The forfeitures by Clarkston and Oak Park were surprising in a number of ways, because of the very good starts that both teams got off to in the first three games of the season. Instead now Clarkston sits with a 2-2 record and Oak Park at 1-3, both needing a little bit of luck to go their way in order to make the playoffs.
But what is overlooked in all of this is that BOTH TEAMS DID THE RIGHT THING. Plain and simple. Both incidents are both unfortunate but at the same time are honest mistakes made by both sides and both took responsibility for those mistakes and for that. Also, when both team learned about the mishaps, both voluntarily made and accepted the punishment of forfeiting the game(s).
From the Clarkston point of view, many thought that this was their year, having one of the state’s best defenses along with a pretty formidable offense, but still have a very, very good chance of making the playoffs. Even though the Wolves have a favorable schedule right now, the margin of error is minimal from here on out, especially with one of the state’s best rivalry games with Lake Orion looming in the last week of the season.
On the Oak Park side, the Knights were off to a very good start to the Greg Carter era, and there’s no reason to think that it won’t stay that way. However, the Knights have one of the tougher schedules remaining, facing one of the state’s surprises, Farmington next week, followed by the state’s top team in Farmington Hills Harrison. It will be a tough road, but Oak Park is still a very talented team and should still be one of the counties best as the season goes on.
This may be a tough pill to swallow on both sides because of how each team’s season was going, but both did the honorable thing in admitting to their mistakes and accepting the punishments that came with it. Regardless of how the season plays out for both sides did the right thing and nobody can blame them for doing so.
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Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday's Finest - Dynamic Duo's
Milford quarterback Alex Larson and running back Brandon Wallace both got it done on the ground on Friday night, rushing for over 150 yards each as the Mavericks improved to 3-1 with a 24-14 win over Hartland.
North Farmington might have had the most impressive performance on Friday night, as the Raider running backs Kevin Miller (160 yards) and Jacquis Woods (193) ran over, through and around a very stout Bloomfield Hills Lahser defense to push their record to 2-2.
Jordan Degreffenreed and Bryan Green also went over the Century mark in week four, as they lifted Farmington to a win over Southfield-Lathrup and now a 3-1 start this season.
Walled Lake Western’s Brent Zdebski and Alex Buchanan may be the next thunder and lightning duo to come through this county. Zdebski rumbled his way to 115 yards on the ground while Buchanan was able to break loose for just over 100 yards in Western’s win over Lakeland.
Spencer McInnis and Grant Niemeic are the next duo to go over the 100 yard plateau on Friday night, as McInnis powered his way to 135 yards and Niemeic rumbled his way to 109 yards in Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s 34-0 beat down of U-D Jesuit.
Keon Collier is only getting warmed up now, the Birmingham Groves running back had a HUGE game for the second straight week, this time going for 243 yards and four touchdowns… and he tacked on another 75 yards receiving, as Groves picked up win number three on the season.
Kezlow “Squirrel" Smith showed that he can do it all, running for 180 yards and touchdowns and did the same kind of damage in the receiving game as “Squirrel” went over 100 yards receiving and two more scored on top of that in Pontiac‘s route over Rochester. This guy can make defenses pay in just about every way possible.
Now let’s not forget about the quarterbacks, because Novi’s Derek Ince simply went off on the Plymouth Salem defense, making it look like a game of catch in the backyard with his receivers, throwing for 322 yards and four touchdown tosses in Novi’s 42-0 drubbing of Salem.
Tony Anesse, did what the senior signal caller is known for, doing a little bit of everything, by putting together 300 total yards (105 passing; 195 rushing) of offense on Friday to keep Adams unbeaten at 4-0.
Clarkston quarterback Mitch Baezinger stepped up in the biggest way possible for the Wolves, after a tough week last week, having to forfeit their first two wins of the season. Baezinger was just laying in picture perfect passes for his receivers in the Wolves’ 28-13 win over Troy.
And last but not least, what more can you say about Farmington Hills Harrison quarterback Jake Vento went for 261 first half yards (190 rushing) and three rushing touchdowns in the first half in the Hawks win over Oxford. Vento finished the game with well over 300 total yards, not to mention averaging near 50 yards per punt.
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North Farmington might have had the most impressive performance on Friday night, as the Raider running backs Kevin Miller (160 yards) and Jacquis Woods (193) ran over, through and around a very stout Bloomfield Hills Lahser defense to push their record to 2-2.
Jordan Degreffenreed and Bryan Green also went over the Century mark in week four, as they lifted Farmington to a win over Southfield-Lathrup and now a 3-1 start this season.
Walled Lake Western’s Brent Zdebski and Alex Buchanan may be the next thunder and lightning duo to come through this county. Zdebski rumbled his way to 115 yards on the ground while Buchanan was able to break loose for just over 100 yards in Western’s win over Lakeland.
Spencer McInnis and Grant Niemeic are the next duo to go over the 100 yard plateau on Friday night, as McInnis powered his way to 135 yards and Niemeic rumbled his way to 109 yards in Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s 34-0 beat down of U-D Jesuit.
Keon Collier is only getting warmed up now, the Birmingham Groves running back had a HUGE game for the second straight week, this time going for 243 yards and four touchdowns… and he tacked on another 75 yards receiving, as Groves picked up win number three on the season.
Kezlow “Squirrel" Smith showed that he can do it all, running for 180 yards and touchdowns and did the same kind of damage in the receiving game as “Squirrel” went over 100 yards receiving and two more scored on top of that in Pontiac‘s route over Rochester. This guy can make defenses pay in just about every way possible.
Now let’s not forget about the quarterbacks, because Novi’s Derek Ince simply went off on the Plymouth Salem defense, making it look like a game of catch in the backyard with his receivers, throwing for 322 yards and four touchdown tosses in Novi’s 42-0 drubbing of Salem.
Tony Anesse, did what the senior signal caller is known for, doing a little bit of everything, by putting together 300 total yards (105 passing; 195 rushing) of offense on Friday to keep Adams unbeaten at 4-0.
Clarkston quarterback Mitch Baezinger stepped up in the biggest way possible for the Wolves, after a tough week last week, having to forfeit their first two wins of the season. Baezinger was just laying in picture perfect passes for his receivers in the Wolves’ 28-13 win over Troy.
And last but not least, what more can you say about Farmington Hills Harrison quarterback Jake Vento went for 261 first half yards (190 rushing) and three rushing touchdowns in the first half in the Hawks win over Oxford. Vento finished the game with well over 300 total yards, not to mention averaging near 50 yards per punt.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Week 4 Football Predictions
Last weeks record 15-5 Overall Record 42-13
Oxford at Farmington Hills Harrison
I thought long and hard about picking the upset in this one, but after the injury big bit the Wildcats last week, Harrison should come out on top.
Harrison 35 Oxford 20
Lakeland at Walled Lake Western
The Warriors are racking up the points with ease this season, and it doesn't look like anyone is going to stop them from doing so anytime soon.
Western 52 Lakeland 42
Plymouth Salem at Novi
The Wildcats finally got into the win column last week's win over Livonia Stevenson, but they still have work to do.
Novi 28 Salem 13
Clarkston at Troy
Clarkston's gone through a tough week having to forfeit two wins from earlier this week. Expect a very determined Clarkston team to get out to a fast start.
Clarkston 42 Troy 30
Waterford Kettering at Walled Lake Central
The Vikings offense has weapons all over the board, but few know about their punishing fullback, Curtis Booth, who just runs over defenders in most cases.
Central 42 Kettering 28
Hartland at Milford
Expect the Mavericks to bounce back in a big way after a tough road loss at Grand Blanc
Milford 45 Hartland 31
Waterford Mott at Walled Lake Northern
Northern is as dangerous as it gets on offense, but expect their defense to do much of the damage this week.
Northern 35 Mott 17
Rochester Adams at Oak Park
Oak Park also learned on Thursday that they would have to forfeit a game this season on Thursday, but that shouldn't slow them down for the time being.
Oak Park 28 Rochester Adams 21 in OT
Southfield at Stoney Creek
The Southfield offense has gotten quite a bit of hype to this point, but their defense could be even better by seasons end.
Southfield 24 Stoney Creek 10
Farmington at Southfield-Lathrup
Farmington had a big upset win over Oxford last week to continue their surprise start to the season, and you can expect more of the same this week.
Farmington 35 Lathrup 20
West Bloomfield at Lake Orion
Dragon's quarterback Sean Charette is throwing the ball as well as any quarterback in the county right now.
Lake Orion 42 West Bloomfield 24
Rochester at Pontiac
Rochester has to bounce back from a couple of tough back to back losses, and this is a game where they could get their season back on the right track.
Rochester 42 Pontiac 38
Marine City at Clawson
Blake Blue just might be the most accurate quarterback around, and the biggest reason as to how Clawson has gotten out to such a fast start.
Clawson 31 Marine City 21
Birmingham Seaholm at Romulus
Expect Maple's quarterback John Glazier and Co. to bounce back by putting up some serious numbers after a disappointing loss last week.
Seaholm 38 Romulus 21
Birmingham Groves at Hazel Park
Groves, coming off of an exciting double overtime win last week is starting to put things together on both offense and defense, which should continue to translate into W's.
Groves 28 Hazel Park 21
North Farmington at Bloomfield Hills Lahser
Lahser's defense is the real deal. After holding a very good Seaholm offense to under 120 total yards of offense, they have one of, if not the most exciting defense in the county.
Lahser 24 North Farmington 7
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Oxford at Farmington Hills Harrison
I thought long and hard about picking the upset in this one, but after the injury big bit the Wildcats last week, Harrison should come out on top.
Harrison 35 Oxford 20
Lakeland at Walled Lake Western
The Warriors are racking up the points with ease this season, and it doesn't look like anyone is going to stop them from doing so anytime soon.
Western 52 Lakeland 42
Plymouth Salem at Novi
The Wildcats finally got into the win column last week's win over Livonia Stevenson, but they still have work to do.
Novi 28 Salem 13
Clarkston at Troy
Clarkston's gone through a tough week having to forfeit two wins from earlier this week. Expect a very determined Clarkston team to get out to a fast start.
Clarkston 42 Troy 30
Waterford Kettering at Walled Lake Central
The Vikings offense has weapons all over the board, but few know about their punishing fullback, Curtis Booth, who just runs over defenders in most cases.
Central 42 Kettering 28
Hartland at Milford
Expect the Mavericks to bounce back in a big way after a tough road loss at Grand Blanc
Milford 45 Hartland 31
Waterford Mott at Walled Lake Northern
Northern is as dangerous as it gets on offense, but expect their defense to do much of the damage this week.
Northern 35 Mott 17
Rochester Adams at Oak Park
Oak Park also learned on Thursday that they would have to forfeit a game this season on Thursday, but that shouldn't slow them down for the time being.
Oak Park 28 Rochester Adams 21 in OT
Southfield at Stoney Creek
The Southfield offense has gotten quite a bit of hype to this point, but their defense could be even better by seasons end.
Southfield 24 Stoney Creek 10
Farmington at Southfield-Lathrup
Farmington had a big upset win over Oxford last week to continue their surprise start to the season, and you can expect more of the same this week.
Farmington 35 Lathrup 20
West Bloomfield at Lake Orion
Dragon's quarterback Sean Charette is throwing the ball as well as any quarterback in the county right now.
Lake Orion 42 West Bloomfield 24
Rochester at Pontiac
Rochester has to bounce back from a couple of tough back to back losses, and this is a game where they could get their season back on the right track.
Rochester 42 Pontiac 38
Marine City at Clawson
Blake Blue just might be the most accurate quarterback around, and the biggest reason as to how Clawson has gotten out to such a fast start.
Clawson 31 Marine City 21
Birmingham Seaholm at Romulus
Expect Maple's quarterback John Glazier and Co. to bounce back by putting up some serious numbers after a disappointing loss last week.
Seaholm 38 Romulus 21
Birmingham Groves at Hazel Park
Groves, coming off of an exciting double overtime win last week is starting to put things together on both offense and defense, which should continue to translate into W's.
Groves 28 Hazel Park 21
North Farmington at Bloomfield Hills Lahser
Lahser's defense is the real deal. After holding a very good Seaholm offense to under 120 total yards of offense, they have one of, if not the most exciting defense in the county.
Lahser 24 North Farmington 7
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Calling the Shots
Listing off some of the county's top signal callers so far this season.
Jake Vento - Farmington Hills Harrison
Vento can do it all for the Hawks, this guy is just as dangerous running the ball as he is throwing the ball.
Mitch Robinson - Auburn Hills Avondale
When the ball is in Robinson's hands, the Yellowjackets can score at any time with his ability to make plays at will, he's that good.
Zac Leimbach - Walled Lake Central
Leimbach might be the most dangerous runner in the county regardless of position. On Friday night, Leimbach had more than 30 carries against rival Northern. He's a flat out workhorse.
Vito Giannola - Oxford
He's not asked to do a ton at quarterback for the Wildcats, but is clutch when it matters most and does a great job of selling the fake on a play action pass.
Tony Anesse - Rochester Adams
Anesse is a true gamer, in just about every sense. He can get the tough yards through the air or on the ground regardless of the situation.
Sean Charette - Lake Orion
Finally getting back into last season's form and it's showing on the field as the Dragons have rolled in the last two weeks.
Kirk Thomas - Walled Lake Northern
Thomas is one of the most exciting quarterbacks around, showing off some big time speed to go with a very accurate arm.
Mitch Baezinger - Clarkston
Baezinger's ability to march the offense down the field at will is a big reason why the Wolves are still destined for a playoff berth at the end of the season.
Blake Blue - Clawson
Blue has been deadly accurate all season long with his ability to throw the deep ball and it's a big reason as to why Clawson is putting up impressive numbers this season.
Justin Danzy - Southfield
With his ability to throw and run the ball, Danzy adds yet another big play threat to an already dangerous offense.
Justin Losey - Troy
Losey brings a Vince Young at Texas type dimension to the Troy offense, which makes the Colts offense as exciting as any around the county.
Nathan Drews - Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
Drews, can make almost all of the throws possible, and has a big time arm to back it up. Expect him to build on his solid start this year.
John Glazier - Birmingham Seaholm
In the first two games of the season, Glazier only had four incompletions. Week three was a bit of a step back, but expect the senior gunslinger to bounce back in week four.
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Jake Vento - Farmington Hills Harrison
Vento can do it all for the Hawks, this guy is just as dangerous running the ball as he is throwing the ball.
Mitch Robinson - Auburn Hills Avondale
When the ball is in Robinson's hands, the Yellowjackets can score at any time with his ability to make plays at will, he's that good.
Zac Leimbach - Walled Lake Central
Leimbach might be the most dangerous runner in the county regardless of position. On Friday night, Leimbach had more than 30 carries against rival Northern. He's a flat out workhorse.
Vito Giannola - Oxford
He's not asked to do a ton at quarterback for the Wildcats, but is clutch when it matters most and does a great job of selling the fake on a play action pass.
Tony Anesse - Rochester Adams
Anesse is a true gamer, in just about every sense. He can get the tough yards through the air or on the ground regardless of the situation.
Sean Charette - Lake Orion
Finally getting back into last season's form and it's showing on the field as the Dragons have rolled in the last two weeks.
Kirk Thomas - Walled Lake Northern
Thomas is one of the most exciting quarterbacks around, showing off some big time speed to go with a very accurate arm.
Mitch Baezinger - Clarkston
Baezinger's ability to march the offense down the field at will is a big reason why the Wolves are still destined for a playoff berth at the end of the season.
Blake Blue - Clawson
Blue has been deadly accurate all season long with his ability to throw the deep ball and it's a big reason as to why Clawson is putting up impressive numbers this season.
Justin Danzy - Southfield
With his ability to throw and run the ball, Danzy adds yet another big play threat to an already dangerous offense.
Justin Losey - Troy
Losey brings a Vince Young at Texas type dimension to the Troy offense, which makes the Colts offense as exciting as any around the county.
Nathan Drews - Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
Drews, can make almost all of the throws possible, and has a big time arm to back it up. Expect him to build on his solid start this year.
John Glazier - Birmingham Seaholm
In the first two games of the season, Glazier only had four incompletions. Week three was a bit of a step back, but expect the senior gunslinger to bounce back in week four.
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Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Return of Friday's Finest
Now that the football schedules are back to normal, Friday's finest is back to recap the top performances from Friday night's football games.
First off, I’d like to say that I am a HUGE fan of the jerseys worn by Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Northern on Friday night. The Vikings broke out their all yellow uni’s while Northern had on their all white’s.
Now back to the on the field performances.
Just how good is W.L. Central quarterback Zac Leimbach? You decide: The senior signal caller went off on Friday night, running for over 200 yards on 34 carries and four touchdowns in the Viking win.
Putting up some impressive numbers in his own right was Northern quarterback Kirk Thomas who had 230 yards of total offense and three touchdowns, to lead Northern’s comeback attempt on Central.
Bloomfield Hills Lahser cornerback Nate Cole is as big of a playmaker on defense as there is. Cole had two picks and a fumble recovery returned for at touchdown and put together almost 130 yards total in returning those turnovers. Defenses beware!
Southfield running back Brandon Watkins just might be the most exciting back in the state, he has the ability to go for six any time the ball is in his hands and that was shown on Friday night when Watkins carried the ball 18 times for over 200 yards and two touchdowns not to mention his 85 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
In my predictions for this week’s games I said I had a hunch that Birmingham Groves running back Keon Collier could have a big game. Collier did that and so much more, running his way to 180 yards rushing and four touchdowns in Groves double overtime win over Berkley.
West Bloomfield’s all everything C.J. Brathwait might be the most dangerous player nobody knows about, Brathwait accounted for nearly 300 total yards and all five of West Bloomfield’s touchdowns in Friday night’s win over Royal Oak.
So far this season, it seems like Troy has found a source of offense from a different player every week and week three was more of the same. Oliver Jiang is the latest Colt to put in a prime-time performance, as the senior rolled to nearly 200 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
What more is there to say about Brother Rice running back Devin Church? This man can do just about anything when he’s got the ball. Church rushed for over 120 yards on just 10 carries and also took a kick return 96 yards back to the house!
Auburn Hills Avondale kicker Kyle Sroka must have ice water in his veins as Sroka booted a 45 yard field goal through the uprights as time expired to give Avondale the narrow win over Andover.
How’s this for a stat line? 7-for-9 passing for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers belong to Clawson quarterback Blake Blue in the Trojans convincing win over New Haven and that’s about as close to a perfect day as you’re going to get.
First off, I’d like to say that I am a HUGE fan of the jerseys worn by Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Northern on Friday night. The Vikings broke out their all yellow uni’s while Northern had on their all white’s.
Now back to the on the field performances.
Just how good is W.L. Central quarterback Zac Leimbach? You decide: The senior signal caller went off on Friday night, running for over 200 yards on 34 carries and four touchdowns in the Viking win.
Putting up some impressive numbers in his own right was Northern quarterback Kirk Thomas who had 230 yards of total offense and three touchdowns, to lead Northern’s comeback attempt on Central.
Bloomfield Hills Lahser cornerback Nate Cole is as big of a playmaker on defense as there is. Cole had two picks and a fumble recovery returned for at touchdown and put together almost 130 yards total in returning those turnovers. Defenses beware!
Southfield running back Brandon Watkins just might be the most exciting back in the state, he has the ability to go for six any time the ball is in his hands and that was shown on Friday night when Watkins carried the ball 18 times for over 200 yards and two touchdowns not to mention his 85 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
In my predictions for this week’s games I said I had a hunch that Birmingham Groves running back Keon Collier could have a big game. Collier did that and so much more, running his way to 180 yards rushing and four touchdowns in Groves double overtime win over Berkley.
West Bloomfield’s all everything C.J. Brathwait might be the most dangerous player nobody knows about, Brathwait accounted for nearly 300 total yards and all five of West Bloomfield’s touchdowns in Friday night’s win over Royal Oak.
So far this season, it seems like Troy has found a source of offense from a different player every week and week three was more of the same. Oliver Jiang is the latest Colt to put in a prime-time performance, as the senior rolled to nearly 200 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
What more is there to say about Brother Rice running back Devin Church? This man can do just about anything when he’s got the ball. Church rushed for over 120 yards on just 10 carries and also took a kick return 96 yards back to the house!
Auburn Hills Avondale kicker Kyle Sroka must have ice water in his veins as Sroka booted a 45 yard field goal through the uprights as time expired to give Avondale the narrow win over Andover.
How’s this for a stat line? 7-for-9 passing for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers belong to Clawson quarterback Blake Blue in the Trojans convincing win over New Haven and that’s about as close to a perfect day as you’re going to get.
Twitter.com/JDeuceDullack
Friday, September 9, 2011
Week 3 Football Predictions
Week 2 Record: 14-3 Season record: 27-8
Walled Lake Northern at Walled Lake Central
In this game last season, Central made a statement in a convincing ___win. This year it will be much closer, but Central will come out on top again.
Central 42 Northern 29
Waterford Mott at Lakeland
Lakeland looks like their back on the right track after a week two win over South Lyon.
Lakeland 42 Mott 26
Bloomfield Hills Lahser at Birmingham Seaholm
Even though it’s still early in the season, nobody has proven capable of slowing down the Maples offense.
Seaholm 28 Lahser 21
Troy Athens at Clarkston
The Wolves have proven they can score plenty of points this season and most are already aware of the defense.
Clarkston 24 Athens 10
Milford at Grand Blanc
It’s usually a bit early for statement games in week three, but Milford has a chance to make a statement against a talented Grand Blanc squad.
Upset Special: Milford 31 Grand Blanc 28 in OT
Birmingham Brother Rice at Toledo St. Francis DeSales
Much has been made about the Warriors running game early on this season, but the passing game could end up being the key in this one.
Brother Rice 31 De Sales 28
Livonia Stevenson at Novi
There’s no way Zach Masserant and Co. will let Novi start off with an 0-3 record, is there?
Novi 21 Stevenson 13
South Lyon at Plymouth Salem
South Lyon has been sneaky good so far this season and it should continue against the Rocks.
S. Lyon 31 Salem 24
Inkster at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
With Catholic Centra'ls defense, the Shamrocks have looked almost unbeatable so far.
CC 24 Inkster 7
Pontiac at Lake Orion
Now that the Dragons have righted the ship, and moving to 1-1, expect them to start rolling now.
Lake Orion 35 Pontiac 18
Walled Lake Western at Waterford Kettering
The Warriors are putting up some serious offensive numbers so far this season, but don't forget about their defense.
Western 35 Kettering 17
Berkley at Birmingham Groves
It’s only a matter of time before Keon Collier has a monster game. I’ve got a feeling that this will be that game.
Groves 34 Berkley 28
Southfield-Lathrup at Rochester Adams
Adams has looked relatively strong in each of their first two games and there’s no reason to think Friday will be any different.
Adams 42 Lathrup 24
Riverview Gabriel Richard at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
The Lakers continue to find big time performers on both sides of the ball on a regular basis.
WOLL 24 RGR 12
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
Notre Dame Prep can take a huge step toward making the playoffs with a win on Saturday and a 3-0 start.
N.D. Prep 26 A.A.G.R 24
Southfield at Oak Park
Even though the Bluejays fell short last week, they proved that they can hang with just about anyone.
Southfield 35 Oak Park 20
New Haven at Clawson
Clawson has been one of the early pleasant surprises in Oakland County this season, and they are out to prove that this start is no fluke.
Clawson 31 New Haven 21
West Bloomfield at Royal Oak
The Ravens couldn’t make it two in a row last week, but could make it two out of three this week.
R.O. 24 The W.B. 17
Rochester at Troy
Even though the Falcons stumbled a bit in week two, don't forget about their impressive season opening win.
Rochester 38 Troy 28
Farmington at Oxford
Oxford better not look past Farmington with their showdown with Farmington Hills Harrison looming next week. This game should be much closer than expected.
Oxford 28 Farmington 27
Walled Lake Northern at Walled Lake Central
In this game last season, Central made a statement in a convincing ___win. This year it will be much closer, but Central will come out on top again.
Central 42 Northern 29
Waterford Mott at Lakeland
Lakeland looks like their back on the right track after a week two win over South Lyon.
Lakeland 42 Mott 26
Bloomfield Hills Lahser at Birmingham Seaholm
Even though it’s still early in the season, nobody has proven capable of slowing down the Maples offense.
Seaholm 28 Lahser 21
Troy Athens at Clarkston
The Wolves have proven they can score plenty of points this season and most are already aware of the defense.
Clarkston 24 Athens 10
Milford at Grand Blanc
It’s usually a bit early for statement games in week three, but Milford has a chance to make a statement against a talented Grand Blanc squad.
Upset Special: Milford 31 Grand Blanc 28 in OT
Birmingham Brother Rice at Toledo St. Francis DeSales
Much has been made about the Warriors running game early on this season, but the passing game could end up being the key in this one.
Brother Rice 31 De Sales 28
Livonia Stevenson at Novi
There’s no way Zach Masserant and Co. will let Novi start off with an 0-3 record, is there?
Novi 21 Stevenson 13
South Lyon at Plymouth Salem
South Lyon has been sneaky good so far this season and it should continue against the Rocks.
S. Lyon 31 Salem 24
Inkster at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
With Catholic Centra'ls defense, the Shamrocks have looked almost unbeatable so far.
CC 24 Inkster 7
Pontiac at Lake Orion
Now that the Dragons have righted the ship, and moving to 1-1, expect them to start rolling now.
Lake Orion 35 Pontiac 18
Walled Lake Western at Waterford Kettering
The Warriors are putting up some serious offensive numbers so far this season, but don't forget about their defense.
Western 35 Kettering 17
Berkley at Birmingham Groves
It’s only a matter of time before Keon Collier has a monster game. I’ve got a feeling that this will be that game.
Groves 34 Berkley 28
Southfield-Lathrup at Rochester Adams
Adams has looked relatively strong in each of their first two games and there’s no reason to think Friday will be any different.
Adams 42 Lathrup 24
Riverview Gabriel Richard at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
The Lakers continue to find big time performers on both sides of the ball on a regular basis.
WOLL 24 RGR 12
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
Notre Dame Prep can take a huge step toward making the playoffs with a win on Saturday and a 3-0 start.
N.D. Prep 26 A.A.G.R 24
Southfield at Oak Park
Even though the Bluejays fell short last week, they proved that they can hang with just about anyone.
Southfield 35 Oak Park 20
New Haven at Clawson
Clawson has been one of the early pleasant surprises in Oakland County this season, and they are out to prove that this start is no fluke.
Clawson 31 New Haven 21
West Bloomfield at Royal Oak
The Ravens couldn’t make it two in a row last week, but could make it two out of three this week.
R.O. 24 The W.B. 17
Rochester at Troy
Even though the Falcons stumbled a bit in week two, don't forget about their impressive season opening win.
Rochester 38 Troy 28
Farmington at Oxford
Oxford better not look past Farmington with their showdown with Farmington Hills Harrison looming next week. This game should be much closer than expected.
Oxford 28 Farmington 27
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Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Oakland County Football Top 10
10. Birmingham Seaholm
The Maples, behind quarterback John Glazier, just might have one of the most consistent passing games in the county.
9. Walled Lake Central
The Vikings are starting to find success on offense with their running game behind K.J. Schultz and Zac Leimbach and that led to a nice bounce back win over Salem in week two.
9. Lake Orion
The Dragons made a statement in week two in their beating of Rochester. These guys are still the real deal!
8. Walled Lake Western
Western is putting up some serious numbers on offense and the defense has been pretty impressive in their own right.
7. Oak Park
The Knights have playmakers left and right, and they’ve come through in each of the first two weeks.
6. Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
A disappointing week two home loss won’t slow the Eaglets down for week three.
5. Southfield
The Bluejays had a strong showing in their week two loss to Harrison, expect them to remain as one of the top teams around all season long.
5. Clarkston
Last season, the Wolves were all defense. This season, Clarkston’s got it all. The offense can score points and the defense is as good as any at keeping teams out of the end zone.
4. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
In their first two games this season, the Shamrocks have outscored teams 56-7. The defense is flat out scary and the offense is going to roll all season long.
3. Oxford
Much is being made about the Wildcat’s running game, but Vito Giannola may be the most underrated signal caller in Oakland County. His presence in the Oxford backfield just makes them all the more dangerous.
2. Birmingham Brother Rice
The Warriors have without a doubt the most explosive and balanced backfield in the state! It doesn’t matter if it’s Devin Church, DeShun Brown or Brian Walker, a touchdown is a possibility at any turn when the ball is in their hands.
1. Farmington Hills Harrison
There are very few teams, if any, that can match the talent level the Hawks have. Every single game new playmakers seem to rise to the occasion. This team is a flat out machine in every single way possible.
Next Five:
Auburn Hills Avondale
Rochester Adams
Troy
Clawson
Ortonville Brandon
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The Maples, behind quarterback John Glazier, just might have one of the most consistent passing games in the county.
9. Walled Lake Central
The Vikings are starting to find success on offense with their running game behind K.J. Schultz and Zac Leimbach and that led to a nice bounce back win over Salem in week two.
9. Lake Orion
The Dragons made a statement in week two in their beating of Rochester. These guys are still the real deal!
8. Walled Lake Western
Western is putting up some serious numbers on offense and the defense has been pretty impressive in their own right.
7. Oak Park
The Knights have playmakers left and right, and they’ve come through in each of the first two weeks.
6. Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
A disappointing week two home loss won’t slow the Eaglets down for week three.
5. Southfield
The Bluejays had a strong showing in their week two loss to Harrison, expect them to remain as one of the top teams around all season long.
5. Clarkston
Last season, the Wolves were all defense. This season, Clarkston’s got it all. The offense can score points and the defense is as good as any at keeping teams out of the end zone.
4. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
In their first two games this season, the Shamrocks have outscored teams 56-7. The defense is flat out scary and the offense is going to roll all season long.
3. Oxford
Much is being made about the Wildcat’s running game, but Vito Giannola may be the most underrated signal caller in Oakland County. His presence in the Oxford backfield just makes them all the more dangerous.
2. Birmingham Brother Rice
The Warriors have without a doubt the most explosive and balanced backfield in the state! It doesn’t matter if it’s Devin Church, DeShun Brown or Brian Walker, a touchdown is a possibility at any turn when the ball is in their hands.
1. Farmington Hills Harrison
There are very few teams, if any, that can match the talent level the Hawks have. Every single game new playmakers seem to rise to the occasion. This team is a flat out machine in every single way possible.
Next Five:
Auburn Hills Avondale
Rochester Adams
Troy
Clawson
Ortonville Brandon
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
Boys Soccer: Top 15 players w/ Top 3 Keepers
Top 15 Players
1. Matt Habrowski - D - Birmingham Brother Rice (Jr.)
Habrowski is as talented as it gets along the backline and will only get better. Teams are going to need some luck when it comes to scoring as long as the junior is on the Warriors backline. The junior has already received offers from Virginia, Notre Dame, Michigan and Stanford.
2. Chase Jabbori - F - Novi (Sr.)
Jabbori is a magician with or without the ball. He can score or pass to set up the score, but whenever he’s on the field, Novi is the most dangerous team in the county offensively. Jabbori is considering offers from Michigan, Oakland and Western Michigan.
3. Dylan Knott - MF - Rochester Adams (Sr.)
Knott is tremendously gifted when it comes to setting up his teammates for a chance to score, but he has proven that he can also score. Last season, Knott led the Highlanders in goals and assists.
4. Phillip Soong - D - Novi (Sr.)
Soong is outstanding at shutting down opposing attacks, especially in counter attacks, and clearing the ball after throw-ins and corners.
5. Tariq Akeel - F - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (Sr.)
Akeel does his best work when the ball is on his foot. The senior can score from all sorts of angles and can change the outlook of a game in an instant. Akeel has committed to Brown University.
6. Sunny Shettigar - F - Troy Athens (Sr.)
Shettigar can flat out score with the best of them. Always finding himself with good looks to put the ball in the back of the net and has done just that in the early happenings of this season. Shettigar has already given his verbal commitment to Cornell.
7. Jack Brown - MF - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (Sr.)
Brown might play at the midfield, but that doesn’t mean he can’t create offense at any time with his strong leg and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Brown will be playing for Michigan next season
8. Sean Hazen - D - Novi (Sr.)
Hazen, a solid defender overall, has been known to sneak in here and there on the offensive side of things when the Wildcats may need an extra spark. Hazen has committed to Western Michigan.
9. Alex Serwatka - MF - Troy Athens (Sr.)
Serwatka is one of the best at controlling the pace of a game, but from time to time will move up to forward to give Athens a bit of an extra scoring punch when needed.
10. Eric Kelly - D - Bloomfield Hills Lahser
Kelly can quickly nullify an opposing attack regardless of the situation, very rarely will you find him out of place and not in a spot to make a big play.
11. Russell Cicerone - F - Birmingham Brother Rice (Jr.)
Cicerone can and will pile up the goals this season, Cicerone’s speed and vision will lead to plenty of goals this season for the Warriors.
12. Nick Shabino - F - Bloomfield Hills Andover (Sr.)
Shabino’s speed will lead to a handful of goals for Andover this season, but it will also help set up his teammates when defenders are locked in on him.
13. Nate Chapman - F - Auburn Hills Avondale (Sr.)
Chapman can get the job done scoring or passing, but the senior’s strong point is spreading the ball out to his teammates, which makes the Yellowjackets even more dangerous.
14. Sam Brown - MF - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (So.)
Brown is the most talented sophomore in the state. Bar none! Already as a sophomore, Brown is a tactician in every way of the word. By the time he’s a senior, Brown will be one of, if not the top senior in the state.
15. Bryan Maxwell - MF - Walled Lake Central (Jr.)
Maxwell has played all over the field and has done so very well, but he’s at his best in the midfield where he can control the pace of play for the Vikings.
Top 3 Keepers
1. Mitchell Thompson - Walled Lake Northern (Sr.)
Thompson has been one of the best in net over the past couple of years, piling up the shutouts every year while making the clutch save when the Knights need it most.
2. Matt Smolinski - Troy (Jr.)
Smolinski is as good as any when it comes to making the highlight reel save, but he will also make necessary saves throughout the game.
3. Josh Shifman - Berkley (Jr.)
Shifman has been incredibly dependable from the start for Berkley, rarely giving up multiple goals when in net, which immediately gives Berkley a chance to win.
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1. Matt Habrowski - D - Birmingham Brother Rice (Jr.)
Habrowski is as talented as it gets along the backline and will only get better. Teams are going to need some luck when it comes to scoring as long as the junior is on the Warriors backline. The junior has already received offers from Virginia, Notre Dame, Michigan and Stanford.
2. Chase Jabbori - F - Novi (Sr.)
Jabbori is a magician with or without the ball. He can score or pass to set up the score, but whenever he’s on the field, Novi is the most dangerous team in the county offensively. Jabbori is considering offers from Michigan, Oakland and Western Michigan.
3. Dylan Knott - MF - Rochester Adams (Sr.)
Knott is tremendously gifted when it comes to setting up his teammates for a chance to score, but he has proven that he can also score. Last season, Knott led the Highlanders in goals and assists.
4. Phillip Soong - D - Novi (Sr.)
Soong is outstanding at shutting down opposing attacks, especially in counter attacks, and clearing the ball after throw-ins and corners.
5. Tariq Akeel - F - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (Sr.)
Akeel does his best work when the ball is on his foot. The senior can score from all sorts of angles and can change the outlook of a game in an instant. Akeel has committed to Brown University.
6. Sunny Shettigar - F - Troy Athens (Sr.)
Shettigar can flat out score with the best of them. Always finding himself with good looks to put the ball in the back of the net and has done just that in the early happenings of this season. Shettigar has already given his verbal commitment to Cornell.
7. Jack Brown - MF - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (Sr.)
Brown might play at the midfield, but that doesn’t mean he can’t create offense at any time with his strong leg and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Brown will be playing for Michigan next season
8. Sean Hazen - D - Novi (Sr.)
Hazen, a solid defender overall, has been known to sneak in here and there on the offensive side of things when the Wildcats may need an extra spark. Hazen has committed to Western Michigan.
9. Alex Serwatka - MF - Troy Athens (Sr.)
Serwatka is one of the best at controlling the pace of a game, but from time to time will move up to forward to give Athens a bit of an extra scoring punch when needed.
10. Eric Kelly - D - Bloomfield Hills Lahser
Kelly can quickly nullify an opposing attack regardless of the situation, very rarely will you find him out of place and not in a spot to make a big play.
11. Russell Cicerone - F - Birmingham Brother Rice (Jr.)
Cicerone can and will pile up the goals this season, Cicerone’s speed and vision will lead to plenty of goals this season for the Warriors.
12. Nick Shabino - F - Bloomfield Hills Andover (Sr.)
Shabino’s speed will lead to a handful of goals for Andover this season, but it will also help set up his teammates when defenders are locked in on him.
13. Nate Chapman - F - Auburn Hills Avondale (Sr.)
Chapman can get the job done scoring or passing, but the senior’s strong point is spreading the ball out to his teammates, which makes the Yellowjackets even more dangerous.
14. Sam Brown - MF - Birmingham Detroit Country Day (So.)
Brown is the most talented sophomore in the state. Bar none! Already as a sophomore, Brown is a tactician in every way of the word. By the time he’s a senior, Brown will be one of, if not the top senior in the state.
15. Bryan Maxwell - MF - Walled Lake Central (Jr.)
Maxwell has played all over the field and has done so very well, but he’s at his best in the midfield where he can control the pace of play for the Vikings.
Top 3 Keepers
1. Mitchell Thompson - Walled Lake Northern (Sr.)
Thompson has been one of the best in net over the past couple of years, piling up the shutouts every year while making the clutch save when the Knights need it most.
2. Matt Smolinski - Troy (Jr.)
Smolinski is as good as any when it comes to making the highlight reel save, but he will also make necessary saves throughout the game.
3. Josh Shifman - Berkley (Jr.)
Shifman has been incredibly dependable from the start for Berkley, rarely giving up multiple goals when in net, which immediately gives Berkley a chance to win.
Twitter.com/JDeuceDullack
Rapid Reaction - Week 2 football recap
For starters, Prescott Line is a flat out monster on the gridiron, rushing for 250 yards and scoring five touchdowns for the second straight week in Oxford's beatdown of Southfield-Lathrup. There’s no doubt in my mind that Line will be in the Mr. Football award talk by the end of the season.
I don't think that there is any question on where you can find some offense this year, as plenty of scoring in Walled Lake this season, both Western and Northern are averaging almost 50 points per game.
Northern quarterback Kurt Thomas proved he can do it all with his arm and his legs in the Knight's 42-21 double up on South Lyon East. Western linebacker Brent Zdebski has caught most off guard with his performance in the Warriors backfield including another 100 yard plus outing as the Warriors beat up on Novi, 50-25.
Over at Central the Vikings have a pretty electric duo of quarterback Zac Leimbach and K.J. Schultz. Schultz had just under 400... Yep, that‘s right… 400 total yards of offense in their bounce back win over Plymouth Salem.
Birmingham Seaholm quarterback John Glazier is as accurate of a quarterback as you’ll find at the high school level. After completing 12-of-15 passes in week one, Glazier completed 10-of-11 passes for nearly 300 yards in a victory over Bloomfield Hills Andover.
Jake Vento is as big of a “Primetime Player” as there is in this county. The senior quarterback can get it done in just about every way possible. Running the ball. Throwing the ball. Catching the ball. And playing defense. There are few players that are more important to their team than Vento is to Harrison… and that’s say a ton considering the talent that the Hawks have all over the board.
Speaking of Harrison…… Week 1 test? Check. Week 2 test? Check. It’s becoming very apparent that the only team that can beat Farmington Hills Harrison is Farmington Hills Harrison. The Hawks have probably had the most difficult first two weeks of the season and the Hawks have passed those tests with flying colors.
Troy junior quarterback Justin Losey burst on to the scene on Thursday night, accounting for each of Troy's first six touchdowns, four coming on the ground, and two more through the air in the Colts win over Royal Oak.
The Lake Orion defense responded in a huge win after falling at the hands of Oxford. The Dragons defense shut down the Rochester offense in every way imaginable in their 35-7 win on Thursday. Now that's what everyone was expecting out of the defending state champs!
At the start of this season, many were anxious to see the high powered passing attack of Auburn Hills Avondale, and rightfully so. But in week two a running back stole the show for the Yellowjackets as Michael Johnson went off, piling up nearly 300 yards on the ground and finding the end zone four times.
Twitter.com/JDeuceDullack
I don't think that there is any question on where you can find some offense this year, as plenty of scoring in Walled Lake this season, both Western and Northern are averaging almost 50 points per game.
Northern quarterback Kurt Thomas proved he can do it all with his arm and his legs in the Knight's 42-21 double up on South Lyon East. Western linebacker Brent Zdebski has caught most off guard with his performance in the Warriors backfield including another 100 yard plus outing as the Warriors beat up on Novi, 50-25.
Over at Central the Vikings have a pretty electric duo of quarterback Zac Leimbach and K.J. Schultz. Schultz had just under 400... Yep, that‘s right… 400 total yards of offense in their bounce back win over Plymouth Salem.
Birmingham Seaholm quarterback John Glazier is as accurate of a quarterback as you’ll find at the high school level. After completing 12-of-15 passes in week one, Glazier completed 10-of-11 passes for nearly 300 yards in a victory over Bloomfield Hills Andover.
Jake Vento is as big of a “Primetime Player” as there is in this county. The senior quarterback can get it done in just about every way possible. Running the ball. Throwing the ball. Catching the ball. And playing defense. There are few players that are more important to their team than Vento is to Harrison… and that’s say a ton considering the talent that the Hawks have all over the board.
Speaking of Harrison…… Week 1 test? Check. Week 2 test? Check. It’s becoming very apparent that the only team that can beat Farmington Hills Harrison is Farmington Hills Harrison. The Hawks have probably had the most difficult first two weeks of the season and the Hawks have passed those tests with flying colors.
Troy junior quarterback Justin Losey burst on to the scene on Thursday night, accounting for each of Troy's first six touchdowns, four coming on the ground, and two more through the air in the Colts win over Royal Oak.
The Lake Orion defense responded in a huge win after falling at the hands of Oxford. The Dragons defense shut down the Rochester offense in every way imaginable in their 35-7 win on Thursday. Now that's what everyone was expecting out of the defending state champs!
At the start of this season, many were anxious to see the high powered passing attack of Auburn Hills Avondale, and rightfully so. But in week two a running back stole the show for the Yellowjackets as Michael Johnson went off, piling up nearly 300 yards on the ground and finding the end zone four times.
Twitter.com/JDeuceDullack
Friday, September 2, 2011
2011 Boys Soccer Preview - Top 10 teams
10. Lake Orion
The strength of the Dragons will most likely be their midfield where they return four starters from 2010, while their defense should be up to par with all four members of last years backline back for another year. Expect some low-scoring wins for the Dragons this season
9. Bloomfield Hills Lahser
The backline, anchored by senior Erik Kelly, should be the strength of the Knights team much like last season. But the question remains if Lahser can put together some sort of offense on a regular basis to help out their defense. But the Knights will likely have a healthy team all season long, which wasn’t the case a year ago.
8. Auburn Hills Avondale
With Nate Chapman and Joe Davison playing at forward, it will be hard to keep Avondale off of the scoreboard. On defense, the Yellowjackets could shut some teams down with plenty of returning starters along the backline.
7. Troy Athens
There won’t be any doubt that Athens will be able to score this season with Cornell commit Sunny Shettigar at forward and a talented and experienced group at the midfield. The biggest question will be whether or not their defense can keep opponents off the scoreboard.
6. Rochester Adams
Dylan Knott can do it all for the Highlanders, whether it be scoring assisting on a goal, he makes Adams all of the more dangerous. The only question there will be for the Highlanders will be the 13 starters they have to replace from last season.
5.Walled Lake Northern
There haven’t been many keepers as steady as Mitch Thompson over the past couple of seasons. Thompson will be able to shut down opposing attacks, but the biggest question for the Knights will be if they can keep up the scoring after graduating seniors Kyle Rutz and Mike Ankoviak.
4. Troy
Junior goalkeeper Matt Smolinksi will keep most opponents off of the scoreboard. One of the other strengths for Troy will be their midfield where you’ll find Zach Doepke and Jason Leslie who can control the pace of the game to benefit the Colts.
3. Birmingham Detroit Country Day
If anything this season, the Yellowjackets will be able to score with anyone with Tariq Akeel at forward and Jack Brown at midfield. But there are returning starters all over the field for Country Day which makes a deep run in the playoffs a good possibility once again.
2. Birmingham Brother Rice
The Warriors, as always, are loaded with talent across the board. Led by junior defender Matt Habrowski, who is highly sought after by division one schools, the strength of Brother Rice will be their backline. Russell Cicerone will give the Warriors some balance offensively at forward, but expect plenty of low scoring games this season.
1. Novi
The Wildcats have a little bit of everything this season. With one of the state’s best players, Chase Jabbori, able to score at just about any time. You pair that with one of the top defenders in the state in Phillip Soong and a very experienced midfield, Novi should be very dangerous yet again this season.
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