Macomb County boys basketball fans, we’re a few weeks into the boys season and there’s plenty to write about. But I don’t want to clog up the Internet, so I’ve whittled this entry down to a few choice nuggets. Enjoy, and happy holidays.
One and (not done)
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley seems determined to not only capture the MAC Red title, but do it in exciting fashion (unless you’re Big Reds coach Kevin Voss, who might insert the word "stressful" in place of "exciting.")
The Big Reds opened division action with a pair of one-point wins. They defeated Grosse Pointe North 56-55 in overtime Dec. 12 before topping two-time defending MAC Red champ Romeo High 57-56 Dec. 18.
Celebrate 2008 with the conference's first game of the new year when Chippewa Valley and high-scoring guard Chris Lemm travel to Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse to meet the Lancers and high-scoring forward Nick Carreri (committed to Grand Valley State University).
The game tips off at 7 p.m. Jan. 2.
Pilots flying high, again
From the outside, it appeared Warren De La Salle would be going through a “rebuilding” phase this season after losing four talented starters from a team that made an epic run to the state semifinals.
But after a 4-0 start, including some impressive wins, the only building the Pilots seem to be doing is creating some momentum that just might take them back to the Breslin Center.
Coach Greg Esler’s squad is led by captains Alex Marcotullio, Alex Harville and Kevin McCarthy. The Alexes man the backcourt and are armed with some dead-eye, long-range shooting. McCarthy, who depending on who you talk to is either 6 feet 9 or 6 feet 10, is a force in the middle, regardless of who you believe.
A host of role players give Esler plenty of tools to work with, though the Pilots' defense is already scary good. And even scarier, there’s not a single senior on the team, so the future is very bright at De La Salle.
Check out the Pilots over the break as they battle Warren Lincoln in what should be a great intracity clash at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at De La Salle.
“Guaranteed buckets”
His teammates call him “Q”.
I call him one of the best players in Macomb County.
The Associated Press has called him a Class B All-State honorable-mention player — twice.
You can call Quentin Jones whatever you want, just make sure you go see the St. Clair Shores South Lake senior guard before his prep balling days are over.
While it seems that South Lake’s roster is loaded with impressive athletes, Jones stands out — thanks to exceptional physical gifts and talent earned by hard work.
“Athletically, he’s unbelievable,” said South Lake coach Matt Ferguson.
Jones possesses what Ferguson refers to as “deceptive” dribbling skills, which he can use to crossover his defender in a tight spot or in the open floor, and then simply blow by him with serious speed. His strength and size at 6 feet 6 allows him to power past opponents in the post, win rebounding battles, and deny players on defense. He worked on improving his 3-point shot in the offseason, so now when defenders sag off of him in anticipation of a dribble-drive, Jones can step back and nail a trey with what Ferguson calls, “a nice, fluid shot." His high-flying ability makes him a threat to bring the crowd to its feat following a big dunk.
In short, with the arsenal of weapons Jones wields on the floor, South Lake can do some major damage.
Perhaps nobody enjoys an offensive talent like their point-guard teammate.
“Playing with 'Q,' it’s fun, because you can just feed him the ball and it’s like, easy buckets,” Cavs senior point guard Malcolm Oliver said. “It’s like guaranteed buckets as soon as the ball touches his hands. Everybody knows it’s not a one-person game, but he is a very big part of our team.”
Catch Jones and the Cavs in action over the break at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North’s Crusader Classic. But don’t just focus on South Lake, as LCN senior guard Erik Thompson is another impressive player from the MAC.
LCN is scheduled to play Port Huron at 6 p.m. Dec. 27. South Lake will face off with Livonia Franklin following that game, and more action is planned for the next day.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Here we go hoops fans
Boys basketball season is finally here. I’ve compiled a quick guide to some early season must-see games in Macomb County. Happy trails hoops fans.
Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at Warren De La Salle:
Expect to see a barrage of 3-pointers from two of the county’s purest shooters in Crusaders senior Erik Thompson and Pilots junior Alex Marcotullio.
Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Warren Cousino at Utica Ford:
The Falcons edged the Patriots by one game to take the Macomb Area Conference White Division title last season. While Ford’s Nate King and Kyle Hunt, and Cousino’s Ricky Powell and Bernard Edwards are among the area’s top returning starters, Patriots center Matt Balkema, a 6-foot-9 270-pound junior, may just steal the show in this early season grudge match.
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Harper Woods High at Warren Conner Creek Academy West:
The Eagles may be Warren’s best-kept basketball secret. They’ll have a chance to prove their skills against the Metro Conference powerhouse. The Pioneers' aggressive, pressing defense is enough to give any opposing head coach fits, but so are the all-around skills the Eagles' 6-foot-8 junior center John Hoskins Jr.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores South Lake at Warren Fitzgerald:
Expect plenty of high-flying offense as there are few teams around that can match the explosiveness of the Spartans and Cavaliers. Quentin Jones, the Cavs' 6-foot-6, high-flying senior forward is a threat to score from anywhere and should be enjoyable to watch this season. There are plenty of players in this game capable of taking over in this installment of a fierce, blossoming rivalry. South Lake won a share of the MAC Blue title last season, while Fitzgerald was tied for second place.
Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at Warren De La Salle:
Expect to see a barrage of 3-pointers from two of the county’s purest shooters in Crusaders senior Erik Thompson and Pilots junior Alex Marcotullio.
Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Warren Cousino at Utica Ford:
The Falcons edged the Patriots by one game to take the Macomb Area Conference White Division title last season. While Ford’s Nate King and Kyle Hunt, and Cousino’s Ricky Powell and Bernard Edwards are among the area’s top returning starters, Patriots center Matt Balkema, a 6-foot-9 270-pound junior, may just steal the show in this early season grudge match.
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Harper Woods High at Warren Conner Creek Academy West:
The Eagles may be Warren’s best-kept basketball secret. They’ll have a chance to prove their skills against the Metro Conference powerhouse. The Pioneers' aggressive, pressing defense is enough to give any opposing head coach fits, but so are the all-around skills the Eagles' 6-foot-8 junior center John Hoskins Jr.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., St. Clair Shores South Lake at Warren Fitzgerald:
Expect plenty of high-flying offense as there are few teams around that can match the explosiveness of the Spartans and Cavaliers. Quentin Jones, the Cavs' 6-foot-6, high-flying senior forward is a threat to score from anywhere and should be enjoyable to watch this season. There are plenty of players in this game capable of taking over in this installment of a fierce, blossoming rivalry. South Lake won a share of the MAC Blue title last season, while Fitzgerald was tied for second place.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Another classic Thanksgiving
Football has always been associated with Thanksgiving in Detroit, but
lately the Thursday afternoon affair seems to leave fans hungry
compared to the weekend feast.
A little of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day sheen has dissipated ever since the retirement of one Barry Sanders, but after the past two years of high school finals, even No. 20 himself would be hard-pressed to provide a better show.
Many assumed the 2006 Division 2 championship between Warren De La Salle and Muskegon
High could not be topped. But as is the case with most things, if you
wait long enough, you’ll be proved wrong as the 2007 Orchard Lake St.
Mary’s/East Grand Rapids Division 3 championship came very close.
Where all of last year’s dramatics were contained to regulation, you may have
read that the Eaglets one-upped their league rival Pilots and extended
their game to five overtimes.
Just like last year, the most exciting game of the weekend pitted a team from the Catholic High School League against the OK Conference with plenty of bragging rights
between public and private andEastside versus Westside at stake.
Again, the OK won as East Grand Rapids outlasted the Eaglets in a marathon just as narrowly as Muskegon’s Ronald Johnson outraced De La Salle's Don Fowler in a sprint last year.
Of course, talk to people in Macomb County and they’ll tell you the OK and Catholic League are playing for second place.
Macomb Dakota from the Mac Red Division took home its second straight Division
1 championship and Marine City High topped Detroit Country Day for the
Division 4 crown.
The Cougars put together the first Division 1 14-0 season since 1999, and answered every question and doubt they had coming into this year.
When the final game was played, Dakota was arguably more dominant than last year’s team, which was an overtime away from also being undefeated.
The Cougars won their 22nd consecutive game against Livonia Stevenson, but take into account that streak started after an overtime loss to Utica Ford II Sept. 22, and if one or two bounces went the other way, we’d be talking about a 28-game streak.
But that would be impossible ...
Given the one loss that Dakota’s JV and two freshmen teams combined for in
2007, maybe I should wait till next year before saying that.
lately the Thursday afternoon affair seems to leave fans hungry
compared to the weekend feast.
A little of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day sheen has dissipated ever since the retirement of one Barry Sanders, but after the past two years of high school finals, even No. 20 himself would be hard-pressed to provide a better show.
Many assumed the 2006 Division 2 championship between Warren De La Salle and Muskegon
High could not be topped. But as is the case with most things, if you
wait long enough, you’ll be proved wrong as the 2007 Orchard Lake St.
Mary’s/East Grand Rapids Division 3 championship came very close.
Where all of last year’s dramatics were contained to regulation, you may have
read that the Eaglets one-upped their league rival Pilots and extended
their game to five overtimes.
Just like last year, the most exciting game of the weekend pitted a team from the Catholic High School League against the OK Conference with plenty of bragging rights
between public and private andEastside versus Westside at stake.
Again, the OK won as East Grand Rapids outlasted the Eaglets in a marathon just as narrowly as Muskegon’s Ronald Johnson outraced De La Salle's Don Fowler in a sprint last year.
Of course, talk to people in Macomb County and they’ll tell you the OK and Catholic League are playing for second place.
Macomb Dakota from the Mac Red Division took home its second straight Division
1 championship and Marine City High topped Detroit Country Day for the
Division 4 crown.
The Cougars put together the first Division 1 14-0 season since 1999, and answered every question and doubt they had coming into this year.
When the final game was played, Dakota was arguably more dominant than last year’s team, which was an overtime away from also being undefeated.
The Cougars won their 22nd consecutive game against Livonia Stevenson, but take into account that streak started after an overtime loss to Utica Ford II Sept. 22, and if one or two bounces went the other way, we’d be talking about a 28-game streak.
But that would be impossible ...
Given the one loss that Dakota’s JV and two freshmen teams combined for in
2007, maybe I should wait till next year before saying that.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
No-huddle highlights on horizon
Find me a metro Detroit football fan who wouldn’t want Peyton Manning as the signal caller of the Detroit Lions and I’ll find you Atlantis.
Sure, Jon Kitna has, for now, provided some consistency in a position long prone to considerable questioning and criticism. And surely the Tom Brady fan club has a large following in the area.
But Manning’s ability to call and execute plays successfully from the line of scrimmage in the Indianapolis Colts’ no-huddle offense is a treat to watch, and a similar version may be making its way to the Motor City and Ford Field.
No, the Lions didn’t trade their next 40 first-round draft picks for the Colts QB.
But Team Michigan of the All American Football League, which begins its inaugural season in April, plans to implement a similar no-huddle offensive scheme to Ford Field under the direction of John Fontes.
Fontes, who was introduced as Team Michigan’s head coach Nov. 27, worked with Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore when the pair were assistants under Wayne Fontes (John’s brother) when he was at the helm of the Lions in the 1990s.
Fontes hopes to tap into his friendship with Moore in bringing an exciting offense into the AAFL.
“I have a great respect for Tom Moore,” Fontes said. “Tom’s been so gracious. He said to me, ‘Any time that you get started, and you want your offensive coordinators to come sit down with us after our season’s over with, you’re more than welcome. Because this right here can work for you.'”
Moore was the Lions’ quarterbacks coach in 1994-95 and was offensive coordinator in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Detroit led the NFL in total offense in 1995 (382.1 yards-per-game) as the Lions became the first team in league history to have two receivers catch 100 passes (Herman Moore and Brett Perriman).
“His offensive style is so unique and so simple that when we draft, we’re drafting for that style of offense — no huddle,” Fontes said. “And we’re going to call the play at the line of scrimmage, just like he does. We’re going to give the quarterback one running play and two pass plays, depending on what he sees. And we’re going to line up in a formation and let it role from there.”
Before coming to Detroit, Tom Moore helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win a pair of Super Bowls as an offensive assistant coach. Since leaving Detroit, he has directed Manning and the Colts' dynamic offense, culminating in last season’s Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears.
The AAFL, which will begin its 10-game regular season April 12 — following a national draft Jan. 25 at a to-be-determined location — requires all players to have exhausted their collegiate eligibility and earned their undergraduate degree.
While nobody expects a player of Peyton Manning’s caliber to play in the AAFL, Team Michigan Chairman Stan Edwards guaranteed the quality of talent in the league would be more than sufficient.
“You’ll get a good brand of football,” Edwards said.
Sure, Jon Kitna has, for now, provided some consistency in a position long prone to considerable questioning and criticism. And surely the Tom Brady fan club has a large following in the area.
But Manning’s ability to call and execute plays successfully from the line of scrimmage in the Indianapolis Colts’ no-huddle offense is a treat to watch, and a similar version may be making its way to the Motor City and Ford Field.
No, the Lions didn’t trade their next 40 first-round draft picks for the Colts QB.
But Team Michigan of the All American Football League, which begins its inaugural season in April, plans to implement a similar no-huddle offensive scheme to Ford Field under the direction of John Fontes.
Fontes, who was introduced as Team Michigan’s head coach Nov. 27, worked with Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore when the pair were assistants under Wayne Fontes (John’s brother) when he was at the helm of the Lions in the 1990s.
Fontes hopes to tap into his friendship with Moore in bringing an exciting offense into the AAFL.
“I have a great respect for Tom Moore,” Fontes said. “Tom’s been so gracious. He said to me, ‘Any time that you get started, and you want your offensive coordinators to come sit down with us after our season’s over with, you’re more than welcome. Because this right here can work for you.'”
Moore was the Lions’ quarterbacks coach in 1994-95 and was offensive coordinator in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Detroit led the NFL in total offense in 1995 (382.1 yards-per-game) as the Lions became the first team in league history to have two receivers catch 100 passes (Herman Moore and Brett Perriman).
“His offensive style is so unique and so simple that when we draft, we’re drafting for that style of offense — no huddle,” Fontes said. “And we’re going to call the play at the line of scrimmage, just like he does. We’re going to give the quarterback one running play and two pass plays, depending on what he sees. And we’re going to line up in a formation and let it role from there.”
Before coming to Detroit, Tom Moore helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win a pair of Super Bowls as an offensive assistant coach. Since leaving Detroit, he has directed Manning and the Colts' dynamic offense, culminating in last season’s Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears.
The AAFL, which will begin its 10-game regular season April 12 — following a national draft Jan. 25 at a to-be-determined location — requires all players to have exhausted their collegiate eligibility and earned their undergraduate degree.
While nobody expects a player of Peyton Manning’s caliber to play in the AAFL, Team Michigan Chairman Stan Edwards guaranteed the quality of talent in the league would be more than sufficient.
“You’ll get a good brand of football,” Edwards said.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Districts, districts and more districts
No better way to enjoy the last weekend of reasonable temperatures than catching a local district championship football game. Winter always seems to roll in the weekend of regional title games and seemingly hangs around until baseball and softball kick of their district tournaments, so be sure to get out and enjoy the brisk Friday night and Saturday afternoon at one of many local matchups.
No. 2 Rochester Adams (9-1) hosts No. 2 Birmingham Brother Rice (8-2) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
A lot of metro Detroit pride is on the line with this game. Both squads are ranked second in Division 2 by the Associated Press, both squads have won Division 2 state titles in the last five years, and both squads might represent the metro area’s best chance of knocking off defending Division 2 state champ No. 1 Muskegon High or their rival No. 4 Hudsonville High Nov. 23 at Ford Field.
Rice brings a rejuvenated offense, led by senior running back Caulton Ray IV and senior quarterback Andy Lentz, up against an Adams defense that has so much speed Rice coach Al Fracassa believes it to be better than the defense that beat him in the 2003 state title game.
No. 1 Macomb Dakota (10-0) hosts Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
The buzz saw that is the Dakota football team hasn’t let up on anyone since an early season 29-22 scare from Utica Eisenhower Sept. 7. Since then, the Cougars have outscored opponents 282-71, including a 39-0 win against the Big Reds Sept. 21. Of course, that was with Chippewa Valley senior quarterback Tyler Alwardt severely hampered with a leg injury. After the Big Reds fell to Dakota, they also dropped their next game, 21-14, to Utica Eisenhower, but have since rattled off four straight wins and outscored opponents 139-58 in that span.
No. 5 Warren Cousino (10-0) hosts Detroit Denby (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
The Patriots are following much the same path that put them in the Division 1 state semifinal a year ago. After beating a Macomb Area Conference rival in the first round — this year it was Warren Mott; last year it was Utica Stevenson — Cousino now faces Denby from the Detroit Public School League, the same team it beat a year ago to win the program’s first regional title and one of the three teams the Patriots scrimmaged during the 2007 preseason.
The major difference in Cousino’s postseason road map would come if the Patriots were to win another regional title and return to the semifinals. There they would face a team from the group headed by unbeaten No. 4 Livonia Stevenson instead of Dakota — which they wouldn’t face until Nov. 24 at Ford Field in the Division 1 title game.
No. 9* Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day (8-2) hosts Detroit Crockett (6-4) at 1 p.m. Nov. 3.
The Yellowjackets’ ranking gets an asterisk because the Associated Press ranked it among the top 10 in Division 5. Country Day qualified for the Division 4 playoff bracket, and after topping one PSL foe — Detroit Douglass — in the first round, it gets another with the Rockets. Where Douglass was making its first trip to the postseason, Crockett is slightly more seasoned with this being its eighth appearance since 1997. With Crockett’s in-state losses coming against Denby (Division 1), Detroit King (Division 2) and Detroit Southeastern (Division 1), Country Day is going to need another big day from senior running back Jonas "The Benz" Gray, who in committing to Notre Dame is following in the footsteps of former Detroit MacKenzie star Jerome "the Bus" Bettis.
No. 2 Rochester Adams (9-1) hosts No. 2 Birmingham Brother Rice (8-2) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
A lot of metro Detroit pride is on the line with this game. Both squads are ranked second in Division 2 by the Associated Press, both squads have won Division 2 state titles in the last five years, and both squads might represent the metro area’s best chance of knocking off defending Division 2 state champ No. 1 Muskegon High or their rival No. 4 Hudsonville High Nov. 23 at Ford Field.
Rice brings a rejuvenated offense, led by senior running back Caulton Ray IV and senior quarterback Andy Lentz, up against an Adams defense that has so much speed Rice coach Al Fracassa believes it to be better than the defense that beat him in the 2003 state title game.
No. 1 Macomb Dakota (10-0) hosts Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
The buzz saw that is the Dakota football team hasn’t let up on anyone since an early season 29-22 scare from Utica Eisenhower Sept. 7. Since then, the Cougars have outscored opponents 282-71, including a 39-0 win against the Big Reds Sept. 21. Of course, that was with Chippewa Valley senior quarterback Tyler Alwardt severely hampered with a leg injury. After the Big Reds fell to Dakota, they also dropped their next game, 21-14, to Utica Eisenhower, but have since rattled off four straight wins and outscored opponents 139-58 in that span.
No. 5 Warren Cousino (10-0) hosts Detroit Denby (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.
The Patriots are following much the same path that put them in the Division 1 state semifinal a year ago. After beating a Macomb Area Conference rival in the first round — this year it was Warren Mott; last year it was Utica Stevenson — Cousino now faces Denby from the Detroit Public School League, the same team it beat a year ago to win the program’s first regional title and one of the three teams the Patriots scrimmaged during the 2007 preseason.
The major difference in Cousino’s postseason road map would come if the Patriots were to win another regional title and return to the semifinals. There they would face a team from the group headed by unbeaten No. 4 Livonia Stevenson instead of Dakota — which they wouldn’t face until Nov. 24 at Ford Field in the Division 1 title game.
No. 9* Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day (8-2) hosts Detroit Crockett (6-4) at 1 p.m. Nov. 3.
The Yellowjackets’ ranking gets an asterisk because the Associated Press ranked it among the top 10 in Division 5. Country Day qualified for the Division 4 playoff bracket, and after topping one PSL foe — Detroit Douglass — in the first round, it gets another with the Rockets. Where Douglass was making its first trip to the postseason, Crockett is slightly more seasoned with this being its eighth appearance since 1997. With Crockett’s in-state losses coming against Denby (Division 1), Detroit King (Division 2) and Detroit Southeastern (Division 1), Country Day is going to need another big day from senior running back Jonas "The Benz" Gray, who in committing to Notre Dame is following in the footsteps of former Detroit MacKenzie star Jerome "the Bus" Bettis.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Enjoy every last moment
So, it’s officially come to this.
A season that began many moons ago, with conditioning in the dead of winter giving way to training camp in the dead of summer to finally the playoffs in — Halloween’s coming up, right? — the dead of fall.
What was a guaranteed nine-game season has translated into what could be a five-week run or a 48-minute heartbreak. Either way, the competitiveness, agony, jubilation, excitement, and any other adjective you care to use to describe the football state playoffs, is what makes them so, well, I guess I’m out of them, great.
For 256 teams across the state, spilt into eight different divisions, the 2007 playoffs begin Friday night. And of those 256 teams, only eight — less than 4 percent if you’re counting — will end the season with a win.
But my advice has little to do with wins, losses, play calling or strategizing, I leave that to the men with the headsets and flashy jackets. Instead, for all 256 teams, and however many thousands of players that entails, I offer one small bit of advice.
Enjoy this time, however long or short it may be.
Enjoy every last second of it.
It won’t be long before you find yourself in class, at a party, celebrating a holiday, or anywhere in between, and the words, “remember at football…” will come pouring from your mouth.
It may be a story about training camp, a story from the locker room, from practice, from a game, from a bus ride or the playoffs — anything and everything is fair game when it comes to reminiscing about what was such an integral part of the high school career.
A play that may have been a 2-yard touchdown run with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter will turn into a 55-yard score with 12 broken tackles. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with exaggeration, it makes stories better.
While we all tend to look back at what was, many of us look back and wish they could have it once more.
Make one more bus trip.
Listen to one more pre-game speech.
Run onto a field of screaming fans one more time.
For the 256 teams that will take the field this weekend, that “one more time” is still in front of you. Cherish it as if it’s your last. Remember every little detail, every face, every name you go to battle with.
I tender this advice not as a lecturing adult who thinks he knows all (and walked to school uphill both ways in the snow), but as a former player who experienced it.
It was 2000. A bitter-cold November morning with the brightest sun I’d seen in days beamed down and welcomed us into this second-round playoff day.
As our team walked from the locker room to the chapel for a quick prayer before boarding the bus, one of my best friends gave a me a swift slap and said, “Enjoy this walk, you never know how many we have left.”
That was the last one.
My “remember at football…” conversations began days later.
A season that began many moons ago, with conditioning in the dead of winter giving way to training camp in the dead of summer to finally the playoffs in — Halloween’s coming up, right? — the dead of fall.
What was a guaranteed nine-game season has translated into what could be a five-week run or a 48-minute heartbreak. Either way, the competitiveness, agony, jubilation, excitement, and any other adjective you care to use to describe the football state playoffs, is what makes them so, well, I guess I’m out of them, great.
For 256 teams across the state, spilt into eight different divisions, the 2007 playoffs begin Friday night. And of those 256 teams, only eight — less than 4 percent if you’re counting — will end the season with a win.
But my advice has little to do with wins, losses, play calling or strategizing, I leave that to the men with the headsets and flashy jackets. Instead, for all 256 teams, and however many thousands of players that entails, I offer one small bit of advice.
Enjoy this time, however long or short it may be.
Enjoy every last second of it.
It won’t be long before you find yourself in class, at a party, celebrating a holiday, or anywhere in between, and the words, “remember at football…” will come pouring from your mouth.
It may be a story about training camp, a story from the locker room, from practice, from a game, from a bus ride or the playoffs — anything and everything is fair game when it comes to reminiscing about what was such an integral part of the high school career.
A play that may have been a 2-yard touchdown run with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter will turn into a 55-yard score with 12 broken tackles. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with exaggeration, it makes stories better.
While we all tend to look back at what was, many of us look back and wish they could have it once more.
Make one more bus trip.
Listen to one more pre-game speech.
Run onto a field of screaming fans one more time.
For the 256 teams that will take the field this weekend, that “one more time” is still in front of you. Cherish it as if it’s your last. Remember every little detail, every face, every name you go to battle with.
I tender this advice not as a lecturing adult who thinks he knows all (and walked to school uphill both ways in the snow), but as a former player who experienced it.
It was 2000. A bitter-cold November morning with the brightest sun I’d seen in days beamed down and welcomed us into this second-round playoff day.
As our team walked from the locker room to the chapel for a quick prayer before boarding the bus, one of my best friends gave a me a swift slap and said, “Enjoy this walk, you never know how many we have left.”
That was the last one.
My “remember at football…” conversations began days later.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Get ready for some football
The air is colder, and it’s October, which means football playoffs are almost upon us.
The regular season has given us a lot of great games , but there is something really special about a chilly October night leading into even colder November days as 256 teams vie for the 16 spots at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.
So why not catch one of the season’s final regular-season matchups as a primer. If you’re still not convinced to brave the elements this weekend, consult my top 10 reasons for leaving the house on Friday or Saturday and checking out your local football teams.
No. 10: The Trojan War: Clawson High plays at Livonia Clarenceville at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The Trojans of Clawson take on the Trojans of Livonia for the final time as Metro Conference rivals. Even though Clawson’s stay in the Metro wasn’t long, the two squads developed a rivalry playing for the Trojan Horse trophy constructed by Clawson High coach Jim Sparks. While this game would not impact Metro standings in the future, rumors circulate that Clawson’s move to the Macomb Area Conference will not be the end of this budding tradition.
No. 9: Sterling Heights Parkway Christian hosts Hamtramck High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Fraser High.
The Parkway Christian Eagles might be the best team you know nothing about, and its junior star, Zurlon Tipton, might be the best player you know nothing about — and football isn’t even his No. 1 sport. Tipton, who also excels for the Eagles’ basketball team, is almost too fast for the competition he faces weekly in the Southern Michigan Football Conference, and chances are, he’ll be just as dominant against the Cosmos.
No. 8: Grosse Pointe South travels to Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
Coach Tim Brandon has the Blue Devils on the verge of their first winning season since 2003, and this game is even more intriguing given that it’s South senior Jimmy Saros’ last chance to set the state record for career receptions. Granted, Saros needs 26 catches against the Lancers to tie the mark, but it’s still a chance to see one of the area’s great players of the last four years.
No. 7 & 6: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore hosts Warren Woods Tower at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Warren Fitzgerald hosts Madison Heights Madison at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Macomb L’Anse Creuse North hosts New Baltimore Anchor Bay at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley travels to Port Huron High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
These games are so big they count twice. The Shorians, Spartans, Crusaders and Big Reds all need one win to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs. All three face MAC rivals in the final week, making these, in essence, the first playoff games of the season.
Lake Shore faces a Woods Tower squad that clinched its spot in the second season with a 19-13 overtime win against Fitzgerald Oct. 12, and the Spartans have to go through the 2006 Division 5 state runner-up Eagles to punch their ticket under first-year coach Jason Byers.
The Crusaders face rival and MAC Red Division member Tars in their crossover after clinching a share of the Blue Division title. The Big Reds are hoping to extend coach Mike Carr’s return to the sideline for at least one more week at the co-Blue champion Port Huron Big Reds.
No. 5: Madison Heights Madison travels to Warren Fitzgerald at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
By all means, if you have a chance to go see the Eagles play this week, or in a playoff game, take it. Go see senior Deandre Johnson before he takes his game to such collegiate possibilities as the University of Florida or the University of Southern California. See this kid play on Friday before you see him on Saturday.
No. 4: Harper Woods High hosts Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The Pioneers are trying to win their first Metro Conference title under coach Heath Filber. A year ago, the Pioneers surprised many by qualifying for the playoffs, and this year they’re pushing toward their second appearance and hoping to bring home sole possession of the league title. They clinched a share of it last week beating Macomb Lutheran North, 30-28, for the first time since 2000, but are looking for the outright title and a home playoff game against the Cranes.
No. 3: Macomb Dakota hosts Grosse Pointe North at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The only thing more shocking than the way the 2006 Cougars handle Rockford High in the 2006 Division 1 title game may be that the 2007 Cougars seem to be even better. No one in the area plays at such a high skill level and as physical as the Cougars, who are simply as dangerous a high school football team as I have ever seen and must be seen to be believed.
No. 2: Warren Cousino travels to Utica Stevenson at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
Years down the line, a Cousino victory against Stevenson may be the game Patriots fans point to as the game where it all started. While it won’t be this one — the Patriots topped the Titans in last year's playoffs en route to the programs first regional title — Cousino is making its second trip in as many weeks to Runkle Field to face a MAC Red opponent after beating Utica Ford II, 24-17, there a week ago. With the MAC realigning its divisions next year, this could be an intriguing league matchup for years.
No. 1: Catholic League Prep Bowl at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Ford Field
Since 1998, one of the four programs slated to play in the Prep Bowl — Warren De La Salle, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Birmingham Brother Rice — have appeared in at last one of the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s championship games. With the Warriors (No. 3 in Division 2) playing the Eaglets (No. 1 in Division 3) at 7 p.m. and the Pilots (No. 9 in Division 2) facing the Shamrocks (No. 7 in Division 1), that streak looks like it is bound to continue, and you can see them face each other for $8 on the same field they are likely to play on for a title Nov. 23-24.
The regular season has given us a lot of great games , but there is something really special about a chilly October night leading into even colder November days as 256 teams vie for the 16 spots at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.
So why not catch one of the season’s final regular-season matchups as a primer. If you’re still not convinced to brave the elements this weekend, consult my top 10 reasons for leaving the house on Friday or Saturday and checking out your local football teams.
No. 10: The Trojan War: Clawson High plays at Livonia Clarenceville at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The Trojans of Clawson take on the Trojans of Livonia for the final time as Metro Conference rivals. Even though Clawson’s stay in the Metro wasn’t long, the two squads developed a rivalry playing for the Trojan Horse trophy constructed by Clawson High coach Jim Sparks. While this game would not impact Metro standings in the future, rumors circulate that Clawson’s move to the Macomb Area Conference will not be the end of this budding tradition.
No. 9: Sterling Heights Parkway Christian hosts Hamtramck High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Fraser High.
The Parkway Christian Eagles might be the best team you know nothing about, and its junior star, Zurlon Tipton, might be the best player you know nothing about — and football isn’t even his No. 1 sport. Tipton, who also excels for the Eagles’ basketball team, is almost too fast for the competition he faces weekly in the Southern Michigan Football Conference, and chances are, he’ll be just as dominant against the Cosmos.
No. 8: Grosse Pointe South travels to Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
Coach Tim Brandon has the Blue Devils on the verge of their first winning season since 2003, and this game is even more intriguing given that it’s South senior Jimmy Saros’ last chance to set the state record for career receptions. Granted, Saros needs 26 catches against the Lancers to tie the mark, but it’s still a chance to see one of the area’s great players of the last four years.
No. 7 & 6: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore hosts Warren Woods Tower at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Warren Fitzgerald hosts Madison Heights Madison at 7 p.m. Oct. 19; Macomb L’Anse Creuse North hosts New Baltimore Anchor Bay at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley travels to Port Huron High at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
These games are so big they count twice. The Shorians, Spartans, Crusaders and Big Reds all need one win to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs. All three face MAC rivals in the final week, making these, in essence, the first playoff games of the season.
Lake Shore faces a Woods Tower squad that clinched its spot in the second season with a 19-13 overtime win against Fitzgerald Oct. 12, and the Spartans have to go through the 2006 Division 5 state runner-up Eagles to punch their ticket under first-year coach Jason Byers.
The Crusaders face rival and MAC Red Division member Tars in their crossover after clinching a share of the Blue Division title. The Big Reds are hoping to extend coach Mike Carr’s return to the sideline for at least one more week at the co-Blue champion Port Huron Big Reds.
No. 5: Madison Heights Madison travels to Warren Fitzgerald at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
By all means, if you have a chance to go see the Eagles play this week, or in a playoff game, take it. Go see senior Deandre Johnson before he takes his game to such collegiate possibilities as the University of Florida or the University of Southern California. See this kid play on Friday before you see him on Saturday.
No. 4: Harper Woods High hosts Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The Pioneers are trying to win their first Metro Conference title under coach Heath Filber. A year ago, the Pioneers surprised many by qualifying for the playoffs, and this year they’re pushing toward their second appearance and hoping to bring home sole possession of the league title. They clinched a share of it last week beating Macomb Lutheran North, 30-28, for the first time since 2000, but are looking for the outright title and a home playoff game against the Cranes.
No. 3: Macomb Dakota hosts Grosse Pointe North at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
The only thing more shocking than the way the 2006 Cougars handle Rockford High in the 2006 Division 1 title game may be that the 2007 Cougars seem to be even better. No one in the area plays at such a high skill level and as physical as the Cougars, who are simply as dangerous a high school football team as I have ever seen and must be seen to be believed.
No. 2: Warren Cousino travels to Utica Stevenson at 7 p.m. Oct. 19
Years down the line, a Cousino victory against Stevenson may be the game Patriots fans point to as the game where it all started. While it won’t be this one — the Patriots topped the Titans in last year's playoffs en route to the programs first regional title — Cousino is making its second trip in as many weeks to Runkle Field to face a MAC Red opponent after beating Utica Ford II, 24-17, there a week ago. With the MAC realigning its divisions next year, this could be an intriguing league matchup for years.
No. 1: Catholic League Prep Bowl at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at Ford Field
Since 1998, one of the four programs slated to play in the Prep Bowl — Warren De La Salle, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Birmingham Brother Rice — have appeared in at last one of the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s championship games. With the Warriors (No. 3 in Division 2) playing the Eaglets (No. 1 in Division 3) at 7 p.m. and the Pilots (No. 9 in Division 2) facing the Shamrocks (No. 7 in Division 1), that streak looks like it is bound to continue, and you can see them face each other for $8 on the same field they are likely to play on for a title Nov. 23-24.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Sacrifice for success
Lakeview’s boys soccer team is doing plenty of things on paper this season that jump right off the page.
The Huskies have beaten a pair of schools about twice their size that are traditional soccer powers (Utica High and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley). They’ve gone 6-0 in the MAC Blue. Three players are averaging nearly a goal a game. They are well on track to earn their first division title under fifth-year coach Nick Spano and have to be considered a favorite to win their third straight district title. They've even crept into the statewide rankings as an honorable mention squad in Division 2.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the team can’t be found on paper. There are no statistics to describe what Kris Trombley is doing for the team.
Trombley, a senior, is the team’s goalkeeper — a position he didn’t expect to play entering his third year on the varsity.
“All our goalies left, and I was like a last resort,” Trombley said. “Coach Spano decided to try me in goal one day, and I guess I did pretty well.”
The tough, athletic Trombley — who plays rugby in the spring for Lakeview’s club team — had minimal experience in net. He said he occasionally played the position when his travel soccer team would need someone to fill in.
“I’ve never actually gone to any goalie camps or anything like that,” Trombley said.
Trombley’s experience as a field player was evident in his goalkeeping style Sept. 26 when the Huskies hosted Fraser High. Often standing more than a dozen yards off his line, Trombley was able to clear a handful of potential Ramblers breakaways with his foot, rather than sit back in the net and make saves with his hands. Fraser tested him often, with quick counterattacks throughout the game, but he was able to turn back everything the Ramblers threw at him. The Huskies won the crucial division contest, 2-0.
“I enjoy it when it comes to games like this,” Trombley said. “I can’t stand being in goal when I don’t get any action.”
While most coaches may want to avoid the ensuing ulcers of a goalkeeper who lives near the edge of his box, rather than under the comforts of the crossbar, Spano is simply happy he’s found a solid player who was willing to sacrifice the action on the rest of the field.
“That’s not his preference to play goal, but he knows that he’s my best option,” Spano said. “He flat out said, 'I don’t love it, but it’s for this team and I’m going to do it.' That’s kind of the attitude that everyone has taken. They do what it takes to help the team, and obviously, so far it’s been successful.”
Trombley’s teammates have also taken notice of his sacrifice and solid play in net.
“It was a great surprise knowing that he could (play well in net),” senior midfielder Greg Norrod said. “It’s good knowing that we have that ability to throw him in there. It’s great that he’s willing to come in and play anywhere just to see this team become successful.”
Thanks in part to Trombley, it appears that Lakeview will at least clinch a share of the MAC Blue title. Yet there are key upcoming games that will play a major part in deciding who will be raising banners by season's end in the other divisions. Here are some can’t miss crucial approaching contests:
Utica Eisenhower at Utica Ford II, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1. The Eagles have a tight, one-point lead over the Falcons and Utica Stevenson atop the MAC Red standings. Ike won the division last year, but Ford knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs, so this one should be tense.
Grosse Pointe South at Utica High, 7 p.m. Oct. 8. Each team still has a couple games to get through before this MAC White clash, but the Blue Devils and Chieftains are well out in front of their division foes. South, the defending champions, hold a one-game lead over Utica.
South Lake at Lake Shore, 6 p.m. Oct. 10. Again, both Shores schools have a handful of games to get through, but by the time they face off for this grudge match, the MAC Silver title will surely come into play, just as it did last year when South Lake edged Lake Shore in an all-or-nothing match. The Shorians got the last laugh, though, as they knocked the Cavaliers out of the playoffs. Lake Shore ended September in first place in the division at 5-1-0, while Marine City sat in second at 4-1-1 and South Lake was in third at 3-1-2.
The Metro Conference, home of Macomb Lutheran North, Grosse Pointe University Liggett and Harper Woods, begins its tournament Oct. 4. Warren De La Salle, meanwhile, will look to defend its Catholic League tourney title when action begins with semifinals on Oct. 8.
The Huskies have beaten a pair of schools about twice their size that are traditional soccer powers (Utica High and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley). They’ve gone 6-0 in the MAC Blue. Three players are averaging nearly a goal a game. They are well on track to earn their first division title under fifth-year coach Nick Spano and have to be considered a favorite to win their third straight district title. They've even crept into the statewide rankings as an honorable mention squad in Division 2.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the team can’t be found on paper. There are no statistics to describe what Kris Trombley is doing for the team.
Trombley, a senior, is the team’s goalkeeper — a position he didn’t expect to play entering his third year on the varsity.
“All our goalies left, and I was like a last resort,” Trombley said. “Coach Spano decided to try me in goal one day, and I guess I did pretty well.”
The tough, athletic Trombley — who plays rugby in the spring for Lakeview’s club team — had minimal experience in net. He said he occasionally played the position when his travel soccer team would need someone to fill in.
“I’ve never actually gone to any goalie camps or anything like that,” Trombley said.
Trombley’s experience as a field player was evident in his goalkeeping style Sept. 26 when the Huskies hosted Fraser High. Often standing more than a dozen yards off his line, Trombley was able to clear a handful of potential Ramblers breakaways with his foot, rather than sit back in the net and make saves with his hands. Fraser tested him often, with quick counterattacks throughout the game, but he was able to turn back everything the Ramblers threw at him. The Huskies won the crucial division contest, 2-0.
“I enjoy it when it comes to games like this,” Trombley said. “I can’t stand being in goal when I don’t get any action.”
While most coaches may want to avoid the ensuing ulcers of a goalkeeper who lives near the edge of his box, rather than under the comforts of the crossbar, Spano is simply happy he’s found a solid player who was willing to sacrifice the action on the rest of the field.
“That’s not his preference to play goal, but he knows that he’s my best option,” Spano said. “He flat out said, 'I don’t love it, but it’s for this team and I’m going to do it.' That’s kind of the attitude that everyone has taken. They do what it takes to help the team, and obviously, so far it’s been successful.”
Trombley’s teammates have also taken notice of his sacrifice and solid play in net.
“It was a great surprise knowing that he could (play well in net),” senior midfielder Greg Norrod said. “It’s good knowing that we have that ability to throw him in there. It’s great that he’s willing to come in and play anywhere just to see this team become successful.”
Thanks in part to Trombley, it appears that Lakeview will at least clinch a share of the MAC Blue title. Yet there are key upcoming games that will play a major part in deciding who will be raising banners by season's end in the other divisions. Here are some can’t miss crucial approaching contests:
Utica Eisenhower at Utica Ford II, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1. The Eagles have a tight, one-point lead over the Falcons and Utica Stevenson atop the MAC Red standings. Ike won the division last year, but Ford knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs, so this one should be tense.
Grosse Pointe South at Utica High, 7 p.m. Oct. 8. Each team still has a couple games to get through before this MAC White clash, but the Blue Devils and Chieftains are well out in front of their division foes. South, the defending champions, hold a one-game lead over Utica.
South Lake at Lake Shore, 6 p.m. Oct. 10. Again, both Shores schools have a handful of games to get through, but by the time they face off for this grudge match, the MAC Silver title will surely come into play, just as it did last year when South Lake edged Lake Shore in an all-or-nothing match. The Shorians got the last laugh, though, as they knocked the Cavaliers out of the playoffs. Lake Shore ended September in first place in the division at 5-1-0, while Marine City sat in second at 4-1-1 and South Lake was in third at 3-1-2.
The Metro Conference, home of Macomb Lutheran North, Grosse Pointe University Liggett and Harper Woods, begins its tournament Oct. 4. Warren De La Salle, meanwhile, will look to defend its Catholic League tourney title when action begins with semifinals on Oct. 8.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sacrificial Lamb
This year, the Oakland Activities Association changed the football divisions from a tiered numerical system — with Division I being the best teams, D-II the next, and so on — to a colored system, with the D-III teams now making up the Blue Division and the D-I and II teams being split evenly into the Red and White.
The idea behind the change was to create balance by separating the top four programs — Rochester Adams and Farmington Hills Harrison were put in the White, and Lake Orion High and Clarkston High in the Red. The others were separated with the intention of making the two divisions equal in strength.
Granted, the OAA is going to realign again next season and look to improve on this system, but unfortunately for this year, Bloomfield Hills Lahser has basically been sacrificed.
Coach Dan Loria has done a great job creating a successful program — when it plays against schools its own size. The Knights won D-III two seasons ago, finishing 12-1 and advancing all the way to a D-3 state semifinal game. Last season, Lahser was bumped to D-II and finished 7-4, just behind Royal Oak High, eventually falling in the second round of the D-3 state playoffs.
At this moment, Lahser is 1-4 overall, and its chance of making the state playoffs is pretty much gone. Lahser has 1,076 students in its school and has lost to Royal Oak (1,977 students), West Bloomfield High (2,162), Lake Orion (2,376) and Southfield-Lathrup (1,961).
And the rest of the schedule doesn't offer much relief.
I'm betting that if the Knights were able to play in this year's playoffs, they would do well. But that's not going to happen because of the OAA's decision. I do believe this problem will be remedied for next season, but for this year's seniors, like captains Zakk Cummings, Cameron Pinnock, Tyler Gust and David Burnle, that can't be much comfort.
The idea behind the change was to create balance by separating the top four programs — Rochester Adams and Farmington Hills Harrison were put in the White, and Lake Orion High and Clarkston High in the Red. The others were separated with the intention of making the two divisions equal in strength.
Granted, the OAA is going to realign again next season and look to improve on this system, but unfortunately for this year, Bloomfield Hills Lahser has basically been sacrificed.
Coach Dan Loria has done a great job creating a successful program — when it plays against schools its own size. The Knights won D-III two seasons ago, finishing 12-1 and advancing all the way to a D-3 state semifinal game. Last season, Lahser was bumped to D-II and finished 7-4, just behind Royal Oak High, eventually falling in the second round of the D-3 state playoffs.
At this moment, Lahser is 1-4 overall, and its chance of making the state playoffs is pretty much gone. Lahser has 1,076 students in its school and has lost to Royal Oak (1,977 students), West Bloomfield High (2,162), Lake Orion (2,376) and Southfield-Lathrup (1,961).
And the rest of the schedule doesn't offer much relief.
I'm betting that if the Knights were able to play in this year's playoffs, they would do well. But that's not going to happen because of the OAA's decision. I do believe this problem will be remedied for next season, but for this year's seniors, like captains Zakk Cummings, Cameron Pinnock, Tyler Gust and David Burnle, that can't be much comfort.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Positive-ly Cheer-ful
One of the great things about my job is that it never ceases to surprise me.
With slightly less than five years covering preps under my belt, there are plenty of folks who have been involved in high school athletics longer than myself, but every once in a while I fall into the trap of thinking I’ve seen it all. That is until something like the Sept. 19 Oakland Activities Association Division I volleyball match between host Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Birmingham Seaholm.
Knowing it was a match that could help decide the regular-season league title, I decided to cover it for our Web site as well as a feature for the Sept. 27 issue of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle, but what I didn't expect was a number of firsts, including an atmosphere that lent itself more toward a playoff basketball game than a regular-season volleyball match.
Never had I seen an official ask an athletic director to quiet down a volleyball crowd, but the Lahser gym was plenty raucous as the fans' section called "The Positive Cheer" made sure everyone knew they were there. That, coupled with the strong play by both teams in five games, gave the match a postseason feel. The Positive Cheer fans even rushed the court following the Knights' 25-15, 25-22, 12-25, 12-25, 15-9 win.
With slightly less than five years covering preps under my belt, there are plenty of folks who have been involved in high school athletics longer than myself, but every once in a while I fall into the trap of thinking I’ve seen it all. That is until something like the Sept. 19 Oakland Activities Association Division I volleyball match between host Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Birmingham Seaholm.
Knowing it was a match that could help decide the regular-season league title, I decided to cover it for our Web site as well as a feature for the Sept. 27 issue of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle, but what I didn't expect was a number of firsts, including an atmosphere that lent itself more toward a playoff basketball game than a regular-season volleyball match.
Never had I seen an official ask an athletic director to quiet down a volleyball crowd, but the Lahser gym was plenty raucous as the fans' section called "The Positive Cheer" made sure everyone knew they were there. That, coupled with the strong play by both teams in five games, gave the match a postseason feel. The Positive Cheer fans even rushed the court following the Knights' 25-15, 25-22, 12-25, 12-25, 15-9 win.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Be cool, stay in school ... then play pro football
Remember “Be cool, stay in school”? The All American Football League has picked up the old saying, dusted it off and shined it up something fierce.
The AAFL, which plans to kick off its inaugural season in April, has a requirement that every player has not only exhausted their college football eligibility, but that they also have earned their undergraduate degree.
Led by a former NCAA president, various athletics directors and conference commissioners, the AAFL wants to stress the importance of academics and doesn’t wish to serve as a destination for players who drop out of college early in hopes of making it big in the NFL.
“You go to school to graduate,” Team Michigan president and former University of Michigan fullback Chris Horn said. "For the first time in history — no American sports league, no professional sports league — has had the requirement to graduate from college."
“We think that’s a great niche,” Horn continued. “I look forward to the day (University of Michigan President) Sue Coleman calls me and says, ‘Congratulations guys, because you stand for the values for what we stand for.’ We are going to keep pushing those values. That’s our story, and we’re sticking with it.”
With so few pro football leagues, especially after the recent scuttling of NFL Europa, student-athletes need to focus on the first part of that description just as much as the second.
And the AAFL payoff appears to be a solid reward for players who get their diplomas but want to try their hand at a playing pro football.
How does minimum compensation at $50,000, “plus an attractive benefits package,” sound?
That’s according to a league press release. Not bad considering the job market, economy and the fact that it’s for playing football for about for about four months.
Some players, who will work year-round for the league making public appearances and things of that nature, will make up to $100,000 a year.
Now that’s cool.
For more on the AAFL, including some prospective players and its recent combine at Ford Field, where Team Michigan will be playing, check out the Sept. 26-27 issues of all the C & G papers or the league’s Web site at www.allamericanfootballleague.com.
Other thoughts:
Maple-syrup covered kudos go all the way out to Vermont, where freshman Brendan Symington was named America East Men’s Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week. Symington, a Grosse Pointe North graduate, notched his first career goal and assist over the weekend for the University of Vermont Catamounts. His goal couldn’t have come at a better time — Symington scored with 14 seconds left in the second overtime of the Catamounts' 1-0 win over Sacred Heart Sept. 14. The win snapped a four-game losing streak. Symington then picked up his first assist as he set up the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Central Connecticut Sept. 16, allowing the Catamounts to capture their fourth straight Nike Fall Soccer Classic in New Hampshire.
For more on how Symington’s 625-mile trek from Grosse Pointe Woods to Burlington, Vt., check out the Sept. 26 edition of the Grosse Pointe Times or our Web site.
Lastly, if you’re looking to catch some soccer action this weekend, Sept. 22 is chock full of what should prove to be some competitive non-league clashes.
-Troy High at Utica Stevenson, 11 a.m. It might be early in the day, but a meeting between these two regional powers is tough to pass up.
-Fraser at Macomb Lutheran North, 12:30 p.m. The defending MAC Blue champs visit the defending Metro Conference champs.
-Rochester Adams at Utica High, 1 p.m. The Highlanders should be a handful for the Chieftains, as Adams has received honorable mention votes in both of the season’s first two Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings.
The AAFL, which plans to kick off its inaugural season in April, has a requirement that every player has not only exhausted their college football eligibility, but that they also have earned their undergraduate degree.
Led by a former NCAA president, various athletics directors and conference commissioners, the AAFL wants to stress the importance of academics and doesn’t wish to serve as a destination for players who drop out of college early in hopes of making it big in the NFL.
“You go to school to graduate,” Team Michigan president and former University of Michigan fullback Chris Horn said. "For the first time in history — no American sports league, no professional sports league — has had the requirement to graduate from college."
“We think that’s a great niche,” Horn continued. “I look forward to the day (University of Michigan President) Sue Coleman calls me and says, ‘Congratulations guys, because you stand for the values for what we stand for.’ We are going to keep pushing those values. That’s our story, and we’re sticking with it.”
With so few pro football leagues, especially after the recent scuttling of NFL Europa, student-athletes need to focus on the first part of that description just as much as the second.
And the AAFL payoff appears to be a solid reward for players who get their diplomas but want to try their hand at a playing pro football.
How does minimum compensation at $50,000, “plus an attractive benefits package,” sound?
That’s according to a league press release. Not bad considering the job market, economy and the fact that it’s for playing football for about for about four months.
Some players, who will work year-round for the league making public appearances and things of that nature, will make up to $100,000 a year.
Now that’s cool.
For more on the AAFL, including some prospective players and its recent combine at Ford Field, where Team Michigan will be playing, check out the Sept. 26-27 issues of all the C & G papers or the league’s Web site at www.allamericanfootballleague.com.
Other thoughts:
Maple-syrup covered kudos go all the way out to Vermont, where freshman Brendan Symington was named America East Men’s Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week. Symington, a Grosse Pointe North graduate, notched his first career goal and assist over the weekend for the University of Vermont Catamounts. His goal couldn’t have come at a better time — Symington scored with 14 seconds left in the second overtime of the Catamounts' 1-0 win over Sacred Heart Sept. 14. The win snapped a four-game losing streak. Symington then picked up his first assist as he set up the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Central Connecticut Sept. 16, allowing the Catamounts to capture their fourth straight Nike Fall Soccer Classic in New Hampshire.
For more on how Symington’s 625-mile trek from Grosse Pointe Woods to Burlington, Vt., check out the Sept. 26 edition of the Grosse Pointe Times or our Web site.
Lastly, if you’re looking to catch some soccer action this weekend, Sept. 22 is chock full of what should prove to be some competitive non-league clashes.
-Troy High at Utica Stevenson, 11 a.m. It might be early in the day, but a meeting between these two regional powers is tough to pass up.
-Fraser at Macomb Lutheran North, 12:30 p.m. The defending MAC Blue champs visit the defending Metro Conference champs.
-Rochester Adams at Utica High, 1 p.m. The Highlanders should be a handful for the Chieftains, as Adams has received honorable mention votes in both of the season’s first two Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings.
Where have all the stickers gone?
Think back to when you were a kid.
Think back to when mom or dad strapped in you the back of that 1987 Aerostar for a dreaded trip to, yes, the doctor’s office!
You just knew that, no matter why you were at the doctor, you were in for one of those dreaded shots.
Of course, once a bandage of some sort was placed on your arm and most of the tears had dried the thing that made this all worth it, for me anyway, was when the nurse came back with a sheet of stickers — and I got to pick one.
That's right, a sticker took away my pain and brought a smile to my face.
OK, I know, a lot of set up to get to this, but while there may not be as many shots or waiting rooms anymore, am I off base in suggesting that high school football players still enjoy getting those little stickers and stamping them on the back of their helmets?
Good plays, big hits, touchdowns, interceptions, fumble recoveries — any type of individual play that was made for the betterment of the team — was rewarded with a small sticker, or decal if you will, the next day at practice and instantly placed on the helmet.
Is it just me, or are fewer and fewer teams doing this now days?
Maybe it has a lot to do with the “team concept” so many coaches swear by now days.
Maybe it has something to do with the way society has developed.
You know, the same society where schools across the country are outlawing playing tag or kickball because they can be too physical or too selective to less athletic kids.
Maybe the notion of one player having more noticeable individual awards than another is just not accepted anymore.
The way I see it, though, it's tradition.
Having decals and stickers on your helmet is one of the cool things about high school football. You’ll never see a professional team do it, but you’ll never see a professional team have a game and a homecoming dance or drive in an old school bus two hours to get to a field for a Friday night in front of 700 fans. You’ll never see it done by the pros because they are staples of high school football and just a few of the great traditions of the game.
Just eight or nine years ago, when I was going to homecoming dances, riding old buses and playing in front of a couple hundred people, I did so with decals on my helmet. Some teammates had more than me, some had less. Come to think of it, that’s why they looked so cool.
Maybe it’s a sign of change, where flashier uniforms and more arm bands and spatted cleats are the things to do. Maybe, although tough to admit, traditions have a way of changing.
After all, I still go to the doctor. And once in a while, I still need a shot. But I can't remember the last time I was offered a sticker.
Think back to when mom or dad strapped in you the back of that 1987 Aerostar for a dreaded trip to, yes, the doctor’s office!
You just knew that, no matter why you were at the doctor, you were in for one of those dreaded shots.
Of course, once a bandage of some sort was placed on your arm and most of the tears had dried the thing that made this all worth it, for me anyway, was when the nurse came back with a sheet of stickers — and I got to pick one.
That's right, a sticker took away my pain and brought a smile to my face.
OK, I know, a lot of set up to get to this, but while there may not be as many shots or waiting rooms anymore, am I off base in suggesting that high school football players still enjoy getting those little stickers and stamping them on the back of their helmets?
Good plays, big hits, touchdowns, interceptions, fumble recoveries — any type of individual play that was made for the betterment of the team — was rewarded with a small sticker, or decal if you will, the next day at practice and instantly placed on the helmet.
Is it just me, or are fewer and fewer teams doing this now days?
Maybe it has a lot to do with the “team concept” so many coaches swear by now days.
Maybe it has something to do with the way society has developed.
You know, the same society where schools across the country are outlawing playing tag or kickball because they can be too physical or too selective to less athletic kids.
Maybe the notion of one player having more noticeable individual awards than another is just not accepted anymore.
The way I see it, though, it's tradition.
Having decals and stickers on your helmet is one of the cool things about high school football. You’ll never see a professional team do it, but you’ll never see a professional team have a game and a homecoming dance or drive in an old school bus two hours to get to a field for a Friday night in front of 700 fans. You’ll never see it done by the pros because they are staples of high school football and just a few of the great traditions of the game.
Just eight or nine years ago, when I was going to homecoming dances, riding old buses and playing in front of a couple hundred people, I did so with decals on my helmet. Some teammates had more than me, some had less. Come to think of it, that’s why they looked so cool.
Maybe it’s a sign of change, where flashier uniforms and more arm bands and spatted cleats are the things to do. Maybe, although tough to admit, traditions have a way of changing.
After all, I still go to the doctor. And once in a while, I still need a shot. But I can't remember the last time I was offered a sticker.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Mr. Basketball
It seems like all we hear about these days are the bad boys of professional sports. Gambling, dogfighting, take your pick.
Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one who — with dignity and humility — redeemed the failing athlete image in my mind.
On Sept. 11, while the nation acknowledged and mourned the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day recognized the day in another way — honoring 1997 alumnus and NBA star Shane Battier by retiring his high school basketball No. 55 jersey.
Battier is best known for his exploits on the basketball court — he was 1997's "Mr. Basketball," led the Yellowjackets to their best-ever record of 26-1 and to three state championships (1995-97) — but few know of his accomplishments in the classroom where he graduated summa cum laude.
“Shane is the epitome of the scholar-athlete tradition,” said DCDS Upper School Athletic Director Kurt Keener, who is also the varsity basketball coach.
Keener said Battier was "never one to toot his own horn."
Faculty member Carol Keeler said he "never got caught up in all the bravado." Instead, was nurturing and empowering of the people who surrounded him.
In person, Battier personified all these things, and more. Namely, he was humble and modest about his accolades — he made you nearly forget that he's an NBA player. His unpretentious demeanor is something you don't find in many athletes, let alone professional athletes, and he had an uncanny way of making everyone around him feel exceptional.
In short, Shane Battier is a true role model and an inspiring athlete.
Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one who — with dignity and humility — redeemed the failing athlete image in my mind.
On Sept. 11, while the nation acknowledged and mourned the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day recognized the day in another way — honoring 1997 alumnus and NBA star Shane Battier by retiring his high school basketball No. 55 jersey.
Battier is best known for his exploits on the basketball court — he was 1997's "Mr. Basketball," led the Yellowjackets to their best-ever record of 26-1 and to three state championships (1995-97) — but few know of his accomplishments in the classroom where he graduated summa cum laude.
“Shane is the epitome of the scholar-athlete tradition,” said DCDS Upper School Athletic Director Kurt Keener, who is also the varsity basketball coach.
Keener said Battier was "never one to toot his own horn."
Faculty member Carol Keeler said he "never got caught up in all the bravado." Instead, was nurturing and empowering of the people who surrounded him.
In person, Battier personified all these things, and more. Namely, he was humble and modest about his accolades — he made you nearly forget that he's an NBA player. His unpretentious demeanor is something you don't find in many athletes, let alone professional athletes, and he had an uncanny way of making everyone around him feel exceptional.
In short, Shane Battier is a true role model and an inspiring athlete.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Clash of the Titans, games to catch
As division play for most Macomb Area Conference boys soccer teams gets fully under way this week, I figured it was time to check in on how a couple of last year’s top squads looked in preparation of their title defenses.
Utica Eisenhower, which went undefeated en route to taking the MAC Red last year, hosted reigning MAC White champs Grosse Pointe South last Friday (Sept. 7). The Eagles appeared to have plenty of energy at the start and eventually wore down the Blue Devils' backline, which was missing a key player to injury, taking a 1-0 lead after speedy senior sophomore midfielder Raoul Fulgos scored with 17:13 left to play in the first half.
South looked stronger and began to posses the ball more in the second half, but the Blue Devils couldn’t deliver the tying goal. Instead, Ike finished the scoring when Cory Wheeler slotted home a shot from a tough angle to the side of the net with 6:17 remaining in the game to seal a 2-0 victory.
Both programs lost key players from their title teams last year, and both coaches noted their teams still needed to work out a few kinks as their non-league schedules wrap up.
“We’re getting a lot of guys playing time and getting used to each other still, so we’re starting to develop more as a team,” Ike coach Josh Van Houten said.
Van Houten added that he was impressed with the defensive effort, but wanted to see the offense make more of its chances, especially with MAC Red play looming.
“We really wanted to work for that shutout,” the coach said. “We’ve, unfortunately, given up some pretty bad goals lately, and we wanted to make sure our defense was playing solid.
After calling his team’s first-half effort against Ike “mediocre,” Grosse Pointe South coach Gene Harkins said he plans to bring up a couple JV players to solidify his lineup heading into division action. Harkins said he essentially treated the non-league schedule like a preseason, rotating players in and out of the lineup.
“They know as the year goes on my lineup tightens and gets a lot shorter,” the Blue Devils coach said. “We’re really looking to jell stronger as a team. We’re geared up for the MAC White, that’s going to be a big thing for us.”
One thing is for sure, both teams will be in for a battle every league outing as the MAC Red and White divisions appear to have more parity from top to bottom this year.
Several teams will take a quick break from their division schedules Sept. 14 to face rivals in what should be exciting, tightly contested games. So if you’re looking to kick off your weekend with some solid soccer action, check out one (or more) of these MAC crossovers:
-Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley beginning at 3 p.m. (The Big Reds won an earlier meeting, 3-1).
-St. Clair Shores Lakeview at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore beginning at 4 p.m. (The Huskies could be the team to beat in the MAC Blue, while the Shorians could be the cream of the crop in the MAC Silver).
-Warren Cousino at Warren Woods Tower, 4 p.m. (This intracity matchup includes a pair of programs that pride themselves on defense).
-Warren Mott at Sterling Heights at 5:30 p.m. (Teams with talented offensive playmakers collide in what could be a high-scoring affair for these Warren Consolidated Schools rivals).
-Roseville at East Detroit at 5:30 p.m. (The Shamrocks will be intent on winning the Friendship Cup from the Panthers after losing their ‘SLED Trophy’ to St. Clair Shores South Lake).
Utica Eisenhower, which went undefeated en route to taking the MAC Red last year, hosted reigning MAC White champs Grosse Pointe South last Friday (Sept. 7). The Eagles appeared to have plenty of energy at the start and eventually wore down the Blue Devils' backline, which was missing a key player to injury, taking a 1-0 lead after speedy senior sophomore midfielder Raoul Fulgos scored with 17:13 left to play in the first half.
South looked stronger and began to posses the ball more in the second half, but the Blue Devils couldn’t deliver the tying goal. Instead, Ike finished the scoring when Cory Wheeler slotted home a shot from a tough angle to the side of the net with 6:17 remaining in the game to seal a 2-0 victory.
Both programs lost key players from their title teams last year, and both coaches noted their teams still needed to work out a few kinks as their non-league schedules wrap up.
“We’re getting a lot of guys playing time and getting used to each other still, so we’re starting to develop more as a team,” Ike coach Josh Van Houten said.
Van Houten added that he was impressed with the defensive effort, but wanted to see the offense make more of its chances, especially with MAC Red play looming.
“We really wanted to work for that shutout,” the coach said. “We’ve, unfortunately, given up some pretty bad goals lately, and we wanted to make sure our defense was playing solid.
After calling his team’s first-half effort against Ike “mediocre,” Grosse Pointe South coach Gene Harkins said he plans to bring up a couple JV players to solidify his lineup heading into division action. Harkins said he essentially treated the non-league schedule like a preseason, rotating players in and out of the lineup.
“They know as the year goes on my lineup tightens and gets a lot shorter,” the Blue Devils coach said. “We’re really looking to jell stronger as a team. We’re geared up for the MAC White, that’s going to be a big thing for us.”
One thing is for sure, both teams will be in for a battle every league outing as the MAC Red and White divisions appear to have more parity from top to bottom this year.
Several teams will take a quick break from their division schedules Sept. 14 to face rivals in what should be exciting, tightly contested games. So if you’re looking to kick off your weekend with some solid soccer action, check out one (or more) of these MAC crossovers:
-Macomb Dakota at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley beginning at 3 p.m. (The Big Reds won an earlier meeting, 3-1).
-St. Clair Shores Lakeview at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore beginning at 4 p.m. (The Huskies could be the team to beat in the MAC Blue, while the Shorians could be the cream of the crop in the MAC Silver).
-Warren Cousino at Warren Woods Tower, 4 p.m. (This intracity matchup includes a pair of programs that pride themselves on defense).
-Warren Mott at Sterling Heights at 5:30 p.m. (Teams with talented offensive playmakers collide in what could be a high-scoring affair for these Warren Consolidated Schools rivals).
-Roseville at East Detroit at 5:30 p.m. (The Shamrocks will be intent on winning the Friendship Cup from the Panthers after losing their ‘SLED Trophy’ to St. Clair Shores South Lake).
Instant "Cliche´"
By now you've probably heard about Appalachian State University beating Michigan.
If you haven't, then you probably don't like sports.
Fan or not, it was a gigantic upset that has already entered its way into the land of "cliché."
Last week, I spoke with four different prep football coaches from seperate teams. Three of them just so happened to be preparing for games against opponents that they should beat.
Instead of the "we can't look past anybody" or "take it one game at a time" answers, it became, "well, we all saw what Appalachian State did" and "if Appalachian State showed us anything ..."
We'll see how long it lasts and how many more coaches invoke the name of the Mountaineers.
This Friday, I'm heading to see Rochester Adams against Southfield-Lathrup. Both teams are undefeated and this potentially could be for the Oakland Activities Association White Division championship. My guess is Adams is the favorite after already beating Lake Orion High, Farmington Hills Harrison and Southfield High.
Lathrup has beat Birmingham Groves, Farmington and North Farmington. No offense to those teams, but they're not the caliber of Lake Orion and Harrison, even though Lake Orion may be having a down year.
Still, anything can happen, which is why I'll be at the game. After all, if Appalachian State ...
If you haven't, then you probably don't like sports.
Fan or not, it was a gigantic upset that has already entered its way into the land of "cliché."
Last week, I spoke with four different prep football coaches from seperate teams. Three of them just so happened to be preparing for games against opponents that they should beat.
Instead of the "we can't look past anybody" or "take it one game at a time" answers, it became, "well, we all saw what Appalachian State did" and "if Appalachian State showed us anything ..."
We'll see how long it lasts and how many more coaches invoke the name of the Mountaineers.
This Friday, I'm heading to see Rochester Adams against Southfield-Lathrup. Both teams are undefeated and this potentially could be for the Oakland Activities Association White Division championship. My guess is Adams is the favorite after already beating Lake Orion High, Farmington Hills Harrison and Southfield High.
Lathrup has beat Birmingham Groves, Farmington and North Farmington. No offense to those teams, but they're not the caliber of Lake Orion and Harrison, even though Lake Orion may be having a down year.
Still, anything can happen, which is why I'll be at the game. After all, if Appalachian State ...
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Oh, Brother
In the final leg of my Catholic League Central Division football preview tour, I stopped in and spoke with Birmingham Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa Sept. 6. With the Warriors coming off an 11-1 2006 seasn and having to replace seven players currently on Division I college rosters, the 2007 season should be interesting for Rice.
A few notes from my time spent with the Warriors:
Michigan State University fans will be happy to know that even though they missed out on Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day running back Jonas Gray, who chose the Nebraska Cornhuskers instead of the Spartans, coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans received a verbal commitment from Warriors running back Caulton Ray IV.
According to Rivals.com, Ray is the second-ranked running back in the state behind Gray. While he's a little smaller than Gray, Ray is very quick, and at 5 feet 9 inches with moves in the mold of Barry Sanders, he can be a very tough man to tackle.
"I found out Michigan State offered him a full scholarship, so he’s going to Michigan State," Fracassa, a Spartan alum, said. "He doesn’t have to worry about where he’s going, so hopefully he’s settled and he’s just now focused on football.
"He’s a smaller type of runner. This guy likes to do a few juking moves before he gets some yardage, and he’s very good at it."
The Warriors are also welcoming back a familiar name to the roster as freshman Jimmy Pickens joins the varsity ranks.
He's the youngest of the group of three Pickens brothers. The eldest brother, Doug, is currently the catcher for the University of Michigan baseball team. The middle brother, Matt, was a key piece of the Warriors' 2005 Division 2 state title winning defense and is currently on the Western Michigan University football roster. Jimmy Pickens is the first-ever freshman to start for Fracassa.
"Jimmy Pickens is good enough to be on the varsity," Fracassa said. "Physically, he looks a little older than the other guys. He runs better than most upperclassmen. He’s a good baseball player, and I think he plays basketball, but he plays football and does a great job for us."
A few notes from my time spent with the Warriors:
Michigan State University fans will be happy to know that even though they missed out on Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day running back Jonas Gray, who chose the Nebraska Cornhuskers instead of the Spartans, coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans received a verbal commitment from Warriors running back Caulton Ray IV.
According to Rivals.com, Ray is the second-ranked running back in the state behind Gray. While he's a little smaller than Gray, Ray is very quick, and at 5 feet 9 inches with moves in the mold of Barry Sanders, he can be a very tough man to tackle.
"I found out Michigan State offered him a full scholarship, so he’s going to Michigan State," Fracassa, a Spartan alum, said. "He doesn’t have to worry about where he’s going, so hopefully he’s settled and he’s just now focused on football.
"He’s a smaller type of runner. This guy likes to do a few juking moves before he gets some yardage, and he’s very good at it."
The Warriors are also welcoming back a familiar name to the roster as freshman Jimmy Pickens joins the varsity ranks.
He's the youngest of the group of three Pickens brothers. The eldest brother, Doug, is currently the catcher for the University of Michigan baseball team. The middle brother, Matt, was a key piece of the Warriors' 2005 Division 2 state title winning defense and is currently on the Western Michigan University football roster. Jimmy Pickens is the first-ever freshman to start for Fracassa.
"Jimmy Pickens is good enough to be on the varsity," Fracassa said. "Physically, he looks a little older than the other guys. He runs better than most upperclassmen. He’s a good baseball player, and I think he plays basketball, but he plays football and does a great job for us."
Friday, September 7, 2007
Sports helped guide us back six years ago
Believe it or not, and it can be tough to grasp, but it’s been six years now since an ordinary Tuesday morning became a living hell on earth for so many Americans.
Six years since the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. Six years since some ordinary people became heroes by crashing a plane in Pennsylvania, instead of its intended target, whatever that may have been.
Six years since two numbers stood for more than a date, but a change in history.
For many of us, for many of our own reasons, it’s a day that will never be forgotten.
For me, the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2001 was spent on the football practice field at Albion College. It was as eerie of a feeling as you could imagine. The sky above, as blue and clear as could be, was simply quiet. Usually a plane of some sort made its way past, but not on this day.
Talk at practice, while limited, had little to do with our scheduled game that weekend. As a matter of fact, we didn’t even know if we’d be playing.
Plays at practice, while still executed, carried less weight than they usually did. Incomplete passes, missed tackles and dropped balls were just mistakes, nothing more.
It was the first time in a long time that sports for me, and the rest of the country, were put on hold.
Instead, it was phone calls home, prayers in church or just watching the news unfold.
If we think back to that awful day and the weeks following, after a few days off games at all levels resumed, but the meaning of the games changed a bit.
Instead of wins and losses, just playing the game was celebrated. Being in the stands with strangers, having the ability to cheer and boo, having that freedom slowly restored.
Never did I think sports could bring a country together in the small ways that it did. Never did I think I could watch an entire Yankees game and spend more time watching the crowd than the actual game itself. Never before did I think that the playing and singing of the national anthem could, all by itself, force me to stand in front of my TV with tears in my eyes.
Think about those days this week and this weekend. Think about that as you sit in the gym cheering on your volleyball team, or when you crowd into the bleachers around the football field.
Get caught up in the game. Celebrate the good plays, go nuts for victories. It’s our freedom as Americans to get worked up over something as trivial, yet important, as sports.
A freedom that couldn’t be stopped, not even six years ago.
Six years since the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. Six years since some ordinary people became heroes by crashing a plane in Pennsylvania, instead of its intended target, whatever that may have been.
Six years since two numbers stood for more than a date, but a change in history.
For many of us, for many of our own reasons, it’s a day that will never be forgotten.
For me, the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2001 was spent on the football practice field at Albion College. It was as eerie of a feeling as you could imagine. The sky above, as blue and clear as could be, was simply quiet. Usually a plane of some sort made its way past, but not on this day.
Talk at practice, while limited, had little to do with our scheduled game that weekend. As a matter of fact, we didn’t even know if we’d be playing.
Plays at practice, while still executed, carried less weight than they usually did. Incomplete passes, missed tackles and dropped balls were just mistakes, nothing more.
It was the first time in a long time that sports for me, and the rest of the country, were put on hold.
Instead, it was phone calls home, prayers in church or just watching the news unfold.
If we think back to that awful day and the weeks following, after a few days off games at all levels resumed, but the meaning of the games changed a bit.
Instead of wins and losses, just playing the game was celebrated. Being in the stands with strangers, having the ability to cheer and boo, having that freedom slowly restored.
Never did I think sports could bring a country together in the small ways that it did. Never did I think I could watch an entire Yankees game and spend more time watching the crowd than the actual game itself. Never before did I think that the playing and singing of the national anthem could, all by itself, force me to stand in front of my TV with tears in my eyes.
Think about those days this week and this weekend. Think about that as you sit in the gym cheering on your volleyball team, or when you crowd into the bleachers around the football field.
Get caught up in the game. Celebrate the good plays, go nuts for victories. It’s our freedom as Americans to get worked up over something as trivial, yet important, as sports.
A freedom that couldn’t be stopped, not even six years ago.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Yellowjackets get swarmed
As I walked up the bleachers at Bloomfield Hills Andover, I watched the boys in white practice corner kick drills and the team in blue fire off shots on net from near midfield. I could tell right away it was going to be a battle between Andover's and Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day's boys soccer teams.
I kept my eye on senior forward Abe Fadel and midfielder John Rogers of the Yellowjackets — they're the two that drive the Country Day offense. As the game got under way, the Yellowjackets put a lot of pressure on the Barons' defense, which eventually broke down and let a goal slide in.
“They put a lot of pressure on you not to make mistakes, and they punish you if you make them," Andover coach Geoff Parkinson said. "That’s how that goal came about."
Throughout the game, my eye was on Fadel, waiting for him to head in a goal like he did in the Fenton High game Aug. 28. But the Barons must have had their eyes on him, as well, keeping him silent the entire game. For an athlete who is normally a playmaker, the Barons were able to keep him under control by putting two defenders on him at all times. Smart move by Andover, but too bad for the fans in the bleachers who were looking for another highlight-reel goal.
Country Day coach Paul Bartoshuk urged his forwards to hold the ball more and create counterattacks, but they spent so much effort trying to hold off Andover that they weren't much of an threat offensively. In the end, Andover rallied for a goal and tied things up, 1-1, and that's the way it ended. Overall, it was a hard-fought game on both sides.
Watch for the Yellowjackets — who ended last season ranked No. 3 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association — to host Southfield Christian, which was ranked No. 4 Division 4 at the conclusion of 2006, at 7 p.m. Sept. 18. It could be a very entertaining game.
I kept my eye on senior forward Abe Fadel and midfielder John Rogers of the Yellowjackets — they're the two that drive the Country Day offense. As the game got under way, the Yellowjackets put a lot of pressure on the Barons' defense, which eventually broke down and let a goal slide in.
“They put a lot of pressure on you not to make mistakes, and they punish you if you make them," Andover coach Geoff Parkinson said. "That’s how that goal came about."
Throughout the game, my eye was on Fadel, waiting for him to head in a goal like he did in the Fenton High game Aug. 28. But the Barons must have had their eyes on him, as well, keeping him silent the entire game. For an athlete who is normally a playmaker, the Barons were able to keep him under control by putting two defenders on him at all times. Smart move by Andover, but too bad for the fans in the bleachers who were looking for another highlight-reel goal.
Country Day coach Paul Bartoshuk urged his forwards to hold the ball more and create counterattacks, but they spent so much effort trying to hold off Andover that they weren't much of an threat offensively. In the end, Andover rallied for a goal and tied things up, 1-1, and that's the way it ended. Overall, it was a hard-fought game on both sides.
Watch for the Yellowjackets — who ended last season ranked No. 3 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association — to host Southfield Christian, which was ranked No. 4 Division 4 at the conclusion of 2006, at 7 p.m. Sept. 18. It could be a very entertaining game.
Stick-to-itiveness
As volleyball teams across the state continue to make adjustments from competing in winter to fall, interesting little tidbits pop up here and there.
At a recent Clawson High practice, coach Jenny Brown talked about adjusting to humid gyms and the unfortunate times when her players are forced to dive for balls with what she called, "a little bit of burnt skin."
Diving on the hardcourt has always been something that made me cringe, and is probably part of the reason playing basketball never crossed my mind, but to hear Brown and players like Clawson senior Sarah Edwards describe the difference between a summer volleyball practice and a summer basketball practice by saying, "(The floor is) harder to slide on because instead of sliding, you stick," put things in context.
While volleyball players adjust to playing and conditioning during a Michigan summer, it begs to question what it's going to be like as girls basketball coaches and players have to adjust to the winter and its long, break-filled schedule. You can only imagine what kind of practices and drills veteran coaches like Grosse Pointe North's Gary Bennett will be able to come up with to fill those long winter breaks.
At a recent Clawson High practice, coach Jenny Brown talked about adjusting to humid gyms and the unfortunate times when her players are forced to dive for balls with what she called, "a little bit of burnt skin."
Diving on the hardcourt has always been something that made me cringe, and is probably part of the reason playing basketball never crossed my mind, but to hear Brown and players like Clawson senior Sarah Edwards describe the difference between a summer volleyball practice and a summer basketball practice by saying, "(The floor is) harder to slide on because instead of sliding, you stick," put things in context.
While volleyball players adjust to playing and conditioning during a Michigan summer, it begs to question what it's going to be like as girls basketball coaches and players have to adjust to the winter and its long, break-filled schedule. You can only imagine what kind of practices and drills veteran coaches like Grosse Pointe North's Gary Bennett will be able to come up with to fill those long winter breaks.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Goals galore, Spartans pride
How do you replace a superstar goalkeeper? Easy, you score five goals.
That’s what Utica Ford II did against Fraser in a Macomb Area Conference crossover game Aug. 30. I had barely settled into my seat at the Ramblers’ stadium before the Falcons began lighting up the scoreboard.
Ford senior forward Ionut Simon opened the scoring just two-and-a-half minutes into the contest after an impressive buildup by the Falcons. Junior midfielder Jimmy Lawson doubled the lead five minutes later to put the Falcons up, 2-0.
The game's tempo then took such a drastic change over the next 60 minutes. The ball remained mainly in the midfield, but Fraser finally got on track when senior midfielder Cameron Holloway surprised Ford with a low, hard shot to the opposite corner to cut the lead in half, 2-1, with 10:57 to play before halftime.
But the Falcons regained their golden touch from the opening minutes as the game wound down. Senior midfielder Dominic Troia found the back of the net twice in the final 10 minutes, and senior forward Lukas Dreser closed out the scoring when he took advantage of a stunned Ramblers team with a well-aimed shot from a long way out with 4:58 remaining.
“All game long we played them tough,” Fraser coach Norm Lentine said. “It was a 2-1 game for the majority of the game, then all the sudden, with 10 minutes left, we just imploded and fell apart.”
The scoring outburst relieved a lot of pressure from Ford senior goalie Alex Forton, who, along with senior Brett Sowers, must replace the graduated Jeremy Clark, who is now competing for time at Michigan State after being named a second-team All-State selection last year.
“You don’t replace Jeremy Clark, you can't, ” Ford coach Dave Crawford said. “But I have two good goalies, and I’m very comfortable with the goalie situation.”
While we’re on the topic of the Michigan State soccer team, I’d like to point out that former Warren De La Salle stars Spencer Thompson (Shelby Township) and Josh Rogers (Sterling Heights) both started MSU’s first two games of the year — a 1-0 win over Oregon State and a 2-0 victory over Western Kentucky. The Spartans' next home game is at 1 p.m. Sept. 23 against Penn State.
And speaking of area Catholic League standouts at MSU, if you diverted your eyes for a few seconds from the debacle in Ann Arbor Sept. 1, you may have noticed Jon Misch making a tackle or two in East Lansing. The former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star led the Spartans' defense in their 55-18 win over Alabama-Birmingham with a team-high nine tackles.
Misch, a redshirt freshman, started at strong-side linebacker for the Spartans — who host Bowling Green at noon Sept. 8 at Spartan Stadium. Former Detroit Country Day star Deon Curry, a junior wide receiver at MSU, also had three catches for 21 yards during the season-opening victory.
That’s what Utica Ford II did against Fraser in a Macomb Area Conference crossover game Aug. 30. I had barely settled into my seat at the Ramblers’ stadium before the Falcons began lighting up the scoreboard.
Ford senior forward Ionut Simon opened the scoring just two-and-a-half minutes into the contest after an impressive buildup by the Falcons. Junior midfielder Jimmy Lawson doubled the lead five minutes later to put the Falcons up, 2-0.
The game's tempo then took such a drastic change over the next 60 minutes. The ball remained mainly in the midfield, but Fraser finally got on track when senior midfielder Cameron Holloway surprised Ford with a low, hard shot to the opposite corner to cut the lead in half, 2-1, with 10:57 to play before halftime.
But the Falcons regained their golden touch from the opening minutes as the game wound down. Senior midfielder Dominic Troia found the back of the net twice in the final 10 minutes, and senior forward Lukas Dreser closed out the scoring when he took advantage of a stunned Ramblers team with a well-aimed shot from a long way out with 4:58 remaining.
“All game long we played them tough,” Fraser coach Norm Lentine said. “It was a 2-1 game for the majority of the game, then all the sudden, with 10 minutes left, we just imploded and fell apart.”
The scoring outburst relieved a lot of pressure from Ford senior goalie Alex Forton, who, along with senior Brett Sowers, must replace the graduated Jeremy Clark, who is now competing for time at Michigan State after being named a second-team All-State selection last year.
“You don’t replace Jeremy Clark, you can't, ” Ford coach Dave Crawford said. “But I have two good goalies, and I’m very comfortable with the goalie situation.”
While we’re on the topic of the Michigan State soccer team, I’d like to point out that former Warren De La Salle stars Spencer Thompson (Shelby Township) and Josh Rogers (Sterling Heights) both started MSU’s first two games of the year — a 1-0 win over Oregon State and a 2-0 victory over Western Kentucky. The Spartans' next home game is at 1 p.m. Sept. 23 against Penn State.
And speaking of area Catholic League standouts at MSU, if you diverted your eyes for a few seconds from the debacle in Ann Arbor Sept. 1, you may have noticed Jon Misch making a tackle or two in East Lansing. The former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star led the Spartans' defense in their 55-18 win over Alabama-Birmingham with a team-high nine tackles.
Misch, a redshirt freshman, started at strong-side linebacker for the Spartans — who host Bowling Green at noon Sept. 8 at Spartan Stadium. Former Detroit Country Day star Deon Curry, a junior wide receiver at MSU, also had three catches for 21 yards during the season-opening victory.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Let the games begin
There’s something about reading one’s opinion, whether you disagree with it or not, that makes you want to know more about that person.
Who are they? What’s their background?
And maybe, most importantly, why do they think they can even have that opinion?
With that said, and with this new concept of blogging here at C & G, I figured what could be better for my very first entry other than a little, "Get to know Mike Moore."
In short, I’m a 24-year-old sports writer who has been working at C & G since January of 2006. I came here roughly seven months after graduating from Albion College, where, you may find it good to know since I do write about sports, I was a four-year member of the Albion College football team.
As a lifetime backup QB I did more clipboard holding than playing, but it was more than worth the time and effort.
Prior to Albion, my allegiance rested at Dearborn Divine Child High School. I spent two years as the starting QB at DC, which is why it brings me great pleasure to actually cover some of the Catholic League this season, since it is some of the best football in the state.
A little biased? OK, maybe.
And speaking of coverage, I might as well let you know just exactly which teams I’ll be writing about this fall, aside from some of the Catholic League football. My football responsibilities also include the Macomb Area Conference Gold and Silver divisions, as well as the Metro Conference.
As far as European football (soccer) goes, you’ll see me covering Divisions II and III of the Oakland Activities Association, as well as some Metro Conference and some Catholic League teams.
There certainly is an argument that fall is the most anticipated time of the sports calendar. I look forward to working with all these teams, coaches, fans and readers. I welcome feedback at all times, and as the summer months slowly fade into September, let the games begin.
Who are they? What’s their background?
And maybe, most importantly, why do they think they can even have that opinion?
With that said, and with this new concept of blogging here at C & G, I figured what could be better for my very first entry other than a little, "Get to know Mike Moore."
In short, I’m a 24-year-old sports writer who has been working at C & G since January of 2006. I came here roughly seven months after graduating from Albion College, where, you may find it good to know since I do write about sports, I was a four-year member of the Albion College football team.
As a lifetime backup QB I did more clipboard holding than playing, but it was more than worth the time and effort.
Prior to Albion, my allegiance rested at Dearborn Divine Child High School. I spent two years as the starting QB at DC, which is why it brings me great pleasure to actually cover some of the Catholic League this season, since it is some of the best football in the state.
A little biased? OK, maybe.
And speaking of coverage, I might as well let you know just exactly which teams I’ll be writing about this fall, aside from some of the Catholic League football. My football responsibilities also include the Macomb Area Conference Gold and Silver divisions, as well as the Metro Conference.
As far as European football (soccer) goes, you’ll see me covering Divisions II and III of the Oakland Activities Association, as well as some Metro Conference and some Catholic League teams.
There certainly is an argument that fall is the most anticipated time of the sports calendar. I look forward to working with all these teams, coaches, fans and readers. I welcome feedback at all times, and as the summer months slowly fade into September, let the games begin.
Blogging along
Welcome to my high school sports blog.
This is the space where there will normally be random ramblings and noticings from the high school and community sports I cover here at C&G Newspapers. In the fall, I cover Macomb Area Conference and Catholic High School League football, along with Oakland Activities Association volleyball.
With all of the changes in the 2007 fall sports seasons, we felt it necessary to revamp our Web site. Be sure to check out www.candgnews.com/Sports-Update.asp for new features, including
stories from all 18 of our publications, blogs, increased coverage of games, and the "Where we'll be" box, which will inform readers which games our staff writers and photographers will be covering that week.
Hope you enjoy the new features, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
Brad
This is the space where there will normally be random ramblings and noticings from the high school and community sports I cover here at C&G Newspapers. In the fall, I cover Macomb Area Conference and Catholic High School League football, along with Oakland Activities Association volleyball.
With all of the changes in the 2007 fall sports seasons, we felt it necessary to revamp our Web site. Be sure to check out www.candgnews.com/Sports-Update.asp for new features, including
stories from all 18 of our publications, blogs, increased coverage of games, and the "Where we'll be" box, which will inform readers which games our staff writers and photographers will be covering that week.
Hope you enjoy the new features, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
Brad
Welcome
Well, well, well, what do we have here?
Another blog to clog up the Internet with oddball rants?
Not exactly.
There’s a ton of interesting information and stories out there in the ever-growing world of high school athletics.
Here you’ll find the stuff that slips through the cracks.
Specifically, it’ll be the offbeat and noteworthy stuff from my coverage assignments at C & G Newspapers. I'll be covering soccer, swimming and some volleyball in the MAC and the OAA.
The interesting news and notes that don’t make it into the papers — you’ll find them here. If an athlete accomplishes an amazing or bizarre feat — it’ll be here. If there are can’t miss games with rivalry and/or title implications — I’ll let you know.
To get things started, I'll be at the 4 p.m. Aug. 30 Utica Ford II at Fraser boys varsity soccer game. Expect a post related to the game in the next few days.
But I can’t be everywhere at once, nor do I claim to know all there is to know. So if you’ve got a tidbit or a lead for me, feel free to share it.
I’m looking forward to your feedback and providing some useful, entertaining and informative reading on this blog.
So here you go. Welcome, and enjoy.
Another blog to clog up the Internet with oddball rants?
Not exactly.
There’s a ton of interesting information and stories out there in the ever-growing world of high school athletics.
Here you’ll find the stuff that slips through the cracks.
Specifically, it’ll be the offbeat and noteworthy stuff from my coverage assignments at C & G Newspapers. I'll be covering soccer, swimming and some volleyball in the MAC and the OAA.
The interesting news and notes that don’t make it into the papers — you’ll find them here. If an athlete accomplishes an amazing or bizarre feat — it’ll be here. If there are can’t miss games with rivalry and/or title implications — I’ll let you know.
To get things started, I'll be at the 4 p.m. Aug. 30 Utica Ford II at Fraser boys varsity soccer game. Expect a post related to the game in the next few days.
But I can’t be everywhere at once, nor do I claim to know all there is to know. So if you’ve got a tidbit or a lead for me, feel free to share it.
I’m looking forward to your feedback and providing some useful, entertaining and informative reading on this blog.
So here you go. Welcome, and enjoy.
Welcome
Welcome to my blog. I'm Sue DePassio, one of the newest additions to the C & G Newspapers sports family. I'll be covering OAA D-I and D-IV soccer this fall, as well as MAC Blue and White volleyball.
When I'm not covering the preps, I'm out at community events. Recently, I had the chance to cover something very special. On Aug. 22, I went to the groundbreaking of a new baseball field for kids with special needs, which was generously donated to a Little League division in Clinton Township by the Detroit Tigers Foundation and other local contributors, including Detroit Tigers first baseman Sean Casey.
There's a reason why they call Casey "The Mayor," and I got the chance to experience his care and concern for others firsthand. There wasn't one autograph he turned down or one photograph he wouldn't take. Perhaps it was Casey's experience in working with special needs kids for nearly 10 years that made him the perfect champion for this organization. His efforts as a humanitarian were inspirational to all present. Casey is now officially "My Tiger."
You can catch me next week covering prep sports, so check back for an update.
When I'm not covering the preps, I'm out at community events. Recently, I had the chance to cover something very special. On Aug. 22, I went to the groundbreaking of a new baseball field for kids with special needs, which was generously donated to a Little League division in Clinton Township by the Detroit Tigers Foundation and other local contributors, including Detroit Tigers first baseman Sean Casey.
There's a reason why they call Casey "The Mayor," and I got the chance to experience his care and concern for others firsthand. There wasn't one autograph he turned down or one photograph he wouldn't take. Perhaps it was Casey's experience in working with special needs kids for nearly 10 years that made him the perfect champion for this organization. His efforts as a humanitarian were inspirational to all present. Casey is now officially "My Tiger."
You can catch me next week covering prep sports, so check back for an update.
Hello blogosphere
So this is the first official blog (cue the band), and I'd like to take this time to introduce myself. My name is Christian, and I'll be covering OAA football, volleyball in Oakland County and golf.
Much of the coverage will be centered around the preps, but not all. This afternoon, in fact, I'm meeting with John Finley. He invented something called the Bumper Brush, which is for cleaning your golf shoes. I don't think it'll help my game, but it'll probably help others.
I'm looking forward to this opportunity and hope to share some of the stories behind the stories.
I know, very deep thoughts.
Much of the coverage will be centered around the preps, but not all. This afternoon, in fact, I'm meeting with John Finley. He invented something called the Bumper Brush, which is for cleaning your golf shoes. I don't think it'll help my game, but it'll probably help others.
I'm looking forward to this opportunity and hope to share some of the stories behind the stories.
I know, very deep thoughts.
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