Birmingham Groves

Helmet courtesy of MichiganHelmetProject.org

League: Oakland Activities Association White Division
Last season: 4-5
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 27 against West Bloomfield High at home

Offense

Key player: Chad Davis, senior, quarterback

Coach Brendan Flaherty described Davis as a “classic drop-back quarterback” with some elusiveness. The senior, who has received offers from Eastern Michigan University and Syracuse University, is one of four returning starters.           

Special teams

Key player: Alex Diaczok, senior, long snapper

Flaherty called Diaczok one of the best long snappers in the area.

“He really zips it back there and makes our special teams extremely effective,” he said.

Coach’s outlook

Groves had its best season last year since 2005, and Flaherty hopes the program continues its ascent.

“We’re just trying to get better. Last year, I thought we did some good things building on the previous two years. I think the key(s) are the young guys on defense. If we can get them up to speed and play at a high level, I think we have a good chance,” he said.

— Christian Davis