Week Six Picks.

Written Wednesday September 27th at 1:15 PM

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.

 

SANDY DUNES 50-15

COTTER 57-8

BURNEY 46-19

DUNLAP 47-18

STICK 50-15

TIM 50-15

 

We’ll get Tim’s picks when we can.

 

 

1. Lake Orion at 7. Adams: This is a monster game for postseason positioning with both teams likely postseason bound. The Dragons should be motivated after losing twice to the Highlanders last season. The Highlanders are younger than they were last season but Ryan Watters has really improved each game along with Drew Heppner who has become a standout as of late and there is always the veer offense that Coach Tony Patritto runs. This should be a shootout in the Gold Rush.

 

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 42, ADAMS 28.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 35, ADAMS 28.

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 28, ADAMS 24.

STICK: LAKE ORION over ADAMS.

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 35, ADAMS 31.

TIM/RACHEL: LAKE ORION 28, ADAMS 21.

 

Bloomfield Hills at 2. Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors got a chance to rest some starters after a tough four weeks by winning 46-0 over Farmington last week. They could very well do so again this week going up against Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks were shut out 49-0 on Saturday afternoon by Harper Woods. It could be a long one for Coach Dan Loria and the Blackhawks against a high octane offense like Southfield Arts and Tech.

 

SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 70, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 44, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 45, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 16.

TIM: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH A LOT, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

 

3. West Bloomfield at 6. Clarkston: This should be a very interesting matchup in the Wolves Den. The Lakers have been battle tested the last two weeks winning 36-32 over Adams last week. The Wolves have been improving especially defensively behind the play of Desman Stephens, Adam Denver, and the Bowman twins. Brady Collins has really emerged lately at quarterback but they will have their toughest test to date against Elijah Durham, Bryce Rowe, Brandon Davis-Swain, JaIlen Allios, Nigel Dutton, and Reqez Nance. It should be a very interesting one in Clarkston.

 

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, CLARKSTON 28.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 24, CLARKSTON 21.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, CLARKSTON 20.

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over CLARKSTON.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 30, CLARKSTON 29.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, CLARKSTON 35.

 

4. Avondale at Royal Oak: The Yellow Jackets are rolling with confidence which is a great sign going forward. Avondale had to come back to score a touchdown with eight seconds left to earn a 25-20 win over Oak Park last week. The Ravens fell 33-14 to Ferndale last week but they need the offense to start stepping up and not rely on their defense which has struggled recently because of being on the field a ton. It could be a rough one for the Ravens on their homecoming.

 

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 56, ROYAL OAK 0.

COTTER: AVONDALE 35, ROYAL OAK 7.

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 28, ROYAL OAK 6.

STICK: AVONDALE over ROYAL OAK.

BURNEY: AVONDALE 42, ROYAL OAK 21.

TIM: AVONDALE 56, ROYAL OAK 0.

 

5. Seaholm at Troy: The Maples are rolling with confidence. They have scored 153 points in the last three weeks which is winning football. Seaholm beat Troy 52-0 last season and while the Colts have a very good defense, they were held to six points in their 24-6 loss to North Farmington last week. It’s going to be a tall order for Troy against a red hot Maples team.

 

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 60, TROY 0.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 49, TROY 10.

DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 27, TROY 24.

STICK: SEAHOLM over TROY.

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 32, TROY 25.

TIM: SEAHOLM 42, TROY 28.

 

Troy Athens at 10. Pontiac: The Phoenix and Red Hawks are in two different places right now. Troy Athens has allowed 101 points in three games while Pontiac has really turned things around under Coach Wendell Jefferson. I’m wondering if Kayne Donaldson is back??? If he is then the Phoenix could be thinking better things this season but the Red Hawks are going to be a very tough out by every means.

 

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 44, TROY ATHENS 35.

COTTER: TROY ATHENS 42, PONTIAC 12.

DUNLAP: PONTIAC 24, TROY ATHENS 10.

STICK: TROY ATHENS over PONTIAC.

BURNEY: TROY ATHENS 28, PONTIAC 24.

TIM: TROY ATHENS 35, PONTIAC 28.

 

9. Groves at 8. Harper Woods: This is a big game for both teams and for second in the White behind Southfield Arts and Tech. Nate Rocheleau has taken over the reins at quarterback at Harper Woods and he has done very well for the Pioneers. He was very instrumental in their 49-0 win over Bloomfield Hills on Saturday afternoon. Noah Sanders has started to blossom into a star for the Falcons. He had a touchdown in their 42-7 win over Rochester last week. This should be a fun game in Wayne County.

 

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 48, GROVES 45.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 32, GROVES 28.

DUNLAP: GROVES 20, HARPER WOODS 17.

STICK: GROVES over HARPER WOODS.

BURNEY: GROVES 33, HARPER WOODS 32.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 35, GROVES 28.

 

Farmington at Rochester: This is a very interesting matchup of two Falcons squads that are in a crossroads. Farmington did not have Cam Pettaway and it was evident in their 46-0 loss to Southfield Arts and Tech. Rochester is coming off a 42-7 loss to Groves. It should be a very interesting matchup at Rochester Stadium on what might be their homecoming but I’m not sure if it is or not.

 

SANDY DUNES: FARMINGTON 28, ROCHESTER 14.

COTTER: ROCHESTER 21, FARMINGTON 14.

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 17, FARMINGTON 14.

STICK: ROCHESTER over FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: FARMINGTON 33, ROCHESTER 28.

TIM: ROCHESTER 35, FARMINGTON 21.

 

Oak Park at North Farmington: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that have had very rough starts to the season. The Raiders have won two straight since their 0-3 start which had losses to Groves, Caledonia, and Seaholm. North Farmington made a statement by beating Troy 24-6 last week. The Knights have been playing much better since Coach Greg Carter returned from suspension but they had a heartbreaking 25-20 loss to Avondale last week. Should be a very interesting game at Ron Holland Field.

 

SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 38, OAK PARK 26.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 27, OAK PARK 12.

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 31, OAK PARK 30.

STICK: OAK PARK over NORTH FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: OAK PARK 27, NORTH FARMINGTON 23.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 35, OAK PARK 14.

 

Oxford at Stoney Creek: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams struggling record wise but are better than thought. The Wildcats are struggling, there is really no sugarcoating that. The Cougars are better than people think, they fight and compete hard and live up to the “Armor Up” culture that Coach Nick Merlo has put in. I think the time possession battle will be critical to both teams and it should be a very interesting matchup in Rochester.

 

SANDY DUNES: STONEY CREEK 24, OXFORD 17.

COTTER: STONEY CREEK 28, OXFORD 14.

DUNLAP: STONEY CREEK 28, OXFORD 27.

STICK: STONEY CREEK over OXFORD.

BURNEY: STONEY CREEK 31, OXFORD 24.

TIM: STONEY CREEK 49, OXFORD 42.

 

Ferndale at Berkley: This is a huge game on the Bears homecoming. Berkley has lost four straight at Hurley Field which is really unheard off but they played much better despite falling 34-28 to Pontiac last week. The Eagles earned a much needed 33-14 win over Royal Oak last week. Can Ferndale make a push to possibly get to the postseason??? Should be a very interesting game.

 

SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 28, BERKLEY 14.

COTTER: FERNDALE 38, BERKLEY 6.

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 21, BERKLEY 7.

STICK: FERNDALE over BERKLEY.

BURNEY: FERNDALE 37, BERKLEY 22.

TIM: FERNDALE ONE MILLION, BERKLEY 0.

 

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0Ci26Jkrqg&t=1780s

James Steps Down at Stoney Creek.

Written Tuesday September 26th at 2:00 PM

This was a move that none of us thought would happen.

Stoney Creek girls basketball coach Kellen James has stepped down coaching the program.

James sighted parent involvement as the reason he stepped down. He wrote to Principal Brian Shelson talking about his decision. "Dear Principal Shelson, I'm writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as the Varsity Women's Basketball Coach at Stoney Creek High School. This decision has not been taken lightly and comes after careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding my coaching tenure. I have had the privilege of working with dedicated student athletes, a supportive coaching staff, and many outstanding individuals within the school community during my time as the basketball coach. It has been an enriching experience that has allowed me to develop as a coach and mentor to these young women. I'm proud of the progress we made together both on and off the court. However it is with a heavy heart that I must tender my resignation due to ongoing challenges relating to parent involvement. It has become increasingly apparent that external pressures and excessive involvement from parents have made it difficult to maintain a positive and productive coaching environment. While I understand and appreciate the passion that parents have for their children's success, this level of interference has reached a point where it's affecting my ability to effectively lead the program. I firmly believe that student-athletes deserve a supportive and respectful environment in which they can grow, learn, and enjoy their sports experience. It is essential for their personal and athletic development. Given the current situation, I believe stepping down as the head coach is in the best interest of the team and the school. I want to express my gratitude to our Athletic Director Mr. (Brian) Anderson, the coaching staff, and the student-athletes for their unwavering support and dedication. I will always cherish the memories and the relationships I've formed during my time here. I will work diligently during my notice period to ensure a smooth transition and to assist in finding a suitable replacement. If there is anything in specific you require during this transition please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you once again for the opportunity to lead the basketball program at Stoney Creek. I wish the team, the school, and the athletes nothing but success in the future. I hope that in time the challenges I faced with parental involvement can be resolved to create a more positive and nurturing environment for the student athletes" James wrote.

James has been with the Cougars for a long while. He was an assistant under then coach Brad Crighton (coaching at Orchard Lake St. Marys) and his junior varsity coach with a ton of success. James took over the program in 2015 and has coached some great athletes including Gabby Yurik, Mia Carson, Megan Solek, Sydney LaPrarie, among others who have came out of the Stoney Creek program.

James went 97-59 in his eight years with the program and 46-11 in the last three years. 

It will be very interesting to see who takes over this season. Stoney Creek has Sarah LaPrarie, Emily Flynn, Merrick Schlawbach, Taylor Fulkerson, and Izzy Ivezaj coming back. The Cougars are in the Red with West Bloomfield, Lake Orion, Rochester, Clarkston, and Oxford. They have a tough district with Adams, Romeo, Rochester, and Utica Eisenhower despite hosting the district.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

James resignation letter

https://twitter.com/StoneycreekGBB/status/1706713895618920790/photo/1

Boys Soccer Top 21.

Written Sunday September 24th at 11:40 PM

These are the top 21 according to History Now and Between Taormina co-host Anthony Taormina.

1. Berkley- Bears win over Oxford on the road gives them a ton of confidence.

2. Oxford- Wildcats win over Clarkston gives them confidence going into districts and possibly the Red.

3. Clarkston- Wolves loss to Oxford could be a good thing to motivate them for districts.

4. Troy Athens- Red Hawks are the consistent yardstick of the OAA.

5. Troy- Colts continuing to build heading into districts.

6. Adams- Highlanders could play spoiler in the Red.

7. Royal Oak- Ravens on track to win the White and possibly move up to the Red.

8. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks proving they are for real in the White.

9. Rochester- Falcons continue to improve despite playing Red schedule.

10. Seaholm- Maples beating on teams outside of the Red but very young team as seen with their Junior Varsity.

11. Lake Orion- Dragons continue to improve, strong showing against Red teams.

12. Avondale- The road to the Blue runs through Auburn Hills.

13. Groves- League title looks lost for the Falcons but they are one of the stalwarts in the White.

14. Stoney Creek- Must start winning league games if your the Cougars.

15. West Bloomfield- Lakers continue to improve in the White.

16. North Farmington- Raiders need some help if they want to win Blue.

17. Farmington- Falcons have difficult stretch coming up.

18. Ferndale- Eagles can play spoiler in the Blue.

19. Pontiac- Phoenix can play spoiler in the Blue.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech- Can Warriors improve after win over Oak Park???

21. Oak Park- Knights continue to improve.

Week Five Recap.

Written Saturday September 23rd at 3:40 PM

AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Five

1. Lake Orion

2. Southfield Arts and Tech

3. West Bloomfield

4. Avondale

5. Seaholm

6. Clarkston

7. Adams

8. Harper Woods

9. Groves

10. Pontiac

 

WEEK FIVE RECAP.

PONTIAC 34, BERKLEY 28.

FERNDALE 33, ROYAL OAK 14.

AVONDALE 25, OAK PARK 20.

NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 6.

SEAHOLM 49, TROY ATHENS 14.

HARPER WOODS 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 46, FARMINGTON 0.

GROVES 42, ROCHESTER 7.

CLARKSTON 39, OXFORD 13

WEST BLOOMFIELD 36, ADAMS 32.

LAKE ORION 49, STONEY CREEK 28.

 

BEST WIN: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets earned a big 25-20 win over Oak Park on Friday night after scoring a touchdown with eight seconds left in the game after the Knights had taken the lead with 1:08 left in the game. Avondale has a ton of confidence right now which is a great sign. They have Royal Oak looming next week.

TOUGH LOSS: Adams: The Highlanders are getting better despite falling 36-32 on Friday night to West Bloomfield. Adams will be fine but they have a tough one looming with Lake Orion next week.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Berkley: The Bears scored points, there is hope despite falling 34-28 to Pontiac on Friday night. Berkley has Ferndale looming next week.

VALENTI RANT: Troy: The Colts were exposed on Friday night as they fell 24-6 to North Farmington. Troy has scored six points against the Raiders. They have Seaholm looming next week.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Troy Athens: It was not a happy homecoming for the Red Hawks as they fell 49-14 to Seaholm on Friday night. Playoff dreams could be dashed right now. They have Pontiac looming next week.