Week Eleven Picks.

Written Wednesday November 6th at 8:18 AM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week ten.

 

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.

We'll get Tim's picks when we can.

 

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:

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:

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. 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Adams wins the Division One State Crown in Boys Soccer.

Written Saturday November 2nd at 10:15 PM

The Highlanders proved to be the best team in the State in Division One.

Adams won the Division One State title in Boys Soccer with a 2-0 win over Byron Center on Saturday night at Grand Ledge. It's the Highlanders third ever State title.

Coach Josh Hickey's team had a tough postseason which included powerhouses Utica Eisenhower, Troy, and Saline they had to get through along with the Red which is the toughest in the State in Boys Soccer.

Adams finishes the season with an 18-2-4 record and second in the Red behind Troy.

The Highlanders give the OAA it's second State title of the 2024-2025 school year.

This column will be updated when we get more information.

Week Ten Recap.

Written Saturday November 2nd at 8:15 AM

Updated Saturday Novermber 2nd at 9:52 PM

HARPER WOODS 46, Redford Union 6: The Pioneers had no issues with Redford Union beating the Panthers 46-6 on Saturday night. Harper Woods used their experience and it worked throughout the game. The Pioneers have a home game out of this when they play Dearborn Divine Child next week.

AVONDALE 43 vs Redford Thurston 6: The Yellow Jackets had a big night from all three phases against Redford Thurston. They dominated the Eagles 43-6 on Friday night at Dick Bye Field. Avondale was in firm control and didn’t look back. They have a big one looming with Walled Lake Western next week.

Orchard Lake St. Marys 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 7: The Raiders knew it was going to be a really tough matchup with Orchard Lake St. Marys on Friday night and it was. The Eaglets took firm control of the game and didn’t look back in a 42-7 blowout at Ron Holland Field. North Farmington had a great season winning the Blue but it was unfortunate for the postseason matchup. The Raiders have a ton to be proud off.

FARMINGTON 39, Lakeland 13: The Falcons had an incredible second half outscoring Lakeland 39-3 in a stunning 39-13 blowout in White Lake. Julien Johnson had a big game for Farmington and the Falcons turned a 10-0 halftime deficit into a blowout. The Falcons will have a home game but really tall task with Orchard Lake St. Marys next week.

GROVES 49, FERNDALE 14: The Falcons had no issues with the Eagles winning 49-14 in Beverly Hills on Friday night. Groves led 28-0 and never looked back. The Falcons have Seaholm looming next week. The Eagles lose a lot of proven experience after getting to the postseason. It will be very interesting to see what Ferndale will be next season.

SEAHOLM 59, Warren Mott 29: The Maples took out three weeks of frustration on Warren Mott winning 59-29 on Friday night at Maple Field. The 59 points was the most Seaholm had scored all season long. The Maples will have a tall task heading to Beverly Hills next week.

OXFORD 21, Davison 14: The Wildcats made a statement going into Davison and stunning the Cardinals 21-14 on Friday night. Jack Hendrix’s passing score to Drew Cady along with two rushing touchdowns from Luke Johnson were the difference. The Oxford defense shut down the Davison offense keeping them at their lowest point total of the season. The Wildcats will head to Grand Blanc next week.

CLARKSTON 34, LAKE ORION 16: The Wolves offensive and defensive line were the story in their stunning 34-16 win at Lake Orion on Friday night. The Boman twins did their part in scoring long touchdown runs especially with the back breaker when Griffin Boman went 58 yards on a draw play to go to the half up 21-10. Clarkston heads to Adams next week. Lake Orion will have some questions to look at heading into the offseason.

ADAMS 44, STONEY CREEK 14: The Highlanders made a statement beating Stoney Creek 44-14 which is their second over the Cougars in a span of three weeks. Adams was firmly in control throughout the game. The Highlanders will play Clarkston. Stoney Creek ends their season but there is a lot to be proud of with the Cougars. Program strength is rising with the program. Stoney Creek will be back.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, Novi 15: The Lakers had a strong bounce back game after losing a 49-48 overtime heartbreaker to Roseville by dominating in all three phases against Novi winning 49-15 in Novi on Friday night. West Bloomfield was in firm control of the game and it showed. They have a big test looming with Novi Detroit Catholic Central next week back in Novi.

Updated OAA/KLAA Challenge-2024.

Written Friday May 31st at 12:25 PM

Updated Friday November 1st at 9:15 AM

Here are the matchups and early thoughts about the OAA/KLAA Challenge for Girls and Boys Basketball.

Games are around December 10, 12, 13, and 14. Boys are at OAA sites, Girls are at KLAA sites.

 

BERKLEY vs Livonia Franklin

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that should be in the middle of their league races. The Patriots are loaded with proven depth with Kam Webster, Owen Pittenger, Mendale Broaden, Cameron Dale, and Mark Kiss among others coming back for Coach TJ Hurley. The Bears have their fair share of proven experience led by Avery Freeman and Jacob Freeman for Coach Joe Sermo. Also being at Berkley should be an advantage for the Bears. This should be very interesting that is for sure.

GIRLS: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are heading in different directions. The Bears are on the upward trajectory after a very successful first year for Coach Clay Shaver. Berkley has a ton of proven talent in Avery Wintergarden, Maddie Boswall, Kaitlyn Stills, Hailey Kirkwood, and Nadia Watt coming back among others. The Patriots had a really rough year, winning five games last season. They were very young with the majority of their team being freshmen and sophomores for Coach Collen Flaherty. This looks like it's a mismatch on paper but you never know with Livonia Franklin.

 

ROYAL OAK vs Brighton

BOYS: The Bulldogs have a solid program which could prove problems for the Ravens. Brighton has eight guys including the 6.8 Vincent Salmon coming back for Coach Mike Greist. Royal Oak will need to be hitting threes and then some to combat the size of the Bulldogs. They have Nick Hoffman, CJ Hariston, and Yurmen Patino coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. This is going to be a very tough matchup for Smith and the Ravens especially with how Salmon has been playing this offseason.

GIRLS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that are reloading a little bit. The Ravens are coming off their first district title last season. They have Lucy Fretag, Lydia Dickens, Hannah Saunders, Jordan Hills, Vivan Lawrence, and Maddie Lawrence coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. The Bulldogs were solid last season. They have Emma Adamcyzk, Grace Houck, Sophia Heady, Ellie Pierson, Maya Bjedov, and Mya Nemecek coming back for Coach Bob Wellman. This should be a very interesting coaching and experience matchup of two evenly matched teams.

 

SEAHOLM vs Dearborn

BOYS: These are two teams that are going through complete revamping. The Maples are changing their identity with a new coach in Spenser Adams taking over the program. Seaholm's program strength was really good last season and they feature Everett Wertz coming back. The Pioneers had an unbeaten regular season and had a very experienced team but they were shocked 59-58 by River Rouge in the district finals. The Panthers would then went onto the State Quarterfinals after beating Dearborn. There is a ton to prove for Coach Abe Mashhour and his program which should be a very young group. This should be a very interesting matchup.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have some experience. The Maples have everyone back for Coach Chris Manchester and could be a serious contender this season. The Pioneers were not a deep team last season despite winning 12 games for Coach Mahdi Hamade. Seaholm will have their hands full with the travel but they did go to Detroit last season so it shouldn't be too much of an issue with an experienced team.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Belleville

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup between the Tigers and the Lakers. Belleville has the majority of their team led by Shemar Woodson and Jalen Jennings coming back for Coach Adam Trumpour. West Bloomfield has a ton of proven experience led by Corey Pittman, Chris Britton among others for Coach Arnette Jordan. This should be a fun battle between two teams that like to go up and down.

GIRLS: This matchup could be the most interesting of the challenge. Both teams were in the Final Four last season. The Tigers are well coached have a very talented player in Sydney Savoury along with a very strong supporting cast including Se'Crette Carter and Iyana Stephens for Coach Jason Wilkins. The Lakers lost a ton of experience after winning the Division One State crown last season but they have Sheridan Beal, Ava Lord, London Hall, and the Gamble-Jones twins coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. This should be a very interesting matchup.

 

TROY ATHENS vs Novi

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that are going to be very young. The Wildcats have more experience than the Red Hawks. Novi has six returning players along with a transfer from Plymouth Salem in Eric Milt for Coach Chris Housey. The Red Hawks are a scrappy group with Nathan Piggott coming back for new coach Mitchell Vercellino. This will be very competitive that is for sure.

GIRLS: This is going to be a very tall order for the Red Hawks heading to Novi to play a Wildcats team that had their moments last season. Novi lost some key players to graduation but they had a strong junior class and a good junior varsity program coming up for Coach Kelsey Partyka. Troy Athens has Alex Link and Yasmenn Dabish coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. It should be very competitive.

 

TROY vs Howell

BOYS: The Colts should have their hands full with a very lengthy Highlanders team that returns nine players for Coach Nick Simon. Troy has Mason Parker, Andrew Lake, Leo Penoza, and Jack Sobotka coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. The interior will be the challenge for the Colts and also if they can get Parker his shots. Troy will have their hands full.

GIRLS: If I'm WHMI 93.1 in Howell and Dan Leach, this would be the game to go to. There is some MAJOR star power in this matchup and the matchups could be endless. Imagine Gabby Piepko vs Diamond Prince or Allison Farr against Reigan Zeiter, these could very well happen. The coaching matchup between Jason Piepko and Laura Guzman is very interesting. Both teams have proven depth and emerging freshmen to watch for. We could be in line for a great matchup of two very proven teams.

 

ADAMS vs Hartland

BOYS: This should be a fun matchup between the Highlanders and the Eagles in Rochester. Hartland has seven return players including the 6.8 Layne Broker coming back for Coach Kevin Blowin. Adams lost a ton of proven experience but has the Langdon brothers (Collin and Clark), along with Trenton LaGarge, Luke Marcial, and Cannon Flynn for Coach Isiah Novak. Both teams are reloading which makes this a very interesting game.

GIRLS: This is going to be a major test for Coach Joe Malburg and the Highlanders. They will head to Hartland to play a proven and proud Eagles squad which has been to a State Final recently. Hartland has 12 of their 18 players were underclassmen for Coach Michael McKay. Adams has Faith Zolhus and Lily Tomahauk coming back for Malburg. This could be a tall task or a statement win for Malburg and company in Livingston County.

 

AVONDALE vs Plymouth Salem

BOYS: The Yellow Jackets were a very young team that won the Blue and took Clarkston to the brink in the district semifinals last season. They'll see a Rocks team that has five underclassmen for Coach Ryan Nimmerguth coming back this season. Avondale is loaded with Jordan Bush, DJ Moody, Jordan Clayton, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. This looks like a mismatch on paper but that's why they play the game.

GIRLS: The Yellow Jackets were not a healthy team last season for Coach Roy Christmon but they have the majority of their team in Madison Manyweathers, Morgan McPherson, and Sasha McClellen coming back among others. Avondale will have a tall order ahead of them when they play Plymouth Salem. The Rocks lost Madison Morson to graduation. They struggled in their district semifinal loss to Plymouth Canton last season. Plymouth Salem has some questions they need to address for Coach Rod Wells. It should be a very interesting matchup in Plymouth between the Yellow Jackets and the Rocks.

 

ROCHESTER vs Plymouth

BOYS: This is a very interesting matchup between two teams that struggled last season. The Wildcats have a new coach in Darien Bynam. Bynam was the Junior Varsity coach at Plymouth Canton. He will have seven returning players with proven experience including Amir Miller. Plymouth will have to deal with Max Muhl who is a matchup nightmare for teams. Muhl is part of a loaded Rochester lineup which also has Jack Lower, Noah Kim, Jake Tandy, and Anthony Chirco coming back for Coach Nick Evola. It should be a very interesting matchup between two teams looking to have much better seasons.

GIRLS: This should be a very interesting matchup for new Falcons coach Andy Topie heading to Plymouth to play a very experienced Wildcats team. Plymouth is well coached under Coach Ryan Ballard and features very proven players in Annie Flavin, Mackenzie Diken, and Evelyn Stiglish. The Wildcats gave Lake Orion everything they could handle last season. Rochester has Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, Angela Cichowski, Lucy Cook, and Emma Max coming back. Guard play will be the key for the Falcons. This will be a major test for Topie and Rochester, that's for sure.

 

LAKE ORION vs Plymouth Canton

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup between the Dragons and the Cobras in Lake Orion. Plymouth Canton has Teddy Winstel, Kessler Blakita, Lemeul Pettaway, Jake Newman, and Nick Hurley coming back for Coach Jimmy Reddy. The Cobras will have to deal with Zach Parks, Ryan Rocheleau, Gabe Scott, and Nick Galben among others coming back for Coach Jose Andrades. The coaching matchup between Reddy and Andrades will be something to watch. These are two very good programs going at in what should be a very interesting game as mentioned.

GIRLS: This is going to be a really interesting matchup between two teams that have two different styles. The Dragons were very young last season and feature proven returners in Charlotte Peplowski and Izzy Wotlinski for Coach Bob Brydges. The Cobras won 21 games last season and feature a really talented sophomore in forward McKinsley Berlin along with Ava Murphy, Payton Kitchen, and Elizabeth Persinger. They will have a new coach after surprising letting Coach Kayla Bridges go this offseason. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned in Plymouth.

 

CLARKSTON vs Northville

BOYS: These are two teams that have had a ton of success as of late. The Mustangs have the majority of their team coming back including Bennett Wilson and Brody Grezak who are both 6.6. The Wolves have Jon Kaul, Hayden Flavin, Cole Charter, and Quinn Rosenburg among others coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. The battle inside between Wilson and Grezak against Flavin (6.8) will be very interesting to watch. Also playing at Dan Fife Fieldhouse is not easy, it will be very tough for Northville.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup of two programs that experienced success and have a ton of proven experience. The matchup to watch is Brooklyn Covert and Elliana Robak for the Wolves against Sophia Fraas and Peyton Sivier for the Mustangs. The coaching matchup between Aaron Goodnough and Shaun Dicken is very interesting as well. Clarkston is very experienced while Northville is still very young despite the experience. This should be a very interesting matchup in northern Wayne County.

 

PONTIAC vs Livonia Churchill

BOYS: Livonia Churchill will have a new coach in Cameron Scott taking over the program. Scott was an assistant at Dearborn last season. He will have a very experienced team which returns nine players after going 0-23 last season. The Phoenix are well coached under Andrew Myers and features of the best players in the league in Jeremiah Claudio. This should be a very interesting matchup at Sy Green Gym.

GIRLS: This will be a very tough matchup for the Phoenix playing a very experienced Chargers team. Livonia Churchill has the majority of their team including Averi Collins coming back for Coach K'len Morris. Coach Chris Wright and Pontiac will have their hands full going up against a very experienced Chargers team on the road.

 

STONEY CREEK vs Dearborn Fordson

BOYS: This is going to be a really tall task for the Cougars and Coach Jeff Olind. The Tractors won 15 games last season and has 10 of their 13 players coming back for Coach Moe Biaz. Stoney Creek has Giedon Beers, Tyree Smith, and Spencer Beekman, among others coming back. The Cougars are 9-35 under Olind which is not a good stat. It will a very interesting and tall task for Stoney Creek.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup between the Cougars and the Tractors. Both teams are experienced. Dearborn Fordson has two twin towers in Elina Basna and Reem Abbas for Coach Saleh Abazeed which could give Stoney Creek some trouble in the interior. They also have proven guards as well. The Cougars have Merrick Schwalbach and the Ivezaj sisters which gives them some size for Coach Columbus Williams. Depth could be the battle to watch in this matchup. This will be a very tough matchup for Stoney Creek.

 

OXFORD vs Livonia Stevenson

BOYS: This is shaping to be a very interesting matchup between the Wildcats and the Spartans with Livonia Stevenson having to take the long bus ride up to Oxford. Livonia Stevenson won 11 games last season and features a veteran heavy team including Jackson Stoops for Coach Jack Mackson. Oxford has Jake Champagne, Luke Stoffan, and Braden Elling coming back for Coach Joe Fedorichik. The Wildcats are also going to be much improved as well. This should be a very intense game.

GIRLS: This should be a matchup of new coaches taking over up and rising or very successful programs. The Spartans have a new coach in former Groves coach Alison Hidey. The Wildcats have a new coach in Phil Dawson taking over the program. Oxford has Alison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Mia Champagne, and Tegan O'Connor coming back. Livonia Stevenson has Gabby Yancura, Carly Piergenti, Samantha McCloud, and Bella Claramunt coming back. Hidey is very familiar going up against the Wildcats, this should be a very interesting game with both teams having proven experience.

 

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Westland John Glenn

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that really struggled last season. The Rockets are a very young team with five returners for Coach Jerrett Smith. The Warriors have Cameron Dickerson and Trent Green coming back for Coach Terrance Porter. This should be a very interesting game between two teams looking to get back on track.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup. The Rockets were very young winning three games last season for Coach Ollie Mitchell. They should be very experienced and should have a lot of size in As'ya Golden, Madison Perit, and Zoe Clay. They will have a very tough task going up against a Warriors team that has proven scorers in Christian Banks, Samiya Ashford, and Jordyn Ushery for Coach Shaquita Coltrane and they like go up and down. Westland John Glenn has something to prove and going up against a team that is very athletic like Southfield Arts and Tech could do them some wonders.

 

GROVES vs Wayne Memorial

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup in Beverly Hills. The Zebras won 18 games with a really young team last season. Wayne Memorial has Austin Tory, Jahlin McClellan, Carlos Medlock, Jaylohn Allen, Abraham Rooks, Moussa Sidime, Josh Dennis, Talan Clark, and Cayden Shock coming back for Coach Steve Brooks. Groves counters with Jon Simpson, Josh Gibson, and Paul Hubbard for Coach Marc West. The Falcons are loaded this season and will look to make some noise this season.

GIRLS: This is a really dangerous matchup for the Falcons. The Zebras are a proven powerhouse with a ton of speed. They won 14 games last season and have nine players including Mariah Cross and Colleanna Bryant coming back for Coach Jarvis Mitchell. Groves has two very talented players in Jacey Roy and Harlem Simpson for new coach Jessica Duleba. This is a very tall order for the Falcons against a proven and experienced Wayne Memorial program.

Boys Soccer State Final Preview.

Written Wednesday October 30th at 9:53 PM

ADAMS vs Byron Center @ Grand Ledge

The Highlanders are coming off an emotional 5-4 win over Saline in penalties at Troy Athens in the Division One State Finals. Adams is in the State Finals for the fifth time in school history. They will face Byron Center a team that knocked off Oxford 2-1 in penalties at East Lansing also in the Division One State Semifinals. It should be a really interesting matchup on Saturday at Grand Ledge.

Week Ten Picks.

Written Tuesday October 29th at 11:20 PM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week ten.

 

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: 84-35

TIM: 90-29

COTTER: 96-23

KEITH: 88-31

SCOTT: 88-31

 

WEATHER FORECAST: Cloudy 50-55 degrees

 

Howard Tri-County at Frankenmuth: The Muth have been clicking on all cylinders winning the Tri-County Red this season and they went unbeaten as one of the favorites in Division Five. The Vikings are 1-3 in their last four games which included a 51-31 loss to Ludington last week. This looks to be a mismatch on paper.

SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 35, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.

TIM: FRANKENMUTH 56, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.

COTTER: FRANKENMUTH 56, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.

KEITH: FRANKEMUTH 27, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 10.

SCOTT: FRANKENMUTH 44, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 20.

 

Saginaw Swan Valley at Belding: The Vikings have turned things around since an 0-3 start to the year winning six straight games. The Black Knights had a week one loss to Ionia and have won eight straight since. This should be a really interesting game between these two teams that have started slow but are red hot right now.

SANDY DUNES: SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 20, BELDING 10.

TIM: BELDING 35, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 14.

COTTER: BELDING 49, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 28.

KEITH: BELDING 20, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 17.

SCOTT: SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 33, BELDING 31.

 

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district considering that three of the top five point earners are in this district for Division Four. The Rams got the top seed and have had a strong year. The Falcons have been up and down all season. This should be a really interesting matchup in Madison Heights.

SANDY DUNES: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 31, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 7.

TIM: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 42, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.

COTTER: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 35, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 21.

KEITH: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 35, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 17.

SCOTT: DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 34, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 22.

 

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union: This is a rematch of a 43-21 Pioneers win over the Panthers. Redford Union has won eight straight since that loss to Harper Woods. The Pioneers have played a really tough schedule which included Oxford, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Stoney Creek, Rochester, and Groves. This should be a really interesting matchup on Saturday night.

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 42, REDFORD UNION 21.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 35, REDFORD UNION 0.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 42, REDFORD UNION 14.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 25, REDFORD UNION 23.

SCOTT: HARPER WOODS 40, REDFORD UNION 30.

 

Garden City at Walled Lake Western: The Cougars have had a nice season winning seven games and getting into the postseason. They got a tough test heading to Walled Lake to take on Walled Lake Western. The Warriors went unbeaten this season which included a win over Mason in week eight. This is a tough matchup for Garden City on paper.

SANDY DUNES: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 38, GARDEN CITY 0.

TIM: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 49, GARDEN CITY 7.

COTTER: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 56, GARDEN CITY 6.

KEITH: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 31, GARDEN CITY 7.

SCOTT: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 44, GARDEN CITY 17.

 

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE: The Eagles have been really competitive all season with both losses coming by a combined eight points. The Yellow Jackets had an 0-2 start but turned things around. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that runs different styles. This should be really interesting at Dick Bye Field.

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 28, REDFORD THURSTON 7.

TIM: AVONDALE 35, REDFORD THURSTON 7.

COTTER: AVONDALE 42, REDFORD THURSTON 7.

KEITH: AVONDALE 34, REDFORD THURSTON 13.

SCOTT: AVONDALE 32, REDFORD THURSTON 26.

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON: The Raiders won the Blue with an emotional 35-7 win over Troy last week. The MHSAA rewarded North Farmington with having to play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the first round. The Eaglets have former Stoney Creek coach Nick Merlo as their offensive coordinator and they have won four of their last five games. This should be very interesting.

SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 34, NORTH FARMINGTON 24.

TIM: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 21.

COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 49, NORTH FARMINGTON 6.

KEITH: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 17.

SCOTT: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 12.

 

FARMINGTON at Lakeland: These are two former Kensington Valley Conference rivals in the Falcons and the Eagles. Lakeland has a solid team and has former North Farmington coach Bob Chiesa on staff. Farmington got their quarterback Juilen Johnson back two weeks ago. They are a different team with him in the lineup. This should be a really interesting game.

SANDY DUNES: LAKELAND 28, FARMINGTON 21.

TIM: LAKELAND 35, FARMINGTON 14.

COTTER: LAKELAND 28, FARMINGTON 20.

KEITH: LAKELAND 30, FARMINGTON 20.

SCOTT: FARMINGTON 21, LAKELAND 18.

 

FERNDALE at GROVES: These are two teams that have had different paths of getting into the postseason. The Falcons went 9-0 this season winning all their games by two touchdowns or more. The Eagles needed to win 10-0 over Utica Ford II on their senior night just to make the postseason field. This should be a very interesting matchup.

SANDY DUNES: GROVES 49, FERNDALE 6.

TIM: GROVES 63, FERNDALE 7.

COTTER: GROVES 42, FERNDALE 7.

KEITH: GROVES 42, FERNDALE 7.

SCOTT: GROVES 38, FERNDALE 24.

 

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM: This is the first meeting between the Maples and the Marauders. Warren Mott lost two games both to Port Huron schools. The Maples have lost three straight and haven't been the same since the 24-23 loss to North Farmington. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that have different styles.

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 7.

TIM: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 21.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 14.

KEITH: SEAHOLM 30, WARREN MOTT 16.

SCOTT: SEAHOLM 37, WARREN MOTT 35.

 

Lapeer at Grand Blanc: These are two teams that know each other quite well in the Saginaw Valley League Red or the South. This is a rematch of a 35-21 Bobcats win in Lapeer in week six. Both teams are coming off tough losses. Grand Blanc fell 14-13 at home to Romeo last week. The Lightning fell 48-28 to Davison last week at home. This should be a really interesting matchup to see what team can bounce back from a tough week nine loss.

SANDY DUNES: GRAND BLANC 28, LAPEER 25.

TIM: GRAND BLANC 49, LAPEER 28.

COTTER: GRAND BLANC 49, LAPEER 21.

KEITH: GRAND BLANC 28, LAPEER 20.

SCOTT: GRAND BLANC 41, LAPEER 36.

 

OXFORD at Davison: This is a very interesting matchup of two state powers in wrestling meeting at Cardinal Stadium in the first round. Also this is the first meeting since 2018 when Oxford beat Davison 38-13 in the first round at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats bring a very experienced team to Davison to take on a Cardinals team that has played a tough schedule and has a very good offense. The battle of styles is very interesting in this matchup. This should be a fun game in Genesee County.

SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 35, DAVISON 31.

TIM: DAVISON 77, OXFORD 0.

COTTER: DAVISON 28, OXFORD 14.

KEITH: DAVISON 24, OXFORD 23.

SCOTT: OXFORD 25, DAVISON 20.

 

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS: These are two really familiar teams that played each other in the 2013 postseason. This is a rematch of a 21-13 Highlanders win over the Cougars in week seven. Adams has really dominated the city of Rochester winning over both Rochester and Stoney Creek pretty convincingly. The Highlanders are 9-2 against the Cougars in their last 11 meetings. Stoney Creek has had a strong turnaround under first year coach Rick Powell. This should be a fun matchup between two teams that are almost very similar to one another.

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 24, STONEY CREEK 21.

TIM: ADAMS 35, STONEY CREEK 7.

COTTER: ADAMS 17, STONEY CREEK 14.

KEITH: ADAMS 28, STONEY CREEK 24.

SCOTT: ADAMS 42, STONEY CREEK 29.

 

CLARKSTON at LAKE ORION: This is a rematch of a 20-13 Dragons win over the Wolves in week seven. In this series usually the winner of the regular season meeting loses the postseason meeting. It has only happened three times where the regular season winner won the postseason matchup (Lake Orion-2005, Clarkston 2009, 2018.) The Wolves are coming off an impressive 32-3 win over Utica Eisenhower last week. The Dragons fell 8-7 to Saline last week. This reminds me of my senior year in High School when Clarkston beat Utica Eisenhower at Sweinhart Field but Lake Orion won twice that season. This has that similar feeling. The Dragons should also be motivated what happened to them when they fell 38-37 last season in the district finals on their home field.

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 30, CLARKSTON 27.

TIM: CLARKSTON 42, LAKE ORION 35.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 20, LAKE ORION 14.

KEITH: CLARKSTON 21, LAKE ORION 20.

SCOTT: CLARKSTON 31, LAKE ORION 28.

 

Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central: The Spartans are coming off an emotional 44-19 win over Hartland to get into the postseason. They have a really difficult matchup going to Novi to play Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Shamrocks have been clicking on all cylinders. This looks to be a mismatch on paper.

SANDY DUNES: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 49, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.

TIM: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL A LOT, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.

COTTER: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.

KEITH: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35, LIVONIA STEVENSON 7.

SCOTT: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 48, LIVONIA STEVENSON 13.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi: This is a rematch of a 39-3 Lakers blowout over the Wildcats in 2021. This is a really tough matchup for Novi after they have lost two straight games. West Bloomfield is coming off a tough 49-48 loss to Roseville last week. This looks like a mismatch on paper.

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 56, NOVI 28.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, NOVI 14

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, NOVI 21.

KEITH: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, NOVI 21.

SCOTT: WEST BLOOMFIELD 43, NOVI 29.

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