5 Reasons Sterling Heights Stevenson Football Is Poised For A MAC Red Upset In 2025
The Sterling Heights Stevenson Titans football program is charging into the 2025 season with renewed energy and a solid foundation, looking to make a significant leap within the highly competitive MAC Red Division. Following a respectable 5-5 campaign in 2024 that saw the team reach the MHSAA District Semifinals, the focus is now on developing their core talent and challenging the perennial powerhouses of the Macomb Area Conference. As of December 20, 2025, the buzz around the Titans centers on a talented roster featuring players who have already earned regional recognition and a coaching staff aiming to translate potential into a championship-contending record.
The upcoming season promises to be a true test of the Titans' mettle, as they navigate a brutal schedule against rivals like Dakota, Chippewa Valley, and Utica Eisenhower. The program has consistently produced top-tier talent, including former players who have gone on to the collegiate ranks, setting a high standard for the current squad. This deep dive into the Sterling Heights Stevenson football team breaks down their recent performance, highlights the athletes set to dominate the field, and analyzes why 2025 could be the year they break through.
Titans’ Key Profiles: Coaching Staff and Roster Cornerstones (2024-2025)
The success of the Stevenson Titans hinges on a blend of experienced coaching and standout individual talent. The program has seen a transition in leadership, with a new era focused on maximizing player development and strategic execution in the MAC Red.
- Head Coach: Pj. Thomas (Current/Upcoming Season)
Coach Thomas is listed as the Head Coach for the 2025-2026 roster, taking the reins from previous coach Justin Newcomb, who notably led the team during the tenure of former Stevenson star Giovanni El-Hadi. His mandate is to elevate the Titans from a playoff contender to a divisional champion. - Ronnie Hill (DB/Senior):
A critical two-way player, Hill has been recognized as an All-Region Defensive Back. His speed and athleticism are elite, as evidenced by his performance in track and field (49.33 in the 400m). He is expected to be a leader in the secondary and a major collegiate prospect. - Brayden Clark (OT/OC/LS - Class of 2026):
An anchor on the offensive line, Clark is a massive presence at 6-foot-2, 283 pounds. His versatility as an Offensive Tackle, Center, and Long Snapper makes him indispensable, and he was instrumental in helping the Titans reach the district semifinals in 2024. - Andrew Knight (QB):
Mentioned as a key player to watch in the MAC football league, Knight is the team’s Quarterback. His performance will be crucial to the team's ability to compete in the high-scoring MAC Red games. - Michael Jones Jr. (Jr.), Bryce Briscoe, Orion Stanford, Kamari Davis-ervin:
These athletes are listed among the core group of players expected to define the 2025-2026 Stevenson varsity roster, providing depth and talent across various positions. - Notable Alumni: Giovanni El-Hadi (University of Michigan):
A testament to the program's ability to develop talent, El-Hadi was a standout offensive lineman for Stevenson before moving on to play for the University of Michigan.
The 2024 Season Review: Building Playoff Momentum
The Sterling Heights Stevenson Titans concluded their 2024 campaign with a balanced 5-5 overall record, a testament to their competitive spirit in one of Michigan's toughest conferences. While the team faced challenges within the MAC Red Division, their ability to secure a spot in the MHSAA playoffs and advance to the District Semifinals demonstrated their potential.
The Titans showed flashes of dominance throughout the season, including a solid victory against Utica during Week 5 of the regular season. Their schedule was unforgiving, featuring matchups against perennial contenders like Chippewa Valley and Dakota. Despite a tough 1-4 league record in the MAC Red, the team's resilience allowed them to finish the season at a .500 mark overall, scoring 231 points while giving up 183.
The playoff experience gained in 2024, particularly the push to the district semifinals, is invaluable for the returning players. Facing high-stakes games against elite competition, such as a loss to Brother Rice, prepares the squad for the pressure-cooker environment of the MAC Red. The development of key sophomores and juniors during this run, including lineman Brayden Clark, is the foundation for a stronger showing in 2025.
Why Stevenson is a Dark Horse Threat in the 2025 MAC Red Race
The Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Red Division is widely considered the pinnacle of high school football in the region, featuring powerhouses like Romeo, Dakota, and Utica Eisenhower. Despite the fierce competition, several factors position the Stevenson Titans to be a major dark horse threat in the 2025 season:
1. Elite Defensive Backfield Led by Ronnie Hill
In a league where passing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, having an All-Region defensive back like Ronnie Hill provides a massive advantage. His ability to shut down one side of the field and his speed to cover ground will be a critical asset against the high-octane offenses of their rivals. The defensive unit, which held opponents to an average of 18.3 points per game in their overall 5-5 season, has a strong foundation to build upon.
2. Stability and Size on the Offensive Line
The return of Brayden Clark and other core linemen is crucial. Offensive line stability is the engine of any successful football team, allowing the quarterback (Andrew Knight) time to operate and opening running lanes. Clark’s size and experience in the trenches will be key to controlling the line of scrimmage against the massive defensive fronts of teams like Dakota and Chippewa Valley.
3. The 'Next Man Up' Tradition
The Stevenson program has a history of developing talent, as evidenced by the success of alumni like Giovanni El-Hadi. This culture of development ensures that as seniors graduate, underclassmen like Michael Jones Jr. and Bryce Briscoe are ready to step into prominent roles. This consistent talent pipeline is essential for sustained competitiveness in the MAC Red.
4. The New Coaching Era Under Pj. Thomas
A new head coach often brings a fresh perspective, new schemes, and a revitalized energy to a program. Coach Pj. Thomas’s leadership for the 2025-2026 season signals a new strategic direction aimed at maximizing the team's potential. This fresh start could be the X-factor that allows the Titans to surprise their divisional rivals who may be preparing for the schemes of the previous staff.
5. Playoff Experience as a Catalyst
The 2024 team’s run to the District Semifinals provided invaluable experience for the returning players. Learning how to win high-pressure playoff games, even in a loss, instills a new level of confidence and expectation. This momentum, combined with the desire to improve on their MAC Red league record (1-4 or 2-3), will fuel their drive to compete for the division title in 2025.
With a talented roster, a new coaching staff, and the momentum from a playoff run, the Sterling Heights Stevenson Titans are positioned to be one of the most compelling teams to watch in Michigan high school football for the 2025 season. The challenge of the MAC Red is immense, but the Titans have the pieces to make a serious run.
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