Potential OAA Bounce Back Programs
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The OAA is one of the premier conferences in the state, being in the heart of Metro Detroit. In 2022, the OAA has expanded, creating a new league and the addition of the Harper Woods program. With the leagues being…
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Continue ReadingThe OAA is one of the premier conferences in the state, being in the heart of Metro Detroit. In 2022, the OAA has expanded, creating a new league and the addition of the Harper Woods program. With the leagues being switched up and many teams with impressive young cores, with some having massive graduating classes, I expect all leagues to be ultra-competitive. Now, let’s look at which programs I think could bounce back in 2022.
Gold – Auburn Hills Avondale
Starting with the Gold, I feel that Avondale has the 2nd best odds to win the league, with Berkley having the slight edge. Looking up and down the league, Berkley and Avondale are good teams, while Ferndale, Pontiac, and Royal Oak look to be in a bad spot.
Avondale has good talent with a now experienced head coach in Corey Bell, with a few new faces on staff, including former Oxford O-Line coach Daniel Strzelecki. Headlining their talent is all-region lineman Deshawn Robinson, alongside many young standouts who will get a chance to shine. I fully expect the Avondale vs. Berkley game to be the one that decides the league, and I can’t wait to see what this team can accomplish this year.
Blue – Birmingham Seaholm
Over the years, Seaholm has been an unpredictable program. The Maples seem to have a few down years, followed by one or two great years, with a sharp decline in the following years. Seaholm has been on the decline ever since their incredible semifinal run back in 2019, but after a 1-win 2021, the Maples have a great young core that I expect to win string some wins together.
This team is headlined by the Kinnie Brothers, Granden Kinnie Granden Kinnie 6'1" | 220 lbs | RB Seaholm | 2024 State MI , and Colton Kinnie Colton Kinnie 6'2" | 225 lbs | QB Seaholm | 2024 State MI . These two have been subject to praise from Head Coach Jim DeWald for having high work ethics, leadership skills, and character. I’m interested in seeing how these two have progressed this offseason. In addition, Seaholm’s Kyle Robbins Kyle Robbins 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Seaholm | 2024 State MI is an outstanding athlete who had some fantastic games last season, while John Jokisch John Jokisch 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Seaholm | 2023 State MI is a high-ceiling defensive end.
White – Southfield A&T
The Warriors went a lackluster 2-6 last season, facing many top-tier programs. Heading into 2022, Southfield retains one of the best Quarterbacks in the state, and overall they’re a very talented program.
As I said, Isaiah Marshall Isaiah Marshall 6'0" | 210 lbs | QB Southfield A&T | 2024 State MI is one of the best QB’s in the state as a dual-threat, similar to NFL prospect Malik Willis. Other great Warriors include Athlete Tashi Braceful Tashi Braceful 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Southfield A&T | 2024 State MI , LB Jerome Baker, and lineman Chimdindu Obi. If this team’s talent can come together as a selfless, trusting team, they can win the White and go far in the postseason.
Red – West Bloomfield
The OAA Red is going to be a very interesting league. Rochester Adams is coming off an incredible state championship run, while former Clarkston head coach Kirk Richardson hangs up the whistle after 35 years. On top of all that, I see Oxford likely having a down year, while Lake Orion and Stoney Creek still need to prove they belong with the big boys. This leaves West Bloomfield, one of the most successful programs in recent memory.
West Bloomfield is is a team that reloads and never rebuilds. I would argue that last season was a “down year” for the Lakers, having missed the semifinals. Semaj j. Morgan is an incredible receiver, while Reqez Nance Reqez Nance 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB West Bloomfield | 2024 State MI is a young QB with a year of varsity and offseason completion under his belt. The offense is going to be amazing. As for the defense, Brandon Davis-Swain Brandon Davis-Swain 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL West Bloomfield | 2024 State MI may be the best defensive lineman in the state, and there will surely be other standouts we’ll hear of soon. I fully expect West Bloomfield to be a state championship contender this season.