Novi Detroit Catholic Central’s Alex Bock runs for a big gain against Birmingham Brother Rice. The Shamrocks tied for first in their division and won a district title.
Coming off a season without a playoff appearance for the first time in seven years, Novi Detroit Catholic Central really needed someone who could incite the team to play at the level that followers expect.
Alex Bock filled that role for the resurgent Shamrocks, who won a district title and finished in a three-way tie atop the Catholic League’s rugged Central Division.
“Every team needs a go-to guy, the guy that makes big plays when you need them, and Alex was the guy this year,” coach Tom Mach said. “You’ve got to find a play or something to get excited about in the game, and he did that a whole lot toward the end of the year. He made big plays against big opponents and that really inspired the whole team into playing a lot better.”
Opponents never knew when Bock was going to strike next. The versatile three-year starter ran for two touchdowns, had two receiving touchdowns, and returned two punts and three kickoffs into the end zone. He also intercepted three passes and had 43 tackles, including 28 solo.
Mach said Bock’s signature play came in a victory against defending Division 2 state champion Warren De La Salle. After the Pilots marched down the field and scored fairly easily, Bock took the ensuing kickoff back for six points and “that just changed the whole momentum. We really needed to win that game. It was pretty inspirational and we really took off after that.”
It wasn’t a one-time occurrence.
Against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Bock had a 99-yard kickoff return TD and brought another back 74 yards. When the Shamrocks fell behind eventual state champion Romeo early in the Division 1 regional, CC made a game of it after Bock scored on a 90-yard kick return and added a 72-yard touchdown catch.
“Obviously he’s our big-play man; he’s broken more games open than anybody,” Mach said. “He’s been that way in the Catholic League for three years. He’s got great athletic ability; he’s multitalented and plays multiple positions for us.”
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder played wide receiver and running back, returned kicks and punts and used to be the Shamrocks’ field goal kicker. Mach said his best spot is in the defensive secondary.
“I think he’s one of the best defensive backs we’ve ever had at Catholic Central,” he said. “We put him on the best opponent and he does a very, very good job defending. Nobody has done very well against him.”
According to Mach, Bock is drawing interest from Division II and Ivy League colleges.
“Somebody’s going to take a chance on him and they’ll be glad they did,” he said.
All-North football first-team defense
■COACH OF THE YEAR: Another of Oakland County’s revived programs was Birmingham Groves, as Brendan Flaherty guided the Falcons to an undefeated regular season and a signature playoff victory.
“I think we accomplished a lot,” Flaherty said. “We had great players making big plays at the right time. It was not just an amazing season, but just part of our resurgence.”
The Falcons sailed through the Oakland Activities Association’s Blue Division, soundly defeating all seven opponents to grab their first crown since sharing a title with North Farmington in 2011. But what really put Groves in the spotlight was a 10-0 win over Farmington Hills Harrison, the OAA White champions, in the opening week of the playoffs.
“That was huge,” Flaherty said. “Coach (John) Herrington is a legend — he’s a guy you’d like to emulate. It was a tough draw for us to get them out of the gate, but our kids bought in and just believed that we could beat them.”
Flaherty, in his 15th year leading Groves and 23rd year overall, credited his staff and feeder programs for the Falcons’ rise.
“I have a great staff. Most of them are in the building and they are working with our kids. That has been key,” he said. “It’s definitely not a ‘me’ thing. I’ve got a great administration and community, and our (Birmingham Patriots) youth football program and the team at Berkshire Middle School have helped. We’re in a sweet spot.”
All-North football: Second team, honorable mention
Honor teams!
Come back all week for the Detroit Free Press’ football honor teams. Read about previous teams at usatodayhss.com/market/detroit.
■Saturday: All-West
■Sunday: All-state
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