Team Preview: Auburn Hills Avondale

<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Overview</strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Yellowjackets, led by 3rd-year head coach Corey Bell, are coming off a 3-3 regular-season record last season averaging 28PPG and 17.5PAPG before being knocked out of the playoffs by Groves. With their 3 losses, they all occurred in the first half of the season with two of them being decided by one possession. Looking ahead to 2021, Avondale’s opponents post a 33% win percentage. With lots of returning talent plus a winnable schedule, I expect the Yellowjackets to be at the top of the OAA Blue. </span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>2021 Schedule/Games to watch</strong> </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">August 26 @ Troy </span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The rivalry is back with some star-power on both sides. I’m thoroughly looking forward to watching Avondale’s OL Deshawn Robinson face off against Troy’s DL Duo of Xavier Newell &amp; Jose Manzanares. On the other side of the ball, It’s going to be interesting to see how Troy’s [player_tooltip player_id="30347" first="Darius" last="Whiteside"] II is utilized against a great Avondale secondary. I’ll have a close eye on this rivalry matchup as both teams are set to improve from last season. </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">September 2 @ Holly</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">September vs Pontiac </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">September 17 vs Bloomfield Hills </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">September 24 @ Ferndale </span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Avondale had their hearts ripped out following their OT loss to Ferndale last season. Watch for the Yellowjackets to come back with a vengeance in this key away league matchup. It will be intriguing to see how the Avondale defense responds to Ferndale’s ground-and-pound style, and how Ferndale will respond to Avondale’s air raid. </span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">October 1 @ Berkley </span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Berkley is coming off of an impressive 2020 season going 5-2 in the regular season with a nice playoff win over Royal Oak. This mid-season matchup may decide the OAA Blue. The high-powered Avondale offense vs impressive Berkley defense should be a great one to watch. </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">October 8 @ Royal Oak</span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">October 15 vs Farmington </span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">October 22 vs Athens </span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Players to watch </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="93689" first="Jake" last="Herzog"], QB/FS - One of the most overlooked quarterbacks in all of southeast Michigan, Herzog is ready to light it up this season. With great quarterback coaching, weapons, and experience, I’m confident that Herzog is going to post great numbers behind a great scheme. A no-brainer for all-league, and a solid DII prospect. </span> <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12982566/Deshawn-Robinson" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Deshawn Robinson</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, OT/DT - Deshawn is a certified beast. Earning all-league and all-region honors as a sophomore, the sky is truly the limit. Last year was pancake and TFL city, and knowing how much work this young man has put in this offseason it’s scary to think of just how much better he’s gotten. Deshawn is another criminally underrated athlete. </span> <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11127185/Gavin-Betts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gavin Betts</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, SB/SS - An absolute disruptor on Defense and an asset on offense, Betts looks to lead the Yellowjackets with his football IQ and effort. Betts shows great blitz ability, able to power past blockers, and make great fundamental tackles. In addition, Betts is a great route runner &amp; runs downhill with power on offense. Look for a great season from Betts. </span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>X-Factor: Passing Game </strong></span> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Although I am very confident in Avondale’s ability to throw the football, I’m hoping they can be excellent rather than just good or great. The offensive line is there. The weapons are there. Of course, the Quarterback is there. The pieces are in place for a phenomenal season but the question is just how good will they be? If Avondale can limit turnovers and drops, they’re going to be one tough team to beat this coming season. </span>