Linvingston / Oakland County Team Capsules
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 Division 2 state title with 33-25 victory over Saline
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
KEY PLAYERS: Nathan Troutvine, sr. OL; Sam Bullen, sr. OL; Nolan Eriksen, sr. RB; Gregg Gale, jr. C; Mitch Heaton, sr. FB/LB; Carter Clinton, sr. LB; Anthony Reiner, sr. QB; Alex Kessman, sr. K
NOTABLES: Clarkston is on a 27-game win streak, including back-to-back state titles and 12 straight postseason berths. The Wolves have graduated large classes the past two years, and with that, most of their 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 is capable of at least making the postseason, maybe more.
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 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
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
NOTABLES: After three straight postseason appearances, the Maples took a step back last season and finished with a losing record. This season, only four returning starters are back on both sides of the football, and multiple unproven players are 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 Division 2 pre-district to Oak Park
KEY LOSSES: Kyle Collins, QB; Justin Banks, DT; Mark Thomas, G; Courteous Preston, OL/LB; Michael Raad, TE; Omari Mitchell, OL/LB; Kyle Brunson, SE; Jakkar Jackson, WR; Vonn Pallett, TE/DE
KEY PLAYERS: Dez Fitzpatrick, sr. WR; David Reese, sr. RB/LB; Kyle Brunson, sr. RB/S; Jakkar Jackson, sr. RB/S; Andrew McLeod, sr. OT/DT; Phillip Norris, sr. G/DE; Andre Sarfoh, sr. WR/SE; Justin Collins, sr. WR/C; JDrew McGovern, 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
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 nine returning starters, 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 Division 2 state semifinal round before falling to Muskegon Mona Shores
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
KEY PLAYERS: Khalid Kareem, sr. OL/DT; Jared Char, sr. FB/LB; Jamison Scarber, sr. WB/CB; Kordell Agee, sr. SE/CB; Alex Bolstrum, sr. K; Ovie Ogufou, sr. RB; David Vinski, sr. P; Anthony Giovinni, sr RB/K
NOTABLES: With the Farmington school district researching whether it should close Harrison for financial reasons, a dark cloud hangs over one of the state’s most storied programs. On the field, the Hawks must replace eight players who ventured on to the college ranks, and they will compete with only 35 on varsity. But as Harrison has proven over the past four-plus decades under Coach Harrington, this program will compete and will be a worthy opponent. The Hawks have won 13 state championships, have been state runners-up four times, and have appeared in 23 total Final Four games. That 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 LOSSES: Kyle Penny, QB/P; Marvin Yaldo, LB; Billy Morgan, WR; Mason Cornell, RB; Jon Smith, OL/DL; Matt Blair, OL/DL
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
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.
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 Division 2 district final to Brother Rice
KEY LOSSES: Zach VanFaussien, QB; John Stevens, G; Nate Wikol, OT; Connor Haenni, OT; Davion Curry, DB; Devin Light, OT; Nick Barry, WR; Kyle Sherman, RB/LB; Jordan Palmer, OL/DL; Zac Grasl, DL; Indress Abdul-Wasi, DE
KEY PLAYERS: Cedric Boswell, sr. RB; Doug Rouche, sr. P; Nick Moore, sr. DB; Sammad Ali, sr. S; Ethan Rice, sr. LB; Nathan Lazor, sr. DB
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 a playoff win last season. Groves will again have speed this year in Cedric Boswell. The team will need to develop a mostly new offensive line and a quarterback this season if it is to contend with Avondale and Berkley for top honors in the OAA-Blue.
Fowlerville Gladiators
League: CAAC White
Coach: Bret Shrader
2014 Record: 2-7, 0-5 6th
Players lost: Cameron Bronikowski (RB), Mason Litz (LB), Ben Judd (WR/LB), Colin Callahan (WR/DB)
Players returning: Nick Semke (QB), Josh Nabozny (WR/QB/CB), Reed Wilmont (WR/CB), Bryce Bertl (OL/DL), Joe Mayle (OL/DL), Brad Ogden (G), Lance Kehr (G)
Outlook: The Gladiators have a young team that is looking for improvement this season. Junior Nick Semke is a dual-threat quarterback who has nice touch on the deep pass and who can also run. Junior Josh Nabozny can also play quarterback, will see time at receiver, and is a starting cornerback. Reed Wilmont will see time at receiver and running back. Junior lineman Bryce Bertl (6’1″, 290 pounds) is a force against the run in the middle of the defensive line and is also a punishing blocker on offense. Look for Fowlerville to be an improved team this year.
SCHOOL: Northville
NICKNAME: Mustangs
HEAD COACH: Matt Ladach, eighth season (47-22)
2014 RECORD: 6-3, 3-2 KLAA-Central (tied-third)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: Lost in Division 1 pre-district to Plymouth Canton
KEY LOSSES: Zach Graham, OL; David Moorman, OL; Ryan Roberts, TE; P.J. Schnepp, RB
KEY PLAYERS: Alex Angelas, sr. OL; Jack Burke, jr. WR/QB/DB/K; Terrell Cunningham, jr. WR; Matt Komorous, sr. DL; Zach Prrystash, sr. RB/WR/DB; Justin Zimbo, sr. QB
NOTABLES: Encompassing discipline and team concept, Northville’s coaching staff feels that if this year’s contingent buys into their philosophy, the Mustangs could be a threat to contend for a division crown and to reach the postseason for the sixth time in seven seasons. There are 10 returning starters and talented and versatile players all over the field.
SCHOOL: Novi
NICKNAME: Wildcats
HEAD COACH: Jeff Burnside, fifth season (17-19)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 3-2 KLAA-Central (tied-third)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Steve Davis, OL; Joe Haddad, OL; Jared Engebretson, OL; Matt Sabo, RB
KEY PLAYERS: Emanuel Jackson, sr. RB; Alec Bageris, jr. QB; Johnny Davis, sr. OL: Dylan Haggard, sr. DT; Ian Patterson, jr. LB; Nick Sabo, sr. DB
NOTABLES: Novi has some talented offensive players at the skill positions but must replace five starters from the offensive line. There are only four returning starters on defense, and the Wildcats lack overall depth defensively. Staying away from injury will be crucial for Novi.
SCHOOL: South Lyon
NICKNAME: Lions
HEAD COACH: Mark Thomas
2014 RECORD: 8-2, 4-1 KLAA-Central (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: Lost in Division 2 pre-district to Walled Lake Western
KEY LOSSES: Anton Skupin, QB; Joe Newman, DB; Tim McPhee, DB; Hunter Casebolt, DL; Jameson Donahue, LB; Brandon Hakala, OL
KEY PLAYERS: Nick Pagano, sr. WR; Connor McGee, sr. RB; Spencer Magee, sr. OL; Trevor Tank, sr. LB; Jeff Dill, sr. DL; Braxton Blackwell, jr. DB
NOTABLES: The split between South Lyon and South Lyon East did hurt the Lions, who are on the upswing again as evidenced by postseason berths in three of the last four seasons. To keep the train headed in the right direction, Coach Thomas’ main concern is getting a lineup of mostly new starters to “get to the speed of the varsity level.” With eight new starters on both sides of the ball, quick progress will be needed.
SCHOOL: South Lyon East
NICKNAME: Cougars
HEAD COACH: Joe Pesci, first season
2014 RECORD: 0-9, 0-5 KLAA-Central (sixth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Trent Willenborg, WR
KEY PLAYERS: Jordan Thibodeau, sr. OL; Joel Trent, sr. OL; Garrett Read, sr. WR; Shane Patterson, jr. LB; Josh Smith, sr. S; JD Simon, sr. DB
NOTABLES: There is only one way for this program to travel, and that is up. This is the eighth school year for South Lyon East, and the football team is 14-50 overall, with just one postseason berth (2012). The Cougars will be learning a new offense and defense, so a quick study will be needed to right the ship this year.
SCHOOL: Walled Lake Central
NICKNAME: Vikings
HEAD COACH: Bob Meyer, 15th season (60-54)
2014 RECORD: 9-3, 4-1 KLAA-North (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 2-1, lost in Division 1 regional final to Clarkston
KEY LOSSES: Nick Krumm, QB; Drake Temple, S; Cody Patterson, DB
KEY PLAYERS: Ogundeji Adetokumbo, sr. DE; Ethan Rodriguez, sr. RB/DB; Ryan Kalis, sr. TE; Nick Tinson, sr. OL/DL
NOTABLES: With six returning starters back on offense and five on defense, there will be a mix of experience and youth this season for the Vikings. They have one of the state’s top defensive players and a host of other playmakers on both sides of the football who should keep the Vikings quite relevant in 2015.
SCHOOL: Walled Lake Northern
NICKNAME: Knights
HEAD COACH: Brett Moore (34-31)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 1-4 KLAA-North (fifth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Brendan O’Donnell, QB; Jamie Demers, OT; Jake Boerner, C; Jordan Grodman, DB
KEY PLAYERS: A.J. Chuchla, sr. RB; Ray Abbott, sr. SB; Adam Rabaut, sr. SB/DB; Duval Green, sr. DB; Joe Long, sr. DE
NOTABLES: Entering its 14th school year and 13th as a varsity program, this team is hoping to rebound from a down year in 2014. The Knights made the postseason in 2012 and 2013, only to dip under the radar last season. With seven starters back on offense and six on defense, there’s reason to believe that last season was a hiccup. The team was hit hard by injuries last season, but younger players gained some valuable playing time, which should bode well this season. The Knights are one of the more experienced teams in the KLAA.
SCHOOL: Walled Lake Western
NICKNAME: Warriors
HEAD COACH: Michael Zdebski (127-54).
2014 RECORD: 9-2, 4-1 KLAA-North (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 1-1, lost in Division 2 district final to Farmington Harrison
KEY LOSSES: John Witkowski, SL; Matt Jenkin, OL; Zach Johnson, DL: Marcus Bailey, SE
KEY PLAYERS: Kyle Thomas, sr. QB; Jake Prokes, sr. TB; Dan Barrett, sr. C; Alex Gammo, sr. G; Tyler Shreve, sr. OT/DT; Cody White, jr. SE; Darnell Lanier, sr. LB; Jackson Neracher, sr. DB; Bryce Brand, sr. DL; Ryan Steiner, sr. DL; John Camilleri, sr. K
NOTABLES: With six starters back on both sides of the football and two highly-touted recruits, the Warriors have the potential to be very good. They are in a very competitive division of the KLAA, so top performers will need to shine in order to pull away from the pack.
SCHOOL: Brighton
NICKNAME: Bulldogs
HEAD COACH: Brian Lemons (58-19 at multiple schools)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 2-3 KLAA-West (tied-fourth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Nick Brish, S; Alex Zielinski, TE; Tyler Trish LB
KEY PLAYERS: Grant Dunatchik, sr. QB; Joey Clifford, sr. RB; Brendan Klaus, sr. OL
NOTABLES: Brighton has reached the postseason in 14 of the past 19 years but took a step backward last fall. How quickly the team can learn a new system will determine how well it does under a new coaching staff. This is a wide-open division. so the opportunity is there for Brighton to return to glory.
SCHOOL: Grand Blanc
NICKNAME: Bobcats
HEAD COACH: Joe Delaney
2014 RECORD: 5-4, 4-1 KLAA-West (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Tre’von Avery, QB; Matt Mastermatteo, WR; Tony Roland, LB
KEY PLAYERS: Zach Leedom, sr. QB/RB; Chandler Tucker, sr. LB; Blake Bogan, jr. WR; Ryon Honea, sr. LB; Robert Mora, sr. S
NOTABLES: Grand Blanc has enjoyed success in recent years, having reached the postseason in 11 of the previous 16 campaigns and with 11 winning seasons in 12 years. The Bobcats did miss the playoffs in 2014 and are eager to gain a postseason bid this year. Only three starters are back on both sides of the ball, so this team is lacking in experience but not athleticism and speed.
SCHOOL: Hartland
NICKNAME: Eagles
HEAD COACH: Brian Savage, fourth season (18-11)
2014 RECORD: 7-3, 4-1 KLAA-West (tied-first)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 0-1, lost in Division 1 pre-district to Grand Ledge
KEY LOSSES: Jake Economou, DL; Jared Gohl, OL
KEY PLAYERS: Andy Maschke, sr. DL; Alex Vydick, sr. LB; Aaron Laird, sr. LB; Noah Marshall, sr. QB; Hayden Hutalla, jr. OL/DL
NOTABLES: Last year, the Eagles shared a league crown and reached the postseason. Hartland lost a lot of its “leaders” and many versatile athletes to graduation, according to Coach Savage . The Eagles return a combined seven starters and are not void of athletes who could keep them in the league’s upper echelon.
SCHOOL: Howell
NICKNAME: Highlanders
HEAD COACH: Aaron Metz (44-27)
2014 RECORD: 4-5, 3-2 KLAA-West (third)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Jared Pietila, OL/LB; Michael Betz, WR/DB; Evan Siemen, RB
KEY PLAYERS: Brett Chaperon, sr. QB; Dan Collins, sr. OL; Wil Manson, sr. OL; Greg Kearns, sr. K; Thomas Lassitter, sr. DB; Trevor Wetzel, sr. DB; Joe Senecal, sr. LB
NOTABLES: Howell has reached the postseason in seven of the past 10 years, but the Highlanders missed the past two seasons and dipped under the five-hundred mark. A total of 13 starters are back, including seven on offense, where a talented QB can thrive behind a beefy offensive line. The running game and defensive backs are where Howell has voids to fill. If the Highlanders can reload there, this team should be in the hunt for championships.
SCHOOL: Milford
NICKNAME: Mavericks
HEAD COACH: Tim Gough, second season (1-8)
2014 RECORD: 1-8, 0-5 KLAA-West (sixth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Tyler Carrier, RB; Dylan Sanders, OL; Chad Comis, LB
KEY PLAYERS: Jackson Hale, sr. DL; Joe Larson, sr. QB; Jacob Jones, sr. OL; Adam Stebbins, sr. LB; Blake Peterson, sr. DL
NOTABLES: In a wide open division, the Mavericks have a legitimate shot of righting the ship and becoming much more competitive, thanks to a combined 11 returning starters. The new coaching staff is hoping that players can learn new schemes and at the same time become much more consistent. If anything, the Mavericks are raring to snap a seven-game losing streak and to turn the tables on back-to-back losing seasons.
SCHOOL: Pinckney
NICKNAME: Pirates
HEAD COACH: Jakob Gailitis, fourth season (14-15)
2014 RECORD: 3-6, 2-3 KLAA-West (tied-fourth)
POSTSEASON IN 2014: None
KEY LOSSES: Josh Hess, QB; Justin Eagy, WR
KEY PLAYERS: Nate Houghtelling, sr. OT/DT; Bryce Heatwole, sr, OT; Jarrett Bohn, sr. G; Brandon Wiese, sr. CB; Joey Bachmeier, sr. LB
NOTABLES: Pinckney had 11 straight losing seasons from 2000-2012 before making the playoffs in 2013. It wants to reverse the trend of recent decades (three winning seasons in 20 years). The Pirates sank below five-hundred last season but did win two of their final three contests. Six starters are back on both sides of the football, and if new players at the skill positions can step up and produce, this team could surprise.
SCHOOL: Clarkston Everest Collegiate
NICKNAME: Mountaineers
HEAD COACH: Mike Pruchnicki, third season
2014 RECORD: 6-3, independent
POSTSEASON IN 2014: 0-1, lost in Dividion 8 pre-district to Our Lady of the Lakes
KEY LOSSES: Sam Mastermatteo, QB/DB
KEY PLAYERS: Andrew Hayosh, sr. TE/DE; Xavier Engle, sr. OL/LB; Alex Legg, jr. RB/LB; Daniel Dewitt, sr. OL/DL; Grant Burgess, soph. QB/DB
NOTABLES: This is an interesting tale. Everest competed in a co-op program with Our Lady of the Lakes from 2009-2012, then split off and began its own program. The Mountaineers reached the postseason in 2013 and 2014 and bowed out both years with losses to Our Lady of the Lakes. This season, Everest climbs into the CHSL-Intersectional Division and will play a more rigorous regular season schedule. It should be interesting to see how the Mountaineers fare in their third season, now that expectations are higher. With just over 100 students in 9-12, the Mountaineers are significantly smaller than the opposition.
SCHOOL: Brother Rice
NICKNAME: Warriors
HEAD COACH: David Sofran, second season (11-1)
2014 RECORD: 11-1, 4-0 CHSL-Central Division (first)