Stick’s Picks: Lake Orion, WOLL aiming for berth in Final Four
When it comes to postseason success, Lake Orion and Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Clarkston Everest Unified have enjoyed plenty of it. The two northern Oakland County football programs have simply built a winning tradition.
Lake Orion and WOLL have put together multiple playoffs seasons memorable runs throughout the years and both now will play for a regional championship this weekend with a berth in the Final Four on the line.
As for schools in the www.northoaklandsports.com coverage area, there seems to be at least one team each year to get to the Elite Eight or beyond. Here’s a look at what could be in store for the Dragons in Division 1 and Lakes in Division 8.
(Last week, 2-2, .858 pct.; Season: 99-28, .789 pct.)
Utica Eisenhower at Lake Orion (Friday, 7 p.m.): Lake Orion reached the state title game two years ago only to be bounced in the first round last season by Clarkston. The Dragons vowed to get back to the Final Four this season and our one win shy of that mark. Eisenhower, in its 19th straight postseason appearance, has barely skipped past Rochester and Romeo in the first two rounds. Lake Orion has won by two blowouts. The Eagles haven’t faced a team as explosive as Lake Orion this season.
Pick: Lake Orion by 13.
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Clarkston Everest Collegiate Unified vs. Warren Michigan Collegiate Academy at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (Saturday, 7 p.m.): Michigan Collegiate is less than a decade old and its football program is only a half-dozen years into its existence, but this team has been impressive this season in reaching the regional finals for the first time. WOLL is a perennial power in the small-school divisions, with numerous long postseason runs. This could make for an interesting clash. Let’s take experience over youth.
Pick: WOLL By 1.
(Stick’s Picks is a legend in his own mind. He can be reached through his boss’ e-mail at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com)
Category: Editor's Column, Prep Wraps, Publishers Viewpoint
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