The very best thing about high school sports is making memories that last for years, and the very best games are the ones that come up in conversation, over and over again down the road.

The 2019 season opener between then-No. 1 West Bloomfield and No. 3 Oak Park was one of the latter: It may have been sloppy at times, and mistake-filled as openers often are, but it was also a classic defensive slugfest between two behemoths, one where the difference might have been a star play made by one of the star players.

West Bloomfield’s Donovan Edwards broke free for an early 60-yard touchdown run on his third touch of the game — using the breakaway speed that the world would see over and over again in later years, during his years at the University of Michigan — setting up an eventual 20-14 win by the Lakers.

But he was hardly the only star in a game chock full of them.

And, five years on, a ton of those players — coveted by college recruiters and scouts back then, and NFL personnel nowadays — will be some of the same names called during next week’s NFL Draft.

“I was just talking about that game the other day … (Tyrone) ‘Rudy’ Broden has been home, working out in the weight room almost every day, you know, getting ready for the Draft and stuff. And I was talking to him about that game, and he said, ‘No, coach, I was gone that year,’” said Zach Hilbers, then an offensive assistant for the Lakers, and now the head coach at his alma mater.

“I guess, like, if you think back to that game, we knew they were really good. And you know, a lot of our attention went to (Justin) Rodgers, but they had some other D-linemen that were really good, too. … We just knew it’d be a battle, and it was a really close, low-scoring, just back-and-forth battle. If I remember right, Maliq Carr caught like a third-and-15 plus — we blew a coverage and he caught like a 85-yard touchdown, and we got lucky. It got called back because they had an alignment penalty or something that had nothing to do with the play, you know, and that was kind of like a springboard for us to take the lead after we got the ball back after that. But it was just, it was a good game, like, a really high level, good game.”

Broden (No. 49 in Michigan’s class of 2019 per 247Sports, signed with Bowling Green) is indeed one of the top-level recruits who missed that game by a smidge — along with Oak Park’s D’Wan Mathis (No. 9, Georgia), and West Bloomfield’s Lance Dixon (No. 5, Penn State) and Tre Mosley (No. 14, Michigan St.) — graduating the year before.

But there was still a megaton of talent left on the field for that Aug. 30 meeting, a lot of which helped the Lakers to the 2020 Division 1 state title a year later, a ton of which made impacts at the college level.

And a ton who you could quite conceivably hear announced as draft picks next week, or see in training camps as undrafted free agents.

“Surreal. It’s more than cool. And it’s l surreal because it’s why you get into teaching and coaching is to see kids reach their dreams. And in this case, as we’re talking football, this is the pinnacle, the ultimate of it,” Hilbers said. “I don’t know, it’s almost overwhelming. So I’ve been trying to reach out to all of them and talk to them. And Rudy’s been to the school a ton, which is makes it easier. But like, you know, it’s nuts, it’s crazy, especially when you — I have a cool picture of Max (Hairston) and Donovan from middle school basketball that’s hilarious. It’s just hilarious how little they look.”

Rogers was the No. 1 player in the state’s 2019 recruiting class, landing at Kentucky before finishing his college career at Auburn, taken in the seventh round of last year’s NFL Draft by the Cowboys.

Oak Park’s Carr (Purdue) and corner Enzo Jennings (Penn State) were ranked Nos. 3-4 in the 2020 class, followed immediately by Lakers safety Makari Paige (Michigan). The Lakers also had linebacker Cornell Wheeler (No. 22, Michigan), DE Sterling Miles (No. 44, Cincinnati).

Edwards (Michigan) was the No. 1 player in the state’s 2021 class, while corner Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky) was No. 19. Oak Park countered with Rayshaun Benny (No. 7, Michigan), Davion Primm (No. 26, Michigan State), Jaylin Mines (No. 30, Toledo) and Marlon Dawson (No. 39, Miami, Ohio) in the 2021 class.

All of them played in that 2019 opener.

Now most of them are preparing for a shot at the NFL.

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2019 Oak Park-West Bloomfield game

(All rankings from 247Sports)

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Maxwell Hairston (No. 19 player in MI in class of 2021) — CB — Kentucky (2025 draft eligible)

Donovan Edwards (No. 1 player in MI in c/o 2021) — RB — Michigan (2025 draft eligible)

Makari Paige (No. 5 player in MI in c/o 2020) — S — Michigan (2025 draft eligible)

Cornell Wheeler (No. 22 player in MI in c/o 2020) — ILB — Michigan/Kansas (2025 draft eligible)

Sterling Miles (No. 44 player in MI in c/o 2020) — DE — Cincinnati/EMU

CJ Harris (No. 50 player in MI in c/o 2020) — QB — Ohio/California

Beau Davis (No. 87 player in MI in c/o 2020) — DE — Southeast Louisiana

Jordan Hoskins (No. 80 player in MI in c/o 2021) — LB — Missouri St./E. Tennessee St./Lincoln University

Gavin Hardeman (No. 89 player in MI in c/o 2021) — S — Air Force

Travis Reece (No. 92 player in MI in c/o 2021) — LB — Davenport/Central State

 

OAK PARK

Justin Rogers (No. 1 player in MI in c/o 2020) — DT — Kentucky/Auburn (2024 draft, Cowboys, pick 244)

Maliq Carr (No. 3 player in MI in c/o 2020) — TE — Purdue (2025 draft eligible)

Enzo Jennings (No. 4 player in MI in c/o 2020) — S — Penn State

Tremayne Oliver (No. 65 player in MI in c/o 2020) — DE — Northwood

Rayshaun Benny (No. 7 player in MI in c/o 2021) — DL — Michigan

Davion Primm (No. 26 player in MI in c/o 2021) — RB — MSU/Morehead St.

Jaylin Mines (No. 30 player in MI in c/o 2021) — S — Toledo/Iowa Central CC

Marlon Dawson (No. 39 player in MI in c/o 2021) — LB — Miami (Ohio)/Iowa Central CC

While one of the two Waterford schools will go back into the Oakland Activities Association wearing the boys basketball crown of their former conference, the other is still searching for its way.

At least the latter, Waterford Kettering, has picked the man the Captains hope can steer the ship out of the storm, announcing on Monday the hiring of former college and NBA player and coach Rex Walters as their new head coach.

In a social media post entitled ‘We Got Our Guy,’ the Captains listed off the resume of the 55-year-old Walters, and it is extensive:

– Played at Northwestern and Kansas.

– Drafted with the 16th pick in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft (held at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and headlined by local star Chris Webber).

– Played professionally for 10 seasons, with NBA stops with the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.

– Assistant coaching stops at Valparaiso and Florida Atlantic, before acting as the head coach of FAU and San Francisco, where he earned WCC coach of the year honors in 2014.

– Head coach of the Pistons G-League team in Grand Rapids, the Drive, a season on the Pistons bench as an assistant, single seasons at Nevada and Wake Forest, a season with the New Orleans Pelicans and two with the Hornets.

“Big Thank You to AD Shane Hynes, Principal Ben Harwood, Waterford AD Allison Sartorius and the Search Committee for the opportunity to work with the Young Men at Waterford Kettering,” Walters posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Excited to get to work and get back on the Basketball Court!”

He’ll have to continue the rebuilding job that longtime Oakland County coach Steve Emert began over the last three seasons.

While cross town rival Waterford Mott has had a share of the last four Lakes Valley Conference titles, the Captains have been on the opposite end of the standings each of those seasons. The last time they were relatively level was the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, when they finished tied with each other for sixth place (both 3-5).

From that 7-10 season, though, the Captains went 2-19 in the single season (2021-22) under Stefon Wilson, then went 10-59 overall in Emert’s three seasons (3-45 in LVC play).

“Congratulations Coach Walters. You will enjoy working with the student/athletes and the parents in the Kettering community,” Emert replied to a a Facebook post of this story.

There will at least be a modicum of familiarity with the OAA for Walters, who got a look at the league when his younger son, Gunner, played for Rochester Adams before graduating in 2022.

Preseason 2025 softball rankings from the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association:

DIVISION 1

1. Farmington Hills Mercy

2. Hudsonville

3. Lake Orion

4. Saline

5. Lakeland

6. Grand Haven

7. Jenison

8. Muskegon Reeths Puffer

9. Allen Park

10. (tie) Grand Blanc

10. (tie) Northville

HONORABLE MENTION: Anchor Bay, Byron Center, Hartland, Livonia Stevenson, Midland, Traverse City Central, Walled Lake Northern, Woodhaven

 

DIVISION 2

1. Gaylord

2. Vicksburg

3. Hudsonville Unity Christian

4. Goodrich

5. Escanaba

6. Richmond

7. Linden

8. Dearborn Divine Child

9. Clio

10. Frankenmuth

HONORABLE MENTION: Carleton Airport, Essexville Garber, Freeland, Muskegon Oakridge, Ogemaw Heights, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Stevensville Lakeshore, Wayland

 

DIVISION 3

1. Evart

2. Clare

3. Buchanan

4. Ravenna

5. Gladstone

6. Laingsburg

7. Millington

8. Otisville-Lakeville

9. New Lothrop

10. Standish-Sterling

HONORABLE MENTION: Algonac, Blissfield, Boyne City, Bronson, Bullock Creek, Cass City, Cheboygan, Clinton, Elk Rapids, Grass Lake, Hanover Horton, Hemlock, Ithaca, Lansing Catholic, Leslie, Ottawa Lake Whiteford, Waterliet

 

DIVISION 4

1. Unionville-Sebewaing Area

2. Mendon

3. Plymouth Christian Academy

4. Holton

5. Hillman

6. Beal City

7. Bellaire

8. Hancock

9. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart

10. Indian River Inland Lakes

HONORABLE MENTION: Frankfort, Norway, Rogers City

Sometimes, you just gotta get the band back together for one more show.

A direct descendant of the old Western Lakes Activities Association, the Lakes Valley Conference suddenly found itself left with just seven members after the decision to depart by the Waterford schools earlier this school year, but more than filled those spots by grabbing up five former WLAA mates.

The fall 2026 addition of the two Farmington high schools, along with all three in Livonia will give the LVC a dozen members, as well as a suddenly-sprawling two-county footprint.

The additions were officially announced Friday.

“We are thrilled to announce that Farmington Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools are joining the LVC,” Lakeland athletic director Todd Miller, the LVC athletic directors president, said in a news release. “Their rich histories in sportsmanship and academic excellence make them a perfect fit for our conference. We look forward to the positive impact this expansion will have on our student-athletes and our communities.”

Farmington and North Farmington will be leaving the Oakland Activities Association to join the LVC, and will be replaced by former LVC schools Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering, which are departing after the fall 2025 season.

Livonia Stevenson, Livonia Franklin and Livonia Churchill are currently members of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association, but were all members of the old WLAA, as well.

Eight of the 12 schools in the LVC going forward had roots in the WLAA. The exceptions are the South Lyon schools and Huron Valley Schools members (Milford and Lakeland), which all went from the Kensington Valley Conference to the original iteration of the KLAA in 2008.

At the time a trio, with Farmington Hills Harrison, the Farmington schools joined the Oakland Activities Association in 2002, as the WLAA was starting to break up. They came in at the same time as the newly-opened Stoney Creek joined, and Ortonville Brandon exited for the Flint Metro League.

“Farmington Public Schools is thrilled to join the Lakes Valley Conference in 2026-27. We appreciate the values and standards upheld by the LVC and are excited to contribute to its mission of promoting high-quality athletic competition and student development,” said Allyson Robinson, director of school safety and athletics for Farmington Public Schools. “Being in a league with similar-sized districts in close proximity will provide healthy and balanced competition with an added benefit of being convenient for our families. We look forward to working with the LVC to create opportunities for our students both on and off the playing field.”

The Livonia schools were charter members of the KLAA, coming over in 2008 when the WLAA finally disbanded for good.

“We are excited to join a conference in which a shared vision of school culture, academics, activities, and educational athletics exist,” said Kevin Etue, director of secondary programs & district services for Livonia Public Schools. “Our Board of Education, Superintendent (Andrea) Oquist, district leadership and school stakeholders have expressed enthusiasm and support for this opportunity, recognizing the positive impact it will have on our athletic programs, activity endeavors, and overall educational development.”

The moves also accomplish some right-sizing.

Mott (1,171) and Kettering (981) were two of the three smallest LVC schools.

North Farmington (1,270 students this year) was the second-smallest school in the OAA Blue for football (Oak Park, 941), while Farmington (1,446) was the third-largest.

Now Farmington will be the third-largest LVC school, behind Stevenson (1,569) and Walled Lake Northern (1,560), while North Farmington is tied for seventh.

Stevenson was one the fourth-largest school in the KLAA’s East Division, behind Dearborn Fordson (2,384), Dearborn (1,910) and Belleville (1,667).

Franklin (1,284) and Churchill (1,273) were the two smallest KLAA East schools, but will rank sixth and tied for seventh in population in the LVC, ahead of South Lyon (1,231), South Lyon East (1,204), Walled Lake Central (1,199) and Walled Lake Western (1,072).

All of the future LVC schools but two — Walled Lake Northern (D1) and Walled Lake Western (D3) — would have fallen into the Division 2 bracket for football.

Cc “Having both of these highly respected districts join the LVC represents a tremendous opportunity for all of our students,” said Kyle Meteyer, Walled Lake Central principal and president of the LVC Board of Directors. “We are excited to engage in a multi-district educational environment that will inspire our students to excel and provide them with invaluable life lessons through educational athletics and leadership.”

 

The new-look LVC

(2024-25 student population in parentheses)

1 Livonia Stevenson — (1,569) — KLAA West

2 Walled Lake Northern — (1,560) — LVC

3 Farmington — 1,446  — OAA Blue (for football)

4 Lakeland — 1,357 — LVC

5 Milford — LVC — 1,291

6 Livonia Franklin — 1,284 — KLAA West

7 (tie) Livonia Churchill — 1,273 — KLAA West

7 (tie) North Farmington — 1273 — OAA Blue (for football)

9 South Lyon — LVC  — 1,231

10 South Lyon East — LVC — 1,204

11 Walled Lake Central — LVC  — 1,199

12 Walled Lake Western — LVC — 1,072