Week Five Games.

Written Saturday September 19th at 9:00 AM

Hartland at NOVI: It has been a rough two weeks for the Wildcats after getting outscored 85-13 in the last two weeks. Novi has to play Hartland that is rolling right now. The Eagles are coming off a surprising 36-21 win over Brighton last week. This is not a good matchup for the Wildcats at all.

NORTHVILLE at Plymouth: The Mustangs have been rolling lately, and they got the Baseline Jug back after blowing out archrival Novi 52-7 last week. The Wildcats survived archrival Canton 24-20 last week and has been living on the edge as of late. This should be a very interesting matchup.

CLAWSON at Eastpointe: The Trojans are coming off a humiliating 58-13 home loss to Algonac on Friday night. The good news for Clawson is they are heading on the road to play Eastpointe. The Shamrocks have really struggled but have been competitive. This should be a very interesting matchup, which Trojans team shows up will be the key.

River Rouge at GRAND BLANC: This is the Bobcats homecoming??? taking on a tough River Rouge program that has been up and down lately, playing a tough schedule, and well coached under Jermaine Crowell. Grand Blanc has been rolling on both sides of the football and look to have no signs of letting up anytime soon. This should be a very interesting matchup at "The Don."

DAVISON at Saginaw: The Cardinals have been rolling since their humbling loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in week two. The defense is still an issue for Davison despite rolling offensively. The Phoenix have been up and down. They fell 28-12 to Flint Powers Catholic last week. This is a tough matchup for Saginaw against a good Cardinals program.

1. OXFORD at 2. CLARKSTON: This game will likely decide who wins the Red. Both have been battle tested, both are experienced, and both are solid up front. This has always been a battle, and we remember the postseason game in 2021 when the Wildcats went into Clarkston and shocked them in the first round. Could history repeat itself or will the Wolves continue their dominance over the league???

3. STONEY CREEK at TROY ATHENS: The Cougars are rolling since their heartbreaking 14-7 loss to Clarkston in week two. Stoney Creek has given his second and third string a ton of time which has helped heading into the future, but they have their city rivals awaiting in the next two weeks after this game. The Red Hawks earned a 35-0 win over archrival Troy last week. This should be a very interesting matchup especially up front and it's also Troy Athens homecoming as well.

4. HARPER WOODS at 5. GROVES: This game should decide the Blue. The Falcons escaped with a 14-13 win over Seaholm last week behind a Jeremiah Whitley 15-yard rushing touchdown. Groves has been really competitive with the Pioneers in recent years. Harper Woods has outscored their last three opponents 163-18 in the last three weeks ever since their week one loss to Chelsea. This should be a very interesting matchup between two teams that know each other well.

9. ADAMS at 6. LAKE ORION: The Dragons and Highlanders have had battles in the past. This should be no different. Lake Orion fell 29-27 to Adams last season. The Highlanders were humiliated by Clarkston falling 45-0 last week. The Dragons are coming off a 42-0 win over West Bloomfield. This should be a very interesting game which could have big postseason implications.

7. SEAHOLM at 10. OAK PARK: This should be a fun game with two different styles and they have experience. The Maples are looking to avenge their heartbreaking 14-13 loss to archrival Groves last week. The Knights have confidence after winning 20-10 at Waterford Mott last week. This should be a fun game in Knight Valley.

AVONDALE at 8. FERNDALE: This could be a very interesting game in Ferndale. The Eagles have shutout their last two opponents 98-0. The Yellow Jackets are coming off an emotional 22-20 upset win over Royal Oak. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned.

WEST BLOOMFIELD at BLOOMFIELD HILLS: The Battle of Bloomfield is very interesting with both teams struggling. The Lakers are coming off a shocking 42-0 loss to Lake Orion. The Black Hawks have not been the same since their loss to Lake Orion in week two. This should be a very interesting game especially up front and if West Bloomfield can be disciplined.

TROY at ROCHESTER: These are two teams that are heading in opposite directions and I'm not sure if this is Rochester's homecoming. The Falcons are fine despite falling 42-0 to Oxford last week. The Colts there are just no words after getting blown out at home by your archrival Troy Athens 35-0 last week then they have Lake Orion looming next week. It's going to be a tough two weeks for the Colts.

WATERFORD MOTT at SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH: There is really no words to explain the Corsairs offense that has scored 30 points in the last two weeks and had a second half disaster in a 20-10 loss to Oak Park last week. The Warriors are really struggling after allowing 61 points to Harper Woods last week. This should be a very interesting game.

WATERFORD KETTERING at BERKLEY: These are two teams that are in similar boats. The Bears have struggled starting 0-3 but won 21-0 over Pontiac last week. The Captains have really struggled scoring 13 points in the last three weeks. This should be a very interesting game.

PONTIAC at ROYAL OAK: This could be homecoming week for the Ravens after getting upset 22-20 by Avondale last week. The Phoenix have been struggling to score offensively. This could be a very interesting game but we'll see.

Week Five Rankings.

Written Saturday September 19th at 8:10 AM

Here are the rankings for next week.

1. Oxford: The Wildcats earned a 42-0 homecoming win over Rochester. They will have a much tougher test awaiting them with Clarkston looming next week.

2. Clarkston: The Wolves sent a statement winning 45-0 over Adams on Friday night. Clarkston was in control throughout the game. They have a big one looming with Oxford next week.

3. Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been rolling since their tough 14-7 loss to Clarkston two weeks ago. Stoney Creek has been rolling people lately. They have Troy Athens looming next week.

4. Harper Woods: The Pioneers have been on a mission since losing 29-20 to Chelsea in week one. Harper Woods has been making a ton of noise and is rolling right now. They have Harper Woods looming next week.

5. Groves: The Falcons are coming off an emotional 14-13 win over Seaholm on Friday night. Groves has been rolling since losing to North Farmington in week one. They control their destiny in the Blue and Harper Woods looming.

6. Lake Orion: The Dragons earned a stunning 42-0 win over West Bloomfield last week. Lake Orion's defense was the story holding a vaunted Lakers offense to zero points. They have Adams looming next week.

7. Seaholm: The Maples had a tough 14-13 loss to Groves on Friday night. Seaholm will be fine despite the loss to their archrivals. They will be fine going forward.

8. Ferndale: The Eagles have been rolling lately. Ferndale has rolled teams since losing to Harper Woods two weeks ago including a 50-0 win over Waterford Kettering last week. They have Pontiac looming next week.

9. Adams: The Highlanders are coming off a tough 45-0 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. This was a huge setback for Coach Tony Patritto and Adams and they have a tough matchup looming with Lake Orion next week.

10. Oak Park: The Knights were impressive winning 20-10 over Waterford Mott last week. Oak Park has been competitive despite two tough losses to two very good teams in Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Harper Woods. They have Seaholm in a very interesting game next week.

Week Four Thoughts.

Written Friday September 18th at 11:49 PM

Half of the OAA did not score a point this week.

Novi: The Wildcats had a tough 52-7 loss to archrival Northville on Friday night. Novi is really struggling right now. They have Hartland looming next week.

Northville: The Mustangs sent a statement taking back the Baseline Jug winning 52-7 over Novi on Friday night. Northville is clicking on all cylinders. They have Plymouth looming next week.

Grand Blanc: The Bobcats went into Traverse City and won 54-22 over Traverse City West on Friday night. Grand Blanc is rolling right now. They have River Rouge looming next week.

Davison: The Cardinals are clicking on all cylinders with a 49-20 win over Saginaw Heritage on Friday night. Davison is rolling right now. They have Saginaw looming next week.

Clawson: The Trojans took a very bad loss to Algonac falling 58-13 on Friday night. It was very disappointing for Clawson after getting off to a 3-0 start. They have Eastpointe looming next week.

Royal Oak: The Ravens took a tough loss 22-20 to Avondale on Friday. Royal Oak fell to 2-2 for the year. They have Pontiac looming next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets scored a hard-fought win over Royal Oak 22-20 on Friday. Avondale has seemed to have turned the corner a little bit especially offensively. They have Ferndale looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles are on a roll. Ferndale won 50-0 over Waterford Kettering on Friday night. The Eagles have been clicking on all cylinders. They have Avondale looming next week.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains had a rough night falling 50-0 over Ferndale on Friday night. Waterford Kettering has been really struggling. They have Berkley looming next week.

Berkley: The Bears got some confidence winning 21-0 over Pontiac. Berkley needed that win after a tough schedule. They have Waterford Kettering looming next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a rough night falling 21-0 to Berkley at home. Pontiac has struggled to score. They have Royal Oak looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers rolled Southfield Arts and Tech 61-0 on Friday night. Harper Woods is on a roll right now outscoring their last three opponents 163-18 in that stretch. They have Groves looming next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been outscored 103-0 in their last two weeks which included a 61-0 loss to Harper Woods on Friday night. They have Waterford Mott looming next week.

Oak Park: The Knights sent a statement winning 20-10 at Waterford Mott. Oak Park has turned things around since their two losses to Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Harper Woods. They have Seaholm looming next week.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs took a very bad 20-10 loss to Oak Park on Friday night. Waterford Mott has struggled in the last two weeks and Tori Robinson did not play according to the film I've seen. They have Harper Woods looming next week.

Groves: The Falcons survived Seaholm 14-13 on Friday night after getting a late touchdown from star running back Jerimah Whitley and an extra point. Groves has been strong since their week one loss to North Farmington. They have Harper Woods looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples had a tough 14-13 loss to Groves on Friday night after allowing a late touchdown and extra point. I don't know why Coach Jim DeWald decided to go for two in a high-risk high reward situation, but it cost them big time. Seaholm will be fine going forward. They have Oak Park looming next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars rolled 56-0 over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Stoney Creek is clicking on all cylinders right now. They have Troy Athens looming next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks took a very tough 56-0 loss to Stoney Creek on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills is really struggling right now. They have West Bloomfield looming next week.

Troy: The Colts took a tough 35-0 home loss to archrival Troy Athens on Friday night. Troy is in trouble right now struggling to score. They have Rochester looming next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks earned a 35-0 win over Troy on Friday night. Troy Athens has flipped the rivalry in their favor. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.

Rochester: The Falcons had a tough 42-0 loss to Oxford on Friday night. Rochester struggled to maintain drives against a very good Oxford defense. The Falcons will be fine despite this loss. They have Troy looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats earned a 42-0 homecoming win over Rochester on Friday night. Oxford was dominant all night against a good Rochester program on both sides of the football. They have Clarkston looming next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons sent a statement scoring on their first four possessions in a stunning 42-0 win over West Bloomfield on Friday night in the Swamp. Lake Orion for a night looked like the Dragons of the past. They have Adams looming next week.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers discipline really hurt them in their shocking 42-0 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night in the Swamp. West Bloomfield has issues up front and penalties hurt them as well in their loss as mentioned. The Lakers have a ton of issues to address. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves sent a statement winning 45-0 over Adams on Friday night in Rochester. Alex Waszezenko was the story all night for Clarkston. The Wolves were also stout defensively on Coach Justin Pintar's birthday. They have Oxford looming next week.

Adams: The Highlanders had a rough night falling 45-0 to Clarkston on Friday night in Rochester. Nothing went right for Adams against a good Clarkston team. They have Lake Orion looming next week.

Troy has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Thursday September 17th at 10:00 PM

The Colts got their new boys basketball coach and it's a familiar face to the OAA.

Troy named former alumni Aaron Smith as their new coach on Thursday evening. Smith takes over for Coach Gary Fralick who retired last month.

The move was confirmed by press release.

Smith was a Junior Varsity and assistant coach under Fralick from 2000-2015 before taking the Royal Oak job from 2015 until this past season when he led the Ravens to their first ever district crown. He played for Fralick as well.

Smith also does the Detroit Pistons Youth Engagement and Development as well. He also sits next to the announcer Mason at Pistons games at Little Caesars Arena.

Smith went 109-126 in his 11 seasons at Royal Oak.

Fralick won his 500th game against Smith's Ravens last season.

Smith will see the Ravens in the Blue and in the districts. Troy has Troy Athens, Royal Oak, Pontiac, Harper Woods, and Seaholm in the division and are at Utica with Troy Athens, Utica, Utica Henry Ford II, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Royal Oak.

Smith will have a veteran team with Hayden Oriol, Grant Wilkins, Blake Kuiper, and Destin Parker coming back. Troy has program strength as well. It will be very interesting to see how the Colts do under Smith this season.

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

Press Release.

https://troycoltsathletics.com/Article/154008

Boys Soccer Rankings

 Written September 17th at 3:00PM

1. Troy- Colts continuing to be the class of the OAA despite tie with the rival.

2. Clarkston- Big test for the Wolves loom as they travel to Athens.

3. Seaholm- A dominant bounce back league win after a tough league loss for the Maples.

4. Troy Athens- Big tie with the rival. Another big home test on Tuesday.

5. Royal Oak- Will the loss to Groves hurt the Ravens white league chances? We will find out.

6. Bloomfield Hills- Despite the horrid conference play, Blackhawks still have strong MPR.

7. Berkley- Big road league win may keep the Bears in the Red next year.

8. Adams- Highlanders proving they belong in the white league title race.

9. Oxford- Big rivalry test on Tuesday over last place in the Red.

10. Groves- Win over Royal Oak proves the Falcons belong, have to beat Adams to win it.

11. Rochester- Tough setback despite very strong season for the Falcons. 

12. Stoney Creek- A win over a Rochester rival is great for the confidence.

13. Pontiac- Phoenix continues to have strong MPR despite losing to Ferndale.

14. Lake Orion- Big rivalry test on Tuesday over last place in the Red.

15. Ferndale- Eagles continue to lead the Blue, could they move up to the White?

16. Avondale- Goodrich classic and losses to Pontiac and Ferndale not kind to the Jackets.

17. West Bloomfield- Lakers continuing to plug away. 

18. Kettering- A lot of league battles in store for the Captains.

19. Mott- Corsairs trying to navigate through the challenge of the White.

20. Southfield A&T- Big win over Oak Park, will it help the Warriors?

21. Oak Park- Knights continuing to compete, all you can ask. 

Week Four Recap.

Written Friday September18th at 11:05 PM

Here is the Week Four Recap

NORTHVILLE 52, NOVI 7.

DAVISON 49, Saginaw Heritage 20

GRAND BLANC 54, Traverse City West 22.

Algonac 58, CLAWSON 13.

OXFORD 42, ROCHESTER 0.

CLARKSTON 45, ADAMS 0.

LAKE ORION 42, WEST BLOOMFIELD 0.

STONEY CREEK 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

TROY ATHENS 35, TROY 0.

GROVES 14, SEAHOLM 13.

HARPER WOODS 61 SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0.

OAK PARK 20, WATERFORD MOTT 10.

FERNDALE 50, WATERFORD KETTERING 0.

BERKLEY 21, PONTIAC 0.

AVONDALE 22, ROYAL OAK 20.

BIG WIN: Oak Park: The Knights had a big win over Waterford Mott 20-10 on Friday night. Oak Park has turned things around since their losses to Harper Woods and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. They are rolling right now.

TOUGH LOSS: Seaholm: The Maples battled but couldn't get the extra point as they fell 14-13 to Groves on Friday night. Seaholm will be fine going forward despite this tough loss to the Falcons.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Royal Oak: The Ravens have been rolling with confidence as of late but fell 22-20 in a mini upset against Avondale on Friday night. It's not a good sign coming off a loss and they have Waterford Kettering looming at Hurley Field.

WHAT HAPPENED??? Waterford Mott: The Corsairs are struggling right now falling 20-10 to Oak Park on Friday night at home. Waterford Mott looks to be in trouble right now.

HUH: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were blown out 61-0 by Harper Woods on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech is a veteran team that is going through a transition period. The Warriors are in trouble right now.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Everyone who had a zero: Half of the league had zero points this week which included West Bloomfield, Adams, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Southfield Arts and Tech, Pontiac, and Waterford Kettering. Each team will need a response heading into next week.

Week Three Recap.

Written Saturday September 12th at 10:00 AM

Thank you to Inside the OAA for helping report scores.

FERNDALE 48, BERKLEY 0

SEAHOLM 41, WATERFORD MOTT 20.

ROCHESTER 21, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 10.

GROVES 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0.

OXFORD 34, LAKE ORION 15.

ADAMS 42, WEST BLOOMFIELD 41 OT.

CLARKSTON 41, TROY ATHENS 0.

STONEY CREEK 45, TROY 3.

HARPER WOODS 54, OAK PARK 6.

ROYAL OAK 27, WATERFORD KETTERING 13.

AVONDALE 40, PONTIAC 0.

NORTHVILLE 35, Brighton 34.

GRAND BLANC 34, Saginaw Heritage 0.

DAVISON 54, Traverse City Central 28.

Canton 33, NOVI 6.

CLAWSON 27, New Haven 14.

BIG WIN: Seaholm: The Maples found a running game, found a defense, and stunned a very good Waterford Mott program having them down 41-0 in the second half on Thursday night. The score ended up being 41-20 Seaholm over the Corsairs. Teo Matzel is becoming a star for the Maples as their feature B-Back which moves Will Forberg around. Seaholm has a big game looming with Groves next week.

TOUGH LOSS: West Bloomfield: The Lakers fought hard all night behind Jaxon Carver and Kameron Hall's incredible performances, but they couldn't get an extra point for the second time and fell 42-41 in overtime to Adams on Friday night. West Bloomfield is also in an interesting spot. The Lakers have Lake Orion looming in the Swamp next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Waterford Kettering: The Captains took a tough 27-13 loss to Royal Oak on Friday night. Waterford Kettering is better that's not a question despite their struggles right now. The Captains are fine, there isn't no need to panic even though they have a tough matchup with Ferndale looming next week.

HUH: Waterford Mott: The Corsairs took a stunning 41-20 loss to Seaholm on Thursday night. They benched Richard Bowens, which was a very interesting decision during the Seaholm game, but he came back in the second half, but it was too late. Tori Robinson played some quarterback, and he made some noise however it was during garbage time, and they need Robinson at other positions. There are some serious concerns with Waterford Mott right now with both lines and now quarterback for Coach Tra'Jan Seay.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Troy: The Colts had a strong fourth quarter against West Bloomfield scoring 14 points in a loss to the Lakers only to see Troy get blown out at home 45-3 by Stoney Creek on Friday night. The Colts are in some trouble right now and need to bounce back. They have Troy Athens looming next week.