Best Returners + Biggest Shoes to Fill in the OAA Blue

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OAA Blue was an incredibly entertaining league last season, featuring multiple playoff teams. Next season, most teams in the Blue will be improved with a lot of promising younger talent. I expect this league to be competitive next season, and it all starts with the returning Varsity starters! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Troy Athens</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Shoes - Austin Pokley (QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Returner - Charles Robinson (RB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nothing about Athens was super impressive last season (going 0-4 in league play) but they did have some leaders. Pokley was a solid QB that performed well in most situations. He was able to run the ball and make some throws when needed. Of course, QB is the face of any team, and it will be interesting to see who takes that spot in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charles Robinson was a bright spot. In his first year on varsity, he had a few truly impressive runs and showcased some good athleticism and flash. He's a prime elusive back that will make noise next season if he continues to work throughout the offseason. Love the burst, speed, and potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Troy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Shoes - [player_tooltip player_id='30347' first='Darius' last='Whiteside'] II (DB/WR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Returner - Jailen Peacock (DB/WR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To be frank, Whiteside was by far the best player for Troy last season. The thing is, he's headed to GVSU, which leaves a massive hole on both sides of the ball. Luckily, Jailen Peacock is a near-identical player. Peacock is a taller DB (which scouts love these days) and has performed well during his sophomore season. He isn't the most fluid athlete, but with work, I don't see why he can't get up to Whiteside's level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>North Farmington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Shoes - Daemon Eubanks (WR)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Returner - [player_tooltip player_id='253290' first='Ryan' last='Shelby'] (QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Farmington is an interesting team to look at. In terms of total wins, they had 2. Though those two wins were against league opponents; therefore, they finished 3rd in league standings. That being said, I frankly don't see any MAJOR senior departures and I don't see many returners I'm over the moon about. What I do know is that players like [player_tooltip player_id='253290' first='Ryan' last='Shelby'] have immense potential, and NF has countless guys that just need to play clean football. This has been a great program over the past several seasons, but they need to prove themselves again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Farmington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Shoes - [player_tooltip player_id='411888' first='Dominic' last='Pesci'] (QB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Returner - Michael Woods Jr (ATH)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without a doubt, the departure of Pesci leaves a big hole on this team. Though, this was a team that peaked the right time and has been showing significant signs of improvement. Their upset win over Seaholm was huge, and this team really came together toward the end. Returning Varsity starters such as Michael Woods Jr will provide some senior leadership and much-needed playmakers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Seaholm</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Shoes - [player_tooltip player_id='232205' first='John' last='Jokisch']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Returner - [player_tooltip player_id='253291' first='Sean' last='Emerson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maples were an exciting team last season, and they'll be favorites to win the Blue next season. Jokisch headlines some big losses to the O/D line, and next season will heavily depend on how well they can replace gaps up front. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best thing about Seaholm is that I could have chosen countless players for best returner. The 2024 class is the best class Seaholm has had in a few years, and I can see this class making a state semifinal run next season. [player_tooltip player_id='253291' first='Sean' last='Emerson'] is an incredibly talented RB who recently won MVP at the Legacy Midwest Showcase, and I'd like to see him utilized more in the Veer offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->