Written Saturday February 4th at 5:00 PM
As we are in February with spring sports and summer to go. Football has been the main story and heading into August the expectations are there for each team. We still haven't had new coaches at Avondale and at Pontiac as of yet. Now these aren't the top ten that is used for the football preview shows and I will mention my early top ten on the Orion/Oxford FISH Drive on ONTV this week but these aren't the official ones, that comes in August.
So without a further a do, here is my early top ten teams heading into the spring and summer.
1. West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a very disappointing postseason falling to Detroit Cass Tech in the first round. West Bloomfield lost a ton of proven talent to graduation. The Lakers might not be the same team as last season but Coach Zach Hilbers always has talent as mentioned and they do reload. The offensive and defensive lines will be something to watch this offseason as along with other positions as well.
2. Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were a postseason team last season but fell to Detroit Cass Tech in the district finals. Southfield Arts and Tech a lot of proven talent coming back. They have the offense to compete with anyone in the State but the defense is the question. If Coach Aaron Marshall can address the defensive concerns this offseason then it would help their high octane offense a lot.
3. Lake Orion: The Dragons have the makings of something great after making the postseason despite having an under 500 record. They have the majority of their skill players on both sides of the football coming back. If they can stay healthy and develop the deep threat this offseason then Coach and Athletic Director Chris Bell could be in line for a big fall on both sides of the football.
4. Harper Woods: It was a rough first year in the OAA for the Pioneers which saw them miss the postseason for the first time in five years. Harper Woods have a lot of proven talent coming back. The defense should be very good for Coach Rob Oden but can the offense come up with some points. The Pioneers are talented and very proven but for them to get back to the postseason the offseason is very critical.
5. Clarkston: The Wolves made a deep postseason run to the Division One State Semifinals. They had wins over Davison and Adams but fell to Caledonia. Clarkston has to replace a ton of talent from last season. The offensive and defensive lines along with quarterback and running back are big question marks for Coach Justin Pintar. Knowing them they do have some talent waiting in the wings. Expect a big jump from the Bowman twins this offseason. The Wolves will be a team to watch.
6. Groves: The Falcons made a surprising run to the Division Two State Semifinals falling to Warren DeLaSalle last season. Groves has the majority of their team coming back for Coach Brandon Flaherty. The Falcons should be a player to watch this fall with their proven experience coming back.
7. Seaholm: The Maples had a tough district finals loss to arch rival Groves last season. Seaholm has the majority of their team coming back for Coach Jim DeWald. The Maples need to beat the Falcons if they want to make some noise and have deep postseason runs. Seaholm will be a team to watch this offseason.
8. Adams: The Highlanders had a deep two year postseason run which included a trip to the Division One State Finals where they fell to Belleville and a regional final appearance falling to Clarkston on the final play of the game. Adams lost a ton of proven experience and talent from last season as mentioned. Coach Tony Patritto doesn't have a lot of proven experience but program strength was much better than in past years. The Highlanders will be a team to watch this offseason.
9. Oxford: It was a very emotional and rough year for the Wildcats last season. Oxford took a lot of lumps with a very young team. They should be better this season with the majority of their team coming back. Coach Zach Line has a very talented junior class and they should be in the mix. The Wildcats should be a team to watch this offseason.
10. Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had a great year by making the postseason the last four years but they will have a new coach as Corey Bell has stepped down. Whoever coaches the program will have a proven experienced team this fall. Avondale should be a team to watch this offseason because they will need to go through a transition period unless it is from within.
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