Week 5 MAC Red Check-In

<p>The MAC Red is consistently one of Michigan's most competitive leagues. A star-studded big-school league, usually with multiple state championship contenders. Today, I'll share my thoughts on every MAC Red program prior to Week 5. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dakota (4-0)</h2>   <p>So far, so good for Macomb Dakota. Week 1 against Brother Rice was a bit closer than most expected. Though at this point in the season, it's obvious that Brother Rice has dramatically improved from last year. In the past two weeks, Dakota has proven that they're a top 20 team in the state with comfortable wins over Anchor Bay and Sterling Heights Stevenson. So far, both the offensive and defensive units have been doing their job. Unfortunately for Dakota, the MAC Red isn't as strong as we're used to. Dakota will likely need to wait for the postseason until they get a real top-20 test. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I like what I'm seeing from [player_tooltip player_id='1398745' first='Jeramiah' last='Aaron']. I can already see improvements regarding contact balance, vision, and more. He's more efficient than he was last season, as well as more explosive. I'm looking forward to seeing what he's able to do against the best of the MAC Red. Dakota will absolutely need Aaron to play well against Romeo, IKE, and in the postseason. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sterling Heights Stevenson (3-1)</h2>   <p>There's a considerable amount of hype with this Stevenson program. A few publications have Stevenson ranked within the top 30, which has honestly surprised some of us in the Media Poll. Last week, they had their shot against Dakota and came up short. Still, it was a competitive game. I like the ceiling of this team, and I'd love to see further development from some of their young players. They could upset a team in the postseason, but my gut tells me that they're a year away from a truly special playoff run. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of many young stars with this program. Landon is an on-ball linebacker who excels in stopping the run. Love his outside contain, and his ability to explode inside when necessary. A lot of stops from the backside. He's a great high school linebacker right now, and has legit potential at the next level. Looks like a future GLIAC prospect at the very least. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Utica Eisenhower (3-1)</h2>   <p>IKE is still in firm contention in the MAC Red. All three of their wins have come in decisive fashion. Even against Romeo, they were able to score some points. This seems like a similar team to last year; IKE has a chance to outscore anyone. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I've watched Keaton several times over the past year. Seems like his offseason work has served him well for this season. Keaton has earned a lot of touches. I'm pleasantly surprised with how he's being utilized. Many speed-in-space opportunities. As a result, Keaton has earned a ton of RAC, and I'm impressed with his explosiveness. Of course, he's a downfield threat, too. He's actually outperforming my expectations thus far. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Romeo (2-2)</h2>   <p>A weak start against two top-35 opponents, followed by two great wins against IKE and Chippewa Valley. How far could this team climb? At their best, they're absolutely a top 50 squad. Their 3-point loss to #31 Grosse Pointe South proves that. Beating IKE is also a huge boost. I still don't know the identity of this team, but all I know is that I like where they're going. This week, they have a winnable matchup against Anchor Bay. Then, it's on to Dakota. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">LaLama is a major part of this Romeo defense, and it's young role players like him that will dictate Romeo's ceiling. He's coming along nicely regarding play speed and physicality. A handful of great inside run stops, and a few promising reps in pass defense. Players like Antonio will be key in Romeo's stout defense. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anchor Bay (1-3)</h2>   <p>Anchor Bay has looked OK so far this season. The 32-0 win against Port Huron was an excellent start, but since then, they've been outscored 34-94. The silver lining? Anchor Bay has faced a tough schedule. #33 Roseville, #15 Dakota, and #37 IKE is a tough stretch for anyone. It doesn't get much easier in the next two weeks with Romeo and Stevenson, but hopefully this team is starting to find an identity and can start playing complementary football. There are some bright spots, like [player_tooltip player_id='1636894' first='Nolan' last='VanAcker']. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan has the arm to make things happen. The week 1-4 tape showcases several quick reads, and accurate throws. Even a couple of accurate cross-body throws mixed in there. At his best, Nolan is able to hit receivers accurately and quickly. In addition, he's a capable runner. Anchor Bay has been able to score points this year- they just have to do it with more consistency. </p>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Chippewa Valley (0-4)</h2>   <p>Chippewa Valley starts the season 0-4. While their MAC Red Championship aspirations are wearing thin, they are still absolutely in the playoff conversation. A big part of that is their strength of schedule. Facing #1 Detroit Catholic Central was always going to be an uphill battle, but even the loss helps their playoff points. Next up, they've got #15 Dakota, a team that's 4-0 but with a few close games against unranked opponents. Let's see if Chippewa Valley can turn this thing around. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">The Chippewa Valley has been in some close games this year. At their best, it seems this program can go toe-to-toe with top-50 ranked programs. Brady's tape is quite good. A ton of great throws, some with great anticipation. Brady still throws an excellent ball, and he's absolutely good enough to play at the next level. </p>   <p>Brady raises the floor of this offense significantly. Let's see if the offense and the whole program can get into a rhythm before they're out of postseason contention. </p>

The MAC Red is consistently one of Michigan's most competitive leagues. A star-studded big-school league, usually with multiple state championship contenders. Today, I'll share my thoughts on every MAC Red program prior to Week 5.