Oakland County Top 10 - October 8, 2009

1. Novi Detroit Catholic Central (6-0) – The Bob Seger classic "Like A Rock" should be the CC theme song this year 'cause that's how solid these guys are. Senior fullback Niko Palazeti is the hardest runner in the state, bar none. A local DI school should really think about taking a flier on this kid.

2. Lake Orion (5-1) – The Dragons' hit the field every week with the most lethal offense in the county. Not only does head coach Chris Bell have the best backfield in the area in Kym Bruce and Marques Stevenson, his receiving corps is as formidable as they come. LO's stable of receivers – Mike Nelson, Danny Ney, Alex Mayo, Zach Zott – come at the opposition in towering waves, giving sophomore QB Sean Charette a multitude of options when dropping back to pass.

3. Clarkston (6-0) – Head coach Kurt Richardson and the boys have to watch their backs and be on their "A Games" from the opening snap with an upset-minded, not to mention considerably underrated Oak Park squad heading into the Jungle this Friday night.

4. Rochester Hills Adams (5-1) – With considerably less high profile talent than they had on the roster in '08, the Highlanders are a better overall team in '09.  Unlike last year, the Adams 'D' is full of playmakers. Huge showdown with FH Harrison coming up on Friday to decide the league title and that's all head coach Tony Partrito and his squad are thinking about right now.

5. Birmingham Brother Rice (5-1) – The Warriors still haven't come close to playing their best football yet. I'm not sure if that's good or bad?

6. Madison Heights Madison (6-0) – RB Valdez Showers is a straight up stud! Sophomore Danny Larkins is all over the field.

7. Walled Lake Central (6-0) – Senior QB Joe Diamond is a 'gamer' in every sense of the word, a genuine coach on the field and natural leader.

8. Birmingham Detroit Country Day (5-1) – The DCD athletic program should consider changing its football teams' name from the Yellowjackets to the Road Warriors in=2 0honor of how well head coach Dan MacLean has his squad playing away from home.

9. Farmington Hills Harrison (5-1) – The Hawks mettle will be tested this week on the road against RH Adams. How they play on Friday night – win or lose – will tell me how good this team really is following a slip up against Farmington in Week 6.

10. Pontiac (5-1) – The way the Phoenix are playing right now has me thinking they could run the table.