Football Preview

Written Friday August 8th, at 9:10 PM

I went to Media Day and enjoyed myself. Anyway here are the football previews for the upcoming football season.

Dragons Den Top 10:

1. Clarkston Wolves

2. Oak Park Knights

3. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks

4. Rochester Adams Highlanders

5. Lake Orion Dragons

6. Oxford Wildcats

7. West Bloomfield Lakers

8. Avondale Yellow Jackets

9. Southfield Blue Jays

10. Stoney Creek Cougars

Rest of the teams:

11. Seaholm Maples
12. Southfield Lathrup Chargers
13. Farmington Falcons
14. Hazel Park Vikings
15. Royal Oak Ravens
16. Troy Athens Red Hawks
17. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks
18. Groves Falcons
19. Berkley Bears
20. Ferndale Eagles
21. Troy Colts
22. Rochester Falcons
23. North Farmington Raiders
24. Pontiac Phoenix

Blue Preview:

Avondale

Southfield Lathrup

Farmington

Hazel Park

Groves

Berkley

Pontiac

Ferndale

When looking at the Blue, you see that three new teams are in this division. Pontiac drops down from the Red to the Blue after a disastrous last season. Southfield Lathrup moves down to the White but made progress for second year coach Keith Stephens. Farmington out of the whole thing moved down admit controversy despite the fact in 2012 they made the playoffs. The Blue will be an interesting one to watch this season.

Avondale Yellow Jackets:

Last season 5-4, 3-4 Blue (Did not make postseason)

Game of Year: September 12^th at Farmington

The Yellow Jackets was a hit or miss team despite winning three in a row last season but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs at 5-4. Avondale under coach Steve Deutch has done well in past seasons and look poise to make the playoffs this season. “We just have all our skill kids are back and hopefully we can get our line in play and we’ll see where we are at” said Deutch. The Yellow Jackets will rely on running back and Cincinnati recruit Joshua Holloman whom ran a 4.2 at Alabama’s team camp in the summer. “Looking forward to having a successful senior season with my football team” said Holloman. The Yellow Jackets will also have two year starter Travis Janes returning at quarterback as well as he looks to improve on a team that scored 297 points (33 ppg.) Avondale was not very good on defense last season, especially in losses to Berkley, Groves, and North Farmington. They allowed 223 points (24.7 ppg) last season but returns defensive end and offensive lineman Tricola Battle, lineman Chase Lalla, and safety James Prince. “Travis and Chase will carry the load” Deutch also added. If there was one game on the schedule that will motivate Avondale it was the loss in Beverly Hills to Groves 49-22 a season ago. “The Groves game will motivate us this year” said Janes. If the Yellow Jackets can lower the points allowed then they could return to the playoffs.

Southfield Lathrup Chargers:

Last Season: 1-8, 0-7 White (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 5^th at Farmington

The Chargers last season was tough for first year coach Keith Stephens but Southfield Lathrup will return quarterback Reggie Harris on a team that scored 88 points (9.7 ppg) but they did almost beat Farmington (6-25) and Bloomfield Hills (14-21) and beat Pontiac (25-23.) Lathrup must improve on it’s defense and what will help will be the competition, gone will be the likes of Oak Park, Adams, Harrison, and Southfield. The Chargers allowed 281 points (31.2 ppg) last season. This is a number that Lathrup must bring down if they have a chance to do well this season. The schedule is interesting with the Chargers kicking off the season against Detroit Southeastern and closing out the season with a tough match up against Westland John Glenn.

Farmington Falcons:

Last season 2-7, 1-6 White (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: August 29^th Harrison

The Falcons return seven starters on defense and nine on offense on a team that had chemistry issues and could very well have them again. Farmington wasn’t good last season, they were 2-7, 1-6 in the White. The Falcons scored 192 points (21.3 ppg) but does return quarterback Kyle Collins and wide receiver Desmond Kirkpatrick but will have questions at whom will run the ball this season. Farmington will also have a star studded defense led by lineman Justin Banks, linebacker David Reese, and cornerback Kyle Brunson whom will lead an experienced defense that allowed a shocking 284 points (31.5 ppg.) Farmington is in a lower division and if they can’t make the playoffs with this group then it could be a long winter yet again. “Our coaches worked hard, looking forward to the challenge, the future is bright” said coach John Bechtel.

Hazel Park Vikings:

Last Season 0-9, 0-7 Blue (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 5^th at Avondale

The Vikings were a disaster last season and in came a coaching change, out was Scott Gutherie and in is Kyle Rowley. Rowley was an assistant coach at Oxford and is ready to take the reigns at Hazel Park. Rowley will likely implement the same offense and theme that his dad currently runs at Oxford which is pound the rock. He takes over an offense that scored 134 points (14.9 ppg) but will have some talent and experience on the offensive side of the ball in Jalen Adams and Tyrone Ball, whom is expected to carry the load a lot and also have quarterback/safety Jared Schultz. Michael Booker and Marquise Hill return at wide receiver. Schultz besides quarterback will lead a defense that was not good last season allowing 410 points (45.5 ppg), which was the most in the Blue. Antonio Russi will anchor the defense as well for Hazel Park. If Rowley wants to take this team to the playoffs he must make sure to keep his defense off the field. “Goal is to rebuild” Rowley said of his Vikings this season.

Groves Falcons:

Last Season: 7-3, 6-1 Blue (lost to Birmingham Brother Rice 42-0, First Round)

Game of the Year: October 3^rd Avondale

The Falcons will miss Ross Williams and 26 other seniors a lot from a 7-3 team last season. Groves will have to rely a lot on quarterback Zach Van Fassen to carry the load for a team that scored 364 points (36.4 ppg) last season but all hope is not lost for the Falcons. “We have balance, we have good seniors, and young guys will step up for us” said coach Brandon Flaherty. Groves returns cornerback Devin Curry on a team that allowed 189 points (19 ppg,) which was the best defense in the Blue last season counting this season’s teams. The Falcons might not be in trouble yet but a playoff berth could be difficult to come by this season.

Berkley Bears:

Last Season: 3-6, 3-4 Blue (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 26^th at Avondale

The Bears in Chris Sikoria’s second season in Berkley and questions do remain. The Bears missed the playoffs last season and lost a lot of seniors. “We underperformed last year, depth was a problem” said Sikoria. The cupboard is not bare though for Berkley, a team that finished 3-6 last season and shocked Avondale 34-31 on their homecoming last season. Depth will still be a problem this season, Berkley returns eight defensive starters that struggled but was oddly second in the Blue last season (allowed 196 points (21.3 ppg.) The Bears will be led by Dakota Drabek who plays on both lines this season along with Jake Bills, Mike Budurowich who was a linebacker and fullback, and defensive end Austen Wood. “This is the strongest we have been as a program said Sikoria, referring to the commitment of the program. The Bears must replace some key players on offense who scored 191 points (21.2 ppg) last season. If Berkley can score enough points then this team could be a playoff team. The Bears however will have some inexperience to deal with especially with replacing a quarterback and running game as well.

Pontiac Phoenix:

Last Season: 0-9, 0-7 Red (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: August 29^th North Farmington

The Phoenix had a tough season in the Red and hope it could reclaim it’s glory from 2009 when they made the playoffs in the first season at Pontiac. With the financial issues surrounding the school and things out of their control, Pontiac could be in line for another tough season yet again. The Phoenix moved down from the Red to the Blue and it could be a good thing for them. Pontiac will have a new coach in first year coach John Lloyd who takes over for Damien Redmond. “We worked really hard in the off season” Lloyd said. Lloyd’s Phoenix will return four offensive linemen, which will be their strength. Pontiac must improve on it’s defense, they allowed 308 points last season (38.6 ppg) last season and only scored 108 points (12 ppg) and will relay heavily on wide receiver and cornerback Henry Rowe to carry them this season.

Ferndale Eagles:

Last Season: 2-7, 1-6 Blue (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: August 28^th Livonia Clarenceville

The Eagles had a tough season last season and have changed coaches and mentality at Ferndale, out is Ryan Dunlap and in is Eric Royal. Royal brings some much needed optimism to Ferndale after a tough start a season go. “We have tons of optimism returning, and the kids are buying into the system to earn a victory” said Royal. Ferndale has a tough week one match up with Livonia Clarenceville and knows what it will take for his Eagles to win not only that game but also the rest of the season “It’s about executing. If we can improve on our execution then we will go places” he added. Royal must address a defense that was terrible a season ago allowing 267 points (30 ppg) last season but will return quarterback/playmaker Darius Sinclair on a offense that scored 134 points (14.9 ppg) last season. Ferndale also returns lineman Javon Weiz and running back Ronald Goehagen for Royal’s new pro style offense. “I’m looking forward to competing for a league title.”

White Preview:

Oak Park

Adams

Harrison

Southfield

Seaholm

Rochester

Royal Oak

North Farmington

The White will once again be tough to see, and fun to watch. It looks like it will be a four team race between Harrison, Adams, and Oak Park, and Southfield. Seaholm is the dark horse. Rochester, Royal Oak, and North Farmington could have tough season’s ahead.

Oak Park Knights:

Last Season 6-5, 4-3 White (lost to U-D Jesuit 14-8 District Finals)

Game of the Year: September 12^th at Harrison

The Knights made the playoffs on a brutal schedule last season (5-4) and could very well return back to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Oak Park will return a very talented team for coach and athletic director Greg Carter. “Every game is a barn burner. You can’t be declining during the season. Playing in the OAA has prepared us” said Carter. Oak Park returns it’s star running back John Kelly, quarterback Chauncey Lowman, and wide receiver Juan Hernandez on a team that scored 304 points (27.6 ppg) last season. “I think our team is going to be amp up for the season” said Kelly. The Knights will have a tough week one match up with Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State but is ready for the challenge “It’s just another game to us. We’ll go in as any team against them” said Hernandez. Oak Park has always enjoyed playing the role of the underdog as of late, especially in the last two week one games they were underdogs and won both those games. “We have something to prove, especially the first game” said wide receiver and defensive back Marvin White. “It’s going to be a great match up” said lineman Shahid Bellamy. Oak Park will have better home schedule despite having three home games last season. The Knights defense led by defensive end Richardo Smith and Bellamy on a team that only allowed 236 points (21.5 ppg.) “We talk with our pads” Bellamy added. Oak Park could have a special season yet again this season, “always attempt to win every game, we are not going to do anything special” said Carter on the game with Detroit Cass Tech and the rest of the season.

Adams Highlanders:

Last Season: 8-4, 4-3 White (lost to Clarkston 56-28 in Regional Final)

Game of the Year: September 5^th Southfield

The Highlanders will be talented again especially in running the veer option this season for coach Tony Patrino. Patrino has been in a lot of big games and is looking forward to the season “It comes down to how we execute the veer” he said. Adams offense scored 308 points (25.6 ppg) last season and is led by quarterback Kyle Wood who comes back for his sophomore season. “We hope he throws the ball well and we are excited for him” said Patrino. Wood will have some targets this season in Clarence Broadnax and Jacob McOarski. Adams also has a good sophomore class that went undefeated last season and will also have lineman Paul Morceli returning to fill the roll as top lineman this season and really didn’t notice a difference from former quarterback Matt Sokol, now at Michigan State and Wood “They were both good quarterbacks. They were both well rounded quarterbacks” Morceli said. The Highlanders defense wasn’t bad either in returning to the playoffs last season. The Highlanders allowed 255 points (21.5 ppg.) That was a huge reason why Adams did not make the playoffs in 2012, “Two years ago we were really bad” Patrino added. Adams plays a really good Stoney Creek team week one and isn’t taking the Cougars nor anyone in the league lightly “Biggest thing is we always work hard. The way you approach the game, it depends. Against Stoney Creek they will think they will think they will be the underdog and we can’t take them lightly” said McOarski. The Highlanders will be dangerous again this season, “We love the challenge, you can beat any team. Division One Scholarships don’t win you football games” Patrino concluded.

Harrison Hawks:

Last Season:  10-2, 6-1 White (lost to Portage Central 42-21 in Regional Final)

Game of the Year: September 12^th Oak Park

The Hawks return 10 starters from a team that lost to Portage Central in the Regional Finals last season will return a strong defense and also a star quarterback in Javon Shaw, who will lead a John Herrington offense that scored 439 points (36.5 ppg) last season and returns a defense that was just nasty in allowing 213 points (18 ppg.) Harrison will return cornerback Devon Cook, lineman Mike Ojemuda, linebacker Iwani Smith, and added West Bloomfield transfer Khalid Kareem to the fold. This Hawks team could have a strong say in the White this season and opens up with Farmington. “We have a lot of talent and a fast defense. Our weakness is running back but we have candidates who can fill that role” said Herrington.

Southfield Blue Jays:

Last Season 7-3, 7-0 White (lost to Seaholm 17-16 First Round)

Game of the Year: Setember 5^th at Adams

Coach Gary Teasley will have his hands full this season with the Blue Jays after a disapointing 7-3 last season and a 17-16 playoff loss to Seaholm should motivate them to well this season. Southfield will be talented again and its theme is “Unfinished Business.” The Blue Jays will have some offense this season with their traditional pistol offense that scored 218 points (22 ppg) a season ago and will be led by quarterback Kayne Harris and have running backs Matt Falcon and Adrian Carter. The Blue Jays will have a deep and talented secondary to rely on this season. Southfield will have three cornerbacks who will be going to Division One Schools and will be likely tough to throw on for a 3-3-5 defense. The top guy back is three year starter cornerback Ray Buford (going to Minnesota next season), along with Davonte Ginright, who will be going to Western Michigan next season, incoming Pontiac transfer and Central Michigan recruit Jamal Antione and upcoming cornerback Dior Johnson to go with linebacker Keith Dubur on a defense that allowed 106 points (10.6 ppg) last season. The Blue Jays will be very good as well and could get back to the playoffs yet again this season. The schedule is tricky with Orchard Lake St Mary’s at Wayne State and games against Harrison (Home), Oak Park (Home), Adams (Home.)

Seaholm Maples:

Last Season: 8-1, 7-0 Blue (lost to Birmingham Brother Rice 34-7 in District Finals)

Game of the Year: September 12^th at Adams

The Maples make the move up from the Blue to the White will feel right at home though. Seaholm returns quarterback Tommy Sheppard to a team that scored 342 points (31 ppg) last season but the Maples and it's beloved Maples Forest were mostly known for their defense. Seaholm did lose a lot of talent last season on defense but will have cornerback Austin Paritee and lineman Jack Payne back on a defense that allowed 170 points (15.5 ppg.) The Maples are a quiet giant nobody is talking about this season. Depth will be a big problem for coach Jim DeWald this season after losing nine starters on both sides of the football.

Rochester Falcons:

Last Season: 4-5, 3-4 Red (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: August 28^th at Lapeer

The Falcons lost a lot of talent from a season ago and could struggle this season moving down from the Red to the White. Rochester must replace quite a bit of starters and will be led by running back Chris Ross and wide receiver DeAnthony Skiola. The Falcons have three starters coming back and their strength will be up front and have depth and corners. Mentality is a huge concern this season. Rochester allowed 220 points (24.4 ppg) and scored 210 points (23.3 ppg.) Schedule is not friendly as well for Rochester as they travel to Lapeer to kick off the season and conclude with a game against Stoney Creek. The Falcons still have to play Oak Park, Harrison, Southfield, Seaholm, and a team that they have not beaten since 1996 in arch rival Adams. It could be a long season for coach Eric Vernon and Rochester.

Royal Oak Ravens:

Last Season: 4-5, 4-3 Blue (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 5^th at Oak Park

The Ravens finished 4-5 last season and changed coaches. Out is Ryan Irish and in is Tim Chapman who takes over the reigns in Royal Oak. “We want to rebuild the tradition and passion of Royal Oak football. You have to have confidence especially in life” said Chapman. The Ravens do return some talent especially on offense in which Royal Oak scored 193 points (21.4 ppg) in quarterback Brendan Beerer along with running back/cornerback Noah Kochanski. The Ravens defense was an issue that Chapman must address though this season, they allowed 252 points (28 ppg) last season and will relay on lineman Cullen Conway to anchor the Royal Oak defense. “We want to move forward, respect victory, it’s a mindset” Chapman concluded.

North Farmington Raiders:

Last Season: 5-4, 4-3 Blue (lost to Harrison 49-7 in First Round)

Game of the Year: September 5^th at Seaholm

The Raiders come back up to the White after a successful season last year in the Blue but lost Chauncey Bridges to graduation and that will hurt. North Farmington will return a good defense allowing 233 points (23.3 ppg) last season and have lineman Matt Blair, defensive end Marvin Yaldo, and cornerback John Smith to rely on this season. The Raiders must replace Bridges from an offense that scored 247 points (24.8 ppg) last season and must do so fast.

Red preview:

Clarkston

Orion

Oxford

West Bloomfield

Stoney Creek

Troy Athens

Bloomfield Hills

Troy

The Red is deep this season, Orion and Clarkston look to be in the race all season long and also include Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Stoney Creek. Troy Athens could surprise people along with Bloomfield Hills and Troy could have some trouble this season.

Clarkston Wolves:

Last Season 13-1, 7-0 Red (Division One State Champions)

Game of the Year: August 28^th Macomb Dakota

The Wolves won the Division One State Championship last season and is one of the favorites to repeat this season. Clarkston returns about 60 percent of it’s offense from last season that scored 548 points (39.1 ppg) and will be led by quarterback DJ Zezula and have running backs Nolan Ericksen and Centris Williams. The Wolves return tight end Cole Chewins and also have receivers Joe Popp and Austin Egler for Kurt Richardson’s offense. Clarkston will have some issues on defense this season but does return some talent on a team that allowed 207 points (14.8 ppg) and will be led by lineman Adam Matich, linebacker Christopher Millsop, and cornerback Merrick Canada. The Wolves will be very good again but the question will be is this team ready to be the hunted and not the hunters, we’ll find out.

Orion Dragons:

Last Season: 7-3, 5-2 Red (lost to Romeo 24-21 First Round)

Game of the Year: September 19^th at Oxford

The Dragons enter this season on a transition after a disappointing 7-3 year last season. The line will be bigger this season for coach Chris Bell for the first time in years. “We will be transitioning to a throwback Orion team” said Bell. There is a question, who will be quarterbacking the green and white? The Chris Bell led offense scored 354 points (35.4 ppg) and will be led by running backs Matt Krause and Keith Fields along with receiver Zach Serzo. “I’m looking forward to the year, having fun, and enjoying it with my team” said Krause. “We will watch film and work hard in the weight room” said Serzo. The problem was the defense, this team allowed 222 points (22.2 ppg) which was unusual for a Orion defense last season. The defense will be anchored by lineman Justin Cathers, defensive end Jack Luby, linebacker Logan Shadia, and have cornerback’s Jaylen Wiggins and Drew Casey to rely on this season. “Glad to work with a core group of guys” said Shadia. The schedule is brutal with only three home games this season (Troy, West Bloomfield, and Clarkston) and a week one trip to Clinton Township Chippewa Valley but if there is one team that can navigate it, it’s Orion. “I’m excited to play somewhere we have never been before” said Luby. The Dragons will be transiting this season and is looking forward to the season. “I love my team, they get better every single week” Bell concluded.

Oxford Wildcats:

Last Season 5-5, 4-3 White (lost to Clarkston 30-27 First Round)

Game of the Year: September 19^th Lake Orion

The Wildcats will rely a lot on quarterback Glacier Wallington for a team that scored 307 points (30.7 ppg) with its pound the rock scheme for coach Bud Rowley however the problem for Oxford will be is that Ben Line is gone and they rely on running the football. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Wildcats do go to the air a bit more because they do have a wide receiver threat in Dallas Truitt whom was a long jumper in Track and also will have Will Horne as well. Oxford has been able to rely on time possession football a lot, one reason why was because the Wildcats have had defensive issues, last season Oxford allowed 227 points (22.7 ppg.) It could be an interesting season, especially if Wallington gets hurt also he does play safety as well on defense. We’ll see what happens but expect Oxford to be a playoff team yet again this season.

West Bloomfield Lakers:

Last Season: 5-4, 4-3 Red (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 12^th at Clarkston

This could be the Lakers best team under coach Ronald Belmany. West Bloomfield won two huge games over Troy and Stoney Creek but lost to Oxford to finish 5-4 last season The Lakers will be motivated on improving a team that scored 254 points (28.2 ppg) last season and making the playoffs for the first time since 2008. “We were fortunate to have a dynamic offense” said West Bloomfield assistant and current Girls Basketball coach Matt Hilbers. The Lakers returns wide receiver/quarterback Tristian Jackson and quarterback Michael King. “Tristian is a good athlete, still a receiver, he has taken snaps at quarterback, he is a game changer”  Hilbers added. Jackson did not play the Lake Orion or Clarkston games last season which opened up the door for Michael King. “Michael is fun to watch, give him space and he’ll make anyone pay” Hilbers added. The Lakers will also have lineman Evan Boyer controlling the lines this season as well. The problem for West Bloomfield was it’s defense and they allowed a lot of points last season 248 points (27.5 ppg) but the Lakers will have transfer Justice Hollins who comes over from Birmingham Brother Rice, defensive end Eddy Wilson who is going to Bowling Green next season, and defensive back Obbie Jackson who likes to be around the ball. The schedule is a nightmare this season with trips to Clarkston, Orion, Oxford, and Stoney Creek and they will open up at Wayne State with Dearborn. “No matter how you shake it up, you’re playing great football teams, no matter what” Hilbers concluded. This season will be interesting for West Bloomfield hoping to end a six year playoff drought.

Stoney Creek Cougars:

Last Season 6-4, 5-2 Red (lost 17-6 to Adams First Round)

Game of the Year: September 5^th at Oxford

Last season may have been the best season for coach Brad Zube and his Cougars, you beat Lake Orion 36-7, make the playoffs for the first time since 2007 but now the tough part. Stoney Creek lost a lot from that team (15 starters) that may have been the best ever at Stoney Creek and could be rebuilding a little bit but don’t say that to Zube “I like them a lot, a lot of unanswered questions, still working on depth and we are looking forward to compete” Zune said. The Cougars recently changed coordinators on an offense that scored 301 points (30.1 ppg) off their triple option offense a season ago. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Zube added. Stoney Creek will have some players returning in linebackers Joe Platz, and Jack Price on a defense where they allowed 185 points (19 ppg), which was the least amount of points in the Red last season. “Senior year, just excited to play with brothers” said Price. The Cougars will move cornerback Jack Allen to quarterback and he is looking forward to the challenge of being the signal caller in Rochester “I played quarterback freshman and sophomore years. Jack Allor (last season’s quarterback) kind of taught me some things as well” Allen said. Running back Scott Reader also returns for the Cougars, both Allen and Reader are basketball players as well for coach Steve Norgrove “A lot more game planning for football. Making changes on the fly though in basketball” Reader said. Coach, Brad Zube has this program going up but it could be an interesting season in Rochester especially having to play Rochester Adams week one and Rochester week nine, “I thought all three Rochester schools would be in the same league. We got Adams week one and now we got Rochester week nine.” The Adams game has Platz motivated for that one since it was the Highlanders that eliminated the Cougars from the playoffs last year “Adams since the day we lost to them” said Platz. The schedule is interesting besides Adams and their recent rivalry with West Bloomfield is not what people think it is, considering that both teams got into a brawl in 2012. "Coach Bellamy and I are very good friends and the media took it another direction. I don’t predict any nastiness on the roster this year” Zube concluded. Stoney Creek plays Lake Orion and Clarkston at home but goes to Oxford this season. Things will be interesting in Rochester.

Troy Athens Red Hawks:

Last Season: 2-7, 2-5 Red (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 5^th Lake Orion

Three seasons ago the Red Hawks made the playoffs however things have changed since then. They are 4-14 since the Romeo playoff game in 2011. “We want to get back to the 7-3 season of 2011, we have size up front, speed, and a relentless defense” said coach Josh Heppner. One thing that has made Heppner lose sleep at night is his defense. The defense was a complete disaster in allowing 301 points (33.4 ppg) but Troy Athens will have an offense to rely upon and a good Junior Varsity team from last season as well. The Red Hawks offense scored 148 points (16.4 ppg) returns quarterback Alex Muscat, running back Devin Terry and wide receiver Brennan McHugh. It could be different in Troy this season but we will see what happens. “Win everything, everything matters” Heppner concluded.

Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks:

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 White (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: September 12^th Stoney Creek

In its first season as a combined school the Blackhawks were a disaster going 3-6 last season and now with 12 starters gone, they find out moving up from the White to the Red. One big reason why it was bad for coach Jeff Loria was the defense, they allowed 308 points (34.2 ppg) and it looks not to get any better in year two but they have linebackers John Mitchem and Andrew Rabich and free safety Nate Emery returning as well. Emery transferred back to Bloomfield Hills after spending one season at Utica Eisenhower, he played two seasons at Bloomfield Hills Lahser before going to Utica Eisenhower. Loria has said that Emery will be his starting quarterback week one but he can also play running back as well despite the fact they have Cameron Dalton at quarterback on a offense that scored 170 points (18.8 ppg) last season. Bloomfield Hills returns four offensive lineman led by Jeff Ross, and Bryan Gutowski. “The leadership my seniors bring, it starts with them” said Loria.

Troy Colts:

Last Season: 3-6, 2-5 Red (Did not make postseason)

Game of the Year: August 28th at Sterling Heights Stevenson

The Colts are 1-4 since the fourth quarter of the Lake Orion game at Ford Field last season. Troy will be young and inexperienced this season for coach Gary Griffith for a team that finished 3-6 last season. The Colts will rely on lineman Chris Koumousopolus to carry both lines and running back Eric Papanderea to carry the spread offense the Colts will bring this season. Troy’s 52 defense was a disaster on defense allowing 251 points (27.8 ppg) and offensively the Colts struggled as well scoring 134 points (16.8 ppg.) “We won’t have a lot of size this season and we have a young skill set” said Griffith In terms of Troy Boys Basketball Coach Gary Fralick, this could be a long season in Troy.

Volleyball Preview

Written, Tuesday July 29th, at 1:15 PM

This is the Girls Volleyball preview for this upcoming season. The predictions are projections where teams might finish and also what might happen this season so enjoy.

Volleyball Top 10:

1. Seaholm
2. Avondale
3. Lake Orion
4. Clarkston
5. Berkley
6. Troy Athens
7. Bloomfield Hills
8. Royal Oak
9. Oak Park
10. Troy

OAA Red:

1. Seaholm
2. Lake Orion
3. Clarkston
4. Bloomfield Hills
5. Troy
6. Oxford
7. Stoney Creek
8. Farmington

Favorite: Birmingham Seaholm: The Maples return a lot of experience from a team that really wasn’t supposed to do much but they did a lot for coach Heather Lippert. Seaholm returns liberio Madison Martin, setter Paige Zywick, middle hitter Lauren McLeod, Kate Karey, and outside hitter Annie Schechter. The schedule will be tough but the Maples will have an experienced team to do so and could also be a player once districts come.

Next Best: Lake Orion: The Dragons have some key pieces back in  Hannah Murdock, Kori Varney, and Wies Hurkmans. The key is coaching and the players’ work ethic (consistency.) If new coach Tony Scvarda and his players can gel quickly then this team could go places.

Team on the rise: Troy: The Colts return 13 of 14 players from a team that was decimated by injuries last season. Expect Troy to make a rise up for coach Vince Muscatt and will do so led by Sydney Alexander and Lauren Ferguson.

Dark horse: Clarkston: It’s hard to put the Wolves here because they do return Taylor Dellinger and have won seven conceive Red titles but the question is in the back row where Clarkston lost a lot from last season. Melanie Awaygo will try and fill the void loss in the backcourt for coach Kelly Averall but they will have the talent to do so.

Team that could play spoiler: Bloomfield Hills: The merger did wonders for the Blackhawks program last season but consistency problems bothered coach Robert Hurdle's crew last season. What doesn't help as well is they do lose nine players from a season ago but they do return some key players and their junior varsity team wasn't bad either last season as well.

Team that is in trouble: Oxford: No more Darien Bandell to count on for the Wildcats but Oxford returns the bulk of their team but the problem for coach Kristi McDermitt was that three of them were her best players she lost.

Stoney Creek could be a factor as well this season and will return Sammy Sattaman and four juniors will be back but the problem for the Cougars and coach Mandy Moran will be is how will they replace six seniors from a season ago???

Farmington will be good as well but could have some depth issues and schedule will be much tougher for them this season.

OAA White:

1. Berkley
2. Troy Athens
3. Groves
4. Adams
5. Harrison
6. North Farmington
7. Rochester
8. West Bloomfield

Favorite: Berkley: The Bears do return some key pieces to their lineup in the form of Chole Rinkel and Grace Hammerle and will have experience as well this season for second year coach Erik Gardner. Berkley should be able to contend for the White crown this season.

Next Best: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks lost a lot of senior laden talent from a season ago but they will return eight players. Troy Athens does return three key players in Dakota Stanichuck, liberio Michelle Dontato, defensive specialist Karly Flipps, and outside hitter Alexis Van Hoef. The Red Hawks could be in the mix again for coach Chrstine Stanichik.

Dark horse: Groves: The Falcons made the regional semifinals last season and should be favored again once districts come. Groves will have the size and depth to compete for coach Stacy Brown but the question will be the back court.

Team on the rise: Adams: Coach Irick Gardner’s second season at Adams could be an interesting one. The Highlanders were a team to keep an eye on and will be led by Madison Tuscany and company. Look for Adams to make a jump in the White this season but questions at Liberio could be an interesting one to watch.

Team that could play spoiler: Harrison: The Hawks showed they have talent and they may pull off yet another surprise this season. Last season, Harrison upset North Farmington in the pre districts and look to ride the momentum into this season. The Hawks return Stefanie Jankiewitz and Michkel Coleman and could be a thorn to teams if coach Michael Love gets his way this season.

Team that could be in trouble: North Farmington: For a team that was a disappointment last season the Raiders moved down from the Red to the White and will have experience back in the form of five sophomores and one of them is Haley Qasawa. Last season was tough on Jessica Concedi but this season could be different.

Rochester will be improved and could be a factor this season for coach Lauren Durquette.

West Bloomfield could be a factor as well, keep an eye on the Lakers as well.

OAA Blue:

1. Avondale
2. Royal Oak
3. Oak Park
4. Ferndale
5. Hazel Park
6. Southfield
7. Lathrup
8. Pontiac

Favorite: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets will be experienced and talented. Avondale could do some damage for coach Rosemary Motamedi this season in the form of Collen Mayer, Haley Bitinger, and Emma Ahearn. The Yellow Jackets lost a tough one last season to Troy Athens in the district finals. That loss will be the motivator for them this season.

Next Best: Royal Oak: The Ravens return a solid group and also experience in Allison Karpinski and Nina Salowich and a strong Junior Varsity team coming up to Varsity. Coach Heidi Studebacker's Royal Oak squad could have a strong say who wins the Blue this season.

Team on the rise: Oak Park: The Knights have athletes and is developing a program under second year coach Antwon Davis. The Knights have a very good core coming back in middle hitter Jazzmine Stackhouse and have talents in Tamiah Tompkins, and Makayla Mullins. Oak Park is on the rise for sure and they just started their middle school volleyball program back up last season, a lot of good is coming for Knight Valley.

Dark horse: Ferndale: The Eagles had a tough season last season but do return some key players for coach Stacy Scholk. Ferndale returns outside hitters Emily Kulick, Karly Wilson, and Sydney Donaldson to a team that could surprise people. If their back court comes around then the Eagles could go places.

Team that could play spoiler: Southfield: The Blue Jays do have some talent back and they could pull off an upset or two this season.

Team that is in trouble 1: Hazel Park: The Vikings won two district titles the last two seasons and could be in trouble this season for two reasons. First reason is that coach Sue Stuef's team lost a lot of experience last season and returns only three players but one of them will be middle hitter Cheyenne Farris. The second reason is they will be moving up from Class B to Class A. It could be a difficult season in Hazel Park.

Team’s that is in trouble 2: Lathrup, and Pontiac: These two teams here could struggle this season and the top three will be up there as well.

Final Football Preseason Rankings before Preview.

Written Friday July 25th, at 1:30 AM

This will be the last early preseason before the projections and analysis are out for each team this season but this is an early indicator where the Den maybe going with the preseason poll. So enjoy everybody.

24. Ferndale Eagles-Eagles could be in for a long season.

23. Pontiac Phoenix-Phoenix have athletes but coaching, things out of their control, and depth is a huge issue.

22. North Farmington Raiders- It could be a long season in Farmington Hills especially with a new division and tough schedule.

21. Troy Colts-Colts 1-4 since the fourth quarter at Ford Field last season.

20. Rochester Falcons- Falcons will be a young group entering a whole another animal from the Red to the White.

19. Royal Oak Ravens- New coach Tim Chapman will have his hands full with a team that went 4-5 last season and got moved up to the White.

18. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks- Blackhawks defense was awful last season 33.2 ppg and now they have to deal with the likes of Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Stoney Creek, and West Bloomfield instead of Southfield, Oak Park, Harrison, and Adams. Poor coach Jeffery Loria and his team.

17. Troy Athens Red Hawks- Strong junior class has the Red Hawks believing this season.

16. Groves Falcons- Gone is Ross Williams but his legacy will never be forgotten.

15. Farmington Falcons- Falcons have the athletes and are oddly in a lower division but chemistry and egos will be an issue this season.

14. Hazel Park Vikings- New coach Kyle Rowley will have success in his first season in Viking land especially coming from a family legacy that likes to pound the rock.

13.  Berkley Bears- Second year coach Chris Sikoria will have the Bears ready to make some noise this season but a tough one to start off with Holly looms.

12. Lathrup Chargers- Reggie Harris is ready to make some noise in his sophomore season in a new division at Lathrup Village.

11. Seaholm Maples- Maples make big jump from Blue to White but have experience just ask Southfield.

10. Stoney Creek Cougars- Cougars have a new offensive coordinator but could he ditch the triple option that helped the Cougars go to the playoffs last season???

9. Southfield Blue Jays- Blue Jays will have athletes but have questions up front.

8. Avondale Yellow Jackets- Now that Josh Holloman is committed to play at Cincinnati, he can focus on his senior season in Auburn Hills scoring touchdowns.

7. West Bloomfield Lakers- Best team that coach Ronald Bellamy has had and hungry as well and loaded with athletes like Tristan Jackson and Michael King among others.

6. Oxford Wildcats- Glacier Wallington is the key to the Wildcats season.

5. Lake Orion Dragons- Dragons must improve on a defense that allowed 22.2 ppg last season.

4. Harrison Hawks- JaVon Shaw is a heck of an athlete. Expect the Hawks to be in it all season long.

3. Adams Highlanders- If Kyle Wood can do what he did last season in a full season then the Highlanders will be dangerous.

2. Oak Park Knights- If Knights can get strong quarterback play from Chauncey Lowman to go along with John Kelly then the Knights can be dangerous.

1. Clarkston Wolves- Wolves have a good offense that will score points but have a suspect defense. 

West Bloomfield Adds Two, Maybe Three transfers. Could have impact on the Dragons.

Written Tuesday June 24th, at 2:15 PM

After the end of Boys Basketball season in 2014, there was possible rumblings out of Detroit U-D Jesuit that three of its top players from their 2014 Final Four team could be on the way out of U-D Jesuit.

However problems arose when there was a court battle and also uncertainty arose as businessman Ron Thomas enrolled his two 6.9 Nigerian kids Eke Donatus Ikechukwu II and Greg Eboigbodin are now at West Bloomfield while Thomas own son Billy also transferred out of U-D Jesuit and will play in Virginia according to two sources but there are rumors that he could be a Laker as well.

This is a huge coup for West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna in getting these two 6.9 Nigerian players especially that his team struggled last season in the tough White division. This season West Bloomfield will play in the Blue but that could be subject to change despite the schedule is already out.

The exit from U-D Jesuit was a messy one for the Thomas family.

Both Eboigbodin and Ikechukwu were expected to play for U-D Jesuit last season but were ruled ineligible by the MHSAA because they learned that the two players that Thomas brought in from Nigeria to the United States were solely there just to play Basketball.

Thomas lives in the West Bloomfield area and his boys are expected to be eligible immediately at West Bloomfield.

U-D Jesuit claimed that Thomas wasn’t the legal guardian of the two boys and there was a court battle over this but the claim was thrown out in Oakland County Family court last week. There is a hearing set in July related to one of the two boy’s case.

Questions Loom:

There are questions though that remains here with the addition of the two (maybe three) transfers. It is possible that West Bloomfield could try to move up a division from the Blue to the White for the season.

West Bloomfield hasn’t won a district title in a while and would be an overwhelming favorite if they stayed in the Blue and compete with Oxford, Stoney Creek, Seaholm, Groves, and Avondale but if they move up to the White then they would have to deal with teams like Oak Park, Troy Athens, Troy, Lake Orion, and Pontiac.

Another question all though a long shot is that the MHSAA could force the two to sit out another year because of the transfer but since Thomas is the legal guardian and lives in West Bloomfield that doesn’t seem likely.

Both big guys will give a huge post presence to the Lakers especially when you can move senior Anton Lukaj to the small forward and move junior Tristian Jackson to the shooting guard and point guard spot and also bring junior guard Michael King off the bench. West Bloomfield will be a dangerous team this season but the district will be tricky especially with Orchard Lake St. Marys and Walled Lake Western in it as well at Walled Lake Northern.

Also what stands out here is that West Bloomfield had a good Junior Varsity team last season that finished 19-1 and that most of their kids might not get an opportunity with the addition of these two (maybe three players) to play on the varsity level but that will be up to Lakers coach Jeremy Dehna and his staff to figure out.

Personal Thoughts:

Personally I think that these two transfers will play this season and that they have gone through enough grief and stress and also the elder Thomas as well. I think these two players will be given a fresh start.

With the schedules out in the league it would be interesting if West Bloomfield moves up to the White, it could be another James Young situation when it involved Troy and Rochester, the Colts stayed in the Red despite losing Young and Rochester won it’s first district title and was in  the White that season (went to the state quarterfinals.) Even with this situation still unfolding I think staying in the Blue maybe the Lakers best option right now for not only a league championship but a chance to gel as a team.

The Dragons Den will keep updates when more of this story unfolds.

Districts-Regionals out and Thoughts.

Written Tuesday June 17th, at 2:40 PM

District 21:

Detroit Cody

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit U-D Jesuit (Boys)

Farmington Hills Mercy (Girls)

Southfield

Farmington

Volleyball: @ Detroit Renaissance When looking at this district remember that Farmington Hills Mercy is in here and they are still going to be very good. Farmington maybe the Marlins toughest challenger here in this district. This district is Mercy’s to lose.

Girls Basketball: @ Detroit Renaissance The Marlins lost a lot of talent from last season but can reload. Farmington has the guards in Maddy Tresvian, Mya Douse, and Arami Echols to win this district. The favorite here is Detroit Renaissance because of talent and they are the hosts but don’t count out Farmington Hills Mercy or Farmington in that matter. This district is a three team race.

Boys Basketball: @ Detroit Renaissance Detroit U-D Jesuit went to the State Semifinals before losing to Bloomfield Hills last season. This team is still going to be very good and the Cubs could very well be the best team in the Catholic League again. Detroit Renaissance is the host team and got a transfer from Orchard Lake St. Mary's. Southfield and Farmington could be players as well but right now this district is a two team race.

District 23:

Hazel Park

Sterling Heights

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren Woods Tower

Volleyball: @ Warren Mott Hazel Park and Warren Woods Tower move up from Class B. Hazel Park won two district titles but the problem is this is Class A and the competition is so much tougher up here than Class B also they lost a lot of talent from last season. The Patriots of Warren Cousino is an early favorite here but don’t count out Warren Mott.

Girls Basketball: @ Warren Mott This is a bad district because some of these teams will struggle in this side of the mix but when it comes to favorites in girls basketball. Warren Cousino is the best team in this district and should overwhelm the competition here.

Boys Basketball: @ Warren Woods Tower This district is interesting because Warren Cousino and Warren Mott will battle it out for the crown but don’t count out Warren Woods Tower either. It looks like Macomb County and the battle of Warren would be too much for the other teams in this district.

District 24:

Groves

Berkley

Royal Oak

Oak Park

Southfield Lathrup

Volleyball: @ Groves This district is a four team race between Groves, Berkley, Oak Park, and Royal Oak. All four teams will be very good but Falcons and Bears are in a higher division (White) than the Knights and Ravens (Blue). However Groves did lose a lot of talent last season. Royal Oak, Oak Park, and Berkley return key players and will be dangerous to Groves reign as defending District Champs.

Girls Basketball: @ Royal Oak This is an interesting district, Lathrup is an overwhelming favorite but you can’t count out Royal Oak, Berkley, and Oak Park. All three of these teams have returning players from a season ago. Royal Oak and Oak Park will be threats in the Blue while Berkley could challenge Troy Athens for the Gold but in the end, Lathrup has the Bello Twins and has the best coach in this district in Michelle Jackson-Marshall.

Boys Basketball: @ Royal Oak The Knights are loaded again and overwhelming favorite again. They have the big men in Rodney Scales and Kevon Fuller to run away with this district but guard play is a question. Groves could threaten but it's not likely, Oak Park and Groves when it comes to Basketball programs are in two different worlds. This district is Oak Park’s to lose.

District 25:

Birmingham Seaholm
Birmingham Brother Rice (Boys)

Birmingham Marian (Girls)

Bloomfield Hills

Harrison

North Farmington

Volleyball: @ Marian When you look at Birmingham Marian, they are the favorite here because of experience and add the fact that they host the district but don’t count out Birmingham Seaholm or Bloomfield Hills here. Seaholm especially could give the Mustangs problems in this district because of the experience they have back. North Farmington and Harrison could have issues here but this district is a three team race with the Blackhawks, Mustangs, and Maples.

Girls Basketball: @ Marian This district is Birmingham Marian’s to lose but this could be a very tough district. Harrison will be very good with it’s big three (Kyla Roland, Kristen Nelson, Amber Stephans), North Farmington has a good team and one of the best coaches and defenses in this district, Seaholm has three very good players (Makenzie Harbott, Kate Owens, and Patty Girardot), Bloomfield Hills is still going to be very good led by their backcourt, Katerine Prinna and Amanda Moss. So pretty much this will be a tough district maybe the toughest in the state but the Mustangs are favored because of experience and lets not forget they are the defending state champions.

Boys Basketball: @ ???? North Farmington is going to be dangerous here in this district, they return two very good players and one is name Jerome Rogers. Bloomfield Hills is the next best team and have state finals experience but this district is the Raiders to lose.

District 26:

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (Boys)

Walled Lake Western

West Bloomfield

White Lake Lakeland

Volleyball: @ Walled Lake Northern: This is an interesting district Lakeland is the favorite here because of their experience and should do well this season again in moving on in this district. The other teams could struggle here in this district but Walled Lake Northern could have a say here.

Girls Basketball @ Walled Lake Northern: This district is as even as I can think of and last season the Lakers and Eagles went overtime to settle the district. Lakeland is the early favorite but don’t count out West Bloomfield because of their guards (Dazia Dinkins, and Rachel Harnish.) Walled Lake Western could be a factor but in the end it will come down to Lakeland and West Bloomfield here.

Boys Basketball @ Walled Lake Northern: Walled Lake Western has a new coach here but a talented team coming back. Orchard Lake St Mary's have a good crew back and is considered to be the dark horse but the favorite is West Bloomfield. The Lakers has the best player in this district in Tristian Jackson. Walled Lake Central is another dark horse here as well but this district looks to be a four team race between Walled Lake Western, Walled Lake Central, West Bloomfield, and Orchard Lake St. Marys.

District 31:

Avondale

Pontiac

Troy

Troy Athens

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

Volleyball: @ Troy: When I look at this one I can see a three team race. The host Colts will be a factor with returning 13 starters from a team that struggled a season ago and then I look at Avondale, The Yellow Jackets return a lot of talent from a team that lost a tough district final to Troy Athens last season. Troy Athens is a dark horse and has some experience coming back. Waterford Kettering could play spoiler but this looks like to be a three team district.

Girls Basketball @ Waterford Kettering: This district is interesting as well. Waterford Kettering reloads and is the favorite early and hosts this district. Troy and Avondale could have a say if the Captains repeat the district. Waterford Mott is rebuilding a bit and Pontiac is in trouble here. It’s a three team race here but Waterford Kettering is the favorite here because of experience and they host the district.

Boys Basketball @ Troy Athens: This district is interesting, the favorite is Troy Athens because of experience and they are the two time district champs also add that they host this district. Troy could be a huge factor as well. Also don’t count out Waterford Mott and Pontiac. The Corsairs added two transfers from Waterford Kettering and Pontiac is always a traditional basketball power. Avondale could have a say but it looks like the district could go through the city of Troy again.

District 32:

Clarkston

Orion

Oxford

Rochester Adams

Rochester

Stoney Creek

Volleyball: @ Orion: This is clearly a two team race between the Wolves and Dragons. Clarkston has won five of six against Orion and will be very good again. Orion has had some consistency issues as well. The winner of this district will have to go through Romeo and have a good shot of getting to the state quarterfinals.

Girls Basketball: @ Orion: Each team has an individual star in this district but also whose role players step up will win this district. Oxford has a lot of experience back and will be senior heavy, (Jessica Murphy, Cheryln Bandis, Skye Donaldson, and Grace Wysocki) but so does Adams (Raiven Owusu, Amber Jamison, Olivia Aregros), Stoney Creek (Courtney Solek, Maria Zandi), and Orion (Hannah Hamay, Delaney Haan, Evelyn Wischmeyer). Clarkston meanwhile has the district’s best player in Erica Davenport along with newcomer Molly Nicholson . This could be an interesting district to watch and see.

Boys Basketball: @ Clarkston: When I see this district, it’s wide open. Clarkston returns some key players and hosts this district. Oxford is improved and will be talented. Rochester Adams lost some key players but has a good player back. Stoney Creek is a hard working team. Orion is always there with talent. I can see five teams possibly winning this district.

Class B: District 42:

Ferndale

Detroit Central

Detroit Old Redford
Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern (Basketball)

Detroit Henry Ford Academy

Warren Fitzgerald

Volleyball: @ Warren Fitzgerald: The favorite in this district looks to be the host Warren Fitzgerald. With no Hazel Park in this district this seems to be wide open here. Ferndale returns some key parts to it's team and could play a huge factor in this district.

Girls Basketball: @ Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern: When looking at this district the favorite here is Ferndale but they will be weaker those with the loss of their two star players to graduation but the Eagles will find someway to win this district. Also keep an eye on Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern, they host and could be a darkhorse.

Boys Basketball: @ Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern: When looking here in this district, Detroit Henry Ford Academy can do well here but any Detroit school can do well here, even Ferndale can as well. This is clearly a wide open district here.

Regional:

Troy Athens (Volleyball), Sterling Heights Stevenson (Girls Basketball), Troy (Boys Basketball):

District 32 (Lake Orion District) vs. District 31 (Troy District)

District 30 (Sterling Heights Stevenson District- Romeo, Utica Eisenhower, Utica Ford, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Utica) vs. District 29 (Anchor Bay District- Anchor Bay, Macomb Dakota, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Port Huron, Port Huron Northern)

West Bloomfield (Volleyball), Ortonville Brandon (Girls Basketball), ??? (Boys Basketball):

District 26 (Walled Lake Northern District) vs. District 27 (Hartland District- Hartland, Howell, Brighton, Milford, South Lyon)

District 18 (Novi District- Novi, Novi Detroit Cathoic Central (Boys), Northville, Plymouth, Plymouth Canton, Plymouth Salem) vs. District 8 (Linden District- Linden, Fenton, Ortonville Brandon, Grand Blanc, Holly)

Birmingham Marian (Volleyball), Southfield (Girls and Boys Basketball):

District 25 (Birmingham Marian District) vs. District 24 (Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves District)

District 21 (Detroit Renaissance District) vs. District 19 (???- Garden City, Livonia Churchill, Livonia Franklin, Livonia Stevenson, Redford Thruston)

Fraser (Volleyball), Grosse Pointe South (Girls Basketball), Sterling Heights (Boys Basketball):

District 23 (Warren Mott District) vs. District 28 L’Anse Creuse District- L’Anse Creuse, Chippewa Valley, Fraser, St. Clair Shores Lakeshore, St Clair Shores Lakeview, Roseville)

District 22 (Grosse Pointe North District-Detroit East English Village Prep, Detroit Southeastern, East Detroit, Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South) vs. District 20 (Hamtramck District- Detroit International Academy, Detroit Cass Tech, Detroit Martin Luther King, Detroit Pershing, Detroit Western)

Class B-Livonia Clarenceville (Volleyball), Dearborn Heights Divine Child (Girls Basketball, Dearborn Heights Robichaud (Boys Basketball) 

* Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern is in District 41 for Volleyball is in District 42 for Girls and Boys Basketball.

District 42 (Warren Fitzgearld District) vs. District 45 (Livonia Clarenceville District- Livonia Clarenceville, Detroit Community, Detroit Communication of Media Arts, Detroit Henry Ford, Detroit Redford Union, Southfield Bradford Academy, Livonia Ladywood)

District 41 (Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern District*- Dearborn Advanced Technology Academy, Detroit Collegiate Prep at Northwestern *,  Detroit University Prep, Detroit Ceaser Chavez, Detroit Consortium vs. District 40 (Dearborn Divine Child District- Dearborn Heights Annapolis, Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Dearborn Henry Ford Academy, Dearborn Divine Child, Melvindale, River Rouge)

Dragons Update-Softball loses tough game, Track takes 12th in state, District possiblities in 2014-2015.

Written Sunday June 8th, at 6:10 PM

Softball wins first game, loses second game.

The sixth ranked Lake Orion softball team survived Troy in the regional semifinals 5-4 on Saturday at Hartland. The Dragons started off the game down 2-0 but managed to tie the score 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Lake Orion shut the Colts down in the top half of the fifth inning only to score three runs in the bottom half, which did include a two run home run by Kayla Knoblock. The Dragons had a 5-2 lead headed into the top of the seventh inning, the Colts made their move scoring two runs and had runners in scoring position with out on first and third but the Lake Orion defense found a way to get out of that predicament and move onto the regional finals.

The Dragons entered the regional finals against Romeo, whom was ranked second in the state and had Central Michigan recruit and all state pitcher Taylor Weaver. It was a highly anticipated match up as the Dragons vaunted offense took on the state’s best pitcher in the Bulldogs Weaver. Romeo however would use Weaver’s dominance on the mound and eliminate Lake Orion 5-1. The Dragons concluded their season losing this tough game to the Bulldogs.

Track takes twelfth in State.

The Lake Orion boys track team took twelfth in the state last Saturday at Rockford. Last season the team took third place in the state. The Dragons lose a lot of talent next season but they will still be a good team and the middle school class is good as well coming up as freshmen. This senior class was one of the best classes in track history, winning a State Championship in 2012 and the Red three of the four seasons, along with two Oakland County titles, and two regional titles.

District possibilities for Volleyball and Basketball for 2014-2015.

When looking at the district next season, hearing rumors it could be possible that the upcoming volleyball districts when they are released in a few weeks. One possibility is that the districts could stay the same like 2013-2014 with Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Rochester, Rochester Adams, and Rochester Stoney Creek. Another option is moving Lapeer south into Oakland County with the merging of both Lapeer East and Lapeer West but you have to take someone out like a possibility would be move Clarkston northwest toward Northwest Oakland County and far southeastern Genesee County (Holly, Ortonville Brandon, Fenton, Swartz Creek, Grand Blanc.) Another possibility could also bring back the old district from 2008 where Lapeer, Lake Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott. Another could bring Romeo into the district but it doesn’t seem likely. We’ll see what happens in a few weeks when the districts are released. Once they are then the Dragons Den will analyze them especially for volleyball and both girls and boys basketball because the volleyball districts are the basketball districts as well.

We’ll keep an eye once the districts are released. GO GREEN.

Softball Regional Preview.

Written Wednesday June 4th, at 9:00 PM
 
The Softball Regional at Hartland (Livingston County) this weekend features two teams that are ranked in the State and one team getting an honorable mention in the State. Romeo is the defending regional champions after beating Troy in a dramatic game last season and is ranked number two, Lake Orion is number six in the state, and Troy is an honorable mention in the state. Fenton is the newcomer here to this regional and shocking both Hartland and Lakeland in the district final at Milford last week

Fenton vs. Romeo (10 AM): Fenton is the newcomers to the regional at Hartland. The Tigers shocked Hartland and beat Lakeland in the district finals 6-4 at Milford. Romeo is ranked number two in the state only lost two starters on a team that went to the state quarterfinals last season destroyed Rochester 7-0 in the district semifinals and Utica, the MAC White champions 6-0 in the district finals at Utica. The MAC Red champions are led by senior pitcher Hailey Zimmer. Zimmer is going to Central Michigan next season as a pitcher and is one of the top pitchers in the state. She also has a very good bat as well, batting over 420 this season. When you look at this match up, this match is such a mismatch for Fenton. Romeo has experience on its side, a strong offense, and also the state’s best pitcher.

PICK: ROMEO 7, FENTON 0.

Lake Orion vs. Troy (Approx 12 PM): This will be a rematch of Red powers that have played earlier in the season in which both games were won by the Dragons. Lake Orion whom is the Red Champions beat the KLAA North Champions, Waterford Kettering 12-1 and arch rival Clarkston 7-5 in the district semifinals and then beating Waterford Mott 8-1 in the district finals at Lake Orion. Troy beat arch rival Troy Athens 7-6 at Bloomfield Hills in the district finals to get back to the regional. The Colts and Dragons have high powered offenses that have created havoc this season. Troy is led by Sydney Heath who is going to Michigan State next season and is also deep as well. Lake Orion is led by Rachel Dolland and Kayla Knoblock and is also deep as well. In what is expected to be a shootout when it comes to runs. This game will be a shootout as both teams know each other well but in the end, the key is Sierra Gonzales and Lake Orion has her but Troy will be motivated for this game.

PICK: LAKE ORION 10, TROY 8.

Lake Orion vs. Romeo (30 Min after second game): This match is interesting but with the two state ranked teams. This could be the match up everyone in the state will be talking about if these two teams do meet in the regional finals. Lake Orion has a very good hitting team and also a very good pitcher in Sierra Gonzales. Romeo has Hailey Weaver whom is the state’s top pitcher who is going to Central Michigan next season. If Weaver struggles the Bulldogs are in big trouble and she could be in this match up. This game could be a shootout here, if it’s low scoring advantage Romeo, if it’s high scoring advantage Lake Orion. There is always a saying that good pitching beats good hitting but in this match up good hitting will beat good pitching here.

PICK: LAKE ORION 6, ROMEO 4.