading into year two and will have the talent to do well this season. The experts will pick Clarkston and they have a good reason too especially with the talent the Wolves have returning along with a good junior class and the schedule with Lake Orion, Stoney Creek, and the crossover having to go to Clarkston. Clarkston does have a playoff jinx, especially wearing blue in the playoffs. The Wolves have lost in four straight years wearing their home blues, including losing in the state semifinals in 2009 to Sterling Heights Stevenson and have lost three straight years at home in the playoffs. Talent doesn’t win you a state championship. You can be talented all you want but you got to get it done in the playoffs and even good talented teams do not always fair well in the playoffs. Lake Orion won a state title in 2010 and didn’t have the most talented team from a season ago that made the state semifinals. The Dragons have quarterback concerns along with the defense and a murderous road slate but they have a lot of talented running backs returning and some talent on defense. Troy Athens returns their quarterback and tight end but the defense is a huge concern, especially its rushing defense. I’m not sold on coach Gary Griffith’s crew at Troy because of their schedule with games at Romeo, Stoney Creek and Clarkston are at home and Lake Orion at Ford Field but they do have their quarterback and a go to wide receiver back. The Colts have an outside shot if things go right at making the playoffs. The Romeo game will give Troy trouble. Rochester will be very young after losing a lot of talent but should do well early with Utica to kick off the season. West Bloomfield has some athletes but the question will loom for coach Ronald Bellmay is he on the hot seat over at West Bloomfield. The Lakers will struggle this season but will have a very good quarterback and basketball standout in sophomore Trishton Jackson to carry them this season. Pontiac will also struggle this season in the Red with the enrollment drop, financial concerns, and lost of talent. Last season, Pontiac won one game and the rest of their losses wasn’t even close. It could be a really tough season for the Phoenix this season.

White Projections (Italic: Playoffs)

Southfield                                   7-0       8-1       (Proj Crossover: Clarkston)

Oxford                                        5-2       6-3       (Proj Crossover: Troy Athens)

Adams                                        5-2       5-4       (Proj Crossover: Stoney Creek)

Oak Park                                    4-3       5-4       (Proj Crossover: Rochester)

Farmington Hills Harrison          4-3       5-4       (Proj Crossover: Orion)

Farmington                                2-5       3-6       (Proj Crossover: Troy)

Bloomfield Hills                         1-6       3-6       (Proj Crossover: Pontiac)

Southfield-Lathrup                    0-7       2-7       (Proj Crossover: W. Bloomfield)

Top Ten Games that will make an impact on League

1. Southfield at Oxford (Week Six)- Blue Jays blew out the Wildcats 49-7 last season in Southfield but Oxford got them 49-26 when the game was at Oxford in 2011.

2. Adams at Southfield (Week Seven)- Blue Jays were shocked 34-20 last season in Rochester, think those who are on the team remember that game???

3. Adams at Harrison (Week Two)- Hawks went into Rochester and beat the Highlanders 21-12, expect this one to be closer in Farmington Hills.

4. Harrison at Southfield (Week Five)- By far this is the rivalry in southern Oakland County. The Hawks won by two touchdowns on Southfield’s home field in 2011 and last season the Blue Jays won in Farmington by a touchdown (27-20) after trailing 20-3, this should be interesting.

5. Oak Park at Harrison (Week Seven)- This is a big game for both teams if they want to see the postseason this year.

6. Oxford at Harrison (Week Three)- Wildcats won a thriller 34-31 in overtime over the Hawks last season think Harrison has forgotten that game???

7. Farmington at Oxford (Week Four)- Falcons survived 32-31 on the blue turf in 2011 and beat the Wildcats 19-13 in overtime in 2012. Oxford will be ready for this game.

8. Oxford at Adams (Week Six)- Wildcats cost the Highlanders a trip to the playoffs a season ago with a 28-16 win. Since 2011, Oxford is 2-1 against Adams but that lone loss was in the playoffs.

9. Lake Orion at Oxford and Clarkston at Adams (Week One)- Wildcats want revenge for what happened in the second half at Lake Orion last season and the Highlanders want to keep the streak going against the Wolves.

10. Southfield vs. Detroit Cass Tech and Oak Park vs. Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s (Wayne State: Week One)- One of the best match ups in the state. Athletes everywhere for this primetime game, this game could be a shootout between the Blue Jays and Technicians. Coach/Athletic Director Greg Carter should know Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s well from his coaching days at Detroit DePorres and Inkster but it’s still a tough match up for his Knights.

FAVORITE: Southfield: The Blue Jays will be very talented, have tons of speed, and athletes yet again under coach Gary Teasley this season. Like Clarkston, this maybe the most talented team that Teasley has had at Southfield. The Blue Jays upset Detroit Martin Luther King 22-19 in the first round of the playoffs and in the regular season 21-20 at Wayne State but lost to Oak Park twice in overtime (24-18, regular season at Southfield, 19-12 playoffs at Oak Park) and Adams (34-20) last season. Southfield scored 277 points (25.1 ppg) and 197 points (17.9 ppg) in league play. The Blue Jays brought in two very good transfers in defensive lineman Malik McDowell and quarterback Jaylen Brady to go along with Michigan defensive lineman recruit Laurence Marshall. McDowell is the state’s number one recruit transferred from Detroit Loyola and has several offers from Alabama, Louisiana State, Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Southern California, Notre Dame, and Florida. McDowell along with Marshall should help a defense that led the White in points allowed. Southfield allowed 172 points (15.6 ppg) and 99 points (11 ppg) in league play last season. Brady transferred from Grand Ledge and has committed to Bowling Green for college will be the starter week one against Detroit Cass Tech. Beside these three players, the Blue Jays will have other talented players on it’s team this season like offensive tackle Chukes Okorafor who will play at Western Michigan next season, defensive lineman Lion King Conway, lineman Chris Williams, linebackers Jordan Cry, Jacob Studdard, slot-back Jordan Billingshea (who committed to Western Michigan), safety Cartelis Carter, and wide receiver/defensive backs Varandre and DeAndre White (both twin brothers.) Southfield will be a state title contender in Division Two in 2013 but the schedule is brutal and challenging to say the least. The Blue Jays open up the season with the game at Wayne State against Detroit Cass Tech and then have tough road games at Oak Park and Oxford along with home games against Harrison and Adams. It wouldn’t be a surprise that Southfield would meet Birmingham Brother Rice down the road in the playoffs this season.

NEXT BEST: Oxford: Oxford comes into the 2013 season with high expectations especially with whom they return on offense. The Wildcats won its final three games of the regular season (Southfield-Lathrup: 48-6, Oak Park 14-12, and Troy 34-20 to make the playoffs at 6-3, all were at home to add.) Oxford rolled past the Blue Champs Birmingham Seaholm 42-8 in Birmingham in the first round of the playoffs. The Wildcats made the Division Two district finals before bowing out to Birmingham Brother Rice 38-6 in Birmingham. Oxford had an enrollment rise this off-season which means that the Wildcats will likely be in Division One for the playoffs this upcoming season. Oxford is 17-11 in the last three seasons since entering the OAA from the Flint Metro League in 2010 but is 14-7 in the last two seasons. This season, the Wildcats will be very good especially with Coach Bud Rowley’s classic “Pound the Rock” Power Offense. Oxford returns juniors Glacier Wallington at quarterback and running back Ben Line whom on offense last season scored 272 points (24.7 ppg) and 180 points (25.7 ppg) in league play. Combined, Line and Wallington could be tough duo once again to deal with on both sides of the football. Wallington is a three year starter and a duel threat quarterback who can throw the ball (especially the bootleg), reads defenses, and runs very well when plays break down. Line is a power back who likes to hit someone along with scoring touchdowns. He has been injury prone in the past especially last season and is due to have a big season like Wallington. The question will be is can Oxford’s defense hold up especially against good teams and can the Wildcats create a deep threat this upcoming season. Oxford allowed 244 points (22.1 ppg) and 161 points (23 ppg) in league play. The schedule won’t be easy for the Wildcats. They play Lake Orion at home to kickoff the season and hosts Southfield. Oxford has tough road games at Adams, at Harrison, at Oak Park, and at the crossover this season. If the Wildcats can win at least these five games then a return to the playoffs is a real possibility for the third straight season.

DARK-HORSE: Rochester Adams: The Highlanders for the first time in fifteen seasons did not make the playoffs and the first under Coach Tony Patrino but did win three in a row to close out the season including taking Rochester out of the playoffs with a 31-7 win. Adams will be talented in tight end/quarterback Matt Sokol who is going to Michigan State next season as a tight end and running backs Clarence Broadnax and Jordan Shive who will aid Sokol in the veer offense in 2013. Sokol will probably start at quarterback for its first game of the season against Clarkston but will play some tight end this season. Shive returns to the Highlanders after an injury kept him out last season. Sokol had 1,250 yards and 12 touchdown passes in a veer offense that scored 230 points (25.5 ppg) and 171 points (24.4 ppg) in league play last season. Adams does have questions at wide receiver, even though the wide receiver is not highly involved in the veer offense unless it’s to the tight end. The Highlanders defense was just awful last season allowing 198 points (22 ppg) and 149 points (21.2 ppg) in league play. Adams schedule will be brutal this season. The Highlanders will host Clarkston to open up the season and after that have games at Harrison, at Southfield, and likely at Stoney Creek for the crossover game. Adams will host Oxford and Oak Park but if they don’t win at least three of these games then they won’t make the playoffs for the second straight season under Coach Tony Patrino.

TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Oak Park: The Knights won the White last season and beat Southfield twice in overtime (24-18 in the regular season in Southfield and 19-12 in the playoffs at Knight Valley), Harrison (26-21), Adams (34-22), and Farmington (20-15) in the process along with Detroit East English Village Prep (20-14) but they did lose the last two weeks of the regular season being it was Oxford (14-12) and Clarkston (41-20.) Oak Park made the playoffs for the first time since 2005 but lost a heartbreaker to Wyandotte Roosevelt 10-6 in the regional finals last season. Returning to the playoffs could be a difficult task especially with the schedule the Knights have this season. The Knights return some key peaces in running back Chance Savage, wide receiver Andrew Jackson, defensive lineman Martez Morton, and linebackers Theo Bell and Junior McMullian along with running back John Kelly will be counted on heavily if Oak Park wants to repeat as White Champions. The question will be at quarterback and also depth could be an issue if the Knights want to get back to the postseason. Oak Park scored 294 points (24.5 ppg) and in league play scored 193 points (17.5 ppg) and allowed 209 points (17.4 ppg) while allowing 112 points (16 ppg) in league play. Coach/Athletic Director Greg Carter will have his hands full this season, especially week one when his Knights return to Wayne State to play the runner up in Division Three, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. After the game against the Eaglets, the schedule doesn’t any easier with only two home games in Knight Valley this season and they are Southfield and Oxford. They have Harrison, Adams, and Farmington on the road as well, talk about a tough slate.

ANOTHER TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Farmington Hills Harrison: The Hawks come into 2013 with optimism after a tough 2012 season but the Hawks had to beat Farmington (48-13) and West Bloomfield (48-20) just to make the playoffs. Harrison was knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by Fenton 22-19 in Genesee County last season. Harrison traditionally has been a proud program under legendary Coach John Herrington whom will be in his 42^nd season coaching in Farmington. The Hawks lost Dorian Fields, Ed Huckelby, Garius Coleman, and Jake Sloban to graduation. Harrison returns running back Lorenzo Collins. Collins had an injury riddled season a year ago and was a huge part of the Division Two state championship team in 2010. The Hawks have some questions at quarterback but with the athletes that Coach John Herrington has the Hawks should be fine but depth also will be a concern in Farmington and a lot of them go two ways. Harrison led the White in scoring and in total offense with 327 points (32.4 ppg) but in league play scored 234 points (33.4 ppg.) The defense wasn’t good but the Hawks only allowed 157 points (15.7 ppg) but allowed 113 points (16.1 ppg) in league play last season. Harrison needs to improve defensibly if they want to play well in the White. If the Hawks can get the same production they got offensively from last season, it wouldn’t be a surprise that Harrison will be back in the playoffs. The schedule is very manageable with Detroit Renaissance, Oxford, Adams, Oak Park, and Farmington all having to come to Herrington Field but tough games at Southfield and the crossover could be some trouble.

ANOTHER TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Farmington: The Falcons come into 2013 with another capable team that has a shot a doing well and making the playoffs if things work out for Coach John Bechtel. Farmington finished 6-4 and made the playoffs last season before losing to Walled Lake Western in heartbreaking fashion. The Falcons are 19-12 in the last three seasons.  Farmington lost three in a row to close the season out on a sour note and injuries were huge in that factor as well (Farmington Hills Harrison 48-13, Lake Orion 43-18, and Walled Lake Western (playoffs) 31-28.) The Falcons were outscored 122-59 in those final three games to close out 2012, two of those games were at home. Farmington returns quarterback Kyle Collins for his junior season and have questions on both the offensive line and defensive line. The Falcons have added some transfers from Farmington Hills Harrison, whom played on the Hawks junior varsity team from a season ago. The Falcons Junior Varsity team won six games last season adds some talent to an already good Farmington team for the 2013 season. The Falcons lost running back Jordan Degreffenreed and running back/linebacker Connor Mohr from last season to graduation. The Falcons return some talent in the form of wide receiver Shahid Muhammad, running back/fullback David Reese, offensive lineman Justin Banks, safety Josh Craven and cornerback Curtis Brunson. Farmington scored 253 points as a team (25.3 ppg) and in league play scored 175 points (25 ppg.) Defensibly they were middle of the pack, allowing 228 points (22.8 ppg) and 140 points in league play (20 ppg) last season. The Falcons have made the playoffs five straight years but making it six could be difficult with home games against Oak Park and Southfield along with tough road games at Harrison, at Oxford and at Adams. The key game will be the first game at Westland against Westland John Glenn. If the Falcons lose this game to the Patriots then it could be a long season at Farmington and might be in danger of missing the playoffs.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Bloomfield Hills: Welcome to the White Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks. The merger of both Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Bloomfield Hills Andover into one school means that the new school will have new colors, which is purple and silver and an enrollment increase, which means that if Bloomfield Hills makes the playoffs then they could be Division Two. Last season, Bloomfield Hills Lahser made the playoffs in Division Three but lost to Avondale 21-19 in the first round while Bloomfield Hills Andover forfeited its season after four games because of a lack of number of players. Former Bloomfield Hills Lahser coach Jeffery Loria returns to coach in his 13th season (12 as Knights head coach and first in Bloomfield Hills) and returns quarterback Spencer McCourt. The Freshman and Junior Varsity teams merged at Lahser while the varsity teams were separated last season. North Farmington moved down to the Blue for the season. There could be a culture shock early in Bloomfield Hills, this is not the Blue. The Blackhawks are not seeing teams like Birmingham Seaholm, Avondale, Hazel Park, Ferndale, Royal Oak, etc and replace them with Oxford, Southfield, Harrison, Adams, Oak Park, and Farmington. The Blackhawks open the season up with Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves coming into Bloomfield Hills but will have tough games at Oxford and Southfield. The home schedule is very tough with Harrison, Oak Park, and Adams coming to Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks will play its games this season on the Andover campus. The playoffs could be out of question for the newly made Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks.

DREAM SCHEDULE: Farmington Hills Harrison: The Hawks struggled to a 6-3 season but still found a way to make the playoffs after beating Farmington 48-13 on its home field and West Bloomfield before losing to Fenton 22-19 in the first round last season. The schedule will be helpful for the Hawks, Harrison will only have one tough road game on the slate and that’s Southfield and then the crossover. There is a possibility they could face Lake Orion or Clarkston in that game. The Hawks have Oxford, Oak Park, Adams, and Farmington all coming to Herrington Field and also they kick off the season against Detroit Renaissance which should be a win for the Hawks.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Oak Park: Oak Park won the White but benefited with a good home schedule and beat Detroit East English Village Prep 21-14 in the process at Wayne State last season. Coach/Athletic Director Greg Carter who loves tough schedules will have a pretty daunting task if his Knights wants to return to the playoffs especially with quarterback, depth concerns, and a brutal schedule. Most of the games this season are on the road and Oak Park opens up with Orchard Lake Saint Marys at Wayne State. Orchard Lake Saint Marys lost a heartbreaking triple overtime state finals to Grand Rapids Christian. Carter does have experience playing the Eaglets being the former coach at Detroit DePorres and at Inkster, he should know George Porritt very well. The Knights have to go to Harrison and Adams but they have only two home games this season and they are against Southfield and Oxford. If Oak Park returns to the playoffs then they would had earned it.

FEELINGS: This is one of the toughest divisions in the state by far, this division along with the Ottawa Kent-Red Division with teams like Rockford, Muskegon, Lowell, East Kentwood, Grand Haven, etc is the toughest in the state in my opinion. Everybody beat each other up from a season ago in this division and this season will be no different. I think Coach/Athletic Director Greg Carter has done a remarkable job in Knight Valley but the schedule is brutal. Last season, Oak Park had to beat Detroit East English Village Prep by a touchdown but playing Orchard Lake Saint Marys is going to be tough. Southfield maybe one of the best team’s in the state this season with their transfers and should be the favorites to win the White. Oxford is not getting respected again but they do have talent returning at quarterback and running back. Expect the Wildcats to be there until the very end. Adams will have a bounce back season and they have a shot at beating Clarkston. Harrison had a down year last season but still found a way to make the playoffs, still not sold on them in the White even though Lorenzo Collins returns healthy for the Hawks. Harrison has the tough teams (Oxford, Adams, Oak Park, and Farmington) at home and has Southfield on the road. Farmington has talent returning from a good Junior Varsity team and some sophomore transfers coming over from Harrison. Bloomfield Hills comes into the league replacing North Farmington and now becoming one school but the schedule is brutal. I’m not sure that the Blackhawks are a playoff team in year one of the merging of Lahser and Andover. Southfield-Lathrup has a new coach in Keith Stephens and it will take time to rebuild the program in Lathrup Village.

Blue Projections (Italic: Playoffs)

Avondale                                          6-1       8-1

North Farmington                             6-1       8-1

Birmingham Seaholm                       5-2       6-3

Berkley                                             4-3       6-3

Hazel Park                                        3-4       5-4

Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves            2-5       3-6

Royal Oak                                         1-6       1-8

Ferndale                                           0-7       2-7

Top Ten Games that will make an impact on League

1. Avondale at North Farmington (Week Six)- Battle of running games makes this one interesting.

2. North Farmington at Birmingham Seaholm (Week Three)- Maples bring in a former White opponent but one they should remember quite well.

3. Birmingham Seaholm at Avondale (Week Two)- Maples won by two touchdowns last season 28-15. The Yellow Jackets should be motivated for this game.

4. Birmingham Seaholm at Hazel Park (Week Six)- This game could prove if the Vikings belong in the playoff conversation.

5. Avondale at Hazel Park (Week Seven)- These two teams have had classic high scoring games in the regular season and playoffs, this season couldn’t be any different. Last season the Yellow Jackets destroyed the Vikings 42-6 in Auburn Hills.

6. Ann Arbor Pioneer at Birmingham Seaholm (Week One)- This game will test the Maples defense since Oxford put 42 on Birmingham Seaholm in the playoffs last season.

7. Berkley at Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves (Week Seven)- The Bears beat the Falcons 40-22 at Hurley Field last season. Berkley is different with a new coach. It will be an interesting game with possible playoff implications at stake in Beverly Hills.

8. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves at Hazel Park (Week Two)- 71 points was scored last season between the two teams. The Vikings won 38-33 in Beverly Hills. This could be a shootout yet again.

9. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves at Royal Oak (Week Six)- 80-59 ring a bell from a season ago. We could be in store for more fireworks this year.

10. Ferndale at Royal Oak- (Week Two)- Ravens beat the Eagles 18-13 on a late touchdown for Royal Oak’s second win since 2007. Royal Oak is 2-43 since 2007. Ferndale is 14-22 since 2008.

FAVORITE: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are perhaps the most complete team in the Blue when it comes to coaching and discipline. You got to give credit to coach Steve Deutch in making Avondale into a contender and getting them to the playoffs on a consistent basis. The Yellow Jackets last season eliminated Bloomfield Hills Lahser 21-19 from the playoffs before losing to Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s 49-14 in the Division Three District Finals. Avondale will be led by running back Josh Holloman. Holloman had 830 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets last season. Currently he is being looked at by Alabama among other colleges for next season. Avondale scored 363 points (33 ppg) and 253 points (36.1 ppg) in league play last season. The defense will be a major concern in 2013. The Yellow Jackets allowed 206 points (18.7 ppg) and 124 points (17.7 ppg) in league play. The schedule is tough but manageable for Avondale with road games at Redford Union, at Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, at North Farmington, and at Hazel Park. North Farmington could give the Yellow Jackets some trouble. The Yellow Jackets have Birmingham Seaholm and Berkley at home this season. Avondale lost to the Maples by two touchdowns 28-15 last season. The Yellow Jackets are the favorite coming into the season but it will be a close race throughout the season.

NEXT BEST: North Farmington: North Farmington moved up from the Blue to the rugged White after sharing the league with Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves in 2011. With Bloomfield Hills now together moved up to the White, the Raiders went down to the Blue where they have had success. North Farmington finished 3-6 in the rugged White. One of the wins included a 24-7 win over Pontiac and another win that was huge was when they went four hours up north into Bay County and beat Bay City John Glenn 24-13 last season. The White was a journey to forget with games against the likes of Oak Park, Harrison, Adams, Oxford, Farmington, and Southfield. The Raiders scored 138 points (15.3 ppg) and only 90 points (12.8 ppg) in league play. The North Farmington defense wasn’t good either, allowing 287 points (31.8 ppg) and 267 points (38.1 ppg) in league play. The Raiders will be led by senior running back/defensive back Chauncey Bridges. Bridges should have a big year this season at North Farmington with not having to face White opponents anymore and did very well his Freshman and Sophomore season rushing under a thousand yards while at North Farmington. The schedule looks promising with the Raiders not being in the White anymore. North Farmington opens up the season with Bay City John Glenn making the four hour trip down south into Oakland County to play the Raiders. North Farmington has Avondale, and Hazel Park coming to Farmington Hills during the season but they do travel to Birmingham Seaholm and Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves. It would surprise anyone that North Farmington returns back to the playoffs for the second time in three years.

DARK-HORSE: Birmingham Seaholm: The Maples won the Blue last season at 8-1 under first year coach Jim DeWald, whom came to Birmingham from Bloomfield Hills Andover but Birmingham Seaholm ran into Oxford in the first round of the playoffs and were no match for the Wildcats (Birmingham Seaholm lost 42-8.) Oxford played in a higher division (White) than the Maples and had much tougher competition so Birmingham Seaholm toughen up its non league schedule to help them. Now under DeWald’s second year the Maples will kick off the season at home against Ann Arbor Pioneer, the Pioneers were a playoff team in Division One last season and then the next week they play Avondale in Auburn Hills and then return home to host North Farmington. Birmingham Seaholm brings in a new quarterback in Brandon Alman and feature running back Austin Ware in DeWald’s veer offense. The Maples scored 239 points (23.9 ppg) from a season ago and 210 points (26.2 ppg) in league play. Birmingham Seaholm will have a solid defense this season, which it allowed 181 points (18.1 ppg) and 104 points (13 ppg) in league play last season. If the Maples can go 3-0 in their first three games (Avondale, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and North Farmington) then they will likely be playoff bound again however it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Birmingham Seaholm starts the season at 0-3 and be behind the eight ball early. It could be a short stay in the playoffs seeing the likes of either Farmington Hills Harrison or Birmingham Brother Rice in Division Two.

TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Berkley: The Bears have a new coach in Hurley Field in Chris Sikora after former coach Jeff Burnside left to go to Novi. Berkley finished 5-4 last season and 5-3 in the Blue but did not make the postseason. The Bears ride a three game winning streak heading into the 2013 season which included wins against Hazel Park (24-14), Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves (40-22), and Royal Oak (42-29) but had some rough losses to Avondale 23-21, Bloomfield Hills Lahser 35-27, and Saginaw 28-14 last season. Berkley loved to put up points in 2012. The Bears scored 274 points (30.4 ppg) and 260 points (32.5 ppg) in league play but the defense is where the Bears need to clean things up. Berkley allowed 218 points (24.2 ppg) and 180 points (22.5 ppg) in league play last season. The Bears has lost a lot of close game in it’s football history will have some talent returning on both sides of the football and should be a dark horse this season. The schedule is interesting for the Bears in 2013. Berkley opens up in Wayne County against Redford Thurston, which should be a win. The Bears will travel to North Farmington, Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, Dearborn Robichaud, and Avondale while playing Royal Oak, Birmingham Seaholm, Ferndale, and Hazel Park at home. If Berkley can get the six wins then they could be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2010 when they upset Farmington from the playoffs.

ANOTHER TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Hazel Park: The key word should be finish around Hazel Park. The Vikings were 4-1 heading into a home game with Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Hazel Park ended up losing 44-22 to the Division Four State Champions. Ever since the loss to the Yellow Jackets the Vikings had a 0-4 finish and finished at 4-5 last season. Hazel Park is 7-11 in the last two seasons since they won the Blue in 2010. This season, Hazel Park High School got an upgrade in its facilities and now has field turf thanks to a bond proposal approved by voters in Hazel Park. The Vikings on the field have always had a strong rushing attack and can score points in bunches under coach Scott Guthrie but the defense has given up a lot of yards and a lot of points as well.  The Vikings scored 262 points (29.1 ppg) and scored 240 points (30 ppg) in league play last season. Hazel Park’s defense was not existent from a year ago. The Vikings allowed 304 points (33.7 ppg) and 260 points (32.5 ppg) in league play. Hazel Park’s schedule is manageable starting with it’s non conference, no Birmingham Detroit Country Day is on the schedule for the Vikings and it was replaced by Madison Heights Bishop Foley and Grosse Isle coming to Hazel Park along with Birmingham Seaholm, Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, and Avondale. Their only tough road game is at North Farmington so Hazel Park could be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2009 with this schedule.

ANOTHER TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves: The Falcons were a playoff team in 2011 and had high expectations but last season they were a dismal 2-7 including losses to Berkley and Ferndale. A major part why the Falcons struggled was on offense. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves only scored 170 points (18.8 ppg) last season. Defensibly it was not pretty either last season in Beverly Hills. The Falcons allowed 289 points (32.1 ppg) and allowed 249 points (31.1 ppg) in league play. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves does have some weapons coming back but the problem will be height on both sides of the ball and team chemistry is an issue there in Beverly Hills. The schedule is manageable if they can do well. They kick off with Bloomfield Hills on the road and have to go Hazel Park the next week. The Falcons host Avondale before going to Royal Oak, the site where they scored 80 points in an 80-59 victory over the Ravens and hosts Berkley during the season. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves has to go to Birmingham to play their arch rivals Birmingham Seaholm to close out their league season. If the Falcons can win at least four of these tough games then the playoffs could be on the horizon.

DREAM SCHEDULE: Hazel Park: The Vikings have new facilities this upcoming fall and have lost 11 of their last 18 games. The schedule is very lovely if they want to make a return trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 when the Vikings won the Blue. All the major contenders (Avondale, Birmingham Seaholm, and Wylie E Groves) have to come to Hazel Park except for North Farmington and Berkley in which they have to go to Farmington Hills and also to Berkley. The key word for Hazel Park this season is to finish games out and if they do then playoffs is a real possibility.

NIGHTMARE SCHEDULE: Royal Oak: The Ravens schedule is absolutely brutal this fall. Last season, Royal Oak finished 1-8 and is 2-43 since 2007. The Ravens defense was just a nightmare to see. Royal Oak allowed 416 points from a season ago (46.2 ppg) and in league play 310 points (38.7 ppg) and it could get worse. The Ravens had two games in which they allowed near 60 points (80 points against Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, lost 80-59 and 58 points against Hazel Park (lost 58-47.) The defense will have to be addressed this season in Royal Oak. The Ravens welcomes in Stoney Creek to kick off the season. The Blue will be brutal for Royal Oak with home games against Birmingham Seaholm, Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves, Plymouth Salem, and North Farmington. The Ravens have to go to Hazel Park, Berkley, and Avondale, which will be tough. The only good news is that Ferndale comes to Royal Oak and that was their only win last season. It could be a long season for Coach Ryan Irish and the Ravens.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Ferndale: The Eagles in the last four seasons have been a major disappointment. Ferndale has not made the playoffs since they went 8-1 in 2008. The Eagles lost 27-13 to Saint Clair Shore. Experts have ranked Ferndale high in prediction and preseason polls only to see them become a disappointment. The Eagles has had playoff quality defense. Ferndale allowed 166 points (18.4 ppg) overall and in league play. The Eagles are known to win some big games only to have a bad loss to someone that they are supposed to beat. Ferndale was a disaster on offense last season. The Eagles scored 152 points (16.8 ppg) and 175 points in league play (13 ppg.) Ferndale since making the playoffs in 2008 has been 14-22 since the 27-13 playoff loss to Saint Clair Shores Lake Shore. Ferndale’s schedule was manageable in 2011 with most of it’s tough opponents coming to Ferndale but the Eagles struggled at home, one of those games was a 7-0 loss to Berkley. Ferndale lost to Royal Oak 18-13 on its home field last season. It was the Ravens second win since 2007. The first win in Ravens history was when Royal Oak beat Saint Clair Shores Lake Shore 21-20 in 2011. Ferndale opens up the 2013 season with Livonia Clarenceville at home and then has the rematch with the Ravens in Royal Oak. Hazel Park, Seaholm, and Avondale all come to Ferndale but they do go to North Farmington and Berkley. The Eagles might not make the playoffs yet again this season.

FEELINGS: The Blue is interesting with Avondale and Birmingham Seaholm making the playoffs last season and North Farmington returns while Bloomfield Hills Andover and Bloomfield Hills Lahser merged and became Bloomfield Hills. Experts will pick Birmingham Seaholm to win the league because of Coach Jim DeWald’s veer option attack and a couple of starters are back for the Maples but after last season’s playoff loss to Oxford and quarterback questions will linger. The Maples kick off the season with Ann Arbor Pioneer, a playoff team from last season. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves has talent but is very small in height and have issues with the coaching staff according to sources. Avondale is the favorite in my opinion because of coaching and talent over in Auburn Hills despite having questions on defense and having played a difficult schedule in the past. Hazel Park will score points in bunches but will allow points in bunches and could be a major player in trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Royal Oak under Coach Ryan Irish has to put everything together (offense, defense, and special teams) if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. The Ravens are 2-43 since 2007, losing to Warren Cousino 27-0 in the 2006 playoffs that season. The schedule is tough to kick off for the Ravens with Stoney Creek coming to Royal Oak. North Farmington returns from the Blue after a one year stint in the White, the Raiders went 3-6 in that season. The Blue could get four teams in to the postseason this season. Berkley has a new coach in Chris Sikora since former coach Jeff Burnside left to go coach at Novi and could be a playoff team. Ferndale, look above.