Week 2 Oakland County Football Predictions

Last Week's Record: 11-5

Farmington at Southfield
Last week, we all had a chance to see just how dangerous Farmington running back Jordan Degreffenreed was on offense, this week look for him to do some damage on the defensive side of the ball as well as the offensive side.
Farmington 31, Southfield 27

South Lyon East at Walled Lake Western
If the Cougars can pull off the upset, they will be in a great spot to possibly make the playoffs. But the Warriors have been there and done that already and will pick up the narrow win on Thursday.
Western 45, SLE 42

Plymouth Salem at Walled Lake Northern
The Knights gained nearly 600 yards in the run game last week in a heartbreaking loss to Churchill. Northern probably won't gain quite so many rushing yards in week two, but enough to pick up the win.
Northern 49, Salem 42

Troy at Rochester
Terrance Cherry burst onto the scene in week one, and look for more of the same in week two while Justin Losey will take care of business through the air.
Troy 35, Rochester 27

Novi at Lakeland
Anthony Waite flew under the radar throughout the year last year, but is proving to be one of the area's elite running backs and Novi will see just that on Thursday.
Lakeland 38, Novi 28

Farmington Hills Harrison at Rochester Adams
Jake Slobin was a force to be reckoned with during Harrison's week one win, and should match that performance in another OAA White "Clash of the Titans" on Friday.
Harrison 35, Adams 21

Stoney Creek at Pontiac
Stoney Creek head coach Brad Zube returns to Pontiac on Friday and will leave with a 2-0 record for the Cougars behind some big time play from the dynamic duo of Sean Scullen and Justin Allor.
Stoney Creek 28, Pontiac 21

Bloomfield Hills Lahser at Ferndale
Ferndale had a strong defensive showing in a week one loss to Seaholm, but slowing down the Lahser offensive attack led by Spencer McCourt and Nate Emery is going to be a tall order for the Eagles.
Lahser 42, Ferndale 31

Southfield-Lathrup at Oak Park
Coach Carter and Co. have picked up some early season momentum and it's going to be hard to slow down BrianWilliams and the Knights.
Oak Park 35, Lathrup 22

Orchard Lake St. Mary's at Toledo St. John's
A tough opening loss for the Eaglets, but look for the Linehan-Watts-Jackson connection to get things going for a week two win on Friday.
OLSM 31, TSJ 21

Lake Orion vs. Troy Athens (at Ford Field)
Look for Lake Orion linebacker Derric Williams and the Dragon defense to make life hard on the Troy Athens offense on the big stage of Ford Field.
Lake Orion 24, Troy Athens 10

Livonia Stevenson at Walled Lake Central
The punishing Central rushing attack is back at it again with Zack Goor leading the way to a 2-0 start on the season.
Central 21, Stevenson 9

Holly at Linden
A pretty surprising week one outcome won't repeat itself for Johnny Williams and Co. in Holly.
Holly 42, Linden 24

Waterford Mott at Northville
The Corsairs got the season off on the right foot in week one, now let's see if Dakota Kupp and Co. can get a winning streak going in Waterford.
Mott 33, Northville 28

Detroit Jesuit at Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Is there a more dynamic offense in Oakland County than Country Day's? With Tyler Weigers, Moe Ways and Richie Wilson leading the attack, I really don't think so.
Country Day 49, Jesuit 35

Birmingham Groves at Auburn Hills Avondale
Avondale looked like a team in midseason form against Hazel Park, but Groves will be hungry for its first win in week two. This one might come down to the very end.
Avondale 31, Groves 28 (OT)

West Bloomfield at Clarkston
The Clarkston offensive attack might be as punishing as it gets, and West Bloomfield might have to find that out first hand on Friday.
Clarkston 42, West Bloomfield 21


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James Young leaving Troy for Rochester

On Tuesday, James Young, one of the nation’s top prep basketball players indicated on his twitter account that he would be transferring from Troy, where he played the first three years of his high school career and would be attending Rochester for his senior year in 2012.

There had been speculation for the past several months that Young would in fact be leaving Troy for another area high school, but over the summer, those rumors died down for the most part and had most believing that he would be staying at Troy for his senior year.

Young enters his senior season with a five star rating and is the No. 8 ranked player in the country according to Rivals.com and is the No. 5 ranked player in the nation according to ESPN.com.

The senior-to-be already has offers on the table from Syracuse, Michigan State, Louisville, Kansas Arizona as well at defending national champion Kentucky along with several other schools.

Young, who is widely considered as the state’s top player for the class of 2013, averaged 26.5 points per game to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists per contest as a junior. Among the highlights of Young’s junior season, was his 49-point performance against Clarkston back on February 12^th.

It’s not yet clear if Young will be eligible to play from the start of the season for John Pleasant’s Rochester squad due to MHSAA rules and regulations regarding transfers.

With one of the nation's top players in Young on board with the Falcons, Rochester instantly becomes one of the top contenders in Division 1 for the 2012-2013 season.

Oakland County Football Rankings - Settling In

1. Clarkston
Ian Eriksen is already looking like the next great running back to come through Oakland County. A dominant six touchdown effort from the junior paired with the dominant Clarkston offensive line and a strong defensive performance has the Wolves sitting at No. 1 this week.

2. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
A strong defensive performance that resulted in a week one shutout win, the Shamrocks are looking like one of the more balanced teams in Oakland County.

3. Farmington Hills Harrison
The duo of Garius Coleman and Jake Slobin made their presence felt early and often on Friday, and you can expect or of the same in week two.

4. Birmingham Brother Rice
A tough loss to defending Division 1 state champ Cass Tech, but it's safe to say that the Warriors will be more than ready next week.

5. Southfield
The Blue Jays got the season off to a shaky start on Saturday, but thanks to the dangerous trio of Darius Danzy, Brandon Bean and Tre Walton, Southfield pulled out a thrilling overtime win on Saturday.

6. Lake Orion
Much like Southfield, the Dragons had a bit of trouble in the early stages of Friday's game, but thanks to Jacob Miller, Lake Orion scored 17 unanswered second half point to start the season 1-0.

7. Farmington
Farmington running back Jordan Degreffenreed was nearly unstoppable last season. This year, he might be impossible to stop, just ask the John Glenn defense.

8.Orchard Lake St. Mary's
The Eaglets lost narrowly to Muskegon in the season opener, but you can expect St. Mary's will have to bounce back quickly for Toledo St. John's in week two.

9. Birmingham Detroit Country Day
The duo of Richie Wilson and Tyler Weigers might be the best in Oakland County when it comes to quarterback and running back combo's and Detroit Mumford found out that out in the opener.

10. Oak Park
Brian Williams showed just how hard he is to contain on Saturday as he snared the game winning catch from quarterback Dellonte Johnson on Saturday and helping the Knights get out to a 1-0 start.


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Elite Eight - Friday's Opening Arguments

8. Alex Spratke – South Lyon East RB

Stratke did plenty of damage in a couple of ways on Friday night as he rushed for 112 yards on 13 carries while making 4 catches for over 125 yards as well to help lead the Cougars past Waterford Kettering in the season opener.

7. Jordan Degreffenreed – Farmington RB

Degreffenreed picked up right where he left off in 2011 on Friday night as he carried the ball 18 times for over 200 yards and four touchdowns in a 32-14 win over Westland John Glenn.

6. Nate Emery/Spencer McCourt – Bloomfield Hills Lahser RB/QB

While Emery didn’t get a ton of touches on Friday night, he made his presence felt in a big way as he found the end zone four times and rushed for 84 yards on just eight carries. McCourt only tossed a couple of passes, but threw for three touchdowns and over 100 yards for the Knights.

5. Sean Scullen/Justin Allor – Stoney Creek RB/QB

Scullen and Allor were a dynamic duo on Friday night as Scullen tallied five touchdowns on the night and over 180 total yards while Allor shredded the Royal Oak defense through the air with 216 yards passing and three scores of his own.

4. Jacob Miller – Lake Orion RB

Miller rushed for almost 150 second half yards on Friday night and scored a pair of touchdowns to lead Lake Orion to a 17-10 win over rival Oxford.

3. Bloomfield Hills Lahser Defense

The Lahser defense was unleashed on Friday night as the Knights held rival Bloomfield Hills Andover below zero total yards from scrimmage in the final rivalry game between the two squads en route to a 70-7 shellacking.

2. Anthony Waite – Lakeland RB

Waite rushed for 227 yards and three touchdowns on just 17 carries on Friday night as Lakeland literally ran past Northville in the first game of the season, 39-14.

1. Ian Eriksen – Clarkston RB

Eriksen put on a show on Friday night as the junior scored five rushing touchdowns as well as a 99-yard kickoff return. Eriksen finished the game with 242 yards on 27 carries on the night to lead Clarkston to an impressive win over Rochester Adams.

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Elite Eight - The Best From Thursday's Openers

8. Waterford Mott head coach Chris Fahr

Wins haven’t been easy to come by for the Corsairs in recent years, as Mott had just picked up two wins in two years prior to Thursday night. But in his first game as head coach, Fahr helped lead Mott to its first victory of the season in convincing fashion over Wayne Memorial, and has the Corsairs back on track.

7. Zach Goor – Walled Lake Central running back

Goor proved to be the latest of a long line of bruising backs to line up in the Viking backfield as he helped lead Central to a 28-14 win over Saginaw Herritage with a 154 yard, two touchdown performance on Thursday night.

6. Birmingham Seaholm defense

The Maples simply shut the Ferndale offense down on Thursday as they pitched the shutout for the first win of the season. Seaholm limited the Ferndale offense to less than 150 yards of offense on the night and looks to be a frontrunner in the OAA Blue.

5. Terrance Cherry – Troy running Back

Cherry put on a show on Thursday night in the Colts backfield as the senior went off for over 130 yards and rushed for three touchdowns as he led Troy to a narrow 24-21 win over Romeo on Thursday night.

4. Jermaih Johnson – Pontiac Notre Dame Prep running back

Johnson was well known for his defense entering Thursday night, but proved that he can be equally dangerous on offense as he shredded the Almont defense for 164 yards on just 17 carries to help lead the Irish to a 17-14 win.

3. Chauncey Bridges – North Farmington running back

Bridges did it all for the Raiders on Thursday as he rushed for over 170 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 55 yard punt return to help carry North Farmington past Bay City John Glenn.

2. Richie Wilson – Birmingham Detroit Country Day running back

Wilson showed just how electric he can be on Thursday as he accounted for three of the first four Yellowjacket touchdowns as Country Day dominated Detroit Mumford, 41-0.

1. Taylor Timko – Pontiac Notre Dame Prep kicker

What can’t Taylor Timko do? One of the state’s best girls soccer players and one of the best in Michigan in track and field, Timko took her talents to the gridiron and what did she do? She drilled the game winning field goal with less than three minutes left to play to lead Notre Dame Prep to a 17-14 win over Almont. CAN YOU SAY CLUTCH?!?!

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Week 1 Football Predictions

Last Season's Record 145-54

Oxford at Lake Orion

The Dragons will have revenge on their mind on Friday after the blowout loss they suffered at the hands of Oxford last year. Jacob Miller and Chazz Miller are in for big games in the opener.

Lake Orion 31, Oxford 17

Rochester Adams at Clarkston

New starting quarterback D.J. Zezula is in store for a break out performance in week one, but could get a challenge from Adams QB Matt Sokol

Clarkston 35, Rochester Adams 34

Bloomfield Hills Andover at Bloomfield Hills Lahser

Lahser is primed for a big time season in what will be its last, and it’s going to start in the opener behind a big time performance from Spencer McCourt.

Lahser 38, Andover 20

Livonia Churchill at Walled Lake Northern

The push for the playoffs begins for the Knights on Friday and look for a big game from running back Jake Ginster lead Northern to its first win of the season.

Northern 31, Churchill 28

Brother Rice vs. Cass Tech (At Wayne State)

Brother Rice running back Brian Walker is going to torture defenses all season long, and the Cass Tech defense will be the first of many

Brother Rice 24, Cass Tech 20

Southfield vs. Detroit King (At Wayne State)

The connection of Tre Walton and Brandon Bean is going to be showcased on Saturday, look for at least 2 touchdowns between those two.

Southfield 35, King 22

Hazel Park at Auburn Hills Avondale

Avondale’s been known for its passing attack from recent years, but look for a big time running attack led by Michael Johnson to lead the way this season.

Avondale 49, Hazel Park 45

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Almont

The Fighting Irish were unbeatable during the regular season last year, and you can expect more of that this season.

Notre Dame Prep 17, Almont 10

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Detroit Mumford (At Detroit Renaissance)

Richie Wilson’s breakout season begins on Thursday and you can expect big things from him against Mumford.

DCD 35, Mumford 14

Southfield-Lathrup at Pontiac

The new look Phoenix will have one big factor going for them this season, and that’s quarterback Jody Harrison.

Pontiac 33, Lathrup 24

Ferndale at Birmingham Seaholm

A big race for the OAA Blue title and it may come down to these two teams, but the difference on Thursday will be Ferndale quarterback Eric Ellis.

Ferndale 21, Seaholm 18

Royal Oak at Stoney Creek

The Brad Zube era will get off to a great start for Stoney Creek on Friday night.

Stoney Creek 24, Royal Oak 14

Birmingham Groves at Berkley

Berkley running back Eric Hudson won’t be flying under the radar anymore after this week.

Berkley 28, Groves 21

Farmington Hills Harrison at Detroit Renaissance

Ed Huckelby and Jake Slobin will make life miserable for the Renaissance offense on Friday.

Harrison 35, Renaissance 10

Saline at Walled Lake Western

Western quarterback Kyle Bambard is as dangerous of a quarterback as there is and Saline is about to find out.

Western 38, Saline 28

Oak Park vs. Detroit East English (At Wayne State)

Expectations might have been a bit too high for Oak Park last season, but this year, people can expect big things from Team Carter.

Oak Park 35, East English 24

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Oakland County Football Preview - Top 50 players

1.Jon Reschke – Birmingham Brother Rice

Another great linebacker to come out of Brother Rice and will be the leader of what could be the state’s top defense in 2012.

2. Josh Jones – Walled Lake Western

Big time playmaker in the secondary that will do even more damage as a safety this year and will see time on the offensive side as well.

3. Wyatt Shallman – Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Spent much of last season on the sideline due to injury, but should bounce back as one of the state’s best two-way players.

4. Poet Thomas – Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Thomas will be a force in the trenches on both sides of the ball as he continues to rack up big time BCS offers.

5. Isaiah Gourdine – Farmington

Gourdine is another big time playmaker from the safety position and will help hold down what could be the best secondary in the county.

6. Jesse Chadwell – Clarkston

The anchor of an experienced and massive offensive line that will be one of the area’s most dominant forces all season long.

7. Brandon Bean – Southfield

Arguably the best receiver in Oakland County and can do just about everything, can make the big play and is one of the best pass catchers there is.

8. Derek Edwards – Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Edwards will help pave the way for the usual punishing rushing attack for Shamrocks, with Edwards back, expect plenty of running room for Catholic Central.

9. Clark Clancy – Auburn Hills Avondale

One of the more dominant players on the offensive line from the county, Clancy has shown the ability to pass and run block with the best.

10. Grant Niemiec/Parker McInnis – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Possibly the best 1-2 backfield punch in Oakland County, both are more than capable of making the big play and running over defenders.

11. Lorenzo Collins – Farmington Hills Harrison

One of the most versatile backs there is, powerful and fast, and makes plays in the passing game as well.

12. Cam Thomas – South Lyon East

One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the state, can make plays through the air and can pull the ball down and pick up big chunks of yards with his legs.

13. Austin Johnson – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Possibly the state’s best pure run blocker, Johnson will help pave the way for Niemiec and McInnis and should see time on the defensive line this fall.

14. Jalen Watts-Jackson – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

One of the best deep threats that the area has to offer, Watts-Jackson is a name to watch this fall against the CHSL.

15. Richie Wilson – Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Wilson will be one of the most exciting two-way players that the state has to offer. Has home-run ability out of the backfield and is a shutdown corner in the secondary.

16. Sergio Perkovic – Birmingham Brother Rice

One of the best pure pass rushers there are, look for Perkovic to rack up double-digit sacks this season on the Warrior d-line.

17. Johnny Williams – Holly

Williams might be the most underrated player that Oakland County has, but make no mistake, he’s as good as it gets when it comes to making plays from his quarterback position.

18. Kyle Bambard – Walled Lake Western

Another one of the best dual threat QB’s around, Bambard can make plays with his arm and his leg. Bambard is also one of the best kickers in the nation.

19. Anthony Darkangelo – Novi Detroit Catholic Central

The second half of the one-two punch with Shallman, Darkangelo will give the Shamrocks a speed aspect to its running game which will make them even more dangerous.

20. Jake Slobin – Farmington Hills Harrison

Another dominant lineman from Oakland County, Slobin will be a force on both sides of the ball for the Hawks in 2012.

21. Timmy Cason – Clarkston

Cason emerged as lockdown corner during his sophomore campaign and much of the same will be in store for his junior year this fall.

22. Jordan Degreffenreed – Farmington

Degreffenreed will continue to build off of his strong junior season where he broke out as one of the more explosive backs in the county.

23. Brian Walker – Birmingham Brother Rice

Walker could end the season as the top back that Oakland County has to offer with his combination of speed and size which will give defenses nightmares.

24. Tre Walton – Southfield

Making the transition from wide receiver to quarterback won’t be easy, but Walton is one of the best playmakers when the ball is in his hands and look for him to excel under center

25. Matt Kosmalski – Walled Lake Northern

Possibly the fastest player in Oakland County, Kosmalski is as dangerous as they come when he gets into the open field. Might be the best “Home Run Threat” there is.

26. Garius Coleman – Farmington Hills Harrison

Jack-of-all trades on offense, Coleman will be a big time contributer in the running game as well as the passing game for the Hawks.

27. Ed Huckelby – Farmington Hills Harrison

Might be the surest tackler that Oakland County has and Huckelby is also one of the biggest hitters that you’ll find this season.

28. Nick Mattich/Craig Columbo – Clarkston

Two more members of the dominant Clarkston O-Line, Mattich and Columbo will be two of the best interior linemen in the OAA.

29. Lucas Cherocci – Birmingham Brother Rice

Will line up right next to Reschke at linebacker, Cherocci makes up the second half of the best one-two linebacking punch there is in the area.

30. Collin Buchanan – Southfield

Bruising lineman who is very good when it comes to run blocking and pass blocking and will make Walton’s life at quarterback much easier.

31. Brian Williams – Oak Park

Williams should serve as a two-way standout for Oak Park in 2012 as he will be a go-to receiver and a shutdown player in the secondary.

32. Greg Weber – Troy

Weber is one of the biggest and strongest offensive linemen that you’ll see this year and look for him to continue his dominance along the line.

33. Antjuan Herbert – Southfield-Lathrup

Another star receiver to go through Lathrup, Herbert is primed for a huge season this fall and will play a big role on defense as well.

34. Michael Johnson – Auburn Hills Avondale

One of the area’s top returning backs, Johnson will help carry the new-look Avondale offense in a number of ways.

35. Derric Williams – Lake Orion

Another top tackler to come out of the linebacker position, Williams is one of the most consistent players returning for the Dragons.

36. Juan Johnson – Madison Heights Madison

Only a sophomore, but could be considered the most electric player that the county has to offer by the end of the fall.

37. Matt Boulis – Walled Lake Central

One of the few returning starters this year for the Vikings, Boulis will be one of the leaders in the middle of the Central defense.

38. Dylan Roney – Novi Detroit Catholic Central

One of the fast risers in Oakland County, Roney is quickly becoming one of the best pass rushing ends in the area.

39. Connor Mohr – Farmington

Punishing running back who will serve as a nice change of pace in the Farmington backfield this fall and will be a top linebacker as well.

40. Connor Francek – Royal Oak Shrine

A name that everyone will know by the end of the season, Francek is about as good of a field general as you will find.

41. Alex Larson – Milford

Yet another outstanding dual-threat quarterback who is just as dangerous throwing the ball as he is when running it.

42. Jacob Miller – Lake Orion

Miller quietly developed into one of the top backs in the county last year and should make more noise this year.

43. Matt Sokol – Rochester Adams

Tall order of replacing Tony Annese, but Sokol will step in as one of the top signal callers and linebackers in the OAA.

44. Nathan Drews – Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

Drews can do it all under center for the Crusaders, whether it’s in the passing game or running game, Drews is a big time playmaker.

45. Keith Bucholtz – Hazel Park

Has flown under the radar for much of the past couple of seasons, but 2012 could be his breakout season, keep an eye on the Hazel Park linebacker.

46. Manny Mendoza – Rochester

Mendoza is the prototypical wide receiver with his size and speed and when the ball is in his hands, he’s simply electric.

47. Joe Shields – Troy Athens

Can flat out shut down opposing passing attacks, Shields can shut down top receivers with the best of them.

48. Jody Harrison – Pontiac

One of the best quarterback’s you’ll find when it comes to throwing the deep ball, Harrison has plenty of arm strength and is extremely accurate.

49. Ross Williams – Birmingham Groves

Another shutdown corner on defense, but Williams is just as dangerous on offense out of the backfield for the Falcons.

50. Spencer McCourt – Bloomfield Hills Lahser

One of the high risers at the quarterback position, McCourt can make just about any throw from the pocket or on the run.



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Oakland County Football Preview - Top 10 Teams

1.Biringham Brother Rice

The Warriors are stacked for the 2012 season, especially on defense where they return Michigan State-bound middle linebacker Jon Reschke. Joining Reschke on defense will be another big time producing linebacker, Lucas Cheroccci, as well as pass rushing ends Sergio Perkovic and Kevin Henry. Offensively, look for junior running back Brian Walker to carry the majority of the load in the backfield, as he takes over for Devin Church.

2. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

The Eaglets will be led by a massive offensive line led by senior Austin Johnson that returns all of its starters from the 2011 season. The offensive line will pave the way for the backfield duo of Grant Niemiec and Parker McInnis who could both rush for 100 yards in any game. Look for the St. Mary’s to have a big time passing game as well this year with senior quarterback Matthew Linnehan and junior wideout Jalen Watts-Jackson primed for a big season.

3. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

The Shamrocks will once again have a dominant run game in this year with a punishing run game led by Wyatt Shallman and Anthony Darkangelo carrying the load out of the backfield and Central Michigan commit Derek Edwards anchoring the Catholic Central offensive line. Defensively, the Shamrocks should have one of the best front-sevens in the state with defensive end Dylan Roney and a deep linebacking group led by Brandon Malinowski.

4. Farmington Hills Harrison

The “Big 3” might have moved on to the next level, but that just leaves the door open for the next group of star players at Harrison. With big time offensive playmakers Lorenzo Collins and Garius Coleman, the Hawks will once again have a dangerous and explosive offense. Defensively, look for Ed Huckelby to hold down the Harrison linebacking group while Jake Slobin will continue to be a dominant force on both the offensive and defensive lines.

5. Southfield

The Blue Jays will be one of the fastest teams in Oakland County in 2012 with Trey Walton making the transition from wide receiver to quarterback while standout receiver Brandon Bean will return as one of the state’s best receivers. Look for Collin Buchannan to anchor the Southfield offensive line, while Willie Duncan and Jeff Madison will lead what should be a bruising linebacking group for the Blue Jays and Darius Danzy holding down the secondary.

6. Lake Orion

The Dragons should once again have one of the area’s most consistent offenses this fall with running back Jacob Miller and wide receiver Chazz Miller serving as two big time playmakers for the Lake Orion offense. Defensively, look for linebacker Derric Williams to be one of the area’s best tacklers while Nick Booker will be one of Lake Orion’s best on the line.

7. Clarkston

The Wolves will have one of the most dominating offensive lines in the county with Illinois commit Jesse Chadwell, Nick Mattich and Craig Columbo leading the way for new quarterback, D.J. Zezula. Defensively, Clarkston will be relatively young, but senior linebacker Chris Calvano and junior cornerback Timmy Cason will give offenses headaches all season long.

8. Walled Lake Western

The Warriors only return one full-time starter from last season, but they will still be as dangerous as anyone in the county this fall. Senior defensive back Josh Jones will be a key contributor on both sides of the ball this year and junior quarterback Kyle Bambard will be back this year after splitting time with C.J. McGorsk last fall. Bambard is also one of the nation’s top kickers as well, so keep an eye out for him there.

9. Farmington

The Falcons will have one of the county’s best defenses this fall as they will have a very deep secondary led by safety Isaiah Gourdine and corners Jordan Degreffenreed Josh Craven. Offensively, the Falcons will have a thunder and lightning combination in the backfield of Connor Mohr and Degreffenreed, which could take the Falcons a long way in the playoffs.

10. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

The Yellowjackets are going to feature an explosive offense this fall with junior running back Richie Wilson who could emerge as one of the best in the state by the end of the season. Quarterback Tyler Weigers and receiver Moe Ways will also give Country Day a big play threat in the passing game, while Poet Thomas should be his dominant self on both sides of the ball on the line.

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Elite Eight - Thursday's Scrimmage Stars

1. Richie Wilson – Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Showed off his playmaking ability on both sides of the ball and could be the most dangerous running back that Oakland County has to offer this fall.

2. Tyler Wiegers – Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Showed a little bit of everything under center for the Yellowjackets, with some impressive arm strength and accuracy while making plays in the passing game on the run.

3. Ross Williams – Birmingham Groves

A shifty two-way player for the Falcons showed off some speed and athleticism on offense, while slowing receivers defensively.

4. Chauncey Bridges – North Farmington

Bridges made some plays for the Raiders in the run game as well as the passing game, and when he finds the open field, he can make things happen.

5. Austin Johsnon – Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s

Will be one of the anchors to the Eaglet offensive line, but displayed some playmaking ability from his defensive tackle position on Thursday.

6. Tim Cason – Clarkston

One of the main members of the Clarkston secondary made plenty of plays defensively, and look for him to make some noise offensively this year as well.

7. Matthew Linehan – Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s

One of the area’s top pocket passers heading into this fall, but showed off his accuracy while throwing on the run on Thursday.

8. D.J. Zezula – Clarkston

This will be his first season as the starter under center for the Wolves, but led Clarkston on several long drives with his arm as well as his legs.

8. Parker McInnis/Grant Niemiec – Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s

Both have big time play ability and continued to prove that on Thursday with both picking up large chunks of yardage on several occasions.

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Oakland County Training Camp Tour (Soccer Edition) - Taking Flight Towards a Repeat

With some unfortunate weather towards the end of last week, I thought I’d change my Oakland County training camp tour up a little bit for today with some soccer.

For the first time in school history, the Auburn Hills Avondale boys soccer team enters a season where, as the defending Division 2 state champions, the Yellow Jackets will be chasing down a chance to repeat in 2012.

With two narrow, 2-1 wins in the state semifinals and finals, Avondale picked up their first ever soccer championship and will now have a big target on their back on a game-in, game out basis this fall.

While the Yellow Jackets did lose plenty of contributors from last season’s squad, including Michigan-bound Nate Chapman as well as Danny Swanson and Joe Davidson, the cupboard is far from bare this season for Avondale who returns 10 players from last year’s group.

Led by senior captains Mark Shoemaker and Eric Koberstein, as well as junior captain Garrett Ritterhaus and senior Skyler Russ, who netted the game winning goal in the state championship game with less than two minutes left to play, the Yellow Jackets will without a doubt be in contention for the Division 2 state championship once again.

Look for Shoemaker, Koverstein and Ritterhaus put together one of the area’s top midfield’s as all three played key roles in last year’s state title run.

Holding down the backline for Avondale will be sophomore center back Stuart Russ who should be one of the state’s top sophomores this year and one of the best defenders going forward during the next three years.

It won’t be an easy road back to the state finals for Avondale, but with 10 returners from last year’s edition of the Yellow Jackets, long time head coach Dave Muczynski’s squad has just as good of a chance as any to finish off the 2012 season just like they did in 2011.

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