Written Sunday August 30th at 7:00 PM
The Red Hawks of Troy Athens have preached getting better each season but for a program have been 6-22 since 2011 and 1-22 all time against the Dragons, that's saying too much.
This appears to be a mismatch on historical accuracies but this is not your typical Troy Athens football team coming into Orion on Thursday night.
The Red Hawks come into this game at 0-1 after losing a tough 22-20 decision to Macomb L'Anse Creuse North but they do return a lot of talent and experience.
Troy Athens will be led by junior quarterback Joey Stark. Stark went 19-31 for 238 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception in the game. He will have a big offensive line to work with led by the 6.7 285 lbs Mitch Wochoski, 6.5 250 lb Matt Voytush, 6.8 285 lb Jarrod Kniffen, 6.3 205 lb Bradley Robinson, 5.11 275 lb Jarod Willis, 6.2 255 lb Jared York, and the 6.2 245 lb Jeremy Patrick.
Stark will also have some weapons to work with in wide receiver Jeremiah Lawton, whom caught a touchdown last week. Eddie Oprinkia is a solid wide receiver. Brad Vandekerkove and Zach Spinek are also solid players. Brendan Generau is expected to play tight end with what could be an interesting move for coach Josh Heppener to involve a tight end in his pistol wishbone offense. The running game will be huge as well as Jake Vincent is expected to be the starting running back, he is very shifty but is dangerous in the open field. Vincent also returns kicks.
Zachary Annote is the team's punter and kicker.
The Red Hawks big problem in the past has been it's defense where they allowed over 300 points the last three seasons. Troy Athens is led by linebackers Kevin Hazen and Curtis Hemingway. Both are very talented players and some lineman and offensive players though go two ways.
Depth is key in this matchup and it's a big game for both teams as they to stay in the thick of the league race and is coming off tough losses last week. Orion to Chippewa Valley, Troy Athens to L'Anse Creuse North. This one has the makings of being a very good game on Thursday night in the Dragons Den, we'll see what happens.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dragons Fall to Chippewa Valley Again.
Written Thursday August 27th, at 11:10 PM
The Orion Dragons kicked off the season with a game with Chippewa Valley at Wayne State. The Dragons were hoping to get some revenge after last season's 38-35 loss to the Big Reds. However it wasn't meant to be as Chippewa Valley came out on top again 35-28 over Orion.
Chippewa Valley opened up the scoring with a five yard quarterback run from quarterback Patrick Bringinstool but the Dragons answered the score with a 68 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caiden Prieskorn to Jaylen Wiggins tying it at 7-7.
Orion would get a fumble off the Big Reds as Drew Casey recovered a fumble setting up a one yard rushing touchdown on fourth down by Danny White giving the Dragons a 14-7 lead. Orion would then stop Chippewa Valley on a goal line stand but running back Keith Fields fumbled a questionable ball which gave Bringinstool a chance to operate at the Dragons 20 yard line and they answered on a six yard running score from running back Jordan Flakes tying the score 14-14.
The Dragons had chances to cash in but they had three bad possessions to close out the half and start the third quarter. The Big Reds would then take advantage as Bringinstool found Division One recruit Stefan Claibourne for a 55 yard touchdown pass for a 21-14 Big Reds advantage.
But Orion answered again.
Prieskorn found wide receiver Tyler Barkley for a four yard touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter tying the score at 21-21 but before that Prieskorn connected with Brody Kretizer on a fourth down to set up the score.
Chippewa Valley would answer again as Bringinstool found Jimmy Czarnik for a 42 yard touchdown catch in the back of the endzone for a 28-21 Big Red lead.
However the Dragons answered again as Prieskorn found Wiggins again for an eight yard touchdown pass tying the score 28-28.
The Big Reds answered one more time as Bringinstool scored on a tough quarterback keeper on a fourth an inches giving Chippewa Valley a 35-28 lead. Orion had one last chance but Noah Harris fumbled the ball which was recovered by Stanley Willams to close the game.
My Thoughts.
Caiden Prieskorn and Keith Fields played well. Besides a questionable fumble, he made some great runs. Prieskorn scored three touchdown passes. I like where this offense is going though.
The defense still needs work, they need to pressure better and not gamble as much but they got two fumble recoveries and a goal line stand but they couldn't get it when they needed it the most. I feel very encouraged but cautious at the same time with this team.
Orion is 0-1 on the season but they do open up at home next Thursday night with Troy Athens, also 0-1 coming to Dragons Country. We'll see what happens.
The Orion Dragons kicked off the season with a game with Chippewa Valley at Wayne State. The Dragons were hoping to get some revenge after last season's 38-35 loss to the Big Reds. However it wasn't meant to be as Chippewa Valley came out on top again 35-28 over Orion.
Chippewa Valley opened up the scoring with a five yard quarterback run from quarterback Patrick Bringinstool but the Dragons answered the score with a 68 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caiden Prieskorn to Jaylen Wiggins tying it at 7-7.
Orion would get a fumble off the Big Reds as Drew Casey recovered a fumble setting up a one yard rushing touchdown on fourth down by Danny White giving the Dragons a 14-7 lead. Orion would then stop Chippewa Valley on a goal line stand but running back Keith Fields fumbled a questionable ball which gave Bringinstool a chance to operate at the Dragons 20 yard line and they answered on a six yard running score from running back Jordan Flakes tying the score 14-14.
The Dragons had chances to cash in but they had three bad possessions to close out the half and start the third quarter. The Big Reds would then take advantage as Bringinstool found Division One recruit Stefan Claibourne for a 55 yard touchdown pass for a 21-14 Big Reds advantage.
But Orion answered again.
Prieskorn found wide receiver Tyler Barkley for a four yard touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter tying the score at 21-21 but before that Prieskorn connected with Brody Kretizer on a fourth down to set up the score.
Chippewa Valley would answer again as Bringinstool found Jimmy Czarnik for a 42 yard touchdown catch in the back of the endzone for a 28-21 Big Red lead.
However the Dragons answered again as Prieskorn found Wiggins again for an eight yard touchdown pass tying the score 28-28.
The Big Reds answered one more time as Bringinstool scored on a tough quarterback keeper on a fourth an inches giving Chippewa Valley a 35-28 lead. Orion had one last chance but Noah Harris fumbled the ball which was recovered by Stanley Willams to close the game.
My Thoughts.
Caiden Prieskorn and Keith Fields played well. Besides a questionable fumble, he made some great runs. Prieskorn scored three touchdown passes. I like where this offense is going though.
The defense still needs work, they need to pressure better and not gamble as much but they got two fumble recoveries and a goal line stand but they couldn't get it when they needed it the most. I feel very encouraged but cautious at the same time with this team.
Orion is 0-1 on the season but they do open up at home next Thursday night with Troy Athens, also 0-1 coming to Dragons Country. We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Volleyball Preview.
Written Tuesday August 25th, at 10:15 PM
This Orion Dragons volleyball team could be for real this season after not making it out of the district since 2011 when they went to the state finals.
In it's history however they have not been able to win the big game whether it is for the league or in the district. One team that has been mostly responsible for that is Clarkston. Last season the Wolves swept the Dragons 3-0 at home.
Orion did lose Hannah Murdock and Nicole Wehner a season ago. Murdock is now at Michigan State. The Dragons however returns a lot of talent in Natalie Wehner, Kori Varney, Wies Hurkmans, Marley Redd, Mallorie Berriman, Danielle Sargent, Molly Galvin, Leah Kalugar, and Kaitlyn Budreau.
Orion got a big boost when they got two very good players from Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes in Courtney Wightman and her sister Lindsay Wightman. Both players transferred to Orion and moved into the district in January. Both Wightman sisters were key players in the 2014 State semifinals team at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes last season. Courntey is a senior and is commited to Oakland next season. Lindsay is a senior and could see time at liberio next season for coach Tony Scarvada.
The Dragons still will have to go through Seaholm and Clarkston. They do host the Wolves but they have to go to the hostile environment that the Maples Nest gives them in Birmingham against an experienced Seaholm team.
This could be a fun team to watch this season.
This Orion Dragons volleyball team could be for real this season after not making it out of the district since 2011 when they went to the state finals.
In it's history however they have not been able to win the big game whether it is for the league or in the district. One team that has been mostly responsible for that is Clarkston. Last season the Wolves swept the Dragons 3-0 at home.
Orion did lose Hannah Murdock and Nicole Wehner a season ago. Murdock is now at Michigan State. The Dragons however returns a lot of talent in Natalie Wehner, Kori Varney, Wies Hurkmans, Marley Redd, Mallorie Berriman, Danielle Sargent, Molly Galvin, Leah Kalugar, and Kaitlyn Budreau.
Orion got a big boost when they got two very good players from Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes in Courtney Wightman and her sister Lindsay Wightman. Both players transferred to Orion and moved into the district in January. Both Wightman sisters were key players in the 2014 State semifinals team at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes last season. Courntey is a senior and is commited to Oakland next season. Lindsay is a senior and could see time at liberio next season for coach Tony Scarvada.
The Dragons still will have to go through Seaholm and Clarkston. They do host the Wolves but they have to go to the hostile environment that the Maples Nest gives them in Birmingham against an experienced Seaholm team.
This could be a fun team to watch this season.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Chippewa Valley Preview.
Written Thursday August 20th at 6:30 PM
The Dragons head into the
2015 season looking refreshed after a painful 4-5 season in 2014. Orion missed
the playoffs and was blown out on their homecoming for the first time since
2000.
Chippewa Valley meanwhile had
a successful season in 2014 finishing at 8-4 under Coach Scott Merchant. They
upset Macomb Dakota in the district finals and snapped a 16 game losing streak
in the process. The Big Reds would move to the regional final where they lost
in Detroit to Detroit Cass Tech 48-35.
Chippewa Valley returns a lot
of experience, 40 seniors led by quarterback Patrick Briningstool and wide receiver
Stephan Claiborne. The Big Reds run a spread miss direction offense which will
go along with their trick plays, they did a double reverse last season against
Orion. Chippewa Valley runs a multiple defensive look. They have six returning
offensive starters and five returning defensive starters.
Claiborne torched the Dragons
scoring two touchdowns and had over 100 yards receiving in their 38-35 win last
season at home. Briningstool did not play against Orion last season as he was
the backup to Tyler Kalka. The Big Reds will return a big offensive line led by
left tackle Jon Anderson and right guard Trevor Vergauwen. Also besides
Claiborne, Chippewa Valley returns wide receiver Jimmy Czarnik to go opposite
Claiborne. Anthony Rinaldi and Harris Morrison are going to be top targets for
Brinigstool. The Big Reds must replace Kyle Muller at tight end and will do so
with Zach Olvera. All of them are seniors. Jordan Flakes also a senior is
expected to be the team’s starting running back.
Claiborne will also play
defense as well as free safety and will be with Stanley Williams whom will play
strong safety. The cornerbacks will be Deantye Young, Karim Thomas, and Austin
Moussa. The defensive line will be led by Nicco Moroso, Darrick Gibson and Joe Viviano.
The linebacker core will be led by Drew D’Angelo and Ryan Fuller. All except
for D’Angelo are seniors.
Chippewa Valley is a team
that has dealt with tragedy in the last two seasons with one death in 2014 and
two deaths this summer. Nick Ureel passed away in 2014. Alex Mackmin passed
away in late May and Duncan Blair passed away in a car accident in Oscoda
County this month.
We’ll see what happens at
Wayne State on Thursday night.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Grading the Football Jerseys This Season.
Written Saturday August 8th at 12:45 PM
Well I was at Media Day at Rochester yesterday and what got my attention was the jersey combos and what teams will look like heading into the season. So I did my grades based on honesty and looks. Other schools didn't wear their jerseys to media day so I went by their look last season and likely look heading into this season, so here are my grades from Blue, White, and Red in that order, enjoy.
Avondale: When looking at the Yellow Jackets gear. The purple jersey and yellow pants combo looks sharp. I like the name and different font on the front but the Adidas logo is too big on the jersey. Other than that its a good jersey out there but the helmet is a huge concern, where's the bee on the helmet??? but it is purple though. GRADE: B
Berkley: The Bears wore white from Nike. They look like Northwestern when they were with Adidas with the blue and dark red stripes on the elbows with the numbers on the elbows. The V-Necks are the same color which doesn't have my vote but the stripes make up for it. They did upgrade the helmets to a dark blue which is something I like. GRADE: B
Ferndale: The Eagles jersey from Russell looks clean with the big numbers on the elbows but they have white on the shoulders which is a concern. The brown jersey looks good but if they can paint the sleeves brown then they have a good jersey. GRADE: B+
Hazel Park: The Vikings road whites look sharp although it could use some work. The HP on the front of the V-Neck is worrisome but the maroon stripes help out and make the jersey what it is. I still think it's too plain but it is what it is. GRADE: C
Groves: The Falcons perhaps have the best jersey combo in the entire league. They find a way to make the green and gold combo work with black in the jerseys. The helmet is great as well with the dark green look. Groves wears an all white combo on the road and that looks solid too. I wish they had name plates on the back of the uniforms and they would really look solid. GRADE: A-
Pontiac: The Phoenix wearing the purple home jerseys looked very sharp. I like the white stripes on the shoulders and the numbers on the elbows. I wish the V-Neck was all white but I like the all purple design that Russell gave Pontiac, looks great. GRADE: B+
Royal Oak: The Ravens may be struggling on the field but their black jerseys look sharp. I love the blue V-Neck with the name RAVENS on the jersey. If they put name plates on the jerseys then they may be the best jersey in the OAA but it's the best look I've seen, totally classic. I also liked their road jersey early when they had the black shoulders, bring them back and you have the best jerseys in the league. GRADE A+
Lathrup: The Chargers red jerseys look like an NFL team with the Captains C on them. The red jerseys look sharp with big white numbers on the shoulders. I wish the V-Neck though was all white on the jersey but the white and black trim on the jerseys make up for the V-Neck. It's a good jersey but a few minor things would make this a great jersey. GRADE: B+
Oak Park: When looking at the Knights look the red jerseys look sharp with the silver design as in their helmets on the shoulders with the numbering. The white pants are an interesting design as well but in other words Oak Park has one of the best helmet and jersey designs in the State. GRADE: A-
Harrison: The Hawks may have one of the best looks with the green and gold combination with Nike. I like the yellow stripes on the shoulders of the green jerseys and the green and gold stripes on the white jerseys with the name HAWKS on the green and HARRISON on the white Nike jerseys. Something traditional with these jerseys, it's iconic and sharp at the same time. GRADE: A
Southfield: The Blue Jays dark blue jersey could be one of the best combo in the state although the helmet is concerning the blue jersey and white and red trim looks sharp on Southfield. They wear an all white jersey and pants combo on the road. If they can bring back the Eagles helmet. This will be a great look again. GRADE: A-
Rochester: The Falcons are the Rutgers of the OAA when it comes to jerseys. They have a new gray helmet with the blue R on them along with new gray jerseys that look sharp along with the blue trim and numbering. It will be odd when they play at Adams week eight, I like their white jerseys much better than the Highlanders look for the game. GRADE: B+
Adams: The Highlanders will have four different jerseys this season with brown, white, gray, and a special jersey that somehow doesn't make sense. I like their gray Russell's, they have the Highlanders kilt look on the shoulders but I saw on their Twitter account @R_AdamsFootball showed their look to what they will wear against Rochester in Week Eight even though that will be a special jersey that honors the United States but too much cameo. GRADE: B
Seaholm: The Maples Nike Maple jersey looks sharp with the collar look on the sleeves being white. Seaholm does have an interesting V-Neck combo to what other college teams wear. I like the jersey with white pants and the Maple helmet but wish their was numbering on the shoulders or sleeves which would had made the jersey a great combo. GRADE: A-
Farmington: The Falcons look a lot like Penn State when it comes to the jerseys but they did change the helmet last season which is something I didn't like. Farmington has the classic look and apparel to be sharp on the field each week. GRADE: A
North Farmington: The Raiders Nike brown uniforms look interesting, it's odd having a white stripe to a yellow triangle and line going across the jersey. The V-Neck is yellow which I like along with the yellow numbers along the elbows but the colors after the numbering and with the white and yellow in the front on the brown jerseys along with the white helmet is a big red flag here. GRADE: C-
Oxford: The Wildcats home jerseys look sharp with the numbers big and the yellow and white stripes on the blue jerseys with the nameplates on the back. The yellow pants look good on the jersey for Oxford. The road uniform however is too plain with no name plates which is a concern to me. GRADE: B
Clarkston: The Wolves went to a gold jersey with blue pants look created by Nike. Interesting combination for a program that looks like Michigan with their helmets. I don't like the Wolves logo on the back of their jerseys but I do like the blue stripes and WOLVES name on the jersey but the white numbering is a question mark. Clarkston's road jerseys don't make any sense with it's all white combo kind of wish they wore either yellow or blue pants on the road. The name plates on the back of the jerseys would be great returning from a 2004 tradition and back to blue and yellow look would be the best sense here for the Wolves. GRADE: B-
Orion: The Dragons now went to the all green look eliminating the white elbows all together. After certain mistakes from Nike, Orion finally has the green uniform that fans know within the program. The white jerseys however need work as I feel they are too plain. I like the new font on the green jerseys but wish the V-Neck was white and nameplates will soon be added onto the jerseys. GRADE: B+
Troy: The Colts black jerseys and helmets are very sharp with the white, gray and red trim. I like the name plates on the back of the jerseys but the road jerseys need the name plates in the worse way possible but I do like the numbering on the shoulders and the logo on the road jerseys. Good look but put name plates on the road jerseys please. GRADE: B
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are going to an Under Armor look this fall. I didn't like that they took the name plates off the jerseys last season or them going to an all Nebraska or Wisconsin look or that they went to the gray pants and the font size on the shoulders. At least they weren't Waterford Mott's baby blue helmet and jersey look a few seasons ago, to me that is still the worst jersey I have ever seen. If the Red Hawks stay to tradition they should bring back the gold helmet and gold pants. Red is also not a bad option as well but last season's look was beyond disappointing. GRADE: D-
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have one of the best looks in the OAA except for one thing, nameplates. Stoney Creek has a gold V-Neck and collars along with the white numbering on the navy blue jerseys but adding the players names make the best case here. Jersey does look great along with the gold helmets but just stay away from the white pants at home and you got a great jersey. GRADE: A-
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks jersey is interesting with their black jerseys, pants, and helmets. I like the purple and white combo on the elbows. The numbers on the elbows are also great on them as well but the B and H on the Blackhawks name is a little too much on otherwise what is a great jersey combo. I wish they put name plates on the back otherwise this is a perfect jersey. GRADE: A-
West Bloomfield: The Lakers in the Nike look looks sharp. I like the opposite stripes on the shoulders of the green jerseys to go along with the white pants but the V-Neck part isn't all the way white though. The helmet is concerning for me as it's white and not green. I wish they would add name plates to the back of the jerseys. It would make them much sharper. GRADE: B-
Well I was at Media Day at Rochester yesterday and what got my attention was the jersey combos and what teams will look like heading into the season. So I did my grades based on honesty and looks. Other schools didn't wear their jerseys to media day so I went by their look last season and likely look heading into this season, so here are my grades from Blue, White, and Red in that order, enjoy.
Avondale: When looking at the Yellow Jackets gear. The purple jersey and yellow pants combo looks sharp. I like the name and different font on the front but the Adidas logo is too big on the jersey. Other than that its a good jersey out there but the helmet is a huge concern, where's the bee on the helmet??? but it is purple though. GRADE: B
Berkley: The Bears wore white from Nike. They look like Northwestern when they were with Adidas with the blue and dark red stripes on the elbows with the numbers on the elbows. The V-Necks are the same color which doesn't have my vote but the stripes make up for it. They did upgrade the helmets to a dark blue which is something I like. GRADE: B
Ferndale: The Eagles jersey from Russell looks clean with the big numbers on the elbows but they have white on the shoulders which is a concern. The brown jersey looks good but if they can paint the sleeves brown then they have a good jersey. GRADE: B+
Hazel Park: The Vikings road whites look sharp although it could use some work. The HP on the front of the V-Neck is worrisome but the maroon stripes help out and make the jersey what it is. I still think it's too plain but it is what it is. GRADE: C
Groves: The Falcons perhaps have the best jersey combo in the entire league. They find a way to make the green and gold combo work with black in the jerseys. The helmet is great as well with the dark green look. Groves wears an all white combo on the road and that looks solid too. I wish they had name plates on the back of the uniforms and they would really look solid. GRADE: A-
Pontiac: The Phoenix wearing the purple home jerseys looked very sharp. I like the white stripes on the shoulders and the numbers on the elbows. I wish the V-Neck was all white but I like the all purple design that Russell gave Pontiac, looks great. GRADE: B+
Royal Oak: The Ravens may be struggling on the field but their black jerseys look sharp. I love the blue V-Neck with the name RAVENS on the jersey. If they put name plates on the jerseys then they may be the best jersey in the OAA but it's the best look I've seen, totally classic. I also liked their road jersey early when they had the black shoulders, bring them back and you have the best jerseys in the league. GRADE A+
Lathrup: The Chargers red jerseys look like an NFL team with the Captains C on them. The red jerseys look sharp with big white numbers on the shoulders. I wish the V-Neck though was all white on the jersey but the white and black trim on the jerseys make up for the V-Neck. It's a good jersey but a few minor things would make this a great jersey. GRADE: B+
Oak Park: When looking at the Knights look the red jerseys look sharp with the silver design as in their helmets on the shoulders with the numbering. The white pants are an interesting design as well but in other words Oak Park has one of the best helmet and jersey designs in the State. GRADE: A-
Harrison: The Hawks may have one of the best looks with the green and gold combination with Nike. I like the yellow stripes on the shoulders of the green jerseys and the green and gold stripes on the white jerseys with the name HAWKS on the green and HARRISON on the white Nike jerseys. Something traditional with these jerseys, it's iconic and sharp at the same time. GRADE: A
Southfield: The Blue Jays dark blue jersey could be one of the best combo in the state although the helmet is concerning the blue jersey and white and red trim looks sharp on Southfield. They wear an all white jersey and pants combo on the road. If they can bring back the Eagles helmet. This will be a great look again. GRADE: A-
Rochester: The Falcons are the Rutgers of the OAA when it comes to jerseys. They have a new gray helmet with the blue R on them along with new gray jerseys that look sharp along with the blue trim and numbering. It will be odd when they play at Adams week eight, I like their white jerseys much better than the Highlanders look for the game. GRADE: B+
Adams: The Highlanders will have four different jerseys this season with brown, white, gray, and a special jersey that somehow doesn't make sense. I like their gray Russell's, they have the Highlanders kilt look on the shoulders but I saw on their Twitter account @R_AdamsFootball showed their look to what they will wear against Rochester in Week Eight even though that will be a special jersey that honors the United States but too much cameo. GRADE: B
Seaholm: The Maples Nike Maple jersey looks sharp with the collar look on the sleeves being white. Seaholm does have an interesting V-Neck combo to what other college teams wear. I like the jersey with white pants and the Maple helmet but wish their was numbering on the shoulders or sleeves which would had made the jersey a great combo. GRADE: A-
Farmington: The Falcons look a lot like Penn State when it comes to the jerseys but they did change the helmet last season which is something I didn't like. Farmington has the classic look and apparel to be sharp on the field each week. GRADE: A
North Farmington: The Raiders Nike brown uniforms look interesting, it's odd having a white stripe to a yellow triangle and line going across the jersey. The V-Neck is yellow which I like along with the yellow numbers along the elbows but the colors after the numbering and with the white and yellow in the front on the brown jerseys along with the white helmet is a big red flag here. GRADE: C-
Oxford: The Wildcats home jerseys look sharp with the numbers big and the yellow and white stripes on the blue jerseys with the nameplates on the back. The yellow pants look good on the jersey for Oxford. The road uniform however is too plain with no name plates which is a concern to me. GRADE: B
Clarkston: The Wolves went to a gold jersey with blue pants look created by Nike. Interesting combination for a program that looks like Michigan with their helmets. I don't like the Wolves logo on the back of their jerseys but I do like the blue stripes and WOLVES name on the jersey but the white numbering is a question mark. Clarkston's road jerseys don't make any sense with it's all white combo kind of wish they wore either yellow or blue pants on the road. The name plates on the back of the jerseys would be great returning from a 2004 tradition and back to blue and yellow look would be the best sense here for the Wolves. GRADE: B-
Orion: The Dragons now went to the all green look eliminating the white elbows all together. After certain mistakes from Nike, Orion finally has the green uniform that fans know within the program. The white jerseys however need work as I feel they are too plain. I like the new font on the green jerseys but wish the V-Neck was white and nameplates will soon be added onto the jerseys. GRADE: B+
Troy: The Colts black jerseys and helmets are very sharp with the white, gray and red trim. I like the name plates on the back of the jerseys but the road jerseys need the name plates in the worse way possible but I do like the numbering on the shoulders and the logo on the road jerseys. Good look but put name plates on the road jerseys please. GRADE: B
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are going to an Under Armor look this fall. I didn't like that they took the name plates off the jerseys last season or them going to an all Nebraska or Wisconsin look or that they went to the gray pants and the font size on the shoulders. At least they weren't Waterford Mott's baby blue helmet and jersey look a few seasons ago, to me that is still the worst jersey I have ever seen. If the Red Hawks stay to tradition they should bring back the gold helmet and gold pants. Red is also not a bad option as well but last season's look was beyond disappointing. GRADE: D-
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have one of the best looks in the OAA except for one thing, nameplates. Stoney Creek has a gold V-Neck and collars along with the white numbering on the navy blue jerseys but adding the players names make the best case here. Jersey does look great along with the gold helmets but just stay away from the white pants at home and you got a great jersey. GRADE: A-
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks jersey is interesting with their black jerseys, pants, and helmets. I like the purple and white combo on the elbows. The numbers on the elbows are also great on them as well but the B and H on the Blackhawks name is a little too much on otherwise what is a great jersey combo. I wish they put name plates on the back otherwise this is a perfect jersey. GRADE: A-
West Bloomfield: The Lakers in the Nike look looks sharp. I like the opposite stripes on the shoulders of the green jerseys to go along with the white pants but the V-Neck part isn't all the way white though. The helmet is concerning for me as it's white and not green. I wish they would add name plates to the back of the jerseys. It would make them much sharper. GRADE: B-
Friday, August 7, 2015
Chippewa Valley will be playing with Heavy Hearts.
Written Friday August 7th, at 8:20 PM
Updated Saturday August 8th at 10:30 PM
It looks like when the Dragons play Chippewa Valley on August 27th at Wayne State. The Big Reds will play with a heavy heart for the third time.
Duncan Blair, a linebacker and special teams player passed away on Thursday according to the D-Zone and other Twitter Posts. Blair was suppose to be a senior this upcoming season and was expected play a lot for Coach Scott Merchant.
Blair passed away from an off road crash in Oscoda County. His car was traveling on an off road and missed a curve and hit a tree. He was declared dead on the scene by the Oscoda Township Police along with First Responders and Iosco County EMS. The press release on the crash said that speed was a factor in the crash.
This is the third player in the Chippewa Valley program who has passed away. Alex McMillan passed away in late May and Nick Ureel passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2014.
The Big Reds on their Twitter feed @CVBigReds posted the initials of the three whom have passed away in the program.
Chippewa Valley is one of the favorites in the Macomb Area Red Division, just off a regional final performance in 2014 and will play Orion Week One at Wayne State.
Matchup Dangerous for the Dragons.
This matchup with Chippewa Valley will be a tough match up for the Dragons with the fact the Big Reds have 40 seniors but especially now that Chippewa Valley will be playing with heavy hearts with the recent passing of Duncan Blair.
Which will make it more interesting.
Orion must deal with Patrick Briningstool whom is now six foot and has been working with various quarterback gurus is 6-3 as a starter and can not only throw but run as well.
Briningstool's favorite target will be Stefan Claiborne. Claiborne had two touchdown catches and over 100 yards last season against the Dragons. He also plays free safety on defense. Something that must be noticed.
The question for Chippewa Valley will be the running back spot where Jordan Flakes is expected to take over the position left by Tony Taylor whom got hurt in the Orion game last season.
This game is expected to be a shootout at Wayne State like it was last season when Chippewa Valley won 38-35 at home but there is a big factor that favors the Big Reds. Chippewa Valley has experience playing at Wayne State where they beat Dearborn in 2012 in a overtime game and played Detroit Cass Tech, whom is not too far from Wayne State in Detroit in the regional finals last season.
We'll have more information on OAA Now and also on the two blogs.
Updated Saturday August 8th at 10:30 PM
It looks like when the Dragons play Chippewa Valley on August 27th at Wayne State. The Big Reds will play with a heavy heart for the third time.
Duncan Blair, a linebacker and special teams player passed away on Thursday according to the D-Zone and other Twitter Posts. Blair was suppose to be a senior this upcoming season and was expected play a lot for Coach Scott Merchant.
Blair passed away from an off road crash in Oscoda County. His car was traveling on an off road and missed a curve and hit a tree. He was declared dead on the scene by the Oscoda Township Police along with First Responders and Iosco County EMS. The press release on the crash said that speed was a factor in the crash.
This is the third player in the Chippewa Valley program who has passed away. Alex McMillan passed away in late May and Nick Ureel passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2014.
The Big Reds on their Twitter feed @CVBigReds posted the initials of the three whom have passed away in the program.
Chippewa Valley is one of the favorites in the Macomb Area Red Division, just off a regional final performance in 2014 and will play Orion Week One at Wayne State.
Matchup Dangerous for the Dragons.
This matchup with Chippewa Valley will be a tough match up for the Dragons with the fact the Big Reds have 40 seniors but especially now that Chippewa Valley will be playing with heavy hearts with the recent passing of Duncan Blair.
Which will make it more interesting.
Orion must deal with Patrick Briningstool whom is now six foot and has been working with various quarterback gurus is 6-3 as a starter and can not only throw but run as well.
Briningstool's favorite target will be Stefan Claiborne. Claiborne had two touchdown catches and over 100 yards last season against the Dragons. He also plays free safety on defense. Something that must be noticed.
The question for Chippewa Valley will be the running back spot where Jordan Flakes is expected to take over the position left by Tony Taylor whom got hurt in the Orion game last season.
This game is expected to be a shootout at Wayne State like it was last season when Chippewa Valley won 38-35 at home but there is a big factor that favors the Big Reds. Chippewa Valley has experience playing at Wayne State where they beat Dearborn in 2012 in a overtime game and played Detroit Cass Tech, whom is not too far from Wayne State in Detroit in the regional finals last season.
We'll have more information on OAA Now and also on the two blogs.
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