AROUND THE OAA-TOP TEN Football Rankings-Week One.

Written Monday August 17th at 11:21 AM

Here is the official Around the OAA rankings for Week One of the 2026 football season. The rankings will be on the Gold/Future League and Blue preview shows. The future five schools are not listed on the rankings as voted by OAA Nation on the X feed.

Here are the rankings to start the season.

1. Stoney Creek: The Cougars on paper might have the best team coming back. This is Stoney Creek's zenith when it comes to success and proven experience. The Cougars have a veteran quarterback in Brandon Gercics, a proven running back in Brosie Telegadas, proven linemen, and a proven passing attack. They have a good defense that can improve. We'll see if the Cougars are worthy for the top spot especially with Utica Eisenhower and Clarkston lurking the first two weeks of the season. 

2. Harper Woods: The Pioneers have ALMOST everything that makes them a Division Three State Championship contender. They have the proven pass catchers, proven linemen, proven defense, talented athletes. The only thing that Harper Woods doesn't have is the quarterback but there are two players in the running for the job. They will have a new quarterback when they play Chelsea in week one. If their top player in Dakota Guerrant has to play quarterback that is a big concern. This is a loaded team and if they can get the quarterback situation figured out, this is a very dangerous team.

3. Oxford: The Wildcats have a ton of experience on both sides of the football, but quarterback is the question mark. The defense is a concern for Coach Trevor Potts allowing 33 or more points four times last season. Oxford has 26 seniors which is the most in school history in the last 10-15 years. The Wildcats have Hartland week one in Livingston County which is a tough matchup. Oxford should be a team that could be in line for a deep postseason run.

4. Clarkston: The Wolves had a successful year but ran into Novi Detroit Catholic Central last season in the regional finals. Clarkston will rely on three guys Alex Waszenecko, Wendall Childs, and Ty Duffy. The lines are serious concerns for Coach Justin Pintar. The non-league is very brutal with South Lyon, Stoney Creek, Harper Woods, and Muskegon. It could be tough sledding for Clarkston if the lines don't get into form.

5. Adams: The Highlanders made the State Semifinals three of the last five years but this season it could be different. Adams has a ton of questions on both sides of the football but there are opportunities to shine, and the Highlanders have been well known for their veer attack. They have Brady Lindstrom at quarterback along with Lorenzo Salzor at running back which should help. Trevor Castle is a name to watch for Coach Tony Patritto. He might be that next running back to come out of Adams.

6. Groves: The Falcons made back-to-back State Semifinal appearances but haven't gotten that big step which is Ford Field. They will rely on Jeremiah Whitley to carry the load at running back until their skill players develop. Groves has a tough matchup with North Farmington at Wayne State lurking. The lines should be solid with the Falcons but there are questions particularly at linebacker and in the defensive secondary. The Falcons need to rely on Whitley to carry the load.

7. West Bloomfield: The Lakers are coming off a strong regular season but a very disappointing postseason after falling 25-7 to Brighton in the first round. West Bloomfield is loaded with proven skill players. There are questions up front, linebacker, and running back for Coach Zach Hilbers. West Bloomfield has a tough non-league which has Utica Eisenhower, Bloomfield Hills, and Dearborn Fordson. The Lakers could surprise some people with a proven defensive secondary, proven pass catchers, along with a proven quarterback in Jaxson Carver.

8. Lake Orion: I don't know why everyone in the media has suddenly written off the Dragons. Lake Orion went 1-8 last season which shocked a lot of community and experts across the State. There are some that wonder if last season was a one off or a sign of things to come??? The Dragons are in a very similar position to my fantasy football team in the ONTV league when I went 4-10 in 2024 and didn't make the postseason. The following year, I won the ONTV fantasy football crown. Lake Orion when healthy could be the most dangerous team in the OAA with their veteran but proven offense. There are concerns on the defensive side of the football for Coach Chris Bell. Health is the key for the Dragons with a non-league schedule that has Northville and Saline, it's tough but if there is one team that needs a "Revenge Tour" this is it.

9. Oak Park: The Knights have been so close so many times that this could be the year to get back to the postseason. Oak Park has a ton of proven playmakers coming back but there are questions up front and depth. They have a brutal non-league which includes Adams and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The start will be the key for Coach Greg Carter and the Knights.

10. Waterford Mott: The Corsairs reenter the OAA with a ton of momentum and confidence. The schedule is very favorable for Coach Tra'Jan Seay and Waterford Mott. They have athletes everywhere, but they have to make a choice at quarterback. The lines are a question mark and something to watch. With a favorable schedule expect the Corsairs to do some damage.