Rochester Adams vs. Romeo: The Rematch Comes to the Big House

ANN ARBOR, MI - The last time Rochester Adams and Romeo shared a football field, the Highlanders ended the Bulldogs’ season and nearly 10 months later, the two elite programs meet again, but this time they’re bringing that big game feeling to the Big House.

Rochester Adams and Romeo will headline Saturday’s slate of games at Michigan Stadium, giving both programs an opportunity to make an early statement in 2026. The matchup also comes with plenty of unfinished business for the Bulldogs.

Adams won both meetings in 2025 by a combined 68-20, beginning with a 39-7 Week 1 victory over a Romeo team that entered the game already dealing with injuries. Romeo isn’t making excuses for the result, but the Bulldogs certainly haven’t forgotten it. The Highlanders then knocked Romeo out of the playoffs with a 29-13 victory in the Division 1 Regional Final, ending the Bulldogs’ postseason run. Now, Romeo gets another opportunity to change the narrative.

Romeo: A Chance to Change the Narrative

The defending Macomb Area Conference-Red Division (MAC-Red) Champions enter the season with plenty of firepower and a point to prove. The Bulldogs’ offense will be built around a physical group led by Tayshawn Proctor. Proctor brings another dimension to the Bulldogs Starting-22, as he’ll also take snaps at fullback.

Behind the Marino Gai lead offensive line is Romeo’s biggest strengths: the backfield. Troy Smith and Parker Cohoon form a dangerous combination after combining for more than 2,100 all-purpose yards last season. If Romeo can establish its ground game and create space for its backs, the Bulldogs have the weapons to make Adams uncomfortable.

Defensively, Romeo will lean its leadership on the linebacker tandem of senior Jayden Mancini and junior Antonio LaLama. The duo gives the Bulldogs a physical presence in the middle of the defense and will be tasked with slowing down an Adams offense that won’t be intimidated by the stage. It’s another opportunity for Bulldogs to show how much has changed since last season.

Adams: Consistency Meets Opportunity

While Romeo enters with revenge on its mind, The Highlanders representing the Oakland Activities Association (OAA-Red) arrive at Michigan Stadium with a reputation of its own. Rochester Adams has become one of Michigan’s most consistent postseason programs, reaching the state semifinals last season and 2 other appearances in the last five seasons and a trip to the 2021 D1 state championship game.

Last year, Adams once again proved its ability to win when the stakes were highest, knocking off Romeo twice. This year’s Highlanders will be led by senior dual-sport athlete Brady Lindstrom, who takes over the QB position, while senior running back Lorenzo Sartor provides experience in the backfield. Up front, senior offensive lineman Charlie Durand will be a key piece in keeping the Adams offense moving.

The Highlanders don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Adams has built their program around physical football, consistency and a great scheme to find ways to win games in November. But before the gaels come, there’s a familiar opponent standing in their way.

The Big House Factor

There’s something different about playing a high school football game at Michigan Stadium. For many of these players, Saturday night will be their first time competing inside one of America’s most iconic venues.