News and Announcements
Posted: 2006-08-24
Markowski - Kensington Valley Conference Review
Tom Markowski and Beth Markowski / The Detroit News (8/24/2006)
In coaches' consensus order of finish.
Milford: Mike Petrucci (LB/SB) is one of six who return on both sides. Corey Williamson (SB) could have a big year if teams key on Petrucci. Junior Jeremy Snook (DT/OT) and Joel Foreman (OT/DT) are two of the four returnees on the offensive line. Jordan Fox started three games at quarterback and Jeff Goodin is the top defensive back.
South Lyon: The Lions return six on offense and four on defense. Derek Gotham (OT/DT) and Marty Rochowiak (DB/RB) have experience. Jason Middleton (LB) and Mieka Lampe (NG) are sure tacklers in the middle. Arik Habay (RB) might play quarterback.
Novi: The Wildcats will challenge for the title on the strength of their defense (seven starters return) and kicking game. Pat Sijan (K/P) is one of the state's best. The linebackers -- Mike Kolis, Tom Spisich and Brad Petroskey -- all have experience. Senior twins Ryan and Stefan Figurski return in the secondary and John Brown and Tyler Hoover man the defensive front. Adam Chandler might move from receiver to quarterback. The best player is Brandon Carnegie (RB/QB).
Brighton: The Bulldogs reached the Division 1 semifinals but return just two starters -- T.J. Van Doren (QB) and Bob Thomas (DT). Four others -- Jake Szydzik (LB), Ben Hautteman (TE), Ryan McMahon (LB) and Joe Hagerty (WR) -- saw playing time. Coach Bill Murray might start 13 juniors. The top two are Tom Rice (DB/WR) and Chris Bucalo (RB).
Howell: The Highlanders missed the playoffs by one point. Six starters return on offense, eight on defense. Returning starters include seniors James McNeiece (TB/SS), Mike Jusino (QB), Justin Root (C/NG) and Mike Ryan (WR/DB). Junior Sam Holton (OL/DL) is 6-1, 270 and can bench 315. Howell has a tough schedule, with two non-conference games against teams with a combined record of 20-3.
White Lake Lakeland: Six starters return on offense, seven on defense for the Eagles. Dan Taylor (FB/LB) led the team in rushing with nearly 1,000 yards. He is joined by Kevin Lanier (HB/FS) and Cody Leavenworth (HB/LB) in a powerful backfield. Bill Mitch II (TE/OLB) and Andrew Gobel (OT/DE) will be key. Depth and lack of experience could pose problems.
Hartland: First-year coach Marcus Dukes was an assistant at Hartland last year. Senior leadership will be an asset, with 20 seniors. Four starters return on offense for the Eagles. Four of the starting offensive linemen graduated. Six starters return on defense. Brian Hanner (RB/LB), Brandon Selby (OT), Ryan Wilkins (QB/S), Tom Stevenson (DL) and Jordan Davis (RB/DB) are returning starters.
Pinckney: Four starters return on both sides for the Pirates. None of the starting offensive linemen is back. Marko Gerbo (QB) passed for seven touchdowns and 860 yards. Wes Duke (RB/P) averaged 36 yards per punt. Sean McEachern (WB/CB) led the team with three interceptions. Tim McEuen (TE/OLB) and Chris Stevenson (WB/OLB) also return.