News and Announcements
Posted: 2006-08-24
Markowski - Top 20 Teams
Tom Markowski / The Detroit News (8/24/2006)
1 ROCKFORD, 12-2, CLASS A
Rockford returned two starters and went on to win its second straight Division 1 title. With five starters back on offense and four on defense, the Rams (12-2) are aiming for a third consecutive Division 1 title. Rockford is led by two three-year starters -- Callan Sherd (WR/FS) is "a difference-maker," according to coach Ralph Munger, and Zach Breen (RB) has the ability to break a long run and is dependable in short-yardage. Other returning starters include Austin Levine (OT) and Joe DeBlaay, who will move from guard to center. Defensively, Jeremy Jones (DB), Jim Moerydk (DL) and Spencer Rempema (LB) are the leaders. Senior Tom Fusee will make his first start at quarterback after spending last season as the backup. The Rams return their kicker, Mark Schlaudt, and both players who punted last season, Andy Wilbern and Mike Mudgett. Mudgett also will start at halfback.
2 ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY'S, 11-1, CLASS A
The Eaglets return six on offense, including three of the state's top players -- Dionte Allen (DB/WR), Taurian Washington (WR/DB) and Justin Siller (QB). St. Mary's also has another Division I recruit in Alex Delisi (LB/G). Chris Mitchell (DB/RB) started on defense last season and could be the featured running back. At 230 pounds, Blair Hollis could be the blocking back.
3 BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE, 12-2, CLASS A
The Warriors appear to be better than the team that won the Division 2 title, but they might not be the best team in their league. Chris Colasanti is the state's top linebacker and Darris Sawtelle is one of the top offensive tackles. Dan Youssif (TE) and Kaunda Hancock (DB/WR) will be two of QB Mike Cappetto's favorites. All five are Division I recruits. At 5-8 Joey Henry (RB/WR) is not big but he is one of his team's most versatile players.
4 LAKE ORION, 9-3, CLASS A
Eight return on defense, but watch for the Dragons to score in bunches. Chris Lum threw eight touchdown passes (37 attempts), and David Wurst (WR) and Mike Tuzik (TE) had 50 receptions combined. Add in RB Aaron Allen, who averaged 8.2 yards a carry, and two returning linemen, and the Dragons have the makings of the best team in school history. Three defensive backs return, and Josh Allison (DL), Chase Goff (LB) and Shaun Vernon (LB) have experience.
5 MIDLAND, 8-3, CLASS A
The Chemics will miss RB Jim Parsons (graduation), but coach Terry Wilczek has 11 starters returning. They are led by an experienced defensive line that includes Justin Barnes (DE), Jeremy Sauve (DT) and Zack Bugosh (DT). Senior A.J. Deoliveria should carry the running load. Senior QB Jacob Yoder might be pushed by sophomore Andrew Maxwell.
6 MUSKEGON, 7-3, CLASS A
The Big Reds might have the fastest team in the state. Ashton Leggett led the team in rushing (1,050 yards) last season, and Toney Bailey (DB) will get his share of carries. Ronald Johnson is one of the state's top players and will play a variety of positions. Junior T Carlin Landingham is one of seven starters back on offense, and Terrian Kelly (LB/TE) is one of six back on defense. John Harris is a returning two-way lineman.
7 MACOMB DAKOTA, 10-3,CLASS A
The Cougars return most of their top playmakers, but coach Mike Giannone must replace his offensive line. G Cal Olenew, a transfer from Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse, will fill one of those holes. James Stallons is a classic drop-back passer, and David Tauck is sure to be one of his favorite receivers. Greg Gay (RB/DB) is a reliable receiver. Defensively, John Schultz (DB) is a sure tackler and an able pass defender. Zach Puszczyk will move from the outside to middle linebacker.
8 HOLT,10-1, CLASS A
Eight starters return on offense, many of whom will be juniors, including Mitch Zajac (C/LB) and Joe Powers (FB/LB). The Rams are bolstered by the addition of Tony Scott (RB), a transfer from Okemos. James Terrill (OT) could be a Division I recruit. Defensive backs Andy Sawyer, Cody Nash (WR) and Danny Zajac all run the 40 in 4.6 seconds or better.
9 EAST GRAND RAPIDS, 10-1, CLASS B
The Pioneers return 10 starters plus Darrell Davis-Budanauro (OT), a transfer from Texas. Other top linemen include three-year starter Casey Mester (DL) and all-conference guard Jake Schwenneker. Luke Glendening (RB/DB) returned three punts for touchdowns last season. Then there are the Gradys, Kelvin and his cousin DeMarcus. Kelvin Grady (RB) was the only junior selected to The News' Dream Team last year.
10 FARMINGTON HILLS HARRISON,10-3, CLASS A
If they can remain healthy, the Hawks could take one more step in the playoffs and play at Ford Field for a title. Junior Norm Shuford (RB) missed the last 10 games with a knee injury but is back. Ben Bojicic (6-4, 280) will move from tight end to offensive tackle to improve an already solid offensive line. Mark Dell (WR/DB) is one of the state's premier players, and Calvin Mann (WR/LB) is another Division 1 recruit. Dan Sirovy (DB/K) could be the team's MVP.
11 CANTON, 11-3, CLASS A
With eight starters returning, the defense will carry the Chiefs early. Deshon McClendon (RB/DB) will start both ways. The secondary will be strong as Chris Woudstra and Chris Bogdanski will team with McClendon. Canton uses a five-man front and three return, led by Donny Laramie. Colin O'Shaughnessy and Nick Moores, a transfer from Detroit Catholic Central, are capable linebackers. The development of junior QB Ben Vaughn is key.
12 GRANDVILLE, 7-4, CLASS A
Sam Russell (WR/DB) is too good to leave on the sidelines. He has the size (6-3) and speed to make plays. Jordan Richardson (LB) and Aaron Scarowicz (DL) are two of eight returning starters on defense. Look for QB R.C. Thompson to have a big year with a number of good receivers, including Tyler Edema and Aaron Helmholdt, to throw to.
13 LOWELL, 9-2, CLASS A
A half-dozen starters return on both sides, including one of the state's top players, QB Keith Nichol. Nichol has quality receivers to throw to in Mike McElroy (DB) and Torsten Boss. LB Cam Blake (240 pounds) will provide power at running back. Tyler Meppelink (G) is the best of what could be a decent group of linemen.
14 DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL, 7-4, CLASS A
The Shamrocks played a number of underclassmen last season. Jeremy Bednarz-Gray (LB) is one of five starters back on defense and he'll see considerable time at running back. Jake Marmul (DB), injured last season, will be the featured running back. Nick Faulhaber (OT/DT) and Ryan Wiska (OT) are back to power the Shamrocks' running game, and Dave Galiyas (DB) is a sure tackler in the secondary.
15 UTICA EISENHOWER, 8-2, CLASS A
The Eagles return half their starters and much will depend on the play of QB Anthony Gill, a senior who saw limited time in 2005. Mario Lulgjuraj (TE/DT) is the best of what is an experienced line on both sides. Miles Allen (G-DE) returns, and Chris Orosco (DT) will move from offensive tackle to center. Matt Szubielski will be the featured running back after playing fullback and receiver last season.
16 ROCHESTER ADAMS, 12-1, CLASS A
Three starters return on both sides but don't put too much stock in what appears to be an inexperienced team. Coach Tony Patritto's defense will be the strength. Jake Wilson (DB) might start at quarterback, and Wayne Sanders, son of former Lions great Charlie Sanders, and Joe Bernard return at defensive end. RBs Cory Hamilton and Josh Renel each gained more than 500 yards last season. C Luke Hayden is the lone returnee on the line.
17 MILFORD, 9-3, CLASS A
The Mavericks are coming off their best season and return six on both sides. Mike Petrucci (LB/SB) is the leader, and Jordan Fox is likely to get the call at quarterback after starting three games last season. Four offensive linemen return, led by seniors Joel Foreman and Mike Neivels. Kyle Frankovich (DL) and Jeff Goodin (DB) are experienced, and junior Jordan Kidd (LB) was at his best in the playoffs.
18 BAY CITY CENTRAL, 6-4, CLASS A
Central could have its best team since '94 when it reached the Class AA final. Eight starters return on offense, and coach Morley Fraser said this is the "best skill we've had in a long time." Fraser said senior QB Derek Dalzell is being pushed by two juniors. Keonte Bell and Luther Ware will drive the running game. Jake Voisine (DL) and Mike McFarland (LB/TE) lead the defense.
19 HUDSONVILLE, 11-3, CLASS A
A handful of starters return from a team that lost to Brother Rice in the Division 2 final. Look for the Eagles to run 80 percent of the time with Jordan Yonker, Scott Dykema (LB) and Zeke Fowle (WR) sharing time. Trevor Ikerd will move from guard to tackle, and the Eagles return both tight ends, Devin Boglitsch and Justin Cooke. Defensively, Dykema and Zach Snoeynik (LB) are dependable. Jon Tanis (DB) started as a sophomore and Jimmy Petkus saw time as a reserve.
20 DEARBORN, 6-4, CLASS A
The offense is in good hands as coach Dave Mifsud turns to his son, Anthony, a junior, at quarterback. The Mifsuds have three offensive linemen back, led by Andrew Hamet (G) and Nevin Shearer (OT). Look for Andrew Defelice (RB) to be the featured back. The Pioneers might be better defensively. Danny McKae and Brett Finbinger return in the secondary and both will see time as receivers. Mike Ajami (OT/DT) is a fine two-way lineman and transfer Nate Snyder (DE) started last season for Dearborn Divine Child.
Teams to watch
Adrian (8-2), A; Allen Park (10-1), A; Bay City Western (11-2), A; Caledonia (12-2), A; Clarkston (8-3), A; Davison (8-2), A; Detroit Denby (5-5), A; Flint Powers (12-2), B; Grand Ledge (9-3), A; Greenville (9-3), A; Jackson Lumen Christi (12-1), B; Lansing Sexton (7-4), B; Midland Dow (7-3), A; Monroe (5-5), A; Novi (7-3), A; Oxford (5-4), A; South Lyon (5-5), Class A; Sterling Heights Stevenson (10-1), A; Stevensville Lakeshore (11-1), B; Walled Lake Central (5-5), A