Bloomfield Hills Andover

Helmet courtesy of MichiganHelmetProject.org

League: Oakland Activities Association Blue Division
Last season: 1-8
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Auburn Hills Avondale

Offense

Key Player: Matt Andonian, senior, running back

New coach James DeWald is bringing a spread attack to the Barons and is counting on Andonian to get the tough yards.

“He’s a quiet kid, but a competitor,” the coach said. “He understands the game, and it comes pretty easy for him. He sets up blocks well, plays hard and won’t give up.

“He’s not going to be the fastest, but I think he’s going to make some people miss and get positive yards.”

Defense

Key player: Jake Gordon, senior, linebacker

The Barons play a 3-5-3 defense and are anchored by Gordon in the middle of the field at linebacker.

“He’s definitely a vocal leader, and I think someone that a lot of guys will look to,” DeWald said.

Marquee matchup: Andover lost to Ferndale High 34-6 last season and will again be facing dual-threat senior Deonte Cooper at the helm. The Barons and Eagles meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Ferndale.

Special teams

Key player: Joe Wygoski, senior, kicker/punter

Wygoski handles all of the kicking and punting duties, which is just fine by DeWald.

“I think we have a big weapon in him,” the coach said.

Coach’s outlook

DeWald said the OAA Blue is a challenge, with Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Ferndale High leading the pack, but the coach won’t count his team out, either.

“I truly believe we’re going to win every game we play, until they tell us to go home,” he said.

— Christian Davis