Buy Stock in these Three Capital-Area Conference Programs

The Capital Area leagues are always fun to follow. These three leagues feature a very wide variety of programs. Some are struggling, some are consistently making the playoffs, and some are state championship contenders.   Below, I've got three Capital-Area programs that have a chance to improve their record from last season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Okemos</h2>   Last Season: 2-7 (missed playoffs)   It's been a slow incline for Okemos. Their win-loss record may not indicate a ton of growth, but their +- does.   During their 2021 season, Okemos went 0-9, scored 7 points all season, and had a +- of -501. Yes, in 9 games, Okemos was outscored 7-508. Fast-forward to the 2024 season. Okemos went 2-7, and had a +- of -192. Still far from even, but 309 points better than they were just a few years ago. That's a massive accomplishment.   The Wolves continue on the right track through this offseason. They have a few players who could legitimately be good college prospects, and a pretty favorable schedule. They open the season with Ypsilanti Lincoln and GR Union- two very winnable games. Then, they play everyone in the Capital Blue, which typically has a great mix of successful and struggling programs.   Okemos has several players who can take a step forward. Here are some of their top prospects.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1225690' first='Nathan' last='Precise'] is a proven leader, and he's gotten better each and every season. He's one of the centerpieces of the rebuild, and should play a major role on Okemos' success this season.   TE [player_tooltip player_id='1337421' first='Atticus' last='Joy'] is the biggest mismatch for Okemos. Far and away the #1 Tight End we've ranked in the Capital Blue. A great possession target and a developing blocker. Atticus raises the ceiling and floor of the Okemos offense.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='1348311' first='Miles' last='Wallace'] is an important piece in the trenches. If Okemos wants to start winning in the trenches, guys like Wallace will need to step up. I predict an improved season from [player_tooltip player_id='1348311' first='Miles' last='Wallace'] and the entire Okemos line.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Haslett</h2>   Last season: 8-4 (regional finals)   It's been a good run for Haslett. This decade, Haslett has been a consistent playoff team with the potential to make a deep run. Last season, they had a regional finals exit to the eventual state champion, Goodrich. Considering the season-ending injury to their star running back and the fact that Goodrich beat the brakes off of everyone, I feel Haslett reached their 2024 ceiling.   This season, things could be different. Last season's setback proved (at least to me) that Haslett is still an incredibly good team without their superstar. They were able to beat Jackson, Parma Western, and Chelsea with ease. This season, Haslett returns the bulk of their best talent, and they're a dark-horse State Championship contender. Let's go over a few of their top prospects.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1148693' first='Kory' last='Amachree'] is the heart and soul of the offense. The Kansas commit has game-breaking speed and excellent open-field elusiveness. Any well-blocked run has a chance to result in a touchdown.   DE [player_tooltip player_id='1649092' first='Asher' last='Newman'] has a few excellent traits. Showed excellent ability to rush the passer last season and has continued to improve in this area throughout the offseason. Has the motor to be an excellent run-stopper as well.   LB [player_tooltip player_id='1225702' first='Dawson' last='Dabler'] is an incredibly important piece of this defense. A ton of highlights where he plays through the whistle, and makes a tackle on the opposite side of the field.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Portland</h2>   Last season: 11-1 (regional finals)   Portland was arguably a play away from the State Championship. Yes, they still would've had to get through South Christian, but considering the way Niles dominated that game, it's hard to beleive Portland wouldn't have done the same.   It's been a successful run for Portland, but probably a tad frustrating at the same time. It's 3 years in a row that Portland has advanced past the District Finals, with 2 regional finals and 1 semifinal appearance. In those three years, they've lost to the eventual state champion twice and the runner-up once.   This season, Portland returns a good amount of talent, and they'll once again be an extremely good team. They'll absolutely be in State Championship contention once again. They just have to get over the hump against other contenders in Division 4. They'll likely run into a team they've lost to in the past.   RB/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1615813' first='Kayden' last='Dickerson'] is a baller. Impressive testing numbers. Will likely produce the most explosive plays for Portland this season. If Portland makes a State Championship run, [player_tooltip player_id='1615813' first='Kayden' last='Dickerson'] will be a massive reason behind it.   The Trenches will be critical, just like any year. I honestly don't have a ton of information on Portland's O/D line. They're going to need a number of extremely physical linemen to match the physicality of teams like Niles or Unity Christian deep in the postseason.

The Capital Area leagues are always fun to follow. These three leagues feature a very wide variety of programs. Some are struggling, some are consistently making the playoffs, and some are state championship contenders.