High School Club Football
High School Football Alternative in Oakland County, MI
Football. It’s where boys become men.
It’s where the tough get tougher. It’s where limitations are broken. It’s where brotherhoods are formed.
Football is formative.
Pair that with coaches who care about young men as individuals and value who they are becoming off the field even more than on the field? It’s an amazing thing.
Join the 2026 Varsity High School Football team and be a part of something epic.
High School Club Football Team
- We are a tackle club football team based around Auburn Hills, MI in Oakland County. We practice in Orion Twp, MI. We play home games in Pontiac, MI and Auburn Hills, MI and travel regionally to away games. We are an alternative to high school football.
- We welcome athletes from all school settings — public, private, charter, and homeschool. You’re eligible to join even if your school already has a football team.
- Our players come from communities across Oakland and Macomb counties, including Rochester, Troy, Pontiac, Waterford, Romeo, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and Chesterfield.
Registration
- Cost is $800. If cost is prohibitive, financial assistance is available. Please reach out to our treasurer at treasurer@northoaklandbucks.com.
- Team Camp starts June 22, 2026 so register today!
Want to talk with someone? Text our head coach Eric Thayer at 248-941-7169.
Schedules
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 13 | @ Oakland Christian | Auburn Hills, MI |
| Aug 22 | @ C4 Eagles | Cincinnati, OH |
| Aug 29 | @ Washtenaw Saints | Ann Arbor, MI/Saline, MI |
| Sept 12 | vs Grand Valley Patriots | Pontiac, MI |
| Sept 18 | @ Gibsonburg | Toledo, OH |
| Oct 3 | vs Osceola Eagles | Pontiac, MI |
| Oct 9 | vs Washtenaw Saints – Homecoming | Pontiac, MI |
| Oct 17 | @ Grand Valley Patriots | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Oct 31 | vs Crimson Knights | Hillsdale College Stadium |
| Nov 7 | @ Illinois Crusaders | Stevensville, MI |
| Nov 18–22 | (Potential) American Homeschool Football Championship | Gulf Shores, AL |
Regular Practices
- Practice starts July 13
- 3 Practices/week – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30-8:30 pm
- Jesse Decker Park in Orion Twp
Film Study
- Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm via Zoom
- June 22-25, 5:30-8:30 pm
- Jesse Decker Park in Orion Twp., MI
FAQs
Can my son play for the Bucks if he attends a traditional school (public, private, charter) that has a football team?
Yes! The Bucks are a club football team for athletes who attend any type of school even if their school has a team.
The Bucks are a high school football alternative for athletes who want to play in the fall, but not for their school.
What age or grade does my son need to be?
We are a high school team so welcome any athlete between 9th-12th grade.
What equipment does my son need?
The Bucks provide helmets and uniforms. Each player is responsible for cleats and gloves (if desired).
Is there a tryout? Can anyone join?
There is no tryout — the Bucks welcome any high school-aged athlete who wants to play. Players of all experience levels are accepted, from first-timers to returning players with years of experience.
Do I need to live in Oakland County to play for the Bucks?
No. The Bucks are open to any high school-aged athlete in the Metro Detroit area. Players on our current roster come from communities across Oakland and Macomb counties, including Rochester, Troy, Pontiac, Waterford, Romeo, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, and Chesterfield. If you can make the drive to Orion Township for practices, you’re eligible to join.
Will playing for the Bucks affect my son's high school football eligibility in Michigan?
Answer coming soon
What is the environment like on the Bucks football team?
The Bucks football team is focused on creating an environment that prioritizes hard work, competitiveness, godliness, and community. Athletes can expect to be encouraged in their skills and talents, no matter what their abilities, and also be encouraged to push their limits to grow and learn.
Is the North Oakland Bucks a faith-based program?
Yes. The North Oakland Bucks are rooted in Christian values. Our coaches are committed to developing young men of character on and off the field, and faith plays a meaningful role in our team culture. Athletes of all backgrounds are welcome.
What is the difference between club football and high school football?
Club football is an independent, non-school-affiliated program open to any high school-aged athlete — regardless of where they go to school. High school football is run by the school itself and requires enrollment; you can only play for your own school’s team.
The North Oakland Bucks are a high school club football team based in Oakland County, MI. Unlike a school program, the Bucks welcome athletes from public, private, charter, and homeschool backgrounds — and players are eligible even if their school already has a football team. The Bucks compete in a full fall schedule against other club programs regionally and, potentially, nationally.
For families whose son’s school doesn’t offer football, or for athletes who want to play competitive football outside of a school program, club football is the alternative.
Can my son play even if he has never played football before?
Absolutely. Bucks Football welcomes players with all experience levels and are committed to helping each athlete grow, whether they are new or come in with a lot of experience.
Where and when are practices?
Team Camp
- June 22-25, 5:30-8:30 pm
- Jesse Decker Park in Orion Township
Regular Practices
- Practice starts July 13
- 3 Practices/week – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:30-8:30 pm
- Jesse Decker Park in Orion Twp
Film Study
- Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm via Zoom
Where are games hosted?
Home games are played at Wisner Stadium in Pontiac, MI or in Auburn Hills, MI.
How much does it cost to play for the Bucks?
Registration for the 2026 season is $800. If cost is a barrier, financial assistance is available — reach out to our treasurer at treasurer@northoaklandbucks.com to discuss options.
How much travel is required?
Some travel is involved. Away games take the team to locations across Michigan and occasionally out of state. Carpooling among families is heavily encouraged and well-organized.
Still have questions? Text our head coach Eric Thayer at 248-941-7169.
