Week Twelve Recap.

Written Friday November 15th at 10:10 PM

This will be updated.

HARPER WOODS 48, Macomb Lutheran North 3: The Pioneers were the dominant team on Friday night in Harper Woods shutting down a very solid Crusaders team and running back Vincent Campisi was held in check by a really strong Pioneers defense. The offense was really good for Harper Woods in this game. The Pioneers will move on to have a rematch with Goodrich in the Division Four State Semifinals.

GROVES 21, Warren De LaSalle 19. Ryan Counts was the story on Friday night in Beverly Hills. Counts had two passing touchdowns (one was a very controversial touchdown) and a running score while the Falcons defensive line was the story in a 21-19 win over Warren De LaSalle. The touchdown in question was on a fourth and 16 there was a battle between Chris Little and the Warren De LaSalle player pushed Little out of bounds but Little came back in and caught the ball in bounds. It was originally called incomplete which would have been called illegal touching but the officials reversed it and called it a touchdown infuriating the Pilots. According to the replay it looked like Little was pushed out of bounds which if he's pushed out of bounds by the defender then he can return to play without being penalized but if he went out on his own and came back on his own then it's illegal touching which the replay showed Little was pushed out of bounds. The Counts to Little connection has been really good all season for Groves. The Falcons proved they can win against proven Catholic League powers and they will need to do it again when they play Orchard Lake St. Marys and former Stoney Creek Coach Nick Merlo (Merlo is the offensive coordinator for the Eaglets) in the Division Two State Semifinals.

ADAMS 21, Grand Blanc 14. The Highlanders overcame a ton of mistakes and a strong air raid attack from the Bobcats on Friday night. Adams got a key catch from backup quarterback Nolan Farris to Cameron Darwood which set up an eight yard touchdown from Matteo Humbert and the Highlanders defense held off Grand Blanc in a 21-14 win on Friday night. Humbert was really good all night for Adams. The Highlanders defense was really good all night shutting down a really good Bobcats offense despite allowing some yardage in the air. Adams will likely head west to play Hudsonville next week in the Division One State Semifinals.

Ferndale University has a new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Thursday November 14th at 11:45 PM

Ferndale University has a new girls basketball coach.

The Eagles named Bennie Szczepkowski their new head coach taking over for Coach Brianna Rowe who stepped down recently.

Szczepkowski took the Ferndale University job two weeks before the season started which he confirmed on Media Day at Groves.

Szczepkowski has a hard task ahead of him in turning around a program that went 0-18 last season. He will have a ton of proven experience coming back in LeAnna Spencer, Gabrielle Thompson, Kayla Sanders, Taniyah Crawford, Tamary Powell, Kendall Spencer, and Jayda Wilson.

Ferndale University will need a strong start to build confidence this season. It won't be an easy transition and it has to happen during the season. It will be very interesting to see what happens.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Week Twelve Picks.

Written Tuesday November 12th at 10:50 PM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week twelve.

 

SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.

 

TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.

 

COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.

 

KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.

 

SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.

 

SANDY DUNES: 109-40

TIM: 113-36

COTTER: 120-29

KEITH: 113-36

SCOTT: 115-34

 

WEATHER FORECAST: Cloudy. 36-40 degrees.

Gladwin at Frankenmuth: This is shaping up to be a really interesting matchup between two teams that know each other well. The Muth has won the last two meetings 79-21 which included a 41-14 win over Gladwin in the regular season since the Flying G's 10-7 win in the Division Five State Finals in 2022. Gladwin is coming off a 28-19 win over Ogemaw Heights last week. Frankenmuth hasn't really been tested since their 21-20 win over Freeland. This should be a really interesting matchup in Saginaw County.

SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 49, GLADWIN 35.

TIM: FRANKENMUTH 49, GLADWIN 14.

COTTER: FRANKEMMUTH 35, GLADWIN 21.

KEITH: FRANKENMUTH 31, GLADWIN 28.

SCOTT: FRANKENMUTH 33, GLADWIN 25.

Kalamazoo Hackett Prep at Grand Rapids Catholic Central: This is shaping up to be a really interesting regional final. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is the defending Division Five State Champs. The Cougars had a three game losing streak coming into the postseason but they have bounced back including a 21-18 win over Grand Rapids West Catholic last week. Kalamazoo Hackett Prep has been dominant except for losses to Jackson Lumen Christi (39-21) and Lawton (27-18.) The Fighting Irish is coming off a 41-22 win over Berrien Springs last week. This should be a really interesting matchup to see.

SANDY DUNES: KALAMAZOO HACKETT PREP 35, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 21.

TIM: GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35, KALAMAZOO HACKETT PREP 21.

COTTER: KALAMAZOO HACKETT PREP 28, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 14.

KEITH: GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 34, KALAMAZOO HACKETT PREP 21.

SCOTT: GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 26, KALAMAZOO HACKETT PREP 23.

 

Haslett at Goodrich: This is the third all time meeting between the Martians and the Vikings. Goodrich really wasn't tested since losing 22-0 to Frankenmuth in week one but they were tested winning 27-21 over Freeland last week. Haslett started 1-3 with losses to Mason (30-24), Fenton (21-14) and DeWitt (69-42) but have managed to bounce back in a big way. They went into Chelsea and stunned the Bulldogs 24-9 last week. This should be a fun matchup to say the least in Genesee County.

SANDY DUNES: GOODRICH 24, HASLETT 21.

TIM: GOODRICH 42, HASLETT 7.

COTTER: GOODRICH 42, HASLETT 21.

KEITH: GOODRICH 24, HASLETT 21.

SCOTT: GOODRICH 38, HASLETT 27.

Macomb Lutheran North at HARPER WOODS: The Crusaders have been rolling into this matchup in Harper Woods with their only loss being to an OAA school in Avondale falling 34-13. The Pioneers are much better than the Yellow Jackets and played in the White where as the Yellow Jackets were in the Gold. Macomb Lutheran North had to survive 43-42 in overtime over Croswell-Lexington last week. Harper Woods is coming off a 40-21 win over Dearborn Divine Child. This is going to be a really tough matchup for the Crusdaders this week.

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 35, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 0.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 42, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 21.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 44, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 14.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 27, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 20.

SCOTT: HARPER WOODS 36, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 21.

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at Carlson: This is the first meeting between the Eaglets and the Mauraders. Carlson hasn't really been tested since falling 28-14 to Trenton has been putting the petal to the medal against opponents. Orchard Lake St. Marys dominated North Farmington and Farmington by a combined 93-7 in the last two weeks. This should be a really interesting matchup.

SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 45, CARLSON 0.

TIM: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, CARLSON 14.

COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 49, CARLSON 14.

KEITH: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 20, CARLSON 16.

SCOTT: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 33, CARLSON 20.

Warren DeLaSalle at GROVES: This is a rematch of a 43-15 Pilots win over the Falcons in the Division Two State Semifinals. This is the third meeting between the two schools with Warren De LaSalle having a 2-1 series edge. This a show me game for Groves. The Falcons haven't been that tested much lately but they bring a senior heavy team with them. Warren De LaSalle is coming off two impressive wins in St. Clair and Macomb Counties. This should be a fun matchup to say the least.

SANDY DUNES: GROVES 28, WARREN DELASALLE 21.

TIM: GROVES 35, WARREN DELASALLE 28.

COTTER: WARREN DELASALLE 28, GROVES 14.

KEITH: GROVES 34, WARREN DELASALLE 31.

SCOTT: GROVES 30, WARREN DELASALLE 28.

 

Hudsonville at Howell: This is a rematch of a 20-17 Hudsonville win in week one. This is the third meeting between the Highlanders and the Eagles. Howell had to survive 35-33 last week to get to this game. Hudsonville is coming off two tough games winning 25-23 over East Kentwood and 19-16 over Grandville last week. This should be a great matchup in Livingston County.

SANDY DUNES: HOWELL 21, HUDSONVILLE 14.

TIM: HOWELL 49, HUDSONVILLE 42.

COTTER: HOWELL 24, HUDSONVILLE 17.

KEITH: HUDSONVILLE 27, HOWELL 24.

SCOTT: HOWELL 40, HUDSONVILLE 35.

 

Grand Blanc at ADAMS: This is a rematch of a 2021 State Semifinal where Adams won 40-20 over Grand Blanc. The Bobcats are coming off an impressive 29-7 win over Oxford last week. The Highlanders are coming off an impressive 41-0 over Clarkston last week. This should be a really interesting matchup of different styles.

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 35, GRAND BLANC 7.

TIM: GRAND BLANC 28, ADAMS 21.

COTTER: ADAMS 42, GRAND BLANC 21.

KEITH: ADAMS 24, GRAND BLANC 23.

SCOTT: ADAMS 34, GRAND BLANC 32.

 

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alk4BJLQcpU

Volleyball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday November 9th at 8:50 AM

Region Seven @ West Bloomfield

CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Marian

South Lyon vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting regional. Clarkston is coming off a three game sweep of Lake Orion in the district finals but the Wolves are going to have it tough against a proven powerhouse in Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs had no troubles with North Farmington in the district finals. The other side has Orchard Lake St. Marys who had to survive a tough district beating Bloomfield Hills in a five set thriller and South Lyon who has been really impressive which included a five set win over Lakeland in the district finals. This should be a really interesting regional of current and new State powers in this regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Birmingham Marian: To take a Ric Flair quote, "if you want to be the man, you got to beat the man." The Mustangs are the team to beat and will do so over Clarkston and Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Region 14 @ Dearborn Divine Child

FERNDALE vs Detroit Edison

Dearborn Divine Child vs Detroit Cesar Chavez

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting regional. The Falcons are in and are hosting the regional. They will have a really interesting matchup with Detroit Cesar Chavez who won over Dearborn Henry Ford in the district finals in the semifinals. The Eagles had a hard fought win over Ferndale University in the district finals. They will have a really tough matchup with Detroit Edison in the regional semifinals. It should be a really interesting regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Dearborn Divine Child: When in doubt go with the home team, I have the Falcons moving onto the State Quarterfinals.

Week Eleven Recap.

Written Friday November 8th at 9:55 PM

Grand Blanc 29, OXFORD 7. The Wildcats offense was shut down by a stout Grand Blanc defense on Friday night. The Bobcats took advantage of Oxford’s mistakes and it showed in a 29-7 win for Grand Blanc. The Wildcats won the Red and beat State power Davison this season. Oxford loses a ton of proven experience but they have Jack Hendrix and Eli Tabert coming back for Coach Zach Line. It will be a different Wildcats team next season.

ADAMS 41, CLARKSTON 0. I don’t know how to explain this game and it’s always hard to beat a team twice in one year and Adams did that in a stunning 41-0 win over Clarkston. The tone was set early in this game as the Highlanders scored early then got a pick which led to another score and a quick 14-0 lead for Adams. The Highlanders won 28-10 earlier in the season and outscored the Wolves 69-10 in both meetings. Matteo Humbert played great with three touchdowns and Nolan Farris has played well since replacing Ryland Watters (injured.) The Adams defense shut down the Boman twins and the Wolves offense. The veer offense played a big role in this game with the addition of the speed option. I remember the conversation with Coach Tony Patritto the offense added different dimensions to it (see my interview with Patritto after Media Day.) The Highlanders a completely different team without Watters but everyone has stepped up in his absence and not to mention the junior class went unbeaten in their freshmen season. There will be some questions with what went wrong for the Wolves this offseason. The Highlanders have Grand Blanc looming next week.

Detroit Catholic Central 41, WEST BLOOMFIELD 14. It was going to be a tall order for the Lakers on Friday night against Novi Detroit Catholic Central but they really didn’t help themselves in fumbling the ball twice which led to Shamrocks touchdowns in a stunning 41-14 blowout for Novi Detroit Catholic Central over West Bloomfield. The defense had a rough time with the Shamrocks offense and made West Bloomfield make mistakes. It's going to be a really interesting offseason for Coach Zach Hilbers and the Lakers.

GROVES 36, SEAHOLM 7. The Falcons were dominant in all phases against their arch rivals on Friday night. It wasn’t even close as Groves beat Seaholm 36-7 on Friday night. The Falcons have outscored the Maples 71-7 in both meetings this season. Ryan Counts has proven to be steady at quarterback. He had a big night for the Falcons. The defense was stout all night. Seaholm was really young this season but they played well until the final three weeks of the season going 1-3 in their last four games. The Maples will be back for Coach Jim DeWald. Groves has a big test looming when Warren DeLaSalle comes to Beverly Hills next week.

HARPER WOODS 40, Dearborn Divine Child 21. The Pioneers defense showed up and the offense performed and turned a 21-20 deficit into a 40-21 win for Harper Woods over Dearborn Divine Child. The Pioneers got turnovers (pick six) and got key plays from Kolby Taylor and Dakota Guerrant had one of those games. It was very similar to the game against Redford Union in week one where they struggled early. Marcello Vitti had three touchdowns for Dearborn Divine Child. Harper Woods will host Macomb Lutheran North who survived 43-42 in overtime over Croswell-Lexington next week.

Orchard Lake St. Marys 51, FARMINGTON 0. It was a rough night for the Falcons who played a really good Eaglets team at Falcon Field and had no chance. Orchard Lake St. Marys was dominant against Farmington winning 51-0 on Friday night. The Falcons made the postseason and got a win over Lakeland which should be a stepping stone for the program heading into next season.

Walled Lake Western 42, AVONDALE 0. The Yellow Jackets hung in there with Walled Lake Western on Friday night but a rough second half where they got outscored 28-0 was the difference in their 42-0 loss to the Warriors on Friday night. It will be very interesting to see what Avondale does next season but if they want to have a deep run they would have to see Walled Lake Western at some point down the road.

Week Eleven Picks.

Written Wednesday November 6th at 8:18 AM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week eleven.

 

SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.

 

TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.

 

COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.

 

KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.

 

SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.

 

SANDY DUNES: 97-38

TIM: 103-32

COTTER: 109-26

KEITH: 101-34

SCOTT: 103-32

 

WEATHER FORECAST: Mostly Clear 33-36 degrees.

 

Belding at Frankenmuth: The Muth really hasn't been tested except for their game against Freeland where they won 21-20 in week eight. Belding has really turned things around since losing 20-6 to Ionia in week one. The Black Knights had to survive Saginaw Swan Valley 52-30 last week. Belding has been dominant but so has Frankenmuth. This should be a really interesting game in Saginaw County.

SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 42, BELDING 21.

TIM: FRANKENMUTH 49, BELDING 14.

COTTER: FRANKENMUTH 49, BELDING 21.

KEITH: FRANENMUTH 30, BELDING 13.

SCOTT: FRANKENMUTH 33, BELDING 23.

 

Gladwin at Ogemaw Heights: This is shaping up to be a really interesting matchup between the Flying G's and the Falcons. Gladwin is coming off a 18-15 win over Kingsford on the road last week. Ogemaw Heights won 20-13 over Clare last week. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that are familiar with one another. The Falcons beat the Flying G's 12-7 in week three. This should be a fun matchup.

SANDY DUNES: GLADWIN 31, OGEMAW HEIGHTS 21.

TIM: GLADWIN 35, OGEMAW HEIGHTS 7.

COTTER: GLADWIN 19, OGEMAW HEIGHTS 14.

KEITH: OGEMAW HEIGHTS 21, GLADWIN 10.

SCOTT: GLADWIN 25, OGEMAW HEIGHTS 15.

 

Dearborn Divine Child at HARPER WOODS: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Pioneers and the Falcons. Harper Woods had an impressive 46-6 win at Redford Union last week. The Pioneers will have a home game with an experienced Falcons team. Dearborn Divine Child had an impressive 42-6 win at Madison Heights over Madison Heights Lamphere last week behind their quarterback Drew Sheridan and running back Marcello Vitti. Dearborn Divine Child wants to make history but they will have to go through the defending Division Four State Champs.

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 45, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 31.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 28, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 38, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 35, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.

SCOTT: HARPER WOODS 28, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.

 

Croswell-Lexington at Macomb Lutheran North: This should be very interesting matchup between the Mustangs and the Pioneers. This is the fifth road game in six weeks for Croswell-Lexington but they are 4-1 in their last five away from Sanilac County with their only loss being 10-7 to Ogemaw Heights. They went into St. Clair County and shocked Marysville 31-6 last week. Macomb Lutheran North won 48-30 over St. Clair behind an impressive rushing attack and seven touchdowns from Vincent Campisi which is a school record. This should be a fun matchup in Macomb County.

SANDY DUNES: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 28, CROSWELL-LEXINGTON 24.

TIM: CROSWELL-LEXINGTON 35, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 14.

COTTER: CROSWELL-LEXINGTON 35, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 12.

KEITH: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 24, CROSWELL-LEXINGTON 21.

SCOTT: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 45, CROSWELL-LEXINGTON 34.

 

Linden at Mason: This is a very surprising matchup when looking at it. The Bulldogs were expected to be here after an impressive 59-18 win over Jackson last week. The Eagles were not expected to be here. Linden shocked Fenton 42-14 in Fenton last week after losing to the Tigers 24-21 a few weeks back. This looks like a mismatch on paper. Mason plays on grass which gives them an advantage. It should be very interesting to see what happens.

SANDY DUNES: MASON 38, LINDEN 14.

TIM: MASON 42, LINDEN 21.

COTTER: MASON 42, LINDEN 14.

KEITH: MASON 31, LINDEN 17.

SCOTT: MASON 27, LINDEN 18.

 

AVONDALE at Walled Lake Western: This is a rematch of a 50-22 Warriors win over the Yellow Jackets last season. Walled Lake Western is well coached under former Farmington coach Kory Cicroch but they haven't been tested since winning 20-17 over Mason in week eight. Avondale has been up and down but is coming off an impressive 43-6 win over Redford Thurston last week. This should be a really interesting matchup in Walled Lake.

SANDY DUNES: WALLED  LAKE WESTERN 35, AVONDALE 14.

TIM: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 63, AVONDALE 14.

COTTER: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 52, AVONDALE 14.

KEITH: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 27, AVONDALE 20.

SCOTT: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 36, AVONDALE 10.

 

Livonia Franklin at Carlson: This is shaping up to be a really interesting matchup in Gibratar. The Marauders sit at 9-1 with their only loss to Trenton 28-14. This will be a really tough matchup with Livonia Franklin. The Patriots play in the Kensington Lakes East and is coming off an impressive 21-14 win in Allen Park over the Jaguars. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams with different styles.

SANDY DUNES: CARLSON 31, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 28.

TIM: CARLSON 35, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 21.

COTTER: CARLSON 28, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 21.

KEITH: CARLSON 23, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 21.

SCOTT: CARLSON 35, LIVONIA FRANKLIN 28.

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at FARMINGTON: The Falcons are now healthy and they showed what they were made of with a strong second half in a 39-13 win over Lakeland in White Lake last week. They get to play at Falcon Field but it's a tough matchup with Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Eaglets are coming off a 42-7 win at Ron Holland Field over North Farmington last week. Farmington believes they can beat Orchard Lake St. Marys, lets see if they can prove it.

SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, FARMINGTON 31.

TIM: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 56, FARMINGTON 7.

COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 49, FARMINGTON 7.

KEITH: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 31, FARMINGTON 10.

SCOTT: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 40, FARMINGTON 15.

 

SEAHOLM at GROVES: These are two teams that are no strangers to one another. The Falcons won 35-0 over Seaholm in week nine. Groves will look to make it two in a row over the Maples. The Falcons won 49-14 over Ferndale last week. The Maples won 59-29 over Warren Mott last week. This is one of the best rivalries in football and another chapter is set to be written.

SANDY DUNES: GROVES 49, SEAHOLM 7.

TIM: GROVES A LOT, SEAHOLM 7.

COTTER: GROVES 42, SEAHOLM 7.

KEITH: GROVES 28, SEAHOLM 25.

SCOTT: GROVES 44, SEAHOLM 22.

 

Warren De LaSalle at Grosse Pointe South: This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that know each other quite well. The Pilots have been very impressive in the always tough Catholic League. Warren De LaSalle won 49-0 over Port Huron Northern at Memorial Stadium last week. The Blue Devils who have the highest point total in Division Two had to survive 27-26 over Roseville last week. This should be a really interesting matchup in Grosse Pointe.

SANDY DUNES: WARREN DELASALLE 35, GROSSE POINTE SOUTH 28.

TIM: WARREN DELASALLE 42, GROSSE POINTE SOUTH 7.

COTTER: WARREN DELASALLE 38, GROSSE POINTE SOUTH 14.

KEITH: WARREN DELASALLE 20, GROSSE POINTE SOUTH 16.

SCOTT: WARREN DELASALLE 30, GROSSE POINTE SOUTH 19.

 

OXFORD at Grand Blanc: This is a really interesting matchup in Genesee County. The Wildcats went into Davison and stunned the Cardinals 21-14 last week. The Bobcats beat Lapeer 42-21 last week. Oxford and Grand Blanc are no strangers to one another in other sports (basketball.) Grand Blanc has a really good quarterback, wide receiver combo but Oxford brings a different animal, I don't think the Bobcats have seen before.

SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 35, GRAND BLANC 21.

TIM: GRAND BLANC 49, OXFORD 42.

COTTER: OXFORD 28, GRAND BLANC 21.

KEITH: GRAND BLANC 20, OXFORD 17.

SCOTT: OXFORD 32, GRAND BLANC 31.

 

CLARKSTON at ADAMS: This is a rematch of a 28-10 Highlanders win over the Wolves a few weeks ago. Both teams are different now. Clarkston is coming off an impressive 34-16 win over Lake Orion last week. Adams won 44-14 over Stoney Creek last week. This is a clash of different styles and whoever style wins this matchup.

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, CLARKSTON 21.

TIM: CLARKSTON 35, ADAMS 28.

COTTER: ADAMS 24, CLARKSTON 21.

KEITH: CLARKSTON 24, ADAMS 21.

SCOTT: CLARKSTON 26, ADAMS 24.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi Detroit Catholic Central: This should be a really interesting matchup of two proven programs with a ton of history and success and there are storylines. Beau Jackson returns to Novi as the Lakers starting quarterback. The Shamrocks have not missed a beat and have been really impressive. West Bloomfield has been up and down but more ups lately. This should be a really interesting matchup in Novi.

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35.

TIM: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35, WEST BLOOMFIELD 21.

COTTER: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35, WEST BLOOMFIELD 14.

KEITH: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 31, WEST BLOOMFIELD 28.

SCOTT: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 41, WEST BLOOMFIELD 31.

 

Saline at Belleville: These are two teams that are no strangers to one another. Saline and Belleville are really close to one another and they have two really good teams. It stinks that one of those teams is going to be out of the postseason. The quarterback matchup between Tommy Carr and Bryce Underwood is very interesting. This could be a shootout, I'm not sold on both defenses in this game.

SANDY DUNES: BELLEVILLE 42, SALINE 35.

TIM: BELLEVILLE 63, SALINE 35.

COTTER: BELLEVILLE 35, SALINE 21.

KEITH: BELLEVILLE 34, SALINE 17.

SCOTT: BELLEVILLE 33, SALINE 23.

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OnjlmiLi8M&t=2797s

Royal leaves legacy at Ferndale.

Written Tuesday November 5th at 4:45 PM

Ferndale will have a new football coach next fall.

Eagles Coach Eric Royal has stepped down coaching the program after coaching at Ferndale for 18 years, 11 years as the head coach.

"After a long and thought out process, I have decided to resign from my head coaching duties at Ferndale after 11 years as head coach. It was not an easy decision, Ferndale football has been a part of my life since I was a 9th grader. From playing my high school football there to coaching 18 consecutive years, 11 as a head coach. It was very hard and I'm gonna miss it tremendously but the time is right for my family and other personal endevours, as we move forward I may look to join a staff if the right situation comes along" Royal texted to me confirming the move.

Royal went 52-50 in his 11 years at Ferndale including a 22-8 mark from 2016-2018. They shared the Blue in 2017 with Avondale and Hazel Park. The Eagles have made the postseason six times with Royal coaching the program.

The Eagles went 6-4 this season falling to Groves in the first round of the Division Two playoffs last week. 

Ferndale had a ton of proven experience this season and getting to the postseason was a huge deal. The Eagles did that winning 10-0 over Utica Ford II in week nine. 

Ferndale will be looking for a new coach but Royal has a ton of confidence in Boys Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Juan Rickman.

"I think (Juan) Rickman our athletic director will bring in a great coach who will inject tons of excitement into the program" Royal concluded.

It will be very interesting to see where the Eagles go with their football program and also they have a Co-Op with Ferndale University as well. This will be a very interesting job to watch whoever takes it.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.