PREP FOOTBALL TEAM CAPSULES

PREP FOOTBALL TEAM CAPSULES

Below are the team capsules for the prep football teams in the coverage area for www.northoaklandsports.com, as compiled by Senior Editor Dan Stickradt and staff of interns.

Auburn Hills Avondale

HEAD COACH: Steve Deutsch

ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Schulz, James Prince, Torre Robinson, Anthony Epperson, Mike Zak.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-4, 6-2 OAA Blue Division (third place).

POSTSEASON: Reached Division 3 postseason, finishing 1-1; defeated Hazel Park, lost to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in district finals.

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Spread Offense; 4-2-5 Defense.

KEY PLAYERS: Mitch Robinson, sr. QB (6-1, 195;set state record for TD passes in a season last year with 46); Clark Clancy, jr. LT (6-4, 240); Mike Johnson, jr. TB, (5-8, 190); Chris Wilson, sr. C (6-1, 210); Anthony Camposeo, sr. OG (6-2, 200); Jeff Douglas, sr. WR-FS (6-0, 175; all-state sprinter in track); Eric Stubbs, jr. WR-RB (6-1,175); Troy May, sr. LB (5-8, 165); Manuel Baca, soph. DL-OLB (5-10, 215); Spencer Smith, jr. P-DB (5-9, 170).

NOTEABLES: Avondale will be different this year, although still talented like last season when they had the most explosive offense in all of the OAA. This year four of the top weapons have graduated, but there is one of the state’s better QBs in Robinson leading the way and some players who were waiting in the wings last season. Defensively is the key. If the Yellowjackets can improve immensely from last season, where they were very young, then this team could win the OAA-blue and be a team to watch in the postseason. Another difference will be late September, the school will have its own turf field, which may just help their skilled athletes.

Auburn Hills Oakland Christian

HEAD COACH: Bill Schaffer, first season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Brian Hoffman, Chris Lewis, Joel Tossey, Joe Whitt, Dave Reyburn.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-7, 1-4 MIAC (fifth).

POSTSEASON: None.

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Pro-I Offense; 4-3 Defense.

KEY PLAYERS: Max Hartman: sr. OL (6-0, 185); Phil Borel, sr. OL-LB-KR (6-0, 175); Josh Rupright, jr. OL-LB (6-0, 185); Stephen Nichols, soph. QB-DB; Preston Lasala, soph. WR; Cody Marazita, soph. RB; Trayon Samuel, sr. RB; Gabe Rellinger, jr. WR-P-K; Max Hartman, sr. DE (6-0, 185); Collin O’Connor, fr. DB; Javarian Smith, fr. DB-RB-KR; Bobby Roose, soph. DL.

NOTEABLES: Schaefer takes over as the new head coach in the program’s fourth season; there is some talent on this team, although there is only 19 players with the hopes of adding a couple more by the season opener. Schaefer has 34 years of experience of coaching high school football, although that has been as a defensive coordinator. He will try to build the program, adding a middle school and elementary school teams. For now, the Lancers hope to avoid last place in the six-team MIAC; league member Plymouth Christian dropped football after only two years, so Oakland Christian is likely the most inexperienced squad in the league.

Clarkston

HEAD COACH: Kurt Richardson, 25^th season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Phil Price, Rich Porritt, Pete Gallagher, Ryan Kaul, Brian Zezula, Jeff Long, Steve Pearson, Tom Hurley, Tony Miller.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-3, 6-1 OAA Red Division (second place).

POSTSEASON: Lost in D-1 district opener to Grand Blanc.

KEY PLAYERS: Mitch Baenziger, sr. QB (6-1, 180); Joey Goss, sr. RB (5-10, 185); Evan Montgomery, sr. RB-DB (5-10, 195); Ben Kaminsky, jr. RB(5-7, 205); Mike Schwartz, sr. WR (6-3, 170); Matt Dellinger, sr. LB-WR; Nathan Yeloushan, soph. TE (6-1, 195); CJ Cozdor, sr. WR (6-0,180); Travis Smith, sr. WR-RB-DB (6-0, 170); Craig Colombo, jr. C (6-2, 250); Lucas Sanders, sr. OG (6-1, 300); Nick Mattich, soph. OG (6-0, 240); Jesse Chadwell, jr. OT (6-4, 250); Nick Azzopardi, jr. OT (5-10, 235); Zach Collins, sr. LB (6-2,210); Adam Myers, jr. LB (6-0, 200); Alec Dicea, jr. DB (5-10, 160);Joe Genoa, sr. DB (5-10, 160); Brad Leuenhagen, sr. DB (5-10, 160); Chad Coulson, sr. DT/OT (5-10, 200); Alex Barta, sr. K-P (6-1, 220); Chris Calvano, jr. SE-RB(6-0,170).

NOTEABLES: Clarkston still finished second in the OAA-Red last season but that was with the injury train adding on bodies every week. Clarkston had as many as 17 players on its roster miss a game at the same time and often the team had to go to second- and third-string kids to compensate, including using a freshman at QB last year in the final three games. This season most of the key players are back in uniform and the Wolves are deeper, stronger, bigger and perhaps faster than they were last season. If they remain healthy this season, there’s no telling how good this team can be. The Wolves lost in the state semifinals in 1999, 2000 and 2009. Could a similar team be in the making?

Holly

HEAD COACH: Ryan Culloty, fourth season (10-18 at holly).

ASSISTANT COACHES: Eric Curl, Peter LoFiego, Jeremy Barkey, Jason Barth, Jason Beverly, Corey Miller, Todd Preston, Brad Scott Greg Maynard.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 6-4, 5-3 Flint Metro League (tied-third)

POSTSEASON: Qualified in Division 2; lost in opening-round to eventual state semifinalists Walled Lake Central (46-6).

KEY PLAYERS: Johnny Williams, jr. QB-DB (5-9, 170); Pat O’Conner, sr. RB-KR (5-10, 175); Austin Hopkin, sr. WR-CB-K (6-4, 190); Joel Schuermann, sr. C (6-0, 230); David McNeely, sr. OG (6-0, 200); Nick Vandlanduytt, sr. OT (6-4, 220); Lance Millis, sr. OT (6-2, 250); AJ Lewendowski, sr., RB-KR (5-10, 175); Shawn Scott, sr. WR-LB (6-2, 200); Kyle Liford, sr. OT (6-2, 220); Kyle Vandell,  jr. OT (6-2, 200);Jared Plawski, sr. LB (6-2, 190); Allen Strode, sr. DE (6-1, 190); Ryan Housworth, sr. DE (6-2, 190); Jimmy Duncan, jr. DL (6-2, 200); Evan Papuga, jr. LB-DB (6-0, 185); Nick Sammunt, jr. DB(5-4, 150);

NOTEABLES: Holly advanced to the state  postseason for only the second time in school history last season, showing significant growth under the leadership of Culloty, who rebuilt the program at Madison Heights Madison before moving north to Holly in 2008. The Bronchos may have their best team in years and are expected to contend in a wide-open FML. Holly has not won a league since 1952.

Lake Orion

HEAD COACH: Chris Bell, 14^th season (112-35 at Lake Orion; 132-55 in 17 seasons overall).

ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Tooley, Darin Tooley, Eric Jennings, Brad Fischer, John Blackstock, Mike Heath, Jay Cohoe, Todd Gordon, Kevin Misiak.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 13-1, 7-0 OAA Red Division (first place).

POSTSEASON: Finished 5-0, including winning the Division 1 state championship.

KEY PLAYERS: Sean Charette, sr. QB (5-11, 175); Kevin Cronin, sr. OL (6-0, 245); John Gall, sr. LB (6-0, 200); Andrew Shafkalis, sr. DE (6-2, 215); Chaz Miller, jr. WR (6-6, 210); Jacob Miller, jr. RB-KR (6-0, 190); Brent Cunningham, jr. OT/DT (6-3, 295); Jake Helmsetter, jr. OL (6-2, 280); Davis Rossman, sr. LB-OL (6-0, 195); Jeremy King, RB-WR-K; Brandon Clements, jr. SE; Cory Ester, soph. WR; Nick Vogelmeier, jr. DB; Zach Arnold, soph. CB-WR; Austin Arnold, soph. WR-RB; Derek Deluca, jr. DL.

NOTEABLES: Lake Orion finally reached the pinnacle last season by winning its first and long-anticipated state championship in Division 1. That marked the Dragons’ third final four in Bell’s tenure and his team also finished as the 20008 state runner-up. In Bell’s previous 13 seasons, the Dragons qualified for the postseason 12 times. There are over 220 players in the program, including 92 on varsity, but 18 starts plus the kicking game must replace by players that were backups on varsity, junior-varsity players or players that were on one of Lake Orion’s two freshmen teams last year. If the Dragons can reload, then a 13^th postseason appearance in 14 years will be in hand.

Ortonville Brandon

HEAD COACH: Tim Pizzala, fifth year.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Joel Dohm, Matt Prevost, Scott Sawyer.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-4, 4-4 Flint Metro League (fifth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

KEY PLAYERS: Shane Maheffy, sr. QB (5-10, 170); Justin Mezsets, sr. OL-DE (6-4, 300); Matt Selak, sr. OL-DT (6-5, 250); Matt Smith, sr. OL-LB (6-2, 250); Dylan Everett, sr. WR (6-3, 205); Ryan Barnes sr. WR/DB (5-9, 160); John Francis, sr. WR (6-0, 205); David Ryan, sr. RB (5-10, 170); Blake Nivelt, jr. RB (5-10, 170); Blake Rehahn, sr. RB (5-8, 190); Derek Darling, sr. LB (5-9, 165); Bryton Davis, sr. DL (5-10, 215); Brandon Lee, sr. DB (5-10, 160); Jonathan Stricklin, jr. DB (5-10,170); Cody Fellinger, jr. WR-K-P (6-2, 170).

NOTEABLES: Brandon is not a traditional power but could very well find itself in the hunt in the Flint Metro League this season with a talented senior class and tow of the most talented players in the league. Despite only three winning seasons in the past decade and seven winning campaigns in the previous 20 years, the Blackhawks showed signs of life last autumn with a 4-0 start, but that was marred by player suspensions which resulted in a 1-4 skid to end the year. This season there is hope, as the FML has as many as six teams that are eyeing the league prize, which states that it is a wide-open race. Can Brandon win its first league crown since sharing the OAA Division III title with Birmingham Seaholm in 2000 or first outright crown since taking the OAA Division IV championship in 1997? There’s no reason why the Blackhawks can’t.

Oxford

HEAD COACH: Bud Rowley, 34^th season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Brown, Kyle Rowley, Derek Osborne, Luis Gomez, Jason Eldridge, Joe Zmikly, Dave Walker, Chris Keenist, Ryan Clark, Shawn Regan, Cody Collier, Dan Strzelecki.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-6, 2-6OAA White Division (sixth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

KEY PLAYERS: Vito Giannola, sr. QB-DB (5-10, 175); Prescott Line, sr. RB-LB (6-1, 220); Matt Anger, sr. RB (6-0, 200); Matt Economou, sr. WR-SE (6-2,190); Grant Ingalls, sr. WR (6-0, 175); Logan M (6-3, 270); Collin Goetz, sr. OT-DT (6-7, 250); Logan Maine, jr. DB (5-10, 175); Zach Hadorn, jr. OG (6-0, 210); Tyler Hunsucker, sr. TE (5-9, 220); Dakota Westmoreland, sr. DL (5-10, 170); Anthony Cappucilli, sr. OLB (5-9, 160); Mike Kitchner, sr. K (6-2, 190); Glacier Wallington, fr. CB (5-8, 160); Marty Giannola, jr. OLB (5-11, 180); Scott Stubenrauch, fr. CB-TB (5-10, 160); Chase Lalla, fr. FB-SE (5-9, 160); Kyle Hill, sr. CB (5-9, 145); Doug Grandy, sr. LB (6-0, 185); Seth Miller, sr. DL-OL (5-11, 210); Pipen Thaler, jr. NT-OT (6-0, 200).

NOTEABLES: After 28 straight winning seasons, the Wildcats saw their streak come to an end in 2010 with a 3-6 record. The Wildcats moved into the OAA White Division from the Flint Metro League last year and struggled against some opponents. Can the Wildcats right the ship? There is a talented senior class, including two D-I college prospects, plus the school’s deepest freshmen class in years has arrived, three which are on varsity. There are several, multi-sport athletes that hope to help Oxford climb back into the upper echelon of the league, where the Wildcats were used to finishing for nearly three decades.

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

HEAD COACH: Kyle Zimmerman, xx season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Blaise Glennie, Dean Leach, Shon Hart, Brandon Chapman, Marcel Kern.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-5, 1-3 CHSL-AA Division (fourth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

KEY PLAYERS: Dan Durkin, sr.  QB (6-3, 185); Shane Frakes, sr. RB-LB (6-0, 195); Jacob Romeo, sr. RB-CB (6-0, 195); Bobby Secord, sr. OL (6-2, 220); Troy Sassack, sr. WR (6-4, 190); Max Spadafore, sr. LB (5-10, 185); Aiden Cullen, soph. LB (5-10, 180); Conner Cervone, jr. DL (5-8, 150).

NOTEABLES: Last season the Fighting Irish played a unique schedule, where they opened up the season 0-5 against five eventual playoff teams that had a combined one loss through five weeks. Notre Dame Prep turned the tables after that point, going 4-0 down the stretch, outscoring the opposition 177-19 in those four contests. The coaching staff believes that momentum can carry over this season as several key players are back and there is some better depth at various positions. There are only four teams in the CHSL-AA Division this season, meaning the Irish must play six non-conference games. NDP has not won a playoff game since 2004, going 0-1 in 2009, 2007 and 2006 but 2-1 in ’04. Before that, it was 1995 that the school reached the postseason. The Irish have made the playoffs seven times overall.

Rochester

HEAD COACH: Erik Vernon, third season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Dale Clark, Jim DeJaeger, Eddie Hillery, Neil Deluca, Bill Ames, Bill Staugaard, Steve Fox.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 6-4, 5-2 OAA Red Division (third place).

POSTSEASON: Reached Division 1 postseason, lost in first round to Utica Eisenhower (24-14).

KEY PLAYERS: Cody DeVoe, sr. RB (5-11, 185); Jack Glancy, sr. QB-LB (6-1, 200); TJ Dean, sr. WR-P-DB (5-10, 170); James Cox, sr. TE-WR (5-10,190); Manny Mandoiza, jr. WR (6-3, 195); Kyle Pomicter, sr. LB-OT (6-1, 190); Matt Lippart, sr. OT (6-3, 230); Kurt Apostol, sr. LB (6-2, 230); Darren Witherspoon, sr.  LB (6-1, 180); Lawrence Walls, sr. DL (6-1, 280); Dan French, sr. SE (5-10, 195); Eric Perez, jr. CB (5-9, 160); Demetrius McGhee, soph. CB (5-11, 170); Shwan Shadaia, soph. DL-OL (5-10, 190); Shane Shadaia, soph. DL-OL (5-10, 190).

NOTEABLES: After 10 straight losing seasons, the Falcons turned the tables in 2010 to gain six wins and reach the postseason for the first time since 1999 and for the just the fourth time in school history. This season there are seven starters back on defense, five on offense and plenty of talent to keep the Falcons in the upper echelon of the OAA Red. The pipe line of talent is finally replenishing itself after plenty of lean years.

Rochester Adams

HEAD COACH: Tony Patritto, ninth season (78-17).

ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark MacFarland, Dave Wilson, Jeff Springer, Dick Kennedy, Tom Offer, Phil Annese.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-3, 5-2 OAA White Division (third place).

POSTSEASON: Reached Division 2 playoffs, finishing 1-1; defeated Walled Lake Western in opening round but lost to Walled Lake Central in district finals (14-13).

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Spread Option/Veer Offense; 3-3 Stack Defenses.

KEY PLAYERS: Tony Annese, sr. QB-WR-SE (6-2, 210); Matt Cobb, jr. L-DT (6-2, 225); Adam Boike, sr. RB (5-11,170); Kyle Pelayo, sr. WR-DB (6-1, 180); Dave Jagow, sr. FB (5-10,175); Kyle Niswonger, jr. FB (6-0, 200); Ben Hart, jr. FB (5-10,180); Matt Sokol, soph. FB-TE-QB-LB (6-5, 200); Mike Fisher, sr. OL/LB (6-1, 210); Alex Chambrey, sr. C-DL (6-2, 215); Nathaniel Bristow, sr. OT-LB (6-0, 210); Jack Twitty, jr. RB-DB (6-2,170); Alex Borglin, sr. WR (6-1, 160); Ryan Cesiel, sr.(5-8, 160).

NOTEABLES: Adams has one of the longest streaks in Metro Detroit and the state with 14 straight postseason appearances. If the Highlanders are to add a 15^th straight token to their list, they must have several new starters fill in and grow up in a hurry. There are also only 34 players on varsity, so Adams can’t afford the injury bug if it is to compete in the deep OAA White Division. Tradition is on the Highlanders’ side, as these players know how to win and finishing with a winning record is expected of them.

Rochester Stoney Creek

HEAD COACH: Calvin Gross, 10^th season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Don Wilson, Vineet Kaul, Rich Koch, Ken Callaway, Dan Massarani, Jim Brown, George Pappageorge, Lou Fishetti.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-7, 2-5 OAA White Division (sixth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

KEY PLAYERS: Serge Andreou, sr. OG-DT (5-10, 235); Nick Gajdzik, sr. C-DT(6-3, 225); Paul Ziemba, sr. TB-LB (6-1, 205; transfer from Warren DeLaSalle); Connor Dean, sr. RB-LB(5-11, 170); Zack Northrop, sr. RB-DB (5-8, 150);Brandon Arduino, sr. QB-DB (5-8, 150); Mike Eldridge, sr. OG-DT (6-2, 225); Spencer Lendzion, jr. WR-DB (6-0, 170); Sean Scullen, soph. QB-DB (6-3, 190).

NOTEABLES: Although the freshman team finished unbeaten last season and the Cougars have two very talented linemen who are also all-state wrestlers, there’s not a ton of experience with only two returning starters combined on either side of the ball. This team will feature several juniors and sophomores and will likely be a year away from contending in the OAA-White, which is the deepest of the three OAA divisions. There are two transfers who sat out last season ready to make their mark and some talented sophomores, with as many as five on varsity that could make an impact. Stoney Creek could be a team that pulls an upset in the league and takes someone out of contention, but likely that will have to wait for next season.

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

HEAD COACH: Don Justice eighth season (50-55).

ASSISTANT COACHES: Paul Kasat, Mario Borrocci, Nate Myers, Matt Miller, Tom Meissner, James Santangelo, Glenn Martin.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 6-4, 5-1 MIAC (three-way tie for first place).

POSTSEASON: Lost in Division 7 first round to Genesee (54-0).

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Spread Offense; 4-4 Defense.

KEY PLAYERS: Nathan Drews, jr. QB (6-1, 185); Matt Gapski, sr. RB-ILB (5-10, 190); Josh Morrison, jr. WR-CB (6-0,170); Cameron Morris, sr. WR-CB (6-0, 165); Greg Maynard, jr. OT-DE (6-3, 190); Austin Meissner, sr. OG-LB (6-0, 200); Ben Agosta, jr. RB-OLB (5-8, 160); Mark Gnewuch, jr. OG-ILB (5-9, 185); Ian Wellhousen, jr. WR-QB-SE (6-0, 175); Nathan Reinhold, sr.OLB (5-10, 170); Nick Raby, soph. DT (5-11, 225); Colin Sheehan, sr. DE (6-2, 190).

NOTEABLES: There are six returning starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that surprised during a rebuilding year and shared the conference crown with Grosse Pointe Woods University-Liggett and Sterling Heights Parkway Christian. There are only 22 players on varsity, but a junior-varsity of 24 players if there are injuries. The Crusaders have one of the better small-school quarterbacks in the state in Drews, who threw for more than 1,600 yards last autumn. If this team improves since last year, then a fourth straight league crown will likely in order. The Crusaders have only won one playoff games (2008), often having to play in a brutal district.

Troy

HEAD COACH: Gary Griffith, 21st season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Duane Losey, Bob McElreath, Dave Livingstone, Bob Kalbfleisch, Chris Frasier, Ryan Frasier, John O’Brien, Don Johnson.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-4, 3-4 OAA Red Division (fifth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

KEY PLAYERS: Jarrett Bochniak, sr. OT-ILB (6-2, 225); Justin Losey, jr. QB (5-7, 145); Davion Rice, sr. WR-DB (6-1, 180); Matt Oppenlander, sr. OLB (6-0, 180); Greg Webber, jr. OG (6-3, 275); Tommy Richardson, jr. OG (6-3, 280); Jeremy Middleton, sr. OLB-OT (6-4, 220); Chris Michael, sr. WR (6-2, 180); Jay Fatkovich, sr. CB (6-0, 185); Shawn Murphy, sr. PK (5-7, 145); Tyler Horne, jr. WR-SE (6-2, 175).

NOTEABLES: Troy posted winning seasons in 15 of the past 20 campaigns. Last season the Colts opened with a 31-7 victory over Romeo, a team that reached the postseason, but then fell into a brand of inconsistent football and missed the playoffs as an at-large team by only a couple of points. The Colts return some size and bulk with most of their offensive line back in uniform, they simply need to play more intense and more consistent football to finish higher this season and contend for a playoffs berth. Troy must also insert several first-year starters at many of the skilled positions, so there will be opportunity for newer players to shine.

Troy Athens

HEAD COACH: Josh Heppner, third season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Neal Mozdzierz, Steve Mitzel, Mike DiVito, Tom Cook, Mike Pierce, DeRen Ellis, Steve Culp, Rick Nelson, Mike Merz.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-6, 1-6 OAA Red Division (seventh place).

POSTSEASON: None.

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Stack Offense; Various Defenses.

KEY PLAYERS: Ben Bartnowak, sr. QB (6-1, 230); Lonnie Jaynes, jr. RB-LB (5-11, 205; transfer from Rochester Adams); Matt Fitzpatrick, sr. RB-DB-LB (5-11, 205); Kris Gervin, sr. RB (5-8, 195; transfer from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s); Lonnie Bolden, sr. RB-WR-DB (5-10, 190); Ivan Kharchenko, jr. RB-WR-LB (6-1, 185); Sam Haskell, jr. RB (5-8, 150); Brandon Neal, sr. WR (6-1, 170); Jake Spinec, sr. WR (5-10, 150); Joe Shields, jr. WR-RB-SE (5-11, 155); Jalen Thomas, jr. RT (6-4, 260); Andrew Aurand, sr. OT (6-4, 290); Joe Colo, sr. RG (6-2, 260); Corey Thai, sr. LG (6-2, 270); Aaron Hazen, jr. C-FB-LB (6-1, 205); Tony Shayoka, sr. DL (6-1, 195); Josh Allen, sr. LB (6-3, 185).

NOTEABLES: In Heppener’s third season, all of the pieces to the puzzle seem to be in order for the Red Hawks to climb back into the area of respectability and challenge not only for a winning record, but perhaps even a playoff spot. The Red Hawks have more speed and size than they’ve had in recent times and most of their key players are back.  There are three transfers that will figure into the lineup, two which have an immediate impact. Could this be Athens’ first postseason team since 2004? The potential is there to succeed.

Troy Christian Leadership Academy

HEAD COACH: Chris Vitale, first season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Matt Essian, Kevin Johnson, Juhan Shakesphere, Ed Thompson.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-6, 3-6 CFLM (fifth place).

POSTSEASON: None.

OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Option Offense; Various Defenses.

KEY PLAYERS: Mitchell Essian, sr. RB-QB-LB (5-10, 175); McLane Essian, jr. QB-DB-RB (5-10, 170); Montana Essian, fr. WR-DB (5-9, 160); Cortez Saine, sr. DB-RB (5-10, 160); Deonte Moore, sr. DE-OT (6-2, 280); Joe Schuster, sr. DE-OT (6-2, 200); Mike Kray, jr. C-DT (6-1, 220).

NOTEABLES: This is the fourth season of Defenders football and the team has just nine wins in its first three campaigns. Can a new head coach with quality assistant coaching experience previously at two playoffs programs (St. Clair Shores South Lake and Sterling Heights Parkway Christian).

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

HEAD COACH: Mike Boyd, 46^th season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: Joe Seeterlin, Mel Nuss, Greg Alvis, Mike Schiano, Steve Troy, Jim Garris, Lonnie Mullins.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 9-3, 3-0 CHSL-Intersectional (first place).

POSTSEASON: Reached the Division 7 postseason; finished 2-1, losing in regional finals to Warren Michigan Collegiate.

KEY PLAYERS: Kevin Mooney, sr. RB-DB (5-9, 185); Jake Weir, sr. OL-DE (6-0, 185); Adam Figurski, sr. OL (6-0, 200); Sean Broderick, sr. OG (5-8, 160); Vinnie Puma, soph. QB-DB; Jake Doetsch, sr. RB-DE (6-3, 200); Mitch Lascheski, jr. LB (5-11, 185); Ryan O’Brien, jr. WR-OG-DB (5-10, 225); Garrett Ross, jr. LB-TE (6-4, 190); Richie Cross, jr. DB (5-8, 160); Ben Kotz, sr. QB-DB.

NOTEABLES: In his first 45 years of coaching, all at Lakes, Boyd has only had four losing seasons. In fact in nine of the previous 10 years, the Lakers have won between nine and 12 games, including three trips to the Final Four in that span. This team was regional finalists last season and the program has reached the postseason 23 times since the inception of the playoffs in 1975. Although expected to challenge for league and postseason berths again this season, there are many question marks. There are 56 players in the program, but only nine weigh more than 200 pounds. The team must break in a new QB and several starting positions are wide open.

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