Waterford Schools have applied to join the OAA.

Written Wednesday November 20th at 10:18 PM

The OAA could have two potential new members as early as next school year.

The Waterford school district (Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott) have applied to rejoin the league.

The vote or the site visit hasn't been confirmed yet.

MIPrepZone and Brandon Folsom confirmed the articles but neither school is in the OAA yet. In Folsom's article, Tom Flynn, former Groves Athletic Director mentions that there is a committee of principals and athletic directors that do site visitations and typically the school applying will have to do a presentation of their programs and what they bring and it will be up to the committee of principals to allow entry into the OAA.

"We are grateful for the competition we have been privileged to experience as a member district of the LVC (Lakes Valley Conference) for the past eight years. Many factors went into our decision to apply for membership of the OAA such as competitive alignment with like districts, game proximity, and academic and student leadership advantages. These opportunities will best serve our Waterford School district athletes, coaches, and families now and in the future" said Waterford Schools communications director Sarah Davis to MIPrepZone.

Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott were original members of the league when it formed in 1994 but they left the league for the Kensington Valley Conference in 2008. The KVC became the Kensington Lakes Activities Association but the league saw a mass exit and the Waterford schools joined the Walled Lake schools (Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western), the Huron Valley schools (Lakeland and Milford), and the South Lyon schools (South Lyon and South Lyon East) to form the Lakes Valley Conference in 2016-2017.

The OAA has 23 schools and uses a competitive balance system (Red,White, Blue, Gold) when it comes to divisions with the best playing against the best and the teams that are struggling play against other struggling teams. The league realigns with teams who win the division gets a chance to go up while those who finishes in last goes down a division.

It will be very interesting to see how Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott fit into the league if they are approved. It will be very interesting to see what happens.

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

Folsom story

https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2024/11/19/leaving-the-lvc-waterford-mott-kettering-apply-to-rejoin-oaa/76424849007/

 

MIPrepZone article

https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/11/20/waterford-schools-apply-to-leave-lvc-for-oakland-activities-association/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=tw-MIPrepZone

Week Thirteen Picks.

Written Wednesday November 20th at 7:05 PM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week thirteen.

 

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: 115-42

TIM: 119-38

COTTER: 125-32

KEITH: 121-36

SCOTT: 122-35

 

WEATHER FORECAST: Mostly Cloudy 45 degrees.

We'll get Tim and Scott's pick when we can.

 

Frankemuth vs Grand Rapids Catholic Central @ Mount Pleasant: This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that are red hot right now. Grand Rapids Catholic Central had to survive 21-14 over Kalamazoo Hackett Prep last week. Frankenmuth had no issue winning 35-0 over Gladwin last week. This should be really interesting to watch.

SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 35, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 31.

TIM:

COTTER: FRANKENMUTH 42, GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 14

KEITH: GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL 31, FRANKENMUTH 28.

SCOTT:

 

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Flat Rock @ Westland John Glenn: This is a really interesting matchup between Flat Rock and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The Irish have been tested and had an impressive 45-19 win over Armada in the regional semifinals last week. Flat Rock was really impressive in a 41-0 win over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard last week. This should be a really interesting matchup in Westland.

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 42, FLAT ROCK 14.

TIM:

COTTER: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 49, FLAT ROCK 14.

KEITH: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 28, FLAT ROCK 24.

SCOTT:

 

Goodrich vs HARPER WOODS @ Stoney Creek: This is a rematch of a 35-24 Pioneers win in Livonia in the Division Four State Semifinals last season. Goodrich started off strong but Harper Woods bounced back and took over behind an opportunistic defense. The ground attack has fueled the Martians all season long. This should be a really interesting matchup between two teams that know each other quite well.

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 35, GOODRICH 21.

TIM:

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 38, GOODRICH 28.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 28, GOODRICH 20.

SCOTT:

 

Niles vs Grand Rapids South Christian @ Three Rivers: The Sailors looking to get back to the Division Four State Championship game. Their path hasn't been that easy especially in the last two weeks. Grand Rapids South Christian had to beat Whitehall 28-21 in the regional finals and Hudsonville Unity Christian 35-28 in the district finals. The Vikings hadn't really been tested until last week when they had to survive Portland 37-34 in the regional final. This should be a really interesting State semifinal in Three Rivers.

SANDY DUNES: NILES 38, GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 35.

TIM:

COTTER: GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 49, NILES 14.

KEITH: GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH CHRISTIAN 17, NILES 14.

SCOTT:

 

Byron Center vs East Lansing @ Greenville: This is a really interesting matchup between the Bulldogs and the Trojans. Byron Center has been battle tested which included a 30-23 in the district final win over Muskegon Mona Shores. East Lansing had to survive Dexter 50-49 in the district final. These are two teams that are battle tested. This should be a really interesting matchup.

SANDY DUNES: BYRON CENTER 35, EAST LANSING 21.

TIM:

COTTER: BYRON CENTER 38, EAST LANSING 31.

KEITH: BYRON CENTER 27, EAST LANSING 17.

SCOTT:

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys vs GROVES @ West Bloomfield: There are a ton of storylines heading into this game. The Falcons had to survive 21-19 over Warren DeLaSalle last week in the regional final. They will head to the Swamp to play another Catholic League foe in Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Eaglets have played North Farmington and Farmington in the district rounds and had a 27-3 win over Carlson in the regional finals. Another storyline is Nick Merlo is on staff at Orchard Lake St. Marys as their offensive coordinator. This should be a fun matchup in the Swamp.

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

TIM:

COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 21, GROVES 14.

KEITH: GROVES 31, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 30.

SCOTT:

 

Detroit Cass Tech vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central @ Troy Athens: This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that have faced each other in the State Finals in the past. Novi Detroit Catholic Central has seen teams that are very similar to Detroit Cass Tech, perfect example, Belleville. The Shamrocks beat the Tigers and ended Bryce Underwood's high school career with a 35-21 win last week in Novi. The Technicians who have similar traits to the Tigers had to survive 21-14 over Macomb Dakota last week. This should be a really interesting matchup.

SANDY DUNES: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, DETROIT CASS TECH 14.

TIM:

COTTER: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, DETROIT CASS TECH 21.

KEITH: DETROIT CASS TECH  25, NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 24.

SCOTT:

 

Hudsonville vs ADAMS @ Okemos: The Highlanders get to head west for their State Semifinals matchup but to Ingham County to play Hudsonville. Adams is coming off a tough 21-14 win over Grand Blanc last week and had an impressive 41-0 win over Clarkston two weeks ago. The Eagles were really impressive coming into Livingston County and stunning top seeded Howell 35-6 last week. Hudsonville also had a 19-16 district final win over Grandville. It should be a really interesting matchup to say the least.

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, HUDSONVILLE 20.

TIM:

COTTER: ADAMS 28, HUDSONVILLE 21.

KEITH: HUDSONVILLE 24, ADAMS 14.

SCOTT:

 

My podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQMC3Vnscwg&t=2596s

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.