Detroit News

W.L. Central, Canton adapt

They'll tangle tonight for the championship in the Western Lakes Athletic Association.

Tom Markowski / The Detroit News

CANTON -- People who saw Walled Lake Central or Canton play earlier this season might not recognize them when they play for the Western Lakes Athletics Association title tonight.

Both coaches -- Central's Bob Meyer and Canton's Tim Baechler -- had to shuffle lineups for production and personnel reasons.

Meyer made five changes to his offense after Central lost to Milford in Week 1.

And Baechler has made several changes because of injuries.

Still, the teams have remained the class of the league -- Canton is 7-0 and ranked No. 5, and Central is 6-1 and ranked 25th.

"We told our kids it doesn't matter who they put on the field," Meyer said.

"They have a lot of good athletes in that program. Plus, it's the system. They shuffle backs in and out of there no matter who they're playing.

Deshon McClendon, Canton's all-state two-way halfback, might not play because of two ankle injures and a bad back.

But that's just the beginning.

Adam Powers, third on the depth chart to start the season, will start at quarterback; and running back Delton Walser suffered a knee injury and is out until at least the state playoffs.

"We've been able to stay healthy on defense, knock on wood," Baechler said.

"If this was to happen it might as well happen this year. We have a lot of good running backs."

One of the changes Meyer made on offense was moving Adonais Adonakis from fullback to tackle.

Another was the return of Troy Stinson (sore right throwing arm) at quarterback.

Canton by 4

All games at 7 p.m. Friday unless noted.

· Rochester Adams (5-2) at Farmington Hills Harrison (5-2): This is not only for third place in the OAA Division 1, it's for a state playoff spot. If this game was played on grass -- Harrison has turf -- Adams would be favored. But Harrison's team speed is too much. Harrison by 7

· Utica Ford (5-2) at Warren Cousino (6-1): Ford needs to win one of its last two to qualify for the postseason. Cousino needs to win one of its last two to for a shot to host a first-round game. Ford by 3

· Orchard Lake St. Mary's (6-1) at Warren DeLaSalle (6-1): The winner gets Brother Rice in the Prep Bowl next week for the Catholic League title. St. Mary's by 7

· Sterling Heights Stevenson (5-2) at Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (5-2): It's possible if Stevenson loses, the Titans, once in the top 20, might miss the playoffs. Chippewa Valley has played well at times but hasn't been able to win a big game. Stevenson by 5

· Romeo (6-1) at Grosse Pointe North (6-1): If North wins, it shares the MAC White Division title with Romeo and Cousino. Romeo's· defense has been outstanding. North needs to control the clock with its running game. Romeo by 6

· Waterford Mott (4-3) at Auburn Hills Avondale (4-3): Mott hasn't made the playoffs since 1999. Avondale has made it the last two seasons. Mott by 2

· Dearborn Fordson (4-3) at Monroe (4-3): Key losses again have taken much of the desire -- or so it seems -- out of Fordson. Monroe hasn't had a great season, but it's been consistent (it's won four of its last five). Monroe by 4

· Livonia Stevenson (5-2) at Livonia Franklin (4-3): Franklin outplayed Stevenson for three quarters before losing 28-24 in Week 2. Franklin by 2

· Detroit Crockett (6-1) vs. Detroit King (5-2), 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Detroit Northwestern: The winner goes to Ford Field on Oct. 20 for the PSL final. Crockett's defense has produced five shutouts. King has played a more difficult schedule, but its offense has been inconsistent. Crockett by 4

You can reach Tom Markowski at tom.markowski@detnews.com.