Written Friday September 2nd, at 12:25 AM
Finally all is right in the world, at least for one night.
On Thursday Night in what was called "Crisis Night" the Lake Orion Dragons rose up to the challenge and hammered the Rochester Falcons 35-7 in the home opener for the defending MHSAA Division One State Champs at Dragon Stadium.
The Dragons finally found a running game in Jacob Miller, after missing the Oxford game due to suspension. Miller led the Dragons power attack with two touchdowns and running back Cory Ester catching a touchdown and running for a touchdown in the contest.
Orion finally found protection for quarterback Sean Charette, who was sacked only twice and one was a fumble return for a touchdown for the Falcons but other than those two mistakes Charette had a lot of protection all night.
The Dragons also on this night may have finally found a defense. After allowing 300 yards and 41 points last week against Oxford, the Dragons defense caused havoc for the Falcons and did not allow a point in the contest. Rochester could not move the ball and they turned the ball over three times, including a punt block by Nick Booker which set up the Dragons first touchdown of the game.
The Dragons are still not a clean team yet, they took 10 penalties in the contest, which is not good but the Dragons penalties did not cost them as much field position, however the Dragons did have three touchdowns called back on them for either holding or a chop block penalty. The Falcons penalties were very crucial, especially in the first half. On the very first drive Rochester took two big penalties that eventually set up the punt block for the Dragons score. The Falcons took 10 penalties as well but their penalties were more costlier tonight then the Dragons were because of field position.
Finally the Dragons coaches, players, athletic director, and their fans can breathe a sight of relief, for now. If they lose to Pontiac next Friday Night then the panic button is immediately back on the Dragons head. The Dragons can not let up now, they are 1-1 and 1-0 in the OAA Red and plays Pontiac Friday Night in a game that Dragon fans, coaches, players, and athletic director can't take this game lightly, this game does have the same feeling as tonight's game with Rochester. This team can breathe easy for now but there is a lot of room to improve and get better and also to see where this team can be in the long hall.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
All Hope is NOT lost even though the Dragons fell to Oxford 41-20
Written Saturday August 27th, at 1:40 AM
The defending Michigan High School Division One State champion Lake Orion Dragons kicked off their state title defense against the Oxford Wildcats on the "Navy Blue Turf" on Friday night at Oxford.
However the result and things did not go the Dragons way.
In kicking off the 2011 season the Dragons were rattled at Wildcats Stadium as the Dragons defense allowed a season high 270 rushing yards in a 41-20 loss to the Wildcats on the first Friday Night of the Michigan High School Football season.
The Wildcats were led by SMU recruit Prescott Line who scored five of the Wildcats six touchdowns and had 225 yards on 25 carries in the process. Line did get some help in the form of Central Michigan bound offensive lineman Colin Gotez who created holes for Line to run all night long. Oxford never trailed in the contest.
The Dragons were led by quarterback Sean Charette who was 22 for 33 for 280 yards and three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Chaz Miller had two scores from 15 yards and 39 yards, wide receiver Robert Aiello had the other Dragon touchdown in the contest. Kicker Jeremy King was two for three in PAT's. Also didn't help the Dragons cause were three turnovers, one fumble and two interceptions.
The Dragons are now 0-1 on the season but is this uncommon for them???, no. This is the third time that Sean Charette has lost the first game as a quarterback heading into a new season (Rockford 17-7 (2008), Hudsonville 29-25 (2009), Oxford 41-20 (2011). The Dragons have recovered to have a successful season each time under his watch.
The panic meter is high in Lake Orion, especially on both offensive and defensive lines who struggled all night. The Dragon defense, who looked like a normal shell of themselves, they were not physical, got manhandled, allowed 41 points, and allowed over 270 rushing yards. The Lake Orion offense was one dimensional, the Wildcats shut down the Dragons ground attack all night and forced Charette to throw the ball. The Dragons did not look right tonight, even with only four starters back from the 2010 MHSAA State Championship team.
Tonight's game against Oxford was not a good night for the Dragons. Wildcat fans, players, and students stormed the field in celebrating their first win over the Dragons in over 30 years and taking back the Double O trophy in the process. The Wildcats last season fell to the Dragons 45-6 in Orion.
The game next Thursday against Rochester (1-0) is a must win situation. If they don't win that game over the Falcons then there is that chance the Dragons may not make the playoffs. Rochester handled Lance Cruise North 42-13 in week one and is looking to continue the momentum to Dragon Country. The Dragons will return home and play both Rochester and Pontiac at home for weeks two and three.
The defending Michigan High School Division One State champion Lake Orion Dragons kicked off their state title defense against the Oxford Wildcats on the "Navy Blue Turf" on Friday night at Oxford.
However the result and things did not go the Dragons way.
In kicking off the 2011 season the Dragons were rattled at Wildcats Stadium as the Dragons defense allowed a season high 270 rushing yards in a 41-20 loss to the Wildcats on the first Friday Night of the Michigan High School Football season.
The Wildcats were led by SMU recruit Prescott Line who scored five of the Wildcats six touchdowns and had 225 yards on 25 carries in the process. Line did get some help in the form of Central Michigan bound offensive lineman Colin Gotez who created holes for Line to run all night long. Oxford never trailed in the contest.
The Dragons were led by quarterback Sean Charette who was 22 for 33 for 280 yards and three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Chaz Miller had two scores from 15 yards and 39 yards, wide receiver Robert Aiello had the other Dragon touchdown in the contest. Kicker Jeremy King was two for three in PAT's. Also didn't help the Dragons cause were three turnovers, one fumble and two interceptions.
The Dragons are now 0-1 on the season but is this uncommon for them???, no. This is the third time that Sean Charette has lost the first game as a quarterback heading into a new season (Rockford 17-7 (2008), Hudsonville 29-25 (2009), Oxford 41-20 (2011). The Dragons have recovered to have a successful season each time under his watch.
The panic meter is high in Lake Orion, especially on both offensive and defensive lines who struggled all night. The Dragon defense, who looked like a normal shell of themselves, they were not physical, got manhandled, allowed 41 points, and allowed over 270 rushing yards. The Lake Orion offense was one dimensional, the Wildcats shut down the Dragons ground attack all night and forced Charette to throw the ball. The Dragons did not look right tonight, even with only four starters back from the 2010 MHSAA State Championship team.
Tonight's game against Oxford was not a good night for the Dragons. Wildcat fans, players, and students stormed the field in celebrating their first win over the Dragons in over 30 years and taking back the Double O trophy in the process. The Wildcats last season fell to the Dragons 45-6 in Orion.
The game next Thursday against Rochester (1-0) is a must win situation. If they don't win that game over the Falcons then there is that chance the Dragons may not make the playoffs. Rochester handled Lance Cruise North 42-13 in week one and is looking to continue the momentum to Dragon Country. The Dragons will return home and play both Rochester and Pontiac at home for weeks two and three.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Not So Fast: Dragons May NOT play Harrison Week 8
Written, Sunday August 14th at 8:25 PM
Now football season is only a week away and the defending division one state champion Lake Orion Dragons is getting ready to play on the first ever blue turf field in the state and the Oxford Wildcats but there is one team besides the Wildcats that Dragon fans are thinking about and it's not even the Clarkston Wolves, it's the Harrison Hawks.
Last season the Hawks hammered the Dragons 28-6 on Saturday afternoon at Farmington Hills, that game paved the way for the Hawks to the division two state championship. The Dragons have been waiting for revenge on Harrison but there might be the possibility that the showdown with the Dragons and the Hawks may not happen and it's something the Dragons won't control.
How they won't play is because of playoff points and scheduling, the key game is week one when Clarkston plays Adams and the Dragons play the Wildcats. If the Wolves win over the Highlanders and the Dragons beat the Wildcats then playoff points decides who is playing who, even if both the Dragons and Wolves were to go undefeated heading into week eight, there is a good chance the Wolves will play the Hawks and the Dragons would play either Southfield or Oak Park week eight.
If one team has a loss then playoff points won't matter but that is the possible case later down the road. Lets remember that week nine all the marbles could be on the line at Clarkston between these two rivals.
Now football season is only a week away and the defending division one state champion Lake Orion Dragons is getting ready to play on the first ever blue turf field in the state and the Oxford Wildcats but there is one team besides the Wildcats that Dragon fans are thinking about and it's not even the Clarkston Wolves, it's the Harrison Hawks.
Last season the Hawks hammered the Dragons 28-6 on Saturday afternoon at Farmington Hills, that game paved the way for the Hawks to the division two state championship. The Dragons have been waiting for revenge on Harrison but there might be the possibility that the showdown with the Dragons and the Hawks may not happen and it's something the Dragons won't control.
How they won't play is because of playoff points and scheduling, the key game is week one when Clarkston plays Adams and the Dragons play the Wildcats. If the Wolves win over the Highlanders and the Dragons beat the Wildcats then playoff points decides who is playing who, even if both the Dragons and Wolves were to go undefeated heading into week eight, there is a good chance the Wolves will play the Hawks and the Dragons would play either Southfield or Oak Park week eight.
If one team has a loss then playoff points won't matter but that is the possible case later down the road. Lets remember that week nine all the marbles could be on the line at Clarkston between these two rivals.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
2011 OAA Football Preview
Written Sunday August 7th, at 12:00 AM
Dragons Den: OAA preview
OAA Red:
1. Lake Orion
2. Clarkston
3. Troy
4. West Bloomfield
5. Rochester
6. Troy Athens
7. Pontiac
8. Royal Oak
Team that should win the division: Lake Orion. The Dragons lost a lot from the 2010 MHSAA State Championship team but return their starting quarterback, who was lost during the Regional Final against Utica Eisenhower along with three other starters, two on offense and two on defense. Coach, Chris Bell knows this Dragon team is young but if they play well then they could come back to Ford Field The Dragons schedule is very manageable and should be unbeaten (7-0) heading into crossover game (either Oak Park, Harrison, or Southfield.) The Dragons open up the season on the blue turf of Oxford, last season the Dragons smashed the Wildcats 45-6 at home.
Next in Line: Clarkston. The Wolves return a lot of players from injuries, including their quarterback and most of their defense. There will be doubters of the Wolves, especially after getting outscored 66-21 in their final two games of 2010 (Lake Orion (28-7) and Grand Blanc (38-14.) Coach, Kurt Richardson and the Wolves should have a good football team in 2011 but they will still have questions on offense with the quarterback returning from injury along with others as well. Clarkston's defense may have to carry the load early. The Wolves do have a very tough schedule with games at West Bloomfield, Troy, and Rochester but they have the Dragons at home. They should be motivated for revenge when they open up the season at Rochester Adams, after the Highlanders handed the Wolves a 17-7 loss last season.
Team that could make noise: Troy. The Colts missed out on the playoffs last season and want revenge for what happened in 2010. The good news for the Colts is that they have Clarkston, Rochester, Lake Orion, and the crossover (possibly Oak Park) at home and the West Bloomfield game could have the playoffs on the line. The Colts do open up the season at Dan Barnabo field against an angry Romeo Bulldogs team who they beat 31-7 last season. If Troy can win that game over West Bloomfield, anything could happen.
Game to decide the Red. Lake Orion vs Clarkston: October 23rd at Clarkston. Both the Dragons and the Wolves should be undefeated in the league heading into this match up. Last season the Dragons beat the Wolves 28-7 at Lake Orion and Clarkston will be trying to look for some revenge in this match up of rivals. Both teams will have some tricky non league games with Adams and possibly Harrison for Clarkston and either Oak Park, Southfield, or Harrison for the Dragons. The last time the Dragons went to Clarkston, the Dragons were eliminated from the playoffs with a 17-7 loss and a 42-13 beat-down the week before in 2009 by the Wolves.
Team that could disappoint: West Bloomfield. The Lakers have been a strong pick for third place in the Red for a few seasons but have had disappointing seasons, since they made the playoffs in 2009. The schedule is manageable for them with Lake Orion, Clarkston, Troy, and Rochester all coming to West Bloomfield. If the Lakers lose these four games then questions could linger about second year coach Ronald Bellamy's job status.
Dream Schedule: Troy. The Colts last season had a brutal schedule but they did beat Romeo at home what Troy failed to do last season was to take advantage of the win over the Bulldogs that cost them a trip to the playoffs. The schedule this year will not be a reason why if the Colts doesn't make the playoffs. The Romeo game at Barnabo will be a challenge for the Colts but the schedule after that game is favorable. The Colts have Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Rochester all coming to Troy and should be favored with road games at Troy Athens and Royal Oak. If they can win the game at West Bloomfield and stays away from Oak Park, a team that has given Troy fits, then this could be a return to the postseason many Colts fans have been dreaming about for a long time.
Nightmare Schedule: Clarkston. If last year's 66-21 meltdown in the final two games by the Wolves is something then the schedule won't give them any favors. The Wolves are an experienced team and return a lot of players from injuries but they need to stay healthy with the schedule they have, if they don't it could be a repeat of 2010. Clarkston start's the season at Rochester against a very well coached Adams team. It has been a back and fourth seesaw when the Wolves and Highlanders play, the Wolves will be looking for revenge after last year's 17-7 loss. The Wolves road does not get any easier after Adams. The next week they go to West Bloomfield and play an improved Lakers team, looking for respect and upset here would boost the Lakers confidence. Troy and Rochester on the road are trap games for the Wolves and a possible showdown with Harrison if the Wolves are unbeaten and then the week nine home date with Lake Orion that could decide the red. If the Wolves can go unbeaten with this schedule then they earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
OAA White:
1. Harrison
2. Oak Park
3. Southfield
4. Adams
5. Stoney Creek
6. Lathrup
7. Oxford
8. Farmington
Team that should win the division: Harrison. The defending division two state champs are loaded again with talent on both sides of the ball. Coach, John Herrington may have his best team at Harrison, that maybe better than the Drew Stanton, Sydney Stewart, or Mark Dell teams. With the college situations for the players settled, the Hawks can focus on Detroit Cass Tech at Eastern Michigan, in what is to be one of the best match ups in the state. The Hawks should cruise to the OAA White championship but nothing is ever easy. Their toughest division game will be at Adams in week seven and their other tough game could be when the Hawks travel to either Clarkston or Lake Orion for week eight, that game will test Harrison before the playoffs begin.
Next in Line: Oak Park. The Knights have a new coach in Greg Carter coming over from Inkster. Carter has taken his teams very far into the playoffs (Took Inkster to the Division two championship game in 2009) since his days at Detroit DePorres and Inkster. There are over 30 transfers over at Knight Valley and if they are eligible to play right away with their schedule being favorable then the Knights could have an impact in the first year of the Carter regime. The Knights open up the season with Detroit Loyola coming to Knight Valley.
Team's that could make noise: Southfield and Rochester Adams. The Blue Jays didn't make the playoffs last season but they return a lot of speed and should be a factor heading into the season. The Jays have three division one recruits on their team, ans should be a dangerous team in 2011. Southfield kicks off the season at home against Detroit Northwestern. Southfield's schedule is favorable with Adams, Lathrup, and Harrison at home but trips to Oak Park, Stoney Creek, and Oxford could be dangerous for the Jays if they want to be a playoff team this season.
Besides Southfield there is Rochester Adams, Adams made the playoffs last season but lost on a heartbreaking PAT miss to Walled Lake Central 14-13 in the district finals in the playoffs at Walled Lake. Like Clarkston in the Red, the Highlanders are a team of mystery and suspense. Adams does return three starters from last year's team so they will be young. We'll know a lot about Adams in week one when they host Clarkston and when they play Harrison also at home. Oak Park, Southfield, and Stoney Creek on the road should be interesting games for the Highlanders as well.
Game that could decide the White: Oak Park vs Harrison: October 1st at Harrison. Oak Park could be unbeaten heading into this game as well as Harrison, pending if they get past Detroit Cass Tech but with the game at Harrison and likely being homecoming for the Hawks. Harrison should not have a problem with this game. Now perhaps if your a Knights fan, you hope the Hawks look ahead to the Highlanders, which is another trap game and or the Wolves or Dragons but this game could be a trap game for the Hawks if they are not careful.
Team that could disappoint: Adams. The Highlanders return three starters from a team that lost to Walled Lake Central in the district finals last season. The expectations are always high at The Highlanders schedule is not an easy one with Clarkston, Oxford, and Harrison at home but trips to Stoney Creek, Oak Park, and Southfield are going to be tough. This could be the first time since 2001 that the Highlanders won't make the playoffs.
Dream Scheldue: Oak Park. New Knight coach Greg Carter should be doing cartwheels with this schedule in his first year at the helm. Oak Park plays three of their first four games in Knight Valley, which always eases a transition for a coach into a new program, especially from a program like Inkster. The Knights have Southfield, Adams, Oxford, and Lathrup all coming to Knight Valley. Harrison, Stoney Creek and possibly either Lake Orion or Troy are going to be Oak Park's toughest games on the road. This could be a special season in Knight Valley this season.
Nightmare Schedule: Oxford. For the second straight season the Wildcats are on this list. The Wildcats finished strong last season with home wins over Royal Oak and Oak Park but the schedule doesn't give them any favors especially early and late. The Wildcats play Lake Orion, Southfield, and Stoney Creek on the blue turf. If that's not bad enough the Wildcats have to go to Harrison, Adams, and have an improved Oak Park to close out the year, yikes.
OAA Blue:
1. Avondale
2. Hazel Park
3. Ferndale
4. Berkley
5. Seaholm
6. Groves
7. North Farmington
8. Lahser
9. Andover
Team that should win the division: Avondale. Avondale is getting a new turf field but lost some key players to their team. The strength of the Yellow Jackets is the coaching staff under Coach, Steve Deutsch and also the Jackets do have a senior quarterback, who should carry them this season.
Next in Line: Hazel Park. With Dakota Ogles gone the Vikings still have experience when it comes to running the football. The Vikings should be fine this season especially with the OAA Blue not the strongest league this season. Hazel Park has to go to Auburn Hills in week two but the schedule is favorable the rest of the way except for the Saginaw Nouvel game at home.
Team to watch out for: Ferndale. The Eagles last season was a disappointment with the schedule they had but they can make amends for themselves this season, however it will be a challenge when they play Avondale and Hazel Park on the road. Those two games could tell the Eagles season.
Game that could decide the Blue: Hazel Park vs Avondale: September 2nd at Avondale. This could be a defensive coordinator's worst nightmare or a modified version of Basketball on turf. The scoreboard operator might be tired once again if these two teams score over 40 points which could be possible. Last season these two teams battled at Hazel Park, with the regular season game being 58-50 in favor of the Vikings. The Jackets got the Vikings back in the playoffs with a 49-48 win at Hazel Park before losing to Orchard Lake Saint Mary's 71-44. It's sad to see these two teams play early in the season but if they play in the playoffs then fireworks could happen again.
Team that could disappoint: Berkley. The Bears had success last season in making the playoffs but now their is a new staff in place and the senior class has left Berkley. Although the Bears do have a tough schedule this season, with a lot of road games. There is a chance Berkley could finish the season lower because of the schedule but they have Ferndale and Avondale at home though which helps.
Dream Schedule: Avondale. The Yellow Jackets had to go through murders row last season but now they have four of their first five games in Auburn Hills, including Warren Fitzgerald, Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Seaholm coming. The toughest games for Avondale will be at home. The road matches include Berkley and Groves which should be the Jackets toughest games away from home.
Nightmare Schedule: Ferndale. Last season the Eagles had a favorable schedule but didn't make the playoffs. Now they have the toughest in the division. Now they have to go to Avondale and Hazel Park, the two top teams in the division and add a non league game with UD-Jesuit, a Catholic League team and to kick off the season a game in Berkley. What a way to start a schedule if your an Eagles fan.
Dragons Den: OAA preview
OAA Red:
1. Lake Orion
2. Clarkston
3. Troy
4. West Bloomfield
5. Rochester
6. Troy Athens
7. Pontiac
8. Royal Oak
Team that should win the division: Lake Orion. The Dragons lost a lot from the 2010 MHSAA State Championship team but return their starting quarterback, who was lost during the Regional Final against Utica Eisenhower along with three other starters, two on offense and two on defense. Coach, Chris Bell knows this Dragon team is young but if they play well then they could come back to Ford Field The Dragons schedule is very manageable and should be unbeaten (7-0) heading into crossover game (either Oak Park, Harrison, or Southfield.) The Dragons open up the season on the blue turf of Oxford, last season the Dragons smashed the Wildcats 45-6 at home.
Next in Line: Clarkston. The Wolves return a lot of players from injuries, including their quarterback and most of their defense. There will be doubters of the Wolves, especially after getting outscored 66-21 in their final two games of 2010 (Lake Orion (28-7) and Grand Blanc (38-14.) Coach, Kurt Richardson and the Wolves should have a good football team in 2011 but they will still have questions on offense with the quarterback returning from injury along with others as well. Clarkston's defense may have to carry the load early. The Wolves do have a very tough schedule with games at West Bloomfield, Troy, and Rochester but they have the Dragons at home. They should be motivated for revenge when they open up the season at Rochester Adams, after the Highlanders handed the Wolves a 17-7 loss last season.
Team that could make noise: Troy. The Colts missed out on the playoffs last season and want revenge for what happened in 2010. The good news for the Colts is that they have Clarkston, Rochester, Lake Orion, and the crossover (possibly Oak Park) at home and the West Bloomfield game could have the playoffs on the line. The Colts do open up the season at Dan Barnabo field against an angry Romeo Bulldogs team who they beat 31-7 last season. If Troy can win that game over West Bloomfield, anything could happen.
Game to decide the Red. Lake Orion vs Clarkston: October 23rd at Clarkston. Both the Dragons and the Wolves should be undefeated in the league heading into this match up. Last season the Dragons beat the Wolves 28-7 at Lake Orion and Clarkston will be trying to look for some revenge in this match up of rivals. Both teams will have some tricky non league games with Adams and possibly Harrison for Clarkston and either Oak Park, Southfield, or Harrison for the Dragons. The last time the Dragons went to Clarkston, the Dragons were eliminated from the playoffs with a 17-7 loss and a 42-13 beat-down the week before in 2009 by the Wolves.
Team that could disappoint: West Bloomfield. The Lakers have been a strong pick for third place in the Red for a few seasons but have had disappointing seasons, since they made the playoffs in 2009. The schedule is manageable for them with Lake Orion, Clarkston, Troy, and Rochester all coming to West Bloomfield. If the Lakers lose these four games then questions could linger about second year coach Ronald Bellamy's job status.
Dream Schedule: Troy. The Colts last season had a brutal schedule but they did beat Romeo at home what Troy failed to do last season was to take advantage of the win over the Bulldogs that cost them a trip to the playoffs. The schedule this year will not be a reason why if the Colts doesn't make the playoffs. The Romeo game at Barnabo will be a challenge for the Colts but the schedule after that game is favorable. The Colts have Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Rochester all coming to Troy and should be favored with road games at Troy Athens and Royal Oak. If they can win the game at West Bloomfield and stays away from Oak Park, a team that has given Troy fits, then this could be a return to the postseason many Colts fans have been dreaming about for a long time.
Nightmare Schedule: Clarkston. If last year's 66-21 meltdown in the final two games by the Wolves is something then the schedule won't give them any favors. The Wolves are an experienced team and return a lot of players from injuries but they need to stay healthy with the schedule they have, if they don't it could be a repeat of 2010. Clarkston start's the season at Rochester against a very well coached Adams team. It has been a back and fourth seesaw when the Wolves and Highlanders play, the Wolves will be looking for revenge after last year's 17-7 loss. The Wolves road does not get any easier after Adams. The next week they go to West Bloomfield and play an improved Lakers team, looking for respect and upset here would boost the Lakers confidence. Troy and Rochester on the road are trap games for the Wolves and a possible showdown with Harrison if the Wolves are unbeaten and then the week nine home date with Lake Orion that could decide the red. If the Wolves can go unbeaten with this schedule then they earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
OAA White:
1. Harrison
2. Oak Park
3. Southfield
4. Adams
5. Stoney Creek
6. Lathrup
7. Oxford
8. Farmington
Team that should win the division: Harrison. The defending division two state champs are loaded again with talent on both sides of the ball. Coach, John Herrington may have his best team at Harrison, that maybe better than the Drew Stanton, Sydney Stewart, or Mark Dell teams. With the college situations for the players settled, the Hawks can focus on Detroit Cass Tech at Eastern Michigan, in what is to be one of the best match ups in the state. The Hawks should cruise to the OAA White championship but nothing is ever easy. Their toughest division game will be at Adams in week seven and their other tough game could be when the Hawks travel to either Clarkston or Lake Orion for week eight, that game will test Harrison before the playoffs begin.
Next in Line: Oak Park. The Knights have a new coach in Greg Carter coming over from Inkster. Carter has taken his teams very far into the playoffs (Took Inkster to the Division two championship game in 2009) since his days at Detroit DePorres and Inkster. There are over 30 transfers over at Knight Valley and if they are eligible to play right away with their schedule being favorable then the Knights could have an impact in the first year of the Carter regime. The Knights open up the season with Detroit Loyola coming to Knight Valley.
Team's that could make noise: Southfield and Rochester Adams. The Blue Jays didn't make the playoffs last season but they return a lot of speed and should be a factor heading into the season. The Jays have three division one recruits on their team, ans should be a dangerous team in 2011. Southfield kicks off the season at home against Detroit Northwestern. Southfield's schedule is favorable with Adams, Lathrup, and Harrison at home but trips to Oak Park, Stoney Creek, and Oxford could be dangerous for the Jays if they want to be a playoff team this season.
Besides Southfield there is Rochester Adams, Adams made the playoffs last season but lost on a heartbreaking PAT miss to Walled Lake Central 14-13 in the district finals in the playoffs at Walled Lake. Like Clarkston in the Red, the Highlanders are a team of mystery and suspense. Adams does return three starters from last year's team so they will be young. We'll know a lot about Adams in week one when they host Clarkston and when they play Harrison also at home. Oak Park, Southfield, and Stoney Creek on the road should be interesting games for the Highlanders as well.
Game that could decide the White: Oak Park vs Harrison: October 1st at Harrison. Oak Park could be unbeaten heading into this game as well as Harrison, pending if they get past Detroit Cass Tech but with the game at Harrison and likely being homecoming for the Hawks. Harrison should not have a problem with this game. Now perhaps if your a Knights fan, you hope the Hawks look ahead to the Highlanders, which is another trap game and or the Wolves or Dragons but this game could be a trap game for the Hawks if they are not careful.
Team that could disappoint: Adams. The Highlanders return three starters from a team that lost to Walled Lake Central in the district finals last season. The expectations are always high at The Highlanders schedule is not an easy one with Clarkston, Oxford, and Harrison at home but trips to Stoney Creek, Oak Park, and Southfield are going to be tough. This could be the first time since 2001 that the Highlanders won't make the playoffs.
Dream Scheldue: Oak Park. New Knight coach Greg Carter should be doing cartwheels with this schedule in his first year at the helm. Oak Park plays three of their first four games in Knight Valley, which always eases a transition for a coach into a new program, especially from a program like Inkster. The Knights have Southfield, Adams, Oxford, and Lathrup all coming to Knight Valley. Harrison, Stoney Creek and possibly either Lake Orion or Troy are going to be Oak Park's toughest games on the road. This could be a special season in Knight Valley this season.
Nightmare Schedule: Oxford. For the second straight season the Wildcats are on this list. The Wildcats finished strong last season with home wins over Royal Oak and Oak Park but the schedule doesn't give them any favors especially early and late. The Wildcats play Lake Orion, Southfield, and Stoney Creek on the blue turf. If that's not bad enough the Wildcats have to go to Harrison, Adams, and have an improved Oak Park to close out the year, yikes.
OAA Blue:
1. Avondale
2. Hazel Park
3. Ferndale
4. Berkley
5. Seaholm
6. Groves
7. North Farmington
8. Lahser
9. Andover
Team that should win the division: Avondale. Avondale is getting a new turf field but lost some key players to their team. The strength of the Yellow Jackets is the coaching staff under Coach, Steve Deutsch and also the Jackets do have a senior quarterback, who should carry them this season.
Next in Line: Hazel Park. With Dakota Ogles gone the Vikings still have experience when it comes to running the football. The Vikings should be fine this season especially with the OAA Blue not the strongest league this season. Hazel Park has to go to Auburn Hills in week two but the schedule is favorable the rest of the way except for the Saginaw Nouvel game at home.
Team to watch out for: Ferndale. The Eagles last season was a disappointment with the schedule they had but they can make amends for themselves this season, however it will be a challenge when they play Avondale and Hazel Park on the road. Those two games could tell the Eagles season.
Game that could decide the Blue: Hazel Park vs Avondale: September 2nd at Avondale. This could be a defensive coordinator's worst nightmare or a modified version of Basketball on turf. The scoreboard operator might be tired once again if these two teams score over 40 points which could be possible. Last season these two teams battled at Hazel Park, with the regular season game being 58-50 in favor of the Vikings. The Jackets got the Vikings back in the playoffs with a 49-48 win at Hazel Park before losing to Orchard Lake Saint Mary's 71-44. It's sad to see these two teams play early in the season but if they play in the playoffs then fireworks could happen again.
Team that could disappoint: Berkley. The Bears had success last season in making the playoffs but now their is a new staff in place and the senior class has left Berkley. Although the Bears do have a tough schedule this season, with a lot of road games. There is a chance Berkley could finish the season lower because of the schedule but they have Ferndale and Avondale at home though which helps.
Dream Schedule: Avondale. The Yellow Jackets had to go through murders row last season but now they have four of their first five games in Auburn Hills, including Warren Fitzgerald, Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Seaholm coming. The toughest games for Avondale will be at home. The road matches include Berkley and Groves which should be the Jackets toughest games away from home.
Nightmare Schedule: Ferndale. Last season the Eagles had a favorable schedule but didn't make the playoffs. Now they have the toughest in the division. Now they have to go to Avondale and Hazel Park, the two top teams in the division and add a non league game with UD-Jesuit, a Catholic League team and to kick off the season a game in Berkley. What a way to start a schedule if your an Eagles fan.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Early OAA Top 10 projections
Written Friday June 10th, 2011 at 2:06 PM
Hello to all. It's been a busy winter and spring for me so I haven't had the time to do much. Anyway the previews for this upcoming 2011 football season for the Oakland Activities Association will be later in August but the top 10 should give a pretty good idea what the Oakland Activities Association should look heading into the season and the top ten heading into right now.
10. Rochester Falcons: (6-4 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 19th @ Pontiac. The Falcons, even though they did lose a lot of senior leadership have a stable coaching staff and optimism heading into 2011. Could it be back to back years for the Falcons making the playoffs? The Falcons could be at their crossroads when they go to Wisner Stadium and face a determined Pontiac squad, who is looking for revenge after what happened to them at Rochester last season. That game could tell if the Falcons want to get back to the playoffs, four of their final five games are at home to close out the season.
9. Troy Colts: (5-4 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Romeo and October 10th vs Pontiac. The Colts had a up and down season last season. They did beat Romeo and then things fell apart. The losses to Lake Orion and Clarkston were expected but losing to Rochester didn't help and losing to Pontiac cost them a shot at the playoffs. The Colts should be more experienced heading into 2011. The schedule does have some favors to them with Clarkston and Lake Orion at home. The games the Colts need to have is the Romeo game at Dan Barnabo Field on August 26th against a very angry and Macomb Area Conference power Romeo, and a home game against Pontiac on October 10th. The Colts want revenge after what happened to them at Wisner Stadium last season at the hands of the Phoenix, many Colts fans believe that it was the Phoenix that cost them a trip to the playoffs. Those games will likely tell what direction the Colts will be in 2011.
8. Ferndale Eagles: (5-4 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 12th @ UD-Jesuit. It was very unusual for the Eagles to miss out on the playoffs, especially with the schedule they had last season, they had all the tough teams in the OAA Blue at home however the schedule doesn't give the Eagles any favorites because now they go on the road and face those tough teams (Avondale, Berkley, Hazel Park all on the road). The game that Ferndale needs is the UD-Jesuit game. Last season the Eagles fell 16-13 at home and would like to get retribution. The Eagles if they get by Berkley should be 2-0 heading into that game.
7. Rochester Adams Highlanders: (9-2 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: October 10th vs Farmington Hills Harrison. The Highlanders did lose a lot of talent from a nine win team that had two tough losses, the loss that most hurt was to state semifinalist Walled Lake Central in the district final 14-13. The Highlanders should be a playoff team heading into 2011, don't be surprised if they are unbeaten heading into the Harrison game on October 10th. The Highlanders will want to get some revenge after allowing 54 points last season to the Hawks in a 54-21 blowout, plus Adams is at home and that should help in that game.
6. Rochester Stoney Creek Cougars: (4-5 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th vs Port Huron Northern and October 24th vs Rochester Adams. The Cougars had high expectations heading into last season, however disappointing losses and a tough road to clime during the OAA White season deal them in. Stoney Creek will need to be consistent if they want to compete with the best. The schedule should be good for them with only one tough road game being at Harrison. The Cougars have five home games this season, they host Port Huron Northern, Oak Park, Southfield Lathrup, Southfield and Rochester Adams, all of them are winnable games. The Cougars need to get off to a good start and that Port Huron Northern game on August 26th is the one they need and could determine their season. Last year the Cougars fell to the Huskies 21-16 in Port Huron, now the Huskies go to Rochester and things could be different. The Adams game week nine on October 24th could tell how improved Stoney Creek is. It could be a play in game to the playoffs for the Cougars and it's a rivalry game as well, the motivation is there. It could be a special season if the Cougars win the games they are suppose too.
5. Clarkston Wolves: (7-3 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Rochester Adams and October 24th vs Lake Orion. The Wolves lost two great players in Dakota Bender and Tyler Scarlett two seasons go when they went to the state semifinals. Last season Clarkston had to develop their offense from scratch, especially after the Rochester Adams game. Their offense started to gel until they got to the Lake Orion game, where the Dragons just exposed the Wolves youthful offense and then they got to Grand Blanc where the Bobcats blitzed them off the bat. The Wolves defense carried them in games until they got to Lake Orion and Grand Blanc where they gave up yards in bunches and allowed 66 points in those two losses. Clarkston should be a playoff team in 2011. They have two games of the year that is marked in Red every year. The first one is the Rochester Adams game. The Highlanders beat the Wolves last season in Clarkston so the Wolves will be looking for revenge and then should be either unbeaten or 8-1 entering the OAA Red showdown with Lake Orion. The Dragons beat the Wolves 28-7 last season at Lake Orion but Dragon quarterback Sean Charette has not beaten the Wolves at Clarkston in his career but anything is possible.
4. Hazel Park Vikings (8-2 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 5th @ Avondale. The Vikings have had one of their best seasons in recent memory. However their star running back Dakota Ogeals graduated but they did play some games without Ogeals, going 2-1 without him with their only loss to Saginaw Nouvel. Hazel Park will have experience, especially at the running back position and is one of the front runners for the OAA Blue. The schedule does have some challenges for the Vikings with Saginaw Nouvel, Ferndale, and Berkley on the plate but all of them are at home. Hazel Park's toughest game is September 5th at Avondale, that game could determine who is Champion of the OAA Blue.
3. Auburn Hills Avondale Yellow Jackets: (8-3 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 5th vs Hazel Park. The Yellow Jackets may have lost two great players to graduation but they should be fine. The Yellow Jackets are well coached and should be a contender heading into the 2011 season. The schedule is good for the Yellow Jackets, they play four of their first five games are at home with their only league game on the road that could give them fits is the week nine game vs Berkley. The game that Yellow Jackets should be looking forward too is Week two on September 5th against Hazel Park, that game will tell a lot about the Yellow Jackets heading into 2011.
2. Lake Orion Dragons: (13-1 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Oxford, October 17th vs Farmington Hills Harrison, and October 24th @ Clarkston. The Dragons won the Division one State Championship last season over Plymouth and is expected to be a state title contender again in 2011. The Dragons come into this season with a target on their back after the state championship run. The schedule is very manageable and could be in line for another unbeaten regular season if they play well this season. The first game of the season has so much hype to it with the Oxford Wildcats on August 26th. The Wildcats will bring out the blue turf for that game and if the Dragons can survive the hype and the hoopla than things should be fine. The game that all Dragon players and fans want is the Harrison game on October 17th, the Dragons should be unbeaten heading into that game. Last season the Hawks outplayed the Dragons on both sides of the ball, plus add it was Harrison's forty year anniversary and they played on a Saturday, not making some people happy. The Hawks won that game 28-6 and the Dragons haven't lost since. Now the game is not set in stone yet, think that every Dragon fan is looking forward to the Harrison game? The Clarkston game on October 24th for the Dragons is big on every radar because that game determines who is the OAA Red Champion, however Lake Orion quarterback Sean Charette is 0-2 at Clarkston in his career and hopefully a win at Clarkston would exercise his Wolves demons at the Wolves den.
1. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks: (14-0 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th vs Detroit Cass Tech @ Eastern Michigan University, October 10th @ Rochester Adams, and October 17th @ Lake Orion. The Hawks took home the Division two State Championship last season over Lowell and is expected to be a state title contender again in 2011. The Hawks like the Dragons come in with a target on their backs heading into the new season after taking home the state championship. They do have two players who committed to Michigan and Brady Hoke for next year but they are focused on this year. Harrison do have some trap games on the schedule starting with Detroit Cass Tech at Eastern Michigan for week one then weeks seven and eight with tough road games at Rochester Adams and at Lake Orion. The Detroit Cass Tech game is going to be very interesting with star athletes all over the field in that one, Detroit Cass Tech has a very good defense while Harrison has a good offense, it is going to be a really good game. The OAA White could be decided on October 10th when Harrison travels to Rochester to face Rochester Adams. Harrison has not fared well north of Rochester Road during the years Harrison has entered the OAA. The next week for Harrison they travel to Lake Orion, where they have only won at Lake Orion once ever since Harrison has entered the OAA and let's not add the fact the Dragons are looking for revenge after what happened last season to them when they fell 28-6 to the Hawks, all though not set in stone yet. This game will likely happen and will determine who is king of the OAA for 2011.
Well this is the top 10 teams for 2011 for now, changes will be made as the season gets closer. Anyway take care, god bless, and GO GREEN.
Hello to all. It's been a busy winter and spring for me so I haven't had the time to do much. Anyway the previews for this upcoming 2011 football season for the Oakland Activities Association will be later in August but the top 10 should give a pretty good idea what the Oakland Activities Association should look heading into the season and the top ten heading into right now.
10. Rochester Falcons: (6-4 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 19th @ Pontiac. The Falcons, even though they did lose a lot of senior leadership have a stable coaching staff and optimism heading into 2011. Could it be back to back years for the Falcons making the playoffs? The Falcons could be at their crossroads when they go to Wisner Stadium and face a determined Pontiac squad, who is looking for revenge after what happened to them at Rochester last season. That game could tell if the Falcons want to get back to the playoffs, four of their final five games are at home to close out the season.
9. Troy Colts: (5-4 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Romeo and October 10th vs Pontiac. The Colts had a up and down season last season. They did beat Romeo and then things fell apart. The losses to Lake Orion and Clarkston were expected but losing to Rochester didn't help and losing to Pontiac cost them a shot at the playoffs. The Colts should be more experienced heading into 2011. The schedule does have some favors to them with Clarkston and Lake Orion at home. The games the Colts need to have is the Romeo game at Dan Barnabo Field on August 26th against a very angry and Macomb Area Conference power Romeo, and a home game against Pontiac on October 10th. The Colts want revenge after what happened to them at Wisner Stadium last season at the hands of the Phoenix, many Colts fans believe that it was the Phoenix that cost them a trip to the playoffs. Those games will likely tell what direction the Colts will be in 2011.
8. Ferndale Eagles: (5-4 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 12th @ UD-Jesuit. It was very unusual for the Eagles to miss out on the playoffs, especially with the schedule they had last season, they had all the tough teams in the OAA Blue at home however the schedule doesn't give the Eagles any favorites because now they go on the road and face those tough teams (Avondale, Berkley, Hazel Park all on the road). The game that Ferndale needs is the UD-Jesuit game. Last season the Eagles fell 16-13 at home and would like to get retribution. The Eagles if they get by Berkley should be 2-0 heading into that game.
7. Rochester Adams Highlanders: (9-2 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: October 10th vs Farmington Hills Harrison. The Highlanders did lose a lot of talent from a nine win team that had two tough losses, the loss that most hurt was to state semifinalist Walled Lake Central in the district final 14-13. The Highlanders should be a playoff team heading into 2011, don't be surprised if they are unbeaten heading into the Harrison game on October 10th. The Highlanders will want to get some revenge after allowing 54 points last season to the Hawks in a 54-21 blowout, plus Adams is at home and that should help in that game.
6. Rochester Stoney Creek Cougars: (4-5 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th vs Port Huron Northern and October 24th vs Rochester Adams. The Cougars had high expectations heading into last season, however disappointing losses and a tough road to clime during the OAA White season deal them in. Stoney Creek will need to be consistent if they want to compete with the best. The schedule should be good for them with only one tough road game being at Harrison. The Cougars have five home games this season, they host Port Huron Northern, Oak Park, Southfield Lathrup, Southfield and Rochester Adams, all of them are winnable games. The Cougars need to get off to a good start and that Port Huron Northern game on August 26th is the one they need and could determine their season. Last year the Cougars fell to the Huskies 21-16 in Port Huron, now the Huskies go to Rochester and things could be different. The Adams game week nine on October 24th could tell how improved Stoney Creek is. It could be a play in game to the playoffs for the Cougars and it's a rivalry game as well, the motivation is there. It could be a special season if the Cougars win the games they are suppose too.
5. Clarkston Wolves: (7-3 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Rochester Adams and October 24th vs Lake Orion. The Wolves lost two great players in Dakota Bender and Tyler Scarlett two seasons go when they went to the state semifinals. Last season Clarkston had to develop their offense from scratch, especially after the Rochester Adams game. Their offense started to gel until they got to the Lake Orion game, where the Dragons just exposed the Wolves youthful offense and then they got to Grand Blanc where the Bobcats blitzed them off the bat. The Wolves defense carried them in games until they got to Lake Orion and Grand Blanc where they gave up yards in bunches and allowed 66 points in those two losses. Clarkston should be a playoff team in 2011. They have two games of the year that is marked in Red every year. The first one is the Rochester Adams game. The Highlanders beat the Wolves last season in Clarkston so the Wolves will be looking for revenge and then should be either unbeaten or 8-1 entering the OAA Red showdown with Lake Orion. The Dragons beat the Wolves 28-7 last season at Lake Orion but Dragon quarterback Sean Charette has not beaten the Wolves at Clarkston in his career but anything is possible.
4. Hazel Park Vikings (8-2 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 5th @ Avondale. The Vikings have had one of their best seasons in recent memory. However their star running back Dakota Ogeals graduated but they did play some games without Ogeals, going 2-1 without him with their only loss to Saginaw Nouvel. Hazel Park will have experience, especially at the running back position and is one of the front runners for the OAA Blue. The schedule does have some challenges for the Vikings with Saginaw Nouvel, Ferndale, and Berkley on the plate but all of them are at home. Hazel Park's toughest game is September 5th at Avondale, that game could determine who is Champion of the OAA Blue.
3. Auburn Hills Avondale Yellow Jackets: (8-3 in 2010.) GAME OF THE YEAR: September 5th vs Hazel Park. The Yellow Jackets may have lost two great players to graduation but they should be fine. The Yellow Jackets are well coached and should be a contender heading into the 2011 season. The schedule is good for the Yellow Jackets, they play four of their first five games are at home with their only league game on the road that could give them fits is the week nine game vs Berkley. The game that Yellow Jackets should be looking forward too is Week two on September 5th against Hazel Park, that game will tell a lot about the Yellow Jackets heading into 2011.
2. Lake Orion Dragons: (13-1 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th @ Oxford, October 17th vs Farmington Hills Harrison, and October 24th @ Clarkston. The Dragons won the Division one State Championship last season over Plymouth and is expected to be a state title contender again in 2011. The Dragons come into this season with a target on their back after the state championship run. The schedule is very manageable and could be in line for another unbeaten regular season if they play well this season. The first game of the season has so much hype to it with the Oxford Wildcats on August 26th. The Wildcats will bring out the blue turf for that game and if the Dragons can survive the hype and the hoopla than things should be fine. The game that all Dragon players and fans want is the Harrison game on October 17th, the Dragons should be unbeaten heading into that game. Last season the Hawks outplayed the Dragons on both sides of the ball, plus add it was Harrison's forty year anniversary and they played on a Saturday, not making some people happy. The Hawks won that game 28-6 and the Dragons haven't lost since. Now the game is not set in stone yet, think that every Dragon fan is looking forward to the Harrison game? The Clarkston game on October 24th for the Dragons is big on every radar because that game determines who is the OAA Red Champion, however Lake Orion quarterback Sean Charette is 0-2 at Clarkston in his career and hopefully a win at Clarkston would exercise his Wolves demons at the Wolves den.
1. Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks: (14-0 in 2010.) GAME'S OF THE YEAR: August 26th vs Detroit Cass Tech @ Eastern Michigan University, October 10th @ Rochester Adams, and October 17th @ Lake Orion. The Hawks took home the Division two State Championship last season over Lowell and is expected to be a state title contender again in 2011. The Hawks like the Dragons come in with a target on their backs heading into the new season after taking home the state championship. They do have two players who committed to Michigan and Brady Hoke for next year but they are focused on this year. Harrison do have some trap games on the schedule starting with Detroit Cass Tech at Eastern Michigan for week one then weeks seven and eight with tough road games at Rochester Adams and at Lake Orion. The Detroit Cass Tech game is going to be very interesting with star athletes all over the field in that one, Detroit Cass Tech has a very good defense while Harrison has a good offense, it is going to be a really good game. The OAA White could be decided on October 10th when Harrison travels to Rochester to face Rochester Adams. Harrison has not fared well north of Rochester Road during the years Harrison has entered the OAA. The next week for Harrison they travel to Lake Orion, where they have only won at Lake Orion once ever since Harrison has entered the OAA and let's not add the fact the Dragons are looking for revenge after what happened last season to them when they fell 28-6 to the Hawks, all though not set in stone yet. This game will likely happen and will determine who is king of the OAA for 2011.
Well this is the top 10 teams for 2011 for now, changes will be made as the season gets closer. Anyway take care, god bless, and GO GREEN.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Something about February that makes Dragon fans happy
Written Saturday February 4th, at 5:01 PM
Hey all, sorry about the year of January, been busy keeping up with classes and working games but so far February is starting to be kind if you are a Dragons fan.
After suffering heartbreaking road losses to Clarkston and Pontiac the Dragon Girls Basketball team returned home and kicked off February with a come from behind win, after suffering a 63-31 loss to Troy in December, the Dragons returned the favor in favor of a 17-3 fourth quarter, to out last the Colts 38-37 on Thursday Night at Lake Orion. Guard/Forward Nicolette Grannis hit a jumper with 13 seconds left that sealed the Dragon comeback after the team trailed 34-21 after three quarters. Grannis in her last two games has averaged 6.1 points per game, including a 13 point showing against Rochester in a 58-44 victory over the Falcons. Forwards Laura Turnbull and Emily Kipp added eight points respectably along with guard Maddie Hutchinson's seven points.
The Dragons defense also did their part, limiting Troy's big two of Korin Moss and Liz Siepker to just three points combined. In the loss at Troy, Moss and Siepker scored 30 points combined against the Dragons, but the Dragons did not have the services of junior forward Marissa Secontine in that one.
The Dragon girls have won two in a row ever since the loss to Pontiac. They are now 7-6 overall and 500 in the OAA Red at 5-5, the Dragons do trail Troy in the OAA Red standings by a game but the Colts (7-4 OAA Red) have played one more conference game than the Dragons. The Dragons will play a make-up game on Monday against the Berkley Bears at Berkley, then conclude the back to back with league leaguing Southfield Lathrup on Tuesday night at Lathrup Village. The Dragons will return home for a Friday showdown with the Red Hawks of Troy Athens. It is a span of three games in five days for the ladies.
The Dragons boys basketball team were left for dead. After starting the season out at 1-9 overall and 1-7 in the OAA White and had suffered a horrible 45-36 home loss to Stoney Creek, the Dragons all of sudden have won two in a row themselves. On January 27th the Dragons shocked league leading Troy at their gym, 66-47. The 66 points the Dragons scored were the most they have scored this season. The Dragons carried the momentum at home on Friday night when the Troy Athens Red Hawks came a calling.
The Dragon boys tied a career high for most points this season, in rout to a 66-54 victory over the Red Hawks in a physical basketball game. The Dragons were led by freshman center John McCarthy's 18 points, a quiet 12 points from sophomore guard/forward Chaz Miller, and 10 quiet points from junior forward Brad Watterworth. Iowa bounded for football, forward Jake Duzey had 16 points to lead the Red Hawks.
The OAA White is separated by 5 games respectfully top to bottom. The Dragons are now 3-9 overall and 3-7 in the OAA White won't be able to do much on Tuesday to improve their league record but they do step out of league and play a possible final four team in the Southfield Blue Jays on Tuesday at Southfield. Southfield is led by star Michigan recruit forward Carlton Bruntledge, guard Desmond Barnes, and center Patrick Omenau. The next time the Dragons will see league action will be on February 15th when Birmingham Seaholm comes a calling to the Dragons Lair. The Dragons won the only other meeting 51-40 at Seaholm but the Maples did not have their point guard Christian Pino or Sean Conway. They were both suspended for the game against the Dragons.
This should be interesting, GO GREEN.
Hey all, sorry about the year of January, been busy keeping up with classes and working games but so far February is starting to be kind if you are a Dragons fan.
After suffering heartbreaking road losses to Clarkston and Pontiac the Dragon Girls Basketball team returned home and kicked off February with a come from behind win, after suffering a 63-31 loss to Troy in December, the Dragons returned the favor in favor of a 17-3 fourth quarter, to out last the Colts 38-37 on Thursday Night at Lake Orion. Guard/Forward Nicolette Grannis hit a jumper with 13 seconds left that sealed the Dragon comeback after the team trailed 34-21 after three quarters. Grannis in her last two games has averaged 6.1 points per game, including a 13 point showing against Rochester in a 58-44 victory over the Falcons. Forwards Laura Turnbull and Emily Kipp added eight points respectably along with guard Maddie Hutchinson's seven points.
The Dragons defense also did their part, limiting Troy's big two of Korin Moss and Liz Siepker to just three points combined. In the loss at Troy, Moss and Siepker scored 30 points combined against the Dragons, but the Dragons did not have the services of junior forward Marissa Secontine in that one.
The Dragon girls have won two in a row ever since the loss to Pontiac. They are now 7-6 overall and 500 in the OAA Red at 5-5, the Dragons do trail Troy in the OAA Red standings by a game but the Colts (7-4 OAA Red) have played one more conference game than the Dragons. The Dragons will play a make-up game on Monday against the Berkley Bears at Berkley, then conclude the back to back with league leaguing Southfield Lathrup on Tuesday night at Lathrup Village. The Dragons will return home for a Friday showdown with the Red Hawks of Troy Athens. It is a span of three games in five days for the ladies.
The Dragons boys basketball team were left for dead. After starting the season out at 1-9 overall and 1-7 in the OAA White and had suffered a horrible 45-36 home loss to Stoney Creek, the Dragons all of sudden have won two in a row themselves. On January 27th the Dragons shocked league leading Troy at their gym, 66-47. The 66 points the Dragons scored were the most they have scored this season. The Dragons carried the momentum at home on Friday night when the Troy Athens Red Hawks came a calling.
The Dragon boys tied a career high for most points this season, in rout to a 66-54 victory over the Red Hawks in a physical basketball game. The Dragons were led by freshman center John McCarthy's 18 points, a quiet 12 points from sophomore guard/forward Chaz Miller, and 10 quiet points from junior forward Brad Watterworth. Iowa bounded for football, forward Jake Duzey had 16 points to lead the Red Hawks.
The OAA White is separated by 5 games respectfully top to bottom. The Dragons are now 3-9 overall and 3-7 in the OAA White won't be able to do much on Tuesday to improve their league record but they do step out of league and play a possible final four team in the Southfield Blue Jays on Tuesday at Southfield. Southfield is led by star Michigan recruit forward Carlton Bruntledge, guard Desmond Barnes, and center Patrick Omenau. The next time the Dragons will see league action will be on February 15th when Birmingham Seaholm comes a calling to the Dragons Lair. The Dragons won the only other meeting 51-40 at Seaholm but the Maples did not have their point guard Christian Pino or Sean Conway. They were both suspended for the game against the Dragons.
This should be interesting, GO GREEN.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy New Year: Dragon Ladies Recap
Written Friday January 7th, at 9:37 AM
Hey all, happy new year to all, been so busy with both basketball seasons going on and now Special Olympics basketball season is in effect. If Thursday night against North Farmington proved something, then the Dragons could be a factor down the line as we head into March.
During this time we did the blog, the Ladies were 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the OAA Red however in their trip for Troy on December 9th, they were no match for the Colts, despite playing without power forward Marissa Secontine. The Dragons fell 63-31 as they were blitzed right off the bat with the Colts outscoring the Dragons 26-8 in the first quarter and never got better from there.
Next was the Red Hawks from Troy Athens on December 17th at Troy Athens, turnovers and missed opportunities in the first half doomed the Dragons from start to end. Also not helping was the Red Hawks had a big girl in Sinclair Russell, who is being looked at by several division one schools. Russell scored 16 points to lead the Red Hawks attack. Troy Athens outscored the Dragons 10-2 in the first quarter and fell to the Red Hawks 45-31, dropping their league record (OAA Red) to 2-2 and 3-2 overall.
To open the new year the Dragons had a tough assignment as they dealt with the undefeated Waterford Kettering Captains on Tuesday Night at Lake Orion. Waterford Kettering is a young and dangerous team, they played the ultimate team game, sort of like the 2004 Detroit Pistons when they won their NBA Championship over the Los Angeles Lakers.
With a strong chaotic defense, causing havoc to the Captains the Dragons controlled the first half with their style of game, works-man like. They hailed a 18-16 lead at the half, then Kettering's defense took over the rest of the game, along with some timely three point shooting. The Dragons played well defensively but just couldn't muster a run down the stretch while the Captains mustered a 26-9 run to close out the game, winning 42-27. The Dragons dropped to 3-3, 2-2 in the OAA Red.
The Dragons got back to their winning ways Thursday night when North Farmington came to town, trailing 24-16 at the half the Dragons limited the Raiders to just ten points the entire half, and beat the Raiders 42-34. Leading the charge was Laura Turnbull grabbing 13 points while Marissa Secontine added 12 points. Jasmine Harris led the Raiders with 14 points, who had four three pointers in the game.
The Dragons will be back on the road for four games, staring with Tuesday Night when they will travel to Rochester and take on the Stoney Creek Cougars. The Cougars come in with a 2-4 record, and 1-4 in the OAA Red, all of their losses this season have been by three points or less. Stoney Creek is led by their star player Gabby Yurik, in every game this season Yurik has scored in double figures, including a monster 42 point game in a loss to Troy Athens, earlier in the season.
The Cougars are a three point shooting team and love to spread the floor but also they do have a rebounder in freshman center Lauren Voss, who was huge in their 50-45 win against Rochester Adams and their small forward Keri Scipione was also huge, having a huge fourth quarter when Yurik and guard Kara Kovack were struggling that night against Rochester Adams. Yurik scored 18 points in a heartbreaking 52-49 loss to Troy. Kovack, another guard had 12 points with four three pointers against the Colts. Tuesday should be a good one.
On Friday the Dragons will travel to Clarkston to take on the Wolves of Clarkston. Clarkston has been led by the three headed monster known as Anna Manilla, Delaney Kenny, Lindsay Reppuhn. Reppuhn in her last two games against Chippewa Valley (win 51-41 over the Big Reds) and Pontiac has scored 30 points, 15 in each game, both were wins. Manilla has been strong at the point guard position this season while Kenny has had some big games early in the season for the Wolves. In Clarkston's win over Pontiac (48-46) the Wolves needed a late three pointer from Christina Jokisch to take that one over the Phoenix. The Wolves come in with a 4-3 record with a 3-3 record in the OAA Red, the Wolves do play Troy on Monday at Clarkston before the Friday showdown. This game should be yet another interesting one on the plate for the week.
GO GREEN
Hey all, happy new year to all, been so busy with both basketball seasons going on and now Special Olympics basketball season is in effect. If Thursday night against North Farmington proved something, then the Dragons could be a factor down the line as we head into March.
During this time we did the blog, the Ladies were 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the OAA Red however in their trip for Troy on December 9th, they were no match for the Colts, despite playing without power forward Marissa Secontine. The Dragons fell 63-31 as they were blitzed right off the bat with the Colts outscoring the Dragons 26-8 in the first quarter and never got better from there.
Next was the Red Hawks from Troy Athens on December 17th at Troy Athens, turnovers and missed opportunities in the first half doomed the Dragons from start to end. Also not helping was the Red Hawks had a big girl in Sinclair Russell, who is being looked at by several division one schools. Russell scored 16 points to lead the Red Hawks attack. Troy Athens outscored the Dragons 10-2 in the first quarter and fell to the Red Hawks 45-31, dropping their league record (OAA Red) to 2-2 and 3-2 overall.
To open the new year the Dragons had a tough assignment as they dealt with the undefeated Waterford Kettering Captains on Tuesday Night at Lake Orion. Waterford Kettering is a young and dangerous team, they played the ultimate team game, sort of like the 2004 Detroit Pistons when they won their NBA Championship over the Los Angeles Lakers.
With a strong chaotic defense, causing havoc to the Captains the Dragons controlled the first half with their style of game, works-man like. They hailed a 18-16 lead at the half, then Kettering's defense took over the rest of the game, along with some timely three point shooting. The Dragons played well defensively but just couldn't muster a run down the stretch while the Captains mustered a 26-9 run to close out the game, winning 42-27. The Dragons dropped to 3-3, 2-2 in the OAA Red.
The Dragons got back to their winning ways Thursday night when North Farmington came to town, trailing 24-16 at the half the Dragons limited the Raiders to just ten points the entire half, and beat the Raiders 42-34. Leading the charge was Laura Turnbull grabbing 13 points while Marissa Secontine added 12 points. Jasmine Harris led the Raiders with 14 points, who had four three pointers in the game.
The Dragons will be back on the road for four games, staring with Tuesday Night when they will travel to Rochester and take on the Stoney Creek Cougars. The Cougars come in with a 2-4 record, and 1-4 in the OAA Red, all of their losses this season have been by three points or less. Stoney Creek is led by their star player Gabby Yurik, in every game this season Yurik has scored in double figures, including a monster 42 point game in a loss to Troy Athens, earlier in the season.
The Cougars are a three point shooting team and love to spread the floor but also they do have a rebounder in freshman center Lauren Voss, who was huge in their 50-45 win against Rochester Adams and their small forward Keri Scipione was also huge, having a huge fourth quarter when Yurik and guard Kara Kovack were struggling that night against Rochester Adams. Yurik scored 18 points in a heartbreaking 52-49 loss to Troy. Kovack, another guard had 12 points with four three pointers against the Colts. Tuesday should be a good one.
On Friday the Dragons will travel to Clarkston to take on the Wolves of Clarkston. Clarkston has been led by the three headed monster known as Anna Manilla, Delaney Kenny, Lindsay Reppuhn. Reppuhn in her last two games against Chippewa Valley (win 51-41 over the Big Reds) and Pontiac has scored 30 points, 15 in each game, both were wins. Manilla has been strong at the point guard position this season while Kenny has had some big games early in the season for the Wolves. In Clarkston's win over Pontiac (48-46) the Wolves needed a late three pointer from Christina Jokisch to take that one over the Phoenix. The Wolves come in with a 4-3 record with a 3-3 record in the OAA Red, the Wolves do play Troy on Monday at Clarkston before the Friday showdown. This game should be yet another interesting one on the plate for the week.
GO GREEN
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