Christian Davis: C&G Newspapers Sports Blog

Perspective in Southfield

2009-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

When a team loses, the coach can address his players after the contest in a variety of ways.

He can go nuts, pointing out the mistakes made during the game; or question their efforts and vow to work them even harder in practice.

On the other hand, he can be comforting, telling his guys he was proud of their efforts, and they’ll get it done next time.

Southfield High boys basketball coach Gary Teasley chose a different approach Jan. 23 at Southfield-Lathrup.

Following a tough loss against their biggest rival in a game many thought Southfield would win, Teasley told his guys to keep perspective.

He told them it’s going to hurt, but it’s a game and “disappointment is part of the journey.”

He told them, “Basketball is a good game. There are no bad days.”

Now that’s not to say Teasley doesn’t raise his voice from time to time, and I’m sure the Blue Jays were pushed even harder the following practice.

But when the team was at its lowest, Teasley didn’t push them lower or inflate their sense of importance.

He kept perspective, and I don’t believe he said those things because a reporter was present, but because he’s a good coach.

Now that's early

2009-01-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

Last week, I met with Rochester High senior wrestler Nick Kaczanowski and coach Frank Lafferty after school to do a story on Nick’s amazing season.

He was 22-0 at the time, had already won the Oakland County Tournament and has a great chance of winning the state title 160 pounds. Last season, he finished second in the state at 152.

On top of that, Rochester was 4-0 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division.

But those amazing statistics weren’t what stuck out to me. It was the mere mention by Lafferty that the whole team had already practiced that day — at 5 a.m.

When he saw the stunned look on my face, he repeated it "5 a.m."

By all accounts, that’s early.

Now, I know teams all across the state, from gymnastics to swimming, utilize the mornings for practice. Heck, the wrestling team probably wasn't the only Rochester squad there on that frigid morning putting in extra time.

But for me, I’m not even certain 5 a.m. exists.

Yet that morning, the Falcons rolled out of their beds way before many of their classmates and went to school.

They didn’t open their books. Instead, they shot, sprawled and pinned each other.

Their unwavering dedication is probably one of the reasons the Falcons have a potential state champion and are making a run at the Red title.

It’s just not my idea of breakfast.

On to Round Two

2008-11-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Last week, I attempted to flex my brain muscle and give us all an early look on how the first round of the football state playoffs were going to play out for our local C & G Oakland Activities Association teams.

Well, the numbers are in, and if I don’t say so myself, not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

So let’s take a look …

Livonia Stevenson 17; West Bloomfield High 6
I had the Lakers losing by 10.

Lake Orion High 7; Utica Eisenhower 0
My guess was the Dragons by eight.

Macomb Dakota 28; Troy High 10
I went out on the limb and had the Colts falling by 20.

Birmingham Brother Rice 28; Rochester Adams 21
This one hurt. I had Adams winning by 13 points.

White Lake Lakeland 42; Auburn Hills Avondale 7
This was another tough one. While I had the winning team right, I was 14 points off on the margin of victory.

Southfield High 16; Farmington High 0
Now, I was at this game, and it was even closer than the score showed. I guessed Southfield winning by seven, which was nine points off. But the Blue Jays scored on an interception with less than a minute in the game to throw my guess way off.

Bloomfield Hills Lahser 28; Redford Thurston 13
This one put me back on track. I had the Knights winning by 14, just one point off .

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 27; Ferndale High 13
This game didn’t go so well for me. I had the Eagles winning by 13; they lost by 14.

I was 6-2 overall, but the true genius (and I use that term loosely) is that I was only nine points off on the average margin of victory of each game. Perhaps not too impressive on the surface, but in three games I was one point off and in another, only two.

For this week there are only three C & G OAA teams left.

Division 1 Lake Orion High (9-1) hosts Romeo High (8-2) at 7 p.m. Nov. 7
If you take a quick glance, Romeo lost 17-14 to the same Eisenhower team that the Dragons just beat. But from what I've heard, the Eagles had their most success running right at the Dragons. With Romeo being a physical, punishing-style team, that doesn’t bode well for Lake Orion. I really think this game could easily go either way, but I’ll take Romeo by two.

Division 2 Southfield High (9-1) hosts Dearborn High (7-3) at 1 p.m. Nov. 8
Dearborn’s three losses came against teams with a combined three losses and by an average of six points. Southfield struggled early with a pesky Farmington team, but eventually their athleticism and defense prevailed. This time, though, I think they just simply run into a better opponent. I’m taking Dearborn by eight.

Division 3 Bloomfield Hills Lahser (9-1) hosts Lapeer West (7-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Lahser hasn’t lost since week one of the season, and except for their four-point win against Ferndale High, none of the other games have been closer than 15 points. I think the streak continues and the Knights win by 13.

All right, there you have it. The Knights can begin their regional plans, but for the other two, I think. unfortunately, this is all she wrote. Or at least I wrote.

This one's on me

2008-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

I’m going to do us all a favor and save us a lot of time.

I’m going to tell you exactly which C & G local Oakland Activities Association football teams are going to survive the first weekend of the playoffs.

Now, if you’re a fan of prep football, like myself, this is your official spoiler alert. Don’t read below. You can thank me later.

Division 1 West Bloomfield High (6-3) at Livonia Stevenson (7-2) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
The Lakers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Its reward is a trip to last year’s state runner-up Livonia Stevenson. But fear not Lakers fans, I think coach James Thomas has a good thing going over there on Orchard Lake Road. But not that good … yet. Give me the Spartans by 10.

Lake Orion High (8-1) hosts Utica Eisenhower (5-4) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
This is Lake Orion’s eighth straight trip to the postseason, and its also won eight straight games. Coincidence? I think not. It’s a sign from the pigskin gods. The Dragons make it nine wins a row. I like Lake Orion by eight.

Troy High (6-3) at Macomb Dakota (8-1) at 1 p.m. Nov. 1
Good thing this one is on Halloween weekend, because it could be scary. I like Troy, but Dakota is huge … again. The two-time defending state champs average 275 pounds across their offensive line. In a word, "yikes." The Colts keep it close early, but the Cougars wear them down and win by 20.

Division 2 Rochester Adams (8-1) hosts Birmingham Brother Rice (6-3) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Lake Orion has shown that Adams is beatable with their 34-28 week eight victory, but not by the Warriors. Adams is out for redemption this time around after losing by a touchdown to eventual state champ Detroit Martin Luther King in a semifinal last season. Rice has held only three opponents to less than 20 points — yes I know the Catholic High School League is tough. The Highlanders, on the other hand, haven’t scored less than 28 in a game yet. Give me Adams by 13.

Auburn Hills Avondale (7-2) at White Lake Lakeland (7-2) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Despite seemingly being the only game that starts at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. on Friday, this game is also interesting, with Avondale bouncing back after a winless campaign last year. It’s a nice story, but it ends in the first round. No disrespect to the OAA Blue, where Avondale made a run at a championship, but the Kensington Lakes Activities Association is whole different matter. Give me the Eagles by 21.

Farmington High (6-3) at Southfield High (8-1) at 1 p.m. Nov. 1
Farmington has won six straight games to punch its ticket into the postseason; Southfield has been stellar all year, losing only to Adams by two points. These teams have met before with Southfield winning 35-20 in week one. I think Farmington makes it closer, but I still like the Blue Jays by seven.

Division 3 Bloomfield Hills Lahser (8-1) hosts Redford Thurston (6-3) at 7 p.m. Nov. 1
Finally playing against teams that they should be playing (see blog “Sacrificial lamb’), Bloomfield Hills Lahser is going to be tough for any D-3 opponent, starting with Thurston. The Knights have a balanced attack and a defense that will smack you. I think the Knights begin the smacking Saturday night and win by 14.

Ferndale High (8-1) hosts St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (6-3) at 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Ferndale has advanced to the playoffs for the third straight year, a school first. But the first time two times, the Eagles were one and done. Lake Shore has been a little hit or miss this season, beating the likes of Warren Fitzgerald (8-1), but losing to Madison Heights Madison (5-4), a team that lost to Fitzgerald by four touchdowns. Put together Lake Shore’s inconsistency, Ferndale’s drive for a playoff win, and throw in the fact that the Shorians beat my guys from Clawson High week one, that’s three strikes and they’re out. I’ll take Ferndale by 13.

So there it is.

Check back to the blog next week to see how I did with my picks. I've seen and been a part of enough high school football to realize that anything can happen. Should be fun.

Let the games begin.

Spread the word

2008-09-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

If you've watched any football the past two weekends, either in the prep or college ranks, chances are you've seen the spread offense. You can recognize the offense by the quarterback in the shotgun, a single back, four receivers split wide — and the lack of any true grit.

My last point was a little sarcastic.

Granted, the offense doesn't produce a power game. But proponents ask why a power game is needed when you can throw the ball around or churn out yards on the ground with a single back. They'll have you believe that the days of 3 yards and a cloud of dust are over and that fullbacks are going the way of the dinosaurs.

Call me old fashion, but I can't stand it.

The spread has become the "go-to" offense in the high school and college ranks. No doubt you've had your fill hearing how the offense is going to take University of Michigan football into the 21st century. Since when did an I-formation and a 4-yard gain become unacceptable?

I understand the offense has its place and don't even mind that. But let it stay with the University of Purdue and Northwestern University, which brought the offense to the Big Ten because they believe it works as an equalizer against teams with more talent. Let it stay with Southfield High, which runs it to perfection at times. Even let it stay with Troy High, which utilized it all the way to the Division 1 semifinals.

But for the vast majority of the other programs using it, especially at the prep level where quarterbacks routinely don't make throws needed and receivers drop just as many balls, line up and play football.

Just because it's the new thing, doesn't mean it's the best thing.

Here's to 3 yards and a dose of dust.

Now that's dedication

2008-06-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

I used to think I was a patient golf fan.

But then I met Steve Attwater of Rochester Hills.

It was 7 a.m. June 26, and there he sat in his folding chair next to the 18th green at Warwick Hills during the opening round of the Buick Open.

As the opening groups teed off on No. 1 and No. 10, Attwater literally sat by himself, knowing full well it would be at least another two hours before he would see his first golfer make his way up the fairway. Still, Attwater sat. And sat. And sat.

I thought it was a big deal when my friends and I took our annual spot behind the No. 2 tee box and let the golfers come to us. We would sit in the same spot for around six hours before dragging our sun-burned bodies away.

But Attwater claims his territory and stays there — not only each day, but pretty much each hour of each championship round of the tournament.

"I just do it, that way I can watch everyone come up the 18th green. From Thursday through Sunday, this is where I sit," he said, adding that he plans his vacations around the tournament.

I wasn't there on Sunday, but I'd bet Attwater was. And when Woody Austin and Bubba Watson missed their putts on the final hole and Tour veteran Kenny Perry happily raised the trophy and waived to the fans, he had the well-deserved best seat in the house.

Summer adventures

2008-06-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

When the prep sports world takes its break during the summer, it leaves us predominately prep sports writers to find new avenues for stories.

I'm looking off the beaten path this summer, trying to find "adventurous" hobbies, sports, etc., with the hope that we will all crawl out of our comfort zones and make this summer truly special by giving a few of them a try.

Whether it be the velodrome at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills, training for a triathlon (which I have no intention of doing) or even jumping out of an airplane (we'll see about that one). No idea is too big or too small.

I'm always open to suggestions. If you can think of an adventure that is close to home, shoot me an e-mail at cdavis@candgnews.com.

Dunk dreams

2008-03-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ahh the slam dunk.

I was in seventh-grade the first time I saw one live. I was at an inter-team Clawson High basketball scrimmage and a group of us begged Jon Jansen — now an offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins — to dunk for us.

Soon after, I made a bet with my cousin, Gil — who was my age — that someday we would be the ones dunking.

After all, we were both tall for our age and could touch his neighbor Tommy’s rim at the time, which may or may not have reached 8 feet.

Fifteen years later, and I haven’t so much as nicked the rim on a regulation-size hoop — 10 feet.

Once in high school, at the height of my athleticism, I was apparently close, or so an observer said, but he could have been lying.

Gil, for his efforts, can get a few fingers around the hoop, but is also dunkless in his career.

Nowadays, I sit in gyms and watch these high schoolers throw it down with ease. It’s almost become routine, seeing them flying through the air, mocking me with every inch that they ascend.

It's not to say I can’t dunk with the best of them when a rim suits my leaping ability. In fact, I’m the “2006 Pat’s backyard Slam Dunk Champion.”

I won it with power and grace. As the sun went down and the porch lights came on, I wowed the judges — Pat’s brothers, Jimmy and Tim.

My friend and coworker, Jeremy, came in second after dunking with his shirt pulled over his head — a played-out move, in my opinion, and all the less impressive because I’m pretty sure he could see through it — but it was my off-the-backboard extravaganza (also very played out) that took the crown.

So go on — Drew Maynard of Lake Orion, Damacious White of Berkley High, Nick West of Royal Oak High and all the rest of the local dunksters — throw it down.
But know this: I own 8 feet.

Dusting off the mats

2008-01-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

Clawson High wrestling is back, and that’s good news.

I know it wasn’t long ago, 2005 actually, that the Trojans had a team, but truthfully, it’s been 10 years or so since Clawson could boast a program that could come close to fulfilling the 14 weight classes.

This year, the Trojans have 10 athletes on the team, and though four classes are still being voided, it’s a step in the right direction.

Of the 10 wrestlers, four are freshmen, three are sophomores, two are juniors and only one is a senior. With a middle school program already in place, the numbers should only grow.

Adding to the optimism are coaches Terry Downs and Ed Macknis.

After spending some time with these guys, you can tell they’re passionate about the sport, and more importantly, they’re passionate about the school.

Both are Clawson graduates and have seen the program at its best — in the 1980s — when the Trojans could compete with anyone in the state. Both understand the tradition Clawson once had and are determined to bring it back.

As a 1999 graduate, I wish the coaches the best of luck and hope this current crop of wrestlers marks just the beginning. I can honestly say they are all making at least one alumnus proud.

Sacrificial Lamb

2007-09-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Instant "Cliche´"

2007-09-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

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 ...

Hello blogosphere

2007-08-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

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.