Volleyball Preview-2026.

Written Friday August 14th at 6:35 PM

Here is my preview for the OAA in volleyball. The order is projected of finish.

AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN

1. Bloomfield Hills

2. Oxford

3. Ferndale

4. Clarkston

5. Stoney Creek

6. Lake Orion

7. Groves

8. Troy Athens

9. Adams

10. Rochester

RED

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks made the Division One State Finals falling to Farmington Hills Mercy last season. Bloomfield Hills lost a Miss Volleyball candidate but there is another that could be on the rise. The Black Hawks could make some noise, but when they get to the postseason Orchard Lake St. Marys will likely await.

Oxford: The Wildcats won the White and they made a special postseason run in which they upset Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Romeo before falling to Bloomfield Hills in the Division One State Quarterfinals. Oxford will rely on team ball like they did in the postseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves finished third in the Red but they were shocked by Oxford in the district finals last season. Clarkston will ride the Smith sisters this season. The Wolves want to get to Battle Creek this season and they are more than capable of doing so.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars were stellar last season and they have one of the top players in Calista Ivezaj coming back. Stoney Creek should be a sleeper in the Red and a darkhorse contender in the postseason.

Lake Orion: The Dragons were very young and inconsistent falling to archrival Oxford in the district semifinals last season. Lake Orion has a ton of experience to have a bounce back season. If the Dragons can get off to a strong start and keep the momentum going this is going to be a very dangerous team this season.

Adams: The Highlanders were near 500 last season. Adams should be much better and it wasn't to their standards. The Highlanders could surprise some people this season.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers struggled last season, but they are in the Red. West Bloomfield should be much better this season but there are a ton of good teams in the Red.

WHITE

Rochester: The Falcons come from the Red. They should be the favorite in the White. Having Red experience will help a ton for Rochester.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were solid last season. Troy Athens has a ton of proven experience coming back. They should be a sleeper to watch this season.

Groves: The Falcons were very inconsistent, but they won a district crown but ran into Bloomfield Hills in the regional semifinals. Groves will look to have a strong season with the experience they got from last season. The Falcons should be in the conversation this season.

Berkley: The Bears were very inconsistent last season. Berkley has had postseason success, but they struggled last season as mentioned. The Bears should be much better this season. 

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets were at 500 last season. Avondale will look to have a much better season this season. The Yellow Jackets could be in line to make some noise.

Seaholm: The Maples have really struggled which is not to their standards last season. Seaholm should be much better this season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens really struggled last season winning seven games. Royal Oak will look to have a much better year this season. The Ravens could be in line for a turn around this season.

Troy: The Colts had a rough year last season winning two games. Troy will look for a much better year this season.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains are back in the OAA from the Lakes Valley Conference. They weren't bad last season. Waterford Kettering will look to make some noise in the White and could surprise some people.

BLUE

Ferndale: The Eagles were a State quarterfinalist in Division Two last season. That experience should help them heading into this season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were near 500 last season. Southfield Arts and Tech have been improving as a program and should be a team to watch for heading into this season.

Oak Park: The Knights were near 500 last season. Oak Park should be in the conversation in the Blue. It will be very interesting to see how the Knights do this season.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs enter the OAA from the Lakes Valley Conference where they really struggled now there are some powerhouse programs in that league. Waterford Mott should be better in the OAA but they need to improve after winning one match last season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix were up and down last season. They were competitive in almost every match. Pontiac could be in line to have a solid year this season.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers were up and down last season. Harper Woods was very inconsistent at times. They should be in line to have a much better year this season.

Ferndale University: The Eagles really struggled last season. It will be really interesting to see what Ferndale University does this season.

FUTURE MEMBERS:

Northville: The Mustangs could be a possible State title contender. They were stunned by South Lyon East on their home court in the districts last season. Northville has a lot to prove heading into the final year in the KLAA.

Novi: The Wildcats have slowly been climbing back to where they want to be. Novi should be a sleeper in the KLAA. The Wildcats should be in line for a much better regular season in the KLAA, but they might have to deal with Farmington Hills Mercy in the districts.

Grand Blanc: The Bobcats were very disappointing last season winning eight matches. Grand Blanc should be better this season in their final year in the Saginaw Valley League. The Bobcats are in need of a bounce back season.

Davison: The Cardinals had an incredible season getting to the regional finals falling to Traverse City Central. Davison should be one of the favorites in the Saginaw Valley League in their final season in the league. The Cardinals could be back again in the regional finals especially going north where it is very favorable.

Clawson: The Trojans were solid last season. Clawson should be again this season and could be a factor when they get to the postseason in their final season in the Macomb Area Conference.

Future Teams Football Early Thoughts.

Written Wednesday August 12th at 10:03 AM

This my outlook for the future five teams coming into the OAA next season. There will be more on these teams preview blog and preview show with Davison, Grand Blanc, Clawson, Novi, and Northville. This is an early summary surrounding these five teams.

These are some thoughts on the rest of the teams in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze, the Saginaw Valley League South/Red, and the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Black Division this season.

Macomb Area Conference Bronze

Clawson is a team that made the postseason falling to Marine City in the first round. The Trojans were third in the Bronze behind Hazel Park and Madison Heights Madison last season. Clawson has depth and program strength concerns which is something to watch for Coach Steve Haney. The Trojans should be a program to watch. If they stay healthy, they could be a factor in the Bronze this season.

New Haven really struggled on both sides of the football in 2025. They allowed 275 points and allowed 40 points or more three times last season. The Rockets have a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Glynn. Glynn has been everywhere throughout the State. He should help big time on the offensive side of the football. New Haven will look to have a much better year this season.

Algonac is a new school that is coming into the Macomb Area Conference from the Blue Water Area Conference. They really struggled going 1-8 and allowing 38 or more points in five games but hung tough with Madison Heights Madison falling 38-34 in week nine last season. The Muskrats should be much improved and could be a factor in the Bronze this season.

Eastpointe really struggled on both sides of the football in 2025. The Shamrocks scored 64 points and allowed 34 or more points in each game last season. Depth and program strength are question marks for Eastpointe. It could be a long year for the Shamrocks.

Warren Lincoln has struggled on both sides of the football in 2025. They scored 80 points and allowed 275 which were both the worst in the Bronze last season. The Abes could struggle with depth and program strength this season.

Madison Heights Madison: The Eagles were in the OAA but left along with Madison Heights Lamphere and Clawson in 2005. Madison Heights Madison was a scoring machine scoring 502 points which is the second most in school history along with winning the Bronze and were solid defensively. The Eagles fell 34-32 to Allen Park Cabrini in the regional finals. Madison Heights Madison should be the team to beat in the Bronze with the athletes they have coming back but program strength is a concern.

EARLY THOUGHTS: The Bronze is a division that could make some head waves in the Macomb Area Conference. Madison Heights Madison is the early favorite to win the Bronze for the second straight season. The Eagles made it to the regional finals last season. Clawson was a postseason team falling to Marine City. The rest of the Bronze really struggled. This looks like it's a two-team race between Clawson and Madison Heights Madison, but Algonac is the sleeper and could play spoiler.

EARLY PROJECTIONS: 

Bronze

1. Madison Heights Madison, 2. Clawson, 3. Algonac, 4. New Haven, 5. Warren Lincoln, 6. Eastpointe.

Silver

1. Marine City, 2. Hazel Park, 3. St. Clair, 4. Clinton Township Clintondale, 5. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 6. Center Line, 7. Warren Woods Tower.

Gold

1. Marysville, 2. Warren Fitzgerald, 3. St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, 4. Madison Heights Lamphere, 5. Grosse Pointe North, 6. Sterling Heights.

Blue

1. Warren Cousino, 2. Port Huron, 3. Utica Henry Ford II, 4. Fraser, 5. Mount Clemens, 6. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North.

White

1. Roseville, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 3. Utica, 4. Port Huron Northern, 5. Warren Mott, 6. New Baltimore Anchor Bay.

Red

1. Romeo, 2. Macomb Dakota, 3. Utica Eisenhower, 4. Chippewa Valley, 5. Grosse Pointe South, 6. Sterling Heights Stevenson.

Saginaw Valley League South/Red

Grand Blanc has been clearly the frontrunner in the SVL South/Red the last two years. The Bobcats scored the most points in school history last season but it's a different Grand Blanc team with a new quarterback but the Bobcats should be able to put up points for Coach Kaleb Forr. The defense is the key for the Bobcats, and they have a tough schedule which includes Macomb Dakota and Belleville. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with Grand Blanc, but they could have some growing pains early.

Davison should be in the conversation in the SVL South/Red but the defense has some questions, and they have to replace some key pieces on offense. The Cardinals rushing attack should be the strength along with a proven quarterback and an experienced line on both sides of the football. Davison has a very tough schedule for Coach Jacob Weingartz which includes Roseville and Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Cardinals could finish third in the SVL South/Red if they aren't careful.

Lapeer has had a rough two years going 7-12 and missed the postseason for the first time in school history. Enrollment and program strength are big concerns with the Lightning. Lapeer is in Division Two for the postseason. The Lightning scored 27 points in the final five weeks of the season with three shutout losses last season. Depth, attrition, and program strength are question marks for Lapeer this season.

Saginaw Heritage could be a sleeper in the SVL South/Red. The Hawks had a 0-4 start which cost them a trip to the postseason but went 4-1 down the stretch and put 31 or more points six times. The defense will be key for Saginaw Heritage as they gave up 14 or more points in every game and four of those were 42 or more points which were losses last season. The Hawks have three very talented players in Kingston Wright, Anthony Frias, and Kinsgton Ware that could make some noise. Saginaw Heritage could make the next step this season.

Flint Carman-Ainsworth has really struggled for a while, and a big reason has been program strength. The Cavaliers have some experience coming back which should help but there are questions at the skill positions among others for Flint Carman-Ainsworth this season.

Saginaw merged with Saginaw and Saginaw Arthur Hill in 2024. The Phoenix struggled going 4-14 in their two years as a school. Saginaw will look to have a much better year this season. Direction will be key for the Phoenix going forward.

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be very interesting with Davison and Grand Blanc leaving the SVL at the end of the season. Saginaw Heritage is a team to watch going 4-1 in their final five games last season. It's possible they could be a threat to Davison even though the game between the two is at Cardinal Stadium. Lapeer has numbers and program strength concerns. Saginaw has been up and coming and its year three for the program. Flint Carman-Ainsworth could struggle again this season. The SVL North/Blue will be very interesting. Traverse City Central should be favored along with Midland Dow, Traverse City West, and Mount Pleasant. Midland is a wildcard while Bay City Western and Bay City Central who has a new coach could struggle this season.

EARLY PROJECTIONS: 

Red/South

1. Grand Blanc, 2. Saginaw Heritage, 3. Davison, 4. Lapeer, 5. Saginaw, 6. Flint Carman-Ainsworth.

Blue/North

1. Midland Dow, 2. Traverse City Central, 3. Midland, 4. Traverse City West, 5. Mount Pleasant, 6. Bay City Central, 7. Bay City Western.

Kensington Lakes Activities Association Black.

Northville is a team that doesn't have a ton of star names, but they just love playing together and love playing for each other. This is what makes Coach Brent Luplow's team really dangerous this season. There is no clear-cut star on this roster. There is a reason the coaches picked the Mustangs over the Belleville and Dearborn Fordson. Team ball is the reason why Northville is a serious player in the KLAA Black.

Novi is out to prove that they are back under first year Coach Logan Pawloski. This is a program that is more than capable of having a bounce back season. The Wildcats have experience, but they need to just execute. The coaches had Novi projected to be fifth but the recent news at Plymouth with their coaching change might change things. I had the Wildcats fourth in the KLAA Black, but they could be third with Dearborn Fordson going through a transition period. Novi should be a force in the KLAA Black with experience, but they need to clean up some things if they want to get back to the postseason.

Belleville is out to prove that last season's collapse was a distant memory. They had a 57-36 blowout loss to Howell in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association title game and a shocking 30-29 upset loss to Brownstown Woodhaven in the first round. The Tigers defense is a big question mark allowing 20 or more points seven times and 30 or more three times (Clarkston, Howell, Brownstown Woodhaven, all losses.) They have proven talent along with a sophomore quarterback in Kendall Franklin and a star wide receiver in Charles Britton. Belleville's defense is very hard to trust and the stats prove it. 

Dearborn Fordson was a postseason team falling to Detroit Cass Tech in the district finals. They have a new coach and a transition period ahead of them. The Tractors have proven experience, but coaching stability is a concern.

Plymouth really struggled winning three games last season. The Wildcats have a new coach along with a transition period ahead of them.

Plymouth Salem lost a lot of talent from last season getting to the postseason falling to Saline in the first round. The Rocks have a ton of questions heading into this season.

Plymouth Canton struggled last season. The Cobras have a ton of questions if they want to get back to where they were in the past. It could be another struggle again for Plymouth Canton.

EARLY THOUGHTS: The newly created KLAA Black is very interesting. Northville and Novi should be very competitive in this new division. Belleville has the balk of their offense coming back but there are a ton of questions especially defensively. Dearborn Fordson has a new coach and a transition period ahead of them, but they should be very good. Plymouth had a lot of changes in the past few weeks. Salem lost a ton of proven talent from a team that made the postseason. Canton has struggled and should be better this season. The other side of the KLAA is the Gold. Howell, Brighton, and Hartland should be strong. Dearborn has some questions with a new coach and a transition period ahead for them. I'm not sure about Dearborn Heights Crestwood, and Westland John Glenn is solid.

EARLY PROJECTIONS: 

Black

1. Northville, 2. Belleville, 3. Dearborn Fordson, 4. Novi, 5. Plymouth, 6. Salem, 7. Canton.

Gold

1. Howell, 2. Brighton, 3. Hartland, 4. Dearborn, 5. Westland John Glenn, 6. Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 7. Wayne Memorial

Football Uniform Grades-2026.

Written Friday August 7th at 2:38 PM

Here are the football uniform grades for 2026:

Clawson: Provider- Adidas: The Trojans have a very weird and scary look. They have a white helmet with the Trojan logo which is their tradition. The home blue jerseys with yellow pants or the road white with yellow or white on blue pants is a big no-no for me. It looks like the Los Angeles Chargers. This look really scares me and it's a fashion disaster. GRADE F.

Northville: Provider- Nike: The Mustangs have a very interesting uniform set up. They have three sets of uniforms, an all-black, all orange, and an all-white set, and they can mix and match. If Northville does it on the road the black pants would be better with the white jerseys. I love that the white jerseys have the NORTHVILLE crest with black numbering. The black helmet with the Mustang logo on the sides with the orange and white stripes on top of the helmet are very good. The all black, all orange, all white, or white on black looks good but white on orange not so much. GRADE B.

Novi: Provider- Nike: The Wildcats are getting new uniforms according to new coach Logan Pawloski they will keep the same design and traditions. They have a green home uniform with stripes on the shoulders with the name NOVI in white lettering and numbering. It's the same look on the road but it's in green lettering and numbering with white pants. The green helmet with the Wildcat logo on the sides. If they get a green set of pants that would make the green look very good, but the white pants look good as well. This is a great look. GRADE A.

Grand Blanc: Provider- Nike: The Bobcats have a very interesting look with a black helmet with the Bobcats paw on the sides. They have three uniform sets, an all-black, an all red, and an all-white look. The white uniforms are new with the BOBCATS name on the crest in red font with red numbering with red and black stripes on the shoulders. I'm not sure if they got new black uniforms. When Grand Blanc mixes and matches their uniform set. The black pants on the white uniforms look good along with the red top and black pants look. The white jerseys with red pants look are not a good combination, same with red pants on the black jerseys. GRADE B.

Davison: Provider- Adidas: The Cardinals uniforms are very interesting. They have a red helmet with yellow feathers on the sides. They have four uniform sets. There is an all red, an all yellow, and an all-white look with the DAVISON name and numbers with the Adidas logo on the right side but in either red or yellow numbering. Davison released a new black uniform set with black pants. The jersey has the same DAVISON name and Adidas logo on the right side with red outline with yellow numbering. The Cardinals can mix and match at times with their uniforms. It's hard to figure at times why Davison does that, but it is what it is. GRADE C.

Waterford Kettering: Provider- Nike: The Captains brought in a new uniform set last season for then Coach Brian Barnes. The helmet is green with a Captains head which I like. The home green has black elbows with the Captains name and lettering in white. The road white is the same with white pants but in green lettering and has the name Kettering on them. I like the home look but the white needs some work but Coach Bob Meyer has to focus on the product on the field before the uniform talk. GRADE B.

Ferndale: Provider- Nike: The Eagles kept their uniforms with all brown look at home with the brown helmet and an all-white look on the road. The brown helmet looks awesome on the road but the gold numbering on the home jerseys could use some improvement but if they can make the colors work, it's a great look. GRADE B.

Berkley: Provider- Nike: The Bears went to their classic look with the home blue jerseys with white numbering with a blue helmet with white pants. They have the all-white look on the road with blue numbering. It's a great traditional look. I miss the look from years ago, but this is a fine look. GRADE A.

Royal Oak: Provider- Nike: The Ravens are getting a new uniform set for this season. They are bringing in a new blue helmet which I really liked to go along with an all-black for their home games. The road white looks clean to go along with the new blue helmet. I like the all black with blue helmet and the all white jerseys, white pants, with blue helmet. Hopefully they don't go no blue helmet, white jersey, with black pants please. GRADE A.

Pontiac: Provider- Nike: The Phoenix have a great uniform design that I like. The home purple uniforms look great along with the alternate black uniforms look good with black pants. The road white uniforms with the purple lettering and names with white pants look great as well. It goes so well with a purple helmet. I always like the color purple for some reason it resonates on a uniform. GRADE A.

Avondale: Provider- Nike: The Yellow Jackets have had a great uniform combination since they went to Nike. Avondale has a home black jersey with the JACKETS crest in yellow along yellow numbering with yellow stripes on the elbows and lettering with black pants. They have the all-white with the JACKETS name in purple lettering with yellow numbering with yellow and purple stripes on the shoulders along with white pants with a yellow and purple stripe on the side. Both looks are great with the purple helmet with the Yellow Jacket Georgia Tech logo. Please don't change the uniforms. GRADE A.

Harper Woods: Provider- Zenith: The Pioneers have a lot of different combinations from an all-maroon look, an all-black look, and an all-white look which includes the helmets which I'm not a fan of the white helmets. They will mix and match at times their uniforms. This uniform set can be a great look when done correctly. The pink uniforms Harper Woods wears in October are awesome and a classic. This deserves two grades. GRADES THE PINK UNIFORM A, THE REST OF THE UNIFORMS B.

Groves: Provider- Nike: The Falcons haven't changed much to the uniforms. The green with yellow lettering and black pants looks very clean on them. The all-white look looks too plain with the green lettering and numbering. They will wear black pants on the road as well which is a very interesting look with green helmet, white jersey, and black pants. The helmet looks solid with old Atlanta Falcons logo on both sides. The white uniforms look too plain to get the grade to move up. GRADE C.

Seaholm: Provider- Nike: The Maples haven't changed much with the uniforms. They still have name plates on the back of the jerseys but the elbows I miss on both uniforms. The maroon helmet with the S on the sides looks great on both home and road uniforms, and they have an all-black set which I like. I just miss the opposite elbows on the sides, but they did nail the jerseys with the home maroon and road whites with maroon and white pants. GRADE B.

Southfield Arts and Tech: Provider- Nike: The Warriors changed helmets in 2024 to blue helmets which is interesting. They kept the red uniforms from their Division One State Championship team but went to blue pants which was very interesting. The all-white look is fine, but I don't like the name WARRIORS on the name plates. I would feel a lot better if Southfield Arts and Tech took the name WARRIORS off of the white uniforms. The home red uniforms look great, but the white ones need some modifications. GRADE B.

Oak Park: Provider- Nike: The Knights went back to the black helmets with the red OP on them which is the classic look. The home red jerseys with the OAK PARK name and red pants are a great look. The road white can use some improvement but don't wear red pants on the road. The all red is great at home but NO WHITE HELMETS. GRADE A.

Waterford Mott: Provider- 1/2 Adidas. 1/2 Zenith: The Corsairs are transitioning to Zenith really soon, but they are still using their Adidas uniforms for games. The baby blue helmets with the WM logo on the sides are very interesting with the North Carolina stripe on top of the helmet. They have a dark blue set along with a baby blue set just like North Carolina. They can mix and match if they want to do so. Waterford Mott looks a lot like North Carolina which is very interesting. Not a fan of the Adidas look, but Zenith looks great. GRADE C.

Stoney Creek: Provider- Nike: The Cougars got a very interesting look and new uniforms. The home navy blue uniforms have gold on the sides with the COUGARS name in white with gold numbering. They have navy-blue pants. The navy-blue helmet looks good with the SC on the helmet. The road white is the same design with the STONEY CREEK name with navy blue and gold lettering and numbering along with white pants. They have the navy-blue helmet with SC on the sides. A simple jersey with name plates on the back is usually the best jersey. GRADE A.

Rochester: Provider- Rawlings: The Falcons blue and white look is classic, no gimmicks, no nothing. It might be time to get rid of the feathers on the elbows and they could when they switch to Nike next season. If they get a new set of uniforms, they should simplify their uniforms which would make the uniform stick out with the home blue with white numbering and a road white with blue numbering and go white pants for both home and road now that would be a classic with the blue helmet with the classic R sticking out, that would be perfect. I love the USA theme uniforms they have along with an all-black look they have for special games. Those looks also goes with the classic R blue helmet. They finally got the helmet right and not went to all Oregon. The simple uniform as mentioned on top would be a great look, simple is better and they are getting new uniforms after switching to Nike next season. GRADE A.

Bloomfield Hills: Provider- Nike: The Black Hawks kept the black helmets with the Black Hawks logo on the sides with the purple stripe on top of the helmet. They have a home black uniform that has the BLACK HAWKS name in white lettering with a purple outline along with black pants. The road whites have black lettering and purple numbering with the BLOOMFIELD name on it. The white pants have a purple stripe on the sides. I gave this set a C last season, but this season is different. GRADE B.

Troy: Provider- Nike: The Colts finally got the uniform right a few years ago. They put name plates on the home black jerseys with the black pants. They don't put the name plates on the white uniforms. The black helmets need some work though, a redesign to the Colts logo would be much better instead of the big TC logo on one side and the numbers on the other side. I like the uniform set up with all blacks at home and all whites on the road. The helmet needs some work though. GRADE B.

Troy Athens: Provider- Nike: The Red Hawks got new uniforms but did not change the concept. I like the home uniforms with the gold strips on the elbows. I like the lettering and numbering with the name ATHENS on it, it's a great look, wish the name was in gold, but I can't control that. I like the red pants at home, if they get a gold pair, that would be awesome with the gold helmet. The road white has the same design as the home uniforms in red lettering with a red and gold stripe on the elbows. They have a white set of pants as well. The gold helmet really stands out on both uniforms. The Red Hawk on the helmet is a little too big which is my only grievance. The Red Hawk needs to be font sized a bit smaller, but the design makes up for it. It's good as it is. GRADE A.

Clarkston: Provider-Nike: The classic Michigan helmet looks great and its truly Clarkston but the home and road uniforms seriously need work. The Wolves made a change to the uniforms that really wanted to make me cry last season after finally nailing the road white a few years ago. The home blue uniforms look a lot like Hartland with the white CLARKSTON lettering and numbering with the yellow elbows with white on the middle. They have blue or yellow pants. The road white uniforms are worse and almost very similar to 2018. The road whites are similar to the home look with the WOLVES name on the crest with yellow and blue lettering and numbering respectively. They have stripes and blue stripe in the middle on the elbows. The blue pants make no sense on the road uniforms, blue pants is not a good look with this set, yellow is okay but the white jersey is just hideous. I talked to Coach Justin Pintar and former Athletic Director Jeff Kosin about the white uniforms they said a white set of pants is coming this season. The white pants could make the white jerseys a little bit better. Their current third jerseys have the CLARKSTON name and numbering in yellow with the Jordan jump man on the top left of the jersey along with yellow shoulder stripe and blue pants. This look lot better than their main home blue uniforms and seriously needs to be the permanent home uniforms. Overall, besides the helmet and the third set, the home and road uniform set really needs a complete do over. GRADE E.

Lake Orion: Provider-Nike: The Dragons have had the same uniform design under Chris Bell when they went with Russell Athletic and Nike with the name plates on the back opposite V-Neck. Although they made some changes there were some that I'm not a fan of. The helmet with the LO's on the sides and the stripes on the top is very traditional. The pants haven't changed much but there was a time they changed the uniform pants in 2013 which were a failure, but they finally went back to the stripes on the pants and haven't changed since with the Dragons logo on the front which is tradition. The uniform top has been up and down since 2012. The opposite elbow uniforms was a home run, but the other designs have not been great the shoulder stripes on the jerseys in 2020 was not a great look. When Bell came back to coaching, he changed the uniforms going back to the more traditional uniforms design. The 22-24 look was great on the home green saying DRAGONS in white lettering and numbering. The road white has DRAGONS instead of LAKE ORION which was my only issue in green lettering and numbering. They hit a home run on the design and the LO helmet stuck out. They made one change which I did not like and that was bringing the LO logo on the V-Neck which to me is too much, the LO logo on V-Neck needs to go, it's on the helmets and doesn't need to be on the jerseys. The 22-24 look was a lot better on the Dragons without the LO V-Neck. It's time to get rid of the LO logo on the V-Neck. GRADE B.

Adams: Provider-Adidas: The Highlanders uniform design is very interesting. It looks solid but it's plain as well. Adams home and road look are very similar with the shoulders in opposite colors. The home brown look has the HIGHLANDERS name in gold with gold piping on the shoulders with the stripe on the pants. The road brown is the same design with ADAMS in brown and gold lettering and piping. The third jerseys have the name ADAMS in charcoal with charcoal pants with the stripes on the elbows. The helmet is gold with Adams scripted on the sides. I've grown to accept them, but I miss the classic A with the swords on them. GRADE C.

West Bloomfield: Provider-Nike: The Lakers have always had a nice uniform set with the military look usually for week two and the all black look for big games to go along with their traditional uniforms. The helmets are the same design as Alabama but its white helmets, Alabama has crimson, should West Bloomfield look at green helmets??? The Lakers have a home green uniform with white pants. West Bloomfield has an all-white that makes them look like clone troopers from the Star Wars series. I like the uniform, but the helmet needs a paint job. GRADE B.

Oxford: Provider-Nike: There really hasn't been any changes since then Coach Zack Line got to Oxford in 2020 when he changed the helmet to yellow and they got a new set of uniforms. Coach Trevor Potts has kept the Line look the same during his coaching career. I like the yellow helmet which meant a changing on the times from then Coach Bud Rowley. I'm not a fan of the helmet design with the OHS and Wildcat logo, it looks like Louisiana State. The home uniforms have yellow numbering and have a perfect combination with yellow or blue pants to choose from. The all blue along with the yellow pants is a great look. Oxford has new road uniforms with the OXFORD crest and blue numbering along with the blue and gold stripes on the shoulders with name plates on the back of the jerseys. They included white pants with a blue and yellow stripe on the side which to many Oxford fans, white pants are bad luck. Luckly they will still have yellow pants which look better with this set than the blue pants with the yellow helmet. The Wildcats have an alternate black uniform that celebrates Oxford which I like which will be used for one game, it could be the Lake Orion game, usually the Wildcats go black when they play the Dragons at Wildcat Stadium. Overall great uniform sets but the helmet design needs work. GRADE A

Pontiac makes surprising Boys Basketball coaching move.

Written Thursday August 6th at 7:30 PM

Updated Sunday August 9th at 8:42 AM

The Phoenix made a stunning coaching move with their boys basketball program.

Pontiac named Robert Hill as their head coach taking over for Coach Dion Harris.

The MHSAA confirmed the hire on its website as of Thursday evening.

It is unknown what happened to Harris but according to Phoenix football coach Wendell Jefferson he stepped down at Pontiac. Harris led the Phoenix to 17 wins and finished 17-7. They made the district finals falling 57-55 in double overtime on a buzzer beater to Goodrich last season.

Hill is the Phoenix fourth coach in five years. He played at Pontiac Northern for legendary coach Robert Rogers from 2005-2008.

The Phoenix have Caden Covington, JJ Claudio, Nasir Harris, G'aimir Lyles, JaKobe Hickman, and Tim Ewing coming back. Program strength is something to watch with Pontiac going forward.

The Phoenix are in the Blue with Troy, Troy Athens, Seaholm, Royal Oak, and Harper Woods. They are in a district with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Macomb Lutheran North, and Madison Heights Lamphere, and Warren Michigan Colligate this season.

This came out of nowhere, will this move change a lot, only time will tell.

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

Here is the Phoenix website from the MHSAA.

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/pontiac/boys/varsity/basketball/2026-27

Week One Football Early Thoughts.

Written Tuesday July 28th at 11:46 AM

Updated Friday August 21st at 9:56 AM

Here are the early thoughts for week one.

4. CLARKSTON vs South Lyon @ Ann Arbor: This is shaping to be a very interesting matchup between two teams that haven't seen each other a lot. The Wolves lost a ton of talent from last season. The Lions have a lot of talent coming back. The last time Clarkston was in Ann Arbor they fell 23-10 to Northville in 2023. This should be a good test for Coach Justin Pintar and the Wolves playing a very good South Lyon program in Ann Arbor.

5. ADAMS vs Romeo @ Ann Arbor: This is a rematch of two Highlanders wins over the Bulldogs which included the postseason when Adams won 29-13 in the regional finals last season. The Highlanders have won the last four meetings over the Bulldogs. These are two regional proven powerhouses. Could this be the year that Romeo solves the veer offense that Adams has or will the Highlanders continue their dominance??? The Bulldogs have looked very good in their scrimmage.

SEAHOLM vs Milford @ Ann Arbor: This could be the Maples greatest test in Ann Arbor. The Mavericks have a high-octane offense with a very good quarterback in former Novi Detroit Catholic Central quarterback Hudson Smith that Coach Jim DeWald and the Maples are going to have to deal with. Seaholm can't afford to trail or get down early in this game or it will spell trouble with Milford's offense. The key for the Maples is to slow the game down and play veer football.

6. GROVES vs North Farmington @ Wayne State: These are two former OAA rivals going at it with legendary coaches everywhere in this game and it's been neck and neck with both schools winning two games each since 2020. Falcons Coach Brendan Flaherty was recently inducted into the Michigan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame then there is former Harrison Coach John Herrington who is an assistant under current Raiders Coach Jon Herstein. The Falcons are bringing in a new quarterback and has defensive concerns but has Jeremiah Whitley at running back. North Farmington has a solid quarterback in former Detroit Cass Tech standout Elijah Cobb at quarterback. This will be a good test for Groves going up against a proven program.

ROYAL OAK vs St. Clair Shores Lake Shore: This is a rematch of a 17-7 Ravens win in St. Clair Shores last season. Royal Oak has to replace their quarterback and has some questions that Coach Colin Campbell needs to answer. The Shorians had a rough year last season but should be better this season. Royal Oak had one bad loss which cost them a trip to the postseason. This should be a very interesting game.

BERKLEY at Livonia Franklin: The Dan Earls era begins at Berkley and for his first game is a trip to Livonia to play Livonia Franklin. The Patriots beat the Bears 34-7 at Hurley Field last season. Livonia Franklin was a postseason team last season. Earls is known for offense but the defense will get a stiff test against a Patriots offense that was really good last season.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH at East Kentwood: Warriors will get tested right away for first year coach Antwon Robinson. East Kentwood blew out Southfield Arts and Tech 43-8 in Southfield and made the Division One State Semifinals falling to Novi Detroit Catholic Central last season. The Falcons have a high-octane offense and a ton of experience. This is going to be a very tough matchup for the Warriors.

7. WEST BLOOMFIELD at Dearborn Fordson: The Lakers will head to Dearborn for an early test with the Tractors. West Bloomfield won 37-0 over Dearborn Fordson at the Swamp last season. The Tractors have gone through a transition period with a new coach, but they have proven experience. Lakers Coach Zach Hilbers will have his hands full but trust him I do.

1. STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower: This is a rematch of a 35-31 Cougars win over the Eagles in the first round of the postseason at Stoney Creek last season. These two schools are separated by five miles across the Oakland/Macomb County line. Stoney Creek has a ton of experience coming back. Utica Eisenhower will be tough as always. This is a tone setter game between the Cougars and Eagles to see who starts off strong.

AVONDALE at Walled Lake Northern: Both teams had very miserable 2025's last season. The Yellow Jackets have a new coach with a ton of questions. The Knights went through a coaching transition last season. This is a key game for Avondale to start strong for new Coach Isiah Goltrane and forget last season in a big way.

ROCHESTER vs Macomb L'Anse Creuse North: Falcons Coach Eric Vernon likes going into Macomb County to play Macomb County schools. The Crusaders had it rough, they went 0-9 last season. They have a new coach in former Sterling Heights Stevenson Coach Justin Newcomb. The Falcons have a quarterback/wide receiver duo in Matt Dyki and Nate Tandy. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North should be better this season. This should be very interesting to see before the Falcon Frenzy Game the following week.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Macomb L'Anse Creuse: This is a very interesting matchup of two schools that struggled last season. Black Hawks Coach Scott Merchant is in his second year which usually means big results. The quarterback spot is the question mark for Bloomfield Hills. Macomb L'Anse Creuse should be much improved. This should be a good test for the Black Hawks.

WATERFORD KETTERING at Livonia Clarenceville: The Bob Meyer return tour starts for the Captains. Meyer coached at Livonia Clarenceville before taking the Avondale job. Waterford Kettering won 14-0 last season in week five. That was probably one of the Captains best games after a rough year last season.

3. OXFORD at Hartland: This is a rematch of a 23-7 Wildcats win over the Eagles last season on the blue turf. Oxford is very experienced except for the quarterback spot. Hartland has a very talented lineman in William Tobin. This game could be on 93.5 WHNI in Livingston County. This should be a very interesting game in Hartland.

10. WATERFORD MOTT at TROY ATHENS: This is a very interesting matchup of two different styles. The Corsairs are young, athletic, and quick. The Red Hawks have the line play. This game comes down to the coaching staffs and to see which team's weaknesses get shored up the best wins this game.

PONTIAC vs Detroit Community: Detroit Community was a postseason team last season. It's going to be a tough assignment for Coach Wendell Jefferson and the Phoenix to prepare for. Pontiac though has played a much tougher schedule, and the game is at Pontiac.

HARPER WOODS at Chelsea: What a tough opener for the Pioneers. The Bulldogs are coached by former Lowell Coach Noelle Dean who is known for running the Wing T. Hopefully Harper Woods can figure out their quarterback situation during their scrimmage and practices. The Pioneers have proven athletes and depth everywhere, but Chelsea is tough and physical. This will be a tough game for Harper Woods.

9. OAK PARK at Grand Rapids Catholic Central: This is as tough of a matchup as you can get for the Knights going up against the top ranked team in Division Five. The Cougars are talented and well balanced. Oak Park has experienced skill players but questions up front. This is going to be tough for the Knights heading up Interstate 96 to Kent County and Grand Rapids.

TROY vs Grosse Pointe North: These are two teams that had things rough in 2025. The Colts haven't been the same team since September 19th when they went 0-6 and scored 21 points in that span. The Norseman allowed over 40 points five times including allowing 35 points or more in their three games last season. Whoever wins this game will gain some confidence heading into their seasons. This is a big game for both teams with the trajectory of their seasons going forward.

FERNDALE vs Madison Heights Lamphere: This is a rematch of a 17-14 Rams double overtime win in week one last season. Madison Heights Lamphere has a new coach and a transition period ahead. The Eagles should be motivated for this season and especially this game.

8. LAKE ORION at NORTHVILLE: These are two schools that are no strangers to one another. The Mustangs won 14-13 over the Dragons at Wayne State last season after the Dragons won 21-13 at Northville in 2024. Lake Orion has more experience offensively but defensively will be the test. Northville likes to run the ball, but their defensive secondary faces a stiff test. This should be a fun matchup between two future OAA rivals.

NOVI at Traverse City Central: Coach Logan Pawloski (Traverse City West alumni) makes his return to Traverse City and Thirby Field. This is also a rematch after the Wildcats got blown out 46-3 in week one by the Titans in Novi last season. I like what Pawloski is doing with team bonding and going to Traverse City early. It will be a good test for Novi in Grand Traverse County.

CLAWSON vs Detroit Pershing: The Trojans and Doughboys are no strangers to one another. Clawson won both meetings although tight with Detroit Pershing. Coach Steve Haney has some experience coming back although there are questions with depth. Both these schools were postseason teams in Division Six last season. This should be a fun game in Clawson.

GRAND BLANC vs Belleville: The Bobcats are coming off a very disappointing 42-22 loss to Clarkston in the district finals after having an unbeaten regular season last season. Grand Blanc was an offensive machine in 2025 scoring 50 points or more five times last season. They will have a pretty young team when Belleville comes into Genesee County. The Tigers were blown out 38-7 by Clarkston in week one at Wayne State and really wasn't the same program despite winning seven straight games. Belleville had three losses including to the Wolves where they allowed 30 or more points. They allowed 57 points in a 57-36 loss to Howell in week nine and were upset 30-29 by Brownstown Woodhaven in the first-round with both games being at Belleville last season. The Tigers have a sophomore quarterback in Kendall Franklin along with a proven wide receiver in Charles Britton. Grand Blanc has a new quarterback in Jake DeWitt, but they have Jeremiah Coleman who is one of the top running backs in the State. This should be a very interesting matchup for the Bobcats going up against a talented and athletic Tigers program.

DAVISON vs Roseville @ Atwood Stadium: This is a rematch after the Cardinals won 38-21 over the Panthers in Macomb County in week one last season. Davison have to replace a ton of talent from last season despite having a proven quarterback and running back coming back. Roseville is well coached and well-disciplined, but they have to make that long drive to Atwood Stadium in Flint while Atwood Stadium is not too far of a drive for Davison. The Cardinals have questions defensively but have an experienced offense. This should be a good test for Davison.

Waterford Mott has their new Athletic Director.

Written Sunday July 26th at 6:12 PM

It looks like Waterford Mott has their new athletic director.

The Corsairs named Connor O'Leary as their new athletic director. He takes over for Shayne Hines who left Waterford Mott for West Bloomfield and then went to Clarkston this offseason.

The MHSAA confirmed the hire.

O'Leary was at Novi as an intern and the Young Life Area Director before taking the job at Waterford Mott. He has connections to all the sports including in the middle school levels when he was at Novi. O'Leary was the boys basketball coach at Novi Middle School and boys soccer coach of the green team at Novi.

O'Leary is the brother of former Novi volleyball standout Erin O'Leary.

The Waterford School District does not have a district wide Athletic Director. Allison Satourius is currently the Athletic Director at Waterford Kettering.

Waterford Mott has an enrollment of 998 students which is Division Three for football and Division One for other sports.

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

West Bloomfield has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Monday July 20th at 7:07 pm

West Bloomfield new Athletic Director Thomas Degrand made his first coaching hire as Athletic Director.

The Lakers named Sidney Zanders as their new boys basketball coach. Zanders takes over for Coach Arnette Jordan who stepped down earlier this summer.

The MHSAA website confirmed the hire.

Zanders was an assistant under Jordan last season. He knows the system pretty well being Jordan's top assistant. 

West Bloomfield has Jamison Webster, Quentin Allen, Nasir Moore, Shon Adkins, Jaylen Brown, Shannon Rochon, Dorian Jackson, and Euguene North coming back. Program strength is a concern for the Lakers this season.

The Lakers are in the Red with Clarkston, Ferndale, Avondale, Groves, and Adams in the Red. They will be in a district with Orchard Lake St. Marys, Avondale, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, and Walled Lake Central in their district.

It's going to be very interesting to see how Zanders handles being the head coach and build the program. Program strength and being in the Red are concerns heading into the season.

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