10. Walled Lake Central
The Vikings lost some key players from last years state semifinal team, including a big portion of their offensive line and their entire starting secondary. But it’s what they have coming back this season that will again make the Vikings dangerous. Senior quarterback Zach Leimbach and running back K.J. Schultz will shoulder much of the load offensively for the Vikings. The main concern for the Vikings this season will be their defensive depth and inexperience.
9. Rochester Adams
Adams has been to the playoffs in each of the past 14 seasons and there’s no reason to think that they won’t make it 15 this year. Starting quarterback and safety Tony Annese is a game changer on both sides of the ball, but he’ll need some help if Adams is going to stay in the mix in the OAA White, and he’ll likely get it, Year in and year out, Adams seems to be one of the deepest teams in the county on both sides of the ball.
8. Lake Orion
The Dragons may have lost the likes of Marques Stevenson and Zach Zott, but senior quarterback Sean Charette is back and healthy after missing the end of the season with an injury. The Dragons lost the vast majority of their starting offense and defense from last season, but head coach Chris Bell and company seem to always have a plan regardless of the situation and this season won’t be an exception.
7. Auburn Hills Avondale
No deficit is insurmountable when you have a passing attack that’s as good as Avondale’s is. Led by one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Mitch Robinson, Avondale will be entertaining to watch on Friday nights this fall. Last season, Robinson gained over 4,000 total yards and 55 total touchdowns. The main issue for the Yellowjackets will be their defense, after graduating nine starters from last season.
6. Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
This years Saint Mary’s team won’t be any different than any of their other teams in recent history; very good defense with a balance attack on offense. James Ross is the best linebacker in the state, but his running mates in the middle, Joe Eroyan and Dave Talley are very good as well and should help stabilize the defense. Offensively, running backs Spencer McInnis and Grant Niemiec will punish defenders while Keith Stonestreet will give a change of pace with his home-run-threat ability.
5. Southfield
I know I put the Bluejays higher than most would, but the Southfield offense is loaded with talent across the board. From running back Brandon Watkins, to wide receiver Leviticus Payne, to transfer Ron Thompson at tight end, quarterback Justin Danzy will have some of the best weapons in the county at his disposal. The only question for Southfield is whether or not their defense can equal the offense.
4. Clarkston
The Wolves could have the county’s best defense this season, last seasons, Clarkston could shut down just about anybody they faced. With linebackers Matt Dellinger and Zach Collins and defensive lineman Lucas Sanders all returning this season, this defense could be even better. Offensively, the Wolves will be able to put up some points this year with quarterback Mitch Baezinger and running back Joey Goss back for their senior seasons.
3. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
The Shamrocks will be dangerous on both sides of the ball, with defensive linemen Matthew Godin and Wyatt Shallman, Catholic Central will likely make their second homes in opposing backfields. Offensively, Catholic Central has weapons left and right, with Matt Doneth lining up at tight end and a one-two punch of Shallman and Anthony Darkangelo, making them one of the better offensive units around.
2. Birmingham Brother Rice
Most coaches would love to have a big time running back to lineup in their backfield. Brother Rice has three. Senior Devin Church, junior DeShun Brown and sophomore Brian Walker will be relentless against opposing defenses. On defense for the Warriors, the secondary will be rock solid with returning starters Eddie Kidd and James Hendrix while junior linebacker Jon Reschke will anchor the Warriors front seven.
1. Farmington Hills Harrison
Was there really any question who would be on top? They have the famed “Big 3” but what makes this team even more dangerous are the lesser known players. Running back Garius Coleman will give the offense a nice change of pace not to mention the presence of wide receiver turned quarterback Jake Vento now under center should give the offense a new dynamic. Junior linebacker Eddie Huckleby will be a force to be reckoned with all season long on defense, while Mario Ojemudia will be a wrecking ball type force on the defensive line and Aaron Burbridge will be a shutdown corner all season long.
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