OAA Red Preview + Prospect Rundown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another year of the OAA Red being the most competitive league in Michigan. Not the MAC Red, not the OK Red, not even the Catholic League. Nope- the OAA Red is easily the most balanced and competitive league in Michigan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, we had a ton of parity. We technically had three teams tie for second place, with the whole league beating up on one another. Here's a quick rundown of every team in the OAA Red, and a quick prediction of the final standings for this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Standin</strong>gs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">(Team | Record | League Record | Point Differencial) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 - Oxford | (7-4) | (3-1) | +51</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T2 - Clarkston | (7-4) | (2-2) | +115</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T2 - Lake Orion | (6-4) | (2-2) | +70</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T2 - Rochester Adams | (10-3) | (2-2) | +147</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5 - West Bloomfield | (5-6) | (1-3) | +70</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oxford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winning the OAA Red and knocking Davison out of the postseason were monumental accomplishments for the Wildcats. After a few down years, it was awesome to see Oxford back at the top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team is going through some changes. Celebrated Head Coach Zach Line has accepted a Special Teams Quality Control position with the Denver Broncos. As a result, long-time assistant Trevor Potts has been promoted to head coach. In addition, Oxford is going to be without some talent. Class of 2025 RB Luke Johnson is the most significant departure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wouldn't blame anyone for predicting a worse season for Oxford based on the coaching news alone. I beleive Oxford will still easily make the postseason, and they absolutely have the talent to make a run. Although I am tempering my expectations slightly, as I would with any team that has a change in Head Coach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 QB | [player_tooltip player_id='1148730' first='Jack' last='Hendrix']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A ton of clutch moments in 2024</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Underrated IQ. Jack reads defenses well and takes care of the football</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tough player; unphased agianst physical OAA Red defenses</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In a tight game, there's few QBs I'd trust more than [player_tooltip player_id='1148730' first='Jack' last='Hendrix']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 DL/ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1529548' first='Brady' last='Pruetz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Extreme versatility on defensive side of the ball</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Undersized for DT, but makes up for it with great speed, exceptional anchor</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Smart player who understands opposing schemes</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Great change of direction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>High-motor player. Play speed at 100%</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1148739' first='AJ' last='Krupa']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An all-around linebacker. Can play on-ball, off-ball, can blitz, stop run, drop back into coverage, etc. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good upside at receiver. Expecting AJ to be a bigger part of Oxford's offense this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excels in setting the edge and forcing plays inside</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 OL | [player_tooltip player_id='1524595' first='Liam' last='Samborski']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will be the anchor of Oxford's O-Line</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has the size to one day play Division 1 college football</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Major improvements to pass blocking this offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Should be able to block any and all defensive linemen in the OAA Red</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clarkston</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most consistently good teams in Michigan. In the past 20 years, Clarkston has had ONE below .500 season. Anyone who is tapped into Michigan High School Football knows Clarkston as an elite program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Clarkston dominated most games. Even beating the brakes off of great teams like Utica Eisenhower. Their four losses were against Belleville, Lake Orion, and Rochester Adams (x2). The Wolves fell to Lake Orion and Belleville by a combined 10 points, while Adams proved to be their Kryptonite, losing two games against them by a combined 59 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect Clarkston to be even better this season. They return a lot of talent. Better yet, the talent they return has significantly improved over this offseason. Just like any other year, The Wolves should be in the State Championship conversation until the very end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 QB/ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1317918' first='Alex' last='Waszczenko']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>I'm expecting Alex to go from the OAA Red's worst QB in 2024 to the best QB in 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has matured, cleaned up mechanics, gained muscle, got faster, gained confidence </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alex gives Clarkston a chance against anyone in Michigan</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 WR/DB | [player_tooltip player_id='1337884' first='Wendell' last='Childs Jr']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Game-changing type of receiver</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Speed in space threat</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Major bright spots against tougher opponents</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Expecting a jump in production this season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 OL | [player_tooltip player_id='566988' first='Zack' last='Radlick']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Important senior leader on the offensive line</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has improved tremendously since the end of last season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As polished as they come </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Would be a BIG 10 prospect if he was taller</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Orion</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an undefeated 2023 regular season, Lake Orion came out of 2024 with a respectable 6-4 record. Bright spots included wins against Clarkston and Rochester Adams, while low points included losses against a loss against Saline (W9) and a 1st-round exit by the hand of Clarkston. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the preseason of 2025, Lake Orion is undoubtedly looking to prove that 2023 was no fluke. Yes, there is some talent lost in the Class of 2025, but also a ton of talent retained and a ton of talent that should show major improvement. I firmly expect Lake Orion to easily make the postseason, but time will tell if Lake Orion can finally rise to the occasion and make a run in the playoff gauntlet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 TE/DE | [player_tooltip player_id='1613771' first='Ryan' last='Rocheleau']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the best TEs in Michigan</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Major mismatch. Very few LBs have a chance against Ryan in coverage</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has made improvements this offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Flashes good RAC and contact balance</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A good defender; looking for more consistency </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 LB | [player_tooltip player_id='1613682' first='Alex' last='Hensley']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Plays like his hair is on fire</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excels in blitzing; does not miss the QB when given a free lane</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hard hitter who does not allow any extra yards</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A great senior leader for this defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 QB | [player_tooltip player_id='1589490' first='Anderson' last='Adams']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>QB1?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Skyrocketed his stock this offseason</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Found time to train a (lot) of football during baseball season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has chance to be the best QB in the OAA Red this season or next season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rochester Adams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Adams finished with a league-best point differential (+147), they weren't close to winning the OAA Red. A little bit of luck and injuries played part in Adams falling short of their potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, I expect Adams to be an incredibly good team. The ground-and-pound clock-chewing offense has rarely worked so well. Their defense is swarming. Plus, this team tends to overperform in the postseason. It still shocks me that Adams fought their way to the Semifinals last season. This year, I expect them to be even better. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 QB | [player_tooltip player_id='566987' first='Ryland' last='Watters']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A preseason Mr. Football canidate </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Excels at earning tough yards after contact</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A phenomenal leader</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The best passer I've ever seen on a team that runs the ball 98% of the time</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has the stamina to wear down a defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Experienced in high-pressure situations</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1529567' first='Cameron' last='Dawood']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Elite speed</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Exceptional compliment to Adams' offense. Fits flawlessly</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defenses always need to respect Dawood's ability outside the tackles, in addition to Adams' elite inside run game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the most important prosepcts on both sides of the ball</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 ATH | [player_tooltip player_id='1529565' first='Nolan' last='Farris']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stepped up big-time last season and deserves a ton of credit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Proved self against big-time competition</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Should be a major piece on both sides of the ball</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Bloomfield</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you just glance at West Bloomfield's record, you may assume they were a below-average team. In high school football, a team's record only tells a small fraction of the story. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, against OAA Red opponents, West Bloomfield proved to be a step behind. Against non-OAA Red programs, the Lakers did pretty dang well. In the playoffs, they beat the brakes off of Novi before losing against Detroit Catholic Central; who I think was the 2nd best team in Michigan. Other wins included a 34-3 beatdown of Seaholm and a thrilling 49-41 victory against Lake Orion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just like last year, West Bloomfield has the talent to beat anyone in this league. The difference maker is going to be their performance in big moments. In the biggest situations, West Bloomfield couldn't get it done. That's got to change if they want to make a run in the postseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'26 DL | [player_tooltip player_id='1148708' first='Jeremiah' last='Benson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Minnesota commit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the most athletic defensive linemen I've ever seen</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Good motor; has a chance to be the best run stopper in the OAA Red</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'27 QB | [player_tooltip player_id='1613852' first='Jaxson' last='Carver']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>QB1?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has ideal measurables</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Big arm; can make any throw</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking for consistency in accuracy and decision making</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hoping for good performance when play breaks down</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Standings Prediction </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1 - Rochester Adams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2 - Clarkston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3 - Oxford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4 - Lake Orion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5 - West Bloomfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->