And then there were 3. Kosmo is a little surprised that there are only 3 teams from Oakland County left in the football playoffs, but he certainly isn't surprised with those that are in the semifinals. Clarkston, Brother Rice and Catholic Central have been the three best teams in the county all year and all three will be great representatives in the state semifinals this week. But before looking ahead, Kosmo is ready to look back at this past week's regional finals and hand out his 3 stars. Without further ado here they are. Third star Alex Malzone, Brother Rice It was a workmanlike effort for Malzone on Saturday in a lopsided win over U-D Jesuit. Before being pulled early in the third quarter after the game got out of hand, Malzone threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns. He has been marvelous all year. Second star Sean Birney, Catholic Central Lo and behold, Catholic Central looks like it is becoming a passing team to Kosmo the last couple of weeks. After beating Walled Lake Western through the air in a district final, Birney did it again against Temperance Bedford, throwing for 178 yards, including a 4-yarder in the final minute to give the Shamrocks the win. First star D.J. Zezula, Clarkston Has there been a more improved player in the county this year than Zezula? Kosmo doesn't think so. He was on target again just about every time against Adams, going 10 of 11 passing for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-28 Clarkston destruction of Adams.