Football Thoughts

 Written Friday August 30th at 11:35 PM

The Red is going to be a dog fight each week. Adams won a thriller at Dan Barnabo Field 22-21 on Thursday night. Lake Orion won at Northville 21-13 after a solid defensive performance against a very good Mustangs offense. West Bloomfield won a shocking 42-0 blowout in the Swamp over Chippewa Valley now all be it that the Big Reds are rebuilding and have a new coach. Clarkston came back from two touchdowns down to tie Belleville only to have Bryce Underwood bail the Tigers out in a 35-28 loss. The Wolves if they get the chance I think can BEAT Belleville. Oxford had a rough time with Bryce Hurley accounting for five touchdowns and two picks in a 33-16 loss to Utica Eisenhower. Overall this will be the division to watch that is for sure.

It's hard to believe that Pontiac leads the Gold right now. The Phoenix were the only team that won in week one. They won 40-0 over Detroit Fredrick Douglass. Berkley lost a heart breaker to Walled Lake Central 7-0 in overtime, the defense looked very good but the offense is a work in progress. Avondale was shocked 20-14 by Cedar Springs at Troy Athens in a back and fourth game. Royal Oak was blown out 38-13 by Detroit Lincoln King Academy. Ferndale had a tough 27-0 third quarter deficit only to fall 27-18 to Madison Heights Lamphere. Overall this division is wide open as we speak.

The Blue it looks like Farmington and Seaholm look to be the class of the division. The Falcons beat Oak Park 17-6 in a classic defensive struggle. The Maples blew out Troy Athens 40-0 which was shocking considering how much talent Seaholm lost and the Red Hawks have a star player in Nathan Piggott. North Farmington lost a tough one to Livonia Stevenson 27-22. The Raiders were stuffed at the goal line twice in that game. Troy had no problem with Bloomfield Hills winning 35-7. The Colts had a good start to the season but challenges await them. So far as mentioned the Falcons and Maples look to be the teams to beat in this division.

Groves really impressed me by going into Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and winning 35-14 on Thursday night. Rochester looked good beating Fraser 38-7. Stoney Creek won in Coach Rick Powell's debut as varsity coach 42-21 over Warren Cousino. Southfield Arts and Tech had no problem with Flint Beecher winning 46-0. Harper Woods earned a hard fought 43-21 win over Redford Union. The defense has a bit of concerns with the 21 points allowed.

These are my early thoughts on how the season is going thus far.

Week One Thoughts

Written Friday August 30th at 11:15 PM

West Bloomfield: The L-Boyz found a defense in a stunning 42-0 blowout of Chippewa Valley in the Swamp on Thursday night. Corey Pittman took one back to the house and West Bloomfield never looked back. Jamal Shakespeare also had an interception as well. Josh Tate had a great game at running back for Coach Zach Hilbers as well. The Lakers looked like they found a defense especially in the secondary which should please Hilbers. They should be tested when they head to Beverly Hills to play Groves next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons had to overcome a late Northville rally and hung on to beat the Mustangs 21-13 on Thursday night in Northville. TR Hill had a strong game that Coach Chris Bell needed from his three year starter. He ran for a touchdown late in the second quarter and connected with Ryan Rocheleau which proved to be the dagger for the Dragons. Jahmari Cooper had a huge touchdown in the middle of the third quarter which gave Lake Orion a spark and a 14-0 lead at the time. The defense was solid all night keeping a highly explosive Mustangs team in check for first year defensive coordinator Russ Purdy. Northville is a really good team that Lake Orion beat. The Dragons have Stoney Creek looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves had a really interesting game with Belleville on Friday afternoon. Clarkston made some mistakes early like fumbling on their own 14 yard line and letting Bryce Underwood go for 37 yards on a rushing touchdown. The Wolves had some life when Griffin Bowman scored a six yard rushing score giving them a 7-6 lead. Bowman added a second score from six yards out to make it 20-14 Belleville but the Tigers scored on an 80 yard run and got the two point conversion to make it 28-14 Belleville. Lukas Bowman added a one yard rushing score to make it 28-20 Belleville. Clarkston’s defense forced a fumble giving themselves one final chance and they converted with Alex Wasczenko connecting with Hank Hornung for 84 yards and a two point conversion from Brady Beck throwing a halfback pass to Grayson Clark tying the game at 28-28. Underwood then took over on the next drive running for 55 yards by himself giving Belleville a 35-28 lead. Underwood had seven carries for 177 yards and two scores for Belleville. The Wolves had another chance but fumbled late and Belleville recovered sealing the game with the Tigers winning 35-28. Coach Justin Pintar’s team came back from two scores to tie the game which is a confidence booster for the team. There is a lot to like about the resiliency of the Wolves. They found their quarterback in Wasczenko who looked solid, in control, and didn’t turn the ball over. Clarkston will be fine going forward. The Wolves have a really interesting matchup looming with Southfield Arts and Tech next week.

Adams: The Highlanders had a back and forth with Romeo at Dan Baranbo Field on Thursday night. The game needed overtime after Adams blew a 14-0 lead to force the extra session. The Bulldogs started off and took a 21-14 lead after their first possession of overtime but Adams behind their veer attack along with Rylan Watters and Lalachin Tillison along with the rest of the Highlanders never gave up and scored on their possession to make it 21-20 Romeo but Coach Tony Patritto decided to go for the win and it paid off giving Adams a stunning 22-21 win at Dan Barnabo Field. Watters went seven for eight for 93 yards with the game winning two yard pass on the two point conversion. He also had 21 carries for 156 yards and two scores. Adams has Rochester looming next week.

Oxford: It was rough for the Wildcats at Swinehart Field on Thursday night against Utica Eisenhower. Oxford fell 33-16 in a stunning result which didn’t start well with a kickoff return for a touchdown which put them behind the eight ball to start and they could not contain Bryce Hurley who had a big night for Utica Eisenhower running and receiving the ball. Hurley accounted for all five scores and grabbed two picks off Jack Hendrix for the Eagles. There are more opportunities ahead for Coach Zach Line and the Wildcats. They have a tough matchup looming with Harper Woods at Wildcat Stadium looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had their game with Redford Union postponed after severe weather affected the area and played on Saturday morning. Harper Woods earned a hard fought 43-21 win over Redford Union opening up their State title defense in Division Four. The game was tied at 21-21 after a weather delay but the Pioneers managed to outscore the Panthers 22-0 to win the game. The defense had their moments where they struggled but they found a way with their high octane offense. Coach Rob Oden has a tough one looming with Oxford next week..

Groves: The Falcons had a dominant first half on Thursday night in an impressive 35-14 win over Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit on the road. Groves led 28-0 and never looked back. This is a huge win for Coach Brendan Flaherty against a proven Catholic League power house. Noah Sanders had a solid game including a 70 yard touchdown run. Ryan Counts had a passing and a rushing touchdown, 160 yards passing, and had a perfect completion percentage in his quarterback debut for the Falcons. Groves has a big one looming with West Bloomfield next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars opened the Coach Rick Powell era with a very impressive 42-21 win over Warren Cousino on Thursday night. Stoney Creek used an offensive explosion behind quarterback Brandon Gergics and never looked back. Gergics had three touchdowns, two in the air and one on the ground. Sam Fogler added a rushing score and the Cougars got a pick six from Brody Telegadas along with a rushing score from Telegadas as well. Powell will have a huge test when Lake Orion comes to Rochester next week.

Rochester: The Falcons never looked back and looked very impressive in a 38-7 win over Fraser on Hall of Fame night at Rochester. Jack Lower had three rushing touchdowns for the Falcons who led 28-0 at the half and never looked back. Coach Eric Vernon might have figured some things out on both sides of the football. Rochester has a big one looming with Adams next week in the Falcon Frenzy game.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors started their Division One State title defense with an impressive 46-0 win over Flint Beecher on Friday night. It’s basically a new roster with a new coaching staff for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors had no issues against the Bucs. Coach Kurtis McKenzie will have a huge test awaiting them when they play Clarkston next week.

Farmington: The Falcons defense showed in a big way holding a good Oak Park team to six points in an impressive 17-6 win over the Knights on Thursday night. Farmington will look to keep improving on both sides of the football with another tough matchup looming with Holly next week coming to Falcon Field.

North Farmington: The Raiders had to battle back at times on Thursday night against Livonia Stevenson trailing the Spartans at one point 21-8 but they roared back to take a 22-21 lead but gave up a late score giving Livonia Stevenson the 27-22 win over North Farmington. Livonia Stevenson also had two goal line stands keeping the Raiders off the board and the defense couldn’t get that critical stop on fourth down and one which iced the game for the Spartans. Duke Blanch had 76 yards rushing while Terrance James went eight for 11 for 70 yards and two scores and an interception along with rushing for 89 yards and a score. North Farmington needs to bounce back as they play Ferndale next week.

Oak Park: The Knights had a tough outing on Thursday night against Farmington falling 17-6 at Falcon Field. Oak Park had chances but Farmington looked very good against them. Coach Greg Carter will have this team ready next week when they play Royal Oak.

Troy: The Colts were dominant on Thursday night against Bloomfield Hills winning 35-7 on the road. Troy got balance from Noah Oury who ran and threw to Jalen Peacock. Jackson Barrett added a touchdown and JP Makarewicz added a score. The Colts got two picks as well in the game which has to please Coach Chris Frasier. Troy has Pontiac looming next week.

Troy Athens: If the alarm bells aren’t ringing then they have to be loud and clear. The Red Hawks were shutout by Seaholm 40-0 on Thursday night. It is clear that Troy Athens is really struggling and the stats prove it. Coach Tom Cook needs to fix this and quickly. They have Berkley looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples showed their dominance on Thursday night dominating Troy Athens 40-0 on their home field. Kyle Moore had two touchdowns while Aiden Moore and Hondo Raugh also caught touchdowns. Both quarterbacks were solid with Patrick Hughes throwing for a touchdown while Finn Rowland ran and threw for a score. Seaholm looks like they could be in the drivers seat despite having some questions. They have Avondale looming next week.

Bloomfield Hills: It was a rough outing for the Blackhawks in which they fell 35-7 to Troy. The Colts were the better team in this game. This is something that Coach Dan Loria needs to correct and quickly if they want to make some noise. Bloomfield Hills has Dearborn Divine Child looming next week.

Avondale: This was a shocker for me seeing the Yellow Jackets fall 20-14 to Cedar Springs at Troy Athens on Thursday night. Both defenses were very good but the Red Hawks had just enough offense to win this game. This is not a good way to start if your Coach Bob Meyer and Avondale. They have Seaholm looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles had a tough outing against Madison Heights Lamphere falling 27-18 on their home field on Thursday night. Ferndale trailed 27-0 after three quarters but couldn’t comeback. The Eagles have a ton of experience which had Coach Eric Royal excited but they have not been able to find that consistency against a good opponent. If the Eagles want to be a postseason team they can’t afford to lose anymore. They have North Farmington looming next week.

Berkley: The Bears defense was great on Thursday night but the offense had a ton of struggles in a game that needed overtime but it was Walled Lake Central who got the best of Berkley for the second straight year winning 7-0 in overtime. The defensive effort is a start for the Bears but they need to get the offense going. They have a really interesting matchup with Troy Athens looming next week.

Royal Oak: This was a trap game for the Ravens taking on a really good Detroit Lincoln King program and the Wolves continued their winning ways by beating Royal Oak 38-13 on Thursday night at Royal Oak. The Ravens defense was torched by Detroit Lincoln King Academy who has had wins over Hamtramck and Memphis last season. Coach Collin Campbell needs to fix a ton of things especially on defense with Oak Park looming next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had the only win in the Gold this week dominating Detroit Fredrick Douglass 40-0 on their home field on Thursday night. Kayne Donaldson had an impressive game for Coach Wendell Jefferson’s team. Pontiac has a big one looming with Troy next week but they are off to a great start.

Week One Picks

Written Tuesday August 27th at 11:00 AM

Hello and welcome to the 2024 season. Here are our pickers for the season.

 

SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.

 

TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.

 

COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.

 

KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.

 

SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.

 

Here are the Games.

PROJECTED WEATHER FORECASTS:

Thursday: Cloudy, chance of storms after midnight, lows 63-66 degrees.

Friday: Chance of showers and storms, lows 58-61 degrees.

We'll update STICK's projections when need be.

 

Redford Union at 1. Harper Woods: This is shaping up to be a battle of two Wayne County powers. The Pioneers are coming up their first State crown in school history winning the Division Four crown last season. Harper Woods might be better than they were last season which is a scary omen. Redford Union is 37-12 since 2019 and is well coached. This should be a really interesting matchup on Beaconsfield Street.

 

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 56, REDFORD UNION 21.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 35, REDFORD UNION 21.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 42, REDFORD UNION 6.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 32, REDFORD UNION 17.

SCOTT: HARPER WOODS 35, REDFORD UNION 13.

STICK:

 

 

Chippewa Valley at 2. West Bloomfield: This is a rematch of a classic 22-21 Lakers win over the Big Reds at Wayne State last season. Chippewa Valley has a new quarterback and a new coach taking over their program. West Bloomfield is loaded up front and features a quarterback in Beau Jackson although Jamal Shakesphere could see some reps. The Lakers secondary should be tested in this matchup in the Swamp.

 

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 21.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 35.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 21.

KEITH: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 17.

SCOTT: WEST BLOOMFIELD 27, CHIPPEWA VALLEY 26.

STICK:

 

 

3. Adams at Romeo: The Highlanders and the Bulldogs are no strangers to one another. They are 4-4 in their history against each other and are very similar in school size. Adams brings the veer offense to Dan Barnabo field while Romeo is a hard and physical nosed football team. This should be a fun matchup in Macomb County between two teams that know each other quite well.

 

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 28, ROMEO 14.

TIM: ADAMS 21, ROMEO 14.

COTTER: ADAMS 17, ROMEO 14.

KEITH: ROMEO 21, ADAMS 17.

SCOTT: ADAMS 32, ROMEO 24.

STICK:

 

 

4. Lake Orion at Northville: This is the first ever meeting between the Dragons and the Mustangs. Both teams won double digit games but had rough postseason ousters to bitter rivals. Northville lost twice to Belleville which included a regional final loss while Lake Orion fell 38-37 to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Mustangs have a lot of inexperience but they are well coached under second year coach Brent Luplow. The Dragons have the majority of their team back for Coach Chris Bell. It should be a really interesting matchup between two teams that are ranked really high in their respective conferences.

 

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 38, NORTHVILLE 31.

TIM: NORTHVILLE 42, LAKE ORION 35.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 38, NORTHVILLE 35.

KEITH: LAKE ORION 31, NORTHVILLE 28.

SCOTT: LAKE ORION 35, NORTHVILLE 30.

STICK:

 

 

5. Clarkston vs Belleville at Wayne State: This is shaping up to be a really interesting matchup at Wayne State. The Wolves had an up and down year last season. Clarkston’s defense had things very rough will be challenged with a proven Tigers squad that features quarterback Bryce Underwood and his high octane Belleville offense who is coming off a 36-32 loss to Southfield Arts and Tech in the Division One State title game last season. The Wolves will need to ride the Bowman twins and which quarterback needs to control the football for Clarkston to have a chance.

 

SANDY DUNES: BELLEVILLE 56, CLARKSTON 42.

TIM: BELLEVILLE 35, CLARKSTON 31.

COTTER: BELLEVILLE 56, CLARKSTON 21.

KEITH: BELLEVILLE 35, CLARKSTON 21.

SCOTT: BELLEVILLE 36, CLARKSTON 23.

STICK:

 

 

6. Oxford at Utica Eisenhower: This is a rematch of a 20-6 Eagles win at Wildcat Stadium last season. Oxford has a proven experienced team led by Jack Hendrix and Luke Johnson. They are also well coached under Coach Zach Line. The Eagles lost a ton of talent from last season but they are well coached under Coach Chris Smith. This should be a really interesting matchup at Swienhart Field between two teams that know each other quite well.

 

SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 27, UTICA EISENHOWER 6.

TIM: UTICA EISENHOWER 35, OXFORD 7.

COTTER: UTICA EISENHOWER 21, OXFORD 14.

KEITH: UTICA EISENHOWER 24, OXFORD 17.

SCOTT: OXFORD 28, UTICA EISENHOWER 27.

STICK:

 

 

7. Groves at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit: The Falcons have been a model of consistency making the postseason 10 of the last 11 years. Groves has a ton of proven experience and that could be a huge thing in their first meeting with the Cubs. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit won seven games last season but they have a new coach in Kevin Glenn who spent 18 years in the Canadian Football League as a quarterback. They also added Clarkston transfer Brady Collins this offseason. This should be a really interesting matchup to say the least.

 

SANDY DUNES: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 35, GROVES 14.

TIM: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 35, GROVES 31.

COTTER: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 31, GROVES 21.

KEITH: GROVES 28, DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 20.

SCOTT: GROVES 26, DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT 23.

STICK:

 

 

Cedar Springs at 8. Avondale: This is the first meeting between the Yellow Jackets and the Red Hawks. Both teams are very similar running the Wing T offense. Cedar Springs runs the Power T offense which has three backs and everyone lined up in the Wing T formation. The Red Hawks have a ton of proven players that can run the football. They also return 14 starters from last season’s 4-5 season and have a legendary coach in Gus Kapolka who is 72-29 in his 11 years at the school. Avondale has a ton of proven athletes and are well coached under Coach Bob Meyer. Whoever controls the football the longest will win this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 21, CEDAR SPRINGS 17.

TIM: AVONDALE 42, CEDAR SPRINGS 28.

COTTER: AVONDALE 21, CEDAR SPRINGS 14.

KEITH: AVONDALE 27, CEDAR SPRINGS 20.

SCOTT: AVONDALE 31, CEDAR SPRINGS 26.

STICK:

 

 

9. Stoney Creek at Warren Cousino: This is considered the first of the Rick Powell flashback tour. Powell went to school at Warren Cousino and is a Patriot. He takes his new program to his Alma Manner. The Patriots have made the postseason three of the last four years and 10-8 in the last two years. This should be a really interesting game in Warren.

 

SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 35, WARREN COUSINO 7.

TIM: STONEY CREEK 28, WARREN COUSINO 14.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 21, WARREN COUSINO 7.

KEITH: WARREN COUSINO 20, STONEY CREEK 17.

SCOTT: STONEY CREEK 28, WARREN COUSINO 23.

STICK:

 

 

Oak Park at 10. Farmington: This is the first meeting since the 2019 first round of the postseason when the Falcons shocked the Knights 12-6 but these teams are in different places since that game in Knight Valley. Farmington struggled last season in the White going 2-7. Oak Park was in a much worse place going 6-21 since 2021. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that are projected to be top teams in the Blue and winning this game could go a long way for both of these teams.

 

SANDY DUNES: FARMINGTON 31, OAK PARK 24.

TIM: FARMINGTON 28, OAK PARK 14.

COTTER: FARMINGTON 21, OAK PARK 20.

KEITH: OAK PARK 18, FARMINGTON 15.

SCOTT: OAK PARK 28, FARMINGTON 20.

STICK:

 

 

Fraser at Rochester: This is a huge game for both teams trying to get off to a strong start. The Falcons are loaded with senior experience but they have questions particularly at quarterback. The Ramblers made a ton of noise last season knocking off Troy Athens 14-6 and upsetting Troy 20-19 keeping the Colts out of the postseason. This should be a really interesting matchup on Hall of Fame night in Rochester.

 

SANDY DUNES: ROCHESTER 42, FRASER 14.

TIM: ROCHESTER 35, FRASER 28.

COTTER: ROCHESTER 28, FRASER 14.

KEITH: FRASER 17, ROCHESTER 14.

SCOTT: ROCHESTER 29, FRASER 22.

STICK:

 

 

Flint Beecher at Southfield Arts and Tech: This is the first meeting between the schools and both teams were looking for a week one. The Warriors are coming off their first State crown in school history but they have had a ton of departures this offseason. Southfield Arts and Tech named Keith McKenzie as their new head coach in April. Flint Beecher is 11-16 since 2021 but they have made the postseason five of the last six years. This should be very interesting.

 

SANDY DUNES: FLINT BEECHER 18, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 12.

TIM: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FLINT BEECHER 38.

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 30, FLINT BEECHER 12.

KEITH: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 31, FLINT BEECHER 14.

SCOTT: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28, FLINT BEECHER 24.

STICK:

 

 

Bloomfield Hills at Troy: This is the first meeting since the Blackhawks beat the Colts 21-10 in the 2021 season giving them the Blue crown but things have changed since that game. Bloomfield Hills is 4-15 since that game. Troy has had better success with a 12-8 record since that game but the Colts missed the postseason for the first time in four years after allowing the winning touchdown to Fraser in a 20-19 stunner. This looks like a complete mismatch on paper.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

TIM: TROY 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

COTTER: TROY 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.

KEITH: TROY 24, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 23.

SCOTT: TROY 38, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 26.

STICK:

 

 

Seaholm at Troy Athens: This is a rematch of a 49-14 Maples blowout at the Maple Forest last season. Both teams love to run the football, Seaholm is a veer team while Troy Athens is a misdirection team. Both teams are also very young. Time possession is key in this game and whoever wins should start their season off on the right track. This should be a fun game on John R Road.

 

SANDY DUNES: TROY ATHENS 21, SEAHOLM 14.

TIM: SEAHOLM 35, TROY ATHENS 21.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 35, TROY ATHENS 6.

KEITH: SEAHOLM 14, TROY ATHENS 10.

SCOTT: SEAHOLM 27, TROY ATHENS 26.

STICK:

 

 

North Farmington at Livonia Stevenson: This is the 22 meeting between these two former Kensington Valley Conference rivals where the Raiders hold a 12-9 series advantage over the Spartans. Both of these teams have had postseason droughts. North Farmington is 9-18 since 2021 while Livonia Stevenson is 16-29 since 2018 and haven’t made the postseason since 2017. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams looking for positive momentum heading into the season.

 

SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 35, LIVONIA STEVENSON 21.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 28, LIVONIA STEVENSON 24.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 26, LIVONIA STEVENSON 7.

KEITH: LIVONIA STEVENSON 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 20.

SCOTT: NORTH FARMINGTON 38, LIVONIA STEVENSON 24.

STICK:

 

 

Berkley at Walled Lake Central: This is a rematch of a 42-0 stunning blowout at Hurley Field last season. The Vikings are 6-12 in the last two years and haven’t made the postseason since 2017. Berkley was historically bad last season on both sides of the football. They have a new coach in Casey Humes taking over the program. If the Bears want to start the “Revenge Tour” on the right note, they need to go into Walled Lake and win this game.

 

SANDY DUNES: BERKLEY 27, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 20.

TIM: BERKLEY 28, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 21.

COTTER: BERKLEY 28, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 14.

KEITH: WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 24, BERKLEY 20.

SCOTT: BERKLEY 24, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 23.

STICK:

 

 

Detroit Fredrick Douglass at Pontiac: This is the first meeting of two teams that are trying to get back on track. The Hurricanes have really struggled as a program going 13-79 since 2013. The Phoenix have really struggled as well but got three wins under Coach Wendell Jefferson last season. Whoever wins this game should develop some confidence as the season moves on.

 

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 36, DETROIT FREDRICK DOUGLASS 12.

TIM: PONTIAC 52, DETROIT FREDRICK DOUGLASS 7.

COTTER: PONTIAC 24, DETROIT FREDRICK DOUGLASS 12.

KEITH: PONTIAC 26, DETROIT FREDRICK DOUGLASS 23.

SCOTT: PONTIAC 25, DETROIT FREDRICK DOUGLASS 23.

STICK:

 

 

Madison Heights Lamphere at Ferndale: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that have a ton of experience and are well coached. The Eagles have a ton of proven experience but no postseason experience. The Rams are 30-10 since 2020. Ferndale has won all seven meetings against Madison Heights Lamphere but that was before Coach Roy Ostrowski got to Madison Heights. Coach Eric Royal will have his hands full in this matchup.

 

SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 24, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 21.

TIM: FERNDALE 35, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 14.

COTTER: FERNDALE 26, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 21.

KEITH: FERNDALE 28, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 21.

SCOTT: FERNDALE 34, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 22.

STICK:

 

 

Detroit Lincoln King Academy at Royal Oak: The Ravens are a mystery team heading into the season. They are a ton of questions with Royal Oak. The Ravens should be tested by a very dangerous Wolves squad that won their last two games by a combined 80-13 over Memphis and Hamtramck. This is the same program that took Pontiac to overtime last season as well. Detroit Lincoln King Academy is no push over. If there is a team that needs to be on upset alert it’s the Ravens.

 

SANDY DUNES: DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 48, ROYAL OAK 21.

TIM: ROYAL OAK 28, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 14.

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 35, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 6.

KEITH: ROYAL OAK 17, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 10.

SCOTT: ROYAL OAK 22, DETROIT LINCOLN KING ACADEMY 19.

STICK: