Rochester Life

Coach Patritto talks to the boys post-game and starts getting them prepared for West Bloomfield next week.

Adams vs West Bloomfield

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

4925 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI

RESULTS: WIN 35-17, Record: 1-0

The Rochester Adams Varsity Football team went in as the underdog Friday but came out on top against the preseason No. 1 Lakers of West Bloomfield.

From beginning to end the Highlanders controlled the clock with a tenacious running attack and a multitude of key 3rd down conversions.

The team was led by Jr. Quarterback Parker Picot who rushed for over 200 yards and had 3 scores on the ground. He also threw for a score to Sophomore Brady Prieskorn.

Christian Schomer put the icing on the cake with his 4th quarter touchdown and Colin Timko added his 5th extra point to round out the finals score at 35-17.

Not to go unnoticed was the Adams’ defense that limited a high powered offense to just 2 big plays.

The team is back in action this Friday at home against the Wildcats of Oxford. Game time is 7 PM.

A big part of the win was Adams defenders not allowing West Bloomfield to control the ball

Adams vs Oxford

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

3200 Tienken Rd, Rochester Hills, MI

RESULTS: Win 24-7; Record: 2-0

Friday was the first home game for the Highlanders Varsity Football team. It was a packed stadium as the Highlanders faced off against the Wildcats.

Oxford scored first with a 46 yard field goal but it was all Highlanders after that. Scores by Marco Dicresce, Parker Picot and Griffin Henke opened up the game. Colin Timko added a 30 yard FG to finish the scoring.

The Highlanders defeated the Wildcats 24-10 and move to 2-0 on the season.

Adams vs Oak Park

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

13701 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, MI

RESULTS: Win 10-6; Record: 3-0

The Highlanders pulled out a tough fought 10-6 win against Oak Park. It was a defensive slugfest.

The first score came in the 3rd quarter. Demarcus Rouse had a 69 yard kickoff return that set up a 30 yard FG for Colin Timko.

The start of the 4th saw the Highlander’s defense come up with a key 4th and goal stop.

The offense followed that with an 8-minute drive that resulted in a short TD run from Griffin Henke.

The Highlanders move to 3-0 on the season.

Brady Prieskorn, whom the Oakland Press recently dubbed "Oakland County's Travis Kelce", catches a pass from Nick Paterra

Adams vs Rochester

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

3200 Tienken Rd, Rochester Hills, MI

RESULTS: Win 49-10; Record: 4-0

Friday was a big day on campus as the Highlanders hosted their annual Gold Rush tailgate and boy...it did not disappoint.

The crowd was buzzing and the food truck lines were almost to Van Hoosen.

The game started with a couple of back and forth scores between the Falcons and the Highlanders but it would be the 4 touchdowns by Parker Picot that would solidify the win for Adams. Griffin Henke had 2 rushing touchdowns and DJ Greer had 1. Colin Timko connected on all 7 of his extra points. The team moves to 4-0.

Adams vs Seaholm, Homecoming!

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

3200 Tienken Rd, Rochester Hills, MI

RESULTS: Win 35-0; Record: 5-0

Friday was the Homecoming Game for the Varsity football team as they defeated fellow OAA white league member, Seaholm, 35-0.

The Highlanders aired it out as they scored 3 touchdowns via the passing game. Parker Picot connected with Max Cibor and Brady Prieskorn while Nick Paterra found Will Krol for touchdowns.

Marco DiCresce and D’Juan Greer scored rushing touchdowns. Colin Timko was 5 for 5 on extra points.

The defense led by Tait Picot, Rocco Orsini and Alex DeGrieck held the Maples scoreless for the 1st shut-out of the year.

The team moves to 5-0 on the year as they travel to North Farmington next Friday for a key league matchup.

Adams vs North Farmington

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

32900 W 13 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI

RESULTS: Win 28-21 OT; Record: 6-0

Friday saw the Highlanders Varsity Football travel to North Farmington.

Coach Tony Patritto talked about playing with passion and with love for your teammate. This was evident and needed as the Highlanders fell behind in the 4th quarter 21-14.

The team did not quit though and a key fumble caused by Tait Picot and recovered by Alex DeGrieck led to an 8-yard Joey Shallow touchdown run.

The game was one for the nerves as the North Farmington Raiders got within field goal range with 11 seconds left. Griffin Henke saved the day with his second blocked field goal and the game would head to overtime.

Parker Picot scored his 2nd touchdown of the game with a sneak from 1 foot out to put the team ahead 28-21.

The defense would not disappoint as they stood tall and stopped the Raiders on 4th and 5 to preserve the win and earn the team a playoff berth.

Griffin Henke blocked two field goals, amazing the crowd and players alike; the second one sending the game into overtime

Adams vs Groves

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

3200 Tienken Rd, Rochester Hills, MI

RESULTS: Win 24-7; Record: 7-0

Adams Football WINS OAA White League Championship!

Adams takes a 7-0 lead with 3:37 left in the 1st quarter as Nick Paterra rushes for an 8-yard touchdown. Colin Timko converts the extra point.

Adams goes up 21-7 as Nick Paterra connects with Christian Schomer for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Colin Timko converts another extra point.

With 9:19 left in the 4th quarter, Colin Timko nails a 20-yard field goal. Adams goes up 24-7 over Groves.

Final: Adams 24, Groves 7.

Adams vs Stoney Creek

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

575 E Tienken Rd, Rochester, MI

RESULTS: Win 40-20; Record: 8-0

On the gridiron the varsity football team took care of business within the city limits by defeating Stoney Creek 40-20. The team moves to 8-0.

Marco Dicresce, Griffin Henke and Parker Picot each had 2 touchdowns in the win. Alex DeGrieck was a force on the defensive and offensive line while Christian Schomer had two big catches and some big runs.

Adams vs Detroit Renaissance

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

6565 W Outer Dr, Detroit, MI

RESULTS: Win 42-6; Record: 9-0

Friday was a day for the record books as the Highlanders Varsity Football team defeated Renaissance 42-6 to end the regular season 9-0. It was the 4th time in school history and the 1st since 2005.

The Highlanders ran off to a quick 7-0 lead when Griffin Henke found the end zone on the 2nd play of the game from just inside the 50. Colin Timko converted the extra point.

Midway through the 2nd quarter, Brady Prieskorn reels in an over the shoulder 19 yard TD pass from Nick Paterra. Automatic Timko converts EXtar Point. Adams goes up 14-0.

Adams goes up 21-0 as Griffin Henke follows the blocks of Alex Degrieck for a TD. Another Timko extra point.

After a Damarcus Rouse interception, the Highlanders drive 80 yards capped off by a short TD run by Henke, Adams leads 35-6.

Joey Shallow gets in on the action with a nice cutback to find the endzone. Paxton Battershell with the extra point. Adams wins 42-6.

On Sunday the Highlanders found out they will host Lapeer in the first round of the playoffs.

Adams vs Lapeer, PLAYOFFS ROUND 1

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

575 E Tienken Rd, Rochester, MI

RESULTS: Win 42-20; Record: 10-0

On the gridiron, the Highlanders couldn’t stop the rain but they did keep the Lightning at bay as they defeated Lapeer 42-20.

Parker Picot had 3 rushing touchdowns with runs of 9, 1 and 40. Griffin Henke had a 38-yard touchdown run while his counterpart in the backfield Marco Dicresce had a 34-yard scamper. Nick Paterra finished the scoring with a 9 yard TD run. Colin Timko hit all 6 of his extra point attempts.

Some unsung players include Alex DeGrieck who wreaked havoc in the backfield including causing a fumble that led to a score. Tait Picot who had a 70+ yard punt and was a tackle machine. Peyton Montour had an onside kick return while the offensive and defensive line continued with their strong play.

The team advances to the district finals to be held at Rochester Adams next Friday at 7 PM against the Wildcats of Oxford.

Adams vs Oxford, PLAYOFFS ROUND 2, DISTRICT FINALS

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

575 E Tienken Rd, Rochester, MI

RESULTS: Win Adams 42, Oxford 7; Record: 11-0

The Football team defeated Oxford 42-7 to earn their first District title since 2013. The team was paced by Parker Picot who had 3 rushing touchdowns and threw for 1 to Joey Shallow. Nick Paterra and Griffin Henke both had rushing touchdowns. Alex DeGrieck had 5 sacks in the victory to set a school record in a playoff game.

The Highlanders struck first with a Parker Picot 18-yard touchdown run and extra point conversion by Colin Timko to go up 7-0.

With 8:39 left in the 2nd quarter, Adams extended their lead to 14-0 with a Griffen Henke 2-yard touchdown rush to the right of center.

Four minutes later, Adams extends their lead to 21-0, when Parker Picot finishes an 8-yard scamper just inside the right pylon. Timko converst extra point.

In an almost identical, yet opposite play to the previous touchdown, Picot runs to his left and scampers just inside the left pylon with 14 seconds left in the half. Adams goes into halftime leading 28-0.

The Highlanders score the their final touchdown at 10:22 in the 4th when Alex Degrieck clears the path for Nick Paterra from just outside the 10. Colin Timko completes his 6th extra point. Adams goes up 42-0.

The unsung heroes were the offensive line of Finn Tobiczyk, Andrew Rolfs, Rocco Orsini, Nick Stokan, Brady Prieskorn and DeGreick who created massive holes for the backs to run through. Colin “Steady as they Go” Timko was again perfect with extra points going six for six.

Rochester Adams is now one of only eight teams left in the D1 playoffs as they advance to the State Quarterfinals. They will faceoff against West Bloomfield, who they defeated in week 1, 35-17. This time it will be on the Highlanders home turf. Game is Friday, Nov. 12th at 7pm.

Adams vs West Bloomfield, PLAYOFFS ROUND 3, REGIONAL FINALS

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

575 E Tienken Rd, Rochester, MI

RESULTS: Win Adams 14, West Bloonmfield 13; Record: 12-0

The Highlanders Football team had a game for the ages on Friday as they rallied from being down 13 at the half to winning 14-13 against West Bloomfield.

Adams overcame the defending state champions with resilience, strong defense and some timely scores.

The Lakers scored two touchdowns in the 1st half but an errant snap cost them an extra point. That missed extra point would be the one-point difference at the end of the game.

Parker Picot had an interception in the first half that put the team in position to score but the Lakers stopped them on 4th and goal to head to the half up two scores.

The Highlanders did not bat an eye as they came out and had a big stop to start the 2nd half. Alex DeGrieck had a huge sack to stop the Lakers and forced them to punt. A Joey Shallow run put the team in the red zone and set up the 1-yard touchdown run by Parker Picot. Colin Timko’s extra point was good. The defense continued to limit the high flying Laker’s offense.

In the 4th quarter, the Highlanders were able to take the lead on a short touchdown run by Griffin Henke. Colin Timko converted on a high-pressure extra point to make it a 1-point game.

It was the defenses turn to shine as they had multiple stops in the last 9 minutes of the game to seal the victory and to hand the Regional Championship to the Highlanders!

The team earns 8 more days as they advance to the State Semifinals for the first time since 2007.

Rochester Adams is now one of only four teams left in the D1 playoffs as they advance to the State Semifinals. They will go against Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc upset #1 rated Rockford, 28-27, to advance to the Semifinals. The game is 1pm Saturday, Nov 20th at Howell High School. Howell High School is located at 1200 W Grand River Rd, Howell, MI 48843.

Griffin Henke rushes for a 1 yard TD, setting up Colin Timko's kick to take the lead!

Adams vs Grand Blanc, PLAYOFFS ROUND 4, STATE SEMIFINALS

WHEN/WHERE: 1pm AWAY

Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd, Howell, MI 48843

RESULTS: Win Adams 40, Grand Blanc 20; Record: 13-0

Saturday the varsity football team punched their ticket to Ford Field with a come from behind victory over the Bobcats of Grand Blanc.

After starting the game in a 14 point hole, the Highlanders went on to score the next 33 points.

Parker Picot found Christian Schomer on a 25-yard touchdown pass to start the scoring. After a fumble by Grand Blanc, Parker scored from 5 yards out on the ground to even the score.

Before the half was over Parker connected with Max Cibor, the Highlanders recovered the ensuing kick and were able to head to the half up 23-14 on a field goal by Colin Timko.

Christian Schomer was back in the endzone again as he hauled in a 58-yard touchdown pass from Picot. Colin Timko would add a 37-yard field goal to put the team up 33-14.

Grand Blanc would score once more but Tait Picot would clinch the game with a pick 6. Final Adams 40 Grand Blanc 20.

The Highlanders advance to Ford Field to play in the Division 1 State Championship on Saturday at 1 PM. They will go up against the Belleville Tigers.

Tait Picot and the crowd roar as he gets a pick 6 to seal the victory over Grand Blanc!

Adams vs Belleville, Division 1 State Championship

WHEN/WHERE: 1pm AWAY

Ford Field, Detroit, MI

RESULTS: Loss Adams 33, Belleville 55; Record: 13-1

DETROIT, MI, November 27, 2021 - Only Two days ago, the nation’s eyes were on Ford Field, as families everywhere tuned into the NFL’s Thanksgiving gridiron game. Fast-forward 48 hours and the Rochester Adams Football team finds themselves on that same field playing for the Division 1 State Championship.

For Belleville, making their 15th playoff appearance, would this finally be there year? They are in the State Title game for the first time in team history, yet, they have been so close with semifinal losses in 2020, 2019 and 2018!

For Adams, making their 20th playoff appearance, would they capture their second State Title in history after winning it all in Division 2 in 2003?

At 12:47pm, both teams take the field. Adams in their all-yellow jerseys, pants and helmets. Belleville with white and orange jerseys, black pants, and black helmets.

At 12:56pm, the captains were at midfield for the coin toss. Adams won the toss and elected to defer. They would kick-off to Belleville to start the game.

Spectators were only allowed to be seated on the first level and Rochester and Belleville fans sat opposite each other garbed in team colors. Roars erupted at 1pm as starters and coaches were announced over the larger-than-life Ford Field speakers.

After ten more minutes of on-field practice and pep-talks from the respective coaches, it was time for the Rochester Adams band to play the National Anthem!

At 1:16pm, it was time for the Division 1 State Championship Game!

FIRST QUARTER

After a nice 57-yard kickoff by Adams’ sure-footed kicker, Colin Timko, Belleville began their first series on their own 17-yard line. Seven plays later, Belleville’s 14-year-old freshmen quarterback, Bryce Underwood, threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Caldwell. The extra point was good.

Clock 9:55
Rochester Adams 0, Belleville 7

Adams would begin their first possession on their own 27-yard line. After four straight rushing plays, that included two fumbles both recovered by Adams, the Highlanders had a 3rd and eight from their own 44-yard line. On the fifth play of the drive, Parker Picot connected with Brady Prieskorn for a 56-yard touchdown. Timko converts extra point.

Clock 06:50
Rochester Adams 7, Belleville 7

The Adams’ defense would hold Belleville to three-and-out and take over the ball on their own 45-yard line after the Tigers' 12-yard punt. After six straight rushing plays that moved the ball to the Tigers’ 31-yard line, it was a perfect time for a 31-yard touchdown pass from Parker Picot to Christian Schomer. Christian was smothered in coverage but made an outstanding catch to haul in the touchdown and give Adams their first lead of the game. Timko kick good.

Clock 00:49
Rochester Adams 14, Belleville 7

SECOND QUARTER

At the 9:56 mark, Adams stops a 9-play, 42-yard drive by Belleville and takes over at their own 49-yard line on downs. Nine rushing plays later, Adams has a 4th and seven from the Tigers’ 10-yard line. Colin Timko makes a 27-yard field goal.

Clock 03:20
Rochester Adams 17, Belleville 7

Belleville’s quarterback, Bryce Underwood would take the very first play of the next possession and complete a 64-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Caldwell. So just 10 seconds after Adams goes up by 10, the Tigers come right back and score. Extra point is good.

Clock 03:10
Rochester Adams 17, Belleville 14

Joey Shallow would take the ensuing kickoff 15 yards to start the next series at the Adams 35-yard line. The Tigers forced Adams into a 3-and-out and Tait Picot produced a 50-yard punt. Belleville now had the ball on their 10-yard line with 1:48 left in the first half.

So, what could happen in the next 1:48? Well apparently, quite a bit. Belleville’s QB, Bryce Underwood would complete three straight passes with the third one being a 72-yard touchdown reception to Jeremiah Caldwell. That would be Jeremiah’s third touchdown on three receptions for 192 receiving yards in the first half. Brayden Lane completes the extra point and Belleville takes the lead.

Clock 01:24
Rochester Adams 17, Belleville 21

Christian Schomer returns the kickoff 50 yards to the Belleville 46. Adams would then run off a 7 play, 28-yard drive that would end with a Colin Timko 35-yard field goal.

Clock 00:07
Rochester Adams 20, Belleville 21

The first half would end with 17 points scored in the final 3:10 and the Tigers go into halftime with a 21 to 20 lead.

Now Adams had been behind by two scores in the first half of the previous two playoff games against Grand Blanc and West Bloomfield. So, the Highlanders can handle coming from behind. The big question is can they overcome not having their All-State OL/DE 6-5 senior Alex DeGriek out for the second half with an ankle injury?

THIRD QUARTER

Rochester Adams received the second half kick off and Parker Picot returned the kick 23 yards to the Adams 30. After a first down pushed the ball to the 48-yard line, a penalty and sack would force Adams to punt from their 37 on a 4th and 21. Unfortunately, The Tigers’ Aaron Alexander broke through and blocked Tait Picot punt. Tait had the tremendous presence of mind and determination to save a touchdown by tackling the Tigers’ Jeremiah Beasle who had recovered and run the ball to the Adams six-yard line.

Two plays later Belleville’s Bryce Underwood connected with Kevin Simes for a 5-yard touchdown. Extra point was good and the Tigers were up 28-20.

Clock 07:10
Rochester Adams 20, Belleville 28

Belleville’s Brayden Lane then booted the kickoff 57 yards where Adams’ Parker Picot picked it up at the 3 and returned it 20 yards to the 23-yard line. The Highlanders drove the ball to the Tigers’ 44-yard line with an 8-play drive that included a 20-yard reception by Max Cibor from Parker Picot. On a 2nd and 10 from the Tigers 44, Parker rushed for 1-yard when Belleville forced a fumble and the Tigers Dennis Crawford returned it 37 yards to the Adams 25. Just as in the last change of possession, it took a tackle by Adams Marco Dicresce to save the touchdown.

Again, two plays later Belleville’s Jeremiah Beasle rushed for a 25-yard touchdown. Extra Point was good.

Clock 02:30
Rochester Adams 20, Belleville 35

Following the kickoff, Adams would begin their next possession at their own 32-yard line. After earning a first down on two rushing plays, the third play of the possession saw Parker Picot toss an interception. Belleville would take over at their own 32 yard-line.

Rochester Adams last three possessions ended in a blocked punt, a fumble, and an interception.

The third quarter would end with Belleville having a first down at their own 43-yard line.

This third quarter makes a good case for why you can’t read a game from the statistics. Adams out rushed the Tigers (28-26). Adams had more passing yards by the same totals (28-26). Adams had twice as many first downs (4-2). Adams had fewer penalty yards (15-25). Adams had a huge advantage in time of possession, holding the ball for 85% of the 3rd quarter or 10:12 minutes of the 12 minutes. In the end, we all know the only stat that really matters is the score, in that category Belleville won the 3rd quarter stat (14-0).

FOURTH QUARTER

Only one minute into the fourth quarter and the Tigers completed an 8 play drive with a Bryce Underwood 18-yard touchdown pass to DeShaun Lee. Tigers missed the extra point.

Clock 10:59
Rochester Adams 20, Belleville 41

Joey Shallow returned the kickoff 18 yards to the Adams 35, add on to that a 15-yard Tiger personal foul and Adams begins their drive at midfield. On the eighth and final play of the drive, Adams had by-far, their most acrobatic and entertaining play of the game. On fourth down and 28 yards to go, Parker Picot rolled out to pass and was under intense pressure, the Tigers defense had his jersey but somehow Parker spun away from the tackler and set his feet to launch a pass to Brady Priekorn. Brady leaped in the air and managed to make contact with the ball, deflecting it straight into the air. Brady’s 6’6” frame stood ready to accept the dropping deflection and he ran the remaining yards to the endzone for a 33-yard touchdown! Colin Timko made the extra point.

Clock 07:04
Rochester Adams 27, Belleville 41

Rochester Adams was now setting up for an onside kick. Colin Timko side-kicked the ball and it ended up bouncing backwards one-yard giving Belleville possession at the Adams 39-yard line.

Four plays later, Belleville’s Colby Reed rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. Brayden Lane made the extra point.

Clock 05:20
Rochester Adams 27, Belleville 48

Damarcus Rouse returned the kickoff 7 yards to the Adams 12-yard line. With Adams down by 21, Parker Picot came out passing. He completed a 22-yard pass to Max Cibor for first down at the Adams 34. The rest of the passes would fall incomplete and with 4:27 left in the game, Adams turned the ball over to Belleville on downs.

On the third play of their drive, with the ball at the Adams 30-yard line, Belleville’s 14-year old quarterback, Bryce Underwood, came out like he would pass to his right and instead took off on a bootleg to his left, sprinting almost unopposed until reaching the endzone. Tigers converted the extra point.

Clock 03:28
Rochester Adams 27, Belleville 55

Damarcus Rouse returned the kickoff 29 yards to the Belleville 45-yard line. Nick Paterra came in as quarterback for Adams along with several other substitutions. Nick rushed on five of the next six plays, earning two first downs and bringing the ball to the Tigers’ 15-yard line. The next play would be a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Peyton Montour just inside the right corner endzone pylon. Peyton burst forth in emotion running toward the sidelines holding the ball realizing he had scored. It would be the only rushing touchdown of the night for Adams. Paxton Battersh missed the extra point.

Clock 00:19
FINAL: Rochester Adams 33, Belleville 55

In the Post-Game Press Conference Coach Patrito, as always, was a first-class professional. He shared, “The love that we have for each other and the time that we shared is pretty special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything… Win, Lose, or Draw!”

Brady Prieskorn leaps into the end zone for one of his two touchdowns! He had 4 catches for 117 yards on the day!

Stands were Jam-packed with support for the Highlanders and the student section was hyped up!

Peyton Montour rushes for the final Adams touchdown just inside the right endzone pylon!

WHEN/WHERE: 10am HOME

RESULTS:

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: WIN 35-17, Record: 1-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win 24-7; Record: 2-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win 10-6; Record: 3-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win 49-10; Record: 4-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win 35-0; Record: 5-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win 28-21 OT; Record: 6-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win 24-7; Record: 7-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win 40-20; Record: 8-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win 42-6; Record: 9-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win 42-20; Record: 10-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win Adams 42, Oxford 7; Record: 11-0

WHEN/WHERE: 7pm HOME

RESULTS: Win Adams 14, West Bloonmfield 13; Record: 12-0

WHEN/WHERE: 1pm AWAY

RESULTS: Win Adams 40, Grand Blanc 20; Record: 13-0

WHEN/WHERE: 1pm AWAY

RESULTS: Loss Adams 33, Belleville 55; Record: 13-1

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