Written Sunday August 17th at 6:17 PM
Here is the 2026 football preview.
Teams are not in projected order.
Predictions, rankings, and order will be on the preview show. The preview shows will be up on YouTube within the next two weeks.
TOP FIVE BEST OFFENSE
1. Clarkston 439 (36.5 ppg)
2. Harper Woods 409 (34 ppg)
3. Waterford Mott 317 (31.7 ppg)
4. Stoney Creek 329 (29.9 ppg)
5. Adams 379 (29.1 ppg)
TOP FIVE BEST DEFENSE
1. Harper Woods 152 (12.6 ppg)
2. West Bloomfield 133 (13.3 ppg)
3. Clarkston 174 (14.5 ppg)
4. Adams 206 (15.8 ppg)
5. Oak Park 148 (16.4 ppg)
TOP FIVE WORST OFFENSE
1. Pontiac 68 (7.5 ppg)
2. Waterford Kettering 85 (9.4 ppg)
3. Troy 90 (10 ppg)
4. Avondale 97 (10.7 ppg)
5. Southfield Arts and Tech 98 (10.8 ppg)
TOP FIVE WORST DEFENSE
1. Waterford Kettering 407 (45.2 ppg)
2. Pontiac 327 (36.3 ppg)
3. Avondale 326 (36.2 ppg)
4. Southfield Arts and Tech 282 (31.3 ppg)
5. Lake Orion 273 (30.3 ppg)
Podcast with Doug Corless, Jared Ramsey (Detroit Free Press), Brandon Folsom (Detroit Free Press), and Tyler Kieft (Civic Center Television.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUU8WtXNncQ
Around the OAA Website
https://aroundtheoaa.weebly.com
RED
Red Preview Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQSqv0WyZcc
COACHES POLL:
1. Clarkston
2. Adams
3. West Bloomfield
4. Oxford
5. Lake Orion
STORYLINES:
Four of the five teams from the Red were postseason teams with a combined 30-15 record last season. Clarkston won the Red going unbeaten in the division. They're coming off a very tough blowout loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central last season. The Wolves have their quarterback and two playmakers coming back. Lake Orion missed the postseason with a lot of it being injuries, but this is a team when healthy can make some noise and get back to the postseason. Oxford is coming off a tough first round loss to Grand Blanc last season. They have a lot coming back but they need a new quarterback this season. Adams made the State Semifinals last season but lost a ton of proven experience and there are questions surrounding them. West Bloomfield is coming off a disappointing first round loss to Brighton last season. They lost a ton of proven talent and have some questions up front heading into the season. I wouldn't surprise anyone if all five teams make the postseason this season.
Could Clarkston finish UNDER 500???: The Wolves should be very interesting to watch. They lost a ton of proven experience last season. Clarkston usually reloads with their sub varsity programs, but it doesn't always guarantee success on the varsity level. The Wolves have their quarterback and two proven playmakers coming back. The schedule is brutal with South Lyon in Ann Arbor, at Stoney Creek, at Harper Woods, and host Muskegon looks very terrifying. Although it doesn't look likely the Wolves will finish under 500 there is a possibility they could because of the schedule.
How will Lake Orion respond after going 1-8 last season???: The Dragons have a lot of questions especially defensively. Can Coach Chris Bell get this program back on track is the question??? They should score but defending is the question. A clean bill of health will be key to Lake Orion's fortunes this season.
Who is the ONE at quarterback for Oxford??? Who will start at quarterback week one at Hartland for the Wildcats??? Oxford is loaded everywhere but the quarterback position which three guys are battling for. There is no doubt the Wildcats should be postseason bound but they have to settle on a quarterback.
Is Trevor Castle the answer at running back for Adams???: The Highlanders lost a lot of talent and experience, but they have their quarterback and top running back coming back. In the veer the offensive line and rushing attack are key and it's especially in the triple option attack Adams runs. Trevor Castle has been mentioned to be that next great running back, but sub varsity success doesn't always translate to varsity. Castle has a lot to prove for the Highlanders if he wants to be the lead running back this season.
How will West Bloomfield look up front???: The Lakers have the playmakers, but depth and trenches are question marks this season. These are the two areas West Bloomfield needs to address before they head to Dearborn to play Dearborn Fordson in week one.
TOP FIVE GAMES:
Oxford at Clarkston: Wolves have had the Wildcats number lately.
Lake Orion at Oxford: Wildcats have won the last two meetings over the Dragons.
Lake Orion at West Bloomfield: This is a huge game for both teams.
Clarkston at Adams: Wolves seem to have trouble at Adams.
Oxford at Adams: Great coaching matchup of two respective staffs.
SAFEST SCHEDULE: West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a very disappointing 25-7 postseason loss to Brighton last season, and they lost a lot of proven talent from that team. West Bloomfield has a very manageable non-league with Dearborn Fordson who has a new coach then it's Troy and Bloomfield Hills which are winnable games then the crossover, and then Utica Eisenhower in the Swamp which may be their most difficult non-league game. The Lakers with a young team is more than capable of getting to the postseason with this non-league slate.
TOUGH SCHEDULE: Clarkston: The Wolves have to retool after losing a ton of experience from a team that went to the regional finals where they ran into Novi Detroit Catholic Central last season. The schedule is not too friendly for Clarkston. They head to Ann Arbor to play South Lyon who looks to be back to their normal selves then they head to Stoney Creek to play a dangerous Cougars program the following week then they head to Wayne County to play Harper Woods in week eight and then they host Muskegon in week nine and that's not mentioning the Red. The Wolves should be a postseason team, but that schedule looks very daunting. It wouldn't surprise anyone if Clarkston finishes under 500 because of the schedule.
TEAM THAT'S IN TROUBLE: Adams: The Highlanders made the Division One State Semifinals falling to Detroit Cass Tech last season. Adams lost a ton of proven talent and experience from last season. They have questions everywhere. The Highlanders have a proven quarterback and a running back that can make some noise. The schedule is brutal especially the non-league with Romeo, Stoney Creek, Rochester, the crossover, and Oak Park. The Highlanders can be a postseason team but there are a ton of questions that Coach Tony Patritto needs to answer.
OXFORD WILDCATS:
LAST SEASON: 7-3, 2-2 Red, Lost 49-30 to Grand Blanc in Division One First Round
POINTS SCORED: 257 (25.7 ppg) (98) Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 277 (27.7 ppg) (138 Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 11th vs Lake Orion
STRENGTHS: Offensive Line, Rushing Attack, Playmakers, Program Strength
CONCERNS: Defense, Quarterback, Depth
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brady Hasselbring- Tight End/Defensive Lineman
BOLD STATEMENT: Wildcats struggle to meet expectations.
INSIGHT: The Wildcats were a pleasant surprise in 2025. They won seven games and had a postseason appearance after what was supposed to be a down year for Oxford with a new but very familiar coach in former defensive coordinator Trevor Potts. Potts kept everything that Coach Zach Line built when he left for the Denver Broncos. The MHSAA gods weren't too kind to the Wildcats and instead of giving them a home game at Wildcat Stadium in the first round. They had to play Grand Blanc at "The Don." Oxford fought hard scoring 30 points but fell 49-30 to the Bobcats last season. The Wildcats have a lot of proven experience coming back which is the most in Oxford history in the last 10-15 years according to assistant coach Brandon Groedi at Media Day. "We pride ourselves in competition in practice of our team, I think we're going to ride this as a positive for our kids having to compete," said Potts. The coaching staff feels it with the proven experience the Wildcats have coming back. "These guys are excited, this is our biggest senior class in Oxford since probably 10-15 plus years, we got something like 26 guys, really big for us. We love competing in the OAA, we talk to our team every week, every game is a tough game, love playing in the OAA Red, we've been kind of playing the same five teams, whether it's one or two additional for ten, 12 years now and man there's never an off weak in our league, pack crowds, games are huge, there's never a week off so we love playing in this league, playing in the OAA" said Groedi.
OFFENSE: Oxford had a very productive year offensively in 2025 with a lot of young skill players, but they had a proven quarterback in Jack Hendrix. The Wildcats scored 23 points or more in seven of their ten games including 30 points in a 49-30 loss to Grand Blanc in the first round. In their two losses to Clarkston (38-17) and Adams (33-6,) they scored 23 total points. The Wildcats scored 257 points (25.7 points per game) last season. Oxford has a ton of proven pass catchers for the new quarterback. They have Connor Hickey, Jaxen Tackaberry, Greyson Boyle, Keegan Pociask, and Brody Casper at wide receiver and Brady Hasselbring at tight end coming back. Oxford is known for "Pound the Rock", and they have seemed to have found their top rusher in Chris Pullman. Pullman had a monster 2025 last season and will look to have another strong season ahead. "When I reflect back on last year in what we were expecting from him, he was second or third on our list, we knew he was going to get his touches, but he really exploded for us offensively. We knew he would be a solid corner for us and needed him to be in that spot, but what he can do when he has the ball in his hands is pretty special" Potts said about his star running back. The quarterback battle will be very interesting to watch after losing Hendrix to graduation. "Anytime you lose your quarterback especially Jack who played 99 percent of the snaps in the last three years there is an adjustment" Potts said. There is a quarterback battle between Timmy Wheaton, London Guerra, and Michael King. Potts is unsure who'll be the starter when they head to Livingston County to take on the Hartland Eagles in week one (game could be on 93.5 WHMI radio.) "Timmy, London, and Michael can step in and have success, it's a matter of who can assert themselves in the next couple of months and take control of the offensive huddle and be a steady hand at quarterback this year for us, I think their skill sets are very similar to one another" Potts said.
LINES: The lines should be the strength for the Wildcats in 2026. They have Garrett Gmerek, Gavan Munson, Evan Ryan, Aiden Ryan, Zane Sommers, Liam Sambroski, and Mack Dentry coming back. Munson got the honor of wearing the great Tate Myre's number 42 for the season as voted on by the players and coaches. Potts is very high on this group with their experience and is extremely excited with how athletic and strong the line is especially for a program that will have a new quarterback this season.
DEFENSE: I talked to Chicago Brothers Pizza owner Dan Brown about the defense and told him it's a big concern for the Wildcats this season. They allowed 30 points or more five times (West Bloomfield 33, Lake Orion 34, Clarkston 38, Grand Blanc 49, Adams 33, going 2-3 but their offense bailed them out in several games.) Oxford allowed 277 points (27.7 points per game) last season. The linebacker position is going to be very interesting with the Wildcats. The middle linebacker is the most important position according to Potts because the middle linebacker is reading all the keys and communicating everything for their defense. They have Connor Krupa and Jake Gordon coming back at linebacker. The back end of the defense will be very interesting. There are a lot of two-way starters in Dylan Dawood, Hickey, Pullman, and Boyle coming back in the defensive secondary. Depth is going to be a question on this side of the football this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength looks very strong with Oxford. The youth levels have really improved under a very strong Wildcats youth football program (Oxford Junior Wildcats.) They have done a great job developing the younger levels along with Oxford Middle School where they have a blue and gold program and the freshman and junior varsity programs have been very consistent. The Wildcats have a very interesting non-league with Hartland, Troy Athens, the crossover, Rochester, and Romeo. Oxford and Chicago Brothers Pizza owner Dan Brown looks to be in line for a very strong season with a ton of proven experience.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Wildcats are more than capable of having a really good season. They have program strength and their future is built and secured thanks in large part to Mark Blain who is a coach with the Oxford Junior Wildcats. Quarterback will be something to watch all season long with Oxford as I spoke with Chicago Brothers Pizza owner Dan Brown about. Linebacker will be something to watch with the Wildcats. Oxford should be a postseason team with the schedule but quarterback and linebacker I feel are the two areas they need to shore up if they want to have a deep postseason.
Oxford Podcast-July 6th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg5U4VBN7zk
CLARKSTON WOLVES:
LAST SEASON: 10-2, 4-0 Red. Lost 42-13 to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in Division One Regional Finals.
POINTS SCORED: 439 (36.5 ppg) (139 Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 174 (14.5 ppg) (55 Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th at Adams
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Program Strength
CONCERNS: Experience, Both Lines
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Alex Waszczenko- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Wolves will have at least four losses this season.
INSIGHT: The Wolves have been well known for tradition along with past success. Coach Justin Pintar acknowledges from the great Wolves of the past like legendary coaches Kurt Richardson and Dan Fife who were big parts of his coaching career at Clarkston. "When you talk about mentors it's pretty rare that you learn from a Hall of Fame Coach but to be able to learn from two Hall of Fame coaches is really special and unfortunately from Coach Fife losing him and not having him around anymore is a big loss for myself and the community, being the guy to go to and have a conversation with. KR, he's in the building, I talk to him almost daily and it's great to have somebody that has the experience he did, a guy that knows how to win, what it takes to win, he understands Clarkston, he built the Clarkston football culture honestly being able to have that someone in the building to be able to talk too, it's hard to express to put into words what that means, if there's anything that I need help or I need questions with, or how would you handle this, he's there, he's a guy who still has the back of the program, he's at almost every single football game supporting us, it really means a lot having him in our corner, knowing he's got our back and knowing he's got my back, being able to bounce something off him is pretty special" said Pintar. The Wolves had a very interesting but very strong year. They won the Red, ten games, along with the district over future league members Davison (52-14) and Grand Blanc (42-22), but they ran into Novi Detroit Catholic Central where they really had no chance against the Shamrocks. They were torched through the air and got the running clock against them in a stunning 42-13 home loss in the regional finals last season. "The way the game started it couldn't have started any better, we came out and did exactly what we wanted to do on the first drive, we got a touchdown and then we got a stop and so the way the game started we couldn't have scripted it any better and then it seemed like from that point forward whether they kicked it up a notch or whatever it might be but we had a hard time sustaining stuff on offense, a lot of way too many negative plays which is something we really harp on and I knew coming into that game we knew that, that defense was as good a defense we've seen all season and likely as good of a defense as I've seen in the last ten years but I thought if we could just pound the football, execute in the passing game and pick up the yards they were giving to us, we would have been all right, but we had too many either miscues or negative runs, sacks, just stuff that put us in a bad spot and we couldn't overcome that and I knew it would be really hard if we did that to ourselves and that's a credit to them, they are a really good football team and then I think there was a point to where it was 7-7 late in the half with four minutes to go in the half they hit a big shot on us deep and then we go three and out and then they hit another big play and all of a sudden that game changed really fast, again credit to them, really good football team, I thought we didn't play our best but I don't know if that would have made a difference in that football game as good as they were playing" said Pintar. Clarkston will be a different team this season. They have to replace a lot of proven experience including the Boman twins (Lukas and Griffin) among others to graduation. "Last year was a very talented senior group, a lot of those guys have been with us three and some of those guys four years so having guys like that kind of experience coming into the year obviously goes a long way but obviously you got to perform on the field, I thought those guys had a great season, you know we dropped one earlier in the year to Harper Woods (lost 27-21 in week two), a really close game and then we played some great football and as tough as this league is to be able to go out and go undefeated in the OAA Red and then go out and beat Davison and Grand Blanc in the districts which are two really good teams, I thought it was a really good season for us and obviously the way it ended is wasn't what we had in mind and stuff but that was probably one of the better high school teams that we've seen here in the last decade or too" said Pintar about his seniors along with Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the regional finals.
OFFENSE: The Wolves were very efficient offensively in 2025. They scored in their zone read pistol offense 40 points or more in six games (Troy 41, Lake Orion 42, Farmington 49, Utica Eisenhower 42, Davison 52, and Grand Blanc 44, all wins.) Clarkston scored 439 points (36.5 points per game) which was the best offense in the OAA last season. The Wolves have a proven dual threat in Alex Waszczenko at quarterback coming back. "He started as a sophomore and a junior so he's a kid that comes with a lot of experience so we're going to lean on that, he has a command of the offense, he has command of the team, his teammates respect him, he works hard when the lights come on Friday night he's a big time competitor so he's a guy that is going to lead us going into this season and given that we did lose a really nice senior class, we lost a lot of talent but having a quarterback coming back with the experience he does, if you have one guy you want back on your team it's that guy" Pintar said. They also have an all 800-meter Track State Champion in Wendall Childs coming back at wide receiver. Childs is very athletic to go along with an underrated pass catcher in Shane Dasuqi at tight end, along with proven pass catchers in Drew French, Zack Coin, William Gushen, Malaki Switzer, Alexious Simmons, and Drake Griffin at wide receiver coming back. The rushing attack looks to be a strength for Pintar despite losing the Boman twins which is a big concern. They could look at Ty Duffy, Kierinan Riddle, Luke Schaefer, Charles McCullough, Juilan Moore, Trey Lewis, or Dylan Saintdennis as possible options at running back coming back. "We have more depth at that position, but we need to see that RB1 type" Pintar said about his rushing attack.
DEFENSE: The Wolves were very good defensively in 2025. They held six teams to ten points or fewer (Belleville seven, Troy zero, Adams seven, Farmington seven, West Bloomfield ten, Utica Eisenhower seven, all wins.) The Wolves allowed 174 points (14.5 points per game) which was the third best in the OAA last season. Clarkston will need a bounce back showing after allowing 42 points to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the regional finals last season. The Wolves have a ton of questions defensively after losing a ton of experience from last season. They have Hunter Kauth, Jayden Milliron, Brayden O'Kane, Charlie Popelier, Chase Grech, Jameson Wald, and Switzer at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense should be very interesting and a possible strength for Pintar despite having troubles against the pass. They have Nick Mahaffy, Myles Mahafffy, Childs, Amarie Haase, Brennan Scott, Armani Kelly, Brady Whiteherse, Lucas Chriss, and Duffy in the defensive secondary coming back. Pintar mentioned that Duffy could move to where Griffin Boman was at on defense at the linebacker/defensive secondary position last season.
LINES: The lines are the big question for the Wolves this season. "That's the spot where probably you know, we graduated our five offensive linemen that started were seniors" Pintar said. Pintar mentioned that there is proven depth with some inexperience and that they should gain more experience as the season goes on. "It's going to be an inexperienced group in terms of playing time, we graduated five seniors on the offensive line but the guys coming back this year is a senior heavy group and they're guys that can play but don't have the experience, so it might take them a week or two getting some game experience and learning from some mistakes but we feel really good about the guys we have coming in that can play" Pintar said at Media Day. Clarkston has Jackson Miller, Acie Anderson, Brooks Kosin, Owen Murray, Owen Poole, Carson Schramm, Danny Huntoon, Derrick Fortune, Keegan Jensen, Jackson Hess, Jackson Long, Jackson Witcher, Jacob Leiendecker, Jovani Gutierrez, Noah Orlowski, Sam Fetler, and Chase Grech coming back. "We're not super big, we don't have a bunch of 300 pound plus guys, but we got some really good size, and I think they move well which fits our scheme, particularly our zone stuff what we want to do" Pintar said.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been very important for the Clarkston community and the football program. They are very strong from the youth levels (Clarkston Chiefs now Junior Wolves) to Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Jr. High School, and the freshman and Junior Varsity levels went unbeaten last season. The program keeps getting stronger in the younger levels with recently 175 kids went to the Wolves team camp with a waiting list. "I'm fortunate to be at Clarkston with the community, everybody looks forward to the fall and Friday nights and that's certainly not be accident, that starts early on the youth levels look really good, I believe they are adding at each level in our youth level another team which I think it's fantastic, I want as many kids is playing at that age, our seventh and eighth grade levels and we have 175 kids and a wait list for that camp so our numbers have been great, our elementary level camp that sold out early in the year. We feel really good about the program strength and where things are at, numbers are good, kids are playing and that's all we can ask for but it's great to see kids go off and play college sports and we're fortunate to have kids that are that did that last year and are going to do that this year but there's just so much that can be learned from playing football, playing sports in general. Clarkston is a special place to want to get into it early and hopefully we get into it, but we're really excited about the kind of program strength all the way up from our Junior Wolves programs through the varsity level" Pintar said. The schedule is very tricky especially in the non-conference with South Lyon, Troy Athens, Stoney Creek, Harper Woods, and Muskegon. It's going to be tricky for Clarkston with the schedule, but the Wolves should be talented enough to overcome the storm ahead of them.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Wolves have a very tough schedule with a very unproven team that could take some lumps especially early. It wouldn't surprise me or anyone if they finish under 500 because of the schedule. Clarkston will need Duffy, Childs, and Waszczenko to perform to standards along with the offensive line that needs to develop. The defense needs to perform to their standards as well. This is still Clarkston and they have program strength. The Wolves have the talent to be competitive. They can win seven or eight games and even with three wins THIS IS STILL A POSTSEASON TEAM.
Clarkston Podcast-July 20th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqhonMRwZs
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS:
LAST SEASON: 10-3, 2-2 Red. Lost 48-22 to Detroit Cass Tech in Division One State Semifinals.
POINTS SCORED: 379 (29.1 ppg) (75 Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 206 (15.8 ppg) (66 Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th vs Clarkston
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Program Strength
CONCERNS: Experience, Pass Catchers, Depth, Defense, Both Lines
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brady Lindstrom- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Highlanders struggle to find consistency defensively.
INSIGHT: The Highlanders had another deep postseason run making the Division One State Semifinals for the second straight year falling to the Division One State runner up (Hudsonville 27-7 in 2024 and Detroit Cass Tech 48-22 last season.) "We made it to the semis which was the third time in five years, we did lose two league games (West Bloomfield 12-6, Clarkston 21-7) which is kind of tough, our league prepares us for the tournament so when we get into the tournament we feel really good like the other coaches talked about tonight, great senior class, it's going to be tough to replace them but we're going to do our best" said Coach Tony Patritto at Media Day. Adams is also coming off making the Division One State Finals (falling to Novi Detroit Catholic Central) in baseball this past spring where there were several football players that played baseball and has that postseason knowledge and battle tested. It's going to be a very interesting challenge for Patritto and Adams this season. They have to replace a ton of proven experience on both sides of the football from the last two years. "Our motto is obstacles equal opportunity so the obstacles we got a lot of new dudes especially on defense but that's opportunity for kids to develop and get better as the season progresses so we can be competitive in the Red" he said. Patritto loves when the Highlanders play with a chip on their shoulder and they have one this season. "When you're playing with a chip on your shoulder, you like that and you're trying to earn the respect of your opponent you're going to really excel" Patritto said on last season's podcast.
OFFENSE: The Highlanders were very stout offensively with their famous veer (triple option) offense which Patritto learned from legendary Ferris State football coach Tony Annese. "I learned most of it from Tony Annese, who is now the head coach at Ferris State University and his brother coached many years for me and that's where I learned most of my fundamentals, you know I studied the academies (Army, Navy, Air Force) and everyone who does it owns a little wrinkle to it" said Patritto on the 2024 podcast describing the veer offense. Tony's son Mark Patritto is the offensive coordinator and has done a really great job modifying the veer offense to the kid's strengths. He's installed different parts of the famous veer offense by bringing in his style (pistol and zone read) to go along with the original veer. "It started way back in the 80's when I was coaching at U-D Jesuit (University-Detroit Jesuit) I coached a guy name Ron Rice who went to Eastern (Michigan) and played for the Detroit Lions, he was a sophomore quarterback, he was 15 years old and we were playing in the Central division of the Catholic League at that time Catholic Central, DeLaSalle, Brother Rice, and St. Marys so we didn't have a lot of linemen, so what gave us an opportunity to get us some first downs and move the ball and keep possession against those great teams was running triple (option) so that's where it started." Patritto said. Adams made some changes to the veer offense and made it a more dynamic version of the veer under Patritto. "Clearly what we are doing now is much more diversified with the spread option, but we still run versions of the triple (option) that people have to prepare for but with people loading the box, we can do some other things now" Patritto said on the podcast. The Highlanders had the fifth best offense in the OAA scoring 379 points (29.1 points per game) last season. Adams had games where they scored 30 or more points six times (Romeo 39, Rochester 31, Seaholm 45, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 35, Stoney Creek 43, Rochester 34, all wins) last season. They will have a new quarterback but it's very familiar one in Brady Lindstrom coming back at quarterback. He plays basketball and baseball seen time when Rylan Watters and Nolan Farris missed time with injuries last season. Lindstrom should have proven pass catchers in Nathan Hawkins, Owen Hickson, and Landon Grenior coming back at wide receiver. Adams has Lorenzo Salzor at running back coming back. Salzor was solid last season and could be a big help in the veer attack for the Highlanders. There is another running back that could make some noise in Trevor Castle. Castle was a beast on Junior Varsity at running back last season and could make an impact but sometimes it doesn't always translate to varsity, but Patritto is very high on Castle.
LINES: The lines should be very interesting with Adams in 2026. They lost a lot of proven and talented experience from last season. The lines are key to the veer offense and especially Patritto's. "I went to Bishop Foley (Madison Heights) before I came to Adams (2002) we were in the same boat, we had a 22-man roster playing DeLaSalle, Brother Rice, St. Marys, and those schools, DePorres back in the day and for us to be successful we have to double at the point of attack, read somebody and that we were only having to block ten guys instead of 11 so that's the premise" Patritto said on the 2024 podcast. The Highlanders have Drew Schaffner, Charlie Durand, Reed Stanton, Nolen Joseph, Hussein Murray, Landon Marcial, and Kent Lutzka coming back. The lines will be the key for Patritto especially with the veer-triple offense they run.
DEFENSE: The Highlanders were very good defensively especially in the first four weeks of the season for defensive coordinator Mark McFarland. They allowed 28 points total (seven points per game, went 3-1) in those four games. Adams held seven opponents to 14 points or fewer (Romeo seven, Seaholm seven, Rochester three, West Bloomfield 12, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 14, Oxford six, Rochester ten.) They allowed 20 or more points in four games (Stoney Creek 20, Lake Orion 27, Clarkston 21, Detroit Cass Tech 48, going 2-2.) McFarland's defense allowed 206 points (15.8 points per game) which was the fourth best defense in the OAA last season. It's going to be different with the experience the Highlanders lost from last season, but this is still Adams and they have proven players. They have Bradley Dagenais, Drew Shafner, and Zac Scharneck at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense should be very interesting for McFarland. They have Alex Hiddle, Brayden Schroeder, Noah Reynolds, and Joey Lang coming back in the defensive secondary. Adams has a punter in Nolan Grahn that can keep teams honest while handling the kicking duties.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has always been solid for Patritto however he doesn't really worry about the youth levels. There is the Rochester Raiders youth program along with West Middle School, Van Housen Middle School, along with the freshman and junior varsity programs that run the veer offense to a tee. "We get kids from two different middle schools (West and Van Hoosen) and our local club team the Rochester Raiders" Patritto said about program strength on the 2024 podcast. The non-league is very interesting with Romeo at Ann Arbor, Rochester, Stoney Creek, the crossover, and Oak Park.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Highlanders could take a step back with the experience they lost last season. Adams has an experienced quarterback and a proven running back. Pass catchers, both lines, and the defense will be something to watch. Program strength has some questions. The Highlanders should be a postseason team with the schedule, but experience and program strength are areas to watch.
Adams-Veer Offense Podcast from 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlbXDIDaYi8
LAKE ORION DRAGONS:
LAST SEASON: 1-8, 0-4 Red. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 180 (20 ppg) (98 Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 273 (30.3 ppg) (145 Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: August 27th at Northville
STRENGTHS: Offense
CONCERNS: Defense, Linebackers, ESPECIALLY Secondary, Health, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Anderson Adams- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Dragons stay healthy the entire season and make the postseason.
INSIGHT: It was stunning in the Lake Orion and Orion Township communities that the Dragons would end up have their worst season since 1980 but that's what happened. They didn't win a Red game and they were one point from being 0-9 but they survived Oak Park 14-13 in week eight last season. "It was well below our standards. It was a tough year record wise but it was a fun year with the kids whenever you have a season like that, we've never had a season where we were hit with injuries we've never seen before at one point we played a game where our top four weren't with us so it forced a lot of young guys into starting roles and the hard part and the reality of our schedule we play its very difficult to compete like that now with that being said, our kids did a great job, there were two games we were beaten pretty good (Clarkston 42-21, Saline 49-14) but the other seven I felt we competed and had a chance to win, it comes down to a few plays here and there as a lot of close football games do so a tough year record wise but credit to those kids and coaches, they showed up to practice and know we were 0-5 or 5-0, the kids worked hard, the coaches were positive everybody is doing the best they could to give ourselves a chance to win each week so it was a fun season, I felt bad for the kids but it's a part of life, things happen, we had some unfortunate breaks with injuries but attitude wise, effort wise I can't fault those kids and hopefully the lessons we learned from last year can carry over into this year playing probably before they were ready and hopefully it will pay off this season." said Coach Chris Bell on the Lake Orion Football Preview Show. Lake Orion was hard hit with injuries, but it did help bring the younger players some experience. "We're healthy, we were decimated last year with injuries but the blessing was it forced us to play a lot of young guys who return, they got some game experience so we changed some things up this summer, the kids have responded, we really challenged them and they've responded so you know we're where we need to be heading into preseason practice" Bell said at Media Day. It has been a very interesting offseason for Bell and the program with some changes. "We take a look at everything we've been doing and we've had a whole summer with those changes and adjustments and we've made adjustments to the schemes to match our talent that we have, we've had a good summer with the kids, I think we're in a good spot to give ourselves a chance to win this season. Our kids showed up and play it wasn't everything we necessary did was horrible we have to be better at what we do, every year we take a look at what we do scheme wise and we try to make adjustments to best fit the need and best fit the talents we have coming back" Bell said. The Dragons are in need a bounce back season in a big way to prove that last season is not the norm for the future. "We changed our strength and conditioning program, and we partnered with D1 (strength and conditioning program) and it's the best we've ever had in my 30 years coaching the program, it's been the best strength program we've ever had, our kids have done a great job" Bell said.
OFFENSE: Lake Orion has been an offensive juggernaut the under Bell and John Blackstock (2018-2021) who is an assistant (defensive secondary coach) with their famous jet-sweep offense. They really struggled offensively scoring 17 points or fewer in four games (Saline 14, Oak Park 14, Northville 13, West Bloomfield 16, all losses.) The Dragons scored 180 points (20 points per game) last season. Bell handed the offense to his nephew and former Avondale Coach Corey Bell in the offseason. Lake Orion has the ability to score with anyone in the OAA when they are healthy. They have an experienced quarterback in Anderson Adams coming back. "He's a big, strong athlete, we expect him to have a great year" Bell said about Adams. Adams should have proven pass catchers in Peyton Lyles, Juju Vining, Owen Fisher, Travis Hoenshield, and AJ Catenacci at wide receiver and Brecken Powers along with Owen Veeder at tight end coming back. Bell is very high on Veeder since he was a freshman and expects big things from him. "Owen is one of our best athletes on our team, he's had a great summer, he's going to be special" Bell said about Veeder. Catenacci was lost for the season with a torn ACL before the start of last season. The Dragons are well known for their very strong and potent rushing attack. They have James Bambard, Rainer Plackmeier, Killian Plaggemars, and Jeremiah Lightner coming back. Bambard was lost for the season with a broken collarbone in the Stoney Creek game last season but when healthy he was a force running the football rushing for 150 yards against Northville. Plackmeier and Lightner split time between junior varsity and varsity last season but being on varsity full time should provide some stability and depth. They have Tristian Locke that could be a player to watch in the future. Locke will likely be the backup quarterback to Adams, but he could play anywhere if need be. "If we can stay away from injuries I think we can be very good on offense" Bell said.
LINES: Bell is very cautious and optimistic with both lines. He mentioned on the Lake Orion Football Preview Show they have three starters on the offensive line coming back. If they stay healthy, they can be very good. The Dragons have Brayden Blackstock, Charlie Combs, Jack Sheffield, and Drew McKay on the offensive line coming back. Christian Head and Jamison Cullum could be linemen to watch and provide some depth. "If our offensive line can play well and stay healthy, we're going to be very good on offense" Bell said. Sheffield along with Sam Buchanan will play on the defensive line this season.
DEFENSE: 2025 was a stunning disaster for the Dragons defensively. They allowed 13 or more points in every game which was a big reason Lake Orion struggled in 2025. The Dragons allowed 29 or more points in six games (Stoney Creek 29, Adams 29, West Bloomfield 33, Oxford 41, Saline 49, Clarkston 42, all losses.) Lake Orion allowed 273 points (30.3 points per game) which was the fifth worst defense in the OAA and third worst defense in school history (297-1966, 287-1958) last season. They changed coordinators in the middle of last season with Brad Fisher taking over as the defensive coordinator. Bell has been very optimistic the defense can bounce back and mentioned it will be hands on deck on all positions. "We got great looking kids, great bodies but it's during the summer but now we got to plug them in when the pads get on, it's who's going to run, who's going to tackle, I think we'll have great speed on defense but if we can run and tackle, we'll be very good over there" Bell said about the defense despite having four starters coming back. "We return four starters on defense, we have to replace four linebackers which is a concern but we've got a lot of good athletes that run to the football, but we're not going to be really big over there but I look back in the last two years when we went to the State Finals (2008, 2010) we didn't have a defensive starter that was over 200 pounds so I'm not going to say we are that defense but we got a lot of good athletes that will play hard and that's what's going to take" Bell said. Bell mentioned the linebackers were a concern and that all four spots are wide open. He mentioned that there could be up to six guys for four spots at linebacker. They have Chase Clarke, Julian Russell, Connor Mihelich, Issac Hensler, and Jackson Hall coming back. The back end of the defense has question marks despite having experience from last season. The Dragons have Jackson Pochmara, Hoenshield, Jaylin Cooper, Fisher, Michael Champagne, Anthony Gregory, Cole Shoskey, Fisher, and Jack Parillo in the defensive secondary coming back.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength should be very interesting with the Dragons particularly in the youth program (Lake Orion Youth Football program) along with the middle school levels (Scripps Middle School, Waldon Middle School, and Oakview Middle School.) "The youth levels have been exploding in a good way. We got rookie tackle that Coach Blackstock brought in years ago and it has taken off" Bell said about the youth levels. Bell combined the three middle school teams and made two seventh and eighth grade teams in 2022 to better handle the numbers in the program. "The numbers have been strong. We got between six and eight teams in the youth levels, and it's been good in the middle school levels" Bell said. The freshman and junior varsity (40 kids) programs should be solid. There are some concerns with the freshman numbers this season. Bell has confidence that the numbers will get up to speed with the freshman class. "It's about learning how to play, it's about competing, we got good classes coming and I'm excited about it" Bell said. Bell mentioned that the junior varsity does practice with the varsity which has benefited both programs. The non-league is very interesting with future OAA member Northville, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, the crossover, and Saline. Lake Orion did not win a Red game last season. If they can stay healthy that could very well change and they should be in the hunt with this schedule.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Dragons are in a really interesting spot this season. They kind of remind me of my fantasy football team in the ONTV league when I went 4-10 in 2024 but bounced back and won the crown the following season. They have a question they need to answer, was last season a one off or a sign of things to come??? Lake Orion is very capable of winning six to eight games with this schedule and return to the postseason IF FULL STRENGTH but there is a possibility that they could win three games if they have yet another injury riddled season. The defense needs to be shored up especially the defensive secondary even though linebacker was really interesting with what Bell mentioned on the Lake Orion Football Preview Show. Program strength is something to really watch especially in the freshman level with the numbers. They have the offense to score with anyone when healthy and I think the defense will be much better, if this happens, they could be very good. Health, program building, and especially the secondary is the key to having a bounce back for the Dragons. Lake Orion when healthy could be the most dangerous team in the OAA this season.
Lake Orion Football Preview Show-August 5th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bv4gRqMXbg&t=1700s
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS:
LAST SEASON: 7-3, 2-2 Red. Lost 25-7 to Brighton in Division One First Round
POINTS SCORED: 254 (25.4 ppg) (88 Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 133 (13.3 ppg) (94 Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 11th at Adams
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Pass Catchers, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Experience, Linebackers, Both Lines, Depth, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jaxon Carver- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Lakers struggle on both lines this season.
INSIGHT: The Lakers have been a proven postseason power which includes deep postseason runs but it's been a challenging path for West Bloomfield where they've ran into Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Brighton, Belleville, etc. in the postseason. It was a very interesting 2025 for the Lakers which seen ups and downs which Civic Center Television's Tyler Kieft can relate too. They won seven games and get to the postseason only to have a very disappointing 25-7 first round loss to Brighton in the Swamp. "We played really good football for most of the year, we won seven games really could have been eight, we kind of dropped on in the fourth quarter in Oxford (lost 34-33) but you know credit to them but we felt we gave that away and we were playing good football at the end of the year. We played a really good Brighton team, and they took control of the game, and we fumbled a kickoff return and they did a really good job of playing smart football and keeping the ball away from us when they needed too, they had explosive plays and really controlled the tempo. You got to give them credit" said Coach Zach Hilbers about their postseason loss to Brighton. West Bloomfield has gotten much better and stronger according to Hilbers this summer.
OFFENSE: West Bloomfield lost a ton of proven experience to graduation in 2025. Hilbers is very high on several young players that could make some noise for their proven RPO (run pass option) offense which scored 37 points or more three times (Dearborn Fordson 37, Southfield Arts and Tech 37, and Bloomfield Hills 37, all wins.) The Lakers scored 254 points (25.4 points per game) last season. West Bloomfield doesn't have a ton of varsity game experience, but they have athletes. The Lakers have a proven experienced quarterback in Jaxson Carver at quarterback coming back. He was solid for Hilbers after missing his sophomore year with an ACL injury but really bounced back in a big way last season. Carver should have proven pass catchers in Kameron Hall, Soloman Elam, Median Bamarhool, Devin Cooks, and DeAndre Williams at wide receiver coming back. "We think we have eight or nine guys at wide receiver that are solid enough to play" said Hilbers about his proven pass catchers. They should have a solid rushing attack with Dylan Jones, Carson Pikur, and Keigan Hickey coming back. "We'll probably be more versatile with our rushing attack this season" Hilbers added about the three to four guys rushing the football this season.
DEFENSE: The Lakers were stout defensively in 2025. West Bloomfield allowed seven points to two opponents (Roseville, Groves) and had three shutouts (Dearborn Fordson, Southfield Arts and Tech, Bloomfield Hills.) The Lakers allowed 30 points or less in all but one game when they fell 34-33 to Oxford last season. West Bloomfield allowed 133 points (13.3 points per game) last season. Hilbers is looking forward to seeing what the defense looks like. There are questions for the Lakers especially the defensive line and linebacker spot this season. "Our secondary has a lot of experience coming back, we played very well in all but two quarters, the Clarkston game (lost 38-10) and then the fourth quarter against Oxford, even in the Brighton game we were very proud of our defense with the way they played, we made mistakes and they have an experienced defensive line. We've been in the weight room, we'll see how they adjust to higher expectations. I know they want them and they are eager to get out there and show what they can do, we'll see how they respond to those challenges" Hilbers said about the defense. The back end of the defense should be solid with proven experience. They have Christian Banks, Bryce Tillman-Jones, Kristopher Cobb, Brice Chandler, and Josh Forest in the defensive secondary coming back. They have Emon Lewis and Zack Jones at linebacker coming back along with Hall who could see time at linebacker. They have Bryce Coburn handling the kicking duties.
LINES: The lines are serious question marks for Hilbers. "So you look at the headliners were gone and graduated you know if you look at the Benson, the Pitman, Travis Robertson and guys like that but we started a lot of younger guys so we do have some returning guys that have been awesome in the weight room, like they're strong and they're eager to get going but yeah it happens in high school football, we're going to have a couple of inexperienced kids that are playing meaningful snaps for the first time and it's up to us to coach them up and have them ready" said Hilbers at Media Day. The Lakers have Tristian Hunter, Cayden O'Neal, Dajhon Thompson, William Thornton, and Jamar Ray coming back. The lines could be the key for West Bloomfield especially with attrition this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be very interesting to watch especially the youth levels. Hilbers mentioned that they will have their youth program coming back this season. The Lakers have West Bloomfield Middle School that they get kids going into the program but having the youth football program will be a big boost after not having the youth program last season. The non-league is very interesting with Dearborn Fordson, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, the crossover, and Utica Eisenhower. It will be very interesting to see with West Bloomfield going forward.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Lakers are in a very interesting spot heading into this season. They have their quarterback, wide receivers and defensive secondary coming back with a ton of proven athletes. The trenches, linebacker, and depth are going to likely decide West Bloomfield's fate this season. Program strength is something to watch with the Lakers going forward. There are questions with West Bloomfield, but they should still be a postseason team.
West Bloomfield Podcast-June 15th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oBWezlQoYk
WHITE
White Preview Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4y4D7rqFRI
COACHES POLL:
1. Stoney Creek
2. Rochester
3. Troy Athens
4. Troy
5. Bloomfield Hills
STORYLINES:
The White will be different after going a combined 20-25 last season. Stoney Creek is coming off a very successful but a very disappointing loss to Adams in the district finals. The Cougars have a lot of proven experience coming back. Rochester has a solid year getting to the postseason falling to archrival Adams. They have one of the top quarterback/wide receiving duos in the league. Bloomfield Hills should be very interesting in the second year of a new staff. Troy Athens was solid but missed the postseason. Troy went 0-6 after September 19th after having a strong start last season. This should be a very interesting division to watch.
Could this be the year Rochester gets past Adams??? It has been since 1996 that the Falcons last beat the Highlanders. Rochester pulled it off when they upset Lake Orion for the first time since 1996. The Falcons have the quarterback, wide receiver duo but the mental mindset and the defensive secondary will be key for the Falcons to pull this off, we'll see what happens.
Stoney Creek destined to get to Ford Field???: This could be the Cougars best team they have ever had coming into the season. If things go right, then Ford Field could be a possibility. Depth is key for Coach Rick Powell. Stoney Creek should be favored in the White, but their non-league is key with Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, and Adams those are the three games that could determine Stoney Creek's season.
Can Troy Athens skill players grow???: The Red Hawks are loaded up front but the skill players are question marks. The schedule is brutal with Oxford and Clarkston as tough non-league games. Troy Athens can make the postseason for the first time since 2011 because of their lines but if the skill players develop it could be a real possibility despite the tough non-league slate.
Can Bloomfield Hills make the postseason???: The Black Hawks have the talent in Coach Scott Merchant's second year in the program. There are questions when it comes to the next step. The schedule is tougher which helps. They have tough non-league games with Lake Orion and West Bloomfield. Taking that next step will be the key for Bloomfield Hills to have a strong season.
Can Troy compete??? The Colts were a different team after September 19th when they went 0-6 in that span. Troy should be much improved after coming to the White. The Colts have a young team which makes this season critical in their development as a program.
TOP FIVE GAMES:
Rochester at Stoney Creek: Falcons fans haven't forgotten two years ago.
Rochester at Bloomfield Hills: Could this game be a White indicator???
Troy Athens at Troy: Red Hawks shut out the Colts 27-0 in this game last season.
Stoney Creek at Bloomfield Hills: This game could decide the White???
Clarkston at Stoney Creek: This has the makings of an upset written all over it.
SAFEST SCHEDULE: Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks have a very interesting schedule, but they have some favorable matchups as well. Sure, a trip to Lake Orion won't be an easy matchup for Coach Scott Merchant's team but they feel they can win over West Bloomfield, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and L'Anse Creuse. If there is a team that can make some noise with this schedule it's Bloomfield Hills because of their non-league schedule plus with the change in the league, postseason dreams could be a reality.
TOUGH SCHEDULE: Stoney Creek: The Cougars have lofty goals, and they have a very tough early stretch of the schedule. They have Utica Eisenhower and Clarkston coming to Stoney Creek. They have Rochester and Bloomfield Hills at home as well, so it works out well for Coach Rick Powell's program. The Cougars head to Adams which will be their toughest road game. The schedule looks nice with their toughest games at home, but they are still against proven perianal powers.
TEAM THAT'S IN TROUBLE: Troy: The Colts had a really rough year on both sides of the football and really wasn't the same program since September 19th. They moved to the White which is much better competition to their enrollment size Troy has Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Waterford Mott which will be tough non-league games. They also have the crossover along with Grosse Pointe North. The Colts need to rebuild their program but with the high enrollment they have, it could be a while until the rebuild is complete.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS:
LAST SEASON: 7-4, 2-2 White. Lost 43-18 to Adams in Division One District Finals.
POINTS SCORED: 329 (29.9 ppg) (113 White)
POINTS ALLOWED: 237 (21.5 ppg) (75 White)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 4th vs Clarkston
STRENGTHS: Proven Experience EVERYWHERE
CONCERNS: Things out of their control, Program Strength, Both Lines
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brosie Telegadas- Running Back/Linebacker
BOLD STATEMENT: Cougars are a serious State title contender.
INSIGHT: The Cougars had a very interesting 2025, but they played their best football toward the end of last season and into the postseason. The Cougars drew Macomb County archrival and neighbor to the east in Utica Eisenhower. Stoney Creek grinded and won a thrilling 35-31 over the Eagles in the first round earning their first postseason win since 2020 but they couldn't get to the regionals falling 43-18 to archrival Adams in the district finals last season. "In the MAC Red and White we knew it was going to be a battle against Eisenhower and we got lucky with a couple of good breaks with onside kicks in the middle of the game with some momentum shifts and swings but our guys really kept battling, we gave up some big plays but we also had some big negative plays, you know our quarterback, running back stepped up that day followed by a great offensive line, we were able to hang on at the end but it was an awesome hard fought battle, we know they are well coached, we just got to make sure we bring our best that day" said Coach Rick Powell about playing Utica Eisenhower in the postseason last season and has to play them again in week one. Powell has done a remarkable job at Stoney Creek since taking over for Coach Nick Merlo who is an assistant at Orchard Lake St. Marys. He has led the Cougars to postseason appearances in his two years with the program since coming over from Lake Orion. Powell along with the other coaches at Stoney Creek went through a change at athletic director in 2025 when former North Farmington Boys Basketball Coach Todd Negoshian took over and has done a great job as the Athletic Director. "He's an awesome athletic director. He is you know a proven head basketball coach and experience in athletics, he's a coach's athletic director, that's all you can ask for, all you can wish for and he's been really awesome to our program to all the Stoney Creek Athletics as a whole but really excited to have him in my corner and continue to work alongside him" Powell said about Negoshian.
OFFENSE: This could be the Cougars best ever team in school history with a lot of proven experience coming back especially on the offensive side of the football (Stoney Creek was created in 2002.) "When I took over two years ago (Lake Orion), we started seven sophomores, we're fortunate enough to have all those guys continue to play with us as seniors this year so we're excited about our senior class, we got 21 of them and a lot of guys that have contributed to varsity experience and played key games in the past," said Powell. Stoney Creek has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in the State under offensive coordinator Jay Powell who is the father of Rick. They scored 30 points or more in six games (Warren Cousino 42, Southfield Arts and Tech 40, Rochester 34, Berkley 37, Ann Arbor Huron 35, and Utica Eisenhower 35, all wins.) The Cougars scored 329 points (29.9 points per game) last season. They have a proven dual threat in Brandon Gergics at quarterback coming back. Gergics was solid being an effective game manager and making huge plays in critical times last season. Gergics has a lot of proven playmakers to look at in Aiden Mullins, Jase Marcillian, and Quinn Zezula at wide receiver coming back. The rushing attack has been the key for the Cougars in its history no matter who the coach was from Brad Zube, Nick Merlo, and Powell. They have a proven running back in Brosie Telegadas coming back. He can do it all from running the football to running the wildcat offense which Stoney Creek is known for. Telegadas was very instrumental in their postseason win over Utica Eisenhower last season. "Brosie has been an awesome factor for us, he can do it all for us, very physical likes to get to the perimeter, likes to block for us, very versatile at what he does" Powell said about Telegadas. They have Mason Black coming back and could spill Telegadas for a few plays.
DEFENSE: Powell is well known for defense being the defensive coordinator at Lake Orion from 2019 until 2023 before coming to Stoney Creek. The Cougars had moments defensively in 2025. They had two shutouts (Rochester 34-0, Berkley 37-0.) Stoney Creek allowed 20 points or more in all but three games (Rochester, Berkley, Ann Arbor Huron, they allowed between zero and 14 points.) The Cougars allowed 237 points (21.5 points per game), but 74 points (37 points per game) were allowed in their two postseason games last season. The defense in the postseason is where Powell really needs to improve if they want to have a deep postseason run and get out of the district for the first time in school history. Stoney Creek has proven experience on the defensive side of the football. The back end of the defense is a strength for Powell. They have Hayden Farr, Zezula, Ricky Schenider, Ethan Gendich, and Travis Beloungea in the defensive secondary coming back. The Cougars have their top three linebackers which has Telegadas, Noah Gjokaj, Ryan Dezenski, Black, and Zak Avripas coming back. Powell is very high on his juniors that can fill several key holes on the defensive line and the back end of the defense this season. They have Gergics handling the kicking duties.
LINES: The Cougars have done a masterful job of building and developing linemen under Powell. They lost two key proven linemen to graduation and are currently playing college football in Peyton Rummler (last season) and Spencer Beckeman (2024.) Stoney Creek should be very strong up front this season. They have Ian Genzlinger, Brady Rigney, Will Siskosky, Jacob Shaw, Jarrett Faison, Roark Stephens, and Rafael Gomez on the offensive and defensive lines coming back. Powell is really excited for this group to make some noise this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be really interesting with Stoney Creek. There's the Cougars Junior Organization, the Rochester Raiders youth football program, Hart Middle School, along with the freshmen, and junior varsity programs. The junior varsity program went 9-0 but their freshman team struggled a little bit last season. "We keep building from the start from the Cougars Junior Organization and work the youth route there and those guys do a great job down there and try to get our guys to play together, stat together and then they keep working into middle school at Hart (middle school) and you know we've had about 50 to 60 guys on those middle school teams the last few years which has been awesome, great coaches help lead the way there and then we've had a lot of success in the lower levels, our junior class this year went undefeated two years in a row, our senior class this year lost one game as freshman and sophomores, a lot of success there, we have a lot of great coaches that we have there to kind of mold our guys and run our system to what we do but we're fortunate enough to get them to kind to see what winning is about and have that feeling moving into their varsity season" Powell said about program strength. They have very interesting non-league with Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston, Adams, and Ann Arbor Huron with the Highlanders and River Rats being on the road. It's going to be very interesting to see how the Cougars adjust with the White being much different than last season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Cougars should be really good with the proven experience coming back this season. The non-league will be the test with Utica Eisenhower and Clarkston the first two weeks of the season and then Adams. These three games are measuring stick games. Program strength is something to watch with Stoney Creek especially from sophomores onto the youth levels. This could be a very special team the Cougars have this season.
Stoney Creek Podcast-July 13th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfjljcE6yXs
ROCHESTER FALCONS:
LAST SEASON: 5-5, 1-3 White. Lost 34-10 to Adams in Division One First Round
POINTS SCORED: 177 (17.7 ppg) (24 White)
POINTS ALLOWED: 202 (20.2 ppg) (110 White)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 4th vs Adams
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Proven Pass Catchers
CONCERNS: Both Lines, Defensive Secondary, Rushing Attack
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nate Tandy- Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Falcons defensive secondary struggle to make plays.
INSIGHT: 2025 was a special year for the Falcons which seen them get to the postseason along with upsetting Lake Orion (23-21) in week two. "That group was 1-8 their freshman and sophomore years and for them to put in the hard work it was unbelievable, a ton of credit goes to them as football players, they come in as freshman a little bit behind in terms of development but they worked hard and listened to coaching, we started combining our JV and Varsity into one thing so when those freshman become sophomores they are practicing with the Varsity, it was hard on them initially through that through their sophomore year they made such great improvement and it was really awesome to see" said Coach Eric Vernon about the progress of the senior class in their four years at Rochester. Vernon made mention that the sophomore class are in a very similar boat to last season's senior class where they struggled early and then bouncing back to get to the postseason. I talked to Keith Dunlap and MIPrepZone Macomb's Dan Strickradt (both Falcon alumni's) they believe that this could be Rochester's best chance to end the losing streak against Adams, a streak that hasn't been broken since 1996 which included a 34-10 loss in the postseason to the Highlanders. The Falcons have been well known under Vernon who is also the wrestling coach to have a ton of multi-sport athletes, and they have a ton of them on the roster. "The belief of multi-sport athletes starts on the top with our athletic director (Dean Allen) with our principal Mr. Rinkle and all the coaches we get along, we recognize that we're going to share athletes so we understand that we get kids playing sports, we work on building that relationship, there is a lot of trust that has to kind of take place between the programs like I know when football players are going to play basketball, they are going to get coached hard, they're going to do everything they need to do, it's great for athletes kind of that old school mentality, you see a lot of kids specialize and that's great but if a kid likes playing other sports and they want to play other sports we can make it work for what we do and it's good for the kids, it reduces injuries and the mental capacity to go from the grind from one season and into another season" Vernon said about multi-sport athletes.
OFFENSE: The Falcons had their moments offensively in 2025. Rochester had three games where they scored 34 points or more (Monroe 42, Royal Oak 41, Fraser 34, all wins) but there was a stretch that they scored 47 points in five games (Adams three, Groves seven, Harper Woods seven, Southfield Arts and Tech ten, Adams ten points, going 1-4.) The Falcons scored 177 points (17.7 points per game) last season. They have a quarterback/wide receiver duo that could make a ton of noise this season along with an up-and-coming star talent in Nate Tandy at wide receiver and the defensive secondary coming back. Tandy is a basketball standout for Coach Nick Evola and a baseball standout. Rochester has Matt Dyki coming back at quarterback. Dyki is a three-year starter and was solid dual threat quarterback last season. "They are warriors, absolute competitors to a team. Matt has gotten a lot bigger, he's filled out quite a bit and Nate is the ultimate competitor, you don't see a lot of three sport athletes' football, basketball, and baseball, he's the number one starter for baseball, he was one of our top scorers on the basketball team, he was one of our top players last year" Vernon said about Tandy and Dyki. They have Brayden Sauerbry and Nicholas Aulph at wide receiver along with Callen Seiber at tight end coming back. The Falcons should have a solid rushing attack in Blake Czechowski along with Joe Sieranni and Drew Jarvis coming back at running back. If they can get balance like they did last season they should be solid offensively
LINES: The depth on the lines are going to be key for Vernon this season. He's very optimistic about both lines. "We got some guys. They're not the biggest kids in the world but they're physical, they're aggressive, they're good football players, we're excited for them up front" Vernon said about his lines. Rochester has Marcus Aidem, Payton Shadel, Luca Ferrara, and Wade Youngblood coming back. Vernon is very high on Aidem as he can make some noise on both sides of the football this season. "Marcus is going to be one of the best linemen in the county if not the state, he's just been fantastic for us the last couple of years, this will be his fourth year on varsity, we're really looking forward for a big year for him, he's put a lot of work in, big physical kid, fires off the ball" Vernon said about Aidem.
DEFENSE: The Falcons had their ups and downs defensively despite having an experienced back end of the defense in 2025. Rochester had three shutouts (Southfield Arts and Tech, Fraser, and Royal Oak) and held Monroe to six points but there were some games they had it very rough. They allowed 30 or more points in five games (Harper Woods 41, Adams 31, Adams 34, Groves 35, Stoney Creek 34, all losses.) The Falcons allowed 202 points (20.2 points per game) last season. There is some experience Vernon mentioned they have coming back from major injuries like Owen Trombley. Trombley missed football and basketball seasons with an injury. Vernon is very high on Trombley with his athleticism and size and can play him anywhere on both sides of the football. Rochester has Jake Welch, Jackson Zook, and Mattis Hernandez at linebacker coming back. The Falcons biggest concern is the back end of the defense. "We got to find some guys at corner that is for sure but having a guy like Nate (Tandy) that can step back and play some safety for us" Vernon said. They have Nick Als, Tandy, Sauerbry, and JT Kissinger coming back in the defensive secondary. The defense will be very interesting this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot when it comes to program strength. They have the Rochester Raiders youth football program along with Reuther Middle School and they get some kids from West Middle School. "It's funny, this school in this district we have the middle schools, and we have Reuther Middle School that's strictly ours. We share West Middle School with Adams and then we have the Rochester Raiders youth program and that's one of the premier youth programs in the State and traditionally some of the kids we get from there have done a great job for us and we got a couple of kids from the Raiders program that we're excited about, there is a couple of kids in the lower levels there that we're excited about so you know we continue building up the numbers at Reuther and West program and try to get some players from that Raiders program that's something we're certainly looking to, once you get them as a freshman and you get them doing the things we do, I think that's better for us obviously" Vernon said about the middle school programs. The freshman and junior varsity programs will be very interesting to see as well. "I got new freshman coaches, I was lucky to have them a long time, they kind of retired, hate to see them go but I'm excited because we're bringing a new freshman staff in and they've done a great job this summer getting up to speed and acclimated to what we're doing" Vernon said about the freshman program. The non-league is very interesting with Macomb L'Anse Creuse North, Adams (Falcon Frenzy Game,) the crossover, and a trip to Monroe this season. Program strength will also be something to watch but there is something special brewing with Rochester.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: There are some ups and downs with the Falcons. Depth especially on the lines and the defensive secondary are a question marks for Rochester. The schedule looks very favorable with Oxford, Stoney Creek, Bloomfield Hills, and Adams. Program strength is something to watch especially with a new freshman coaching staff coming into the program. The Falcons should be solid but there are some questions as well heading into the season.
Rochester Podcast-July 13th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdljcE6yXs
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACK HAWKS:
LAST SEASON: 2-7, 0-6 Blue. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 177 (19.6 ppg) (97 Blue)
POINTS ALLOWED: 249 (27.6 ppg) (205 Blue)
MAKE OR BREAK: August 27th vs Macomb L'Anse Creuse
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Both Lines
CONCERNS: Defense, Quarterback
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jay Almsaddi- Running Back.
BOLD STATEMENT: Black Hawks are going to be in the postseason.
INSIGHT: The Black Hawks had a transition period under Coach Scott Merchant which was similar to when he was at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit when we talked on last season's podcast. He rebuilt Chippewa Valley taking them to a Division One State crown in 2018 when his Big Reds beat Clarkston 31-30. There were positives despite the record and stats from last season and 2024. Merchant mentioned that they played much better as the season went on despite the losses last season and that the program is ready to take the next step. "I equate last year to spring ball in college it's your first time working with the kids and learning a new system and a new coaching staff so the season was a huge learning process for everybody including the players and the coaches and I felt as the year went on we had a number of major injuries our kids defiantly improved and started picking up what we were trying to do, as a program I felt we played our best game in week nine against Oak Park who had a solid team, we went back and forth with them and unfortunately ended up losing in the last couple of minutes (lost 34-28) on a kickoff return for a touchdown but that last game kind of showed me where we could be at and I feel like if we played like that we could have won four games instead of two games so yeah when you have a new staff and we don't get in there until March, football doesn't just start in August as you know, I think we learned a lot about ourselves and each other and I think we're far ahead then we are at this point" said Merchant.
OFFENSE: Merchant made an impact in his first year at Bloomfield Hills offensively. He made it very respectable scoring 30 points or more in two games (Royal Oak 42, Pontiac 38, both were wins) and 20 points or more in five games. They were at or near the bottom of the OAA in 2024 in offensive production (93 points) before Merchant came to Bloomfield Hills. The Black Hawks scored 177 points (19.6 points per game) last season. Bloomfield Hills has a ton of proven skill players coming back. It also helps that Jay Almsaddi is coming back at running back. Merchant mentioned they were going to look for different ways to get Almsaddi the football. "Jay is a tough kid, he's a tough all-around player, I mean he can run the ball, he can catch the ball, he was our leading receiver last year, he returns kicks, he plays defense, he kind of does it all. You're going to see him more involved in the run game this year, he's a guy you have to find different ways to get him the football, he's a very physical football player but he's very skilled so he's going to be a three year starter, we're excited to have him back, and he's going to have to be a guy who steps up for us and makes big plays on offense" Merchant said about Almsaddi. Quarterback is the biggest question mark for Merchant this season. "We played four different quarterbacks last year so that was an issue due to injuries" Merchant said. He mentioned there are three quarterbacks that are in the conversation including Kaden Cherkasky and Chris Donolan. It looks like Cherkasky will be the starter when they play Macomb L'Anse Creuse in week one. Cherkasky should have proven pass catchers in Gage Decker, Jonah Frank, and Kyaden Gulley at wide receiver, and Issac Kaplin at tight end coming back. Michal Mathis who has played quarterback but will switch to wide receiver this season. They did take a hit as Mason Hitchcock transferred to Orchard Lake St. Marys this offseason. Mathis could be a player to watch in the future at quarterback if Merchant needs him.
DEFENSE: The Black Hawks seen a defensive changeover under Merchant and defensive coordinator Michael Quinlan in 2025. They had two games they allowed seven or fewer points (Royal Oak seven, Pontiac zero, both wins.) Bloomfield Hills allowed 30 points or more points in five games (Oak Park 34, North Farmington 49, Farmington 49, Troy Athens 35, West Bloomfield 37, all losses.) The defense is clearly in a much better place than when they allowed 336 points or more (305-2022 and 2024, 336-2023.) The Black Hawks allowed 249 points (27.6 points per game) which was a big improvement last season from the last three years. Merchant felt the defense really didn't play that poorly despite the stats feeling the stats can be misguided at times when it comes to players improvement. Bloomfield Hills has a ton of proven experience in Kaden Cherakasky, Gulley, Italo Johnson, Mahdi Rida, Makai Burks, Will Merchant, and Caden Whitmire coming back at linebacker. The Black Hawks have some questions in the back end of the defense. Bloomfield Hills has Jonny Bahu, Humberto Moreno, Nick Sanders, Jarrett Bennent, Hitchcock, and Almsaddi in the defensive secondary coming back. They have Kyle Sherman handling the kicking duties.
LINES: Merchant is really excited about both lines. They have youth and experience on the offensive and defensive lines this season. The Black Hawks have CJ Thomas, Will Xintaris, Noam Ellis, Adam Demolian, Jack Canine, William Demiritt, Caleb Gibson, Ellias Pallisco, Wilson Terrance, William Losier, and Bennett Kostis coming back. "Everything starts up front" Merchant said about both lines especially the offensive line.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be something to watch with Bloomfield Hills. The numbers have been solid for the Black Hawks at the freshman and junior varsity levels. They have around 30-50 kids on average. Bloomfield Hills has two middle schools in Bloomfield Hills North Hills (formerly Bloomfield Hills Lahser) and Bloomfield Hills South Hills (original middle school) Middle Schools feeding kids into the program. Bloomfield Hills is on the former Bloomfield Hills Andover campus. The youth levels will be very interesting to see which has concerned Merchant a little bit. The non-league looks very interesting with Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, Macomb L'Anse Creuse, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and the crossover. It's a very interesting non-league schedule as mentioned but it looks favorable as well.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Black Hawks are prepared to make a big jump. I am concerned about a few things with Bloomfield Hills. They're going to have to rely a ton on Jay Almassadi to carry them with their quarterback situation early and program strength at the youth levels is very concerning. They have everything else from the line to a proven defense. The Black Hawks looks like a postseason team, but the mental mindset will be something to watch.
Bloomfield Hills Podcast-July 6th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg5U4VBN7zk
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS:
LAST SEASON: 4-5, 2-4 Blue. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 254 (28.2 ppg) (142 Blue)
POINTS ALLOWED: 228 (25.3 ppg) (174 Blue)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th at Troy
STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Rushing Attack
CONCERNS: Skill Players, Defense, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Matt McLaurin- Running Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Jack Borin throws for ten touchdowns this season.
INSIGHT: The Red Hawks had a very productive season in 2025. They won four games which included a 27-0 shutout win over archrival Troy and was very competitive in tough 31-28 losses to Seaholm and Oxford however their 44-17 loss to Oak Park in week three likely made them miss the postseason last season. Troy Athens lost a ton of proven experience from last season which will make this season very interesting for a program that hasn't made the postseason since 2011. "I knew that class a long time, and they set the standard, and teaching the younger kids how to work" said Coach Tom Cook of last season's class. The Red Hawks have some optimism with this current group coming back with the work ethic they have and has had a strong summer. "Every year we come into camp like every position is up for grabs, we got kids working for it right now, we got seniors coming back working for it" Cook said.
OFFENSE: Troy Athens was very productive offensively in 2025. They scored 14 points or more in every game and scored 35 points or more in three games (Bloomfield Hills 35, Pontiac 44, Fraser 40, all wins.) The Red Hawks scored 254 points (28.2 points per game) last season but it's a different team this season. Troy Athens went with Jack Bouren as their starting quarterback after an intense competition. Bouren is a multi-sport athlete playing baseball as well. The Red Hawks have several key players like Brian Pierce and Matt McLaurin coming back at running back. Pierce and McLaurin are expected to be used heavily for Cook until the pass catchers develop chemistry. The pass catchers are a question mark. They have Cornellis Cotton, Macklin Ciurla, Alex Prisinzano, and John Monhaut coming back at wide receiver. The skill players will be the key for Cook and the Red Hawks to develop this season.
DEFENSE: Troy Athens had their ups and downs defensively in 2025. They held archrivals Troy and Fraser to a combined seven points, both wins. They really struggled allowing 30 points or more in five games (Seaholm 31, Oak Park 44, Farmington 38, North Farmington 40, Oxford 31, all losses.) The Red Hawks allowed 228 points (25.3 points per game) last season. They have a lot of two-way players at linebacker and in the back end of the defense. Troy Athens has Thomas Cook, Prisinzano, and Brady Ossman, coming back at linebacker. The back end of the defense will be very interesting for the Red Hawks. They have Pierce, Ciurla, Monhaut, and Nick Aaron in the defensive secondary coming back along with several lineman that play both ways. The linebackers and back end of the defense are areas to watch. They have Noah Boehms handling the kicking duties.
LINES: Cook mentioned that he was excited about the lines. He said they are going to be a huge part of their success as their young skill players develop. The Red Hawks have Will Getz, Brian Mendoza, Dan Williamson, Cal McGavin, and Jayden Yousif coming back on an offensive line that didn't allow a sack last season. Both lines will be key if Troy Athens wants to keep making progress this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be very interesting for the Red Hawks. The numbers have been solid along with the community support led by Principal Vernon Burden who has been coaching during the summer. The middle school numbers at Baker and Larson Middle Schools along with the Troy Cowboys have been solid for Cook although there are some students from the Troy Cowboys that will go to Troy instead of Troy Athens. The non-league looks daunting with Waterford Mott, Oxford, Clarkston, the crossover, and Berkley. If the Red Hawks want to make the postseason for the first time since 2011, they need to rely on both lines and hope their playmakers can develop quickly to make an impact right away.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The schedule is very brutal with the Red Hawks. 1-4 looks very possible with the schedule. Troy Athens needs their skill players on both sides of the football to develop to go along with both lines. Program strength looks solid, but the non-league is a big concern for the Red Hawks. The schedule could be a reason why they could take a step back.
Troy Athens Podcast-June 22nd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjmgMGjJbv4&t=479s
TROY COLTS:
LAST SEASON: 3-6, 1-5 Blue. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 90 (10 ppg) (38 Blue)
POINTS ALLOWED: 266 (29.5 ppg) (199 Blue)
MAKE OR BREAK: August 27th vs Grosse Pointe North
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack
CONCERNS: Defense, Both Lines, Depth, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Cole Oury- Running Back/Defensive Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Cole Oury will play every offensive and defensive skill position this season.
INSIGHT: It was a tale of two seasons for Coach Chris Frasier and the Colts in 2025. Troy started 3-0 after wins over Bloomfield Hills (17-13), Ferndale (24-12), and Flint Powers (28-14) then things went south where they went 0-6 and were blown out in each game after September 19th. "Wins and losses, you want to come home with more wins but sometime you know what you get in life and you know we were kind of playing good to start the year and we kind of faced an uphill battle as we head into the season so yeah things didn't end the way we wanted too and that's on me, that's on us and that's something we're trying to fix this offseason" said Frasier. Frasier has focused on how his program will bounce back heading into this season. "We tried to add a couple competition things this year to for our younger guys to see what it is meant to play Varsity Football so we've tried to do that, we've tried to instill toughness in the weight room, we tried to do our camps and stuff like that so yeah we've tried to add a couple of things this year and I can't tell you how it's going to pan out until the season is over but our goal was to add a couple of competitions so some of the younger kids can see how football is supposed to shake out in the OAA level" Frasier said. Troy will need to find that magic if they want to have a bounce back season.
OFFENSE: Troy had things really rough especially after September 19th. They scored 69 points before September 19th then things went south after September 19th where they scored 21 points in six weeks (3.5 points per game.) Troy scored 90 points (10 points per game) which was the third worst offense in the OAA last season. If the Colts want to put more points they need to stay on the field and keep their defense off the field. There are a ton of questions with Troy heading into this season despite having their top player in Cole Oury coming back. Oury could be moved around whether it's at running back or at a slot wide receiver. " Cole is the heartbeat of this team, he's been on varsity since his sophomore year, his brother (Noah) came through the program so he knows what we're all about, he's one of those kids that does everything, he plays offense and defense for us, on offense he plays nearly every position for he, he got some reps at quarterback last year and on defense he's one of our leaders on the defense so not only is he our captain but he's one of those guys we look to both offensively and defensively to line us up and make plays for us" Frasier said. The Colts will have Teddy Moore joining him at running back as well. "Teddy has put some major work in with his body all of those things he's been with us, I'll bet you he's gained 30 or 40 pounds in his high school career, he's trying to get his body ready at the next level, play college football and we think he's going to be one of our main focus points on offense so he's a three year kid that's started for us at running back so someone we're going to rely on this year to make plays for us" Frasier said about Moore. They have David Cronic at quarterback coming back but there could be a possible quarterback competition between Cronic and sophomore Brayden Selimi. Selimi has had a very strong camp this summer. Whoever the quarterback is should have proven pass catchers in Declan Rachskie, Matthew Jackson, Will Eastburn, and James Ward coming back at wide receiver.
LINES: The lines have several new starters with a ton of questions. "We're going to have a bunch of new starters on the offensive and defensive lines, so that's up to us as coaches to get them ready and prepared to see what they will face this year, but you know in life sometimes it is what it is" Frasier said. They have Chris Gilmore, Nolan Belanger, Milodrag Micanovic, Jordan Goka, Mikolas Wright, Guhaan Blatt, Steven Zavala, and Sebestian Hermiz on the offensive and defensive lines coming back. Attrition and depth will be something to watch with Troy this season.
DEFENSE: It was a tale of two seasons in 2025 for the Colts which saw ups and downs. They allowed 12 or more points in every game last season. Troy allowed 39 points total (13 points per game) before September 19th when they had a 3-0 start to the season with wins over Flint Powers, Ferndale, and Bloomfield Hills. After September 19th, it was very rough. The Colts allowed 227 points (37.8 points per game) in their last six games (North Farmington 42, Farmington 42, Seaholm 42, Clarkston 42, Oak Park 33, and Troy Athens 27.) Troy allowed 266 points (29.5 points per game) last season. They should be better this season with the experience. The Colts have Nolan Bellinger, Blake Gould, Steven Zavala, and Elan Okafor at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense has a ton of questions with depth. They have Darius Mitchell, Oury, and Nolan Block in the defensive secondary coming back. "We got a good sophomore class, I could conceivably see a handful of guys not only being on varsity but being starters for us so we won't really know until the pads come on if they're ready to rock but that's something we're kind of looking right now at the sophomore class that has a lot of talents, taken some major steps this year being some important players for us" Frasier said. The Colts were very young last season and with the majority of their team being underclassmen.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Troy has one of the top enrollments in the State, but football has been up and down lately. The school's marching band and other sports like soccer are powerhouse programs. There is a bond that Frasier has with legendary boys basketball coach Gary Fralick is a huge deal with the Colts. "I've known Coach Fralick pretty much my whole life he's been supportive of not only my family but football in general back when Coach Griff (Gary Griffith) was the head coach so I look up forward to talking to Coach Fralick every day I see him, I look forward to always working with him, sharing players, sharing stories, and sharing ideas how to coach children, and kids and how to motivate people so Coach Fralick is one of those people I look up too, I look up to him and his wife (Sharon Fralick) and their whole family, his son Tim was one of the best athletes I've ever played with in my life, I've known Coach Fralick from many different hats and respected him throughout my whole life so far" Frasier said. The Colts have a strong youth level program with the Troy Cowboys that feeds kids to Troy and Troy Athens. There is Boulan Park Middle School that sees kids mostly go to Troy, but they get some kids that come from Baker and Larson Middle Schools although most of those kids go to Troy Athens. "We've been lucky the last couple of years so that has a lot to do with the younger levels promoting football and promoting staying in the program, we we're lucky enough last year to play four or five freshman games or whatever you want to call it during the year so that's on the younger levels and trying to instill the fundamentals of football but also the fact it's supposed to be fun" Frasier said. The non-league is very interesting with the Colts being one of the highest enrolled schools in the State. They have Lake Orion, Grosse Pointe North, the crossover, West Bloomfield, and Waterford Mott. It will be very interesting to see how Troy responds this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Colts could have it tough this season. The non-league is brutal with Grosse Pointe North, West Bloomfield, Waterford Mott, and Lake Orion. There are questions everywhere with Troy, but they have had a strong summer according to Frasier. It will be very interesting to see how the Colts respond in the short and long-term going forward.
Troy Podcast-August 3rd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO3elV9E0iE&t=2891s
BLUE
Blue Preview Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4J2pNCz0RI
COACHES POLL:
1. Harper Woods
2. Groves
3. Seaholm
4. Oak Park
5. Waterford Mott
6. Southfield Arts and Tech
STORYLINES:
The Blue could be one of the toughest divisions in the State this season. This division went 30-24 last season with four postseason teams. There could be five postseason teams coming from this division this season. Harper Woods has a ton of proven experience and motivation after getting shocked by Dearborn Divine Child in the Division Four regional finals. Groves made the Division Two State Semifinals for the second straight season but fell to Dexter. Seaholm and Mott were postseason teams falling in the first round. Oak Park has the experience to make a postseason berth. Southfield Arts and Tech have experience, but coaching stability is a question mark along with a brutal schedule. This should be a fun division to watch.
Can Groves get to Ford Field??? The Falcons have been very close to getting to Ford Field in the last two years, but Groves has to replace a ton of experience. However, this is a coaching staff that has a ton of experience. The Falcons have a shot to get back to Ford Field, but things have to go right this season.
Can Harper Woods find a quarterback??? The Pioneers have everything lined up for a state title run but they are in Division Three which is tougher and they need to find a quarterback since Nate Rocheleau graduated. This will be a storyline to watch with Harper Woods this season.
Can Seaholm respond when trailing??? The big question for Maple fans is how Seaholm will respond when they are trailing, the veer is not an offense when they are trailing so it's important for Coach Jim DeWald's team to have a lead because if they are trailing then trouble could come, this is something to watch with the Maples this season.
Can Oak Park get back to the postseason??? The Knights missed the postseason falling to Lake Orion in week eight last season. Oak Park has the skill players to make a postseason appearance, but the lines are question marks and something to watch this season.
How will Waterford Mott handle their first year back in the OAA??? The Corsairs are back in the OAA, and they seem to have an experienced offense despite a ton of questions. Depth is a major concern for Waterford Mott, and it will be worth watching this season.
Can Southfield Arts and Tech compete???: The Warriors have a new coach and a new system which brings a transition period ahead. It won't be easy for new Coach Anton Robinson who is their third coach in four years, and they have a brutal schedule. They have proven experience (23 seniors) but it's going to be a tall task for Southfield Arts and Tech this season.
TOP FIVE GAMES:
Groves at Seaholm: Always a great atmosphere between these two teams.
Harper Woods at Groves: This game could decide the Blue.
Oak Park at Waterford Mott: This is a statement game for the Corsairs.
Waterford Mott at Harper Woods: Two teams that have a ton of proven athletes.
Harper Woods at Seaholm: Two different styles meeting up which is very interesting.
SAFEST SCHEDULE: Waterford Mott: The Corsairs are coming off a very disappointing first round postseason 51-15 blowout loss to Midland Dow. Waterford Mott is in a new league which brings new challenges. Waterford Mott has Troy Athens, Waterford Kettering, Avondale, and Troy which should help them ease their way into the Blue and also back into the OAA. The Blue is challenging but the non-league should help Coach Tra'Jan Seay, and the Corsairs get a feel of what the league is about.
TOUGH SCHEDULE: Seaholm: The Maples are going to have it tough with their schedule. They open in Ann Arbor with a high scoring Milford program that throws the ball like Texas Tech did in the late 2000's. Then they have Utica in week nine which is not an easy matchup along with the crossover which is a Red opponent and that's not mentioning the Blue which is toughen up this season. Seaholm could be in line for a long season but running an offense like the veer should help but it also hurts at the same time especially when they are trailing.
TEAM THAT'S IN TROUBLE: Southfield Arts and Tech: Talk about a brutal schedule, that's what the Warriors have to go through, and they have a new coaching staff with a schedule that they had no say. They have experience which helps but it's tough regardless. Southfield Arts and Tech have to go on Interstate 96 and play a program that went to the Division One State Semifinals in East Kentwood last season then it's Pontiac the following week which is a trap game but they are at home, then it's the crossover in week eight, and then they host Chippewa Valley to close the season. This is a very tough stretch for new Coach Antwon Robinson and that's not even the league schedule. It won't be easy that is for sure.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS:
LAST SEASON: 11-1, 4-0 White. Lost 10-6 to Dearborn Divine Child in Division Four Regional Finals
POINTS SCORED: 409 (34 ppg) (138 White)
POINTS ALLOWED: 152 (12.6 ppg) (42 White)
MAKE OR BREAK: October 16th vs Clarkston
STRENGTHS: Offense, Balanced Defense, Program Strength
CONCERNS: Mental Mindset, Quarterback
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: DeAndre Bidden- Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Tanner Wadley will have one game he outperforms Dakota Guerrant.
INSIGHT: There are always expectations with the Pioneers football program like when they won the 2023 Division Four State crown. They had another State crown that they won but it wasn't in football, it was a different sport. This is a school that is coming off a Division Two State Track and Field crown in Boys Track with the majority of their proven athletes from 2025 coming back. Harper Woods had a very disappointing 10-6 loss to Dearborn Divine Child in the regional finals last season. Dearborn Divine Child ended up winning the Division Four State crown. Coach Rob Oden was really disappointed for the seniors that the game against Dearborn Divine Child was played at Westland John Glenn and not at Beaconsfield (Harper Woods- the school is located on Beaconsfield Street) because of an incident that happened off campus when Harper Woods played Harper Woods Chandler Park in the district finals. The Pioneers had a rise in enrollment this offseason which means they will be in Division Three and not Division Four. They could possibly see Warren DeLaSalle, Oak Park, or Detroit Martin Luther King in the district or regional rounds which would be very tough and very interesting and if they get past those three schools then they could see DeWitt who won the Division Three State crown last season.
OFFENSE: Harper Woods is loaded offensively with proven experience and talent. The Pioneers have scored 34 points or more in eight games and 40 points or more in six games which were wins but was held to six points in their loss to Dearborn Divine Child. Harper Woods scored 409 points (34 points per game) which was the second best in the OAA last season. The Pioneers have two stars in the making in DeAndre Bidden and Dakota Guerrant coming back at wide receiver and in the defensive secondary. Guerrant made headlines off the field when it comes to the MHSAA and NIL in the State of Michigan this offseason. There are others that are prepared to make a name for themselves like Mikhi Jones at running back coming back. They have another proven player in RiChawn Evans who is also running back. He could spill Jones at times or even be the lead running back and force Jones to play on defense exclusively. Whoever the quarterback is should have proven pass catchers in James Jefferson, Tyler Buford, Jamal Cannon, AJ Henley, Christian DeMoss, Jeremy Upshaw, Dartesse Robinson, along with Bidden and Guerrant coming back at wide receiver. Tanner Wadley is a player to watch that a lot of people don't really know about. Oden is really high on this young man at wide receiver. Quarterback is the biggest concern for Oden after losing Nate Rocheleau to graduation. Harper Woods has DaNari Patton along with Austin Mitchell battling for the quarterback spot. Mitchell and Patton have had really strong summers. Oden mentioned there is a competition and that they will have a starter for their week one game against Chelsea. He mentioned that Guerrant will not play full-time quarterback although he is capable of doing so. Guerrant played quarterback when Rocheleau got hurt last season and that there are several packages for Guerrant when he plays quarterback like the wildcat offense this season.
LINES: The Pioneers should have one of the top lines in the State especially on the defensive line. Harper Woods has Randy Ellis, Erroll Lewis, Torian Johnson, Jeremiah McCall, Bryan Jordan, Dylan Berrien, Caleb Davis, Caleb Lane, Cardiety Walker, Christian Hartsfield, Javier Easton, Jordan Mingo, K'Mari Ware, Marsalis Taylor, Kamari Sheppard, Tyler Washington, and TraShawn Rogers-Conley coming back on both sides of the football. The Pioneers should have one of the deepest lines in the State.
DEFENSE: The Pioneers were very good defensively in 2025. They allowed six opponents to score ten or fewer points (Redford Union zero, Southfield Arts and Tech zero, Groves eight, Rochester seven, Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy six, Dearborn Divine Child ten, going 5-1.) The Pioneers allowed 152 points (15.6 points per game) which was the best in the OAA last season. Harper Woods should be very formidable in the back end of the defense. The Pioneers have Corey Bailey, Jayden Evans, Otis Harris, Javion Griffin, Terrell Philips, Dylan Stewart, Guerrant, Bidden, Jamier Jefferson, Shawn Mosley, Amir Cummings, DeWayne Johnson, Justin Wade, Kentravious Terry, and Darnell Canady coming back in the defensive secondary. Harper Woods has a very strong linebacking core as mentioned in Jessie White, Orlijah Webster, and Jones at linebacker coming back. They have Gabe Bradley handing the kicking duties.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has looked very strong besides the varsity in junior varsity, middle school (Harper Woods Middle School) and the youth levels. Oden mentioned that program strength has been on the rise throughout Harper Woods. The junior varsity was solid, and the numbers have risen as mentioned. Oden mentioned that they might have the numbers to possibly field a freshman program. If the Pioneers can get three programs, it would further strengthen the program and give more kids the opportunity to play football for a proud and proven program. The non-league is very tricky with Chelsea, Mason, Ferndale, and Clarkston. It feels like this is a demotion for the Pioneers, but this is still Harper Woods, and they should be in the mix again no matter where they are at.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: This should be a very good Pioneers program on all three levels along with the middle school and youth levels. Beaconsfield should be rocking this season. Quarterback is the biggest question mark, but they have program strength and everything else. Harper Woods could have things tough in the postseason being in Division Three, but they are more than capable of getting back to Ford Field this season.
Harper Woods Podcast-June 22nd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjmgMGjJbv4&t=479s
GROVES FALCONS:
LAST SEASON: 9-4, 3-1 White. Lost 41-6 to Dexter in Division Two State Semifinals
POINTS SCORED: 376 (28.9 ppg) (115 White)
POINTS ALLOWED: 246 (18.9 ppg) (76 White)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 25th vs Harper Woods
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Both Lines
CONCERNS: Defense, ESPECIALLY Defensive Secondary, Experience, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jeremiah Whitley- Running Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Jeremiah Whitley has a 2,000-yard rushing season.
INSIGHT: The Falcons made some head waves this offseason as Coach Brendan Flaherty got inducted into the Michigan Football Coaches Hall of Fame. "It's a tremendous honor, to me it's a team award, it's more of a representation to me, I got a great group of guys, I've have had some of them for 20 years so it's not a Flaherty award, it's a Groves award but's a tremendous honor, it meant a lot to me and my family and to the program" Flaherty said. Groves has had multiple opportunities to get to Ford Field especially in the last two years but ran into some proven powerhouse programs in the Division Two State Semifinals (Orchard Lake St. Marys (lost 28-27 in overtime, Dexter lost 41-6.) "They were an extremely talented team, talking to Coach Jacobs they were playing together for a long time you can tell that and since his retirement it seemed like it was kind of their year, uh not that they were going to take a step back or not but it was a special year squad for him I think so you know sometimes you run into that buzzsaw I think you know coming to find out it's like kind of the steps of the journey are that if you make the playoffs and if you get into the districts that's great then the regionals are a step and then the semifinals is another step it's just you know they are damn good, there's four teams left, you know a the team's real hot and they're playing real well and they're really good so I'm proud of my guys and I thought we had a tremendous year but we ran into a buzzsaw, they were really good" Flaherty said about playing Dexter. The Falcons have a shot to get to Ford Field for their first time in school history but there will be multiple challenges along the way with Division Two being wide open however there aren't any guarantees the draw the Falcons got when they got sent east into Macomb County will be there like it was in 2025. There is the possibility of seeing Birmingham Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Marys, or Walled Lake Western looks possible if they get to the postseason.
OFFENSE: Groves has to replace some key parts to their roster when they made the Division Two State Semifinals on both sides of the football from the last two seasons. The Falcons will have a new offense this season. "We're going to have some young guys, we got a pretty talented junior class" Flaherty said. They will have a very potent rushing attack they'll rely on this season which scored over 35 points in seven games, all were wins while they were held to single digits in three of their four losses (Harper Woods, West Bloomfield, Dexter.) Groves scored 376 points (28.9 points per game) last season. The Falcons have a proven rusher in Jeremiah Whitley at running back coming back. Whitley was a force rushing for ten touchdowns in three postseason games (Warren Mott, Warren Cousino, St. Clair Shores Lakeview.) In their loss to Dexter the Dreadnaughts focused on Whitley and shut him down last season. "He had a breakout year, he got hot in the playoffs and to me you know in the playoffs can you run the ball and can you play good defense and Jeremiah helped us get the run game going and this year we're expecting another great year out of him but the biggest thing for Jeremiah is that he's been a tremendous leader this offseason, leading the guys, working his tail off and getting bigger, stronger, and faster, we're really excited this fall for him and the squad's outlook. Groves has Noah Williams as well. He could get some carries at times at running back and spell Whitley at times. The Falcons have a new quarterback in Ayrton Zelie taking over. "Ayrton Zelie is a name I think people are going to know by the end of the year in our league, he's a talented quarterback, another gifted leader he's worked his tail off, he's worked every single second since December so he's going to, we're expecting him to have a great year" Flaherty said about his quarterback. The wide receivers aren't up to speed yet with Groves, but Flaherty expects them to get there really soon. Zelie's top targets should be Adrien Bryant, Blake Riggins, Alex Simpson, Taj Kareem, Jionye Locke along with Fred Sorenson and Jackson Tipton at tight end coming back.
DEFENSE: The Falcons had ups and downs defensively in 2025. Groves allowed 14 points in four of the last five weeks near the end of the season (Avondale, Seaholm, Warren Mott, St. Clair Shores Lakeview) and they held a very good Stoney Creek program to 12 points in a 29-12 win against the Cougars. There were some rough patches defensively during the season. They allowed 20 or more points in five games. (Oxford 24, Southfield Arts and Tech 22, Harper Woods 35, Warren Cousino 22, Dexter 41, went 2-3.) The Falcons allowed 246 points (18.9 points per game) last season. Groves has to replace a lot of proven experience defensively. "I think the faster these young guys get you know get ready to go and mature and it's not a lack of effort or trying or attitude or anything like that, it's a matter of like, the only way you get experience is that you get experience, you can't, we're playing at Wayne State (week one vs North Farmington) and you kind of want to acerate that growth but our biggest thing is as soon as our young guys get the experience to play and get that experience of playing varsity football I think the better off we're going to be as a program" Flaherty said. Groves should have a strong linebacking core. They have Damari White, Landon Lewis, and Nick Holcomb at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense is a question mark for Flaherty but there is some optimism when I talked to Flaherty. The Falcons have Sherman Christian, Dominic Cocroft, Dacio Mancotti, and Michah Jacobs coming back in the defensive secondary. They added a transfer to Beverly Hills from Texas in DJ Rice that is expected to make an impact in the defensive secondary as well. "DJ is a guy that moved up here from Texas, he's ready to have a breakout year" Flaherty said about is incoming corner back.
LINES: The Falcons has had very strong lines since Flaherty came to Beverly Hills. Both lines could be a major strength for Flaherty especially the offensive line. They have Felix Yessian, Colton Dann, Mills Covatta, Desmond Walgreen, Ezra Brown, Henry Roberts, Jacob Bloom, Noah Woods, Kameron Smith, James Sweeney, Darin Caza (powerlifter, baseball player,) Judah Scobie, and Malik Cipullio coming back. If the offensive line can give Whitley holes to run and create along with protecting Zelie and give him time. Groves could have that balance they have had in the last few years.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been very interesting to watch with the Falcons. There is Berkshire Middle School along with the Birmingham Patriots youth football program. Flaherty gets the kids that wants to come to Groves and develops them. "Trying to stay lock step at the youth level trying to cadre to Birmingham Public School kids with the Birmingham Patriots like we wanted our guys to go to Groves or Seaholm that's really what it is, it's a feeder program, not a renegade league, it's a feeder and the philosophy isn't so much winning the Youth Football Super Bowl trophy, that's great but it's trying to get those guys to keep playing football, the job of our youth coaches is to build a respect and love of the game, learn the game, learn the fundamentals but their number one goal is to get them to keep playing football that's our youth. We're fortunate with our middle school (Berkshire) that branch out there if some can't play for the Patriots that gets a solid look and I have one of my guys Brian Balridge helps bridge that gap between guys coming to Groves to make sure we filter them here, our middle school is fenced between Brother Rice and Country Day so we got to build a fence around our guys to keep them going to Groves so the lower levels for us, we all practice together, the varsity coaches will do the individual work with all three levels, we try to be hands on with our guys once, they are in the program we want to keep them in the program" Flaherty said. Flaherty coaches the Special Olympics program in which that has been a huge part to the football program and it teaches the players leadership. "Sports create an opportunity to express themselves, it's part of Groves, it makes me better as a coach, I love it" he said. Groves has a really interesting non-league with North Farmington at Wayne State, Berkley, the crossover, and Ferndale. It will be very interesting to see what the Falcons do this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Falcons have had a ton of success the last two years getting to the Division Two State Semifinals. Groves will need to rely on Jeremiah Whitley to carry them this season and if he struggles or gets hurt that could spell trouble. If Zelie can develop chemistry with his pass catchers and help create balance, then there is a chance with the Falcons offensively. The defense along with program strength are very interesting with Groves. The Falcons should be a postseason team in Division Two however the road in Division Two is very challenging. Groves could possibly see Birmingham Brother Rice or Orchard Lake St. Marys. Both games would be brutal matchups for the Falcons but if they get sent into Macomb County like they did last season, but they have to get to the postseason first. Groves should be in line for another consistent season, but they could also take a step back as well.
Groves Podcast-August 3rd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO3elV9E0iE&t=2891s
SEAHOLM MAPLES:
LAST SEASON: 5-5, 4-2 Blue. Lost 28-7 to Warren Cousino in Division Two First Round.
POINTS SCORED: 236 (23.6 ppg) (164 Blue)
POINTS ALLOWED: 233 (23.3 ppg) (133 Blue)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th at Groves
STRENGTHS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack
CONCERNS: HEALTH, Both Lines, Passing Attack especially when they have to abandon the veer.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brody Gable- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Brody Gable throws 20 touchdown passes this season.
INSIGHT: The Maples had an injury filled season despite all of the injuries they found a way to get to the postseason. Seaholm will look to have a bounce back season after falling 28-7 to Warren Cousino in the first round last season "Massive, I've never seen anything like it, I've been doing this a long time, maybe we've been just fortunate for many years, I've just never had that many guys out for the year with surgery ending injuries, it was bananas to me so, we kind of battled through it a little bit and towards the end at that playoff game, we kind of limped into that thing and I still thought we should have played better, we turned the ball over seven times, that's never going to help but the injury bug, it just really got us good last year" said Coach Jim DeWald.
OFFENSE: DeWald has done a great job with the program he's built since coming to Birmingham from Bloomfield Hills Andover putting in the veer offense which is a time possession offense which features a ton of misdirection and triple option. If the Maples can be more balanced with the passing game when they have to abandon the veer, then it doesn't force them to abandon the veer like what happened in their 28-7 first round postseason loss to Warren Cousino when they turned the football over seven times. Seaholm should be strong again offensively with the veer attack which scored 263 points (26.3 points per game) including three games where they scored 30 points or more in three of their wins last season. They have a really talented quarterback in Brody Gable coming back. Gable takes over from Patrick Hughes who has graduated. "Brody is a great kid, he's kind of a silent assassin, he doesn't talk a lot but he commands a good presence and a good competitor, last year he broke his ankle in a scrimmage and he was out for the whole year and he had to miss basketball season so I'm looking forward to seeing him on the field this year and see what he can do" said DeWald. Gable should have a proven deep threat in Will Forberg (A-Back-Slot Back) along with Jack Coyle also coming back at wide receiver. They also have Dylan Ruddy and Roen Lugar that should give them some depth. The Maples are known for their potent ground attack. They have Ben Swisher at running back (B-Back) coming back. They have along Wyatt Kaiser who could help ease the carries for Swisher, but he could be moved around on offense for DeWald. "Ben is a great kid, great running back, love him to death but in the fourth or fifth game, he was out for the year with shoulder surgery, we were kind of scrambling at that position, hopefully he stays healthy this year" DeWald said about Swisher. Health is the key offensively for Seaholm.
LINES: The lines are big question marks in talking to DeWald this season. The Maples have Harrison Bowers, Max Fairberry, Liam McDonald, and Ethan Joy coming back. They are high on Nate Munoz, Luke Henrich, Carter Dresdon, and Max Feheravy also coming back. This is a group that could have a strong upside despite having a ton of questions. Health and attrition are key for DeWald and Seaholm.
DEFENSE: The Maples really struggled with a lot of their defensive issues being injuries. They allowed 21 or more points in six games (Adams 45, Groves 21, Oak Park 21, Farmington 42, Troy Athens 28, and North Farmington 28, going 2-4.) Seaholm allowed 233 points (23.3 points per game) last season. "We try to stop the run first, that's our main priority and we're going to try to do that with our front and try to play tough tackle, be physical" he said about the defense. DeWald is very excited about several players that will make an impact in the back end of the defense. Seaholm has Aaron Brayman, Swisher, Coyle, and Forberg coming back in the defensive secondary. They have Wesley McPeak coming back. McPeak broke his arm in a scrimmage his sophomore year and then he torn his ACL with Birmingham United in lacrosse and had to get surgery, but he is coming back at linebacker. If the Maples can get a clean bill of health in this area, they should be fine.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength is something to watch with the Maples. They have one of the best facilities in the State thanks in big part to Athletic Director Aaron Frank. There is Berkshire Middle School and the Birmingham Patriots youth football program that will send kids to Seaholm. DeWald gets the kids that want to come to Seaholm, and they do the best they can to develop them. The Maples have a tough non-league which has Milford in Ann Arbor, the crossover, along with Royal Oak, and a trip to Sweinhart to play Utica in week nine. Seaholm is more than capable with the experience they have coming back to have a deep postseason run but staying healthy is the key going forward.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Maples have the veer offense to keep them in games. There are warning signs if they trail and have to abandon the veer, that could be very problematic. It's a tough schedule for Seaholm especially the non-league. Program strength is something to watch with the Maples. Seaholm should be a postseason team, but the warning signs are there. As long as they stay healthy, they'll be in the hunt.
Seaholm Podcast-July 13th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg5U4VBN7zk
WATERFORD MOTT CORSAIRS:
LAST SEASON: 5-5 (5-3 Lakes Valley Conference) Lost 51-15 to Midland Dow in Division Two First Round
POINTS SCORED: 317 (31.7 ppg) (283 LVC)
POINTS ALLOWED: 241 (24.1 ppg) (137 LVC)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th vs Oak Park
STRENGTHS: Proven Pass Catchers
CONCERNS: Quarterback, Rushing Attack, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Tori Robinson- Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Juvone Stovall has a 1,000-yard rushing season.
INSIGHT: The Corsairs made their return in the OAA after leaving for the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (then the Lakes Valley Conference) in 2008. Coach Tra'Jan Seay is in his third conference in three years as a coach. "It's a challenge as a coach and it's exciting going into last year obviously coming out of the Catholic League, a league that I coached and played in. I went into the LVC and honestly, I've never been in, played against, and coached against. The LVC is a unique conference, you literally see a different offense every single week from RPO (run-pass-option) to five wide, to up tempo with Milford to power I with Walled Lake Western, to multiple Wing T's, single wings, so it's a lot of different offenses you see so it challenges you as a coach but I'm excited to go to the OAA, a league I played in high school, a league I coached in my first year coaching ever and then just some more familiar faces, familiar coaches that I know that I've coached against in other aspects" Seay said about the competition of the Lakes Valley Conference last season and the excitement of coming back to the OAA. The Corsairs returned to the postseason where they had a very disappointing 51-15 loss to Midland Dow at Midland Community Stadium in the first-round in their final year in the Lakes Valley Conference last season. "We started that game hot, we caused a fumble on the second play of the game and scored, and we got a three and out and we couldn't capitalize on the next drive and then we gave them the ball back and we fumbled and they were just able to flip the momentum and they just got it going after we fumbled the ball but if we score coming off that three and out that game is a little different, it's 14-0 with all the momentum in our hands versus giving them all the momentum at home" Seay said. Seay talked about the ride to Midland and what they went through before that game. "We don't make a lot of excuses, but it was tough, two hours, we had to leave school early, we had to change our pregame routine, shout out to Northwood. Northwood allowed us to stop in and do our pregame stuff but it was different, I'm not going to lie for me with our first playoff game, I'm getting advice from everywhere, from my guys at St. Marys, from my guys at Brother Rice, initially we wanted to leave after school and even my principal said absolutely not like y'all need to leave right at lunch so it was just different, I don't think it was why we lost the game like I said we were in the lead to start the game but we couldn't close the door but it was different, we would do things different as travel goes but that's not why we lost that is for sure" Seay said.
OFFENSE: Waterford Mott was very efficient offensively in 2025. The Corsairs scored 113 points (12.5 points per game) which was the second fewest to Waterford Kettering in the Lakes Valley Conference in 2024 under then Coach Chris Fahr, but when Seay got to Waterford things changed for the better. They scored 35 or more points four times (Waterford Kettering 45, South Lyon East 38, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western 42, all wins.) Waterford Mott scored 317 points (31.7 points per game) which was the fourth best in the Lakes Valley Conference last season. Seay mentioned that the Corsairs have a very young but very athletic team heading into this season. "This team is very different than last year, I knew we had a senior led team, we had some big time players go, we sent ten guys to college out of our 20 seniors, this year we are really young, the crazy part is I would tell you, I think we're just more talented it's just whenever this talent matures is going to be the trick, we're very talented, we have speed, we have size, we have playmakers, it's just outside of Tori we don't have like I know we're going to this guy on third down so it's going to be fun figuring out who we are, figuring it out in a new conference so it's going to be fun but we're very young, and super talented, it's just as a coaching staff we have to mature this talent a little faster than we than we probably want too" Seay said. They have a promising Division One prospect in Tori Robinson at wide receiver and defensive back coming back. Robinson has had a very strong offseason for the Corsairs on both sides of the football. Waterford Mott has a quarterback competition after Geno Sheets graduated between three guys in Rashard Bowens, Darrius Bracey, and William Hubbard. Bowens transferred to Waterford Mott from Southfield Arts and Tech this offseason. He looks to be ahead at the moment, but Hubbard and Bracey aren't too far behind. Seay said that it's going to be a tough decision to see who is under center in Waterford Mott's week one game against Troy Athens. "It's fun right now, it's tough we're giving them all their reps, we're just letting the apples fall where they may, but we don't have a clear-cut starter" Seay said about the quarterback battle. Whoever the quarterback is will have proven pass catchers in Robinson, Julian White, Eric McFarland, Kaden Burrell, Gerald Campbell, Logan Farnum, Nicko Bracali, Trelle Sellers, Christian Cohill, Samarion Sullivan, and Alex Allen at wide receiver coming back for Seay. The Corsairs have some questions at running back but Seay has options. Juvone Stovall could be a player to watch at running back along with Cameron Bailey who could split some carries. Seay is very high on Stovall and that he had him up on varsity as a freshman last season could help them in big time.
DEFENSE: The Corsairs are very athletic and talented defensively. They made strides under Seay in 2025. Waterford Mott allowed 178 points total (19.7 points per game) in 2024 under Fahr. The Corsairs allowed 20 points or more in all but two games (Walled Lake Central, Waterford Kettering, both wins) but there were two games Waterford Mott allowed 50 points or more (Midland Dow 51, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 53, both losses.) The Corsairs allowed 241 points (24.1 points per game) which was third best overall in the Lakes Valley Conference but second in league play allowing 137 points (17.1 points per game) last season. Waterford Mott should be much improved defensively with their athleticism, but they are very young according to Seay. The Corsairs have Cameron Steward, Laden Gaeth, Blake Jennings, and Aciano Paramo at linebacker coming back. Seay said there will be several wide receivers that will play in the back end of the defense like Christian Hill, McFarland, Burrell, Campbell, Robinson, and Farnum in the defensive secondary coming back. McFarland transferred to Waterford Mott from Walled Lake Central this offseason. The Corsairs have JJ Hovey handling the kicking duties.
LINES: The lines especially the offensive line are very young and inexperienced. Seay mentioned that the lines will be the key for Waterford Mott to having a strong year. They don't have a senior on both lines this season. The Corsairs have Aidyn Cummings, Adrian Thompson, Beckett Letzke, Cal Lollis, Cruz Paramo, Julian Velazquez, Madden Clement, Traelen White, and Cayden Rusher coming back.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength is very interesting with Waterford Mott. They have very strong youth levels (Junior Corsairs) and with Mason and Pierce Middle Schools but there are some kids that are on the Junior Corsairs along with Mason and Pierce that go to Waterford Kettering as well. "It's going well, we're building it up, you know we have our youth programs, Mason and Pierce funneling the kids that should play football over here, getting them to come back and play football, we have the Youth Corsairs that feeds into both Waterford schools bringing the energy and keeping the energy that we inherited from Coach Farr, just keeping that up and bringing that kind of swagger and style to it. Mott is a very unique place, last year I learned that like Waterford they get behind you, even when we went to the playoffs we have a rivalry with crosstown rival Kettering but we had a lot of support from them and then seeing the environment for the Mott/Kettering backyard battle was crazy, I told my old AD (Shayne Hines-Clarkston) our first State Championship at (Orchard Lake) St. Marys was best overall memory, the home games at Mott they are very unique to see, I love the Waterford community, they have great fans, a great community, we got great support at the school, from the youth levels and in the city of Waterford athletics whether it's Mott or Kettering" Seay said. The non-league schedule is very interesting with Troy Athens, Troy, Waterford Kettering, and Avondale. The Corsairs should be competitive but there are questions elsewhere that Seay needs to address heading into the season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Corsairs should be very competitive in their first year back in the OAA. They have the speed and athleticism however the lines and quarterback are big question marks along with program strength. Waterford Mott's competition level should be better after what happened against Midland Dow last season. Waterford Mott should be a postseason team this season. Seay will have this team better prepared if they have to head to Midland in the postseason, but they are in Division Three which means probably a future showdown with Waterford Kettering, Fenton, or Flushing look very possible.
Waterford Mott Podcast-July 20th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqhonMRwZs
OAK PARK KNIGHTS:
LAST SEASON: 4-5, 3-3 Blue. Didn't Make Postseason
POINTS SCORED: 214 (23.7 ppg) (150 Blue)
POINTS ALLOWED: 148 (16.4 ppg) (114 Blue)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 4th vs Waterford Kettering
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Quarterback, Pass Catchers, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Depth, Both Lines, Program Strength, Consistency
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Muhammed El-Mubarak- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Knights make the postseason.
INSIGHT: What is next for the Knights??? 2025 was a year of what ifs. They had everything lined up to get back into the postseason for the first time since 2020 when they were one win away from their first ever appearance to Ford Field but fell 26-20 in overtime to Warren DeLaSalle in the Division Two State Semifinals. The Knights are 13-32 since that loss to the Pilots. Oak Park has been improving the last five years despite the record. They are close to getting back to where they want to be. They lost four games by a combined eight points (Farmington 17-12, Seaholm 24-21, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 20-19, Lake Orion 14-13) which kept them out of the postseason. There is optimism along with some questions heading into this season with the Knights. Oak Park lost a ton of experience on both lines, but the skill players are coming back and could be the big reason the Knights make it back to the postseason for the first time since that loss to Warren DeLaSalle.
OFFENSE: The Knights have to be more consistent offensively if they want to achieve their goals and make the postseason this season. Oak Park scored 30 points or more four times (Bloomfield Hills 34, Troy 32, Berkley 32, Troy Athens 44, all wins.) There were times that the offense was very inconsistent. The Knights scored 13 points or fewer in three games (North Farmington six, Farmington 12, Lake Orion 13, all losses.) Oak Park scored 214 points (23.7 points per game) last season. The Knights have a ton of proven skill players coming back but staying healthy is very critical this season. They have a dual threat in four-year starter Muhammed El-Mubarak at quarterback coming back for Coach Greg Carter. He has really improved in his three years as a leader and also at quarterback. The passing attack should be very strong with the Knights RPO offense (run-pass-option.) El-Mubarak should have proven pass catchers in Aaden Walton, Alex Patterson, Assad Hamad, Brice Gray, Christian Dubose, Martall Ryan, Micah Gainer, Jason Hollingshed, Jeremiah Johnson, Justen McReynolds, Kaiden Taylor, Farrell Hall, and Orlando Fields coming back at wide receiver. The rushing attack should be very strong and create balance between the run and pass. They have Rayvon King and Ken Selmon coming back to form a one-two punch. King and Selmon could also play defense as well.
DEFENSE: The Knights were very inconsistent in 2025 defensively. Oak Park held Troy and Berkley to a combined seven points (both wins.) They allowed 14 or more points in seven of their nine games. The Knights allowed 148 points (16.4 points per game) which was the fifth best defense in the OAA last season. Oak Park should have a really strong defense this season for Carter who has been a defensive specialist since arriving to Oak Park. They have Ivaan Burrow, Marlon Harris, and Syncere Barnes at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense should be strong this season. The Knights have Taylor, DuBose, and Tamaj Sykes along with several wide receivers in the defensive secondary coming back.
LINES: Oak Park has some questions with depth and attrition on both lines. The Knights have Raychard White, Jaedan Randolph, Terreon Taylor, Kenneth Anderson, and Braylin Dickerson coming back. Oak Park's goals and postseason dreams could be determined up front.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: There are questions with depth and program strength with the Knights. It will be very interesting to see how program strength goes with Oak Park and their youth, middle school, and junior varsity levels. Program strength has been a major concern with the Knights despite their junior varsity program going 7-2 last season. Oak Park has a very challenging non-league which Carter traditionally has. They have Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Waterford Kettering, the crossover, and Adams. Oak Park is in Division Three for the postseason which would set them up for a postseason run if they can get there but they'll probably have to deal with Warren DeLaSalle, Detroit Martin Luther King, or Harper Woods. It will be very interesting to see what happens with the Knights heading into the season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Knights have the skill players to be very competitive. Both lines will be the test for Oak Park. The schedule is very interesting especially their non-league. The Knights should be a postseason team, but program strength is another big concern. The long-term outlook for Oak Park looks very concerning.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS:
LAST SEASON: 1-8, 0-4 White. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 98 (10.8 ppg) (40 White)
POINTS ALLOWED: 282 (31.3 ppg) (127 White)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 4th vs Pontiac
STRENGTHS: Wide Receivers, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Both Lines, Transition Period, Program Strength, Schedule
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Vincent Wesley- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Warriors will win one game this season.
INSIGHT: The Warriors have been at a crossroads as a program. They haven't been the same program after winning the Division One State Championship in 2023 when Aaron Marshall coached the program (Birmingham Brother Rice.) (3-15 since that game) Southfield Arts and Tech named Antwon Robinson, a former player and assistant principal at Southfield Arts and Tech their new football coach. Robinson takes over for Keith McKenzie. He left for Farmington to become their defensive coordinator for new coach Kason Dickerson and is the school's third coach in four years. The Warriors have a ton of questions with the majority of their program being seniors (23) that have to go through yet another transition period especially the seniors who will have their third coach in four years this season.
DEFENSE: It was a rough 2025 defensively for the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech really struggled keeping opponents off the field and allowing points. They allowed zero points against Pontiac and ten points against Rochester (they went 1-1.) The Warriors allowed 35 points or more seven times (Harper Woods 34, Chippewa Valley 35, West Bloomfield 37) including allowing 40 points or more four times (East Kentwood 43, Stoney Creek 40, Lowell 40, Groves 43.) Southfield Arts and Tech allowed 282 points (31.3 points per game) which was the fourth worst defense in the OAA last season. Robinson is a defensive expert which should help things. The Warriors have Shalamar Smith, Carson Coburn, Corteze Peterson, Brayden Bell, Ruhlon Harris, and Amir Phillips at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense should be very strong, battle tested, and experienced. They have Jordan Davis, Paul Lewis, Ayden Simpson, Darus Rolack, Keith Findley, Travis Baier, and Fredrick Gordon coming back in the defensive secondary. Southfield Arts and Tech has experience but a new coach as well with Robinson taking over. It could be very interesting to see with the Warriors defensively.
OFFENSE: The Warriors had it very rough offensively in 2025. The RPO (run-pass-option) Southfield Arts and Tech runs needs to be on the field and play time possession football. They had six games they scored eight points or fewer (East Kentwood eight, Lowell eight, West Bloomfield zero, Harper Woods zero, Chippewa Valley six, Rochester zero) but scored 36 points in a 36-0 win over Pontiac in week eight. The Warriors scored 98 points (10.8 points per game) was the fifth worst in the OAA last season. Robinson has a dual threat in Vincent Wesley at quarterback coming back. He was solid for McKenzie despite struggling at times. Wesley should have proven pass catchers in Malcolm Pryor, Tobi Salako, Trey'von Williams, Omari Lewis, Keith Findley, Kamari Hudgins, Jvaughnty Richmond, Bryce Finch, Abobacar Diallo, Avery Adams, and Demetrus Williams at wide receiver and Darrell Chancellor at tight end coming back. The Warriors don't usually like to run the football. They have Rylee Rucker and Michael Hall at running back coming back. Rucker and Hall could form a one-two combination which could give Robinson options and balance.
LINES: The lines are going to be extremely critical for Robinson. Southfield Arts and Tech have had trouble on both lines going back to when they were Southfield and Southfield-Lathrup before they merged into Southfield Arts and Tech. They have experience and have been battle tested which helps. The Warriors have Clene Thompson, Chase Echols, Omari Bland, Jason Davis, Jason Cato, DeShawn DeGraffenreid, and Ace Williams coming back on both lines.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: The program is built for the future with the majority of their program being underclassmen. Program strength is a serious concern for Robinson especially the youth and the middle school levels. There is the Southfield Falcons youth football program, but not all the kids are from Southfield and kids who play at their middle school have options to go for high school besides Southfield, some go to Groves, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake St. Marys, or even into Wayne County. McKenzie had a really hard time keeping trying to keep kids in Southfield when he was coaching the Warriors last season. Robinson will need to keep student-athletes from leaving Southfield in the middle school levels, that will be the key as he tries to rebuild the program. The non-league is brutal which has East Kentwood, Pontiac, the crossover, and Chippewa Valley. It could be a long year for the Warriors and Robinson with the transition period, the schedule, and program development.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Warriors have a very tough schedule with proven powerhouses along with being in the Blue. Southfield Arts and Tech have questions everywhere. Robinson will have his hands full rebuilding the program and navigating through this tough schedule. It will be very interesting to see how the Warriors handles things this season.
GOLD
Gold/Future Members Preview Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBRIx19lgsE
COACHES POLL:
1. Ferndale
2. Berkley
3. Royal Oak
4. Waterford Kettering
5. Avondale
6. Pontiac
STORYLINES:
The Gold is a very interesting division. No teams made the postseason going 16-40 last season with Ferndale getting five wins along with Royal Oak and Berkley getting four wins. Avondale, Pontiac, and Waterford Kettering went 3-24 combined last season. Avondale, Berkley, and Waterford Kettering have new coaches. Ferndale has a lot of talent coming back and has been considered a sleeper in the OAA. Royal Oak has to replace their quarterback but should be solid. Avondale has a new coach and a ton of questions. Waterford Kettering has a new coach and a new direction. Berkley has a new coach and a ton of questions. Pontiac has been building their program and have seem to be getting on track this season. This should be a very interesting division this season.
Is Isiah Gourdine the answer at Avondale??? The Yellow Jackets had a rough year going 1-8 last season. Avondale will look to have a bounce back season with Gourdine as their third coach in three years. Is he the answer the Yellow Jackets are looking for???
Can Ferndale respond after missing the postseason??? The Eagles missed the postseason after three tough losses. Ferndale looks to take the next step after a very disappointing season. Coach Donovan Jackson will look to have a bounce back year as the players will be as well heading into this season.
Can Pontiac make the postseason??? The Phoenix have some questions with depth, but they are getting better as a program. Coach Wendell Jefferson has this program heading in the right direction. If Pontiac can win three or four games is the postseason possible???
How will Berkley's offense look like??? The Bears have a new coach but a ton of questions. Coach Dan Earls is known for offense. Berkley was solid offensively last season but there will be different looks with Earls, and we don't know how the defense will look with the Bears. A lot of questions to watch with Berkley.
Can Royal Oak take the next step??? The Ravens won four games last season but had tough losses to Berkley and Clawson which took them out of the postseason. Royal Oak has a ton of questions coming into the season so what will the season look like for the Ravens this season???
Can Waterford Kettering make the postseason??? The Captains have a new coach that is very familiar with the OAA in Bob Meyer. Meyer has to turn the program around and bring belief to a program that has really struggled. Waterford Kettering has the talent to be a postseason team, but they have to find that belief that they can do it.
TOP FIVE GAMES:
Waterford Kettering at Avondale: Bob Meyer returns to Auburn Hills to go against his former school.
Ferndale at Avondale: This game could decide the Gold.
Berkley at Royal Oak: Bears took back the Battle of Woodward Street sign, could the Ravens get it back???
Waterford Kettering at Waterford Mott: The classic Saturday tradition is back in the OAA, the Beef Bowl.
Royal Oak at Avondale: Yellow Jackets want to forget the shocking 35-6 loss to the Ravens last season.
SAFEST SCHEDULE: Waterford Kettering: With a new league and a new coach present itself a great opportunity to make some noise. The Captains have Livonia Clarenceville and Oak Park which both are road games and winnable games. They also have Macomb L'Anse Creuse which is also winnable along with their rivalry game with Waterford Mott as well but with Coach Bob Meyer he can get a program turned around really quickly and this is the most opportune time for Waterford Kettering to make some serious noise.
TOUGH SCHEDULE: Ferndale: The schedule was the big reason the Eagles didn't make the postseason despite winning five games and the Gold last season. Ferndale has Madison Heights Lamphere, Harper Woods, and Groves which are going to be tough non-league games. The Eagles fell in double overtime to the Rams, a bad loss to Troy the following week, and the loss to River Rouge in week eight were very instrumental in costing them their postseason dreams last season. If Coach Donovan Jackson wants to make the postseason, he has to win at least one of these non-league games if Ferndale wants to make it back to the postseason.
TEAM THAT'S IN TROUBLE: Berkley: A new coach, new system, and a transition period during the season is not a good recipe for success. Coach Dan Earls talks about accountability. The first three weeks of the season is brutal with Livonia Franklin and Ferndale both on the road and then Groves comes to Hurley Field in week two. The rest of the schedule looks winnable but when you're going through a transition period it's not going to be an easy road for Berkley especially early in the season.
FERNDALE EAGLES:
LAST SEASON: 5-4, 4-0 Gold. Didn't Make Postseason
POINTS SCORED: 231 (25.6 ppg) (136 Gold)
POINTS ALLOWED: 154 (17.1 ppg) (34 Gold)
MAKE OR BREAK: August 27th vs Madison Heights Lamphere
STRENGTHS: Proven Experience, Determination
CONCERNS: Program Strength, Both Lines, Depth
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Gavin James- Offensive/Defensive Lineman.
BOLD STATEMENT: Eagles will win at least one game in the postseason.
INSIGHT: The Eagles had a ton of what ifs in 2025. They were solid on both sides of the football when it came to points scored and points allowed in Coach Donovan Jackson's first season at Ferndale. Jackson did admit he made mistakes in his first year as the coach. The Eagles had a chance to make the postseason but that had some really tough losses that kept them out of the postseason. Ferndale won the Gold and improved however they did not get a quality win, and they had two really bad losses to Troy (24-12, week two) and River Rouge (15-12, week eight) that kept them out of the postseason. "It was a tough year on us, we didn't make the playoffs, I think the boys battled, we battled through a lot of adversity with it being my first year as a head football coach but I think we definitely grew from that, it was a beauty and storm in all of that, winning coach of the year, winning the OAA Gold so there were some bright spots," said Jackson. Ferndale has a very tough schedule which included Harper Woods and River Rouge and with a young program that is tough. "We played Harper Woods and River Rouge back-to-back which kept us out of the playoffs. We needed one of those victories to get into the playoffs. We got better as the season went along but just the season didn't go the way we wanted too" Jackson said. Ferndale is a young program who recently has been improving academically getting their team GPA (grade point average) from a 1.8 to a 2.7 which is a great sign for a program that is battle tested and has a lot of motivation coming back after last season. "That's one of our biggest motivators but always I tell my players that we always think about the motivation from the aspect of like I always talk to them like who helps you, how did you get that far in life, who gets those clothes from you, who takes you to school, who takes care of you so our biggest motivator is always going to be God, our family and then football so I make sure that they put their family first as a motivator, God as a motivator and then football motivates us and then we talk about football, what motivates us is not going to the playoffs last year and not accomplishing some of our goals so that's kind of ,some of the that motivate us, God, Family, and football" Jackson said. The Eagles are in Division Two for the postseason because Ferndale has a Co-Op program with Ferndale University where the MHSAA combines Ferndale and Ferndale University's enrollment which is the reason they are in Division Two and not in Division Four where both schools would have been at with their enrollment.
OFFENSE: The Eagles were solid offensively in 2025 with their RPO offense (run-pass-option.) They scored 31 points or more in four games (Pontiac, Royal Oak, Avondale, and Detroit Renaissance, all wins.) Ferndale scored 231 points (25.6 points per game) last season. They struggled in their first two games which were losses to Madison Heights Lamphere (17-14 in double overtime), Troy (24-12), and against River Rouge (15-12), and Harper Woods (44-8) where they scored 20 points total against the Panthers and the Pioneers respectively which were also losses. There is a lot of excitement offensively, but Jackson likes to keep things quiet. "Yeah, there is a lot of excitement, but I rather not want to talk too much but we're looking to capitalize on a lot of things this year" Jackson said. Ferndale has a ton of proven skill players that can make some noise. Jackson is very high on Carl Tramble. Tramble is a proven athlete that can play anywhere on the field along with Elyonate London, who like Tramble can play anywhere as well on both sides of the football. The Eagles will have a new quarterback in Noah Stallworth taking over at quarterback. Stallworth came to Ferndale from River Rouge this offseason. He should make an impact immediately for the Eagles with his arm and playmaking ability as a dual threat quarterback. Stallworth should have proven pass catchers in Jaylen Kyjat, Kaden Jackson, Devin Riser, Houston Holley, Roosevelt Harris, Mareon Taylor, Markel Carter, Xander Vinyard, and London at wide receiver coming back. The rushing attack should be strong for Ferndale. They have Antione Tatum, Lamar Davis, and Grant Fernandez at running back coming back but Tramble and London could get some carries as well.
DEFENSE: The Eagles were solid defensively in 2025. Jackson has a defensive mind from his coaching days at Detroit Cass Tech. Ferndale held six opponents to 17 points or less which gave them a chance to be in every game and allowed six or fewer points in two games (Avondale zero, Pontiac six, both wins.) The Eagles allowed 20 points or more in three games. (Harper Woods 44, Troy 24, Detroit Renaissance 20, went 1-2.) Ferndale allowed 154 points (17.1 points per game) last season. They should have proven experience with a ton of motivation. Ferndale has Amyre Fuller at linebacker coming back but it's possible that Fernandez or London could play linebacker as well. The back end of the defense should be solid and motivated for the Eagles. Ferndale has Donnovan Edwards, Jaylen Gause, Joseph Lee, Vinyard, London, and Tramble in the defensive secondary coming back. Ferndale could be a team that could surprise some people this season on this side of the football.
LINES: The lines are question marks for Jackson as will be attrition and depth on the lines. The Eagles have Gavin James, Aiden Wade, Calvin Martin, Corry Stewart, David Bell, DeQuan Straughter, Kameron Foster, Sean Jones, and Michael DeFay coming back. Ferndale should be one of those lines to watch this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been very interesting with the Eagles and rising according to Jackson. Ferndale has two feeder programs that Jackson relies on. There is Ferndale Middle School where they get kids, but Jackson has been high on the youth levels in the Ferndale area like he mentioned on the podcast in 2025 where he started a youth football program and has blossomed ever since. "So the youth program has been one of the greatest things that happened to our community just because you look at every other community in Oakland County they have a youth football team and that's why those teams are so successful, you look at Birmingham they have the Birmingham Patriots, you look at Royal Oak, they have the Royal Oak Titans, you look at Troy they have the Cowboys, Berkley has the Steelers, Ferndale has never had a team so the majority of our kids were coming into middle school and they were just learning how to play football now we got an opportunity at a pipeline of kids that are starting playing football at eight years old so now we kind of even the scale across the State so now we're like a program in the next year or two that we're going to be a program that can lineup with any team across the State because we got guys playing football at a much younger age and learning the basics at a much younger age so that's huge, our middle school program is doing well, that's being developed as well. We've been developing a whole holistic of Ferndale, we're looking to turn Ferndale into a community of football" he said. Jackson held a press conference in February of 2025 talking to C&G Newspapers about the youth football program. "I'm a 110 percent committed to the youth program, I don't want to focus on varsity, I love mentoring the youth, I'm a servant of this community" Jackson said to C&G Newspapers in February. He went more in depth about program strength on the podcast last season. "I'm actually from this community, it's a small community called Royal Oak Township which is combined with Ferndale so all Royal Oak kids go to Ferndale Public Schools so I grew up here, it wasn't a lot of opportunity for kids coming out of Royal Oak Township and that's where I am so we went out and I'm the director at the parks and recreation in Royal Oak Township so I deal with the youth a lot in our community and one thing I noticed is that our kids don't have a fair opportunity, we're one of the only cities that don't have a youth football team. What opened my eyes was that we went up to Rockford in week one with Cass Tech (Jackson was an assistant before coming to Ferndale) and I seen all the kids from Rockford's youth football team at the game and it really opened my eyes and that's something that I want to do, something that people in my community stakeholders wanted to do so we went ahead and invested and created a new football team here at Ferndale that will hopefully be the pipeline to Ferndale High School and now we can create that State Championship culture for years to come" Jackson said on last season's podcast. The Eagles have a tough non-league which includes Madison Heights Lamphere, Harper Woods, the crossover, and Groves. The Eagles should be in line for a much better year this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Eagles should be a postseason team after missing out last season. This is a motivated group. Ferndale should be a very good team and is favored in the Gold. Program strength is something to watch with the Eagles as they are on the rise in that area. They have the athletes it's just putting it together.
Ferndale Podcast-August 3rd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOelV9E0iE&t=2891s
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS:
LAST SEASON: 1-8, 1-3 Gold. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 97 (10.7 ppg) (48 Gold)
POINTS ALLOWED: 326 (36.2 ppg) (109 Gold)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 25th at Ferndale
STRENGTHS: Linebackers, Quarterback
CONCERNS: Depth, Both Lines, Rushing Attack, Program Strength, Transition Period
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brock Taylor- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Brock Taylor will throw for 2,000 yards this season.
INSIGHT: 2025 was a year to forget for the Yellow Jackets and their fanbase. Avondale made historic lows in points scored and points allowed with some of them since 1969. They had a very tough non-conference schedule which included long road trips to Cedar Springs and Carleton Airport which were tough games which the schedule wasn't done under Coach Jim Carlisle but formerly then Coach Bob Meyer put the schedule together. The Yellow Jackets made a coaching change in Coach Isiah Gourdine taking over the program for Carlisle. Carlisle really struggled putting his program in place in Auburn Hills. Gourdine is the program's third coach in three years and sixth coach in the last 11 years. He will be tasked in turning around a very proud program that really stepped back last season.
OFFENSE: The Yellow Jackets ran two completely different offenses the last two years. They ran the Wing T offense under Meyer (Waterford Kettering) and the spread offense under Carlisle last season. Gourdine brings in a new offense to Auburn Hills (RPO-run pass-option) which is the third in three years for some of his new players. Avondale scored eight points or fewer in six games (Cedar Springs seven, Seaholm six, Macomb Lutheran North seven, Ferndale zero, Royal Oak six, Berkley eight, all losses.) The Yellow Jackets scored 97 points (10.7 points per game) which was the fourth worst offense in the OAA last season and their lowest number of points scored since 1972 (12 total points) There were six other teams in Avondale history had scored least points than they did last season. They took a huge blow with their two-year starting running back Bryan Collins transferred from Avondale to Orchard Lake St. Marys this offseason. There are a lot of questions at running back for Gourdine this season. Avondale should have a potent passing attack with Brock Taylor at quarterback coming back. He had his moments despite struggling last season. Taylor should have proven pass catchers in AJ Hardy, Tristian DeVealt, Kartyr Grigsby, Ryan Eichbrecht, Zakari Rodriguez, Adriel Anthony, Ibraham Boukara, Jordan Simpson, Caleb Watkins at wide receiver and Greg Chambers at tight end coming back. They have DMichael Whittaker on the roster. He could be a player to watch in the future at quarterback for the Yellow Jackets. They will need to find a running back after losing Collins this offseason as mentioned.
LINES: The lines are going to be very critical for Gourdine as he tries to get the Yellow Jackets back on track. Avondale has proven experience in Alfonso Fernandez, Brendan McMeekan, Robert Dale, Nylan Burnell, Colton Bourdage, Davon Windham, DeAndre Nelson, Erik Melchor, Evan Kulhanek, Fernando Elias, Isreal Abraham, Marco Tremonti, Sawyer Damron, Kason Shaw, John Hart, and Vance Flores coming back. If the lines can stay healthy then the Yellow Jackets can be a team to watch out for.
DEFENSE: Gourdine brings a new defensive scheme to Auburn Hills in which it's going to be the third system in three years for a few of the players. The Yellow Jackets were really bad defensively allowing 27 points or more in eight games and 42 or more in half of those games. (Cedar Springs 57, Seaholm 44, Macomb Lutheran North 50, Groves 42.) Avondale allowed 326 points (36.2 points per game) which was the third worst defense in the OAA last season and the most points they allowed since they went 0-9 allowing 317 points in 2007. The Yellow Jackets should be much improved defensively this season. They have DeShawn Brown, Kyre Alexander, Sebestian Ivezaj, Jayden Hammis, Derek Diaz, Syrajj Jordan, and Jaelon Echols coming back at linebacker. The back end of the defense should be strong. Avondale has Damon Holland, LaVaren Gaddis, Jayden Hayes, JaShawn Simmons, and Richard Cox in the defensive secondary coming back.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength is a serious concern and something to watch. Coaching stability is the other concern as well with Gourdine being the third coach in four years. He needs to put his stamp on the program and reach out to the youth level coaches and the middle school levels. Avondale always has athletes along with a strong middle school program at Avondale Middle School and Junior Varsity program. The youth levels will be something to watch. They have a very tough non-league which includes Walled Lake Northern, Waterford Mott, the crossover, and Swartz Creek. The Yellow Jackets have a lot to address if they want to be a postseason team this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Yellow Jackets have a new coach and a new system with their sixth coach in 11 years. Avondale will look to have a bounce back after going 1-8 last season. Gourdine will have his hands full with a tough non-league schedule. Program strength will be something to watch with the Yellow Jackets. If things go right this should be a postseason team even without Collins.
WATERFORD KETTERING CAPTAINS:
LAST SEASON: 1-8, 0-8 Lakes Valley Conference. Didn't Make Postseason
POINTS SCORED 85 (9.4 ppg) (71 LVC)
POINTS ALLOWED 407 (45.2 ppg) (407 LVC)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 11th vs Royal Oak
STRENGTHS: Proven Pass Catchers
CONCERNS: Defense, Transition Period, Program Strength, Changing a Culture.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Colton Holland-Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
BOLD STATEMENT: Captains will make the postseason.
INSIGHT: The Captains return to the OAA for the first time since 2008 They have a new coach, a new system, and a new direction. Waterford Kettering has their third coach in one season. They named Coach Bob Meyer their head coach in February. Meyer is a Captain alumni taking over the program and coached at Walled Lake Central, Livonia Clarenceville, and Avondale. "I enjoyed my year off of coaching but Kettering called me, I had to look at my wife and what do people do in September because in my 57 years, September has always been used, I've aways been unavailable, we went to Germany and Octoberfest and had a great time, I found out a lot of great things being retired but I also missed the boys and being with my staff, you know fantasy football can take you so far so when Kettering called it was an easy decision to make" said Meyer. Meyer was very hesitant to come back into coaching at first enjoying retirement, but Waterford Kettering Athletic Director Allison Satourious was really persistent, and it took a back and forth with his wife, but he decided to come back to coach the program. Meyer has a daunting task in turning the Captains around. Meyer mentioned that it is going to take a lot of work and his time to be a giver. There is going a lot of sacrifice to get this right for the Captains. "For the seniors I will be their fourth coach in four years, this is a program that needs stability, we're going to be here and we're going to do this right," said Meyer.
OFFENSE: Meyer is known for the Wing T offense. The Wing T is a misdirection offense that is centered around time possession and run heavy. No one knows where the football is going. It was really successful for Meyer when he was at Walled Lake Central, Livonia Clarenceville, and Avondale. The Wing T offense limits how much time the defense is on the field with time possession football which kills the clock. "The Wing T is the right offense to run in high school football and you can take Wing T and dissect it down and be the true Wing T, Delaware style and you can bring from spread concepts to the Wing T as well, there's a lot of great coaches out there, Chris Colvert at Livonia Franklin there running the RPO (Run-Pass-Option) with Wing T concepts and that's what we're going to do because we're going to control the clock, it's going to allow us to use our undersized lineman successfully against a larger defense and let our kids show athleticism in space so that's going to be our base" said Meyer. Waterford Kettering had four games where they scored eight points or fewer and scored 85 points (9.4 points per game) which was the worst in the Lakes Valley Conference last season. "We have a lot to prove, a lot to learn" Meyer said at Media Day. Meyer has four quarterbacks to choose from, but he will go with Luke Romzek at quarterback. Romzek brings the most experience for Meyer. Romzek will have proven pass catchers in Sawyer Dubs, Ayden Henderson, Jaden Ruhukya, JaCovy Dyson, Orlando Sanchez, and Zain Hadded at wide receiver along with Jake Buczek at tight end coming back. The rushing attack is very critical in a Wing T offense as he will have Kamarion Thomas and Braylon Downey coming back.
LINES: In any offense and especially the Wing T offense and bringing pressure to quarterbacks, line play is extremely important. Meyer will have a ton of proven experience on both lines of the football this season, but mental mindset will be the key. They have Hayden Ramirez, Kyle Casey, and Tyler Murray coming back. Meyer will need both lines to step up especially with the changes on offense with Jack Buczek, James Crump, Logan Bigelow, and Max Harmon coming back.
DEFENSE: The Captains had it very rough defensively in 2025 and historically bad. They allowed 45 points or more in eight of nine games. (Zero vs Livonia Clarenceville won 14-0.) Waterford Kettering allowed 407 points (45.2 points per game) which is the worst in the Lakes Valley Conference and worst in school history last season. Meyer's Wing T offense is known to keep the defense off the field and play time possession football. "It's going to be assignment football, there is going to be a physically that they are going to be known for, it's attention to detail and we got to elevate our game" Meyer said but it's going to be assignment football and that he needs all his players to be successful. The Captains have a ton of proven experience in Downey, Daniel Warden, Sam Fendler, Josh Wagner at linebacker coming back. Waterford Kettering has Colton Holland, Kingston Phillips, Davon Hill, DaCarter German, Lucas Andrieux in the defensive secondary coming back.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be very interesting to see in the future. Former Coach Brian Barnes did a great job in building the numbers with the program especially the freshman and junior varsity programs. There is the Junior Corsairs program along with Pierce Middle School which is across the street on Airport Road from Waterford Kettering. There is Mason Middle School that also brings kids to Waterford Kettering. The Junior Corsairs has kids that also will go to Waterford Mott as well. The Captains have a very interesting non-league which includes two of Meyer's former schools in Livonia Clarenceville and Avondale both games Waterford Kettering travels too in weeks one and six respectably. The Captains also have Oak Park, Waterford Mott, and Macomb L'Anse Creuse as well for their non-league. Waterford Kettering could be in a much better position because of Meyer and what he brings. He knows the OAA really well being at Avondale. Stability and long term will be the key for Meyer. The Captains could do some special things, and they could turn it around this season big time. "We will not be 1-8 ever again" Meyer concluded.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Captains are back in the OAA for the first time since 2008. They could be a team that could make a big jump especially with the new coach and new league. Meyer brings a ton of proven experience to a program that really needs it. Program strength looks solid, but confidence will be something to watch. If Meyer brings that stability to Waterford Kettering, they should be a postseason team this season.
Waterford Kettering Podcast-June 15th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oBWezlQoYk
ROYAL OAK RAVENS:
LAST SEASON: 4-5, 2-2 Gold. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 168 (18.6 ppg) (99 Gold)
POINTS ALLOWED: 196 (21.7 ppg) (90 Gold)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 11th at Waterford Kettering
STRENGTHS: Proven Receivers, Rushing Attack, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Depth, Both Lines, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Gage Orzel- Running Back/Linebacker
BOLD STATEMENT: Caiden Scott has over 1,000 yards receiving and five touchdowns this season.
INSIGHT: Things have been starting to turn around at Royal Oak, which is a good sign when I talked to Coach Colin Campbell on the podcast last season. The talk around the Ravens was how they can get to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Royal Oak made progress winning four games. It included a stunning 35-6 win over Avondale and a 17-7 win over St. Clair Shores South Lake but a blowout loss to Berkley (38-10) and a tough 10-7 loss to Clawson (likely the Berkley loss) probably cost them a trip to the postseason last season. "We were very young, we started nine sophomores across the board, we weren't sure what we were going to get, I mean 4-5 is a step in the right direction, had a tough loss to a good coach in Steve Haney over at Clawson, so had a chance to go 5-4 and didn't so better team won that day, we had a lot of positives last year, we learned a lot, we bring back a lot of young talent. We do have to replace a quarterback that played really well for us, we have to replace a good slot corner for us, so you know overall it was a positive step in the right direction but a lot more to do," said Campbell.
OFFENSE: The Ravens had their moments offensively in 2025. They scored 34 points or more in three games (Pontiac 40, Avondale 35, and Livonia Clarenceville 38, all wins.) Royal Oak scored fewer than seven points in four games. (Berkley ten, Bloomfield Hills seven, Rochester zero and Clawson seven, all losses.) The Ravens scored 168 points (18.6 points per game) last season. "The kids have been great, they've been in the weight room, the strength and conditioning coach has been phenomenal so that's been huge for our program in them developing whether it would be in the winter, spring, or summer and a lot of the guys are out playing multiple sports which is awesome," said Campbell. They will have a new quarterback in Ethan Couzens or Micah Hamlin taking over for Ben Ales who has graduated. Campbell mentioned there could be a quarterback competition. It looks like that Couzens is ahead at the moment. Whoever the quarterback is should have proven pass catchers in Caiden Scott, Ethan Robinson, Raymond Loosie, Kevin Woodson, and Ethan Machalak at wide receiver coming back. "We've tried to open up our passing game the last few years, if you want to win big games you got to be able to throw the football, we've had a competent past game and I think we've done that the last couple of years to improve on that" Campbell said about his passing attack. Royal Oak wants to be a run first team, but they have balance. The rushing attack should a strength for the Ravens with Gage Orzel and Aaron Hilgendorf coming back. Orzel and Hilgendorf will be leaned on heavily for Campbell to get the football in multiple ways this season. "Gage has played up on varsity since he was a sophomore so he had a great sophomore year, junior year last year he played really well but he's playing the entire game you at linebacker or running back so his stats were quite awesome but maybe didn't quite look as quite as robust but I think part of that was he was obviously playing both ways" said Campbell about Orzel. Hilgendorf could face the same scenario as Orzel likely next season.
DEFENSE: The Ravens had their moments in 2025 defensively. They held five opponents to ten points or fewer (Livonia Clarenceville six, Clawson ten, Avondale six, Pontiac zero, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore seven, going 3-1.) Royal Oak allowed 35 points or more in each of their four losses (Berkley 38, Bloomfield Hills 42, Rochester 41, Ferndale 46.) The Ravens allowed 196 points (21.7 points per game) last season. Royal Oak has a ton of proven experience coming back but they need to limit mistakes if they want to make the postseason. "We bring a lot of experience back in the secondary, and linebackers, and actually all three levels of the defense" Campbell said having a ton of optimism. The Ravens have Hilgendorf, Orzel, Kyle Morrison, and Isreal Sheppard at linebacker coming back. They should have a very strong back end of the defense. Royal Oak has Jaylen Munn, Owen Wilson, Robinson, Hamlin, Woodson, and Will Hickey in the defensive secondary coming back. Cervantie Franks will be handling the kicking duties.
LINES: The Ravens have some question marks on both lines which Campbell is aware. Royal Oak has Dimario Jackson, Elijah West, Blake Rode, William Rowe, Ben Kohns, Grayson Shain, and Ian Juricic coming back. If the lines can gel and create pressure on defense this group could be a pleasant surprise this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be very interesting to watch with the Ravens, but they went through a transition especially at Royal Oak Middle School last season. "Last year, we brought in a whole new middle school coaching staff, some of the guys returned, we brought in a new head coach Drew Dods who used to be at Canton and he was phenomenal, he's been very good for the program, I'm really excited to see in kind of working with him and building of that program in the middle school level, I think they've done a really nice job in year one and will continue to do a nice job in year two. Our JV program has been very healthy, we're in the high 30's touching the 40's which is great numbers wise, we got a phenomenal staff across the board, they've had a lot of success, multiple six-win seasons so we're continuing to try and build the base of the program so those results we'll see kind of on the varsity level" Campbell said. There is the Royal Oak Titans youth program that Campbell keeps an eye on as well. The schedule looks tricky with non-league games against future OAA member Clawson, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, and Seaholm. "We're continuing to learn how to win that's what it comes down too" Campbell concluded. They seem to be on the right track in turning things around, and a postseason appearance looks possible if things go right, but they will have to win some games to change the perception of Royal Oak football.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Ravens should be very interesting this season. Program strength looks solid and they have a tough schedule. Royal Oak had moments of greatness and some very tough losses. The Ravens blowout loss to archrival Berkley kept them out of the postseason last season. Royal Oak could be a postseason team with the talent they have coming back but they cannot afford a bad loss like they did to Berkley last season. The Ravens should be in the conversation this season.
Royal Oak Podcast-July 20th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqhonMRwZs
BERKLEY BEARS:
LAST SEASON: 4-5, 3-1 Gold. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 169 (18.7 ppg) (122 Gold)
POINTS ALLOWED: 201 (22.3 ppg) (44 Gold)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th at Pontiac
STRENGTHS: Proven Pass Catchers, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Transition Period, Experience, Both Lines, Toughness, Defense
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Hunter Arney- Linebacker
BOLD STATEMENT: Jaylen Kujat has a breakout season receiving and rushing.
INSIGHT: The Bears had an up and down season in 2025. They had a very strong league record which included big wins over Avondale (27-8), Royal Oak (38-10), and a 37-30 win in Jackson over Jackson Northwest but tough losses to Oak Park (32-0) and Ferndale (26-14) likely resulted in Berkley missing the postseason last season. Berkley has a new coach in Daniel Earls taking over the program for Coach Casey Humes who will be their third coach in five years. Earls is a Navy veteran with a very strong background on offense. The defense had its moments as well in 2025. He will be tasked in getting this program back to their glory days when they had the Dombrowski brothers in 2020 and 2021, both years Berkley made the postseason. The junior varsity program went 8-1last season so there is confidence coming into the season. "We want to win the Gold and give these seniors their first ever playoff appearance in their high school careers," said Earls. The Bears will be a very young team with a new culture where everyone in the program is held to a high standard and accountable according to Earls and the players at Media Day.
OFFENSE: The Bears had their moments in 2025 offensively. Berkley has the ability to score points, but it will be very interesting to see what offense they run under Earls this season if it's power or spread. They scored 37 points or more four times (Jackson Northwest 37, Royal Oak 38, Pontiac 43 points, all wins.) They scored seven points or less in four games and they were shutout in two of those games. (Livonia Franklin seven, Oak Park zero, Stoney Creek zero, and Madison Heights Lamphere three, all losses.) The Bears scored 169 points (18.7 points per game) last season. Berkley has a ton of optimism this season with Earls taking over the program. "Well, we got to walk before we run, I think we installed a little too much too soon so we had to bring it back tone it back to basics, make sure these receivers are getting out of their breaks, we're an offense that is predicated on timing and structure on a way that is simple and infinitely complicated so we're toning it on the basics," said Earls. The Bears have Asher Dean at quarterback coming back. He was solid and learning a new offense will be very interesting under Earls. Dean should have proven pass catchers in Jaylen Kujat, Brayden Banks, Paris Hannah, John Hannosh, Henry Herron, Jake Jones, and Jordan Weismann at wide receiver along with Donald Degendas at tight end coming back. The rushing attack will be very interesting to see. Berkley has Dylan Jones and Henry Sampson at running back coming back. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with Earls and the Bears offense.
DEFENSE: The Bears have had their moments defensively in 2025. There were moments where they kept teams at ten points or fewer in three games (Pontiac zero, Royal Oak ten, and Avondale eight, all wins.) Berkley allowed 30 points or more in four games (Livonia Franklin 34, Oak Park 32, Jackson Northwest 30, Stoney Creek 37, going 1-3.) The Bears allowed 201 points (22.3 points per game) last season. "Completely different, that defense was senior presence on that defense, we're a lot younger, have a new DC (defensive coordinator) but they're going to be pretty good" Earls said about his defense. They have Aiden Taylor, Valentino Holata, Austin Lovett, Robert Overton, and Hunter Arney at linebacker coming back. Arney could play some running back on offense as well. The back end of the defense should be a strength despite being very young this season. They have JB Fitzpatrick, Brayden Banks, Jaice Hornsby, DJ Ramey, Syler Van Pelt, and Jayden Alexander in the defensive secondary coming back. There are questions with the Bears defensively especially with the first three weeks where the schedule is brutal and also toughness as well.
LINES: The Bears have some questions up front to go along with the transition period. They have Ian Flipp, Nolan Smith, Maximus Giles, Aiden Oudbeier, Brayden Wesley, Jackson Gilter, Skyler Wright, and Landin Helterbran on both lines coming back. Attrition will be something to keep a close eye on with Berkley.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be very interesting to see but the junior varsity program went 8-1 last season but there has to be a transition period which has to happen during the season. The current players have been accountable and have a high standard according to Earls. It will be very interesting to see how Earls deals with the Berkley Steelers Youth Football program along with the middle school program that had a new coaching staff put into place last season. They have a tough non-league which has Livonia Franklin, Groves, the crossover, and Troy Athens. This looks like the Bears could be a program that could take a step back because of the changes that are being made.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Bears have a new coach, new system, new everything under Earls who is their third coach in five years. Toughness will be the key for Berkley which they struggled with during their seven on seven this summer. There will be a transition period which has to happen during the season. The Bears have a very interesting schedule especially the first three weeks where 0-3 is a real possibility, and program strength is a concern heading into the season. Earls has the offensive mindset but defense is a question mark for the Bears. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with Berkley.
PONTIAC PHOENIX:
LAST SEASON: 1-8, 0-4 Gold. Didn't Make Postseason
POINTS SCORED: 68 (7.5 ppg) (20 Gold)
POINTS ALLOWED: 327 (36.3 ppg) (148 Gold)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 4th at Southfield Arts and Tech
STRENGTHS: Young, Proven Experience
CONCERNS: Depth, Program Strength
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Demarus King-Wright- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Phoenix knocking on the door of the postseason.
INSIGHT: The Phoenix have made progress within the program providing stability and positivity to the program despite the 1-8 record last season. The academics have been strong, and all the players have been eligible to play each week despite the on-field struggles. "We define, detail, demand, one standard, one team" said new defensive coordinator Willie Payne. It has been very rough for Pontiac stats wise. Pontiac has not made the postseason since 2011 under current Brandon Coach Brad Zube which they will see in week nine in Ortonville. Coach Wendell Jefferson and Zube talk to each other about how Pontiac is going and has built a friendship while talking about the city of Pontiac and the culture. "I'm looking forward to it, Coach Zube has reached out to me and offered his help to everything so I look forward to seeing him and us talking and just measuring what we learned from them last year and seeing how we do so I have a lot of respect for him for what he's accomplished but also how he reached out to me from day one and has always been somebody that I can call and run things by and talk about with you know Pontiac and the certain challenges that comes to being a high school coach" he said about his conversations with Zube. Jefferson has had to miss most of the offseason after getting spinal surgery, but he will be there this season.
OFFENSE: The Phoenix will look to have a much better season offensively. Pontiac scored 12 or more points in four games (Brandon 12, Troy Athens 16, Avondale 14, and Pontiac Arts and Tech 20, going 1-3.) Pontiac scored 68 points (7.5 points per game) which was the worst in the OAA last season. They have a very young offensive core of skill players. The Phoenix have Demarus King-Wright coming back at quarterback. King-Wright had a solid year despite having ups and downs last season. "We have a good core, a young quarterback that's coming along, he's picking up things" Jefferson said about his quarterback. King-Wright should have proven pass catchers in Leonaty Jamison, Donnell Spillers, TyWuan McDonald, Anthony Funderburg, Ayron Mason, Dezmond Fitch, and Jamon Ezell at wide receiver coming back. The rushing attack will be very interesting with the Phoenix, but they have Mikahal Mott coming back at running back.
LINES: Pontiac has a very young line, but they also have some experience. Depth and attrition could be something to watch with the Phoenix. They have Carlos Solano, Anthony Branner and Trevon Chatmon on the offensive and defensive lines coming back. If this group stays healthy, Pontiac can make some noise.
DEFENSE: The Phoenix really struggled defensively in 2025. They allowed 31 points or more in eight games in 2025 (held Pontiac Arts and Tech to six points in their only win.) Pontiac allowed 327 points which was the second worst in the OAA (36.3 points per game) last season. Jefferson will have a new defensive coordinator in Payne taking over the defense this season. "I made a change in the defensive coordinator position is Willie Payne, me and him worked together at previous stops so I'm happy to have him" Jefferson said about his new defensive coordinator. The Phoenix Raul Alvarado, Mott, Rylan Dillion, and William Perhay coming back. The back end of the defense has some questions. They have Antionio Randall and Jimire Sumier, along with several other wide receivers in the defensive secondary coming back. Sumier could see time at wide receiver on the offensive side of the football as well. They have Alvarado handling the kicking duties.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Jefferson is really excited about last season's freshman class that are now sophomores and how they will take the next step in rebuilding the program. They will look to have a much bigger role this season. "Our young guys, I'm encouraged by them, they have the right work ethic and they've been in the program from middle school (Pontiac Middle School) to JV and they will be with us and they've been picking things up pretty well so I'm actually encouraged by our young guys, it's just losing the veterans that we did was kind of hard but I like the future" Jefferson said. The non-league is very interesting with Detroit Community, Southfield Arts and Tech, the crossover, and Brandon.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Phoenix are still in the process of developing their program to become a consistent team. Program strength has been on the rise. They have a tough schedule. Jefferson has the program on the right path. The wins will come in time but it's clear the Phoenix were heading in the right direction.
Pontiac Podcast-July 6th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdljcE6yXs
FUTURE MEMBERS
Gold/Future Members Preview Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBRIx19lgsE
STORYLINES:
The OAA will get new members to join the ranks in 2027-2028 in Novi, Northville, Clawson, Grand Blanc, and Davison. The majority should be solid in their final seasons in their respective leagues. Novi has a new coach after their former coach left the State and is coming off a very disappointing season, they will look for a bounce back season. Davison has a ton of questions especially defensively and they'll have a new quarterback. Grand Blanc lost a lot of talent from last season, but they have a ton of program strength. Clawson should be solid if they stay healthy. Northville has a lot of non-household names, but this is still Northville and they are very good. It will be interesting to see how these teams do in their final seasons in their respective leagues.
Davison's new defense: The Cardinals will have a new defense after a disastrous year on that side of the football allowing over 35 points four times last season. Davison will look to have a much better season in their final year in the Saginaw Valley League this season.
Grand Blanc's postseason troubles: The Bobcats will look to have a bounce back season after falling 44-22 to Clarkston in the district finals last season. Grand Blanc will have a much different team when it comes to experience in their final season in the Saginaw Valley League. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Bobcats this season.
How Northville responds after a tough loss???: The Mustangs are in a very interesting spot. They have a new defensive coordinator and should be one of the favorites in the KLAA Black which went through a reorganization and is no longer going east and west. Northville is coming off a very tough 46-3 loss to Detroit Cass Tech in the first-round last season. The Mustangs want to prove that that game wasn't a future of things to come before they head to the OAA.
Novi going through a coaching transition: The Wildcats changed coaches this offseason as Coach Jim Sparks went out of State and Logan Pawloski has taken over the program. There are some questions with Novi after struggling last season. Can Pawloski lead the Wildcats back to the postseason???
Can Clawson have a deep postseason run???: The Trojans were a postseason team last season falling to Marine City. Can they overcome their lack of depth and possibly make a postseason run in their final season in the Macomb Area Conference??? Clawson should be very interesting to watch in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze this season.
TOP FIVE GAMES:
Grand Blanc at Davison: Bobcats have turned things around since winning at Davison in 2024.
Novi at Northville: The Mustangs haven't forgotten last season's controversial result in Novi.
Clawson at Madison Heights Madison: This game could decide the Macomb Area Bronze.
Northville at Belleville: This should be a very interesting matchup with postseason indications.
Hazel Park at Clawson: This should be a fun matchup between two schools that know each other well.
NORTHVILLE MUSTANGS:
LAST SEASON: 7-3, 5-2 KLAA West. Lost 46-3 to Detroit Cass Tech in Division One First Round
POINTS SCORED: 289 (28.9 ppg) (237 KLAA West)
POINTS ALLOWED: 167 (16.7 ppg) (94 KLAA West)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 18th at Brighton
STRENGTHS: Rushing Attack, Linebackers
CONCERNS: Both Lines, Defensive Secondary
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Drew Messiner- Running Back/Linebacker
BOLD STATEMENT: Braylin Brown is the future of Mustang football.
INSIGHT: The Mustangs have been a proven program in the past and should be a proven program in the future. They won seven games and has been very consistent. Northville had two very disappointing regular season losses with one being to archrival Novi (19-16) on a last second field goal which cost them the Baseline Jug and the other to Brighton falling to the Bulldogs 21-14. "I was excited about the group, I thought we had a good year, wish we would have ended with a division trophy or conference championship trophy, lost a couple (Novi 19-16, Brighton 21-14) close amount of points, we lost to Novi by three and Brighton by seven and we ended up beating Howell (17-7) who ended up winning the whole conference so you know I wish we would have finished in some big situations down the stretch and wished we would have had those plays back but overall good year, I felt that we flipped this thing to make us very respectable amongst our league opponents and that everyone knows we're going to get a good game when they play us, so excited with what we built and excited what's to come this year" said Coach Brent Luplow. The loss to the Wildcats sent Northville to play Detroit Cass Tech in the first round where they were blown out 46-3 last season. "It was not certainly one of the things our assistants do and all the plans they were making in their heads that was certainly not one of them when we saw a couple of teams pop up before us, we were pretty confused on what would happen and thought we would get a solid draw and certainly got sent to Detroit and never played them before, our kids knew who Cass Tech was, it was a great challenge but losing that game to Novi was probably the reason we weren't able to go on it and play or host a game we wanted, we really wanted to host a game, 7-2 we thought was a solid record and had a chance to host but can't shoot ourselves in the foot, can't play poorly against anybody and can't expect to get things handed to us if we can't take care of business, so there were some things that definitely caused us to fall, we were so close in points to them and some other teams in our district and you know one thing would have gone differently or a team would have or have beaten somebody else we would have been playing at home against Farmington or Belleville or something like that. It was a cool experience, I'll give it that even though we got our butts kicked but going over there on Halloween night and playing in a historic stadium in downtown (Detroit), for our kids, our community, and our school it was really cool, I would love to say I want to do it every year but I don't and let's hope we don't get taken down to the city (Detroit) every single year in the first round but our kids now realize what it takes to be really successful and they learned quick how much Cass Tech was and how physical so we've been preaching that pretty consistently this offseason" Luplow said. Northville lost a ton of proven talent and experience to graduation and transfers from last season, but they have program strength for Luplow. Luplow is well known for offense since he was the former offensive coordinator at Brighton before taking the Northville job in 2023. The Mustangs upset Novi Detroit Catholic Central 24-17 in the district finals in his first season with the program. "The big thing around the program was we haven't beaten those guys ever and haven't won a district championship since 2000, we had a really good group that we walked into a class that was 8-3 before, playing a lot of juniors on varsity and we had a lot of experience back so it was up to us to how well we could gel, that group worked really hard and worked their butts off and played really hard for each other, we weren't intimated whoever was on the field across from them, you know we lost to Belleville (42-0 KLAA Championship, 49-7 regional finals) which was a great experience for our kids to play at that level of football team in week nine. W bounced back in the playoffs and beat Brighton again (42-18) and then had CC on the schedule. I think playing Belleville the first time probably took a lot of nerves out of the picture, a lot of our kids know the CC kids and that was just huge to our program had not been to you know, we're so close to each other but our program had not been a district champion in a long time and I think the respect our model that year was to earn your respect, earn the respect of our program everybody in our program, our opponents, our community and what not, I think kind of solidified that, tied the school record in wins (ten wins) that year and that's what we want to be, we want to be a district champion or be in the district final every year now and you know we felt short the last couple of years but we're excited with this group this year going forward" Luplow said. Northville should be in the new KLAA Black conversation which they will be in this season before coming into the OAA next season.
OFFENSE: The Mustangs had a productive year offensively in 2025. They scored 35 points or more in five games (Plymouth 35, Plymouth Salem 37, Plymouth Canton 63, Hartland 55, and Livonia Franklin 35, all wins) however there were five games they scored 20 points or less but went 3-2. Northville scored 289 points (28.9 points per game) last season. "We lose a lot, but we have enough back and a strong 9-0 JV team coming back so we have pieces, it's just putting them in the right spot" Luplow said. The Mustangs has some questions at quarterback after Cooper Derkash graduated and Brayden Tuisosopo transferred to Texas this offseason. They have Grayson Harris at quarterback that could be a possible option. Luplow mentioned there will be a possible quarterback competition. The other quarterback that Luplow mentioned in the competition is Braylin Brown. Brown is a dual threat, he's very athletic, and throws a very good deep ball like he did in junior varsity leading them to a 9-0 record last season. Northville has a strong rushing attack like they did last season. They go five to six deep at running back according to Luplow with Drew Messiner at running back coming back. There is Christian Gramaudi, Mason Maffa, and Jack Della who could also get some carries coming back. Whoever the quarterback is should have proven pass catchers that Luplow is very comfortable with. They have between six to eight players. The Mustangs have Jaden Ward, Jackson DeFore, Cole Boring, Ryan Christensen, Connor Bovell, Collin Connelley, and Cashus Montgomery at wide receiver and Chase Martin, Jacob Simkowski, and Ian Anderson at tight end coming back.
DEFENSE: The Mustangs had moments defensively in 2025. Northville held Howell (won the KLAA) to seven points (17-7) and shutout Canton on their homecoming however they allowed 20 points or more in three games going 1-2. The Mustangs allowed 81 points in their final three games (Novi, Livonia Franklin, Detroit Cass Tech, 27 points per game, went 1-2.) Northville allowed 167 points (16.7 points per game) last season. The Mustangs according to Luplow will have a new defensive coordinator in Thomas Stevenson this season. "We have a new defensive coordinator coming over (Stevenson,) new scheme which has been fun and good for the kids" Luplow said. Stevenson is very familiar with Northville playing against them when he was at Hartland. Northville has Danny O'Neil, Sam Davis, Harris, Kyle Harney, Maffa, Messiner, Matt Shipman, Christian Festa, Nick Spouty, Della, Ethan Czecharni, and Malik Bosni at linebacker coming back. The back end of the defense has a ton of questions. They have Nick Nathan, Andrew Shakira, Eric Brown, Ricky Gonzalez, and Arthur Hayek in the defensive secondary coming back. They have Alex Baird handling the kicking duties. "We got a lot of questions defensively a lot of guys have to step up and show us they are ready to go. It's so hard in the offseason to tell without pads to really tell you know who's going to be the physical and tough ones when the pads go on will be a big differencing factor as we kick off in a couple of weeks, who's going to play hard and be aggressive and not do the seven on seven or the technique stuff, that will tell us a lot" Luplow said.
LINES: The lines will be very interesting to see this season. "We have some experience and some young bucks. They're going to have to grow up pretty fast" Luplow said. They have Adam Pawlowski, Noah Stump, Jack Deller, AJ Belcher, Tristen Salvas, Parker Laney, Mason Irving, Nolan Pawlowski, Jackson Park, Owen Azzopardi, and Ryan Myszenski coming back at both lines.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength will be something to watch with Northville with their youth levels, the middle school program, the freshman, and junior varsity programs. The program is strong according to Luplow. "One of the things when I got here was to dive full speed ahead into the youth and long term consistency of the youth programs start at the youth levels and works its way up and we've done a really good job at our numbers at the high school levels, we're going to be rolling about 75 on the varsity level, 35 or so JV, and 50 freshman and that's always the goal to be around 150 in the program and we've raised that since we got here and then we have 16 teams in all of Northville football, we have four seventh and eighth grade teams and three fifth and sixth grade teams, three third and fourth, and three first and second grade teams so we're really proud of that and we bought 387 pounds of t-shirts coming in, it talks about one town, one program. Northville football we want to dive fully into that, our youth camp numbers have gone up drastically, we roll 210 to 215 kids through the summer grades first through eighth and try to show off our program and make it as fun as possible for them because we want to make it special, because it is special, we're hopeful that continues to be the MO (mojo), it's a special place to play, a special place to be and be competitive in all we do" Luplow said. The non-league is very interesting which has current OAA member Lake Orion, long time KLAA West rival Brighton, and the KLAA crossover. It will be very interesting to see how the Mustangs respond in their final year in the KLAA this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Mustangs should be a player in the KLAA Black. They are the favorite to win the KLAA Black this season. Northville have questions at quarterback and especially the back end of the defense. The Mustangs have a ton of questions, but they don't have a ton of stars which can be a good thing because that makes them that more dangerous. Northville should be a postseason team this season.
Northville Podcast-July 27th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7NbH1TfXUs
NOVI WILDCATS:
LAST SEASON: 3-6, 3-4 KLAA West. Didn't Make Postseason.
POINTS SCORED: 133 (14.7 ppg) (105 KLAA West)
POINTS ALLOWED: 266 (29.5 ppg) (172 KLAA West)
MAKE OR BREAK: September 25th at Northville
STRENGTHS: Pass Catchers, Defensive Secondary
CONCERNS: Defense, Balance
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Trent Jackson-McGowan- Wide Receiver
BOLD STATEMENT: Wildcats will make the postseason this season.
INSIGHT: The Wildcats had been a postseason power under Coach Jim Sparks but had a very injury riddled season winning three games and missing out on the postseason for the first time in five years. However, one of their three wins came over archrival Northville (19-16) getting the Baseline Jug back to Novi. Injuries really hurt the Wildcats with their six losses came by blowout last season. "3-6 is not a great season, Jim did a great job turning the culture over in Novi, he came over from Clawson I think six years ago and I've been fortunate to learn under him a lot of stuff, 3-6 you can't have that" said new coach Logan Pawloski. Pawloski has taken over the program for Sparks after he moved out of state this summer. The transition period has been solid for the Wildcats with a very familiar face taking over the program. "I've been on the staff, so that makes the transition that much easier fortunately we were able to keep our whole staff around so it really so I felt that once we got through that process, we hit the ground running and got our people and now it's just a matter of getting to work" Pawloski said.
DEFENSE: The Wildcats really struggled defensively in 2025. Novi allowed 266 points (29.5 points per game) last season. They allowed 111 points in the first three weeks (Traverse City Central 46, Brighton 35, Hartland 30.) The Wildcats allowed 30 points or more in six games. (Traverse City Central 46, Howell 42, Hartland 35, Plymouth Salem 35, Westland John Glenn 48, Hartland 30, all losses.) "We lost a lot defensively but we're excited, a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm on that side" Pawloski said. The Wildcats have Alex Beatty, Ayden Marcum, Caleb Thampan, Jacob Smith, Marcio Tavolari, and Paul Cook coming back at linebacker. They should have a very strong and proven back end of the defense in Alex Aibar, Brendan Zahradnik, Eli Whitesel, Jack Carpenter, James Lindsey, John Endreszi, Kayden Black, Kyle Laurence, Oscar Ontiveros, Sam Jinsky, and Tristian Wheeler coming back in the defensive secondary. They have Aiden Cook handling the kicking duties.
OFFENSE: The Wildcats were really inconsistent offensively in 2025. Novi scored 30 points or more in two games (Plymouth 38-14, Plymouth Canton 41-0, both wins.) There were three games the Wildcats were shutout (Hartland 30-0, Brighton 35-0, and Howell 42-0) and a stretch Novi scored three points in the first three weeks of the season, all losses. The Wildcats scored 133 points (14.7 points per game) last season. "We had a very young offense. We're excited for the guys we got coming back on the offensive side of the ball" Pawloski said with optimism. They have two seniors in Adhik Loganham and Cody Walker at quarterback coming back. "Cody Walker started week one last year and ended up hurting his shoulder, he was out for the entire season, and we got him back as a senior, so we're excited about him" said Pawloski about Walker. Whoever the quarterback is should have proven pass catchers to throw too. Novi has Trent Jackson-McGowan, Briggs Warren, Jack Logan, Dante Darling, Debayan Day, Elan Cox, Roman Pumpernick, Johnny Woytowich, and Christian Gillings coming back at wide receiver. The rushing attack should be solid. They have Lucas Dally at running back coming back. The Wildcats should be much improved on the offensive side of the football.
LINES: Both lines should be very interesting for the Wildcats. "We're really excited about our offensive line" Pawloski said. Novi has Aaron Stewart, Aiden Jennings, Cameron Ford, Chayce Lessaway, Lewis Cardenas, Sullivan McGee, Chris Hancock, Jay Sterns, Josh Mendoza, Hayden Dockus, Jacob Minert, Colton Campbell, Daniel Kim, Rayan AbuNasar, Sam Banks, Sam Carrington, Richard Lowry, and Tyler Bohr coming back. The lines will be key for the Wildcats if they want to turn things around.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been really strong for the Wildcats. They have a high enrollment along with very strong youth levels and middle school levels. Pawloski focuses on the numbers in the lower levels which has been very consistent so far. "That's what we're working to solidify, the big thing here is we're consistent, we're consistent with our numbers, we don't want to have that big dip in numbers, one year having a lot of kids in a class and you know the next year we have a very few so that's been kind of the priority in terms of building from the lower levels up, we want to have that consistency so we'll have three programs, we're excited to have three programs playing and hopefully that's something that will go a longs way for us as we make the jump to the OAA. We have a unique situation with the middle school and youth programs, we have the Novi Bobcats, you know the freshman, JV, Varsity third grade up to eighth grade and then we have our Novi Middle School team that's our seventh and eighth grade, we really have two feeder programs that go to the High School level, I think both organizations have kind of really fantastic people really running the show and there's a lot of trust there and we look forward to continuing to develop that relationship with them but you can tell there is a growing level of excitement for football in Novi and that's the goal again of trying to be consistent and make this the place that kids dream of playing" Pawloski said. The non-league is very interesting with Traverse City Central which is Pawloski's archrival school (he went to Traverse City West), and they are at Thirlby Field for week one this season, along with Hartland, and the KLAA crossover this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Wildcats are a very interesting program that went through a tough offseason with a new coach and a transition period. There are questions everywhere with this team, but this could be a postseason team if things go right. The new division format should help Novi being in the KLAA Black this season before heading into the OAA. It will be very interesting to see how the transition period goes with a new coach and a new league on the horizon.
Novi Podcast-July 27th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7NbH1TfXUs
CLAWSON TROJANS:
LAST SEASON: 6-4, 3-2 Macomb Area Bronze. Lost 52-7 to Marine City in Division Six First Round.
POINTS SCORED: 207 (20.7 ppg) (108 MAC Bronze)
POINTS ALLOWED 208 (20.8 ppg) (116 MAC Bronze)
MAKE OR BREAK: October 9th at Madison Heights Madison
STRENGTHS: Pass Catchers, Both Lines
CONCERNS: Quarterback, Program Strength, Depth
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jude Mikula- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Trojans stay healthy and have a deep postseason run.
INSIGHT: The Trojans were up and down in 2025. They allowed more than scoring points last season (scored 207, allowed 208.) Clawson finished third in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze behind Madison and Hazel Park last season. They will look to win the Macomb Area Conference Bronze in their final year in the Macomb Area Conference before coming to the OAA next season, but former OAA member Madison Heights Madison will provide a big challenge this season. "So last season, we won a tight game with Perry High (Shiawassee County), (won 17-7) we played them for a few years and then week two with Center Line, game was going well then a couple of guys got dinged up and it spiraled for three weeks (Center Line lost 24-14, Madison lost 48-14, Hazel Park lost 48-20) we played some tough teams early and we're dealing with some injuries and then we started getting people back, we started 1-3 which is not what we anticipated and then started to put things together and guys started getting back, you know when you're a smaller school, every time you lose some of your key guys, you know you're going to struggle but you know obviously we don't have the numbers being a smaller school so we were struggling there for a while, we won a couple of big games late in the season, we went into week nine with Royal Oak, you know with a 5-3 record and fortunately we pulled that game out (won 10-7) so yeah we finished strong so we're proud of that" said Coach Steve Haney. The Trojans made it back to the postseason but fell to Marine City 52-7 in the first-round last season. "We were shocked by that because with our playoff points, we all thought we would get to host a first round game and at least avoid those guys in the first round and you know it was a bit of a shock that we had to go back to Marine City because we've several times now find our way to the playoffs and we head out to Marine City and those guys are a bit of a meat grinder out there, it was a great experience for us, our guys played hard, Marine City is a whole another situation out there, it was a great experience for us, our guys were fired up to play and I like to think it makes us better moving into this season but yeah Marine City they are tough" Haney said about the Mariners. Clawson has worked hard this summer with the limited numbers they have. "We've worked hard this summer with a bunch of youngsters and trying to puzzle it, piece it together to see and find that right combination but yeah we're excited" Haney said.
OFFENSE: The Trojans had their moments in 2025 with injuries playing a huge role. They had a rough first four weeks of the season scoring 65 points (16.2 points per game) but really exploded after week five when they scored 173 points (34.6 points per game.) Clawson scored 207 points (20.7 points per game) last season. The Trojans have a ton of proven experience at the skill positions. They have Jake Mikula at quarterback coming back. Mikula was solid last season despite at times an offense struggling to score points. "Our quarterback is back, he's started as a sophomore and he'll be a senior this year, he's a three-year starter" Haney said about his quarterback. Mikula should have proven pass catchers in Ascari Guild, Daniel Richards, Eric Robinson, and Davion Hall at wide receiver and Grayson Carroll at tight end coming back. The Trojans should have a strong rushing attack. They have Dillion Richards, Hunter Garrison, and Scott Florey at running back coming back.
DEFENSE: Injuries were a big reason why the Trojans were inconsistent in 2025. They allowed 127 points in their first four games (41.3 points per game), but when they got their key players back, the stats really went down, the points per game went down, and they got better. Clawson allowed 35 points total in their final five games (seven points per game) until the Marine City game where they allowed 52 points last season. The Trojans allowed 208 points (20.8 points per game) last season. "We do kind of bring back our skill guys, defensive back, linebacker, running back/receiver types" Haney said. The Trojans have Eli Windgasten, Garrison, Carroll, Jack Haske, Nick Figouria, Elliott Groves, Florey, and William Messerschmidt coming back at linebacker. Garrison and Carroll have started at linebacker since they were freshman according to Haney. The back end of the defense has a ton of proven wide receivers playing both ways, staying healthy will be the key. They have Griffin Anderson, James Neuhard, Joey Campagna, Hall, and Lucas Campbell coming back in the defensive secondary. "I think our defense is well rounded, I think last year we felt really good about our D-Line, our linebacking core, we did a pretty good job, I think we are pretty well rounded, we're going to have some young guys on our D-Line" Haney said about his defense.
LINES: The lines should be a huge strength for Clawson, but attrition will be the key especially after losing two key and critical guys on the offensive line. They have Connor Aiuto, Damian Diaz, Iverson Escobar, Frank Savel, Gavin Hornsby, Kaden Plauman, Kaydan Dingwell, Manny Mack, Mike Allen, Myles McDonald, Noah Smith, Owen Madden, and Eli Weddington coming back. Diaz is a three-year returner and has started since his freshman season. "We're trying to figure some things out, we had two guys who we thought would come back, we had one starter and his family moved so he was going to be a key piece of our O-Line and then we had a fella who started a few games at guard and we anticipated on him being a starter but he decided to focus on some other things this fall so that was kind of a blow" Haney said.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength is very interesting with the Trojans. There is the Clawson Mavericks youth program, along with Clawson Middle School, and the junior varsity programs that feed the varsity program. "You know being a small school (less than 400 kids) we don't always have a lot of guys ready to roll into those positions" Haney said. The numbers have been up and down with the Trojans. "This is my sixth year as head football coach and for the first four of those years we've had record numbers of kids on our (Clawson) Middle School football team, and you know we in a small town I mean any small town, you know I can look at numbers and see how it's going and we were unfortunately seeing that last year, our middle school is going to have low numbers so I thought were going to play for our middle school team ended up playing for our youth team, the Mavericks and so unfortunately at the last minute had to drop our middle school football team and you hate doing that because once you drop the team it's almost impossible to get it back so we've done everything we can this offseason to try and get kids to come out and play for our middle school team so we're feeling mostly confident right now that we're going to have a middle school team. My JV numbers are going to be a little lighter this year because some kids that were football kids found other things to do last fall and so they are not playing football so our cycle of kids, our numbers have been great for the last four years, last year we dressed close to 27-28 on varsity and 23 or 24 on JV so for us I mean that's a lot of kids so this year will be we're still going to dress 26-28 on varsity but that'll include some young guys. On JV, we'll be a little lighter like 18-20 kids so we're doing everything we can to keep the numbers up, you got to have numbers to have a good practice, you got to have good numbers late in games especially middle of the season when people are dinged up and so that's probably our biggest challenge right now, our numbers but we're doing everything we can to get kids and keep kids, that's probably going to be our biggest challenge, our Mavericks we got great people running that these days and it looks like their varsity team, I think has 22 or 24 kids, now they are not all Clawson kids but I know the balk of them are so that's a good sign. Historically for 30 or 40 years around here, it's always difficult to be able to field a strong Clawson Middle School football team and to also field the strong Clawson Mavericks varsity football team because obviously it's the middle school age group and we have so many kids to choose from so that's been an issue for 30 to 40 years I've been around here and even in middle school are you playing for the middle school or are you playing for the Mavericks so obviously we support both those programs, we just want our kids playing football, and then the goal for them to then come and play when they are freshman" Haney said. The non-league is very interesting with Royal Oak, Detroit Pershing, and Center Line. Clawson fell to Center Line last season in a tough game, that will be very interesting to watch.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Trojans should be in the discussion to possibly win the Macomb Area Conference Bronze but Madison Heights Madison a former OAA member and a team that went to the Division Eight regional finals stand in the way. Program strength will be very interesting to see with Clawson. The Trojans have to do a lot right and stay healthy if they want to be a postseason team. Clawson could do some special things in their final season in the Macomb Area Conference.
Clawson Podcast- July 27th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7NbH1TfXUs
DAVISON CARDINALS:
LAST SEASON: 8-2, 4-1 Saginaw Valley League South (Red) Lost 52-14 to Clarkston in Division One First Round
POINTS SCORED: 406 (40.6 ppg) (243 SVL Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 229 (22.9 ppg) (107 SVL Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: Week Three at Traverse City Central
STRENGTHS: Both Lines, Quarterback, Rushing Attack
CONCERNS: Defense
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: TyAnthony Lewis- Running Back
BOLD PREDICTION: Ty Anthony Lewis rushes for over 2,000 yards this season.
INSIGHT: The Cardinals have had a ton of success throughout the State from 2012 and beyond having deep postseason runs in the process. Davison has not fared well against the OAA in its history. They are 3-12 against the league since it was formed in 1994 and has lost 11 of their last 13 meetings against the league in the postseason since 2010 which included their 2020 Division One State Final loss to West Bloomfield. The Cardinals usually gets placed in a district to where an OAA power was like last season when they had to play Clarkston in the first round (fell 52-14 last season.) The Cardinals are 1-6 against the Wolves since 2010. Davison will be coming into the OAA next season. When the Cardinals won the 2019 Division One State Championship, they never played an OAA school or in 2023 when they made the Division One State Semifinals, they didn't run into an OAA school either when they fell 63-21 to Belleville. Davison has lost the two meetings to former Big Nine and Saginaw Valley League archrival Grand Blanc which has cost them the Saginaw Valley League Red/South division. The big reason for the two losses to the Bobcats has been the defense. Davison allowed 112 points in both meetings against Grand Blanc (56 points per game.) The Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator in hopes of turning things around this season. Davison made some big news this offseason in hiring former Northwestern and Iowa quarterback Brennan Sullivan to work with the quarterbacks. Sullivan was on Davison's 2019 State Championship team and also in 2020 when they made it back to the Division One State finals. He also played college football in the Big Ten at Northwestern and Iowa respectively.
LINES: The Cardinals are known to have proven lineman that have come through Davison. They are a state power in wrestling always in the State title picture. There are some questions with the Cardinals despite having some experience on both lines this season. Davison has Matt Ohler, Memphis Eckel, Willie McQueen, Taylor Usewick, along with underclassmen Aiden Pilgrim, Sam Loyer, Chase Moffatt, Hayden Pendell, Jackson Balanowski, William Rice, and Jeriemah Chapman coming back for Coach Jacob Weingartz. If the Cardinals can get this group more experience they could make some noise in the Saginaw Valley League.
OFFENSE: The Cardinals were very efficient and balanced offensively in 2025 with their RPO offense (run-pass-option.) They scored 20 points or more in every game and 43 points or more in five games (Saginaw Heritage 63, Saginaw 49, East Lansing 57, Lapeer 44, Flint Carman Ainsworth 58, all wins.) Davison had one game they didn't score over 20 points which was their first-round postseason loss to Clarkston (14.) The Cardinals scored 406 points (40.6 points per game) last season. Davison will have Caiden Hodge at quarterback coming back. He was solid throwing over 2,000 yards along with 29 touchdowns and four interceptions last season. Hodge should have proven pass catchers in NaKahri Coulter, along with underclassmen Stephon Hendrix, Arketo Powell, Gage Fargo, Ian Shields, and Xavier Benarchik at wide receiver and Owen Keltner at tight end coming back. Davison's rushing attack will need to create balance this season alongside Hodge. They have TyAnthony Lewis coming back at running back. Lewis has been getting a ton of attention this summer and should be the Cardinals top rusher this season. They also have underclassman Tobas Pachecko who could give Lewis a break at times. Max Persails could be a player to watch in the future at quarterback. Davison should be solid again offensively this season.
DEFENSE: The Cardinals had their moments defensively in 2025. Davison held Saginaw to eight points. They shut out Lapeer (44-0) and Flint Carman Ainsworth (58-0.) The Cardinals allowed 20 or more points in five games and allowed 40 points or more in three games. (Clarkston 52, Saginaw Heritage 42, Grand Blanc 57, going 1-2.) Davison allowed 229 points (22.9 points per game), but 107 points (26.5 points per game) against the Saginaw Valley Conference South/Red) last season. They have a new defensive coordinator after former Waterford Mott Coach Chris Fahr left for Walled Lake Western this offseason. He will need to turn around a defense that really struggled against good competition especially the back end of the defense. The Cardinals have Caden Huey, along with underclassman Brody O' Brien, and Devin Grace at linebacker coming back. Davison has Austin Kern, along with underclassmen Kris Robinson, Collin Campbell, and Trayvon Young coming back in the defensive secondary. The defense should be the key for the Cardinals especially with a very tough schedule looming this season.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been strong in Davison but it's going be very interesting with the move to the OAA next season and what changes they will have to make. The Cardinals have the Davison Cardinals youth football program that develops kids in the elementary school level. They play against teams from Lapeer, Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford, the three Oakland County schools are in the OAA. Davison has Davison Middle School that develops student athletes and gets them prepared to play high school football. The Cardinals has had strong freshman and junior varsity programs that feed the varsity program. It's going to be different going up against much tougher competition than they have seen in the Saginaw Valley League with the OAA. The non-league is brutal with Roseville, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, and River Rouge. They have Roseville at Atwood Stadium in Flint. Davison having to travel to Novi in week two and then host River Rouge at Cardinal Stadium. Davison should be a team to watch in their final season in the Saginaw Valley League that is for sure.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Cardinals have some questions along with a very tough schedule which includes a trip to Novi to play Novi Detroit Catholic Central and Roseville at Atwood Stadium in Flint. The defense has major questions to answer with a new defensive coordinator taking over. Program strength is a concern with Davison. This should be a postseason team based on the schedule alone. There are a ton of concerns with the Cardinals in their final season in the Saginaw Valley League this season.
GRAND BLANC BOBCATS:
LAST SEASON: 10-1, 5-0 Saginaw Valley South (Red.) Lost 44-22 to Clarkston in Division One District Finals.
POINTS SCORED: 506 (46 ppg) (270 SVL Red)
POINTS ALLOWED: 210 (19 ppg) (68 SVL Red)
MAKE OR BREAK: Week Five vs River Rouge
STRENGTHS: Program Strength
CONCERNS: Defense, Experience
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jake DeWitt- Quarterback
BOLD STATEMENT: Bobcats score over 40 points in every Saginaw Valley League South (Red) game.
INSIGHT: The Bobcats had a very strong year going unbeaten which included wins over Davison (57-29,) Lapeer (51-0,) and Romeo (40-36) but it's hard to go unbeaten in the regular season which Grand Blanc did. The MHSAA placed the Bobcats as the second seed in their district with Clarkston, Oxford, and Davison. It meant if Grand Blanc were to play Clarkston it would be at Clarkston since the Wolves had more postseason points than the Bobcats. Grand Blanc had a very tough first round matchup that was looming at "The Don" against a very good Oxford program. The Bobcats had it very tough with the Wildcats winning in a hard fought 49-30 game which set up their much-anticipated showdown with Clarkston in the district finals. Grand Blanc would fall 44-22 to the Wolves in which they scored the least number of points (22) and allowed the most points all season (44) in that game. "You know 10-0 and having to travel to Clarkston was kind of tough for us to kind of wrap our head around is like why are we traveling when we haven't lost a game all year in the playoffs, you know going into the playoffs, that outcome kind of opened our eyes like hey we need to play bigger schools with some more competition that has gone through the gauntlet before themselves and prepare us for the playoffs" said Coach Kaleb Forr on the Casey Campbell podcast. The Bobcats have not fared well against the OAA historically going 6-9 against them since the OAA was formed in 1994. Grand Blanc decided to join the OAA next season in a move that should test them especially in the postseason. The Bobcats will have one more season in the Saginaw Valley League where they are favored to win the league for the third straight season. "We have some great rivalries in the SVL with teams that aren't joining us in the OAA, Lapeer, Heritage (Saginaw,) Carman Ainsworth, Saginaw United, and then some of the northern schools as well, we've really enjoyed our time in the SVL as a athletic department and myself you know being the leader of the football program it's been a challenge every single year competing against a lot of those schools and we're going to miss some of those rivalries but we're excited for the new opportunity to join a conference that has had sustained success for a long, long time and some juggernauts in the football area and lot of other sports as well so we look forward in joining the OAA, you know we got one more year left in the SVL and we're going to embrace that and do everything we can to leave on a high note and hopefully we go into the OAA with the mindset that we're playing some of the best teams in the State week in and week out, no matter what and these programs are successful for a reason and I think it's because they see that competition every single week, that prepares them for sustained success in the postseason and that's something we're really looking forward too, it's going to be a huge challenge for us, a huge challenge for the program, for the athletic department and we're looking forward to it" Forr said on the Casey Campbell podcast.
OFFENSE: The Bobcats were an offensive juggernaut in 2025 and made history in the process. They scored 35 points or more in every game and scored 50 or more points in five games (Lapeer 51, Flint Carman Ainsworth 56, Saginaw Heritage 56, Saginaw 50, Davison 57.) Grand Blanc scored 22 points against Clarkston in the district finals which was their lowest output and their only loss. The Bobcats scored 506 points (46 points per game) which was the best in the Saginaw Valley League and the best offense in Grand Blanc history last season. It's going to be different having to replace a ton of proven experience and talent from last season, but the standard is high. They will have a new quarterback in Jake DeWitt as he takes over for Jake Morrow who graduated. He had made a ton of noise this summer and they won a few seven on sevens behind his leadership. DeWitt should have very young but proven pass catchers in underclassmen BJ Coleman, Jace Stinson, Semaj Jenkins, and Keenan Tomlin at wide receiver along with Kingston Pillafas at tight end coming back. The rushing attack should be a strength for Forr. They have Jeriemah Coleman along with underclassman Ashton Brown coming back. Coleman is one of the top running backs in the State and has gotten a ton of attention. The Bobcats despite their youth and inexperience should have no issues scoring at will this season.
LINES: The Bobcats should be strong up front after having a strong year last season. Grand Blanc has Braylin Toins, Joey Asperger, Robert Giles, Robert Boggan, along with underclassmen Alex Fischer, Bryan Millander, Nikko Hiney, David Leak, Mario Williams, Mason Horn, Matt Hooks coming back on both lines.
DEFENSE: The Bobcats were up and down defensively in 2025. They held five teams to six points or fewer (Lapeer zero, Flint Carman-Ainsworth six, Traverse City West six, Lansing Everett six, Saginaw six) but really struggled late in the season. The Bobcats allowed 133 points (33.2 points per game) in their final four games. (Davison 29, Romeo 30, Oxford 30, and Clarkston 44, going 3-1.) Grand Blanc allowed 210 points (19 points per game) but as mentioned 133 came in the final four weeks last season. There are questions for the Bobcats defensively this season when it comes to new starters. Grand Blanc has Giovanni Iatoona, Peyton Gates, along with underclassmen Aaron Stowers, and Anquan Clemmons at linebacker coming back. The Bobcats have Jayson Givens, Jaylin Mitchell, Ken Price, Chase Miller, Devin Amromin, Michael Simpson, along with underclassman Ke'Andre Cummings, Amir Mayes, Noah Cooper, and Kaydin Lewis coming back in the defensive secondary.
PROGRAM STRENGTH/SCHEDULE: Program strength has been a major strength for Grand Blanc in the past. They are one of the top enrolled schools in the State. The youth program (Grand Blanc junior Bobcats) has been strong. The middle school levels (Grand Blanc East Middle School, Grand Blanc West Middle School) have been very competitive. Their freshman and junior varsity programs have been very strong and focusing on development. They do get some kids that come from mostly Flint being an open enrolled school. The Bobcats have a very tough non-league. They have Belleville, Lansing Everett, River Rouge, and Macomb Dakota. Grand Blanc should be in contention for the Saginaw Valley League Red/South despite losing a ton of proven experience with program strength the Bobcats should be a force this season.
SAMMY OUTLOOK: The Bobcats should be the favorite in their final year in the Saginaw Valley League to win the South/Red and should be the top team in the Saginaw Valley League overall. They have a very tough schedule after losing a ton of experience from last season's historic offensive season. This should be a postseason team with their "Dark Side" theme. It's possible they could go unbeaten again if things click and go right. It wouldn't surprise me if Grand Blanc is ranked near or at the top in Genesee County. The Bobcats have a new quarterback with some questions, but having program strength helps. It will be very interesting to see how Grand Blanc does this season.
