Buy Stock in these Three KLAA Programs

Every year, someone surprises in the KLAA. Last season, it was Howell. A couple of years ago, Belleville sprinted to their first state championship. This year, I'd bet there's going to be another breakout team. Here's who I think has the potential to exceed expectations this season!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hartland</h2>   Last Season: 3-6   The KLAA West tends to shake up every year. Last year, Howell ran away with it. In 2023, it was Northville, and in 2022, it was Brighton.   This season, I wouldn't be shocked if Hartland were that breakout team. Their record last season wasn't great, but they did play competitive ball against Howell. Remember, Howell went 3-6 in 2023 before exploding to an 11-1 record last season.   This team has to be more efficient all-around. Hartland ranked fifth out of eight teams in conference points for (188), fourth in points against (192), and fifth in plus-minus (-4). Over the past four seasons, the winner of the KLAA West placed 1st in points for, points against, and, of course, plus-minus.   Offensively, Hartland has the firepower to get it done.   Returning QB [player_tooltip player_id='1751691' first='Michael' last='Elliott'] had a promising 2024 season. Love the deep balls- he's able to deliver the home run ball to his receivers. He also flashes solid throws to other areas of the field. Overall, I'd like to see a tad quicker decision-making, and a touch more velocity.   IOL [player_tooltip player_id='424593' first='William' last='Tobin'] anchors the O-Line. Absolute mauler. Someone to consistently run behind, and someone you can trust to protect the QB. An elite O-Lineman allows for far more offensive versatility.   ATH Jack Lansing should be this team's MVP. A two-way player with eye-popping athleticism. Not afraid of contact on either side of the ball. Can run past DBs as a receiver, and has the potential to be a ballhawk against the more pass-heavy teams in the KLAA West.   Defensively, they've got to win at the point of attack. Hoping for great trench play.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northville</h2>   Last season: 6-4   The Mustangs weren't far behind in the standings. They placed 3rd in the KLAA West, finishing 3rd in points for (221), 2nd in points against (130), and 2nd in plus-minus (+91). A 1-point loss to Brighton and a 2-score loss to Howell were the difference between 3rd and 1st.   Northville is a well-rounded program. Good coaching, good offense, good defense. Lucky for Northville, they've got a number of important pieces returning for the 2025 season. Here's a quick rundown of some of their best prospects.   Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1225836' first='Cooper' last='Derkach'] elevates this team's ceiling. He's confident, experienced, and consistent in everything he does. Experience goes a long way in the KLAA, and Cooper has seen these defenses enough times to pick them apart. Great season incoming!   IOL Nolan Toomey is a promising piece on the offensive line. Good agility and trusted to be a lead blocker. Good zone blocker, and can get to the second level with ease. Extremely important player for Northville this season.   There are also a number of new starters that will need to step up. Yes, Northville returns their QB and a few other peices, but the class of 2025 did have a few significant graduations.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Livonia Franklin</h2>   Last Season: 6-5   2024 was an up-and-down year for Livonia Frankin. The season began with a 1-point loss to Dexter and a great 11-point win over Fordson. Then, a few midseason speedbumps against Dearborn and Belleville. The regular season ended with a gut-wrenching 1-point loss to Brighton. In the postseason, Franklin secured a good win agianst Allen Park before running into an excellent Carlson team.   Last season's defense was excellent, placing 2nd in the KLAA West (19PAPG). The offense needed an upgrade, as they averaged 23PPG, placing them 4th in the KLAA West.   Franklin's 2025 schedule is pretty darn favorable. They begin the season with contests against Berkley and Westland Glenn, two games they'll be heavily favored in. Then, three good contests against Fordson, Dearborn, and Belleville. They finish the regular season against Wayne Memorial, Livonia Stevenson, Livonia Churchill, and the KLAA Crossover.   I beleive this team's regular-season ceiling is 8-1 and its floor is 6-3. I see Franklin being even better than they were last season.

Every year, someone surprises in the KLAA. Last season, it was Howell. A couple of years ago, Belleville sprinted to their first state championship. This year, I'd bet there's going to be another breakout team. Here's who I think has the potential to exceed expectations this season!