Seaholm is Primed for a Bounce-Back Season
In this article:
My Alma Mater, Seaholm, has had its ups and downs through the past half-decade bouncing between the OAA Blue and White. Led by Jim DeWald, this program runs a unique Veer system that relies on hard-nose, game-controlling football. In this…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMy Alma Mater, Seaholm, has had its ups and downs through the past half-decade bouncing between the OAA Blue and White. Led by Jim DeWald, this program runs a unique Veer system that relies on hard-nose, game-controlling football. In this preview, I’ll be going over where Seaholm is as a program heading into the season, where they could be going, and how this team can maximize its potential.
Last 5 Seasons
2017: 1-8 (White)
2018: 7-3 (Blue) Round 1 L vs. Groves
2019: 9-4 (White) State Semifinal L vs. Detroit MLK
2020: 5-3 (White) Round 2 Elimination*
2021: 1-8 (White)
Players to Watch
QB Colton Kinnie Colton Kinnie 6'2" | 225 lbs | QB Seaholm | 2024 State MI
Being the subject of a ton of praise by his coaching staff in 2021, Colton Kinnie Colton Kinnie 6'2" | 225 lbs | QB Seaholm | 2024 State MI is a rising leader who seems to have had a successful offseason. Being a Veer QB, the game is immensely different and arguably more demanding than a typical “pro-style” QB. I got the sense that Kinnie picked up the offense quite well, though his main gripes were his athleticism, turnovers, and general throwing of the football. Now, I think Rochester Adams’s Parker Picot Parker Picot 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Rochester Adams | 2023 State MI embodied the perfect Veer QB last season. That was done with above-average athleticism, average to below-average throw accuracy, minimal turnovers, and a whole lot of heart. In other words, I don’t think Kinnie is as far away from being an elite Veer QB as last year’s 1-8 record may indicate, but all in all, this season will tell his story.
DE John Jokisch John Jokisch 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL Seaholm | 2023 State MI
During many of Seaholm’s seasons, the face of the team has been a Defensive standout. With Jokisch’s current skill and my hopes that he’s refined his craft this offseason, he could be that game-changer every team wants. I would describe John’s overall game as good-great in most areas but not yet elite in any category. He could be set up for an exceptional season with better burst, IQ, and speed moves.
ATH Kyle Robbins Kyle Robbins 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Seaholm | 2024 State MI
Robbins flashed greatness on both sides of the ball last season, and if he builds off 2021, he could be a breakout star. At 6’2 185lbs, Robbins was a 2-way player at SB/WR and S/DB. If you know the Veer, you’ll know that those SBs can be lethal for the offense. Out of anyone on the team, Robbins seemed to make more guys miss with his athleticism, a great compliment to the power of the Kinnies. On the defensive end, Robbins had a standout game against North Farmington that straight-up decided that game. Robbins on the field performance elevates the entire team.
Other Players: Sean Emerson Sean Emerson 5'8" | 180 lbs | ATH Seaholm | 2024 State MI , Granden Kinnie Granden Kinnie 6'1" | 220 lbs | RB Seaholm | 2024 State MI , Brenden Barrett
Notes
It’s fascinating to see the near-perfect up-and-down wave Seaholm has experienced over the past five seasons. Though looking through DeWald’s tenure, Seaholm does seem to be a consistently up-and-down team. With the Maples elite 2024 class, it appears that Seaholm will be an improved team this coming season, then hit a peak in 2023 before regressing again. But, a few roadblocks seem to get into Seaholm’s way consistently.
Hurdles to Jump
Groves
First, let’s talk about Groves. The crosstown Riva,l Groves, is an extremely interesting team that Seaholm faces once per year, though they’ve been consistently paired with the Falcons in the postseason. The rivalry is so intense that the annual game has a resounding effect on the confidence of both teams. It’s hard to tell how good Groves will be for many reasons, but all-in-all, Seaholm needs to defeat their rival.
Team Cohesion
This is a common theme that came up during all 8 State Championship press conferences last season. Every coach, both on the winning and losing side, regardless of the Division or perceived college talent, praised their team’s leadership and overall cohesion. Though for a Veer team, and with me having attended Seaholm, I know this is especially important. Truly, it starts with the leaders. During my Freshman season at Seaholm, there was a great Senior leader that made the team better. During my sophomore season, arguably the best upper-classman on the Varsity team was a legitimate bully. My point is that leadership is vital, and the Veer offense doesn’t work without supreme communication and trust. I expect Seaholm to be good this year and great in 2023, but everybody needs to play their part if this team has any shot at another dark horse run.
Important Matchups
Bloomfield Hills (Week 1)
It will be imperative for Seaholm to begin the season with a W, and they’ll be going against a formidable opponent with Bloomfield Hills. The Black Hawks went 9-1 last season, winning the OAA Blue.
Troy (Week 6)
This is expected to be a pivotal interleague matchup. Troy, a Division 1 school, seems to be steadily improving. They have a primer talent with Darius Whiteside Darius Whiteside 6'1" | 151 lbs | DB Troy | 2023 State MI II, along with a few promising young stars. This game should play a role in playoff seeding for both teams.
North Farmington (Week 5)
There’s been a great back-and-forth with Seaholm and North Farmington lately, as these teams have played multiple pivotal games against one another. Last season, The Maples shockingly defeated the Raiders 41-34.
Groves (Week 9)
The rivalry has always been intense, but after facing the Falcons multiple times in the playoffs over the past five seasons and the recruitment scandal that plagued Groves in 2020, this rivalry is as fierce as ever. If the Maples can take control of this rivalry, they’ll gain massive respect from the Birmingham community and earn more consistent playoff bids.