While it can be argued the Tigers and Michigan State should be the top stars for their victories on Friday night, Kosmo isn't concerned about those teams. He's into high school football and for that it's time to offer his 3 stars for Friday's games. Third star Ian Eriksen, Clarkston - Koz thinks the Wolves may have found a special back here. After rushing for 242 yards and five touchdowns (plus a 99-yard kickoff return) last week, Eriksen ran for 183 yards and three touchdowns against West Bloomfield on Friday. Nearly 500 yards and eight rushing touchdowns is pretty amazing for two games. Second star Joe Cox, Stoney Creek - The Cougars were impressive in a 34-0 rout at Pontiac, and Cox was a big reason why. The junior ran for 141 yards on 16 carries. First star Lorenzo Collins, Farmington Hills Harrison - This kid might be the first star of the entire junior class in the state of Michigan. He was marvelous again in a 19-7 win at Rochester Adams, rushing for 167 yards on 25 carries for the now 2-0 Hawks. Happy Labor Day weekend all!

Hopefully there aren't too many people up north at the moment and they're home to read the lastest version of Kosmo's 3 stars. Then again, there is Internet up north at cottages, right? Anyway, here's Kosmo's 3 stars for Thursday night's football action. Tune late Friday night/early Saturday morning for the 3 stars from Friday's games. Third star - Colin O'Donnell, Walled Lake Northern. Kosmo thought the Knights would miss last year's super productive quarterback, Kirk Thomas, a lot, but maybe not so much. O'Donnell was about as productive as it comes against Salem, passing for 160 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for two more touchdowns. Second star - Anthony Waite/Dalton Christie, Lakeland. OK, these actually are two players, but together they form quite a two-headed monster at running back for the now 2-0 Eagles. in a 34-12 win over Novi, Waite ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 15 caries while Christie had 110 total yards of offense and three touchdowns. First star - Nathan Drews, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest. Isn't this guy one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the county? Keep an eye out all season for this 3-year starter, who had 208 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in a lopsided win over Lutheran Westland. The Crusaders definitely have a gem at quarterback.

As is usually the case on Labor Day weekend, the amount of football games that are played are fairly split between Thursday and Friday night. There probably are a little more being played on Thursday, but Kosmo is glad to see that there are more and more each year being played on Friday of this weekend because that's the way to go. Kosmo just doesn't understand why schools feel the need to play on Thursday this week. First of all, don't give the K-Man this garbage about holiday weekend stuff and sending kids on vacations. These kids are going to be watching film and practicing at some point Friday through Sunday. Believe me. Also, don't give the K-Man the argument families head up north on Friday and won't be around to see the game. Parents will stick around to see their kids play and families head up north Thursday night anyway. Have you seen I-75 on a Thursday night on Labor Day weekend? If not, go sit in the traffic yourself. Second, it disrupts all the other sports that need to be played on Thursday. How do you think soccer and volleyball coaches feel that their space and/or student fan attention will be taken away because football games are being held on the same night their contests are designated for during a week? Finally, Kosmo likes the Friday games because it keeps teams on a routine. Friday nights are when a majority of the games are going to be played and there should be any disruptions in that routine. Hopefully in the future more schools realize all these factors and just play on Friday night during Week 2 of the season.

A few weeks ago, Kosmo wrote about he thought the OAA White was the best league in the Metro Detroit area not named the Catholic League Central Division. For those who don't believe Kosmo, just look at the slate of games within the league this week, which is the first week of league play. Already, teams can get major advantages in the race for a league title with wins. The big one will be on Friday night, when Farmington Hills Harrison travels to Rochester Adams. Great coaching staffs, two teams full of good skill players and two of the state's best traditional programs. Enough said. Before that at 4 p.m. on Friday will be the other heavyweight battle when Farmington plays at Southfield. Both teams are 1-0 and should be very familiar with each other because of the regular season and playoff games they've played in recent years. There'll be a lot of speed on display in this one. The two other league games are interesting also. Southfield-Lathrup will play at Oak Park at 6 p.m. on Friday in a game between a pair of 1-0 teams. Look for one of these teams to show that it'll be a sleeper in the league title chase this season. Finally, there should be another fun game to watch when Oxford plays at North Farmington in a game of two teams that can run the ball as good as anyone. Chauncey Bridges of North Farmington is a flat out player, while Oxford, well, when doesn't Oxford run the ball well. Oh, and the Wildcats also have a stud sophomore quarterback in Glacier Wallington. Kosmo can't wait to see what happens this week in the OAA White. And to think, there still will be seven more weeks to go even after this week.

Kosmo was reading the fine boys soccer season preview in the Oakland Press the other day and was intrigued by the article on how many top players have essentially been forced to give up playing high school soccer this season because of a new policy by the U.S. Soccer Federation that wants the players to train with Academy teams year-round, including during the high school season. Usually, the Academy programs take somewhat of a break in the Fall to allow players to play for their high school teams, but now that the training is year-round per the request of the USSF, this essentially forces players into a difficult decision because of MHSAA bylaws. Kosmo admits he doesn't fully understand the exact language of the rulebook, but he does know that the MHSAA often will rule ineligible athletes who participate for other amateur athletic organizations/events outside of high school. For example, golfers who compete in a certain amount of junior tournaments during the high school season are ineligible or football players who decide to compete in all-star games are ineligible. The same rings true for soccer players who compete in tournaments or games for their Academy teams during the high school season, which is why this USSF policy is affecting so many players around the state. The Academies technically would allow players to play high school soccer, but players simply can't with the bylaws the MHSAA has in place. Hopefully, the MHSAA will meet in the coming year and make some adjustments to allow high school players affected by the USSF's policy to still play high school soccer. The best players need to be on the field for their high school teams, not just for an Academy team. Otherwise, boys soccer seasons will be forever diluted from a talent standpoint, and Koz doubts the MHSAA wants that.

After three days of breathtaking action, the first week of the high school football season is in the books. Judging by Kosmo's math, the regular season is already 1/9 over. That's about as much math as the all-knowing one knows ironically enough, so maybe he's not all knowing in some areas. Anyway, before looking ahead to Week 2 Kosmo wants to recap his most pleasant surprises and his disappointments from Week 1. Mind you, listing disappointments isn't meant to bash kids or coaches. On the contrary, it's just saying that those are better than they showed and that could easily rebound. Kosmo is just simply curious what happened the first week because it is out of character. Surprises Berkley - Maybe Kosmo shouldn't have underestimated the Bears, especially at home. Taking on defending OAA champion Groves, which happens to be a contender again this year for a league crown, Berkley made a major first impression with a 40-22 win. Great job by Jeff Burnside, his staff and his players. The running back tandem of Jeremy Shephard and Alec Sanom each ran for over 100 yards. Waterford Mott - Chris Fahr obviously is already making an impact for the Corsairs. For the first time in two years, Mott beat somebody besides Kettering by going on the road and recording a 34-14 win at Wayne Memorial. Senior Alex Moorer ran for 185 yards and four touchdowns and was unstoppable. A terrific start for a program in need of some confidence. Southfield - It's not that Kosmo was surprised Southfield beat Detroit Martin Luther King at the Prep Kickoff Classic because he picked the Bluejays to do so. It was the way Southfield won. The Bluejays never led in regulation but tied the game in the final minute before pulling out an OT win. In the past, this is not a game Southfield would win. But it's definitely a new era at Southfield with the character the kids and coaching staff showed in hanging tough when things weren't going well. This win could be a springboard to a memorable season. Disappointments Holly - Not sure what happened to the Bronchos in a surprising blowout loss at home to Swartz Creek. If there's a silver lining, it's that Holly has gotten off to slow starts the past two years and still made the playoffs. Troy Athens - Kosmo knows Athens can and will play better than it did in a 41-6 blowout loss at home to Warren Mott. Hopefully it was just one of those off nights and the Red Hawks can get back on track, although the task won't be easier with a game against Lake Orion at Ford Field on Friday. Walled Lake Western - The Warriors do have some inexperience on offense, but Kosmo still was a bit surprised that they struggled so much in a 27-14 home loss to Saline. This puts Western in a hole Kosmo didn't expect to start the season, but look for the Warriors to rebound. Coach Zdebski and his staff are too good.

As terrific of a night as Thursday was, Friday was even better. It is so good to have the high school football season back. There were several outstanding performances individually, so there was a lot to choose from. Unfortunately, the all-knowing one has to choose 3 for his 3 stars, or else it wouldn't be like the NHL, ha-ha. So here's the best of the best for Friday Third star Jordan Degreffenreed, Farmington — The other day, Kosmo wrote about some under-the-radar players he hopes will get an opportunity to play football in college. Koz made a mistake, because he didn't include a glue player like Degreffenreed. He ran for 214 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries in a 32-14 win over Westland John Glenn. Second star Alex Larson, Milford — Is there any doubt Larson is one of the most valuable players in the KLAA. He was all over the field on Friday, passing for 194 yards and a touchdown and running for 96 more in a 42-21 win over Flushing. First star Ian Eriksen, Clarkston — Forget Leif Ericson. A more famous person now is this player for Clarkston who was astonishing in a 42-28 win over Rochester Adams. Eriksen returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, and he was just getting started. He finished rushing for 245 yards and 5 touchdowns. Are you serious? That is a performance not even the greatest of explorers could match. Amazing job, Ian

Well the first night of the prep football season is in the books, and it was a night filled with surprising blowouts (Warren Mott must really be something because Athens has some talent) and great individual performances. In honor of the NHL, Kosmo is here to deliver his 3 stars for Thursday night. He'll do the same following Friday night's games. Here they are. Third star Chauncey Bridges, North Farmington. This is definitely a junior to watch. After a fine sophomore season, Bridges showed why he is one of the more dangerous runners in Oakland County, rushing for 174 yards and a touchdown and returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown in North Farmington's 24-13 win at Bay City John Glenn. He bridged the gap to a Raiders win perfectly. Second star Birmingham Seaholm's defense This figured to be a strength of the Maples, and maybe the biggest reason Seaholm is a favorite to win the OAA Blue. This unit sure showed why, shutting a quick Ferndale team to earn a 9-0 season-opening win at home. First star Taylor Timko, Pontoac Notre Dame Prep. Are you kidding me Ms. Timko? You're already one of the state's top soccer players who has a scholarship to Michigan already in tow and an elite track runner. Now, you start your junior year off by kicking the game-winning field goal with under three minutes left to help your team beat state semifinalist Almont on the road? This wasn't an extra point either. This was a 35-yarder under pressure. This girl is special with a capital "S," which she should be wearing on her uniform because she's "Superwoman."

Football season is set to arrive on Thursday, and on this "2012 season eve," Kosmo wants to give some love to some players who might or might not get recognition from college programs. There are always invaluable high school players with big hearts who college coaches just don't feel have the right size, speed or technical ability to compete at the next level, but these are players Kosmo admires the most. They get the most out of their ability and are even more important to their teams than the ones going to Division I college programs. Here are some players that Kosmo hopes have big senior years and get a shot to play college football. Anthony Darkangelo, Novi Detroit Catholic Central - Wyatt Shallman (Michigan) and Derek Edwards (Central Michigan) may be the players with college scholarships in tow, but Darkangelo may be Catholic Central's best player. He's a two-way force at linebacker and running back who has great leadership skills also. He'll make plays all over the field. Greg Webber, Troy - Having four-year starters in high school is rare. But that's how good the 6-3, 295 pound Webber has been for the Colts. He's a masher who can easily play at the next level. Johnny Williams, Holly - Tough, physically strong and a great leader. He'll be a great quarterback and defensive back this year for the Bronchos. Evin Papuga, Holly - Williams' best friend, Papuga can play both running back and wide receiver on offense and is a tackling force at linebacker on defense. Derric Williams, Lake Orion - A leader of the Dragons' defense who'll be a big problem for opposing lineman. An impactful linebacker who'll have lots of tackles for loss this year. Kyle Niswonger, Rochester Adams - How can you not love how this kid plays? A battering ram at fullback and a hard-nosed linebacker. Manny Mendoza, Rochester - Hopefully college coaches notice his size (6-3, 200), speed and playmaking ability as both a wide receiver and defensive back. Craig Columbo, Clarkston - Has put on lots of bulk over the offseason and is now up to a cut 275 pounds. The Wolves have more than just Jesse Chadwell and Nick Matich up front with Columbo around. Jody Harrison, Pontiac - Look out for the Phoenix this year with the plays Harrison is capable of making every night at quarterback. Also keep an eye out for wideout Trajan Seay who is a burner. Michael Johnson, Auburn Hills Avondale - A three-year starter at running back who will be hard for anyone in the OAA Blue to bring down. Andrew Gikas, Bloomfield Hills Lahser - Not especially big at 245 pounds, but still a rock to rely on on both sides of the line for the Knights. Devyn Bogert/Mike Dobrowolski, Walled Lake Central - These pair of linemen will ensure the Vikings are their usual stellar selves up front. Matt Kosmalski, Walled Lake Northern - Maybe the most underrated player in the KLAA. Plays hard and competes all over the field.

By now Kosmo and many others have heard that this will be the last year of Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Andover before the schools merge next year, although it might be a year or two before the schools join forces in Andover's building since it will need to be renovated. That'll likely mean a year or two in Lahser or another building, but eventually there's a big question Kosmo has. What's going to happen to the football field at Lahser? About 5 years ago, a gleaming new artificial turf was installed at the field. Couple that with a nice renovation project that included new bleachers and a beautiful new press box, Lahser all of a sudden went from having a subpar stadium to a great one. What will happen to it when the schools merge? Will it just be used as a community field? Will games still be played there by youth teams? Will neighboring Brother Rice try to purchase the field and call the stadium its own? These are all questions Kosmo has in his mind and probably questions that'll have to be answered in the next couple of years. It'll sure be a shame to see such a great facility, one that has had a lot of money put into it over the past few years, go to waste.

Kosmo was a little hesitant to speak about the controversy surrounding the navy blue turf at Oxford and the families that put their homes up as collateral to pay for it, but now the K-Man feels obliged to share his two cents. As the deadline approaches for the families to come up $300,000 or face losing their homes to foreclosure, Kosmo actually wants to applaud those families in a way. Before going on, Kosmo also understands those who feel it was a very stupid thing for those families to do and want no part of bailing them out. Kosmo doesn't feel people should have to do that. However, let's think about this for a minute. How many times have families put their homes as collateral or cashed out 401 K's for things they don't need? For example, what about families who take equity out of their home because they "need" an SUV instead of a small car or "need" a vacation to Hawaii? Families are never criticized for taking money out of their homes to pay for kids college expenses, and while on a smaller scale, that's somewhat what these families were doing. This was a sacrifice for the good of kids and the community, not a selfish act. Maybe having a navy blue turf seems like an unnecessary thing, but think about all the kids that will be playing on it and enjoying it. What if there are kids that get into athletics as a result of wanting to be on the field, and then it starts something big for that kid and his or her family, like an eventual college scholarship (just think of what the savings would do for that family) in a sport or maybe even the one in a million chance of a professional career? Yes, that's very farfetched, but a one in a million chance is better than zero if a sacrifice wasn't made to get kids excited about playing sports. At the very least, it could get kids away from video games and into sports, which have the power to teach life lessons that make individuals successful in any facet or occupation of life. Sure, people are probably saying that kids can get into sports regardless of whether there's a blue turf or not, and that's true. But like it or not, there's something about a different and exciting element like a blue turf that tends to get kids more excited than a regular grass field. Again, Kosmo doesn't blame people for saying how stupid the families were and for not wanting to bail them out. But just think of the sacrifice made for the kids and the community and all the good possibilities that could come from it.

Sometimes you learn something new every day, and Kosmo learned something new when he was reading the fine Oakland Press high school football season preview section in his cave on Sunday. It's no surprise that Birmingham Brother Rice will be one of the top teams in the state again and is ranked No. 1 in Oakland County to start the season. But it was a surprise to read that despite all he's accomplished in his legendary coaching career, head coach Al Fracassa has never won back-to-back state championships. Brother Rice has been to consecutive state title games in Fracassa's tenure, but never repeated. Wow. That's something Kosmo didn't know and hope that others have picked up on. For certain, that'll give even more motivation to a Brother Rice team full of talent. If this is indeed Fracassa's last year (yes Kosmo can hear the old bit siren sounding off now), then this would be the perfect way to go out on top by repeating for the first time. - Also looking at the list of top teams, it looks like more of the same. When haven't Brother Rice, Catholic Central, St. Mary's, Clarkston, Harrison, Lake Orion, Adams, Southfield, Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western been highly regarded teams going into a season? Evidently, it's just really hard for a different program to break through and become a consistent power each year in football.

Kosmo has just finished reading an interesting story from main spy Keith D. on MIPrepZone.com regarding the traditional rivalry week, which has been Week 9 of the regular season. The K-Man agrees that it has been just about done away with over the years, and it is strange not seeing rivals play in Week 9, as was the case for so many years. No doubt, Kosmo has plenty of great memories of city rivalries taking place on Week 9 and does miss it somewhat. However, it is time to move into the 21st Century and not worry about rivalry games being played solely in Week 9. Michigan and Ohio State fans will probably disagree, but the best tradition isn't playing what USED to be the most important game of the regular season, but what IS the most important game. If that means the opponent is your chief rival, then great. But if not, end the regular season playing the most meaningful game possible before the playoffs. Hypothetically, wouldn't people like to see a Clarkston-Farmington Hills Harrison game to end the year or a Lake Orion-Adams one? Granted, as Kosmo wrote earlier this week, those teams should be in the same league anyway. But since they're not, this is the way to go about things. Forget rivalry week. Week 9 of the regular season should be "most meaningful games as it pertains to standings or league the championships" week.

Kosmo has already taken a sneak peek at this year's Oakland Press high school football preview section, so he'll try not to give too much away before stories get posted on MIPrepZone in the next couple days and the full section comes out on Sunday. But while many are guessing who the best teams are going to be this season, Kosmo is going to guess about another subject. Mind you, these are guesses that could turn out to be way off, but the K-Man feels these five teams could surprise this season. South Lyon East - This could be the year the Cougars arrive on the state's high school football map. Cam Thomas might be the best quarterback in Oakland County (he's committed to Western Michigan) and finally, there is depth in the program after five years of building. Numbers and confidence are high and wins could follow. Ferndale - The Eagles have awesome potential on defense with eight starters and have a trio of junior linebackers that can play in Shaquan McGriff, Tyree Bell and Termichael Brown. Speed should also be plentiful for Ferndale, so keep an eye out on Ryan Dunlap's squad. Lakeland - The door is open for the Eagles to be a factor in the KLAA North race. With Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western a little vulnerable due to graduation losses, Lakeland might be a benefactor. The Eagles have one of the more underrated coaches around in John Maltese and have eight starters back on offense and seven on defense. Running back/defensive back Anthony Waite is definitely a player to keep an eye out on. Pontiac - Many don't feel the Phoenix will be very good with the amount of graduation losses and the fact there's another new coach, but Kosmo disagrees. Quarterback Jody Harrison and wideout Trajan Seay will be one of the more dynamic passing combinations in the county. Oak Park - The Knights had disappointing 3-6 season last year, but look out for them in the OAA White. Greg Carter is a coaching legend who has had a full offseason to get his system in place. As usual, there's also speed and talented playmakers on the roster.

As another football season approaches, Kosmo is reminded that more re-alignment is in store for the OAA following this season with the Bloomfield Hills schools about to merge. Given that, Kosmo has some ideas of what should happen. Of course, none of what Kosmo says actually will happen. There's not a chance on this Earth. There are too many coaches, principals and other administrators that would voice displeasure. To be truthful, the guy who has aligned the OAA the past few years, Troy district AD Mike Jolly, does a terrific job. Kosmo doesn't know how he does it with all the conflicting voices from all the schools wanting what's best for them and best for them only. But unlike Jolly, Kosmo doesn't have to listen to any voices because this is all his opinion and no other ones matter. This is how the OAA SHOULD be aligned next year, too bad if some get upset. By the way, Kosmo finds it ironic that some administrators and coaches preach about work ethic and never to quit, yet they wave the white flag regarding playing great teams. What ever happened to getting better through playing better competition? What is the message being sent to these kids? Anyway, Kosmo digresses. First of all, the Divisions should be based on what the best teams are, just like it is in basketball. You don't see weaker teams in the OAA Red because they are close in geography (which does make sense for baseball/softball with the 4 p.m. start times) or because of school size. It's traditionally the best teams like Clarkston, the Southfield schools, Pontiac, etc. The same should apply for football. Here are Kosmo's Division alignments. Red - Clarkston, Lake Orion, Farmington Hills Harrison, Rochester Adams, Southfield, Troy, Troy Athens, Rochester. Yes, Kosmo knows Troy, Athens and Rochester would hate this, but each are larger schools with ability to get better and ultimately stand up to the other powers. How great would this league be week in and week out with all the great matchups? White - Farmington, Oxford, Stoney Creek, West Bloomfield, Birmingham Seaholm, Birmingham Groves, Bloomfield Hills (combined), Southfield-Lathrup. Blue - Auburn Hills Avondale, Pontiac, Berkley, Hazel Park, Ferndale, North Farmington, Royal Oak, Oak Park There you have it. Hate on Kosmo all you want. He doesn't care. This is what would be best for the league as a whole and a community that deserves the best high school football. Too bad it won't happen, but a seer can dream.

Orchard Lake St. Mary's will once again be one of the more talented teams in Oakland County and the state this season, one capable of repeating as state champions in Division 3. So why is Kosmo so worried about the Eaglets missing the state playoffs? Well, take a look at their schedule. St. Mary's typically plays one of the tougher schedules in the state each year, but this year's ledger borders on insanity. In addition to playing in arguably the state's toughest leagues, which means games against Brother Rice, De La Salle and Catholic Central, St. Mary's will have non-lague games at Muskegon and at home against defending Division 1 state champion Detroit Cass Tech. Wow. The good news for St. Mary's is that even finishing 5-4 should net it a playoff spot with the amount of points it'll receive. But Kosmo hopes the Eaglets can simply get to five wins. - Speaking of Cass Tech, why don't the Technicians just become an honorary member of the Catholic League this year? Not only does Cass Tech play St. Mary's on Sept. 21, but it'll also open the season against Brother Rice in the first week of the season. Give credit to Cass Tech for trying to back up its state championship last year by taking on a great schedule. Then again, with all the talent Cass Tech has, playing the best competition is a no-brainer.

For seemingly the past decade or so, the capital of the area's high school girls golf world has been Rochester Hills. To sum it up, Rochester has won three state titles and been state runner-up twice since 2002, while Stoney Creek finished second at the Division 1 state tournament the past two years. Those two schools also combined to produce the last four individual state champions in Amy Meier (2008), Christine Meier (2009), Devon Compton (2010) and Gabby Yurik (2011). What's really been impressive about those two is how they seem to reload and churn out more top-notch golfers each year. However, for the first time in a while that doesn't appear to be the case going into 2012. That's not a knock on either program since it's not easy to produce great players. Rather, it's just a tribute to how great of a run it was the past few years and it'll be a strange sight seeing the Rochester schools merely mortal this year. Knowing the area though, it will only be a matter of time before more top golfers come around again.

Yes, year in and year out the Catholic League Central Division is the best league in the Metro Detroit area, so Kosmo isn't going to debate much about which league is better than others. A league with Brother Rice, St. Mary's, Catholic Central and De La Salle? Enough said. However, Kosmo is here to say since all those schools are seemingly good every year and there's nothing fresh and new about the CHSL Central, the most interesting race this year should be in the OAA White. In terms of leagues with entirely Oakland County schools, there is none better. When one thinks about it, there are six teams in the league that can contend for a league title. Since the league has eight teams in it, that's saying a lot. You have annual state powers Farmington Hills Harrison, Rochester Adams and Southfield, while two playoff teams from last year, Oxford and Farmington, return a good number of players from their squads. Oak Park has a legendary coach in Greg Carter and should also be better this year. The other two teams in the league are Southfield-Lathrup and North Farmington, which probably don't quite have the talent the other teams do, but maybe they'll prove Kosmo wrong. While the OAA Red should once again be the Clarkston-Lake Orion festival, Kosmo can't wait to see what unfolds in the White Division all season long.

It's the first Monday of August, so that means it's time for Kosmo to wake out of his summer slumber. Yes, your seer posted some stuff to his blog, but not as much as he'd like without any high school sports going on. That'll change this week with the start of practice for fall teams, especially football on Monday. In light of football teams opening up practice, here are three big questions on your seer's mind. Who will be the sleeper team/program that'll emerge this year? Usually there is one every year, and Kosmo can't wait to see who it will be this year. Last year it was Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, which started off 10-0 for the first time school history before losing in the playoffs to state power Marine City. Holly has made the playoffs two straight years for the first time in school history and they could be a new force each year as well. The K-Man knows which teams will be great every year. He just wants to know you will be good that usually isn't good. What team has the better chance of defending a state title, Brother Rice or St. Mary's? Talent-wise, it's definitely Brother Rice. The Warriors return many key pieces from last year's team that won the Division 2 state title, most notably linebackers Jon Reschke and Sergio Perkovic and running back Brian Walker. However, Kosmo will go with St. Mary's as a likelier bet because there's more competition in Division 2 than Division 3. Each year you can almost pencil St. Mary's into the D3 title game already since they have enough talent to win Division 1 and 2 each year. Will the Waterford schools get back on track? Kosmo sure hopes so. It's been a horrible stretch for both Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering in recent years, with each winning just one game over the last two years, and that was against each other. Both have new coaches (Mott has former Seaholm coach Chris Fahr and Kettering Kyle Schultz), so hopefully that new energy pays dividends and gets these programs back on track.