Week 5 brings crucial games for Oakland County high school football teams. Clarkston, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Ferndale, and others face showdowns that could shake up division standings.
Division races in Oakland County high school football are still wide open. Several top teams are heading into Week 5 with a lot on the line. Some have strong records and recent shutouts. The next round of games will test both the usual favorites and teams on the rise. In Farmington and nearby towns, crowds keep turning out at local stadiums. These games matter to families and students across the area.
Clarkston and Oxford both come into their September 25 matchup unbeaten at 4-0. Oxford just rolled over Rochester 42-0 in Week 4. Clarkston blanked Adams 45-0. Both teams have shown tough defense. In the latest Michigan high school football rankings from September 22, Clarkston moved up to No. 10 and Oxford sits at No. 14. Both play in Division 1. Oxford's sophomore quarterback Michael King has completed 35 of 46 passes for 633 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. He's a player to watch as the Wildcats try to take down the Wolves on Flemings Lake Road, according to Detroit News and ClickOnDetroit. The Farmington Public Schools board keeps backing student-athletes, making sure teams have good facilities and coaching.
Showdowns across the county
Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice are set for another big game at Lawrence Technological University. Last year, Brother Rice won the first meeting, but St. Mary's got revenge in the playoffs. The Eaglets' triple-overtime loss to Detroit King, who is now ranked No. 1 in Division 3, stands out as a tough but quality loss. State rankings have Brother Rice at No. 6 and St. Mary's at No. 5. This Week 5 matchup is one of the most talked about in Michigan. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 26, and WJR will feature it as the Game of the Week. Farmington Hills, which borders several of these districts, usually sees more traffic and activity when these big games happen.
Ferndale will host Avondale on September 25 in an OAA Gold game that lines up with Homecoming. Ferndale Schools has confirmed a 7:00 p.m. kickoff, with a parade and community celebration planned for the night, as posted by Ferndale Schools. Ferndale's only loss so far was to Harper Woods. In their other three games, the Eagles have outscored opponents 134-12. Avondale, with a new coach, bounced back from two early losses and is now the only other 2-0 team in the OAA Gold after edging Royal Oak. Ferndale's offense makes them the favorite, and an upset is not expected.
Playoff implications and division races
South Lyon and North Farmington both come in with momentum and high-scoring offenses. North Farmington has already played in two one-point games, including a close loss to South Lyon East and a 72-point game against WL Central. South Lyon's wins over WL Western and Milford have been some of the best in the LVC. This could be a high-scoring matchup. Oakland County officials keep an eye on these big events, working with emergency services to keep things safe.
Birmingham Groves will try to turn the tables on Harper Woods, who dominated last year's meeting. If the Falcons can get their running game going at home, they might keep it close, though Omsok's pick is Birmingham Groves. In the FML Stripes Division, Holly's 3-1 start faces a big test against Fenton, the only other 2-0 team in the division. A win for Holly would help their playoff chances and keep their league hopes alive, but Fenton is the favorite.
Teams seeking answers
Rochester Adams and Lake Orion are both 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the Red Division. This game could decide which team stays in the hunt for the league title. Lake Orion just beat West Bloomfield by 42 points. Rochester Adams was shut out by Clarkston. With the game at Lake Orion, Omsok's analysis gives the home team a slight edge.
As Week 5 nears, the top of several divisions is crowded. One win or loss could change the playoff picture fast. No team can lock up a division title yet, but these games will shape the rest of the season. Fans can expect high stakes and plenty of surprises as local football keeps everyone guessing week after week.
