NORTH OAKLAND PREP FOOTBALL TEAM CAPSULES
2012 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEWS —
NORTH OAKLAND TEAM CAPSULES
(Below are the 2012 prep football team capsules for schools located in the coverage area for www.northoaklandsports.com. Team capsules are compiled by senior editor Dan Stickradt and staff. Follow us on Twitter @LocalSportsFans.)
Auburn Hills Avondale
HEAD COACH: Steve Deutsch, 11th season at Avondale (50-46); 28th overall.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Torre Robinson, Anthony Epperson, James Prince, Roderick Reed, Stephen Watkins, Mike Kuhn, Andy Cox.
2011 RECORD: 5-5, 4-4 OAA Blue Division (tied-fourth); Postseason: Lost to Lapeer East (48-13) in division 3 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Yellowjackets
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 13, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Clark Clancy, sr. OT (6-5, 280; committed to Bowling Green); Michael Johnson, sr. RB (5-9, 195); Eric Stubbs, sr. WR (6-0, 180); Treyvon Munson, sr. WR (6-6, 180); Mitch Williams, jr. DT(5-11, 275); Chris Bracewell, sr. LB (6-0, 180); Paul Czartorski, jr. DT (6-1, 265); Dillon Brancheau, sr. OLB (6-2, 190); Kyle Siroka, sr. K (5-9, 155).
KEY PROSPECTS: Tiroca Battle, soph. DE (6-2, 185); J.T. Ozerities, jr. QB-DB (5-10, 170); Joshuwa Holloman, soph. RB-WR (5-11, 170); Spencer Smith, jr. QB-DB (6-0, 170).
NOTABLES: The Yellowjackets have their biggest offensive and defensive lines in over a decade, a roster of three-year starters, great team speed with some members of their state champion track team aboard and a team hungry to win its first league crown since 2004.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
HEAD COACH: Bill Schaeffer, second season (2-7 at Oakland Christian).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Rusty Mandle, Brian Hoffman, Joe Whitt, Jeremiah Nichols, Andrew Kern, Chris Lewis, Nick Quinn
2011 RECORD: 2-7, 1-5 MIAC (sixth place); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Lancers
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: None
OFFENSE: Veer
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Josh Rupright, sr. DL-OL (6-0, 185); Stephen Nichols, soph. WR-QB (6-5, 230); Bobby Roose, jr. OL-DL (6-1, 285); Javarian Smith, soph. QB-DB(5-10, 175); Preston Lasala, jr. WR (6-5, 215); Chase Sumner, jr. WR (6-4, 200); Cody Marazita, jr. RB (5-8, 170).
KEY PROSPECTS: Ryan Kostich, fr. WR-DB (5-10, 175); Chris Polite, sr. K-P-WR (6-0, 165).
NOTABLES: This is the fifth year of football for Oakland Christian and second with Schaeffer in charge, a veteran who has coached prep football in Michigan since 1972. The Lancers have their most experience and talent yet and are hoping to climb above the five hundred mark for the first time. There are three Lancers currently on the college radar and this team is improved in all areas. Could this be a sleeper team in the six-team MIAC this season? The numbers are up to over 20 players and all indications point to Oakland Christian being one of the region’s most improved teams.
Clarkston
HEAD COACH: Kurt Richardson, 26th season (179-76).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Jeff Long, Pete Gallagher, Tom Hurley, Ryan Kaul, Phil Price, Brian Zezula, Tony Miller, Steve Pearson, Rich Porritt
2011 RECORD: 7-4, 6-1 OAA Red Division (tied-first); Postseason: Def. Pontiac (40-12); lost to Walled Lake Central (45-26) in Division 1 district finals.
NICKNAME: Wolves
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 15, 1977, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Pro-I
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Ben Kaminsky, sr. RB-LB (5-8, 205); Jesse Chadwell, sr. OT (6-6, 270; committed to Illinois); Craig Columbo, sr. OL (6-4, 280); Nick Azzopardi, sr. OL (5-10, 240); Nick Mattich, jr. DL-OL (6-3, 250); Nathan Yeloushan, sr. TE-LB (6-2, 200); Eric Eberle, sr. OL (6-2, 275); Chris Calvano, sr. LB (6-1, 185); Alex Dicea, sr. DB-WR (5-10, 170).
KEY PROSPECTS: DJ Zezula, soph. QB (6-0, 180); Dylan Hancoock, sr. LB (6-3, 170); Ian Ericksen, jr. RB (5-9, 165); Jared Yaroch, sr. WR (5-10, 160); Tim Cason, jr. WR (6-2, 185); Alex Dicey, sr. WR (5-10, 160); Adam Kline, soph. WR (6-3, 175); David Beedle, jr. DT (6-5, 260); Bryce Witherspoon, soph. DT (6-0, 215); Alex Peck, jr. LB (5-9, 175); Caine Watlington, jr. LB (5-10, 160).
NOTABLES: Last season was marred by two forfeit losses due to the use of an ineligible reserve player and a second-round postseason exit where the Wolves were run out of their own stadium. There’s plenty of talent back, especially on the massive offensive and defensive lines, and every reason to believe that Clarkston will again be in the hunt for a league title and more. If the skilled athletes mature behind the protection of the area’s biggest linemen, than this could also be a team to watch come postseason time.
Holly
HEAD COACH: Ryan Culloty, fifth season (55-37 all-time as coach).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Eric Curl, Greg Maynard, Todd Preston, Eric Peterson, Dallas Lesperance, Mike McGowan, Paul McNeely, Kevin Bellant, Jordan Bellant, Tim Dusseault, Scott Bruning
2011 RECORD: 7-3, 6-2 Flint Metro League (tied-first); Postseason: Lost to South Lyon (33-14) in division 2 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Bronchos
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 3, 2006, 2010, 2011
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 31-Multiple
RETURNING STARTERS: Johnny Williams, sr. QB-DB (5-10, 190; League MVP; two-time all-conference); Evin Papuga, sr. RB-WR-LB (6-0, 195; all-conference); Kyle Vandel, sr. OL (6-0, 215; all-conference; Jake Schuermann, sr. OLB-WR (6-0, 190); Kyle McCarty, sr. WR-OLB (5-9, 170); Andrew Giles, sr. DL (6-0, 190); Zach Diehl, sr. DB (5-10, 170).
KEY PROSPECTS: Tom O’Connor, jr. OL (6-0, 190); Jake Zorn, soph. QB-WR (6-2, 180; transfer from Linden); Jesse Torres, sr. DB (5-9, 160); Josh Sayles, sr. DL (5-10, 270).
NOTABLES: Holly snapped a 59-year league title drought last season by sharing the FML crown with Lapeer East and Fenton. The Bronchos lost some key components from last year’s squad but have enough holdover talent to be considered title contenders once again. Holly has posted quite a turnaround in recent years, qualifying for the playoffs three times in the past six years with three winning seasons in that time span after decades of being a cellar dweller within its conference.
Lake Orion
HEAD COACH: Chris Bell, 15th season (118-39 at Lake Orion); 19th overall (138-59).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Tooley, John Blackstock, Mike Heath, Eric Jennings, Brad Fischer, Jay Cohoe, Todd Gordon, Darin Tooley, Brian Schwartz, Rob Scranton, Kevin Misiak
2011 RECORD: 6-4, 6-1 OAA Red Division (tied-first); Postseason: Lost to Walled Lake Central (20-17) in Division 1 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Dragons
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 16, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Jacob Miller, sr. RB (51-0, 185; 954 rushing yards, 13 TDs); Chaz Miller, sr. WR (6-6, 180; 460 rec. yards); Jeremy King, sr. WR-K (6-0, 180); Corey Ester, jr.SL (5-9, 165); Zak Arnold, jr. SL (6-0, 175); Joey Friedman, jr. C (5-10, 190); Derric Williams, sr. LB (6-2, 215); Nick White, sr. LB (6-0, 190); Nick Booker, sr. DB-SL (5-9, 175); Brandon Clements, sr. DB-WR (6-0, 175).
KEY PROSPECTS: Chris Leigh, jr. SL (5-11, 180); Trenton Elkins, jr. OL (5-10, 240; state placer in powerlifting); Travis Hill, sr. DL (6-2, 230); Durham Basso, sr. DL (6-0,190); Derek Delaura sr. QB (6-0, 200).
NOTABLES: After winning the state championship in 2010, the Dragons were a bit of a disappointment last, finishing 6-4 with a first-round exit. Lake Orion does not have great size on the field, but ample speed with several members of its 2012 state championship track team on the gridiron and plenty of experience on both sides of the football. There’s no reason to believe that Lake Orion won’t contend for another league championship and make the postseason for the 12th straight time. Is there enough magic for a deep postseason run? With three Final Four berths under Bell, including 2009 and 2011, no one should be surprised that this team is still alive deep into November.
Ortonville Brandon
HEAD COACH: Tim Pizzala, sixth season (21-24)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Joel Dohm, Scott Sawyer, David Wyatt, Brian Blausey
2011 RECORD: 5-5, 4-4 Flint Metro League (sixth); Postseason: Lost to Port Huron (32-14) in Division 2 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Blackhawks
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 4, 2011, 2000, 1997, 1996
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Larry Bland, sr. OL; Nick Wummel, sr. WR; Derek Klanke, sr. WR; Blake Nivelt, sr. LB-WR; Blake Rehan, jr. LB; Andrew Derry, jr. DB.
KEY PROSPECTS: Most of the roster is first-year varsity players
NOTABLES: Having a large senior class can often be a blessing in terms of kids playing with a sense of urgency and leadership. The downfall is that there are plenty of shoes to fill the following year. Brandon graduated 23 players and lost another key athlete via transfer, leaving numerous shoes to fill. The Blackhawks snuck into the postseason last year as a 5-4, at-large team, ending an 11-year postseason drought.
Oxford
HEAD COACH: Bud Rowley, 36th season (38th overall) (228-110-1).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Dave Brown, Kyle Rowley, Bill Keenist Jr., Luis Gomez.
2011 RECORD: 7-3, 5-2 OAA White Division (tied-second); Postseason: Lost to Rochester Adams (26-20) in Division 2 pre-district.
NICKNAME: Wildcats
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 17, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011.
OFFENSE: Pro-I
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Glacier Wallington, soph. QB-DB (5-9, 175); Logan Money, sr. OL (6-4, 270); Piper Thaler, sr. DL (6-2, 210); Andrew Davis, sr. OL-DL (5-10, 180); Zach Hadorn, sr. OL-DT (6-2, 230); Marty Giannola, sr. LB (6-0, 180).
KEY PROSPECTS: Chase Lalla, soph. FB-OLB (5-9, 170); Scott Stubenrausch, soph RB-DB (5-6, 160); Nathaniel Brubaker, sr. WR-SE (6-4, 185); Liam Logan, sr. RB (6-0, 170); Kyle Anderson, sr. TE-OLB (6-4, 210; injured last season); Matt Strzelecki, jr. TE-LB (6-1, 190); Vinnie Griffith, sr. LB-FB (5-10, 190); Brennen Orr, sr. WR-SE (5-10, 180); Kyle Reason, jr. RB-OLB (5-10, 175); Joseph Regan, jr. RB-OLB (5-10, 180). Richard Martin, jr. OL-DL (6-3, 230); John Parker, fr. RB-DB (5-9, 160); Jeremy White, jr. RB (5-10, 170).
NOTABLES: Gone are four standout players who are now on college rosters, including Mr. Football Prescott Line (southern Methodist) and lineman Collin Goetz (Central Michigan).the Wildcats do welcome back Glacier Wallington, who was an rare all-league QB as a freshman and a host of experience players. Oxford has several multi-sport athletes coming from basketball, lacrosse and wrestling. They likely won’t put up the gaudy numbers like last season, but should have enough to stay in the upper echelon of the OAA-White.
Pontiac
HEAD COACH: Damian Redmond, first season.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Damon Odneal, Kerry Tolbert, Harry Porter, Lorenzo Robertson, William Gholston, Sam Rogers, Henry Jackson
2011 RECORD: 6-4, 4-3 OAA Red Division (fourth); Postseason: Lost to Clarkston (40-12) in Division 1 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Phoenix
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2, 2009, 2011; Before Merger: Pontiac Central (1991, 1995, 2001, 2007); Pontiac Northern (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007).
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: Multiple
RETURNING STARTERS: Jody Harrison, sr. QB-DB (5-10, 175); Blake Samuels, sr. DE-OT (6-2, 240); Trajan Seay, sr. WR-DB (6-0, 170).
KEY PROSPECTS: Most of the starting lineup will be first-year starters. Roosevelt Wheeler, sr. WR-TE-DB; Blake Daniels, sr. LB-RB; Charles Walker, sr. OL-DL; Tavares Miles, sr. OL-DL; Moses Miles, sr. OL-DL.
NOTABLES: Hard times could be upon Pontiac’s first-year coaching staff. Numbers have dropped to around 50 players in grades 9-12 and most of the starters were lost to graduation, lack of interest or disciplinary reasons. Meanwhile, as enrollment keeps dropping overall just a few short years after the merger, the other teams in the OAA Red are all slated for better years and the Phoenix must better mature and come together in a hurry if they are able to remain a playoffs-caliber team.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
HEAD COACH: Kyle Zimmerman, fourth season (26-14)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Blaise Glennie, Dean Leach, Shon Hart, David Terzano, Jeff Allor, Brandon Chapman, Jim Garris, Steve Troy, Todd Bartus
2011 RECORD: 10-1, 3-0 CHSL (first); Postseason: def. Marysville (47-13); lost to Marine City (55-31) in Division 4 district finals.
NICKNAME: Fighting Irish
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 6, 1984, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Jermaih Johnson, jr. RB (5-10, 180); Andrew Winiarski , sr. OL (6’1, 240) (third-year starter); Vinny Famularo, sr. LB (6-0, 190); Andrew Wodrich, sr. DE (6-6, 210); Aidan Cullen, jr. LB (5-10, 190).
KEY PROSPECTS: Connor Cervone, sr. DL (5-9, 150); Anthony Gunn, soph. SS-WR-RB (6-1, 195) (transfer from Ortonville Brandon); Brendan Newvine, jr. QB (6-0, 175) (transfer from Clarkston); Joe Kutil, sr. QB (6-6, 210).
NOTABLES: After starting 0-4 in 2010, the Fighting Irish ventured on a 15-game win streak through the second half of 2010 and during the regular season in 2011, which ended in a district finals loss to eventual Division 5 state runner-up Marine City. NDP lost several key players to the college ranks, but by no means will this team fall sharply off the map. There is ample holdover talent and several rising stars that will very much keep Fighting Irish in the hunt for another division title and potential playoff spot.
Rochester
HEAD COACH: Erik Vernon, fourth season (11-17).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Dale Clark, Jim DeJeager, Steve Fox, Eddie Hillary, Bill Ames
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 2-5 OAA Red Division (tied-sixth); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Falcons
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 4, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2010.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Manny Mendoza, sr. WR-DB (6-3, 205; all-league; Division I prospect); John Doroshewitz, sr. QB-DB (6-2, 190); Schwan Shadaia, jr. OL-DL (6-0, 205); Shane Shadaia, jr. OL-LB (6-0, 190); Peter Dusat, sr. OL (6-4, 230).
KEY PROSPECTS: Demetrius McGhee, jr. RB-WR-CB (5-10, 180); Miles Dale, sr. K-P (6-1, 175; committed to Cincinnati for soccer); Jimmy Harten, sr. OL (6-4, 230).
NOTABLES: Injuries and disciplinary action hurt the Falcons last season, along with a couple of close losses. Rochester did win its final three games last season and with plenty of experience, healed wounds and with one of its largest offensive and defensive lines in years, Rochester is primed for an improved season. The program seems to in better shape overall as Vernon and staff that have made the Falcons far more competitive than some of the other teams in the past decade-plus.
Rochester Adams
HEAD COACH: Tony Patritto, 10th season (84-22); 15th overall.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Mark MacFarland, Dick Kennedy, Dave Wilson, Jeff Springer, Tom Offer
2011 RECORD: 7-4, 4-3 OAA White Division (tied-fourth); Postseason: Def. Oxford (26-20); lost to Port Huron (27-21) in Division 2 district finals.
NICKNAME: Highlanders
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 15, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
RETURNING STARTERS: Kyle Niswonger, sr. LB-RB (6-2, 210); Ben Hart, sr. FB-KR-LB (5-10, 185); Matt Cobb, sr. DE-OT (6-2, 270); Alex Lang, sr. OT-DE (6-1, 210); Jack Twitty, sr. WR-SE (6-1, 180); Avery Taylor, sr. RB (5-9, 160); Jordan Shive, jr. WR-DB (5-10, 170; currently injured).
KEY PROSPECTS: Matt Sokol, jr QB (6-5, 215).
NOTABLES: The Highlanders have reached the postseason 15 straight seasons, the longest streak of the 25 programs in the OAA and longest of the 53 programs inside Oakland County. Can the Highlanders find a way to make it 16 straight? There are some question marks but plenty of holdover talent.
Rochester Stoney Creek
HEAD COACH: Brad Zube, first season (fourth overall).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Louis Adams, Rich Koch, Matt Topie, Dave Reyburn, Sean Cobb, Mark Swaha, Vineet Kaul, Nick Schilling, Buzz Zube, Paul LaFrance, Garfrey Smith
2011 RECORD: 1-8, 0-7 OAA Red Division (eighth); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Cougars
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2, 2006, 2007 (opened 2002-03).
OFFENSE: Spread Motion
DEFENSE: 5-2
RETURNING STARTERS: Sean Scullen, jr. RB-QB-DB (6-2, 175); Jack Stablien, sr. OL (6-3, 275); David Kerr, jr. OL (6-1, 215); Stu Gadigan, jr. OL (6-2, 225); Sam Clayman, sr.LB (6-0, 210; injured half of last season).
KEY PROSPECTS: Justin Allor, jr. QB-RB-DB (5-11, 180); Noah Beck, jr. RB (5-9, 165); Alex Schnurr, jr. WR-K (6-1, 185); Jack Van Almen, jr. LB (6-0, 185); Peter Price, jr. DE (6-2, 215); Kyle Bricknell, sr. DB (5-10, 170); Brandon Ballard, jr. DB-LB (5-9, 180); JaQuis Jamison, sr. DB (5-11, 170).
NOTABLES: After dropping its final eight games last season, the Cougars made a coaching switch and brought in Brad Zube, who coached Pontiac to a postseason berth last season. Stoney Creek has a very talented junior class that is used to winning, going 9-0 as freshmen two years ago and 7-2 on the junior varsity last season. Will this group help the Cougars add a few wins this season in a new division (OAA-Red) or will they continue to struggle? This could be one of the more intriguing teams in the entire OAA. Don’t count this team out, at least getting back to around five-hundred if other teams in the OAA-Red falter. This team is also set for the future, with as many as 18 juniors slated for starting positions this season.
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
HEAD COACH: Don Justice, ninth season at Northwest (54-60); 18th overall.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Mario Borrocci, Nate Myers, Harold Macks, Glenn Martin, Todd Strahan, Tom Meissner, David Krzewski, John Quigley
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 3-2 MIAC (tied-third).
NICKNAME: Crusaders
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 5, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010.
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Nathan Drews, sr. QB-DB-K-P (6-1, 195); Josh Morrison, sr. WR-DB-KR; (6-0, 175); Ben Agosta, sr. RB-OLB (5-10, 160); Ian Wellhousen, sr. WR-DB (6-0, 185); Matt Mischley, sr. WR-OLB (6-1, 175); Greg Maynard, sr. OT-DE (6-3, 195); Nick Raby, jr. OT-DT (6-0, 230); Josh Macks, sr. RB-LB (6-1, 210); Justin Novack, sr. WR-DB (5-9, 165); Zach Woomer, sr. WR-DE (6-2, 180); Evan Carter, sr. LB-OL (6-1, 210).
KEY PROSPECTS: Jake Klausmeier, jr. LB-OL (6-2, 215); Drake Uplinger, jr. G-DT (5-11, 210).
NOTABLES: Inexperience and injuries hurt Northwest last season, snapping its chance of a fourth straight postseason berth. With 11 players back that started at least on one side of the football and in many cases both sides, this is a very experienced team and one that could give defending MIAC champ University-Liggett fits in the conference race and make a run at the postseason. Quarterback Nathan Drews may be the best player in the MIAC and is on course to break multiple school records.
Troy
HEAD COACH: Gary Griffith, 39th season
ASSISTANT COACHES: Duane Losey, Chris Frasier, Ryan Frasier, Jim Pobursky, Keith Thomas, Don Johnson
2011 RECORD: 3-6, 3-4 OAA Red Division (fifth); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Colts
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 13, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009.
OFFENSE: Spread Option
DEFENSE: Multiple
RETURNING STARTERS: Justin Losey, sr. WR-RB-QB-DB-KR (5-8, 155; all-league in 2011); Thomas Richardson, sr. OL (6-4, 295; all-league last season; MAC and GLIAC schools showing interest); Greg Webber, sr. OL (6-2, 295; all-league last season; MAC and GLIAC schools showing interest; fourth-year starter); Brian Johnson, sr. OL (5-9, 215); Davis Strobridge, jr. LB (5-9, 220); Connor Hayden, sr. DE (6-1, 200); Danny Wunderlich, jr. P-WR-DB (6-0, 170); Joe Leonard, sr. RB-DB-KR (5-8, 160);
KEY PROSPECTS: Jay Darish, jr. QB (5-11, 170); Torrence Cherry, sr. SL-RB-KR (5-9, 160; transfer from Indiana); Terrence Cherry, sr. SL-RB-KR (5-9, 160; transfer from Indiana); Juwaun Jackson, sr. RB-DB-KR (5-9, 160; transfer from Southfield); Justice Bigelow, jr. DB; Quincy Walker, sr. DB; Eric Hagen, sr. K.
NOTABLES: With many of key players back, some positions switches and a beefy offensive and defensive lines with plenty of experience, early indications point to the Colts to having a much better season. Troy, which lost its final three games last season, has perhaps its biggest lines in the trenches in many years, should
Troy Athens
HEAD COACH: Josh Heppner, fourth season (12-16).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike DiVito, Neal Mozdzierz, Tom Cook, Steve Culp, Steve Mitzel, Bill Tokar, Nate Hughes
2011 RECORD: 7-3, 5-2 OAA Red Division (third); Postseason: Lost to Romeo (34-31) in Division 1 pre-districts.
NICKNAME: Red Hawks
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 6, 1989, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2011.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Joe Shields, sr. RB-DB (5-11, 165); Sam Haskell, sr. RB-WR-DB (5-9, 165); Lonnie Jaynes, sr. LB-RB (5-11, 215); Jalen Thomas, sr. OT-DT (6-5, 280); Grant LaBeau, sr. DT-OT (6-2, 225); Max Blank, sr. WR-DB (6-0, 160); Andrew Hazen, sr. MLB (5-11, 210); Ivan Kharcenko, sr. WR-RB-LB (6-1, 185).
KEY PROSPECTS: James Ortmann, sr. QB (6-1, 195); Lucas Bezerra, jr. TE-DE (6-4, 215; MAC schools showing interest); Thomas Lance, jr. DT-TE (6-2, 210); Craig Bazen, jr. RB-DB (6-0, 170); Jake Nelson, jr. LB (6-1, 170); Brandon Elliott, jr. K (5-11, 170); Ryan Ruckensufss, soph. DL-OL (6-2, 230).
NOTABLES: The Red Hawks snapped a seven-year streak of finishing under five-hundred and not making the playoffs last season. Perhaps injuries halted Athens from making a run in 2011. Part of the Red Hawks’ resurgence is that Heppner and his staff has vowed to stick around for a while. The other half is that Athens is simply getting better football players than in recent years. Athens should continue to be a top-half team in the OAA-Red this season and don’t be surprised if the Red Hawks are one of the 32 teams in the D-1 state tournament in late October. This team has plenty of size and team speed to compete with the big boys.
Troy Defenders
HEAD COACH: Chris Vitale, second season (9-2).
2011 RECORD: 9-2, 5-1 CFLM (tied-second).
NICKNAME: Defenders
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Maclane Essian, sr. QB-DB (5-10, 170); Montana Essian, soph. WR-TE-DB (5-11, 170); Nathan Klarr, sr. OL-DL (6-0, 200); Josh Traylor, sr. OL-DL (6-0, 200); Deonte Moore, sr. DT-OT (6-2, 280); Emmanuel Swiggins, sr. RB-LB (6-0, 200); Mike Kray, sr. C-LB (6-1, 220).
KEY PROSPECTS: Cortez Tipton, jr. OL-DL (6-3, 210).
NOTABLES: One of the charter members of the CFLM, the Defenders were the league’s most improved team in 2011, winning more games last season (9) than the combined win total from its first three seasons (8). There were 26 players and counting in the preseason training with the team, similar numbers to last season. Could this squad win the newly formed Metro Division title of the CFLM this season? This is a senior- and junior-laden team with plenty of experience with size, speed and athleticism.
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-Clarkston Everest Collegiate Unified
HEAD COACH: Mike Boyd, 47th season (352-113-1).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Lonnie Mullins, Josh Sawicki, Mike Schiano, Kyle Seldon, Mo Phase, Greg Glover, Mark Smith.
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 1-1 CHSL-Intersectional 2 Division (tied-second); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Lakers
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 22, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993;
1994, 1995, 1997, 1998; 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
OFFENSE: Multiple, I-Back
DEFENSE: 4-5, 4-5
RETURNING STARTERS: Sal Mastermatteo, soph. QB (5-8, 160); Chris Donohue, sr. OG (6-1, 205); Ryan O’Brien, sr. OG (6-1, 215); Garrett Ross, sr. WR (6-4, 210); Spencer Howell, jr. DB (5-8, 155); Richie Cross, sr. RB-SE (5-8, 165).
KEY PROSPECTS: Ross Nichols, sr. (5-10, 190); Andy Franko, sr. C (6-1, 185); Cole Dabino, sr. OT (6-0, 205); Blake Beauchamp, jr. WR-DB (6-0, 170); Jake Delasot, sr. RB (6-2, 210); Mitch Lasceski, sr. RB-DE (5-11, 185); Shawn Thomas, jr. RB (5-10, 170); Zack Beans, sr. SE (5-7, 175); Noah Burham, jr. LB (5-9, 170); Vinnie Puma, jr. WR-QB-DB (5-11, 170).
NOTABLES: The Lakers dipped below five-hundred last season for the first time since 1988. Although over half of the starters graduated, that necessarily isn’t a bad thing as last year’s group didn’t live up to expectations. There is plenty of talent in this year’s lineup. If the players can come together and gain a few more wins, then the Lakers could be back in the postseason for a 15th time in 16 seasons and 23rd time in 31 years.
(Below are the 2012 prep football team capsules for schools located in the coverage area for www.northoaklandsports.com. Team capsules are compiled by senior editor Dan Stickradt and staff. Follow us on Twitter @LocalSportsFans.)
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