Division 1: Lake Orion vs. Rockford - Rockford handed Lake Orion its first loss of the season, 17-7, back in Week 1 at Eastern Michigan University. The Dragons have won 12 straight since then and have looked better each week. Lake Orion is hungry for its first state title in school history and looked like a team on a mission in its 38-0 pounding of Dearborn Fordson. Rockford is trying to win its first state title since 2005. Pick: Lake Orion

Division 2: Warren De La Salle (13-0) vs. Muskegon (13-0) – Pick: Muskegon
Division 3: East Grand Rapids (12-1) vs. Inkster (12-1) – Pick: Inkster

Division 4: Birmingham Detroit Country Day (11-2) vs. Holland Christian (13-0) – The Yellowjackets return to the state championship game for the second straight season, something not many people predicted would happen. Country Day has given up just 13 points in the state playoffs, while Holland Christian has racked up 166 points and is averaging 41.5 points per game in the playoffs. The Yellowjackets will need to contain Holland Christian’s offense to be successful. Pick: Holland Christian

Division 1
Lake Orion (11-1) vs. Dearborn Fordson (12-0), 7 p.m. Saturday at Troy Athens — There is nothing flashy about Lake Orion, it just finds ways to win. The Dragons have won by a combined 10 points in their three playoff game and seven of those points were in 7-0 win over Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Fordson has won its three games by 10 or more points, but hasn’t blown anybody out of the water. Its unusual this game is being played at night. I thought the whole rule about playing semifinal games on a Saturday was to avoid night games in the colder weather. It’s been cold around here the past few days, which could play a factor. The team that can run the ball effectively should come out on top. Pick: Lake Orion
Livonia Stevenson (10-2) vs. Rockford (11-1), 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium — Pick: Rockford

Division 2
Southfield (11-1) vs. Warren DeLaSalle (12-0), 1 p.m. Saturday at Berkley — Don’t be too quick to count out Southfield. DeLaSalle dominated the Catholic League Central Division this season, but the league appeared to be down this season. The Bluejays are full of playmakers, who can change the whole complexity of a game in seconds. Southfield has won two close games to get here, if it can keep this one close until the end then the Bluejays could make their first appearance at Ford Field. Pick: DeLaSalle
Muskegon (12-0) vs. Davision (9-3), 1 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium — Pick: Muskegon

Division 3
Bloomfield Hills Lahser (11-1) vs. Inkster (11-1), 1 p.m. Saturday at Birmingham Seaholm — Not to discount all of Lahser’s accomplishments this season, but it has not seen a team as talented as Inkster all season. The Knights dominated the OAA’s lowest division and their toughest test in the playoffs has been Warren Fitzgerald. Inkster won its first two playoff games by a combined score of 102-0 before winning defeating Trenton 16-13 last week. Pick: Inkster
East Grand Rapids (11-1) vs. Stevensville Lakeshore (11-1), 1 p.m. Saturday at Ostego — Pick: East Grand Rapids

Division 4
Birmingham Detroit Country Day (10-2) vs. Croswell Lexington (9-3), Saturday 1 p.m. at Macomb Dakota — Country Day is one win away from making its second straight trip to Ford Field. The Yellowjackets’ defense has given up just seven total points in three playoff games and will be amped to get another shot at a state title after falling to Marine City last year in the title game. Croswell-Lexington has found ways to win thus far in the playoffs, with two one-point victories, but its magical run could come to an end. Pick: Country Day
Holland Christian (12-0) vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (9-3), Saturday 1 p.m. at East Kentwood — Pick: Holland Christian

Division 5
Standish-Sterling (12-0) vs. Ovid-Elsie (11-1), Satuday 2 p.m. at Midland — Pick: Standish-Sterling
Muskegon Oakridge (12-0) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi, Saturday 1 p.m. at Battle Creek Central — Pick: Oakridge

Division 6
Montague (11-1) vs. Saginaw Nouvel (12-0), Saturday 1p.m.at Alma College — Pick: Saginaw Nouvel
Leslie (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (10-2), Saturday 1 p.m. at Withington Stadium, Jackson — Pick: Catholic Central

Division 7
Traverse City St. Francis (11-1) vs. Ravenna (10-2), 1 p.m. at Ferris State — Pick: St. Francis
Ubly (12-0) vs. Reading (12-0), 1 p.m. at Howell — Pick: Ubly

Division 8
Crystal Falls Forest Park (12-0) vs. Frankfort (11-1), 1 p.m. at Superior Dome — Pick: Forest Park
Muskegon Catholic Central (12-0) vs. Beal City (11-1) Pick: Catholic Central

The regional finals are here. Teams are just three wins away from a state title. But my question is, what is up with all the Saturday games? Of the 32 regional finals, 20 are on Saturday. I know next week's semifinals are required to be on Saturday, but high school football is supposed to be a Friday night tradition. I would like to see what the attendance numbers are like for Friday night games vs. Saturday afternoon games, which have to compete against college football games for fans. I know on semifinals week this year, fans will have to decide between high school games and the Michigan State-Penn State and Michigan-Ohio State matchups. But most high school fans are loyal to their team, especially at this point in the season. Here are my picks for this week.

Division 1
Region 3
Lake Orion (10-1) at Sterling Heights Stevenson (10-1), Friday 7 p.m. — The OAA Red champion Dragons versus the MAC Red co-champion Titans. The winner takes home bragging rights for its respective league and moves one step closer to Ford Field. Stevenson avenged its lone loss of the season last week by defeating Macomb Dakota and are averaging 44.8 points per game in during its current six-game winning streak. The Dragons have won 10 straight and have given up more than 20 points just twice this season. Stevenson is Lake Orion’s third straight MAC Red opponent and MAC teams have typically been a thorn in Lake Orion’s side, especially in regional finals. Pick: Stevenson

Division 2
Region 3
Lakeland (9-2) at Warren DeLaSalle (11-0), Saturday 1 p.m. — Lakeland is in unchartered territory after winning its first football district title in school history. DeLaSalle on the other hand is hoping to get back to the state finals, which it reached in 2006. The Eagles, who rely heavily on their offense, could struggle to score against the Pilots, who have allowed just six points in each of its first two playoff games and allowed more than 14 points just once all season. Lakeland is going to need its defense to keep it low scoring to have a chance. Pick: DeLaSalle

Wyandotte Roosevelt (10-1) at Southfield (10-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — Alright show of hands, who had Southfield going this far at the beginning of the season. Just Tim Conley, huh? Even after making it this far, it seems like the Bluejays are still not getting respect. Last week’s overtime win over Dearborn was impressive and nobody will be able to deny Southfield is the real deal with a win this week. Roosevelt has won two tough playoff games against one-loss teams, including a win last week over Southgate Anderson that avenged is only loss of the season. Pick: Southfield

Division 3
Region 4
Warren Fitzgerald (10-1) at Bloomfield Hills Lahser (10-1), Saturday 7:30 p.m. — The OAA Blue champion Knights vs. the MAC Silver champion Spartans. Fitzgerald has been tough defensively, shutting out its first two playoff opponents and not allowing more than 18 points in a game all season. Lahser has averaged 32.8 points per game during its current 10-game win streak, but in its two toughest games (Ferndale and Lapeer West) the Knights have scored a combined 27 points. The Knights offense will have to be at the top of its game to pull this one out. Pick: Lahser

Division 4
Region 3
Marshall (8-3) at Birmingham Detroit Country Day (9-2), Saturday 1 p.m. — Of all the Oakland County teams left, Country Day is my best bet to make it to Ford Field. The Yellowjackets showed they can put points on the board during the regular season and have grinded out two low-scoring games in the playoffs. Marshall upset a solid Goodrich team last week and looks like it has turned things around defensively after allowing 77 points in its first two games of the season, both losses. Pick: Country Day

Division 7
Region 4
Royal Oak Shrine (11-0) at Ubly (11-0), Saturday 1 p.m. — Shrine hasn’t just beaten teams this season, but embarrassed them. The Knights have won their first two playoff games by a combined scored of 63-6 and have won its 11 games by an average of 29.3 points a game. Ubly can relate. The Bearcats have won their two playoff games by a combined scored of 111-14 and has won its 11 games by an average of 38.6 points per game. This would make a great Division 7 state championship game, let alone a regional final. Homefield could prove to be the difference, and by the way, what does Shrine have to do to get a home playoff game? The Knights missed this one by 0.333 playoff points. Pick: Shrine

Bonus (non-Oakland County) picks
Division 1
Hartland (9-2) at Rockford (10-1), Saturday 1:30 p.m. — Pick: Rockford
Livonia Stevenson (9-2) at Canton (10-1), Friday 7 p.m — Pick: Canton
Detroit Southeastern (10-1) at Dearborn Fordson (11-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Fordson

Division 2
Davison (8-3) at Midland (10-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — Pick: Midland
Lowell (11-0) at Muskegon (11-0), Saturday 1 p.m. — Pick: Muskegon

Division 3
Bangor John Glenn (9-2) at East Grand Rapids, Saturday 2 p.m. — Pick: East Grand Rapids
East Lansing (8-3) at Stevensville Lakeshore (10-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — Pick East Lansing
Chelsea (9-2) at Inkster (10-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — Pick: Inkster

Playoff record: District semifinals: 24-6, 16-4 Oakland County; District finals: 10-8 overall, 6-3 Oakland County

The pressure is on for teams hoping to win a district title and for me after my stellar 24-6 performance in predictions last week (16-4 in Oakland County matchups). We will see what teams, and if I, can handle the pressure in the next few days.

Division 1
Region 2
District 1
Saline (7-3) at Canton (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Canton
District 2
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (6-3) vs. Livonia Stevenson (8-2), Friday 7 p.m. — Both teams are always tough in the playoffs. Both teams played Novi this season, with Catholic Central beating Novi, 15-12, last week, while Stevenson fell to Novi, 28-27, back in Week 6. The only thing you can take from that, is this is going to be a close game. Pick: Catholic Central

Region 3
District 1
Romeo (8-2) at Lake Orion (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Lake Orion’s freshman quarterback Sean Charette continues to impress, but Romeo could be his toughest test to date. The Bulldogs have won in big fashion the last two weeks after losing two weeks in a row, but the Dragons haven’t lost since Week 1. Pick: Lake Orion
District 2
Sterling Heights Stevenson (9-1) at Macomb Dakota (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Dakota

Division 2
Region 3
District 1
Birmingham Brother Rice (7-3) at Lakeland (8-2), Friday 7 p.m. — The Eagles have to get through perennial power Brother Rice to earn their first district championship in school history. Brother Rice finished third in the CHSL Central, but could beat the OAA White and KLAA North champions in back-to-back weeks. Pick: Brother Rice
District 2
Grosse Pointe North (8-2) at Warren DeLaSalle (10-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: DeLaSalle

Region 4
District 1
Dearborn (7-3) at Southfield (9-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — The Bluejays are in position to win their first football district title in school history. Beating Dearborn, which has faced tougher competition this season, won’t be an easy task, but Southfield has done nothing but prove doubters wrong all season. Pick: Southfield
District 2
Wyandotte Roosevelt (9-1) at Southgate Anderson (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Southgate Anderson

Division 3
Region 4
District 1
Lapeer West (7-3) at Bloomfield Hills Lahser (9-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — I don’t know Lahser’s record in home playoff games on Saturday night, but it’s got to be pretty impressive. West is coming off an emotional one-point win over Linden so there could be a bit of a letdown, we shall see.. Pick: Lahser
District 2
St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (7-3) at Warren Fitzgerald (9-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — Pick: Fitzgerald

Division 4
Region 3
District 1
Marshall (7-3) at Goodrich (10-0), Saturday 1 p.m. — Pick: Goodrich
District 2
Birmingham Detroit Country Day (8-2) at Detroit Southwestern (9-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — Country Day has won six straight after staring off the season 2-2 and has scored over 40 points in four of those six week. The Yellowjackets might not put up 40 against Southwestern, which has only give up more than six points twice this season, but should escape Southwestern with the ‘W’. Pick: Country Day

Division 6
Region 4
District 1
Manchester (8-2) at Blissfield (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Blissfield
District 2
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (6-4) at Monroe Catholic Central (8-2), Friday 7 p.m. — Bishop Foley will have its hands full considering the two common opponent games it shares with Catholic Central. The Ventures lost to Allen Park Cabrini, 24-18, in Week 1, while the Falcons beat Cabrini, 59-7, last week. And Bishop Foley fell, 39-20, to Dearborn Divine Child in Week 6, while Catholic Central beat Divine Child, 41-19, in Week 9. Pick: Catholic Central.

Division 7
Region 4
District 1
Dryden (10-0) at Ubly (10-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Ubly
District 2
Royal Oak Shrine (10-0) at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (10-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Both teams are having historic seasons, but one will come to an end Friday night. Northwest is averaging 35 points a game this season, while Shrine is averaging just over 35 points a game. Defensively, the Crusaders are giving up an average of 10.3 points per game, while the Knights have given up an average of seven points per game. Add it all up and this should be a great Division 7 game. Pick: Shrine

Division 8
Region 4
District 1
Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (10-0) at Beal City (9-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Beal City
District 2
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (6-4) at Deckerville (9-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — The Lakers eliminated Deckerville last season in the district finals so the Eagles will be anxious to avenge last year’s loss. But come playoff time, it’s not wise to pick against the Lakers. Pick: WOLL

The football state playoffs are here so I had to step my game up and do some research on the non-Oakland County teams. I see Kosmo put four other Web sites’ picks in his column this week, but didn’t invite me. That’s because he wants no part of my picks. I’ll send him scrambling back to his cave with some Windex for his crystal ball. But enough with the smack talk, it’s time for some picks.
Records: Last week 12-4; Regular season 80-36, .714 winning percentage

DIVISION 1

REGION 1

DISTRICT 2
Milford (5-4) at Howell (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday — The Mavericks collapsed in the final three games of the season, maybe they will wake up this week. Howell won a close one, 13-10 in Week 3 and has won five straight. Pick: Howell
Grand Blanc (6-3) at Hartland (7-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday — Pick: Hartland

REGION 2
DISTRICT 2
West Bloomfield (6-3) at Livonia Stevenson (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday
 — The Lakers are an underrated team. After losing two overtime games in a row to Clarkston and Troy, West Bloomfield won its final four games by a combined scored of 103-2. Stevenson will be a tougher test though. Pick: Stevenson
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (5-3) at Novi (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday — An interesting KLAA vs. CHSL matchup and two schools from the same city. Novi has won some close games this year, but both of its losses are at home. Catholic Central has talent but its biggest win this year was over Detroit Southeastern so this is a tough one to call. Pick: Catholic Central

REGION 3
DISTRICT 1
Utica Eisenhower (5-4) at Lake Orion (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday — The Dragons have won eight straight and seem to be getting strong as the season goes on. Eisenhower has won five of its last six after starting the season 0-3 so this is two teams likely playing their best football. Pick: Lake Orion
Clarkston (6-3) at Romeo (7-2). 1 p.m. Saturday — Clarkston’s defense will need to step up for the Wolves to have a chance. Romeo has scored at least 35 points in eight of its nine games this season. Clarkston’s strength is its offense so this could be shootout. Pick: Romeo
DISTRICT 2

Troy (6-3) at Macomb Dakota (8-1), 1 p.m. Saturday — A rematch of last year’s semifinals. The Cougars have won six straight and won their last five games by a combined score of 125-7. The only playoff teams Troy has beat all season is West Bloomfield and that was in overtime. Pick: Dakota
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (6-3) at Sterling Heights Stevenson (8-1), Saturday 1 p.m. — Pick: Stevenson

DIVISION 2

REGION 1
DISTRICT 2

Davison (6-3) at Fenton (8-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. — Pick: Fenton
Flushing (7-2) at Oxford (8-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. — A tough first-round matchup for Oxford. Flushing went 4-2 against playoff teams, while the Wildcats were 2-1. Homefield advantage could be the difference. Pick: Oxford

REGION 3

DISTRICT 1
Birmingham Brother Rice (6-3) at Rochester Adams (8-1), Friday 7 p.m. — The Highlanders big question mark is their defense. Adams gave up an average of 25 points in its four games against playoff teams, which would be higher without the shutout of Farmington. If the Warriors can limit Adams’ offense to 14 points they will walk away with the W. Pick: Brother Rice
Auburn Hills Avondale (7-2) at Lakeland (7-2), Friday 7:30 p.m. — The Yellowjackets should be applauded for such a big turnaround, but Lakeland has played tougher competition all season and will be amped for its fist-ever home playoff game. Pick: Lakeland

REGION 4

DISTRICT 1
Farmington (6-3) at Southfield (8-1), Saturday 1 p.m.
 — The Falcons rallied off six straight victories to make the playoffs, but did it against some weak competition (none of the six made the playoffs). Southfield could make a long playoff run and beat the Falcons 35-17 in Week 1. Pick: Southfield
Dearborn (6-3) at Walled Lake Western (6-3), Saturday 7 p.m. — The Warriors were 1-2 this season against playoff teams, with their lone win being over 5-4 Milford. While Dearborn has lost two of its last three. Most of Western’s games this season have been high-scoring so this game will come down to how successful the Warriors offense is. Pick: Western

DIVISION 3
REGION 4

DISTRICT 1
Redford Thurston (6-3) at Bloomfield Hills Lahser (8-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — The OAA Blue champion Knights have won eight in a row and are always tough at home in their traditional Saturday night games. Pick: Lahser
Lapeer West (6-3) 69.000 at Linden (8-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. — Pick: Linden
DISTRICT 2
St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (6-3) at Ferndale (8-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Ferndale was a close loss to Lahser away from an OAA Blue title and an undefeated season, but Lake Shore is a dangerous first round opponent. Lake Shore handed Warren Fitzgerald its only loss of the season in Week 8 and lost a heartbreaker at home to Lamphere, 29-28 in Week 9. Pick: Ferndale
Warren Lincoln (8-1) at Warren Fitzgerald (8-1), Saturday 7 p.m. — Pick: Fitzgerald

DIVISION 4
REGION 3
DISTRICT 2
Dearborn Heights Annapolis (6-3) at Detroit Southwestern (8-1) — Pick: Southwestern
Detroit Crockett (6-3) at Birmingham Detroit Country Day (7-2) — The Yellowjackets have really turned things on during their five-game winning streak. Last week’s win over Dearborn was impressive. Pick: Country Day
REGION 4
DISTRICT 2
Richmond (6-3) at Marine City (9-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick Marine City
Madison Heights Lamphere (7-2) at Clinton Township Clintondale (8-1), Friday 7 p.m. — This game has shootout written all over it. The Rams have scored 20 or more points in eight of their nine games and 28 or more in four. Clintondale averaged over 43 points a game and its lowest scoring output all season was 21 points. Pick: Clintondale

DIVISION 5
REGION 4

DISTRICT 1

Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (6-3) at Livonia Clarenceville (8-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. — Pick: Clarenceville
Madison Heights Madison (5-4) at Almont (7-2), 2 p.m. — Madison is lucky to get in the playoffs. The Eagles have lost three of four and lost to Clawson at home in Week 9 with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Almont went 2-1 against playoff teams and finished 5-2 in an very competitive Blue Water Area Conference this season. Pick: Madison

DIVISION 6
REGION 4
DISTRICT 2
Allen Park Cabrini (5-4) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (7-2), Friday 7 p.m. —Pick: Catholic Central
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (5-4) at Whitmore Lake (8-1), Friday 7:30 p.m. — The Ventures snuck into the playoffs and could pull off the upset here. Bishop Foley has played a tough schedule and went 2-3 against playoff teams. Whitmore Lake faced some weak teams and has just two wins over teams with a winning record. Pick: Bishop Foley

DIVISION 7
REGION 4
DISTRICT 2
Southfield Christian (7-1) at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (9-0), Friday 7 p.m. — Congratulations are due for both teams. Southfield Christian for making the playoffs in just its third year as a program and Northwest for its first undefeated season. But this isn’t the time for congratulations. It’s playoff time. Pick: Northwest
Detroit Loyola (7-2) at Royal Oak Shrine (9-0), Saturday 2 p.m. — Shrine and Loyola have two common opponents in Bishop Foley and Cabrini. Loyola beat Foley 32-7 and lost to Cabrini 22-12, while Shrine beat Bishop Foley 35-7 and Cabrini twice (48-0 and 37-0). The Knights are tough defensively with four shutouts and have allowed more than seven points just twice. Pick: Shrine

DIVISION 8
REGION 4
DISTRICT 2
Marine City Cardinal Mooney (5-3) at Deckerville (8-1), Friday 7 p.m. — Pick: Deckerville
Peck (6-3) at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (5-4), Saturday 1 p.m. — The 5-4 Lakers getting a home playoff game is interesting, but if anybody has earned that much respect in Division 8 it’s WOLL. Pick: WOLL

I finally found someone worse at picking games than me and proved it last week by defeating my wife Dina. I went 10-4, while she went 4-10. Feels good to win for once, but enough gloating. (I’ll save it for when she has to buy me dinner) The final week of the regular season is upon us and six Oakland County teams can clinch a playoff spot and bring the total up to 26. It’s also rivalry week for teams all over Oakland County so without further delay, here are the picks.

Friday
Milford (5-3) at Lakeland (6-2) — The Mavericks have lost two in a row and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Blake Heiman and crew would like nothing better than to make Milford sweet it out as a 5-4 team. Pick: Lakeland
Clawson (3-5) at Madison Heights Madison (5-3) — There’s no reason the Eagles should lose at home with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Pick: Madison
Sterling Heights Parkway Christian (7-1) at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (8-0) — Northwest has a chance to complete a perfect regular season, but Parkway will be its tough test to date. Pick: Northwest
Birmingham Detroit Country Day (6-2) at Dearborn (6-2) — It’s a good thing Country Day already clinched a playoff spot because this is going to be a tough one. Pick: Dearborn
Pontiac Northern (3-5) at Pontiac Central (0-8) — Throw out the records when these two teams meet at Wisner Stadium, in fact I’m sure both teams would love for you to throw out their record. Pick: Northern
Troy Athens (2-6) at Troy (5-3) — The Colts could be a dangerous team if they make they playoffs. A return to the state semifinals might be asking too much, but first they have to beat the Red Hawks. Pick: Troy
Clarkston (6-2) at Lake Orion (7-1) — In my humble opinion the best rivalry game in Oakland County. These teams could very well meet again in the playoffs. I like the Dragons on their home field. Pick: Lake Orion
Oak Park (2-6) at West Bloomfield (5-3) — Lakers don’t underestimate Oak Park and you’re in the playoffs. And by the way what happened to Oak Park this year? 2-6? Pick: West Bloomfield
North Farmington (2-6) at Farmington (5-3) — Farmington is quickly growing on me. The Falcons have been playing with their back to the wall since Week 4. Don’t let up now. Pick: Farmington
Bloomfield Hills Andover (1-7) at Bloomfield Hills Lahser (7-1) — The Barons could make their season with a victory over the Knights, but I don’t see it happening. Pick: Lahser
Rochester Adams (7-1) at Rochester (1-7) — The Highlanders will likely take out all their frustration from last week’s loss on the Falcons. Pick: Adams
Birmingham Seaholm (1-7) at Birmingham Groves (3-5) — A down year for both programs, but it still should be a good game. Pick: Groves

Saturday
Birmingham Brother Rice (5-3) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (4-4) — Show of hands, who had Brother Rice 5-3 and St. Mary’s 4-4 at the start of the season? Yeah, me either. The Eaglets won the first meeting, but I don’t see the Warriors dropping what is basically a playoff game. Pick: Brother Rice
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (5-2) vs. Warren De La Salle (8-0) — I believe I picked against the Pilots three times and they won all three. Go ahead, make it four. Pick: Catholic Central
Royal Oak Shrine (8-0) vs. Allen Park Cabrini (5-3) — Shrine won the first meeting 48-0. It might be a little closer, but the Knights still win. Pick: Shrine
Southfield (7-1) at Southfield-Lathrup (4-4) — The Bluejays are the surprise team of 2008 in Oakland County and will likely host a playoff game with a victory. Pick: Southfield.

Record — Last week: 10-4; Season 68-32, .680 winning percentage

A few weeks ago I predicted which Oakland County football teams I thought would make the playoffs. Since my prediction 13 teams have clinched a spot and 10 teams have been eliminated (assuming none will get in at 5-4). Six teams have a chance to clinch this week. Of the six teams fighting for a spot, only Milford is playing a team with a winning record.

On the bubble (5-3 teams)
Birmingham Brother Rice — The Warriors have to get through rival Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, which is playing for nothing but pride. I’m sure the Eaglets would love to be the team to end Brother Rice’s season and give themselves an outside shot to sneak in at 5-4.
Milford — When I originally predicted the Mavericks would get in they were 5-1. They have since lost two straight and will have to beat rival Lakeland this week to get in.
Farmington — What a story Farmington is. The Falcons have won five straight since starting out 0-3 and the only thing in standing between them and a playoff berth is a 2-6 North Farmington team.
Madison Height Madison — The Eagles have been a dangerous team in the playoffs over the last few years, but need to win at home against Clawson this week.
Troy — The Colts need to rebound from a loss to Southfield and defeat rival Troy Athens. The Red Hawks defense has given up a ton of points, but they will pumped to face Troy.
West Bloomfield — The Lakers host an unpredictable team in Oak Park this week. If West Bloomfield can get an early lead they should be home free.

Already in
Auburn Hills Avondale – 6-2 (correct)
Birmingham Detroit Country Day – 6-2 (correct)
Bloomfield Hills Lahser – 7-1 (correct)
Clarkston - 6-2 (correct)
Ferndale – 7-1
Lakeland (correct)
Lake Orion – 7-1 (correct)
Madison Heights Lamphere – 6-2 (correct)
Novi Detroit Catholic Central – 5-2 (correct)
Novi – 6-2 (correct)
Oxford – 7-1 (correct)
Rochester Adams -7-1
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest – 8-0
Royal Oak Shrine – 8-0
Southfield – 7-1 (correct)
Southfield Christian – 5-2 (incorrect)
Walled Lake Western - 6-2 (correct)

Out
Berkley 4-4 (correct); Farmington Hills Harrison – 4-4 (correct); Hazel Park 4-4 (correct); Madison Heights Bishop Foley 4-4 (incorrect); Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – 4-4 (correct); Southfield-Lathrup – 4-4 (correct); Stoney Creek – 4-4 (correct); Waterford Our Lady of the Lake 4-4 (correct); Waterford Kettering – 3-5 (correct); Waterford Mott – 4-4 (correct)

My record: 21 correct, 2 incorrect and 6 TBD.

I promised a perfect 13-0 on my picks last week and fell two games short, going 11-2. I’m sure no one is surprised I fell short, especially not my wife Dina, who thinks it’s easy to pick games. She said she could easily pick all the winners so I’m giving her a shot this week. I will give my normal picks, followed by hers. We’ll see who can pick games the best in the Pemberton household this week. Loser buys dinner.

Lakes Conference championship game
Lakeland (6-1) at Howell (6-1) — The Eagles are on a five-game winning streak and should be able to escape Howell with the victory. Pick: Lakeland
Dina’s pick: Howell

Kensington Conference championship game
Canton (6-1) at Novi (6-1) — The scoreboard operator will earn his paycheck in this one. Novi is averaging over 28 points per game, while Canton in averaging over 37 points. Pick: Novi
Dina’s pick: Novi

Walled Lake Western (5-2) at Milford (5-2) — The Mavericks gave up 40 points to Saline last week. Western won’t put up 40, but should get the 'W'. Pick: Western
Dina’s Pick: Milford

Birmingham Brother Rice (4-3) at Flint Powers (2-5) — The Warriors are playing for their playoff life. It could get ugly for Powers. Pick: Brother Rice
Dina’s pick: Brother Rice

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (4-3) at Davison (4-3) — Both teams need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. If the Eaglets win, then it would likely set up a matchup with Brother Rice next week with the winner going to the playoffs. Pick: St. Mary’s
Dina’s pick: St. Mary’s

Oxford (6-1) at Linden (7-0) — The Flint Metro championship often comes down to this game each year. The Wildcats will split the league championship for the second straight year. Pick: Oxford
Dina’s pick: Linden

Hazel Park (4-3) at Bloomfield Hills Lahser (6-1) — Hazel Park lost a heartbreaker last week to Avondale. This week the Vikings’ playoff hopes disappear. Pick: Lahser
Dina’s pick: Lahser

GAME OF THE WEEK
Lake Orion (6-1) at Rochester Adams (7-0) — The OAA White champion Highlanders vs. the OAA Red champion Dragons. (Both teams have clinched at least a share) It doesn’t get much better than this. Pick: Adams
Dina’s pick: Adams

West Bloomfield (4-3) at Birmingham Seaholm (1-5) — The Lakers have won two in a row and need two more to sneak into the playoffs. Pick: West Bloomfield
Dina’s pick: Seaholm

Farmington Hills Harrison (4-3) at Clarkston (5-2) — Harrison needs a win to make the playoffs, while the Wolves also need a win or will have to beat rival Lake Orion next week to make the playoffs. I don’t see Clarkston losing at home. Pick: Clarkston
Dina’s pick: Clarkston

Troy Athens (2-5) at Farmington (4-3) — Farmington has really turned things around after a 0-3 start. Don’t get too cocky Falcons, you don’t have any room for error. Pick: Farmington
Dina’s pick: Athens

Saturday
Dearborn Divine Child (4-3) at Novi Detroit Catholic Central (4-2) — My math is not real good, but I believe Catholic Central clinches a spot in the Prep Bowl A-B championship with a win. Pick: Catholic Central
Dina’s pick: Divine Child

Troy (5-2) at Southfield (6-1) — The Bluejays have been a pleasant surprise this season and could get a home playoff game with a win over the Colts. Pick: Southfield
Dina’s pick: Troy

Catholic League C-D semifinals
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (4-3) at Royal Oak Shrine (7-0) — The Knights are a good bet to win their first Catholic League championship since 2001. Pick Shrine
Dina’s pick: Bishop Foley

Last week: 11-2; Season: 58-28, .674 winning percentage

This Friday three of Oakland County’s top programs of all time will take the field with their 2008 playoff hopes on the line. Farmington Hills Harrison (4-3) plays at Clarkston, Birmingham Brother Rice (4-3) plays at Flint Powers and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (4-3) plays at Davison.

This fact got some of us in The Oakland Press office wondering if there was ever a year all three didn’t make the playoffs. Well I found the answer, which is yes back in 1985. Of course only 64 teams made the playoffs that year, not the current 256 teams. Harrison went 7-2 in 1985, but still missed the playoffs.

Since the MHSAA playoffs have started it’s only happened three times. The other two years are 1979 and 1975. In both those years only 32 teams made the playoffs. If the MHSAA used its current format since the playoffs were created back in 1975 then it would have never happened. Harrison went 7-2 and Brother Rice went 6-3 in 1979 and Harrison went 7-2, Brother Rice 8-1 and St. Mary’s 7-1 in 1975.

Just one of these storied programs missing the playoffs in any year is surprising. Here is a breakdown for each team.

Farmington Hills Harrison
The Hawks have missed the playoffs just once (2004) since the field expanded to 256 teams in 1999. Overall Harrison has missed the playoffs just seven times in 32 years. In those seven years the Hawks have only had a losing record twice and under the current format would have only missed the playoffs three times, 2004 (4-5), 1992 (4-5) and 1978 (5-4).

Birmingham Brother Rice
Brother Rice has never missed the playoffs since the field has expanded to 256 teams. The Warriors have missed the playoffs 13 times since 1975, but four of those times were when the field was 128 teams, three times when the field was 64 teams, four times when the field was 32 times and twice when it was 16. The Warriors would have missed the playoffs just once under the current format of 256 teams, 1985 when they went 4-5.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s has missed the playoffs just once (2002) since the field has expanded to 256 teams. The Eaglets have missed the playoffs 18 times since 1975. Of those 18 times, four were when the field was 128 teams, four when the field was 64 teams, seven when the field was 32 teams and twice when it was 16 teams. St. Mary’s would have missed the playoffs just four times under the current format of 256 teams, 2002 (3-6), 1985 (5-4), 1984 (2-7) and 1979 (2-7).

Don’t know if anybody else found this as interesting as me, but thought I would share it. I was able to get all this information using the site http://michigan-football.com, so thanks to them for having such a useful site.

Last week I stepped it up and went a respectable 10-5 after a horrible 5-7 performance in Week 5. But that’s not good enough. You loyal blog readers deserve better so I’m calling my shot this week. A perfect 13-0. That’s right I’m predicting a perfect week. If I’m wrong, then I will bring in some outside help for next week. Here are the picks for the top 13 Oakland County matchups.

Auburn Hills Avondale (4-2) at Hazel Park (4-2) — The Yellow Jackets have lost two straight after a 4-0 start, a loss here and their playoff hopes will be in serious danger. Pick: Hazel Park
Bloomfield Hills Lahser (5-1) at Ferndale (6-0) — Consider this game the OAA Blue championship game. The Eagles have played a pretty easy schedule, time to find out if they are for real. Pick: Lahser
West Bloomfield (3-3) at Troy Athens (2-4) — The Lakers could be a dangerous football team in the playoffs, but first they have to make it. Pick: West Bloomfield
Clarkston (4-2) at Oak Park (2-4) — The Wolves can’t afford a loss here and need to show their defense can stop someone, but stopping Edwin Baker won’t be easy. Pick: Clarkston
Rochester Adams (6-0) at Farmington Hills Harrison (4-2) — The Hawks are in danger of missing the playoffs, but don’t count them out just yet. Pick: Adames
Farmington (3-3) at Stoney Creek (3-3) — One teams playoff hopes end tonight. Pick: Stoney Creek
Warren Fitzgerald (6-0) at Madison Heights Madison (4-2) — The Eagles have a shot at the MAC Silver title with a victory. Pick: Fitzgerald
Walled Lake Western (4-2) at Walled Lake Central (2-4) — The Vikings will be fired up to face the cross-town rivals Warriors so this should be a good one. Pick: Western
GAME OF THE WEEK
Novi (5-1) at Northville (4-2) — The KLAA Central comes down to this game. Not sure what the tiebreaker is, but I don’t think it will matter. Pick: Novi

Saturday

Birmingham Brother Rice (3-3) vs. Detroit U-D Jesuit (0-6) — Who would have thought the Warriors would need a win this bad against Jesuit? Pick: Brother Rice
Dearborn Divine Child (4-2) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-3) — This is no guaranteed win for the Eaglets, who are playing for their playoff lives. Pick: OLSM
Troy (4-2) at Southfield-Lathrup (3-3) — The Colts end the Chargers’ playoff aspirations. Pick: Troy
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (2-4) at Novi Detroit Catholic Central (3-2) — The Shamrocks are in good position to make it to the Prep Bowl championship game. Pick: Catholic Central

Last week: 10-5; Season: 47-26, .644 winning percentage

There are three weeks left in the high school football regular season and I have taken the time to let you know who will be in the playoffs before the three weeks are over. Based on teams current record and remaining schedule I have predicted all the teams I think will make the playoffs. See any teams you disagree with me about, let me know. Following each team is their reamaining schedule.

Already in (6-0 teams)
Ferndale – Lahser; KLAA opponent; at Hazel Park
Rochester Adams — at Harrison; Lake Orion; at Rochester
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest — Lutheran Westland; Metro title game; Parkway Christian
Royal Oak Shrine — Allen Park Cabrini; CHSL game; CHSL game

One win away (5-1 teams)
Will make it
Bloomfield Hills Lahser – at Ferndale; Hazel Park; Andover
Lakeland — at Kettering; KLAA opponent; Milford
Lake Orion — Royal Oak; at Adams; Clarkston
Milford — Saline; KLAA opponent; at Lakeland
Novi — at Northville; KLAA opponent; Pinckney
Oxford — Swartz Creek; at Linden; Holly
Southfield — Groves; Troy; at Lathrup

On the bubble (4-2 teams)
Will make it
Auburn Hills Avondale — at Hazel Park; Pontiac Northern; at Berkley
Clarkston — at Oak Park; Harrison; Lake Orion
Madison Heights Bishop Foley — Detroit Loyola; CHSL game; Detroit Old Redford
Madison Heights Lamphere — at South Lake; Clawson; at Lake Shore
Madison Heights Madison — Warren Fitzgerald; Center Line; Clawson
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (3-2) — Notre Dame Prep; Divine Child; CHSL game
Troy – at Lathrup; at Southfield; Athens
Walled Lake Western — at Walled Lake Cetnral; KLAA opponent; Westland John Glenn

Won’t make it
Farmington Hills Harrison — Adams; at Clarkston; Stoney Creek
Hazel Park – Avondale; at Lahser; Ferndale
Southfield Christian — Detroit Old Redford; SMFC game; Tekonsha

No room for error (3-3 teams)
Will make it
Birmingham Brother Rice — at Detroit U-D Jesuit; at Flint Powers; CHSL game
Birmingham Detroit Country Day — Andover; Detroit Old Redford; at Dearborn
West Bloomfield — at Athens; at Seaholm; Oak Park

Won’t make it
Berkley — at Pontiac Northern; at North Farmington; Auburn Hills Avondale
Farmington – at Stoney Creek; Troy Athens; North Farmington
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s — Divine Child; at Davison; CHSL game
Southfield-Lathrup — Troy; at Rocheser; Southfield
Stoney Creek — Farmington; Oak Park; at Harrison
Waterford Kettering — Lakeland; KLAA opponent; at Royal Oak
Waterford Mott — Walled Lake Northern; KLAA opponent; Grand Blanc
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes — Detroti Urban Lutheran; CHSL game; CHSL game

Likely already out (2-4 teams)
Clawson; South Lyon; Birmingham Groves; Holly; Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Ortonville Brandon; Pontiac Northern; Troy Athens; Oak Park; Walled Lake Central; Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (1-4);

Already out (1-5, 0-6 teams)
Birmingham Seaholm; Rochester; Royal Oak; South Lyon East; Pontiac Central; Bloomfield Hills Andover; North Farmington; Walled Lake Northern

I planned on having these picks done yesterday so since I’m late I threw in a few bonus picks this week. Like every week in the high school ranks, it should be an interesting one. I had my first losing week of the season last week so hopefully I can rebound this week.

Picks
Oxford (4-1, 4-1 Flint Metro) at Lapeer East (3-2, 3-2 Flint Metro) — This should be a great game. East likely can’t afford another loss and the Wildcats need a win to stay in the Flint Metro race. Pick: Oxford
Lakeland (4-1, 3-0 KLAA North) at Waterford Mott (3-2, 1-2 KLAA North) — The Eagles can’t afford to fall in a trap and overlook Mott after a big win over Walled Lake Western. Pick Lakeland
Waterford Kettering (3-2, 2-1 KLAA North) at Walled Lake Western (3-2, 2-1 KLAA North) — The Captains, who host Lakeland in Week 7, can stay in the league race with a win, but I don’t see the Warriors dropping this one. Pick: Western
Walled Lake Central (1-4, 1-2 KLAA North) at Walled Lake Northern (1-4, 0-3 KLAA North) — Neither team has a good record, but this is still a rivalry game. Pick: Central
Novi (4-1, 3-0 KLAA Central) at Livonia Stevenson (4-1, 3-0 KLAA Central) — A battle for the first KLAA Central title. The Wildcats need to get an early lead to win this one. Pick: Stevenson
South Lyon East (0-5) at South Lyon (1-4) — The first of many South Lyon cross-town showdowns. East isn’t ready to beat the original. Pick: South Lyon
Madison Heights Lamphere (3-2, 2-1 MAC Bronze) at Madison Heights Madison (4-1, 2-1 MAC Silver) — Both are in their respective league races, but all that gets put on hold for this rivalry showdown. Pick: Madison
Bloomfield Hills Lahser (4-1, 4-0 OAA Blue) at Auburn Hills Avondale (4-1, 3-1 OAA Blue) — The Knights have two big OAA Blue games in a row, this week against Avondale and next week against Ferndale. A pair of wins and the title is all but theirs. Pick: Lahser
Lake Orion (4-1, 4-0 OAA Red) at Troy (4-1, 3-1 OAA Red) — If the Colts win here, the OAA Red race gets a lot more interesting. Pick: Lake Orion
Southfield-Lathrup (3-2, 3-2 OAA Red) at West Bloomfield (2-3, 1-3 OAA Red) — The Lakers have had some tough losses this season, they need a win here to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pick: West Bloomfield
Stoney Creek (2-3, 1-3 OAA White) at Birmingham Groves (2-3, 2-2 OAA White) — One team’s playoff hopes will get crushed. Pick: Stoney Creek
Farmington Hills Harrison (4-1, 3-1 OAA White) at Farmington (2-3, 2-3 OAA White) — It’s likely been a while since the Hawks lost this rivalry game. Pick: Harrison

Saturday
Birmingham Brother Rice (3-2, 1-1 CL Cental) vs. Warren De La Salle (5-0, 2-0 CL Central) at Warren Fitzgerald — The Pilots all but clinch the Central Division title with a win. If the Warriors win there could be a three-way tie for first. Pick: Brother Rice
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (4-1, 3-0 CL Intersectional 1) at Dearborn Divine Child (3-2, 1-0 CL Central) — The Ventures can raise some eyebrows with a win here. Pick: Divine Child
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (2-2, 0-2 CL Central) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-2, 2-1 CL Central) — It’s been a rough two weeks for the Shamrocks. A loss here would put either team in a tough position of having to win out in the final three weeks. Pick: St. Mary’s
Royal Oak Shrine (5-0, 2-0 Intersectional 2) at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (3-2, 1-1 Intersectional 2) — The Knights showed a Canadian team they mean business last week, the Lakers should be a tougher test. Pick: Shrine


Last week: 5-7; Season record: 37-21, .637 winning percentage

When all the league champions are decided at the end of the season, it’s very likely several will look back at Week 5 as the week they won the championship. First-place teams in the OAA Blue (Ferndale-Auburn Hills Avondale), OAA White (Rochester Adams-Southfield) and KLAA North (Walled Lake Westen-Lakeland) will all collide this week. Add in teams battling to keep their playoff hopes alive and two huge Catholic League Central Division matchups and you have the recipe for another great week of high school football in and around Oakland County. Here are the picks for the top 12 matchups.

Picks
Rochester Adams (4-0) at Southfield (4-0) — Bluejays this is your chance to show what your made of and on your home field. Pick: Adams
Milford (3-1) at Hartland (4-0) — The Mavericks have been a pleasant surprise this season and can take a big step in the KLAA West with a win in the Hartland. Pick: Hartland
Walled Lake Western (3-1) at Lakeland (3-1) — It’s hard to pick a winner in this even matchup, so I’ll just go with the home team. Pick: Lakeland
Ferndale (4-0) at Auburn Hills Avondale (4-0) — A win this week for the Yellow Jackets and next week against Bloomfield Hills Lahser next week and the OAA Blue title is all but theirs. Pick: Avondale
Troy (3-1) at West Bloomfield (2-2) — The Lakers are a team to reckon with this season and should rebound from their loss to Clarkston. Pick West Bloomfield
Southfield-Lathrup (2-2) at Clarkston (3-1) — I think Dakota Bender may break the single season record for most photos in the paper, but he deserves every one. Pick: Clarkston
Ortonville Brandon (2-2) at Oxford (3-1) — My favorite Flint Metro matchup. The power of the A&W vs. the power of the Yellow Pants. Pick: Yellow Pants
South Lyon (1-3) at Novi (3-1) — It’s must-win time from here on out for the Lions, but I think that’s always the case when they face rival Novi. Pick: Novi
Birmingham Detroit Country Day (2-2) at Berkley (3-1) — The Yellowjackets can not afford to lose this one. Pick: Country Day
Rochester (0-4) at Stoney Creek (2-2) — The Cougars need to recover from the loss to Southfield and a win over a cross-town rival will do nicely. Pick; Stoney Creek

Saturday
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2-2) vs. Birmingham Brother Rice (3-1) at Southfield-Lathrup — Both teams made remarkable comebacks last week and I’m sure both coaches are hoping they won’t need a comeback this week. Pick: Brother Rice

Sunday
Warren DeLaSalle (4-0) at Novi Detroit Catholic Central (2-1) — The Pilots barely escaped last week, while the Shamrocks lost a heartbreaker. This week the roles will reverse. Pick: Catholic Central

Catholic League comebacks
It was an exciting week in the Central Division of the Catholic League. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s scored 16 unanswered points after trailing 28-12 in the fourth quarter to force overtime against Warren DeLaSalle. But the Eaglets couldn’t score on their possession in overtime and fell, 34-28, after the Pilots’ Josh Sinagoga scored on fourth-and-goal.

Not to be outdone Birmingham Brother Rice mounted a comeback of its own against Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Warriors trailed 24-10 in the fourth quarter and rallied to win the game, 27-24 on a 50-yard field goal as time expired by senior Ryan Kelly.

It will be hard to match Week 4, but Week 5 should also be exciting with Brother Rice hosting St. Mary’s and Catholic Central hosting DeLaSalle. The Eaglets need a win over Brother Rice or they will fall to 2-3 and need to run the table in its final four games to be guaranteed a playoff spot.

Southfield is for real
I predicted Stoney Creek would defeat Southfield, but I thought it would be a close game either way. I was wrong about both. The Bluejays rolled to a 24-0 win. Tim Keith led Southfield with 180 yards and two touchdowns. Southfield (4-0) will face Rochester Adams (4-0) in a showdown of OAA White unbeatens. I fully expect the Highlanders to win this game, but I’m interested to see how Southfield does. Some people claim the OAA White is weak this year, but there is nothing weak about Adams so this will be a good measuring stick for the Bluejays.

Quick hits
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest continued its best start in school history with a 29-13 win over Livonia Clarenceville. The Crusaders are now clearly in the driver seat in the Metro League.

The two preseason favorites in the KLAA North were Lakeland and Walled Lake Western. The two teams will collide this week with first place in the league on the line. The Eagles have already defeated the other two Walled Lake schools, but the Warriors will provide a much tougher test.

Southfield Christian put up quite a fight against Sterling Heights Parkway Christian before falling, 52-41. The 2-2 Eagles have a solid shot of making the playoffs in just their third year as a program.

The league races are starting to shape up and Week 4 will help establish the real contenders. There are also several quality teams with two losses, which need to avoid a third loss that will require them to run the table to rest of the way to make the playoffs. It should be an interesting week. Here are my picks for the top 12 Oakland County matchups.

Friday
Stoney Creek (2-1) at Southfield (3-0) — Both teams are eager to establish themselves in the OAA White so this should be a good one. Pick: Stoney Creek

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2-1) vs. Warren DeLaSalle (3-0) at Warren Fitzgerald — The Pilots haven’t faced a test like the Eaglets yet this season. St. Mary’s tough schedule might give them the advantage. Pick: St. Mary’s

Lakeland (2-1) at Walled Lake Central (1-2) — This will be an important game for the Eagles if they hope to win the KLAA North and winning at Central is no easy task. Pick: Lakeland

Livonia Stevenson (2-1) at South Lyon (1-2) — Things don’t get any easier for the Lions, who need a win to avoid a devastating third loss. Pick: Stevenson

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (3-0) at Livonia Clarenceville (3-0) — A huge Metro League matchup featuring the only remaining undefeated teams. Northwest has come a long way, but I think they’ll hit a bump here. Pick: Clarenceville

Troy (2-1) at Oak Park (1-2) — The Colts should rebound from last week’s loss to Clarkston. Pick: Troy

Lake Orion (2-1) at Southfield-Lathrup (2-1) — I’m not a big fan of two-quarterback systems, but it appears to be working for the Dragons and head coach Chris Bell. Pick: Lake Orion

West Bloomfield (2-1) at Clarkston (2-1) — Just 35 points last week Wolves? You can top that this week. Pick; Clarkston

Farmington Hills Harrison (2-1) at Birmingham Seaholm (0-3) — Who would have thought the Maples would be 0-3 and now possibly 0-4? Pick: Harrison

Madison Heights Bishop Foley (2-1) at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (1-2) — The Ventures snuck past Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard last week, but will need to score more than seven points to win this week. Pick: Bishop Foley

Saturday
GAME OF THE WEEK
Novi Detroit Catholic Central at Birmingham Brother Rice at Southfield-Lathrup — Rivalries don’t get much better than this one. Too bad I have to be in the office Saturday night or I would there to enjoy it. Pick: Brother Rice

Waterford Kettering (1-2) at Waterford Mott (2-1) — It’s a bit early for a cross-town showdown, but as always it should be an entertaining game. Pick: Mott

Record: Season: 23-11; Last week: 10-2

A few league race thoughts
The OAA Red race should be interesting and Week 4 will go a long way in determining a champion. There are four teams tied for first at 2-1 and four face off this week (Lake Orion at Southfield-Lathrup and West Bloomfield at Clarkston). The fifth 2-1 team, Troy, takes on Oak Park, which is another solid team. It’s likely the OAA Red champion could have two losses this season. In the end I think Clarkston will emerge as the OAA Red champion. The Wolves’ offense has racked up 131 points and will keep them in any game.

In the OAA White, Southfield has emerged as a contender, but faces a tough test in Stoney Creek this week. If the Blue Jays can get past the Cougars and Rochester Adams defeats Birmingham Groves this week, it would set up a showdown between the two next week for the OAA White lead.

I have to step things up this week after going 7-5 last week. So I’m not going to waste any time with a clever intro and get straight to the picks.

Friday
Lapeer West (1-1) at Oxford (2-0) — The Wildcats take a big step towards a Flint Metro title. Pick: Oxford

Waterford Mott (2-0) at Walled Lake Western (1-1) — The Warriors will kick off KLAA North play with a victory. Pick: Western

Howell (2-0) at Milford (2-0) — I’ve picked against the Mavericks two weeks in a row and they have won both times. Let’s make it three. Pick: Howell

GAME OF THE WEEK
Clarkston (1-1) at Troy (2-0) — Whoever is working the scoreboard at Troy is going to earn their paycheck tonight. These two teams could combine for over 90 points. Pick: Clarkston

Southfield-Lathrup (1-1) at Troy Athens (0-2) — The Red Hawks’ defense has struggled this season and the Chargers won’t make things any easier for them. Pick: Lathrup

South Lyon (1-1) at Northville (2-0) — The Lions will have their hands full with Northville. Pick: Northville

Lake Orion (1-1) at Oak Park (1-1) — The winner of this game will be a strong contender for OAA Red title. Pick: Lake Orion

Royal Oak (0-2) at West Bloomfield (1-1) — The Lakers are always tough at home. Pick: West Bloomfield.

Birmingham Groves (1-1) at Rochester (0-2) — Rochester will pick up its first W. Pick: Rochester

Birmingham Seaholm (0-2) at Stoney Creek (1-1) — The Maples need a win tonight or will have to run the table to make the playoffs. Pick: Stoney Creek

Southfield (2-0) at Farmington Hills Harrison (2-0) — The Bluejays can really establish themselves with a win over the Hawks. Pick: Harrison

Saturday
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (2-0) at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (0-2) — The Crusaders look like they have turned things around this season. Pick: Northwest

Season record: 13-9 Last week: 7-5

Week Two has arrived and I’m back for more picks. I went 6-4 last week (not including my two correct college football predictions) and I’ve decided to increase my picks to 12 games this week.

Friday
Walled Lake Western at Livonia Franklin — The Warriors will have the unenviable task of taking on Franklin after it lost a heartbreaker to Livonia Stevenson last week. Pick: Franklin
Lakeland at Canton — The Eagles face another tough test in Canton, but will be up to the task. Pick: Lakeland
Troy at Royal Oak — The Colts appear ready to prove last season wasn’t a fluke. Pick: Troy
Troy Athens at Clarkston — The Red Hawks gave up 42 points to Stoney Creek, how many do you think the Wolves can score? Pick: Clarkston
Birmingham Seaholm at Southfield — The Maples offense will have more success this week. Pick: Seaholm
Milford at South Lyon — Hopefully these two teams will still play every year despite the new KLAA because it’s usually a good one. Pick: South Lyon
West Bloomfield at Lake Orion — The Dragons may be young, but they won’t let their home fans down this week. Pick: Lake Orion
Stoney Creek at Rochester Adams — The Highlanders are scary good and won’t let a cross-town rival get a W at their place. Pick: Adams
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at Detroit U-D Jesuit — The Eaglets 0-2. I don’t buy it Pick: St. Mary’s
Novi at Walled Lake Central — The Wildcats will be rebound from the Milford loss with a solid victory over the Vikings. Pick: Novi

Saturday
GAME OF THE WEEK
Birmingham Brother Rice at Muskegon — Two of the biggest team’s in Division 2 square off. This one will likely be worth the long drive for Rice fans. Pick: Brother Rice
Oak Park at Southfield-Lathrup — The Chargers won’t stop Edwin Baker, but will do enough to get the win. Pick: Lathrup


Also for those of you that missed my volleyball preview be sure to check them out at the links below.
Top 10 teams
Top 20 players
Capsules

And for Oakland University basketball fans. The loss of Tim Williams hurts. He had a ton of potential, but made some bad decisions. He won’t be back and has left the school. I wish him good luck and hopefully he can rebound from this.

Also I’m glad to see Shane Lawal will play for Wayne State this season. I always enjoyed watching Shane play and he was a fun guy to talk to. I’m sure he will be successful this season for the Warriors.

Football season has arrived and all I can say is: Finally!. It’s going to be an interesting next few days with some great high school matchups and even Michigan and Michigan State have interesting opening games. I’ve decided each week I will predict the outcome of what I think are the top 10 games involving Oakland County teams. And boy is it a great 10 games this week. It seems like nobody is scheduling a patsy for Week 1 and I like it.

Week 1 predictions
Thursday
Birmingham Detroit Country Day at Birmingham Seaholm — The Maples are going to be a team to watch, but I like Bennie Fowler and the Yellowjackets. Pick: Country Day
Grand Blanc at Lakeland — Blake Heiman and company will have to be at their best in this one. Pick: Lakeland
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at East Grand Rapids — A rematch of the five-OT state championship game from last season, the Eaglets get their revenge. Pick: St. Mary’s
Milford at Novi — Two former KVC teams hook-up in a KLAA crossover. I like the home team in this one. Pick: Novi

Friday
South Lyon vs. Walled Lake Central, 11 a.m. at EMU — This one will be worth getting up early for and yes 11 a.m. is early for me. Pick: South Lyon
Rockford vs. Lake Orion, 5 p.m. at EMU — I commend both these teams for taking such a difficult first game. The Rams win a close one. Pick: Rockford
Stoney Creek at Troy Athens — The Cougars are playing a much tougher schedule this year and won’t get past the Red Hawks. Pick: Athens
Farmington Hills Harrison at Bloomfield Hills Lahser — East Lansing transfer Drew Jackson won’t be able to lift the Knights over Harrison. Pick: Harrison
GAME OF THE WEEK
Rochester Adams at Clarkston — The Highlanders have a lot of hype surrounding them this year, but I’m going to go with the upset here. (Hopefully I’ll still be allowed to move into my new house in Rochester this weekend.) Pick: Clarkston

Saturday
Birmingham Brother Rice at Oak Park — Oak Park’s Edwin Baker will be the best player on the field, but Brother Rice is well Brother Rice. Pick: Brother Rice

Bonus college picks
Utah at Michigan — FireRichRod.com is up by 7 p.m. after the Wolverines drop their opener. Pick: Utah
Michigan State at Cal — The Spartans put up a fight, but nobody will remember anything other than they lost. Pick: Cal