Prime Kickoff Classic: Lake Orion vs. Northville Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The High School Football season kicks off at Wayne State! This Thursday, we have two incredible matchups. The primetime slot on Thursday goes to Lake Orion versus Northville! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll give a quick preview of the teams, give keys to victory, and give my predictions of this matchup! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Rankings based on the HSFB Media Poll Rankings)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#26 Lake Orion vs. Northville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Quick team previews</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Orion is coming off a decent 6-4 season, seeing their 2024 season end in the Pre-District round at the hands of Clarkston. In OAA Red play, Lake Orion had a league-best offense (107 PF) but placed second-to-last in points against (107). Though if you factor in total points against, Lake Orion had a best-in-league 182 PA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northville is also coming off a 6-4 season. The Mustangs went on a 4-game winning streak at the end of the regular season before running into Saline in the first round of the playoffs. This is a team that just got better as the year went on. Statistically, Northville had a KLAA West best 202 points against, and a 3rd place 268 points for. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Northville QB [player_tooltip player_id='1225836' first='Cooper' last='Derkach']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't sleep on Cooper this season. Every year, a new KLAA West team seems to make a deep playoff run. This year, that team could be Northville. Cooper's passing ability could be a big problem for a Lake Orion defense that was inconsistent against the pass last season. Additionally, Cooper is a willing runner. Don't be shocked if Cooper scores a handful of rushing touchdowns this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lake Orion TE [player_tooltip player_id='1613771' first='Ryan' last='Rocheleau']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best mismatches in the state. Having an elite TE is an absolute game-changer for any offense, and it sure is for Lake Orion. Ryan is one of the better vertical threats that I've seen. I could absolutely see Ryan earning a ton of RAC this Thursday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Northville WR [player_tooltip player_id='1298618' first='CJ' last='Byrd']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrd is a name to watch in the Mustangs' passing attack. He's got the tools to become a reliable target for [player_tooltip player_id='1225836' first='Cooper' last='Derkach'], especially on 3rd down. What I'd like to see from Byrd this season is growth in his route running—cleaner breaks could turn him into a chain-mover. Better routes usually result in a better connection with the QB. With Northville needing receivers to step up, Byrd has a real opportunity to carve out a bigger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Orion LB [player_tooltip player_id='1613682' first='Alex' last='Hensley']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hensley is going to be crucial in Thursday's matchup. With Northville having a capable quarterback in Derkach, Lake Orion will need Hensley to lead the middle of the defense and prevent explosive runs after short completions. He's a physical tackler who reads plays well, but he'll be tested in coverage. If Hensley can limit Northville's second-level gains, Lake Orion's defense will hold strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Northville S Austin McGarrow</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGarrow is an underrated piece of the Northville secondary. He brings a steady presence in the back end, and if he can generate a turnover or two this season, it could swing games in Northville's favor. I'm also expecting Austin to be a key player in run defense this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Orion RB [player_tooltip player_id='1561018' first='James' last='Bambard IV']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bambard is the type of back who fits Lake Orion's offensive identity well—tough, physical, and capable of wearing defenses down. He might not have the flashiest game, but his ability to move the chains and keep drives alive will be key in a lower-scoring contest like this one. If Bambard can establish consistency early, it'll open up space for Rocheleau in the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>My Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Orion 14 Northville 7 </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm expecting a lower-scoring game. Last season, Lake Orion squeaked out a 21-14 victory. I'm expecting a similar result this time around. Whoever can control the line of scrimmage should win this game. In that case, I've got Lake Orion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->