Week Two Picks.

Written Wednesday August 30th at 8:30 AM

Welcome to the 2023 football season, here are our pickers for the season. Here are everyone who is doing picks this season.

 

SANDY DUNES is Sammy Taormina, OAA Now host and blogger.

COTTER is Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western football and North Farmington basketball video coordinator

DUNLAP is Keith Dunlap, WDIV freelance writer

STICK is Dan Stickradt, North Oakland Sports writer

BURNEY is Scott Burnstein, MIPrepZone and State Champs sports writer.

TIM is Tim English, High School Sports Historian and Blogger.

 

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

 

SANDY DUNES 10-8

COTTER 13-5

BURNEY 11-7

DUNLAP 8-10

STICK 11-7

TIM 12-6

 

 

1. West Bloomfield at 6. Groves: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have Division One College Prospects. The Lakers survived 22-21 over Chippewa Valley last week while the Falcons hammered North Farmington 36-3 behind a strong second half last week. This should be a very interesting matchup in Beverly Hills.

 

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, GROVES 7.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, GROVES 14.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, GROVES 21.

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over GROVES.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 32, GROVES 27.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, GROVES 21.

 

8. Clarkston at 2. Southfield Arts and Tech: This should be a very interesting matchup between two teams that know each other well. The Wolves are coming off a very tough 24-10 loss to Northville. The Warriors are coming off a 29-27 win over Detroit Cass Tech. These two teams played to a classic 62-56 Clarkston win last season in Clarkston. It should be a very interesting matchup in Southfield.

 

SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 63, CLARKSTON 20.

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, CLARKSTON 21.

DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 24, CLARKSTON 17.

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over CLARKSTON.

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 34, CLARKSTON 20.

TIM: CLARKSTON 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28.

 

4. Lake Orion at 3. Harper Woods: This game could be very similar to the Oklahoma/Texas game in 2021 when that game had a crazy fourth quarter. Both teams have proven experience, explosive playmakers, good lines, and solid defenses. The Pioneers went into Stoney Creek and won 34-21 behind four Colby Taylor touchdowns while the Dragons won 54-33 over Livonia Stevenson behind four rushing touchdowns from Billy Roberson. This looks like it could be a shootout to that game’s magnitude on the new gray turf in Wayne County.

 

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 56, HARPER WOODS 51.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 35, HARPER WOODS 22.

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 28, HARPER WOODS 27.

STICK: LAKE ORION over HARPER WOODS.

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 26, HARPER WOODS 25.

TIM: LAKE ORION 28, HARPER WOODS 24.

 

Rochester at 5. Adams: The Highlanders have won 24 straight games in this rivalry with the Falcons including beating them twice last season. Adams is coming off a 22-8 win over Orchard Lake St. Marys last week behind two Matteo Humbert defensive touchdowns along with a Brady Prieskorn receiving touchdown. Rochester is coming off a tough 22-21 loss to Utica after blowing a 15-6 lead in that game. Jack Lower was solid for the Falcons in that game. It should be a very interesting game but Adams has Prieskorn, Humbert, among others who can fill the void in this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, ROCHESTER 6.

COTTER: ADAMS 42, ROCHESTER 13.

DUNLAP: ADAMS 21, ROCHESTER 14.

STICK: ADAMS over ROCHESTER.

BURNEY: ADAMS 33, ROCHESTER 31.

TIM: ADAMS 49, ROCHESTER 21.

 

7. Seaholm vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit at Hazel Park: This is a rematch of a 21-20 Maples win over the Cubs last season. Both teams have some proven experience in this game. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit won 47-14 over Oak Park last week. Seaholm is coming off a 27-14 win over Bloomfield Hills. This should be a fun matchup in Hazel Park to watch.

 

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 31, DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 24.

COTTER: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 28, SEAHOLM 14.

DUNLAP: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 28, SEAHOLM 14.

STICK: SEAHOLM over DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 30, DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 29.

TIM: SEAHOLM 28, DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 24.

 

9. Avondale at Brandon: These are two programs that are no strangers to one another. The Blackhawks are well coached under former Pontiac and Stoney Creek coach Brad Zube and has a really talented player in Drew Hickmott. Brandon also won 51-12 over Bay City John Glenn last week. The Yellow Jackets survived a 21-10 win over Warren Cousino despite being only up 10-7 early in the fourth quarter. This could be a high scoring game but also it’s a dangerous game for Avondale as well.

 

SANDY DUNES: BRANDON 31, AVONDALE 21.

COTTER: BRANDON 42, AVONDALE 28.

DUNLAP: BRANDON 28, AVONDALE 17.

STICK: AVONDALE over BRANDON.

BURNEY: BRANDON 40, AVONDALE 39.

TIM: BRANDON 56, AVONDALE 14.

 

Detroit Lincoln King Academy at 10. Pontiac: This could be shaping up to be a very interesting game of two 1-0 teams that are coming off monster wins last week. The Phoenix snapped a 42 game losing streak by beating Madison Heights Bishop Foley 52-22 last week. The Wolves earned their first ever school win by beating Southfield Bradford Academy 28-6 after falling 12-6 to them last year. Someone is going to be 2-0 after this week.

 

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 50, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 28.

COTTER: PONTIAC 38, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 12.

DUNLAP: PONTIAC 27, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 20.

STICK: PONTIAC over DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY.

BURNEY: PONTIAC 28, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 21.

TIM: PONTIAC 42, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 7.

 

Oak Park at Oxford: These are two teams that are coming off tough losses. The Wildcats played well defensively despite falling 20-6 to Utica Eisenhower last week. The Knights were embarrassed 47-14 by Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Coach Greg Carter will be back on the sidelines for Oak Park which helps but Oxford should be motivated and has I think more options than the Knights.

 

SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 27, OAK PARK 7.

COTTER: OXFORD 35, OAK PARK 6.

DUNLAP: OXFORD 14, OAK PARK 7.

STICK: OXFORD over OAK PARK.

BURNEY: OXFORD 25, OAK PARK 23.

TIM: OXFORD 42, OAK PARK 14.

 

Stoney Creek at Bloomfield Hills: This is a rematch of a 42-7 Cougars win over the Blackhawks last season. Stoney Creek fell 34-21 to Harper Woods last week while Bloomfield Hills fell 27-14 to Seaholm last week. No one wants to start 0-2 but someone will.

 

SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 28, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

DUNLAP: STONEY CREEK 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 28.

STICK: STONEY CREEK over BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

BURNEY: STONEY CREEK 27, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 24.

TIM: STONEY CREEK 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

 

Muskegon Reeths Puffer at Farmington: This is the first meeting between the Falcons and the Rockets. Muskegon Reeths Puffer beat Grand Haven 41-13 last week. Farmington won 52-6 over Detroit Henry Ford. This is a big game for the Falcons against a really good Rockets program.

 

SANDY DUNES: MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER 42, FARMINGTON 28.

COTTER: MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER 49, FARMINGTON 14.

DUNLAP: MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER 31, FARMINGTON 17.

STICK: MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER over FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 34, MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER 27.

TIM: MUSKEGON REETHS PUFFER 49, FARMINGTON 7.

 

North Farmington at Caledonia: This is a rematch of a 68-14 Scotts win over the Raiders at Ron Holland Field last season but North Farmington will have Ryan Shelby for this game. Caledonia made the Division One State Finals last season and beat Romeo 35-28 last week. The Raiders fell 36-3 to Groves last week. Caledonia is opening their new field and North Farmington is struggling, this doesn’t look good for the Raiders.

 

SANDY DUNES: CALEDONIA 80, NORTH FARMINGTON 31.

COTTER: CALEDONIA 63, NORTH FARMINGTON 7.

DUNLAP: CALEDONIA 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 7.

STICK: CALEDONIA over NORTH FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: CALEDONIA 33, NORTH FARMINGTON 23.

TIM: CALEDONIA 84, NORTH FARMINGTON 3.

 

Detroit Mumford at Troy: The Colts rolled behind three Noah Oury touchdowns in their 21-0 win over Macomb L’Anse Creuse North last week. The Mustangs got crushed 51-0 by Birmingham Detroit Country Day last week. When describing Troy, please watch my podcast with Scott Burnstein and Tyler Kieft for your answer.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY 42, DETROIT MUMFORD 0.

COTTER: TROY 28, DETROIT MUMFORD 0.

DUNLAP: TROY 23, DETROIT MUMFORD 16.

STICK: TROY over DETROIT MUMFORD.

BURNEY: TROY 38, DETROIT MUMFORD 20.

TIM: TROY 42, DETROIT MUMFORD 7.

 

Troy Athens at Berkley: This is a big game for both teams for their confidence. The Red Hawks were without six starters and were upset by Fraser 14-6 at home last week which might hurt their postseason chances with the non conference. The Bears were very disappointing in their 42-0 blowout loss at Hurley Field to Walled Lake Central. Whoever goes 0-2 could be in some serious trouble heading into division play next week.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY ATHENS 24, BERKLEY 7.

COTTER: TROY ATHENS 21, BERKLEY 7.

DUNLAP: BERKLEY 17, TROY ATHENS 7.

STICK: TROY ATHENS over BERKLEY.

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 44, BERKLEY 22.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 28, BERKLEY 7.

 

Ferndale at Holly: This is a must win game for the Eagles to get some confidence back after falling 31-12 to Macomb L’Anse Creuse on their home field last week. Cullen Hock had five turnovers in that game. Ferndale takes on a Bronchos team that scored 35 unanswered points in their 35-7 win over Royal Oak. It’s tough going up against a Coach Billy Keenest and a Coach Dave Tooley defense. The Eagles will have it tough up in northwest Oakland County.

 

SANDY DUNES: HOLLY 35, FERNDALE 21.

COTTER: HOLLY 28, FERNDALE 18.

DUNLAP: HOLLY 21, FERNDALE 18.

STICK: HOLLY over FERNDALE.

BURNEY: FERNDALE 38, HOLLY 23.

TIM: HOLLY 28, FERNDALE 14.

 

Taylor at Royal Oak: These are two programs that have been struggling as of late. Taylor is 8-36 since 2018. The Griffins fell 41-0 to Allen Park at Wayne State last week. The Ravens put together a strong defensive first half despite the 35-7 loss to Holly last week. Royal Oak has something to look at and a possible recipe to success if they played like they did in the first half of the Holly game. This should be a very interesting game.

 

SANDY DUNES: TAYLOR 21, ROYAL OAK 14.

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 14, TAYLOR 6.

DUNLAP: TAYLOR 24, ROYAL OAK 10.

STICK: TAYLOR over ROYAL OAK.

BURNEY: ROYAL OAK 27, TAYLOR 25.

TIM: ROYAL OAK 28, TAYLOR 14.

Week One Recap.

Written Saturday August 26th at 4:00 PM

Here is the recap from week one.

AROUND THE OAA WEEK TWO.

1. West Bloomfield

2. Southfield Arts and Tech

3. Harper Woods

4. Lake Orion

5. Adams

6. Groves

7. Seaholm

8. Clarkston

9. Avondale

10. Pontiac

 

WEEK ONE RECAP.

 

SCORES

 

LAKE ORION 54, Livonia Stevenson 33.

Northville 24, CLARKSTON 10.

Utica Eisenhower 20, OXFORD 6.

ADAMS 22, Orchard Lake St. Marys 8

WEST BLOOMFIELD 22, Chippewa Valley 21.

HARPER WOODS 34, STONEY CREEK 21.

GROVES 36, NORTH FARMINGTON 3.

SEAHOLM 27, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 29, Detroit Cass Tech 27.

FARMINGTON 52, Detroit Henry Ford 6.

Utica 22, ROCHESTER 21.

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 47, OAK PARK 14.

TROY 21, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 0.

Fraser 14, TROY ATHENS 6.

Macomb L’Anse Creuse 31, FERNDALE 12.

AVONDALE 21, Warren Cousino 10.

Walled Lake Central 42, BERKLEY 0.

Holly 35, ROYAL OAK 7.

PONTIAC 52, Madison Heights Bishop Foley 22.

 

BEST WIN: Pontiac: The Phoenix put up half of their scoring output from last season scoring 52 points in a stunning 52-22 blowout of Madison Heights Bishop Foley in Madison Heights on Friday night. The Ventures beat the Phoenix 57-12 last season. The 52 points was the most points since Stockbridge in 2021 and second most in school history (52, Royal Oak 2011.) Pontiac scored 64 in a game against West Bloomfield which was the most they have ever scored in program history. The Phoenix have another winnable game next week when they host Detroit Lincoln King Academy.

 

TOUGH LOSS: Oxford: I thought the Wildcats were the better team against Utica Eisenhower but a few mistakes doomed them in their 20-6 loss on Friday night. Oxford will be fine, no panic with them. I thought their defense played well but like I said mistakes doomed them against Utica Eisenhower. They have Oak Park looming next week.

 

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Rochester: The Falcons were going to be very young this season but losing to the same opponent by one point is mind boggling. Rochester lost 27-26 to Utica last season and this season they lost 22-21 after blowing a 15-6 lead. The Falcons could be in some serious trouble this season.

 

VALENTI RANT: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had six players out with injuries in their game against Fraser but there was no reason for them to fall 14-6 in that game. Troy Athens is in some big trouble right now. The Red Hawks have Berkley looming next week.

 

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Berkley: The Bears had a ton of trouble with Walled Lake Central falling 42-0 on Thursday night. Berkley could be in some trouble going forward. They have a must win game looming with Troy Athens next week.

Week One Thoughts.

Written Saturday August 26th at 9:15 AM

Updated Saturday August 26th at 4:00 PM 

West Bloomfield: The Lakers were battle tested that is for sure. West Bloomfield survived with a 22-21 victory over Chippewa Valley on Thursday night. Elijah Durham had a big night catching two Requan Nance touchdowns and Nigel Dunton caught an 18 yard touchdown pass. Brandon Davis-Swain scored the winning two point conversion on a strong run play. Nance had 241 passing yards and 51 rushing yards. The Lakers find ways to win games. This was a great win for them heading into Groves next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons scored five touchdowns of their seven drives in a 54-33 victory over Livonia Stevenson on Thursday afternoon. Billy Roberson had 119 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries while Raymond Payne caught a 28 yard touchdown pass and Jackie Vasquez had an impressive performance as did Triston Hill who added a 58 yard rushing touchdown. The defense is a huge concern, allowing 33 points with 20 points with the first string is very concerning and especially the pass defense. Lake Orion needs to address the defense and quick, the offense despite the penalties look to be in crisp right now. The Dragons have Harper Woods looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves really struggled falling 24-10 to the Mustangs on Friday night. Clarkston had 165 total yards against Northville. The Wolves did lose to Davison last season and Adams when they won their first State title in 2013. Desman Stevens had a 45 yard punt return for a score and Eddie Langton had a 38 yard field goal was the scoring on the night for Clarkston. Brady Collins started at quarterback for the Wolves. Collins went 11 of 27 for 80 yards with 41 rushing yards. The defense gave up a ton of chunk yard plays against the Mustangs. The offense could be a big problem this season. They have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.

Adams: The Highlanders defense got seven turnovers against Orchard Lake St. Marys on Friday night winning 22-8 on the red turf. Adams got a pick six from Matteo Humbert from 42 yards and a 50 yard interception return for a score an interception from Rico Hart along with an interception from Carter Farris. The Highlanders turned the ball over as well which would make Coach Tony Patritto nuts. Ryan O’Waters won the starting job and passed a touchdown to Brady Prieskorn. The Adams defense played really well as mentioned. They have Rochester next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats have done very well defensively but mistakes doomed Oxford in their 20-6 loss to Utica Eisenhower. Wildcats quarterback Jack Hendrix threw a pick six in the second quarter which stated the Eagles scoring. Preston Crum returned after missing the first quarter with a knee injury for Utica Eisenhower. Oxford trailed 13-0 at the half but came back behind two Drew Kady field goals which made it 13-6 but Utica Eisenhower scored on a long touchdown sealing the game for the Eagles. The Wildcats have Oak Park looming next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a rough start against Harper Woods but they managed to get it to 28-14 however on Friday morning a controversial call really hurt Stoney Creek in their 34-21 loss to the Pioneers. The Cougars should be fine despite this tough loss. Stoney Creek has Bloomfield Hills looming next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a back and fourth battle with Detroit Cass Tech on Saturday afternoon. Isisah Marshall had three touchdown passes all to Tashi Braceful but they let quarterback Cory Sadler control the game. He had a big touchdown on a fourth and two from the read option giving the Technicians the lead but Marshall on a fourth down and five ran for a 16 yard touchdown for Southfield Arts and Tech and a defensive stop was the difference as the Warriors won 29-27 over Detroit Cass Tech. It is possible that these two teams could meet again in the postseason but for Southfield Arts and Tech this is a great start. Braceful had three receiving touchdowns while Marshall had three passing and one rushing score off the quarterback draw. They have Clarkston looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers opened the season with a monster win on Friday morning over Stoney Creek winning 34-21. Harper Woods scored early taking an 14-0 lead and never looked back. Colby Bailey had four touchdowns for Harper Woods. It’s a big win for the Pioneers who really struggled last season but they are off to a great start. Harper Woods has a big test looming with Lake Orion on their new field next week.

Groves: The Falcons defense clamped down against the Raiders at Ron Holland Field especially in the second half. They blocked a field goal for a touchdown to close the half and added a 58 yard touchdown run in a stunning 36-3 blowout of North Farmington on Friday night. Groves has West Bloomfield looming next week.

Farmington: The Falcons really had no issue with Detroit Henry Ford winning 52-6 on Friday night at Falcon Field. Cam Pettaway had three scores and over 100 yards rushing. Farmington will have a much bigger test waiting them when they play Muskegon Reefs-Puffer next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks found a playmaker in Jace Reed whom caught and ran a 99 yard kickoff return back for a score in their 27-14 loss to Seaholm on Thursday night. I thought Rocco Colosimo played all right in his first start despite throwing two interceptions. The defense really struggled at times. The Blackhawks have a really tough matchup with Stoney Creek looming next week.

Rochester: It was de javu all over again for the Falcons against Utica on Thursday night at Sweinhart Field. Rochester lost on a heartbreaker on the final play 27-26 last season and now they fell 22-21 after missing the extra point on their touchdown score. The Falcons have a tough one with Adams looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples started the season strong with a 27-14 victory over Bloomfield Hills on Thursday night. Colton Kinnie had a great game. Kinnie had two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown to Jack Lewis who also caught an interception as well. Seaholm will be tested when they head to Hazel Park to play Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit next week.

North Farmington: The Raiders could be in some trouble after losing 36-3 to Groves on Friday night at Ron Holland Field. North Farmington started out strong with a field goal from Vinnie Lee but things quickly went south as the Falcons blocked a field goal and took it back for a touchdown making it a 16-3 game at the half and it was all Groves after that. The Raiders are a solid team. They have a tough one with Caledonia looming next week.

Oak Park: The Knights had a rough one with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit falling 47-14 on Friday night. Oak Park was without Coach Greg Carter who was serving a one game suspension. Carter will be back on the sidelines. They have a tough one with Oxford looming next week.

Troy: The Colts opened their new field with a fourth down stop and a 21-0 victory over Macomb L’Anse Creuse North. Troy used a timely offensive attack from Parker Brandenburg and Nolan Block along with three touchdowns from Noah Oury but the defense was the story for the Colts. Troy has Detroit Mumford looming on their home field next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks did not have six key players in their stunning 14-6 loss to Fraser on Thursday night on their home field. This loss puts Troy Athens in a brutal spot in a game that they needed to win. The Red Hawks have Berkley next week.

Ferndale: It was a rough night for Coach Eric Royal and the Eagles as they were stunned by Macomb L’Anse Creuse falling 31-12 on Thursday night on their new home field. The defense really struggled against the Lancers who were very young, allowing 31 points is not a good sign for a program that wants to make a return trip to the postseason. Cullen Hock also struggled turning the ball over five times, that’s not a good recipe. The Eagles have another tough game looming with Holly in northwest Oakland County next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets got off to a good start but it got very uneasy with Avondale only leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter until pulling away late. Coach Bob Meyer got his first win as head coach of the Yellow Jackets with a 21-10 win over Warren Cousino. The Patriots did have some very questionable play calling at times in the game. The defense had their moments but they need to clean up the penalties. Avondale has a big one with Brandon looming next week.

Berkley: I was very disappointed with the Bears in their 42-0 blowout loss to Walled Lake Central at Hurley Field on Thursday night. Berkley really struggled on both sides of the football which could be a serious problem going forward. Coach Sean Shields needs to fix this and quick. They have Troy Athens looming next week in a big game for both teams.

Royal Oak: The Ravens had a good start to their game against Holly scoring a three yard rushing touchdown from Michael Hermon whom also picked off a pass as well but the Broncos behind their proven senior experience and the coaching of former Troy Athens and Berkley coach Billy Keenest and former Lake Orion defensive coordinator Dave Tooley scored 35 unanswered points winning 35-7 over Royal Oak. If the Ravens play like they did in the first half defensively then maybe Coach Collin Campbell may be on to something. Royal Oak has Taylor looming next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix made a statement in Coach Wendell Jefferson’s debut as head coach. They snapped a 42 game losing streak in a stunning 52-22 win over Madison Heights Bishop Foley on Friday night. The 52 points was half of the points they scored last season in a stunning 52-22 win over Madison Heights Bishop Foley. The 52 points was also the most they scored since 2021 and they tied that mark scoring 52 points against Royal Oak in 2011. The most the program has scored was 66 against West Bloomfield in 2010. Kayne Donaldson had a big night for Pontiac scoring six touchdowns. The next lesson for the Phoenix is to sustain success which is something Jefferson will address his team, don't get to high and not too low. They have some confidence heading into their game with Detroit Lincoln King Academy next week.

Week One Picks

Written Monday August 21st at 6:45 PM

Picks will be updated. We'll get Sticks picks or Tim's when we can.

Welcome to the 2023 football season, here are our pickers for the season. Here are everyone who is doing picks this season.

 

SANDY DUNES is Sammy Taormina, OAA Now host and blogger.

COTTER is Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western football and North Farmington basketball video coordinator

DUNLAP is Keith Dunlap, WDIV freelance writer

STICK is Dan Stickradt, North Oakland Sports writer

BURNEY is Scott Burnstein, MIPrepZone and State Champs sports writer.

TIM is Tim English, writer, High School Sports Historian, and blogger.

 

SANDY DUNES 0-0

COTTER 0-0

BURNEY 0-0

DUNLAP 0-0

STICK 0-0

TIM 0-0

 

 

1. West Bloomfield vs Chippewa Valley at Wayne State: The Lakers have a new coach, new system, but the same expectations. The quarterback battle takes center stage between Requan Nance and Andrew Schuster in this matchup. Both teams have speed, quickness, and size. If I had to trust someone right now it’s Kari Jackson, Jamir Benjamin, Brandon Davis-Swain and that high powered Lakers proven defense in this game, only question is will West Bloomfield wear green or black uniforms???

 

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 14.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 38, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 28.

DUNLAP: CHIPPEWA VALLEY 35, WEST BLOOMFIELD 30.

STICK:

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 30, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 29.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 31.

 

2. Southfield Arts and Tech vs Detroit Cass Tech at Wayne State: This will be the fourth meeting in two years between the Technicians and the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech won the regular season matchup that went two days 56-54 but Detroit Cass Tech won the district final 25-14 last season. Both teams have athletes, it could be a shootout again but the Warriors defense still has me worried heading into this matchup at Wayne State.

 

SANDY DUNES: DETROIT CASS TECH 48, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42.

COTTER: DETROIT CASS TECH 42, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 40.

DUNLAP: DETROIT CASS TECH 45, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42.

STICK:

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 31, DETROIT CASS TECH 28.

TIM: DETROIT CASS TECH 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28.

 

 

3. Lake Orion vs Livonia Stevenson at Michigan: This should be a very interesting matchup between the Dragons and the Spartans. Livonia Stevenson has quarterback Ari’John Thompson along with Richardo Warman on the offensive and defensive lines and Aiden Nolan at wide receiver and free safety. The Dragons might be the most dangerous team in the league with their proven experience. It should be a very interesting matchup in Ann Arbor.

 

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 56, LIVONIA STEVENSON 14.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 35, LIVONIA STEVENSON 21.

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 30, LIVONIA STEVENSON 27.

STICK:

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 35, LIVONIA STEVENSON 20.

TIM: LIVONIA STEVENSON 28, LAKE ORION 21.

 

 

4. Harper Woods at Stoney Creek: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have two different styles. It was an off year for the Pioneers after struggling with injuries in their first season in the OAA. Harper Woods has a ton of proven experience coming back. Stoney Creek is coming off a very disappointing first round loss to Rochester. Both teams want to start the season very strong with very tough schedules looming ahead. This is a big one to get for both teams.

 

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 30, STONEY CREEK 20.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 20, STONEY CREEK 14.

DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 23, STONEY CREEK 20.

STICK:

BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 27, STONEY CREEK 7.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 35, STONEY CREEK 14.

 

 

5. Clarkston vs Northville at Michigan: The Wolves have a ton of changes especially at quarterback and running back. Clarkston is back at Michigan Stadium for the fifth straight season but the opponent is very interesting. The Wolves go up against a very experienced Mustangs team. Northville has a new coach in Bret Luplow taking over the program. Luplow has a ton of proven experience in running back Caleb Moore, halfback Kayden Beschill, wide receiver Nick Hellinger among others. The Mustangs have 15 returning starters. Clarkston has questions at quarterback, hopefully they get answered before this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: NORTHVILLE 35, CLARKSTON 21.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 31, NORTHVILLE 28.

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 35, NORTHVILLE 27.

STICK:

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 40, NORTHVILLE 39.

TIM: CLARKSTON 28, NORTHVILLE 21.

 

 

6. Adams at Orchard Lake St. Marys: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup on the red turf in Orchard Lake. The Highlanders won 42-14 in Rochester last season. Adams is very young this season while the Eaglets are much improved and added a transfer in Lake Orion running back Darrin Jones. It’s going to be a tough matchup for Brady Prieskorn and company against Orchard Lake St. Marys.

 

SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 49, ADAMS 7.

COTTER: ADAMS 24, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 21.

DUNLAP: ADAMS 17, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 13.

STICK:

BURNEY: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 33, ADAMS 23.

TIM: ADAMS 35, ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 31.

 

 

7. Groves at North Farmington: These two teams are no strangers to one another. The Falcons won 34-19 last season over the Raiders in Beverly Hills but North Farmington has gotten the best of Groves the previous two years. Ryan Shelby vs Cayden Hardy should be the matchup to watch. It’s Special Olympics Night at Ron Holland Field which makes things really interesting. This game should be tight.

 

SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, GROVES 24.

COTTER: GROVES 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 14.

DUNLAP: GROVES 27, NORTH FARMINGTON 24.

STICK:

BURNEY: GROVES 33, NORTH FARMINGTON 17.

TIM: GROVES 42, NORTH FARMINGTON 28.

 

 

Bloomfield Hills at 8. Seaholm: This is a rematch of a 38-21 Maples win over the Blackhawks last season. Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills are no strangers to each other and especially coaches Jim DeWald and Dan Loria. Both of them coached at Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Bloomfield Hills Andover and in their current schools as well. This should be a very interesting matchup to say the least.

 

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 6.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.

DUNLAP: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21, SEAHOLM 20.

STICK:

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 34, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.

TIM: SEAHOLM 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.

 

 

Macomb L’Anse Creuse at 9. Ferndale: This is a rematch of a 27-26 Lancers win over the Eagles last season in Macomb. Macomb L’Anse Creuse has a new coach and a new system. Ferndale is a much different team than they were last season. They have a new quarterback in Cullen Hock and Coach Eric Royal brought in two new coordinators who came from Croswell-Lexington. This might be a different game than it was last season. Macomb L’Anse Creuse has a new coach taking over the program.

 

SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 35, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE 6.

COTTER: FERNDALE 38, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE 28.

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 24, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE 20.

STICK:

BURNEY: FERNDALE 38, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE 28.

TIM: FERNDALE 35, MACOMB L'ANSE CREUSE NORTH 21.

 

 

Warren Cousino at 10. Avondale: This is a rematch of a 36-6 Yellow Jackets win in Warren last season. Avondale has a new coach and a new system in Bob Meyer. The Patriots were a playoff team last season. The Yellow Jackets have almost everyone back and a new coach in Meyer who is a proven winner himself running the program, it could be a long evening for Warren Cousino at Dick Bye Field.

 

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 34, WARREN COUSINO 14.

COTTER: AVONDALE 35, WARREN COUSINO 6.

DUNLAP: WARREN COUSINO 17, AVONDALE 14.

STICK:

BURNEY: AVONDALE 35, WARREN COUSINO 13.

TIM: AVONDALE 28, WARREN COUSINO 7.

 

 

Utica Eisenhower at Oxford: The Wildcats is the great unknown heading into this season. This game has the makings of two teams with different styles of play. Oxford likes to slow the game down while Utica Eisenhower has a ton of proven playmakers and a four year quarterback in Preston Crumm. Whoever style wins out wins this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 24, UTICA EISENHOWER 20.

COTTER: UTICA EISENHOWER 28, OXFORD 7.

DUNLAP: UTICA EISENHOWER 31, OXFORD 20.

STICK:

BURNEY: UTICA EISENHOWER 36, OXFORD 28.

TIM: UTICA EISENHOWER 35, OXFORD 14.

 

 

Rochester at Utica: The Falcons did a ton of great things. They made the postseason for the first time since 2010 (2020 doesn’t count) and won their first playoff game in school history by beating Stoney Creek but they were upset in week one by Utica. The Chieftains went into Rochester and scored on the last play of the game stunning the Falcons 27-24 last season. Utica won two games last season but they were against OAA teams. The Chieftains are experienced and are at Sweinhart while Rochester is very young this season, you never know what could happen in this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: UTICA 28, ROCHESTER 7.

COTTER: UTICA 24, ROCHESTER 14.

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 27, UTICA 17.

STICK:

BURNEY: ROCHESTER 23, UTICA 21.

TIM: ROCHESTER 35, UTICA 24.

 

 

Detroit Henry Ford at Farmington: The Falcons are coming off a strong year last season. They still have some experience coming back which helps. The Trojans are 19-16 since 2019 which could be a very interesting matchup at Falcon Field. This should be very interesting to say the least.

 

SANDY DUNES: FARMINGTON 42, DETROIT HENRY FORD 28.

COTTER: FARMINGTON 41, DETROIT HENRY FORD 6.

DUNLAP: FARMINGTON 35, DETROIT HENRY FORD 14.

STICK:

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 32, DETROIT HENRY FORD 18.

TIM: FARMINGTON 35, DETROIT HENRY FORD 14.

 

 

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at Troy: This is a rematch of a 14-3 Colts win in Macomb County last season. Troy opens their new football field against a Crusaders team that should be much improved after being very young last season. It should be a very interesting matchup between these two teams.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY 20, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 17.

COTTER: TROY 17, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

DUNLAP: MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 20, TROY 17.

STICK:

BURNEY: TROY 23, MACOMB L’ANSE CREUSE NORTH 20.

TIM: TROY 42, MACOMB L'ANSE CREUSE NORTH 7.

 

 

Fraser at Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are a solid team this season but the non league schedule is very interesting. The Ramblers went 1-8 last season. They missed the postseason last season but they lost to Troy Athens 28-21 in Fraser last season. Fraser should be better this season. This looks like it could be a trap game for the Red Hawks.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY ATHENS 35, FRASER 28.

COTTER: TROY ATHENS 35, FRASER 7.

DUNLAP: TROY ATHENS 31, FRASER 7.

STICK:

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 25, FRASER 22.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 35, FRASER 10.

 

 

Oak Park vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Hazel Park: This is the sixth meeting between these two close rivals in the Knights and the Cubs. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit won 20-0 in Knight Valley last season. Oak Park has a lot of questions coming into this season. This will be a big one for the Knights against a neighborhood rival that is close by and also very good as well and to make matters worse Oak Park Coach Greg Carter is out for week one because of having joint practices with three other teams.

 

SANDY DUNES: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 28, OAK PARK 18.

COTTER: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 35, OAK PARK 6.

DUNLAP: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 31, OAK PARK 18.

STICK:

BURNEY: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 40, OAK PARK 27.

TIM: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 42, OAK PARK 7.

 

 

Holly at Royal Oak: This is a rematch of a 49-0 Bronchos blowout of the Ravens last season. Holly has been a well-oiled machine under former Troy Athens and Berkley coach Billy Keenest and former Lake Orion defensive coordinator Dave Tooley. Royal Oak is rebuilding under new coach Collin Campbell. This does not look good on paper for the Ravens, Holly has a proven program heading in the right direction.

 

SANDY DUNES: HOLLY 63, ROYAL OAK 0.

COTTER: HOLLY 56, ROYAL OAK 0.

DUNLAP: HOLLY 28, ROYAL OAK 10.

STICK:

BURNEY: HOLLY 36, ROYAL OAK 23.

TIM: HOLLY 70, ROYAL OAK 0.

 

 

Pontiac at Madison Heights Bishop Foley: The Phoenix have seen some strides with a new coaching staff. Kayne Donaldson has taken the reigns and looks to snap the State’s longest losing streak. The Ventures are a very good team and they beat Pontiac 57-12 last season. It’s going to be a tough task for the Phoenix.

 

SANDY DUNES: MADISON HEIGHTS BISHOP FOLEY 21, PONTIAC 20.

COTTER: MADISON HEIGHTS BISHOP FOLEY 34, PONTIAC 6.

DUNLAP: MADISON HEIGHTS BISHOP FOLEY 21, PONTIAC 6.

STICK:

BURNEY: MADISON HEIGHTS BISHOP FOLEY 34, PONTIAC 14.

TIM: MADISON HEIGHTS BISHOP FOLEY 84, PONTIAC 0.

 

 

Walled Lake Central at Berkley: The Bears are coming off a very disappointing season. Berkley needs a bounce back year instead of the “Me over We” culture they went through last season. The Vikings are much improved. They were young last season. It should be a really good test at Hurley that is for sure.

 

SANDY DUNES: BERKLEY 27, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 24.

COTTER: WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 21, BERKLEY 14.

DUNLAP: BERKLEY 24, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 21.

STICK:

BURNEY: BERKLEY 24, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 20.

TIM: WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 28, BERKLEY 14.