Big Nine -
If you look at the schedules in the
Big Nine this year, you might think its a
misprint. The Big 5 that are left have a big
task on their hands. Its difficult enough
playing each other, then the out of conference
games are just plain scary. For the fans and
for those teams that love a big challenge, these
games are just what the doctor ordered. 6 time
defending conference champ, Davison, takes on
the likes of Lowell, Rockford, Holt and Orchard
Lake St. Marys in their out of conference
schedule alone. Powers has Crockett, Country
Day and Birmingham Brother Rice on the slate.
These games wont have much impact on whether
Davison can make it 7 straight conference titles
or not but it sure has an immediate impact on
who is going to reach 6 wins and make the
playoffs.
Davison must rebuild again but they
have some terrific interior players coming
back. Three year starter at QB Jared Cowan
graduated and for the Cards to get that 7th
straight title, they will need the next QB in
line to step up right away. Powers has their QB
back but now are without All-Conference RB
Ronnie Lark, who also graduated last year.
Powers has a lot of talent on the roster but
its going to need to translate to football
skill in order to knock Davison off of their
perch.
Carman-Ainsworth will have their third
coach in as many years but this might be the one
the program has been waiting for. Nate Williams
turned Hamady around, from a perennial loser
into a program that made the playoffs two
straight years. The Cavs roster is blessed with
athleticism that any coach would love to have.
The talent has always been there though; its up
to Coach Williams to get these students of the
game on track, converting speed into points.
Whether it happens this year or not, I feel its
going to happen, Coach Williams is dedicated and
knows how to reach his players.
Flushing has one of their largest
rosters in years and the quickness is aplenty
but the size will be a factor. The Raiders will
need to utilize their quickness to neutralize
bigger teams that will try to manhandle them.
Then theres Grand Blanc. The Bobcats seem to
have just the right combination of skill and
line players back and on the rise. I have a
feeling that this year might be the coming out
party for Grand Blanc, with the likes of Ryan
Morley at QB, Justice Hayes at RB and Tony Jones
running routes in open space. The Bobcats have
a lot of depth and the guys that took their
bumps last year are more seasoned and are
dedicated to get the job done and end Davisons
title reign.
