2015 OAKLAND ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION TEAM CAPSULES
Below are the 2015 Oakland Activities Association football team capsules, as compiled by Dan Stickradt based on information submitted by coaches. He can be reached at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans.
OAA RED DIVISION
SCHOOL: Bloomfield Hills
NICKNAME: Blackhawks
HEAD COACH: Dan Loria, third season (14th as head coach with 11 at Lahser)
2014 RECORD: 2-7, 2-5 OAA-Red (sixth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Jeff Ross, sr. OT-ILB; Mike Almany, sr. FS-WR; Adam Ziawaideh, sr. OL-DL; Jacob Petker, sr. DL; Joey Farnem, sr. DL; Spencer Hacias, sr. DL
KEY LOSSES: Kyle Przbylski, RB-LB; Bryan Gutowsky, OT; Perry Klemanski, TE-SE; Nate Emery, QB; John Mitchem, LB; Andrew Rabah, LB; Brendan McInerny, WR
NOTABLES: This is the third school year since the merger of Andover and Lahser, and those first two seasons featured only five wins. The Blackhawks also continue to face the area trend of shrinking enrollment, as the school is expected to drop another 50 students at the high school level. On the field, the Blackhawks will feature strong offensive and defensive lines. That will be needed as Bloomfield Hills will be grooming multiple new players at the skill positions.
SCHOOL: Clarkston
NICKNAME: Wolves
HEAD COACH: Kurt Richardson, 29th season
2014 RECORD: 9-0, 7-0 OAA-Red (first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 5-0, won D-2 state title with 33-25 victory over Saline in title game
KEY PLAYERS: Nathan Troutvine, sr. OL; Sam Bullen, sr. OL; Nolan Eriksen, sr. RB; Gregg Gale, jr. C; Mitch Heaton, sr. ILB-FB; Carter Clinton, sr. LB; Anthony Reiner, sr. QB; Alex Kessman, sr. K
KEY LOSSES: DJ Zezula, QB; Joe Popp, RB; Cole Chewins, TE-OL; Austin Egler, DB; Merrick Canada, DB; Adam Matich, OL; Jack McKilop, LB; Lance Linton, OL; Shane Holler, WR
NOTABLES: A 27-game win streak at the Class A/Division 1 level is almost unheard of in today’s age. Clarkston is on such a streak, including back-to-back state titles and 12 straight postseason berths. The Wolves have graduated two large classes the past two years and with it most of its overall size on the lines. Although Clarkston will be hard pressed to make another trip to Ford Field, in all likelihood this program will still contend for a league championship and capable of at least making the postseason, maybe more.
SCHOOL: Lake Orion
NICKNAME: Dragons
HEAD COACH: Chris Bell, 17th season
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 4-3 OAA-Red (fourth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Jaylen Wiggins, sr. WR-DB (Toledo); Drew Casey, sr. DB; Brendan Thompson, sr. WR-DT; Josh Benson, sr. OL-C; Keith Fields, jr. WR-RB; Justin Cathers, sr. DL-OL; Nick Novak, jr. OT; Jeff McCarty, jr. G; Max Horneffer, sr. WR-QB-DB; Luke Bevilacqua, sr. K; Jack McClear, sr. LB; Bay Smart, sr. LB; Cameron Shadaia , sr. DL-LB; Caden Prieskorn, soph. QB; Dan White, jr. RB-DB
KEY LOSSES: Matt Krause, RB; Zach Serzo, RB; Tom Babich, DL; Logan Shadaia, LB; Austin Jones, OL; Jack Luby, LB
NOTABLES: Decimated by injuries in 2014, Lake Orion saw its streak of postseason berths snapped at 13 and a streak of 17 straight winning seasons come to an end. Overall, the Dragons have reached the postseason in 15 of the previous 17 years, including the state title in 2010, a state runner-up in 2008 and Final Four appearances in 1998 and 2012. A host of returnees plus some very promising young talent climbing the ranks means last season will likely be an anomaly.
SCHOOL: Oxford
NICKNAME: Wildcats
HEAD COACH: Bud Rowley, 37th season
2014 RECORD: 6-4, 5-2 OAA-Red (third)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 0-1, lost in D-1 pre-district to Clarkston (31-8)
KEY PLAYERS: Brenden Lewis, sr. QB; Ethan Kern, sr. C-OLB; Devon Davenport, sr. OLB-WR; Jared Dymond, sr. TE-FB-NT; Jermaine Etchen, jr. ILB-FB; Josh Allen, jr. RB-K; Matt Mielnicki, soph. DB-K; Wyatt Harding, sr. FB-ILB; Drake Barry, sr. FB-DB; Royce Davenport, sr. OT-DT; Ben Nuss, soph. CB; Seth Ratkowiak, jr. OG-DT; John Patrick, sr. LB
KEY LOSSES: Glacier Wallington, QB-DB (four-time all-league); Scott Stubenrauch, RB-DB; Austin Hunsucker, DL; Matt Harris, LB; Will Horne, LB; Adam Schlicht, WR; Dallas Pruitt, LB-TE; Jordan Henry, WR-CB
NOTABLES: The Wildcats have proven to be a model of consistency under Bud Rowley by finishing the regular season above five-hundred in 33 of the previous 34 years. While this year’s unit lacks any star-power compared to recent years, the team chemistry is one of Oxford’s best that Rowley can remember. If anything, opponents looking for a pushover against Oxford will be mistaken. Expect old-school smash-mouth football when lining up against the Wildcats.
SCHOOL: Rochester Stoney Creek
NICKNAME: Cougars
HEAD COACH: Brad Zube, fourth season (16-12)
2014 RECORD: 5-4, 3-4 OAA-Red (fifth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Kyle McBride, sr. FS-RB; Brett Pokley, sr. HB-CB; Brady Campbell, jr. TE-WR; Tristan Leinen, jr. LB-FB; Spencer Barr-Redmond, sr. LB; Cole Nelson, sr. DL; Tyler Koch, sr. DL; Kyle Bednarowski, sr. DB; Ryan Schira, jr. QB-DB; Frank Potenza, fr. QB
KEY LOSSES: Joe Platz, LB; Andrew Price, LB; Scott Reader, RB-DB; Jack Allen, QB; Alex Hadd, OL; Jack Lucci, K
NOTABLES: This is year No. 14 for Stoney Creek and the program has gained some respect under Coach Zube with winning seasons in his first three years at the school. This team lacks the standouts of recent years but will be fine defensively with seven returning starters. A pair of talented QBs are vying for time and some talented skilled players offensively were waiting in the wings last season and ready to shine this fall.
SCHOOL: Troy
NICKNAME: Colts
HEAD COACH: Gary Griffith, 29th season
2014 RECORD: 1-8, 0-7 OAA-Red (eighth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Mitchell Hella, sr. OL-DL; Chase Cromwell, sr. OL; Tommy Lawton, jr. Ol-DL; Dominic Morelli, jr. DB-RB; Connor Wilson, jr. DB-SL; Adam Rissman, sr. DB-WR; Alex Samson, soph. OL-DL; Robert Cummings, sr. WR-DB
KEY LOSSES: Casey O’Brien, LB-SL; Erik Papandrea, RB-WR; Chase Fayne, DE; Nick Bradley, QB; Devin Alexander, WR; Chris Koumoutsopoulos, OL-DL; Jon Hornsby, TE-DE;
NOTABLES: The once highly-competitive Colts dipped a little bit in recent years with back-to-back seasons under five-hundred and a 12-24 record the past four years. Last year’s senior class provided just one win — only the third time that has happened at Troy in the past 50 years. That means there will be plenty of opportunity for younger players to step in and help right the ship.
SCHOOL: Troy Athens
NICKNAME: Red Hawks
HEAD COACH: Josh Heppner, seventh season
2014 RECORD: 2-7, 1-6 OAA-Red (seventh)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Joey Stark, soph. RB; Mitch Wochoski, jr. OL; Matt Voytush, sr. OG; Curtis Hemmingway, sr. LB; Chris Standifer, sr. DT; Kevin Hazen, sr. LB; Brendan Genereau, sr. DL; Jake Vincent, sr. DB-SL; Eddie Oprinca, sr. WR; Bradley Robinson, jr. C-LS; Louis Kassak, sr. RB-SE-LB; Jarred York, jr. OL-DL
KEY LOSSES: Devin Terry, RB; Alex Mussat, QB; Ryan Rockensuess, OL; Mitch Schoenbeck, OL-DL; Brennan McHugh, LB; Derick Nelson, RB-LB; Nick VandeKerkhoff, WR; Sam Motzny, DE;
NOTABLES: Athens was hit hard by injuries last season but will field a squad this season much like the 2011 squad — the last Red Hawks contingent to reach the postseason. Behind the slogan “win everything, because everything matters” Heppner and his staff are trying to preach that there is a fine line between losing and winning in the competitive OAA and that every move is an important one. The Red Hawks will feature one of the largest lines in the entire OAA, have some solid speed coming from the lacrosse and track programs and a talented sophomore QB. Can this team gel enough to turn the tables after three consecutive 2-7 seasons?
SCHOOL: West Bloomfield
NICKNAME: Lakers
HEAD COACH: Ron Bellemy, sixth season
2014 RECORD: 9-2, 6-1 OAA-Red (second)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 1-1, lost in D-1 district finals to Walled Lake Central (11-7)
KEY PLAYERS: Navon Mosley, sr. FS; Theo Maiette, sr. DT; Trishton Jackson, sr. QB; Navon Mosley, sr. SE; Evan Foster, sr. FS-WR (Bowling Green); Justin Clark, sr. C (Toledo); Theo Mataite, sr. DT
KEY LOSSES: Michael King, WR; Evan Boyer, OL; Eddy Wilson, DE; Justin Hollins, DT; Obbie Jackson, DB; Marcellus Mitchell, DB
NOTABLES: Two years ago, the Lakers turned the corner with a winning season and in 2014 put together a season to remember — a school record nine wins, a runner-up finish in the OA-Red behind two-time state champion Clarkston and its first-ever postseason win (34-6 over Livonia Stevenson). To put that into perspective, West Bloomfield has only three postseason appearances in the past 20 years and only six winning seasons in that time span. This year the Lakers will not sneak up on anybody with several college prospects on their roster.
OAA WHITE DIVISION
SCHOOL: Birmingham Seaholm
NICKNAME: Maples
HEAD COACH: Jim Dewald (39-43 at multiple schools)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 3-4 OAA-White (fifth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Nick Schulcz, sr. OL-DE; Michael Schulcz, jr. OL; Troy Hairston, sr. LB; Dan Rebock, sr. WR; Justin Newberry, sr. RB; Jackson McElhenney, sr. DB; Teddy O’Keefe, sr. LB; Michael Kaminski, sr. K
KEY LOSSES: Austin Paritee, WR; Jack Payne, OL; Trevor Lloyd, OL; Justin Bryant, SL-SE; Jake Rotger, LB; Gideon Bush, K; Tommy Sheppard, QB; Emmett Green, DL
NOTABLES: After three straight postseason appearances, the Maples took a step back last season and finished a game under five-hundred. This season only four returning starters are back on both sides of the football and there multiple unproven players trying to crack Seaholm’s lineup.
SCHOOL: Farmington
NICKNAME: Falcons
HEAD COACH: John Bechtel
2014 RECORD: 7-3, 7-0 OAA-Blue (first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 0-1, lost in D-2 pre-district to Oak Park (38-13)
KEY PLAYERS: Dez Fitzpatrick, sr. WR; David Reese, sr. LB-RB; Kyle Brunson, sr. RB-SS; Jakkar Jackson, sr. FS-RB; Andrew McLeod, sr. OT-DT; Phillip Norris, sr. OG-DE; Andre Sarfoh, sr. WR-SE; Justin Collins, sr. WR-C; J-Drew M cGovern, soph. QB; Mack Daniels, jr. C-DL; Zack Purry, jr. RB-SE; Josh Turner, jr. WR-DB; Phillip Garret, jr. OL-DL; Daylen Baldwin, jr. WR-DB; Zeb Noble, sr. WR-DB
KEY LOSSES: Kyle Collins, QB; Justin Banks, DT; Mark Thomas, OG; Courteous Preston, LB; Michael Raad, TE; Omari Mitchell, LB-OL; Kyle Brunson, SE; Jakkar Jackson, WR; Vonn Pallett, TE-DE; Courteous Preston, OL;
NOTABLES: In seven of the previous nine seasons, the Falcons have fought through a tough schedule to reach the postseason. This season Farmington departs the OAA-Blue for the OAA-White and with a combined nine returning starters, quality speed and size, this team could be a factor in the OAA-White, which appears to be the deepest of the three OAA divisions this season. The coaching staff’s main concern is depth in the trenches — the Falcons must avoid injuries in that department.
SCHOOL: Farmington Harrison
NICKNAME: Hawks
HEAD COACH: John Harrington, 45th season (403-92)
2014 RECORD: 10-3, 6-1 OAA-White (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 3-1, reached D-2 state semifinals before falling to Muskegon Mona Shores (25-24)
KEY PLAYERS: Khalid Kareem, sr. DT-OL (committed to Alabama); Jared Char, sr. LB-FB; Jamison Scarber, sr. WB-CB; Kordell Agee, sr. SE-CB; Alex Bolstrum, sr. K; Ovie Ogufou, sr RB; David Vinski, sr. P; Anthony Giovinni, ar RB-KR
KEY LOSSES: Javon Shaw, QB; Mike Ojemudia, LB; Devon Cook, SE; Justin Whitted, LB; Donte Eubanks, CB; Dorian Williams, OT; Derrick Parker, NG; Iwarri Smith, LB; Josh Scott, TE;
NOTABLES: With the Farmington schools researching to see if closing Harrison for financial reasons would be viable, it has left a dark cloud over one of the state’s most storied programs. On the field, the Hawks must replace eight players that ventured onto the college ranks and will compete with only 35 on varsity. But as Harrison has proved over the past four-plus decades under Coach Harrington, this program will compete and will always be a worthy opponent. The Hawks’ 13 state championships, four state runner-ups and 23 total Final Four appearances says it all.
SCHOOL: North Farmington
NICKNAME: Raiders
HEAD COACH: Todd Schultz
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 2-5 OAA-White (sixth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Sasoun Tcholakian, sr. WR-DB; Matt Blair, sr. OL-DL; Mher Tcholoakian, sr. WR-DB; Adam Jabboori, sr. OL-DL; NAthan Penny, sr. RB-LB; Jeremy Check, sr. OL-DL; Brian Mackie, sr, OL-DL; Chris Nader, sr. OL-DL; Dilan Yaldo, sr. TE-DE
KEY LOSSES: Kyle Penny, QB/P; Marvin Yaldo, LB; Billy Morgan, WR; Mason Cornell, RB; Jon Smith, OL-DL; Matt Blair, OL-DL
NOTABLES: The Raiders have one of the biggest and most experienced lines in the OAA. The strength of the pile movers will hopefully offset the squad’s inexperience at QB and in the secondary in the early stages of the season. North Farmington has only reached the postseason three times in the past decade and with the OAA-White one of the state’s top leagues in recent years it will make it difficult, although not impossible, for this team to be a threat for a title. A sleeper pick, maybe?
SCHOOL: Oak Park
NICKNAME: Knights
HEAD COACH: Greg Carter, sixth season at Oak Park (20th overall)
2014 RECORD: 8-3, 6-1 OAA-White (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 1-1, lost in D-2 district finals to Southfield (14-13)
KEY PLAYERS: Dylan Stackhouse, sr. DE-RB-LB; JaRaymond Hall, jr. OT; Miles Daniels, sr. WR-RB-DB; Jordan Level, sr. WR; Chauncey Lowman, sr. RB; Robert Daniel, soph. DB; Abdullah Yaseen, sr. DB
KEY LOSSES: Jalen Kelley, SL; John Kelly, RB; Junior McMullen, LB; Juan Hernandez, WR; Shahid Bellamy, DL; Ricardo Smith, DL; Marvin White, WR/S; Patrick Harris, LB.
NOTABLES: Since Coach Carter took over, the Knights have increasingly become more competitive and are coming off three straight postseason berths. Oak Park will be one of the area’s fastest teams and well-coached. With their league so deep, the Knights could just as easily win a conference as they could finish near the bottom. The talent is definitely there for another winning season.
SCHOOL: Rochester
NICKNAME: Falcons
HEAD COACH: Erik Vernon, seventh season
2014 RECORD: 1-8, 1-6 OAA-White (seventh)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Sam Wolfe, sr. TE-ILB; Alex Grabowski, sr. SE; Darrell Villalpando, sr. CB-WR; Thomas Loftus, jr. SE-RB; Brandon Jones, sr. OL-DL; Brent Burtraw, soph. QB; Kobe Bryant, sr. OL-DL; Luke Deel, sr. K-P
KEY LOSSES: Blake Walton, OL/DL; Anthony Cicala, DB; Chris Ross, WR-DB; Blake Fetteroff, RB
NOTABLES: Rochester will field some quality size in the trenches and apparently has more athletic players at the skilled positions with an improved pipeline of talent coming up. The program has only posted two winning seasons in 15 years. The Falcons should be improved, no doubt, but how much is the question? Playing five schools that reached the postseason last year and seven schools that finished above five-hundred last season does Rochester no favors, as it desperately tries to build itself back up to a quality program like the days of the 1980s and early 1990s.
SCHOOL: Rochester Adams
NICKNAME: Highlanders
HEAD COACH: Tony Patritto, 13th season
2014 RECORD: 5-4, 4-3 OAA-White (fourth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Kyle Wood, jr. QB; Mark Patritto, jr. DB; Ben Petersmark, jr. OG-ILB; Jamie Perry, sr. LB-FB; Daniel Sanders, sr. LB-WR (transfer from Chicago Urban Prep); Mitchell Sokol, jr. WR-DB; Jonathan Kmiec, jr. K; Alex Kim, soph. DB (also plays soccer; All-State as freshman in soccer); Andrew Dolenga, sr. RB-DB; Julian Benavides, jr. RB-DB
KEY LOSSES: Clarence Broadnax, RB; Ryan Bernier, C; Jacob Petersmark, DB; Jacob Okarski, LB; Mark Sokol, OL; Paul Moceri, OL-DE
NOTABLES: A string of 15 straight postseason appearances was snapped in 2012. The Highlanders returned to the playoffs in 2013 (regional finals) only to miss the cut last season. This year a large and talented junior class will spearhead the attack, along with one quality transfer (Daniels). The Highlanders had seven of those juniors on varsity as sophomores and their QB is a third-year starter. Again, with the OAA-White so deep and talented, there will be no room for error for Adams and any other team in its league.
SCHOOL: Southfield
NICKNAME: Blue Jays
HEAD COACH: Tim Conley, 11th season (70-39)
2014 RECORD: 9-4, 6-1 OAA-White (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 3-1, reached D-2 state semifinals before falling to Warren DeLaSalle (31-7)
KEY PLAYERS: Matt Falcon, sr. RB-DB; ERic Eldridge, jr. OL; Delan Wynn, sr. WR-DB; Jordan Davison, sr. WR-DB; Tim Brown, sr. WR-DB
KEY LOSSES: Dior Johnson, FS Marquis Grimes, OT; Jeremy Gates, WR/RB; Kanye Harris, QB; Charles Harris, DE; Aaron Turner, OG; Aaron Cooper, DE; Keith Dewberry, LB.
NOTABLES: Southfield is coming off one of its best all-time seasons behind a march to the D-2 Final Four. The Blue Jays will have ample team speed and size in the trenches to compete at the least for a league title and postseason berth. Quick maturity filling the voids left by graduation will be one of the keys for this program trying to make this another special season. The Blue Jays are used to winning under Conley with eight straight winning campaigns and nine in the last 11 years with seven postseason appearances.
OAA BLUE DIVISION
SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Avondale
NICKNAME: Yellowjackets
HEAD COACH: Steven Deutsch, 14th season at Avondale
2014 RECORD: 5-4, 4-3 OAA-Blue (fourth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Brennan Kuhn, sr. LB-FB; Chris Keyes, sr. OL-DL; Jerimiah Evans, sr. DE-DT-TE; Vontrez Glasper, sr. OL-DT; Tyler Grosz, sr. QB-FS; Vince Wright, jr. TB; Ahmad Sharon, sr. SL; Robbie Ginther, sr. DE
KEY LOSSES: Chase Lalla, RB-LB; Josh Holloman, RB; Tiroca Battle, DT; Jalen Saunders, WR; James Prince, SE; Travis Janes, sr. QB (not playing, all-league); Colby Tuck, LB
NOTABLES: After going 0-9 back in 2007, Avondale has fielded seven straight winning seasons, and narrowly missed the postseason last year thanks to a pair of mid-season losses by a combined six points. The Yellowjackets took a hit when two-year starter QB Travis Janes, an All-State baseball player, opted to concentrate on that sport. Avondale will have a powerful line in the trenches and some quality players at the skilled positions, although three-time 100 meters state champion Josh Holloman graduated. There should be enough in the tank to produce a winner again this season and this team could contend for a league title.
SCHOOL: Berkley
NICKNAME: Bears
HEAD COACH: Chris Sikora, second season (6-4)
2014 RECORD: 6-4, 5-2 OAA-Blue (tied-second)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 0-1, lost in D-2 pre-district to Birmingham Groves (35-13)
KEY PLAYERS: Nolan Givan, sr. WR-LB; Austen Wood, sr. LB-RB-P-K (113 tackles); Carlton Williams, sr. LB-RB; Ian King O-Line, sr. OL; David Karwaski, soph. WR; Chauncey Bridgewater, jr. RB; Dante Little, jr. DT; Floyd Hudson, jr. DT; Cullen Sanner, jr. DE
KEY LOSSES: Jake Cummings, QB; Brandon Kamo, C; Michael Budurowich, LB; Michael Harvey, DB; Dakota Drabek, DL; Jake Bills, DL; Austen Wood, LB; Nolan Givan, WR-SE
NOTABLES: The Bears returned to the playoffs last season for only the third time in 15 years. This season the program brings back a combined nine starters and appears to be on the upswing with a fine arsenal of talent. Most coaches pick the Bears to finish in the top three in the division. Could another postseason berth and league title be on the horizon?
SCHOOL: Birmingham Groves
NICKNAME: Falcons
HEAD COACH: Brendan Flaherty, 15th season (64-72)
2014 RECORD: 7-3, 5-2 OAA-Blue (tied-second)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 1-1, lost in D-2 district finals to Birmingham Brother Rice (49-7)
KEY PLAYERS: Cedric Boswell, sr. RB (All-State in track); Doug Rouche, sr. P; Nick Moore, sr. DB; Sammad Ali, sr. FS; Ethan Rice, sr. LB; Nathan Lazor, sr. DB
KEY LOSSES: Zach VanFaussien, QB; John Stevens, OG; Nate Wikol, OT; Connor Haenni, OT; Davion Curry, DB; Devin Light, OT; Nick Barry, WR; Kyle Sherman, LB-RB; Jordan Palmer , OL-DL; Zac Grasl, DL; Indress Abdul-Wasi, DE
NOTABLES: The Falcons have been blessed with team speed the last few years, which has led to postseason berths in three of the past four years, and one playoff win last season. Groves will still counter with blazing speed this year in the aforementioned Boswell. Groves will need to develop a mostly new offensive line and quarterback this season if it is to contend with Avondale and Berkley this season for top honors in the OAA-Blue.
SCHOOL: Ferndale
NICKNAME: Eagles
HEAD COACH: Eric Royal, second season (4-5)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 3-4 OAA-Blue (fifth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Kobe Falls, jr. OL-DL; Ronald Gohagon, sr. RB-LB; Gradell Mosely, sr. WR-DB; Joseph Welbeck-White, jr. OL; Kyle Thomas, jr. OG-DT; Zoser Little, soph. RB
KEY LOSSES: Markell McCoy, QB; Darius SinClair, RB; Trenton Carson, DE; Chris Pecorelli, OL; Jacob Sinawi, OL; Juwuan Reyes, OL-DL
NOTABLES: With enrollment dropping to around 700 for the year, the Eagles are now the smallest school in the OAA by a large margin. This means Ferndale does not have the depth as the other 23 schools in the league and must stay away from the injury bug. The Eagles do have ample team speed and size on the lines, plus this team is in its second year under Royal. It would not be far-fetch to see the Eagles be one of the better teams in their league.
SCHOOL: Hazel Park
NICKNAME: Vikings
HEAD COACH: Kyle Rowley, second season
2014 RECORD: 0-9, 0-7 OAA-Blue (eighth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Jared Schutlz, sr. QB-FB-DB; Jalen Adams, WR-DB-RB; Toriano Belton, sr. TE-DE; Malik Harrison, jr. WR-DB; Damian Ewald, soph. QB
KEY LOSSES: Alonzo Derverger, DT; Antonio Hussey, RB-DB; Marquis Hill, WR-LB; Michael Booker, LB-WR; Sean Sharay, OL-DL
NOTABLES: What the Vikings have going right for them is that they are in their second season with new athletics facilities, a second-year under Coach Rowley’s system, a quality sophomore QB behind center and increased numbers. Two years ago, Hazel Park had to cancel its junior variety and freshmen programs. What hurts Hazel Park is that it’s coming off four straight losing seasons, including back-to-back 0-9 campaigns, and just a combined seven wins in four years. Simply put, no player in the program is used to winning. Much like nearby Royal Oak, a new mindset must be instilled. This will be a pivotal season for the Vikings.
SCHOOL: Pontiac
NICKNAME: Phoenix
HEAD COACH: Pete Scott, first season
2014 RECORD: 1-7, 1-6 OAA-Blue (seventh)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Jhamal Hazard, sr. RB-DB; Archie Samuel, sr. RB-DB; Alfonso Hernandez, sr. WR-DB; Quayvawn Mason, sr. RB-LB
KEY LOSSES: Wayne Kirkland, LB; Dario Franklin, TE; Romello Wheeler, DB; Chris Modest, OL-DL; Dario Franklin, OL; Marquise Lopez, DT
NOTABLES: John Lloyd, the program’s head coach last season. passed away last November at the age of 39 of a brain aneurysm. The Phoenix did show some spark of being competitive at times but were often out-manned by low numbers. The vanity only has around 25 players this season. Fitness levels and willingness of iron-man football could help Pontiac manage this season as their appears to be some quality speed at the skilled positions.
SCHOOL: Royal Oak
NICKNAME: Ravens
HEAD COACH: Ray McMann, first season
2014 RECORD: 0-9, 0-8 OAA-White (eighth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Brendan Beerer, sr. QB-DB; James Hahn, sr. OL-DL; Everett Bateman, sr. OL-LB; Alex Pauls, sr. C-DE; Noah Kochanski, RB-DB
KEY LOSSES: Brandon Gerard, RB; Brian Foster, SE; Oni Tesho, LB
NOTABLES: Since Kimball and Dondero merged in 2006, there has only been two winning seasons (2006, 2007) and an overall record of 19-64. Four of the last seven seasons have been winless campaign, including last season. The Ravens have also had numerous coaching staffs, including three in the last six years. This year’s staff has its work cut off for them as only a combined five starters are back. The Ravens will go young and hopes a change of direction will happen sooner than later. This program is starved for success, as it has been nine years since the last conference title and postseason appearance.
SCHOOL: Southfield Lathrup
NICKNAME: Chargers
HEAD COACH: x Solomon, first season
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 3-4 OAA-Blue (fifth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY PLAYERS: Khali Williams, sr. WR; Eyinonma Uwazorike, sr. DL; Keith Powe, jr. LB-RB; Dejuan Jones-Givens, jr. DB; Sterling Alexander, sr. RB; George Mitchell, sr. C; Quentin Pitts, jr. OT; Greg Gilliam, sr. RB; Terrance Hancock, sr. DB; Roman Porter, sr. SS; Lance Hawkins, sr. DL
KEY LOSSES: Eldraga Meeks, RB; Brandon Amos-Dixon, LB; Earl Anderson, OL; Kebba Sammeh, K; Josh Dotson, DL; Zack Washington, DB; Brandon Amos-Dixon, DB-WR; Carl Wren, DB; Earl Anderson, LB
NOTABLES: Lathrup lost is Hall-of-Fame coach Keith Stephens Sr. to cancer in the offseason and is dedicating the season to him. The Chargers also learned that the school is on the financial chopping block and is almost certainly going to close within the next two years. With that said, Lathrup will field some talented players this year. Will they gel enough to make this season a winner or will a swan song be an eighth straight losing campaign? Time will tell, although Lathrup had a three-win increase last season.