Teams are listed in projected order of finish, with 2023 overall and league records in parentheses.
Dearborn Heights Robichaud (6-4, 4-3)
Despite the team being young and having only about 30 players, Robichaud was only able to win four games last season in the tough Western Wayne Conference. Head coach Matthew Alexander has lost only a few players from last year and will add a few powerful newcomers. Alexander expects improvement as his young squad gains more experience.
“We had a pretty good season last year, but we missed some games that would have put us at the top of the conference,” Alexander said. “But we had a very good offseason and are excited about what’s to come.”
Junior Quarterback Maurice Smith will return as a starter for the third consecutive season to highlight the offense. His brother, the sophomore running back Mario Smithwill compete alongside him after starting as a rookie.
Redford Union (7-3, 7-0)
For the fourth year in a row, Union will look to take home the title from Western Wayne after topping the table in 2023. Several big players are back to lead the charge to win a fourth consecutive title.
First-team All-Conference linebacker Sheikh Sylla and junior defensive lineman Devin Lillard Highlight of another full roster. Lillard caught the interest of Eastern Michigan after a very productive sophomore season.
This will characterize the head coach Ian Iler‘s sixth year at the helm. He was named 2022 Coach of the Week by the Detroit Lions.
Dearborn Heights Crestwood (5-4, 5-2)
First year head coach Michael Grucz takes over a program that narrowly missed the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Grucz is no outsider, as this is his fifth season on the Crestwood coaching staff, and he believes defense will be the team’s strength.
senior Tristan Vigneux will be used on both sides of the ball and will make an impression as a pass rusher. Senior Ali Elkadri gave it his all as a junior, posting 600 yards, eight touchdowns, 30 tackles and three interceptions. Crestwood will have a new quarterback at the senior position. Hadi Barakatwho will try to replicate Ali Achkar‘s 1,700-yard season in 2023.
Redford Thurston (6-4, 4-3)
After turning around an 0-8 season in 2022, Thurston will look to take another step forward and compete for the conference crown in 2024.
Head Coach Nick Davis will have some weapons to work with this fall. Nicholas Warrena veteran wide receiver and defensive back who has an offer from Madonna, is the headliner of the offense after moving from quarterback. Hector Barajasa junior defensive end and offensive tackle, will hold the trenches and is hard to miss at 6’4″ and 315 pounds.
Romulus (5-5, 4-3)
After finishing in the middle of the conference last season, Romulus will now look to move up the league table with the help of its leading quarterback and secondary players.
Head Coach Charles Searcy will field junior quarterback Torrence Searcy after a successful sophomore season. The 6’3″ dual-threat athlete made a huge leap last season, throwing 13 touchdowns, 817 yards and just three interceptions.
senior Michael Lee will lead a defensive unit that, with the departure of Cornerback Emil Burton (Eastern Michigan). Lee will follow in Burton’s footsteps in the fall and has offers from Ferris State and Grand Valley.
Garden City (4-5, 3-4)
Despite finishing below .500 last year, Garden City won its last three games, including a Week 8 win over Robichaud. In 2024, however, Garden City will look to be more than just a spoiler. Senior Defensive End and Offensive Tackle Ali Ahmad and Senior Guard Carlos Torres bring the team the much-needed experience. On the skill positions in the offense Travis Smithan experienced tight end and wide receiver, should receive many faceoffs.
Melvindale (1-8, 1-6)
The only win in 2023 was against Dearborn Heights Annapolis, and Melvindale will look to add more wins and stay competitive in the standings. First-year head coach James Hill brings a wealth of experience from his time at Wayne State and is ready to lead the program to its second successful season in 11 years.
Defense should be a strength for Melvindale, with 6-6 senior defensive end Davair McCrimon Pioneer. Last year he recorded over 50 tackles and eight sacks.
The battle for quarterback will be exciting, as three candidates are vying for the starting spot. Senior Chad KeilFirst semester King Charleston and Seniors Anthony Whitewho will also be used as running backs are all potential signal callers this season.
Dearborn Heights Annapolis (0-9, 0-7)
New head coach Ellis Slaughter wants to get back on track in Annapolis, where they have not finished a season above .500 since 2009. Senior Robert Armstrong will return as quarterback after taking over the starting job midway through the 2022 season. Senior Two-Way Lineman Alexander Jimenez anchors the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Nick Lundberg is a freelance writer.
