FOOTBALL: OAKLAND ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION WHITE DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES 2013
OAKLAND ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION WHITE DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES 2013
Team Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or follow on twitter @LocalSportsFans
School: Bloomfield Hills
Nickname: Blackhawks
Coach: Dan Loria, 13th season (12 at BH Lahser).
Assistant Coaches: Andy Patterson, Jack Patterson, Bobby Patterson, Lomas Brown, Joe Alfano, Dave Welcome, Ali Haji Sheikh, Dan Whitmier, Frank Laurnec, Sean Walker, Tony Midea, Matt MacLeod, Nick Riggs, Sean Gavin, Jim McClory, Jerry Meter
2012 Record: BH Lasher was 6-4, 6-2 in OAA Blue Division (third); BH Andover was 0-4 before cancelling program.
Playoffs Run: BH Lahser lost to Auburn Hills Avondale in D-3 pre-district (21-19).
Postseason Appearances: This is the first season since Lahser and Andover merged; Before Merger: BH Andover: 6, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004; BH Lahser: 11, 1982, 1990, 1992, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012.
Offense: Wide Open Offense, 2-Back to No-Back.
Defense: 4-3
Players Lost: Nate Emery, jr. RB-DB (5-11, 175) (transferred to Utica Eisenhower).
Riley Manz, Zach Tornow, Andrew Gikas.
Key Players returning: Spencer McCourt, sr. QB (6-0, 170); Khalil Gracey, sr. WR (6-4, 180); Marty Heppler, jr. C (6-1, 260); Xavier Reynolds, sr. WR (6-0, 160); Kyle Przbylski, jr. LB (6-0, 175); Matt Almany, sr. FS (5-11, 160); Morgan Cecillo, sr. CB (6-0, 180).
Key Newcomers: Mike Pickens, sr. RB (5-11, 175); Bryan Gutowsky, jr. OT (6-2, 220).
Notes: This is the first season since the merger of Lahser and Andover, the ladder which finished 0-4 last year before cancelling the program due to low numbers. Lahser reached the postseason in 2012, losing to Auburn Hills Avondale in a D-3 opener. Although this team will boast talent, it moves into the OAA-White from the OAA-Blue and must compete in one of the state’s premier leagues.
School: Farmington
Nickname: Falcons
Coach: John Bechtel, 15th season (81-69).
Assistant Coaches: Tom Burk, Rod Risner, Jerran Etherly, Mario Evans, Dustyn Truitt, Paul Peters.
2012 Record: 6-4, 5-2 OAA White Division (tied-third).
Playoffs Run: Lost to Walled Lake Western in D-2 pre-district (31-28).
Postseason Appearances: 8, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 4-4
Players Lost: Ryan Caprathe, Connor Mohr (Michigan State), Isaiah Gourdine (Bowling Green), Jordan Degreffenreed (Saginaw Valley State), Keenan White, Keenan White, John Perry, Antonio Dokic, Troy Mitchell, Ken Hammond.
Key Players Returning: Curtis Brunson, sr. WR-DB (5-10, 175); Josh Craven, sr. SL-LB (6-2, 190); David Reese, soph. OG (6-0, 235); Justin Banks, jr. OT-DT (6-5, 260); Kyle Collins, jr. QB (6-0, 185); Hu Lee, sr. DL; Xavier Baxter, sr. DL; Courteous Preston, jr.
Key Newcomers: Dues Vivus-Eldorin, sr. RB (5-9, 175); Omari Mitchell, jr. SL (6-0, 175); Dez Fitzpatrick, soph. WR (6-0, 175); David Nelson, jr. K-P (6-2, 200).
Notes: The Falcons are coming off their fifth straight postseason berth and sixth in seven years. If Farmington is to keep this tend going, the Falcons are going to need for new replacements in the starting lineup to develop in a hurry. There’s rest for the weary in the OAA-White, which might be the state’s deepest league in 2013.
School: Farmington Harrison
Nickname: Hawks
Coach: John Herrington, 43rd season (391-92-1).
Assistant Coaches: Dave Thorne, Mike Ciceri, Eric Johnson, Ron Rice, Mill Coleman.
2012 Record: 6-4, 4-3 OAA White Division (third).
Playoffs Run: Lost to Fenton in D-2 pre-district (22-19).
Postseason Appearances: 29, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998; 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 30-40 Front Combo
Players Lost: Jake Slobin, Darius Coleman, Ed Huckelby, Noah Downs, Doran Fields.
Key Players Returning: Lorenzo Collins, sr. RB-DB; Dorian Williams, sr. OL-DL; Devon Cook, sr. TE-LB; Iwarri Smith, sr. LB; Donavan Peterson, sr. DL; Jourdan Austin, sr. DL; Peyton Peterson, sr. DB; Jevon Shaw, sr. QB.
Notes: Harrison is one of the most successful programs in the state since the adoption of the postseason in 1975, making the playoffs an amazing 29 times with 13 state titles. Although the Hawks will still be good and fight for a postseason berth once again, they are not the favorite in a loaded OAA-White.
School: Oak Park
Nickname: Knights
Coach: Greg Carter, third season (36th season coaching in Michigan).
Assistant Coaches: William McMichael, Adam Carter, Robert Leak, Anthony DeGrayia.
2012 Record: 9-3, 6-1 OAA White Division (first).
Playoffs Run: Def. Detroit Cody (35-20); def. Southfield (19-12); lost to Wyandotte Roosevelt in D-2 regional finals (10-6).
Postseason Appearances: 5, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2012.
Offense: Spread, I-Formation
Defense: 4-2 or 4-3.
Players Lost: Bryan Williams, Malik Washington, Michael Clendlan, Harrison Shelby, Jalen Williams, Storm Hudson.
Key Players Returning: John Kelly, jr. FS-RB (5-10, 180); Drewe Jackson, sr. WR/SE (6-2, 190); Shahhied Bellamy jr. OT-DT (6-3, 255); Ricardo Smith, jr. OL/DL (6-2, 255); Jameer Butts, jr. C (6-0, 230); Derrick Harris, jr. LB (6-0, 190).
Key Newcomers: Anthony Jackson, sr. DT-C (6-3, 270) Chance Savage, sr. RB-WR (5-9, 175); Jordan Leonard, sr. QB (6-1, 175); Chauncey Lowman, soph. QB-DB (6-0, 170).
Coach’s comment: “I felt we made long strides last season, winning the league, which I feel is one of the state’s toughest, and we made a nice run in the postseason. I think if we can get production from our returning players and one of our quarterbacks steps up, then we’ll be competitive. This is my third season here and these guys understand our system and what is expected of them.”
School: Oxford
Nickname: Wildcats
Coach: Bud Rowley, 33rd season (39th overall; 235-114-1).
Assistant Coaches: Dave Brown, Derek Osborne, Billy Keenist, Kyle Rowley
2012 Record: 7-4, 5-2 OAA White Division (third).
Playoffs Run: Def. Birmingham Seaholm (42-8); lost to Birmingham Brother Rice in D-2 district finals (38-6).
Postseason Appearances: 18, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012.
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 4-4
Players Lost: Nate Brubaker, Liam Logan, Kyle Anderson, Logan Money, Piper Thaler, Andrew Davis, Zach Hadron, Marty Giannola, Vinnie Griffith, Brennen Orr, Matt Strzelecki, Jeremy White.
Key Players Returning: Glacier Wallington, jr. QB-DB (5-10, 180); Scott Stubenrausch, jr. DB; Kyle Reason, sr. RB-OLB (5-10, 175); Joseph Regan, sr. RB-OLB (5-10, 180); Richard Martin, sr. OL-DL (6-3, 230); Braxton Sparks, sr. OL-DL (6-1, 220); Cody Roop, sr. OL-DL (6-1, 250); John Parker, soph. RB-DB (5-10, 170); Benjamin Line, sr. FB-LB (6-2, 215); Mitch Tilley, sr. WR-SE (5-9, 165); Wesley Maskill, sr. OL-DL.
Key Newcomers: Dallas Pruitt, jr. WR; Owen Bachusz, jr. TE-LB; Chris Lavender, jr. LB; John Patrick, soph. LB-RB; Brenden Lewis, soph. DB; Luke Champion, jr. SE; Richard Martin, sr. OT; Anthony Moore, jr. SE; Jamal Pettiford, sr. RB-LB; Jalil Pettiford, jr. RB-OL; Seth Ratkowiak, soph. OL-DL; Anson Rowley, soph. RB-DB; Thomas Toteff, soph. TE-LB.
Coach’s comment: “Our guys will play tough. We are not very big, then we rarely are. We have a three-year starter at quarterback and some nice speed. There’s going to be some great football in the OAA white this season. There will be no nights off. There’s a lot of great teams.”
School: Rochester Adams
Nickname: Highlanders
Coach: Tony Patritto, 11th season.
Assistant Coaches: Mark MacFarland, Dick Kennedy, Tom Offer, Matt Call, Trevor Potts, Jeff Springer, Dave Wilson.
2012 Record: 4-5, 3-4 OAA White Division (fifth).
Postseason Appearances: 15, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-4
Players Lost: Kyle Niswonger, Ben Hart, Matt Cobb, Alex Lang, Jack Twitty, Avery Taylor.
Key Players Returning: Jordan Shive, sr. SL-DB (5-11, 185) (injured last season; All-State track runner); Matt Sokol, sr. QB-TE-LB (6-5, 235); Clarence Broadnax, jr. RB (5-11, 185); Paul Moceri, jr. OL (6-3, 185); Lance Dunbar, jr. OL (6-0, 200); Mark Sokol, jr. OG-DL (6-1, 205); Derek Willis, sr. DL-OL (5-9, 160); Andrew Lamkin, jr. DB-WR (6-4, 185); Parker Monahan, sr. SL-DB (5-9, 160).
Key Newcomers: Joey Prechiel, soph. QB-DB (6-2, 175); Kyle Wood, fr. QB-DB (5-10, 180).
Coach’s comment: After 15 straight seasons in the postseason, Adams failed to make the cut last season. “That was rough. I think the boys are really motivated this season. Last year we just didn’t play Adams football. We made too many mistakes in every game. And when you play the OAA-White schedule, you can’t afford to that. You make mistakes, and you don’t win football games against those types of teams.”
School: Southfield
Nickname: Bluejays
Coach: Tim Conley, ninth season (54-32).
Assistant Coaches: Russell Johnson, Marlon Friendly, James Cook, Milton Jones, Jr., Paul Windham, Kellen Reeves, Robert McClebba, Justin Williams, Daniel Deegan.
2012 Record: 7-4, 4-3 OAA White Division (fourth).
Playoffs Run: Def. Detroit King (22-19); lost to Oak Park in D-2 district finals (19-12).
Postseason Appearances: 10, 1979, 1985, 1990, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012.
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-3
Players Lost: Brandon Bean, Jeff Madison, Willie Duncan, Darius Danz.
Key Players Returning: Jordan Cry, sr. LB (6-1, 215); Lawrence Marshall, sr. DE (6-4, 245)(Committed to Michigan); Lion King- Conoway, sr. DE (6-5, 225); Chris Williams, sr. DT (6-3, 255); Jalen Brady, sr. QB (6-0, 185) (Committed to Bowling Green); Chukes Okorafor, sr. OT (6-5, 290) (Committed to Western Michigan); Jordan Billingslea, sr. SL (5-9, 170) (Committed to Western Michigan); Chris Williams, sr. OT-DL (6-0, 220); Devonte Alfred, sr. SE (6-5, 190); Jacob Studdard, sr. SL-DB (5-10, 180); Londale Sanders, sr. C (6-1, 220); Travis Debose, sr. OG (6-1, 270) Carterris Carter, sr. TE-FB-LB (6-1, 190); Walter Love, sr. DB (6-0, 180); Joe Clark, sr. SS (5-11, 170).
Key Newcomers: Malik McDowell, sr. DL (6-7, 300); (transfer from Detroit Loyola; state’s No. 1 prospect); Ray Buford, jr. SL/SE (6-0, 180); Raquan Carter, sr. SL (5-9, 165); Jeremy Gates, jr. RB (5-10, 180); Aiden Carter, jr. RB (5-9, 180); Aaron Turner, jr. OL (6-2, 280); Calvin Graves, jr. OL (6-4, 305); Dairus McCullough, sr. OL (6-4, 320); Dior Johnson, jr. SE (6-2, 195).
Coach’s Comment: “This could be one of our best seasons. We have a lot of talent back and a lot of guys being recruited. Plus we have one of the state’s top players that moved into Southfield. We hope to put it together and win our league and make a run in the postseason.”
School: Southfield Lathrup
Nickname: Chargers
Coach: Keith Stephens, first season.
Assistant Coaches: Chris George, Jason Solomon, Rodney Jackson, Dwayne Carter, Nick Martin, Eric Phemster, Roland Porter, Donavon Turner, Kevin Freeman.
2012 Record: 1-8, 0-7 OAA White Division (eighth).
Postseason Appearances: 4, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007.
Offense: Jet
Defense: 43-44
Players Lost: Antwan Herbert, Andre Adams, Alan Clark, Martell Moncrieff, Karlos Williams, Nick Timmins, Darryl Scofield.
Key Players Returning: Adrian Church, sr. WB-SE (6-0, 185); Jared Singletery, sr. WR-DB-KR (5-11, 170); Jalil Holmor, sr. WR-WB-KR (6-1, 175); Julian McGee, sr. OL-DL(6-4, 340); Tremario Bivens, sr. OL-DL (6-0, 330); Wesley Butler, sr. OL-DL (6-2, 315); Marcell Bonds, sr. WR-SE (5-11, 160).
Key Newcomers: Raymond Burton, sr. LB-FB (5-11, 225); Ivory Ford, sr. LB (6-0, 190); Andre Hall, sr. DL-OL (5-9, 235); Eyioma Uwozurike, soph. DL-TE (6-5, 230); Kevin Daniel, sr. DB (6-1, 200); Kammani Peeples, sr. OL-DL (6-1, 230).
Notes: For the first time in 15 seasons, the Chargers are under the direction of a new coach. Lathrup will have its challenges, trying to climb from the bottom of the OAA-White, which is one of the state’s deepest leagues this season. This season will be a wait-and-see approach. The players have to learn a new system and collide with several potential state-ranked teams.
Team Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or follow on twitter @LocalSportsFans.
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