FARMINGTON — It doesn’t get much tougher than Oakland County swimming in the state of Michigan.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — There are new names and faces, but the same championship mentality for Bloomfield Hills Marian volleyball in 2023.

UTICA — With the cross country season coming to a close, Utica has come into its own this season after graduating talent on both the boys and girls sides.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The senior class of 2024 has been extremely kind to Madison Heights Lamphere volleyball.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — When Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse coach Megan Haas described her team as ‘messy’ this season, it was for all the right reasons.

It was rivalry weekend all around the state of Michigan, and the bragging rights for the city of St. Clair Shores were up for grabs on Oct. 13 at Lake Shore High School for the game against Lakeview.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — It doesn’t get much better than a rivalry game in any sport, but Utica and Utica Eisenhower have an extra element to their neighborhood clash.

ROYAL OAK — Confidence has been the point of focus for Royal Oak football this season, and the Ravens continue to be on the right track toward success.

TROY — When you talk about wins that put a program on the right track, Troy Athens will be focusing on this one for a long time.

TROY — Troy High School boys cross-country was able to accomplish something last season that hasn’t been done in over 60 years on the boys’ side, and the momentum is still feeding into this season.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Grosse Pointe South has found itself stuck in a bit of a routine the past decade.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — It’s been all about redemption for Macomb Dakota boys and girls cross-country this season.

ROYAL OAK — The sea of pink returned to the Royal Oak Shrine Catholic High School gymnasium as the volleyball team held its annual Pink Out game on Oct. 3 at Shrine Fieldhouse.

BIRMINGHAM — The first true Friday night football rainfall hit Birmingham Seaholm as the Maples took on Auburn Hills Avondale Oct. 6 at Seaholm High School, and both teams took the brunt of it.

UTICA — No matter where they finish or how well they do in the regular season, the Utica Unicorns always find a way to get the job done when it matters most.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — He’s been a difference-maker on the field for Michigan State University’s football team throughout his career, and now he’s coming home to make an impact in his community.

ROSEVILLE/YPSILANTI — “Fast” Eddie Mizinski has always been a good sport.

NOVI — The way both the Novi and Plymouth offenses have played this season, fans were expecting a scoring barrage between the two Kensington Lakes Activities Association West teams, and it was as advertised when the teams faced off Sept. 29 at Novi High School.

LAKE ORION — Lake Orion is here to stay, and they demonstrated it once more in one of the more complete showings on both sides of the ball you’ll see in a football game.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Just a year removed from breaking the school record for least number of goals given up in a season (12), Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett is on the fast track to yet another historic season.