1. Birmingham Brother Rice
You can't deny the heroics of Brother Rice's "Mr. Everything" Jason Alessi as he and Alex Malzone teamed up for one of the greatest finishes you'll see, but the Warriors still have plenty to work on after nearly losing to De La Salle in week 4.
2. Southfield
Picked up as big of a league win as you will find on Friday over Oak Park, which immediately puts the Blue Jays in the driver's seat in the OAA White. But Southfield can't overlook Farmington Hills Harrison on Friday, who has gotten off to a perfect start this season.
3. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Once again back to its dominant, overpowering self, Catholic Central looks like it hasn't missed a beat so far this season and behind the likes of Dylan Roney, Zack Bock and Connor Holton, the Shamrocks once again have one of the best rushing attacks in the state.
4. Stoney Creek
There may not be a bigger, or better statement win to come out of Oakland County all season long than the one the Cougars put together over Lake Orion on Saturday. A 36-7 drubbing proved that the Cougars are the real deal and have as good of a shot as any at claiming the OAA Red this year.
5. Walled Lake Western
The Warriors passed their first true test on Friday night, pulling off a comeback victory over Walled Lake Northern and look like the team to beat in the KLAA North, as expected by many behind quarterback Kyle Bambard and one of the area's top defenses.
6. Clarkston
The Wolves look like they're back on track after a disappointing start to the season after 51-0 beatdown of Troy Athens with a squad that is at less than 100% due to injuries. As the Wolves get healthier throughout the year, they will continue to round into form.
7. Farmington Hills Harrison
While Harrison has been a perennial power in Oakland County over the years, the 4-0 start to the year for the Hawks still comes as a bit of a surprise to many. It was an expected down year for Harrison, but behind Lorenzo Collins and Jevon Shaw, the Hawks look like a legitimate contender in the OAA White once again.
8. Oak Park
Despite a narrow loss at the hands of Southfield on Friday, the Knights obviously still remain as one of the area's most dangerous teams behind star RB/CB John Kelly as well skill position players Ricardo Brown and Juan Fernandez going forward.
9. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Quite a statement was made on Friday night when the Irish took down perennial Division 5 power Flint Powers in convincing fashion, picking up a 28-2 win. The Irish can make another big time statement this week with a win over Loyola.
10. Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Mark Zanders might be the best running back in Oakland County that nobody knows about, but that could change in the very near future. One week after rushing for nearly 300 yards, Zanders rushed for 133 more in a blowout win over U-D Jesuit and has the Eaglet's vaunted ground attack back into top form.
11. (Tie) Birmingham Seaholm
For the first time this season, the Maples trailed in a game against Berkley in week four, but aside from that, Seaholm was dominant once again, picking up another convincing win to stay perfect on the season. There have been fewer units better than the Maple defense, which has surrendered just over 10 points per contest so far.
11. (Tie) Birmingham Groves
Ross Williams entered the 2013 season as one of the state's best kept secrets, but now, four weeks into the season, Williams is now one regarded as one of the state's best and highly regarded running backs after totaling 780 yards on the ground through four weeks and has led the Falcons to a 4-0.
13. Lake Orion
A disappointing and relatively surprising loss to Stoney Creek in week four, but the Dragons still remain as one of the OAA Red's top teams and you can expect a far better performance from the offense and defense next week against Troy.
14. Waterford Kettering
There might not be a team in the entire state that has been more of a pleasant surprise in the 2013 season than the Captains this year, who have proven that they are for real with impressive wins over Walled Lake Central and Lakeland in back-to-back weeks.
15. North Farmington
If Ross Williams is having the biggest breakout season so far this year, Chauncey Bridges might as well be listed as 1A. The North Farmington star running back has rushed for 784 yards so far this year and has helped the Raiders jump out to a 3-1 start on the year.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Oakland County Football Rankings -- Week 1
1. Birmingham Brother Rice
The Warriors had as big of a statement win in week one as you will find, topping the No. 34 ranked team in the country, Cleveland St. Ignatius 29-20, behind a balanced effort both ways. In the 2013 season, Brother Rice may have the most explosive offense in school history, behind Alex Malzone, Grant Peryy and Corey Lacanaria leading the way in the aerial attack.
2. Southfield
May have lost the season opener, but Southfield remains one of the most dangerous teams in the area behind its vaunted defense and limited the No. 2 team in the nation, Cass Tech, all game long. Look for the Blue Jays offense to look to get on par with the defense in the coming weeks with quarterback Jalen Brady and receivers Jordan Billingslea and Ray Buford.
3. Oak Park
The Knights started slow in their season opener on Friday afternoon, but showed just how dangerous they can be in the second half as they outscored St. Mary's 25-7 in the final 24 minutes behind a stellar performance from star junior John Kelly to pick up an impressive win to start the season.
4. Lake Orion
Picked up an impressive win over Oxford in a two-day bout behind the always dangerous trio of Zak Arnold, Chris Leigh and Corey Ester, while Connor Grant stepped in under center to help balance the offensive attack for Lake Orion in the opener.
5. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Strong statement win to start the season over Detroit Cody behind the usual punishing rushing attack and strong defensive performance. Promising start for Sean Birney at quarterback and the rushing trio of Zack Bock, Conner Holton and Dylan Roney to lead the way for the offense.
6. Walled Lake Western
Impressive performance from the Warriors going both ways as both the defense and the offense were dominant all game long in their convincing win over Bay City Western. There was little doubt coming in that the offense would be hard to stop and behind quarterback Kyle Bambard and the Western offense was nearly unstoppable all game long.
7. Walled Lake Northern
Quite the statement win for the Knights as they pummeled Livonia Churchill as the prolific offense picked up right where it left off last year, nearly scoring 70 points to start the season behind first year quarterback Chase Burton, who executed the offense to perfection in the season opener.
8. Rochester Adams
The Highlanders made any and all doubters think twice about what they expect out of Adams this fall as they put together what turned out to be the upset of the week. A great, suffocating performance from the defense that stopped Clarkston in its tracks all season long, behind an offensive effort that found enough success to get the job done.
9. Stoney Creek
The Cougars came out and started their season just like many expected and should be a legitimate contender all season long for the OAA Red title all season long. With Justin Allor and Sean Scullen helping pace the offense, the Cougars will be a very difficult team to slow down all season long.
10. Lakeland
With Ross Heiman at quarterback all year long, the Eagles are capable of besting just about any team on their schedule. Heiman was sensational in the season opening win over Northville and should be a headache for teams with his arm and legs all season long in 2013.
The Warriors had as big of a statement win in week one as you will find, topping the No. 34 ranked team in the country, Cleveland St. Ignatius 29-20, behind a balanced effort both ways. In the 2013 season, Brother Rice may have the most explosive offense in school history, behind Alex Malzone, Grant Peryy and Corey Lacanaria leading the way in the aerial attack.
2. Southfield
May have lost the season opener, but Southfield remains one of the most dangerous teams in the area behind its vaunted defense and limited the No. 2 team in the nation, Cass Tech, all game long. Look for the Blue Jays offense to look to get on par with the defense in the coming weeks with quarterback Jalen Brady and receivers Jordan Billingslea and Ray Buford.
3. Oak Park
The Knights started slow in their season opener on Friday afternoon, but showed just how dangerous they can be in the second half as they outscored St. Mary's 25-7 in the final 24 minutes behind a stellar performance from star junior John Kelly to pick up an impressive win to start the season.
4. Lake Orion
Picked up an impressive win over Oxford in a two-day bout behind the always dangerous trio of Zak Arnold, Chris Leigh and Corey Ester, while Connor Grant stepped in under center to help balance the offensive attack for Lake Orion in the opener.
5. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Strong statement win to start the season over Detroit Cody behind the usual punishing rushing attack and strong defensive performance. Promising start for Sean Birney at quarterback and the rushing trio of Zack Bock, Conner Holton and Dylan Roney to lead the way for the offense.
6. Walled Lake Western
Impressive performance from the Warriors going both ways as both the defense and the offense were dominant all game long in their convincing win over Bay City Western. There was little doubt coming in that the offense would be hard to stop and behind quarterback Kyle Bambard and the Western offense was nearly unstoppable all game long.
7. Walled Lake Northern
Quite the statement win for the Knights as they pummeled Livonia Churchill as the prolific offense picked up right where it left off last year, nearly scoring 70 points to start the season behind first year quarterback Chase Burton, who executed the offense to perfection in the season opener.
8. Rochester Adams
The Highlanders made any and all doubters think twice about what they expect out of Adams this fall as they put together what turned out to be the upset of the week. A great, suffocating performance from the defense that stopped Clarkston in its tracks all season long, behind an offensive effort that found enough success to get the job done.
9. Stoney Creek
The Cougars came out and started their season just like many expected and should be a legitimate contender all season long for the OAA Red title all season long. With Justin Allor and Sean Scullen helping pace the offense, the Cougars will be a very difficult team to slow down all season long.
10. Lakeland
With Ross Heiman at quarterback all year long, the Eagles are capable of besting just about any team on their schedule. Heiman was sensational in the season opening win over Northville and should be a headache for teams with his arm and legs all season long in 2013.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Elite Eight -- Getting Started
***The Top Eight Stars From The Opening Week Of Football Season***
8. Marquian Johnson-Ty Sparks -- Clawson
The dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo picked up right where they left off in the season opener as Sparks completed 12-of-19 passing for 222 yards and four touchdowns, while Johnson made five grabs for 134 yards and three touchdowns to lead Clawson to a season opening win.
7. Jason Alessi -- Birmingham Brother Rice
"Mr. Everything" was at it once again for the Warriors on Saturday afternoon as the do-it-all senior came up with several big plays to lead the Warriors past St. Ignatius, including a 70 yard punt return for a touchdown, an interception and two field goals and led the team in tackling as well.
6. Rochester Adams defense
If you're looking for a statement win from week one, look no further than Rochester Adams and the defensive performance the Highlanders put together as they held one of the top teams in the state to just seven points as Adams upset heavily favored Clarkston.
5. Dakota Kupp -- Waterford Mott
Kupp was as good as advertised in the season opener as he made it look easy driving the Corsairs up and down the field, throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 10-of-15 passes to lead Mott to a season opening win.
4. Ross Heiman -- Lakeland
Heiman did it all for Lakeland on Thursday night as the senior quarterback totaled over 200 yards of total offense and accounted for both touchdowns for the Eagles, including a 50 yard scamper which was the game-winner to lead Lakeland to a 14-10 win over Northville.
3. Johnny Kelly -- Oak Park
Kelly was a human highlight reel on Friday afternoon for Oak Park as the junior running back rushed for 167 yards on 16 carries and also had a 50 yard touchdown run, which proved to be the game clincher to lead the Knight's back from a 13 point halftime deficit.
2. Ross Williams -- Birmingham Groves
Williams was a one man wrecking crew at times on Friday and Saturday for Groves as the senior running back rushed for 233 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a convincing win over Bloomfield Hills.
1. Alex Malzone -- Birmingham Brother Rice
Malzone put together quite a performance in his first career start for the Warriors as the junior signal caller threw for 294 yards and a touchdown to lead the Warriors to a 29-20 win over nationally ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius. Malzone put on a clinic in the first half to get Brother Rice off to a fast start, completing 16-of-22 passing for 193 yards and a score.
8. Marquian Johnson-Ty Sparks -- Clawson
The dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo picked up right where they left off in the season opener as Sparks completed 12-of-19 passing for 222 yards and four touchdowns, while Johnson made five grabs for 134 yards and three touchdowns to lead Clawson to a season opening win.
7. Jason Alessi -- Birmingham Brother Rice
"Mr. Everything" was at it once again for the Warriors on Saturday afternoon as the do-it-all senior came up with several big plays to lead the Warriors past St. Ignatius, including a 70 yard punt return for a touchdown, an interception and two field goals and led the team in tackling as well.
6. Rochester Adams defense
If you're looking for a statement win from week one, look no further than Rochester Adams and the defensive performance the Highlanders put together as they held one of the top teams in the state to just seven points as Adams upset heavily favored Clarkston.
5. Dakota Kupp -- Waterford Mott
Kupp was as good as advertised in the season opener as he made it look easy driving the Corsairs up and down the field, throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 10-of-15 passes to lead Mott to a season opening win.
4. Ross Heiman -- Lakeland
Heiman did it all for Lakeland on Thursday night as the senior quarterback totaled over 200 yards of total offense and accounted for both touchdowns for the Eagles, including a 50 yard scamper which was the game-winner to lead Lakeland to a 14-10 win over Northville.
3. Johnny Kelly -- Oak Park
Kelly was a human highlight reel on Friday afternoon for Oak Park as the junior running back rushed for 167 yards on 16 carries and also had a 50 yard touchdown run, which proved to be the game clincher to lead the Knight's back from a 13 point halftime deficit.
2. Ross Williams -- Birmingham Groves
Williams was a one man wrecking crew at times on Friday and Saturday for Groves as the senior running back rushed for 233 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a convincing win over Bloomfield Hills.
1. Alex Malzone -- Birmingham Brother Rice
Malzone put together quite a performance in his first career start for the Warriors as the junior signal caller threw for 294 yards and a touchdown to lead the Warriors to a 29-20 win over nationally ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius. Malzone put on a clinic in the first half to get Brother Rice off to a fast start, completing 16-of-22 passing for 193 yards and a score.
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