Metro Detroit Programs Outperforming Expectations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're four weeks into the regular season, and that means we're starting to get a clear picture of which teams are legit. In most cases, the teams who are supposed to win have won, and the teams who are supposed to struggle have struggled. In other cases, there were teams that were expected to be good, but they've ended up being great. These four programs fit that category. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the four Metro Detroit teams I think have exceeded expectations more than anyone else! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rochester Adams (4-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W1: 22-21 vs. Romeo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W2: 28-0 vs. Rochester</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W3: 21-14 vs. West Bloomfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W4: 28-10 vs. Clarkston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've said it time and again- the OAA Red is the most competitive and most difficult league in Michigan. Right now, I'd give all five OAA Red programs a shot to make the State Championship game. The Red is undoubtedly stronger than it was last season, and Adams has emerged as the strongest team through four weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The past two weeks have been especially impressive. Beginning league play, Adams defeated 2023's second —and third-place programs. With Lake Orion, 2023's first-place team, losing their first OAA Red matchup, Adams is the current favorite to win the Red after placing 4th in the league last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving forward, Adams has two more critical games ahead against Lake Orion and Oxford, who both have been impressive in their own right. With wins against both, they'll clinch the OAA Red title and they'll be in a prime position to achieve an undefeated regular season. Now, let's quickly discuss a few players who've been moving the needle for Adams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 ATH/QB/LB | [player_tooltip player_id='566987' first='Ryland' last='Watters']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As tough as they come</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Exceptionally well-conditioned; key two-way player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-hitting defender</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Smart in all situations</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 RB | Matteo Humbert</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-nosed runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great motor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can make defenders miss or go through defenders</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 S | [player_tooltip player_id='1620750' first='Tommy' last='Offer']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-hitting safety</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent in run support</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extremely reactive to short passes</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Several great pass coverage highlights</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 OL/DL | [player_tooltip player_id='1113055' first='Rowan' last='Kawa']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ideal Veer offensive lineman</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great anchor on defense; does his job </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Overall a strong, well-conditioned two-way lineman</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Birmingham Seaholm (4-0) </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W1: 41-0 vs. Troy Athens</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W2: 21-7 vs. Avondale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W3: 37-0 vs. Bloomfield Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W4: 28-18 vs. Oak Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm a 2019 Seaholm Graduate. I grew up around Seaholm Football and was even part of the program during my first two years of high school. Seeing what Seaholm Football has accomplished since my graduation, I can confidently say that the standard has changed. No season exemplifies this more than this season. I honestly expected Seaholm to finish near the middle-bottom of the OAA Blue standings, but they're actually making a case to be promoted to the White. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maples are an incredibly young and inexperienced group. They start brand-new players at just about every position, including Quarterback and RB/SB. The last time Seaholm had such an inexperienced group (2021), they went 1-8. While facing many of the same teams as they did during that 1-8 season, Seaholm has begun the 2024 season 4-0 with an OAA Blue title very much in their sights. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The schedule only gets tougher from here on out. This week against Farmington may decide the league, and the Maples will still be heavy underdogs against West Bloomfield and Groves. We'll see how the Maples finish the season. In any case, I'd like to quote Jim Harbaugh and say "The worm has turned!" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 QB | [player_tooltip player_id='1298714' first='Patrick' last='Hughes']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has (mostly) taken great care of the football</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Slippery runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Very well-conditioned</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can complete passes when called upon</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 RB/S | [player_tooltip player_id='1529753' first='Penn' last='Roberts'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-nosed runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Earns those tough extra yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When you need a big play, turn to Penn</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fearless defender</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 SB/S | [player_tooltip player_id='1298735' first='Will' last='Forberg'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excellent athletic foundation</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sophomore performing very well on Varsity</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has the potential to be one of the best players in the OAA </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Howell (4-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W1: 20-17 vs. Hudsonville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W2: 49-14 vs. Canton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W3: 34-13 vs. Salem</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W4: 48-17 vs. Plymouth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for Howell! So far this season, Howell has crushed the competition, outscoring their opponents 151-61. Granted, their past three opponents have a combined 2-12 record. However, Week 1's win over Hudsonville has proven extremely impressive, considering Hudsonville's wins against Rockford and East Lansing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week's matchup against Northville could be highly telling of how good Howell is. I'm expecting a defensive battle, and I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome. Now, here are a few of the game-changing players who'll be key in keeping Howell's win streak rolling throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notable Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 S | Tyler Mira</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard-hitting safety</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reacts extremely quickly to short pass</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good in run support</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 DT | [player_tooltip player_id='601979' first='Shawn' last='Turpin Jr']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Physical at line of scrimmage </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can win with speed or power</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consistently good getoff</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can beat you in different ways</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 DL | [player_tooltip player_id='247645' first='Bobby' last='Kanka']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The #1 defensive lineman in Michigan</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ideal size</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explosive, strong, agile, dominant.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Novi (3-1) </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W1: 27-3 L vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W2: 20-7 W vs. Hartland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W3: 36-19 W vs. Canton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>W4: 34-31 W vs. Brighton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through four weeks, Novi has only one loss, and they've faced a difficult schedule. The most impressive aspect of Novi is that they're 3-0 against KLAA opponents and 2-1 when they're an underdog. Last week's win against Brighton has especially put Novi on the map. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Novi is also looking like a sure-fire playoff team. Their next two matchups are against Salem and Plymouth- two games that Novi should win big on paper. They'll finish the season against Howell and Northville, which will be phenomenal tests before postseason play. Now, here are my thoughts on a few Novi players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 WR | [player_tooltip player_id='1298608' first='Christian' last='Gillings'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Incredibly promising young receiver</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Polished route runner</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extremely athletic</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Also plays DB</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 K | David Galligan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the best special teams players in the KLAA</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Touchback machine</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can nail big kicks</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Can pin opposition back deep in their own territory</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'25 LB | [player_tooltip player_id='1354232' first='Cooper' last='Osborne']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key role player</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good run stopper</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key special teamer</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Important piece of this well-rounded Novi team</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->