2010 Prep Football Preview by Shelley Schaefer

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010

LSJ.COM/PREP

MEASURING MID-MICHIGAN’S

BEST PAGES 8-9

43 TEAMS

SCHEDULES ROSTERS OUTLOOKS

[August 25, 2010]

[the teams] Coaches pick ’em CAAC Blue

CMAC

East Lansing Trojans . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bath Bees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Eastern Quakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Carson City-Crystal Eagles . . . . 36

Everett Vikings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Dansville Aggies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Grand Ledge Comets. . . . . . . . . . . 13

Fowler Eagles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Holt Rams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fulton Pirates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Okemos Chieftains. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Laingsburg Wolfpack . . . . . . . . . . 40

CAAC Red

Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates . . . . 41

Sexton Big Reds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks. . 42

Owosso Trojans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Potterville Vikings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Mason Bulldogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Saranac Redskins . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Waverly Warriors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 St. Johns Redwings . . . . . . . . . . . 20 CAAC Gold

GAC Blue

Morrice Orioles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Webberville Spartans . . . . . . . . . 46

Charlotte Orioles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SMAA

Eaton Rapids Greyhounds . . . . . . 22

Leslie Blackhawks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

DeWitt Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Stockbridge Panthers . . . . . . . . . 48

Fowlerville Gladiators . . . . . . . . . . 24

Kalamazoo Valley

Haslett Vikings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ionia Bulldogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CAAC White

Corunna Cavaliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lakewood Vikings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Lansing Catholic Cougars. . . . . . . 31 Perry Ramblers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Portland Raiders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Williamston Hornets . . . . . . . . . . 34

Olivet........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Maple Valley Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 TVC Central

Alma Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Ovid-Elsie Marauders . . . . . . . . . . 52 TVC West

Ithaca Yellowjackets . . . . . . . . . . . 53 MSAC

Ashley Bears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

[the stories]

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Preseason All-Area 2010

The State Journal’s annual preseason team includes 24 players expected to be among mid-Michigan’s elite this fall. PAGE 4

10 Questions, 10 Answers

Prep Editor Geoff Kimmerly addresses the most burning issues in area high school football heading into the season. PAGE 6

Games galore

Don’t know which to watch each week? Find out which games you won’t want to miss, Week 1 through Week 9. PAGE 6

Who’s No. 1?

DeWitt? East Lansing? Fowler? We rank all 43 area teams since the dawn of the playoff era in 1975. PAGE 8

The State Journal asked area coaches to forecast their conference races and name their leagues’ top offensive and defensive players. Here is what they said:

CAAC Blue

1. Grand Ledge 2. Eastern 3. Holt 4. East Lansing 5. Jackson 6. Okemos 7. Everett w Top offensive player: Dario Bongiorni, QB, Grand Ledge w Top defensive player: Mike Smith, LB, Holt

CAAC Red

1. Sexton 2. Mason 3. St. Johns 4. Waverly 5. Owosso 6. Jackson Northwest w Top offensive player: Onaje Miller, RB, Sexton w Top defensive player: Connor Holbrook, LB, Mason

CAAC Gold

1. DeWitt 2. Haslett 3. Fowlerville 4. Charlotte 5. Ionia 6. Eaton Rapids ALAN WARD/Livingston County Daily Press & Argus w Top offensive player: Nathaniel Comet standout: Grand Ledge quarterback Dario Bongiorni, celebrating after scoring in the playoffs Deak, RB, DeWitt against Howell last fall, was picked as the top offensive player in the CAAC Blue by the league’s coaches. w Top defensive player: Jake Schaibly, LB, Haslett 7. Maple Valley 4. Laingsburg 3. Brooklyn Columbia Central CAAC White 8. Parchment 5. Potterville 4. Parma Western 1. Portland 9. Kalamazoo Hackett 6. Saranac 5. Leslie 2. Williamston 10. Galesburg-Augusta 7. Dansville 6. Albion 3. Lansing Catholic w Top offensive player: Jeff w Top offensive player: Nic Acton, 8. Carson City-Crystal 4. Corunna O’Brien, QB, Stockbridge QB, Battle Creek Pennﬁeld 9. Bath 5. Lakewood w Top defensive player: Dominic w Top defensive player: Ron 10. Portland St. Patrick 6. Perry Busen, DL, Stockbridge Fancher, LB, Constantine w Top offensive player: Jared w Top offensive player: Dylan Other league Barton, RB, Fulton Kalamazoo Valley Schultz, QB, Williamston favorites w Top defensive player: Adam Association w Top defensive player: Dylan Guernsey, DL, Saranac w Tri-Valley Conference Central: 1. Constantine Monette, DB, Williamston Saginaw Swan Valley Southern Michigan 2. Battle Creek Pennﬁeld Central Michigan w TVC West: Ithaca, St. Charles (tie) 3. Schoolcraft Athletic Conference Activities w Genesee Area Conference 4. Delton Kellogg Association North Blue: New Lothrop 1. Fulton 5. Kalamazoo Christian 1. Stockbridge w Mid-State Activities Confer2. Pewamo-Westphalia 6. Olivet 2. Hillsdale ence: M.P. Sacred Heart 3. Fowler

Geoff Kimmerly Lansing State Journal

About this team

w Quarterback: Andy Schmitt, St. Johns (2005,

Rallying the Redwings: St. Johns quarterback Andy Schmitt capped an AllDecade career by leading St. Johns to the Division 3 state title game in 2004. The Redwings lost to Lowell 38-17 at Pontiac Silverdome.

also had 11 sacks as a defensive tackle as a senior.

w Offensive lineman: Stephen Johnson, Holt (2006,

Eastern Michigan): His 6-foot-5 height gave him additional reach during a season in which the Rams seemed to run almost every play. He was the decade’s best for a program that has become a statewide standard-setter for offensive line strategy and play. w Kicker: Ronnie Budd, Charlotte (2004, Central Michigan): His senior season included making 45 of 49 extra point tries plus four ﬁeld goals, including one from 50 yards, on the way to making the Class B all-state team. w Defensive lineman: Blake Treadwell, East Lansing (2009, Michigan State): Named LSJ defensive Player of the Year as a senior defensive tackle after making the all-area Dream Team as a junior on the offensive line. He couldn’t be blocked as a senior, when he seemed to shut down one side of the ﬁeld. w Defensive lineman: D.J. Young, Sexton (2006, Michigan State/Bowling Green): Might have proven the most dominant defensive lineman of the decade before his senior season ended with an injury after seven games and with 75 tackles. w Defensive lineman: Chris Patrick, Ithaca (2003, Nebraska): Capped a solid career with 95 tackles and seven sacks as a senior, when he made the Class C all-state team. He’s been in multiple NFL camps as an offensive lineman over the last few seasons. w Defensive lineman: Joe Wohlscheid, Grand Ledge (2001, Grand Valley State/Northwestern): Made the Class A all-state team as a senior with 76 tackles as a dominating force up front on the Division 1 state champion team. w Linebacker: Brad Jones, East Lansing (2004, Colorado): Arguably the area’s best player of the

during the decade, and also earned an all-state honorable mention as a senior. Also the Dream Team punter as a junior averaging 41.8 yards per boot. w Coach: Rob Zimmerman, DeWitt: Coming off a combined 9-9 record over its previous two seasons, DeWitt went 102-21 during the decade with seven league championships and state runner-up finishes three straight seasons from 2002-04. Other finalists: w Quarterbacks: Dan Van Dreumel, DeWitt (2008); Josh Brehm, Ithaca (2002, Alma College); Chad Alger DeWitt (2003, Ferris State); Matt Bohnet, Grand Ledge (2001, Eastern Michigan/Iowa); Mike ROBERT KILLIPS/ Canfield, Everett (2006). Lansing State Journal w Running backs: Issac Harper, East Lansing (2008); Cam Bramer, Olivet (2006, Olivet College/Central decade overall, he was the Class A state Player of Michigan); Chad Richardson, Charlotte (2005, the Year runner-up playing linebacker with the speed Findlay); Brandon Dunn, Sexton (2006). of a running back. He started games for the Green Bay Packers as a rookie last season. w Receivers/tight ends: Kirk Williams, DeWitt (2003, Michigan Tech); J.T. Jones, Ithaca (2002, Central w Linebacker: Mitch Zajac, Holt (2008, Western Michigan for baseball); Willie Brown, Eastern (2007, Michigan): All-area for four seasons and three Lansing Community College for basketball); James positions, Zajac made the Dream Team as a junior Jackson, Grand Ledge (2009, Ohio State); Joe and senior linebacker, combining for 294 tackles Estrada, Grand Ledge (2009, signed with Lansing over those two seasons. He also was the LSJ overall Community College for basketball/Central Male Athlete of the Year. Michigan); Garret Bushong, Ionia (2003, Purdue); w Linebacker: Justin Braska, DeWitt (2005, Joe Lane, Fowlerville (2008, Defiance College). Western Michigan): Made 132 tackles as a senior w Offensive linemen: Austin Holtz, Holt (2008, Ball in helping the Panthers to a Division 4 state State): Micajah Reynolds, Sexton (2009, Michigan runner-up finish and in getting named LSJ defensive State); Bryant Schmitt, Pewamo-Westphalia (2009, Player of the Year. Grand Rapids Community College); Tyler Holtz, Holt w Defensive back: Demetrius Hallums, East (2005, Grand Valley State); Justin Hartig, Charlotte Lansing (2001, Wayne State): Made the LSJ (2003, Ball State). all-area Dream Team as a senior as one of the area’s w Kickers: Shawn Snoor, Holt (2007, Ferris State); J.J. fastest players and after helping the Trojans to the Danhof, Haslett (2001, Michigan State). Division 3 state final. w Defensive linemen: Justin Winsor, Fulton (2006, w Defensive back: Nate Turner, Haslett (2006, Grand Valley State); Zach Houghton, Haslett (2009, Western Michigan): Lesser known on defense than Wayne State); Chris Starkey, DeWitt (2007, Central as a star quarterback, Turner finished his career with Michigan); Dan Barnes, Grand Ledge (2003, Wayne seven interceptions and 10 pass break-ups in leading State); Trent Page, Leslie (2009); Adam Barr, Holt the Vikings to a Division 3 state runner-up finish. (2003). w Defensive back: Jacob Wyatt, Sexton (2005, Eastern Michigan): Tallied an impressive 96 tackles w Linebackers: Cody Worden, DeWitt (2007, Northern Michigan); Andy Phillips, Waverly (2010, Central and four interceptions as a senior, but also six sacks Michigan); Kyle Lark, Alma (2009, Western as a hammer from the safety spot. He was named Michigan); Kevin Allen, Holt (2005); Keith Lane, Holt the LSJ overall Male Athlete of the Year. (2004); Allen Ollenburger, Charlotte (2005, Central w Defensive back: Lavelle Walker, Everett (2009, Michigan). Grand Valley State): Made two straight all-area w Defensive backs: Ken McClure, DeWitt (2005, Dream Teams as a safety, with a combined 127 Central Michigan); Jean Pitts, East Lansing (2005, tackles and seven interceptions over those seasons Central Michigan). for strong Everett defenses. w Punters: Adam Coleman, Fulton (2006), Brock w Punter: Ryan Patten, Charlotte (2005, Olivet Sharp, Williamston (2006, West Alabama). College): Averaged 46.5 yards per punt as a senior, the gold standard among Dream Team punters

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Eastern Michigan) —Named the State Journal all-area Dream Team quarterback by area coaches as a senior from a group that included Holt’s Mikhail Eiseler, Everett’s Mike Canfield and Haslett’s Nathan Turner, Schmitt threw for nearly 1,922 yards and ran for almost 869 in leading St. Johns to a Division 3 runner-up finish as a senior. w Running back: Chris Robinson, Ovid-Elsie (2010, Grand Valley State) — Ran for 7,123 yards (fourth-best in state history) and 98 touchdowns (second-best), with an area-record 2,844 yards as a junior in helping the Marauders to a Division 5 state runner-up finish. w Running back: Antoine Bagwell, East Lansing (2002, California-Pennsylvania/Joliet Junior College) — Ran for more than 3,300 yards and nearly 50 touchdowns combined over his final two seasons, after which he was named LSJ defensive Player of the Year as a defensive back both seasons. w Running back: Onaje Miller, Sexton (2011, committed to Michigan State) — In his second season on varsity last fall, Miller averaged 8.1 yards per carry for 1,758 overall and 26 touchdowns. He also had seven return touchdowns for a schoolrecord 33 total — and could approach the school’s single-season rushing record of 2,386 yards this fall. w Receiver: Michael Stevenson, Everett (2005): Moved from quarterback after freshman year and over his final two seasons caught 89 passes for 1,831 yards and nine touchdowns — with 50 catches and 1,100 yards as a senior. w Receiver: Jason Fleet, DeWitt (2008, Saginaw Valley State): Despite a standout receiver opposite him in the Panthers’ lineup, Fleet still had the most incredible season of any area receiver this decade playing Class B or A opponents with 66 catches for 1,302 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior. w Offensive lineman: Paul Jorgensen, DeWitt (2010, Northwestern): An impassable pass blocker, Jorgensen became one of the area’s most recruited players of the decade and actually was the LSJ defensive Player of the Year as a senior. w Offensive lineman: Bridger Buche, Portland (2007, Eastern Michigan): Moved from fullback at the start of high school to a pancaking lineman and was the LSJ overall Male Athlete of the Year as a senior. He also made the all-area Dream Team as a junior defensive lineman. w Offensive lineman: Blake Botek, Grand Ledge (2004, Oklahoma State): Coming from a school that yearly seems to produce a top area lineman, Botek was the best of the bunch. He didn’t allow a sack his final three seasons and made the Class A all-state team as a senior. w Offensive lineman: Matt Armstrong, Sexton (2008, Grand Valley State): From a program that has produced Division I and even an NFL lineman over the decade, Armstrong was the most feared in high school and the top blocker in front of Dunn. He

Each week during the ﬁrst half of the 2009-10 school year, prep sports editor Geoff Kimmerly introduced candidates for a midMichigan high school All-Decade team on the “Get Prepped” blog at www.lsj.com. Candidates competed between 2000-09, although pre-2000 accomplishments were also taken into account for athletes graduating during those years. They are listed with graduation year and college if they competed at that next level, followed by details from their respective careers. Also listed are athletes who just missed the cut.

[August 25, 2010]

State Journal All-Decade Team

Lansing State Journal Preseason Elite all-around athletes in All-Area Defense secondary highlight this unit

[August 25, 2010]

DL Justin Clark, Eastern

DB Jeff O’Brien, Stockbridge

6-0, 270, senior

w Clark was among the Quakers’

6-1, 220, senior

leading tacklers with 50 last season despite playing in the middle of the line. He’ll have an even larger role now with all-area linemate Tim Wells graduated. Clark is a three-year starter and trimmed down this season. He should produce a performance that earns him a college spot at some level.

w O’Brien is possibly the best player,

defensively and offensively, in the Southern Michigan Activities Association. A safety last season with 46 tackles and ﬁve interceptions, he could see more time at corner this fall because runners have a challenge getting around him. He’s also a Division I college prospect at quarterback after accounting for nearly 2,700 yards of total offense as a junior.

DL Adam Coon, Fowlerville 6-5, 230, sophomore

DB Dylan Schultz, Williamston

w Coon has all the ingredients to become even more

dominant after making all-league as a freshman at defensive tackle. He’s the reigning Division 2 wrestling state champion at 215 pounds and knows how to use leverage; he’s also a 4.0 GPA student and that intelligence transfers to the ﬁeld. Coon runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, which is excellent for a player his size.

DL John Rock, Portland 6-1, 275, senior

w The latest in a long line of standout Raiders linemen,

Rock is a returning all-leaguer at defensive tackle, and when lined up with 6-foot-1, 320-pound junior Kurt Deuel, forms a wall in the middle of Portland’s defense. Rock is among the strongest on a team of heavy lifters, and coach John Novara called him the Raiders’ “heart and soul” as a team captain. He’s getting Division II college attention, and also is a returning all-league selection at offensive tackle, although he has moved to guard for this fall.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

LB Mike Smith, Holt 6-2, 220, senior

w Smith mans the middle in the mold of former Rams

6-1, 180, senior

w 96 tackles and eight interceptions

MATTHEW MITCHELL/For the Lansing State Journal

No escape: Eastern senior Justin Clark grabs ahold of UD Jesuit quarterback Steve Degenhardt during their game last season. Clark, one of the area’s top defensive lineman, had 50 tackles as a junior.

LB Tyler Tucker, East Lansing

6-4, 202, senior

w Tucker is a three-year starter at

linebacker for the Trojans. He had 72 tackles last season, and the year before he led the team with eight sacks. He could be the next in the family to earn a Division I scholarship, following sister Sami, a basketball player at University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Tucker is also East Lansing’s starting quarterback and one of the area’s top returning passers.

LB Jake Schaibly, Haslett

standouts Mitch Zajac and Kevin 6-0, 195, senior Allen and was the leading tackler w A former starting defensive back last season for a defense that who became all-area after gave up just 13 points per game. switching positions as a junior, With nearly his entire defensive Schaibly is the leader of a fast line back in front of him, he should group of Vikings linebackers, and have plenty more opportunities to is also an all-league running add to last year’s total. He’s got back. That speed will come in the attention of mid-major Division I schools and should cement that status this handy against athletic offenses such as DeWitt and East Lansing, and Schaibly will have to be a main fall. playmaker if Haslett is to again be among the elite.

LB Connor Holbrook, Mason 6-0, 190, junior

w Holbrook is back to full health

after playing through injury all last season — yet he still was named all-CAAC Red. Mason’s outside linebackers are also safeties at times, and Holbrook is best in space. He led the Bulldogs in tackles as a freshman and could do so again while also scaring quarterbacks with unexpected rushes from the outside.

LB Dylan Monette, Williamston 6-0, 180, senior

w There were interceptions to go

around for the Hornets last season, with Monette grabbing eight in making the State Journal all-area Dream Team. He’s a safety with 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash and often plays as a cover corner on opponents’ elite receivers. Monette is also a receiver on offense and is the Hornets’ punter. He also plays baseball and basketball and could play any of those three sports at the next level.

last season made an easy case for Schultz earning all-state special mention, and he’ll be especially key this fall as the Hornets replace all of their linebackers. He’s also one of the area’s top quarterbacks and, like teammate Dylan Monette, is also a standout in both basketball and baseball. Schultz is a college-level prospect in all three sports — though he might have a chance to play at the Division I level in football.

DB Greg Scott, Sexton 5-9, 170, senior

w Scott might be the hardest-hitting

cornerback in mid-Michigan and was an all-area selection a year ago. The Big Reds’ defensive backﬁeld is arguably the area’s best, and Scott is the best cover man of the bunch. He could elevate into a Division I college prospect by the end of the fall, but is a Division II prospect for sure.

P Casey Czerwinski, Laingsburg 5-11, 185, senior

w Czerwinski was the all-league

punter in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference last season — not bad considering Fulton’s Jared Barton was named the all-state punter in Division 7-8. Czerwinski averaged 42 yards per boot and excels at pinning opponents inside their 10-yard line when the Wolfpack is on that side of the 50. He also kicks extra points. — Geoff Kimmerly

QB Alex Niznak, Ithaca

OL Kenny Rogers, Holt

w Niznak seemed to come out of

w Rogers loaded up 30 pounds since

6-3, 225, senior

6-6, 260, senior

nowhere last season in leading Ithaca to its ﬁrst state semiﬁnal. But after earning an all-state honorable mention, and then committing to Central Michigan this summer, the secret’s out. His numbers last fall were gargantuan — 2,044 yards and 22 touchdowns passing, 1,637 yards and 28 touchdowns rushing. But so were the 16 bench presses of 225 pounds he did this summer, showing his strength is much more than a rocket right arm.

last season and loaded up on college opportunities in the process. He verbally committed to Central Michigan over Ball State, and is the strong-side tackle for what should again be one of the area’s top power-running teams. He’s not just bigger and stronger, but faster and more skilled after a beneﬁcial offseason of training.

RB Onaje Miller, Sexton

OL Ethan Wirth, Williamston

w Miller is this season’s big

w Also a basketball player and top

6-6, 290, senior

5-11, 195, senior

mid-Michigan star, especially after committing to Michigan State during the winter. He ran for 1,758 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns last season, with a school-record seven scores as a kickoff/punt returner. A hard runner on offense, he’s an equally hard hitter at safety. He already will go down as one of the top players in Sexton history.

RB Nathaniel Deak, DeWitt

5-9½, 210, senior

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Big-play threat: Sexton running back Onaje Miller ran for more than 1,700 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. He added seven touchdowns as a returner and has committed to play at Michigan State.

WR Jordan Johnson, DeWitt

OL Ramadan Ahmeti, Waverly

area track thrower, Wirth is skilled and agile and now 50 pounds heavier than during this spring. An all-area pick last season, he became a Division I college prospect this summer and verbally committed to Toledo. Williamston graduated one of the area’s leading rushers, but he’s among an experienced group that could lead to another.

OL DaMarco Bisbee, Sexton 6-4, 295, senior

w Bisbee is the latest in a tradition of all-state caliber tackles and made duties as a sophomore, Deak has the all-CAAC Red team a year ago. 6-0, 185, senior 6-6, 285, senior added star power and balance to He’s lost roughly 35 pounds since an offense that already didn’t have w Over two seasons, Johnson has w Ahmeti towers over most the 2009 season to go along with problems scoring points. Deak is amassed 121 catches for more opponents but still is in only his getting stronger and quicker. He a powerful runner with deceptive than 1,900 yards and 23 fourth year playing football. A should get an opportunity when speed who makes it so defenses touchdowns. Constantly basketball player too, Ahmeti is his high school days are over at the can no longer sit back to defend the pass against the blanketed as a No. 1 receiver, Johnson finds ways to lean for a big man and has improved his agility. He mid-major Division I college level. Panthers. He ran for 1,311 yards and 24 touchdowns get open and has reliable hands. He brings a physical made the Class A all-area team last season and has last season and is getting mid-major Division I committed to Central Michigan. He’s also a standout aspect to a less-physical position and also is a college attention and is a solid Division II prospect. defensive lineman and could leave a lasting legacy if starter as a defensive back. Division I colleges have 5-9, 200, senior had him on their radars, but he could be the school’s the Warriors show improvement this fall. w Derby missed just one of 41 extra-point tries as a next strong Division II receiver prospect. junior and also hit field goals of 48 and 42 yards. He’s 5-11, 185, senior also one of the state’s top soccer goalkeepers, and w Barton ran for 3,014 yards combined over the past he booms equally well on football two seasons against defenses 6-3, 270, senior kickoffs. Last year, 38 of 52 were stacked to stop him. He’ll be 6-5, 186, junior touchbacks. Some big Division I w Cadwell was an all-area selection running behind a younger line at schools are showing interest, and w Few area sophomores of late last season and enters this fall as a the start this season. But if it can he could get an opportunity at that have matched Scott-Emuakpor’s late-rising college prospect and a make room, he should add to level either on scholarship, or as 64 catches for 774 yards and four key to what should be one of the those numbers substantially. With more usual with kickers, to scores of a year ago. Few area area’s most dangerous offenses. a big season, he should push to be walk-on and win a job. defensive backs will be able to He’s a three-year starter who a Division II college prospect. And defend him this fall, especially played at 315 pounds as a if he can’t get a first down, he’ll get the Pirates out of trouble another way — he was with Scott-Emuakpor’s ability to elevate for a pass. A sophomore. Since, he’s dropped 45 pounds and college basketball prospect too, he’s looking like a improved substantially, which is getting colleges an all-state punter in 2009. — Geoff Kimmerly Division I football player with another big season. interested. w Since taking over the running

[August 25, 2010]

Lansing State Journal Preseason Collection of area’s best loaded with All-Area Offense ﬁrepower at skilled positions

K Jacob Derby, Mason

RB Jared Barton, Fulton

OL Nick Cadwell, Grand Ledge

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

WR Efe Scott-Emuakpor, East Lansing

[August 25, 2010]

MUST-SEE GAMES (WEEKS 1-4)

Week 1 (Aug. 27-28)

w Go here: HOLT at SEXTON — With the Rams holding

an 8-2 advantage in this series over the past decade, this might not seem like the place to be. But there are some storylines that give it a slight edge over Haslett/East Lansing in the annual battle to be the better season opener. Next year, Sexton will join the CAAC Blue, which Holt dominated in recent years. The Big Reds also feature Michigan State recruit Onaje Miller, a potential 2,000-yard rusher this fall. The last time Sexton had a 2,000-yard rusher, Brandon Dunn in 2005, Dunn had 12 yards against the Rams. w If you missed track season: EASTERN at DEWITT — These could be mid-Michigan’s two fastest teams. And this game gives Eastern an immediate chance to show it’s ready to move from comeback team to playoff hopeful.

Week 2 (Sept. 2-4)

w Go here: ROCKFORD at HOLT. This Rams rumble has

turned into quite the rivalry, with last year’s 27-13 Holt regional ﬁnal win giving those Rams two straight over Rockford’s in the playoffs. The fact that it also avenged Holt’s 34-10 loss to Rockford 10 weeks earlier should have this fall’s visitors extra motivated. w While you’re hanging around Holt: FOWLERVILLE at LANSING CATHOLIC — The Cougars play their home games at Holt Junior High, and this game, even this early, could have playoff implications for both teams.

Week 3 (Sept. 10-11)

w Go here: HASLETT at DEWITT — The Panthers’

six-game winning streak over the Vikings has pushed this rivalry off its former pedestal as the area’s best. But this could be the season Haslett brings it back into focus. An upset in this game would only add to the intrigue, sure. But it’s at its best when these two teams are playing close every season — and that could start again with this one. w If you’d like to see the area’s next-best Panthers: STOCKBRIDGE at HILLSDALE — Stockbridge’s Panthers might be the best few in mid-Michigan know about since they play in the Southern Michigan Activities Association. But a win in this game could be the eventual clincher of Stockbridge’s second-straight league title, and quarterback Jeff O’Brien is worth making the drive.

Week 4 (Sept. 17-18) Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

w Go here: PORTLAND at WILLIAMSTON — The

Raiders have beaten the Hornets in two straight, but this has become one of the area’s most entertaining matchups and a regular decider of the CAAC White. After getting down big last season, Williamston came back but not enough in a 39-35 Portland win. w If you want to know what K-13 means: PEWAMOWESTPHALIA at FOWLER — This decades-old rivalry hasn’t been much of one lately, with P-W winning six of the past seven. But it’s always fun when these two Central Michigan Athletic Conference relatives get together. K-13, by the way, is short for Koenigsknecht, a dominant name in Fowler. Hengesbach is the P-W equivalent. SEE Page 7

10&

Questions Answers

[1] Every season a team or two come out of nowhere to have a special year. Which teams will rise this fall?

Six teams come immediately to mind as possibilities, and I’ll focus on the three strongest. Eastern football hasn’t had this much excitement in years, and the Quakers got multiple first-place votes from CAAC Blue coaches in the preseason poll. Predicting a league championship seems a bit much, but a positive record and potential playoff berth definitely seem possible given the mix of speed, size, experience and the sound leadership of second-year coach Richard Woods. ... Waverly deserves this season to show what’s possible after two years where injuries zapped the Warriors’ chances. Two straight 1-8 seasons don’t inspire optimism usually, but all of the players who have filled in the gaps as underclassmen are now facing players their own age — and in many cases have more game experience. ... Coach-turned athletic director-turned-backto-coach Chris Curtiss led the Cavaliers through a solid run during the 1990s, and is back running a football program coming off four straight losing seasons. The CAAC White is loaded , but Corunna could be a surprise addition to the mix. ... Also watch out for Saranac, Ionia and Okemos. The Redskins have gotten scarier the last two years and could make a push for the playoffs, while little will be expected from Ionia and Okemos — and that might play into their respective hands.

[2] The State Journal list

measured teams’ success over the last 35 years. Which teams will move up the list over the next decade?

Three teams who had big decades from 2000-09 should continue to climb. Mason (No. 21) hasn’t had the same consistency of regular-season success that it did during the 1990s, but the Bulldogs are on the upswing with two of their three playoff wins coming over the past decade and the program seems to be on ﬁrmer ground than ever before. Williamston (No. 26) just won its ﬁrst playoff game last season. But after years of playing bigger schools in its league and struggling to get into the postseason, the Hornets are set up in a balanced league with excellent facilities in a hot spot for families looking to relocate. They also have an excellent young coach in Steve Kersten who is poised to lead the program to the next level.

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Speed to burn: Returning senior running back Tyler Allen is one of the many big-play weapons for Eastern this fall. Allen was timed at 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash this spring. Laingsburg (No. 35) is surely a surprise that low on the list given its current status as yearly contender in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference. But all of its playoff appearances have come since 2003. Coach Brian Borgman has built a 47-32 record since his arrival in 2002 and he should make the Wolfpack a fast riser in years to come.

3] Will any team break mid-

Michigan’s state championship drought?

That answer may lie in Division 4. A year ago, Williamston lost in overtime of a district ﬁnal to eventual state champion Marshall, and the Hornets are loaded again with huge lines and most of their skill players back. So Williamston looks good ... but ﬁnished second in the White last season to Portland,

another Division 4 team with a lot back. And then there likely is a new team in the mix. Sexton was the smallest team in the Division 3 playoffs last year, lost about 25 students since and could fall in Division 4. The Big Reds have, arguably, the state’s top running back in Onaje Miller and most of the offensive line and defense back. They could be in Detroit at the end of November.

4] How does Sexton’s Miller compare with top area running backs of the recent past?

He’s the player of particular local note because he’s committed to sign with Michigan State this winter. And Spartans fans will like what they see if they make a point of catching one of his games. His SEE Page 7

by Geoff Kimmerly Lansing State Journal

CONTINUED FROM 6

demeanor is quiet and serious, but ferocity comes out both in the way he runs and from his safety spot. He’s fearless going through the middle of the line and has immediate breakaway speed. But what might set Miller apart most are his natural running instincts — he had seven kickoff or punt return touchdowns last season and seems to ﬂow toward open space and the best cuts. Some backs have that, or speed, or strength — but he has all three.

5]recurring Is there any kind of theme heading into this fall?

Two things stick out — almost every team seems to be returning most of last year’s starters, and the number of sizable players in the area has gone up signiﬁcantly. Of the area’s 43 teams, 25 return at least 12 starters from a year ago, and nine return 15 or more. And keep an eye on the offensive and defensive lines — never in 11 years do I remember every team seeming to have at least one or more 300 pounders blocking up the middle.

6]a decade Now that it’s been nearly since the CAAC was formed, has it been good for area football?

7]on how So what’s the sneak peak things will change with new divisions in 2011?

Next year’s realignment does three big things: 1. Puts Sexton back in with the city schools and rivals East Lansing, Grand Ledge and Holt in the CAAC Blue; 2. Maneuvers the league’s bigger Class B or smallest Class A schools except Sexton by geography in the Red and Gold; 3. Keeps the small Class B schools intact in the White. That third one is huge, for reasons mentioned above. So are the

Class A-B

1. Grand Ledge 2. DeWitt 3. Holt 4. Haslett 5. Sexton 6. Mason 7. Portland 8. Williamston 9. Fowlerville 10. East Lansing

Class C-D

1. Ithaca 2. Fulton 3. Pewamo-Westphalia 4. Laingsburg 5. Olivet 6. Fowler 7. Potterville 8. Saranac 9. Maple Valley 10. Ashley

other two for competitive and transportation reasons, which both could result in positives on the money sheet with bigger draws at the gates in the Blue and less travel in the Red and Gold. Even being less than half the size of Holt, Grand Ledge and Jackson, Sexton can play competitively in the Blue — even though it will probably mean a few more missed playoffs. The Red gets tougher with St. Johns thrown in with Gold powers DeWitt, Haslett and Fowlerville. Old rivals Mason and Charlotte should rule the new Gold — although that league also offers some fresh opportunities for struggling programs at Waverly, Eaton Rapids and Jackson Northwest. The one issue is Gold teams have just four league games because Jackson Lumen Christi plays football in another league, and that means ﬁnding a nonleague opponent probably some time in midseason. But the Red and Gold will cross over, meaning some great matchups, which is always a good thing for fans.

8]quarterback How good is Ithaca Alex Niznak?

Few closer to Lansing probably know, since Ithaca doesn’t play any other Lansing-area teams as part of the Tri-Valley Conference West, and the Yellowjackets’ upcoming series with Williamston doesn’t begin until next fall. But I saw him last year in an incredible playoff win over St. Charles that clinched Ithaca’s ﬁrst state semiﬁnal berth — and he could play for anyone. That probably became more obvious when he committed to Central Michigan over the summer and was recruited heavily by Michigan State, among many others. But he’s got rare high school quarterback size at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, a big arm, sound decision-making ability whether it’s running or throwing and polished leadership skills. He’s not a speedster, but instead runs people over — I’ve heard the comparison to a Tim Tebow-type. And 3,681 yards and 50 touchdowns of total offense as a junior, regardless of the playoff division, can’t be wrong.

9]on the Nearly all of the players preseason all-area team are from the area’s biggest schools. Who are some of the small-school players to watch?

Aside from Niznak, Fulton running back Jared Barton and Laingsburg punter Casey Czerwinski, who made that all-area team, here are a few more: w Quarterback Charlie Hengesbach’s season ended early for Pewamo-Westphalia last season because of an injury, but he’s a star and should ﬁnish strong. w Morrice’s Ryan Watz and Olivet’s Jay Cousineau could have similarly big seasons behind center. w Ithaca receiver David Brown should put up more big numbers catching passes from Niznak, but also can do some Cousineau intriguing things running the ball and throwing it himself. w Fowler’s Ben Halfmann is 6-foot, 200 pounds and led the CMAC in receiving a year ago. w Saranac defensive end Adam Guernsey was a near-unanimous choice as the top returning defensive player in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference this season. w Linemen like Fulton’s Clayton Waldron and Dakota Price will be among the best equipped to handle him. w Ashley’s Ryan Payne also is solid on both sides of the line. w Morrice’s Luke Copeland and Laingsburg’s Stephen Gerger will make a lot of tackles at linebacker, and Maple Valley’s Mike Caldwell and P-W’s Jordan Spitzley are others to watch at that spot.

10] What’s left?

Remember these names: DeWitt quarterback Caleb Higbie, Potterville quarterback Nate Kushion and Portland running backs Alex Newman and Andrew Barr. Newman ran for more than 1,000 yards last year and Barr was a state placer in the 100-meter dash at the Division 3 state meet last season — and they could combine to give the Raiders the area’s most dominant running attack. Higbie was an all-league receiver a year ago, but now he’s the next DeWitt quarterback — and he’s going to be a great one. And similar big things are expected of Kushion, who had 950 total yards last season passing, rushing and receiving combined. And if Fowlerville makes a run of sorts, you heard it hear ﬁrst. The Gladiators ﬁnished 8-2 last year, so that wouldn’t be a shock. But they are always the team no one expects coming out of the CAAC Gold with DeWitt and Haslett — and this time, Fowlerville’s got the pieces and the schedule to make that league far more interesting.

Week 5 (Sept. 24-25)

w Go here: ST. JOHNS at MASON: These are two of the

three, along with Sexton, who shared the CAAC Red championship in 2009. And all three return most of their teams. The Redwings will be trying to avenge a 36-0 loss to Mason last fall. w If you’re looking for an alternative to Michigan State/Northern Colorado: WILLIAMSTON at LANSING CATHOLIC — This is the Cougars’ annual one game on its campus, for Homecoming, and again on a Saturday opposite an MSU game. And with Lansing Catholic improving, this should be a more competitive option than the one at Spartan Stadium.

Week 6 (Oct. 1-2)

w Go here: DEWITT at FOWLERVILLE — Due to multiple

long playoff runs by DeWitt and Haslett in recent years, Fowlerville is often the forgotten team in the CAAC Gold. But that’s a mistake again this season, as the Gladiators have as much or more on the lines than either rival — and they’re tough to beat at home. w If you’re nostalgic: GRAND LEDGE at EAST LANSING — It was a decade ago that both of these teams ended up in state ﬁnals at the Silverdome. That season, the Comets beat the Trojans 14-6. This year’s seniors were 7 or 8 then, but this rivalry still means something.

Week 7 (Oct. 8-9)

w Go here: PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA at FULTON —

These two ﬁnished third and fourth, respectively, in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference last season. But if league coaches are predicting correctly, the CMAC race likely will be decided on this night. w If you’re that person that yells “Spoiler Alert!”: HASLETT at CHARLOTTE or PORTLAND at CORUNNA— If things fall one way and Haslett and Portland are leading their respective CAAC divisions, Charlotte and Corunna are teams capable of messing up those races with upsets.

Week 8 (Oct. 15-16)

w Go here: HOLT at GRAND LEDGE — The area’s best

rivarly game of late is lined up for another classic. Holt’s CAAC Blue title last season was capped by a 34-27 win over Grand Ledge in the league ﬁnale in which the Comets were seven yards from sending the game to overtime when time expired. w If you’re Blued out: SEXTON at MASON — Speaking of overtime, this game last season might’ve been more dramatic than Holt/Grand Ledge. The Big Reds earned a share of the Red title by stopping Mason on a two-point try in overtime. Final score: Sexton 14, Mason 13.

Week 9 (Oct. 22-23)

w Go here: HASLETT at OKEMOS — The Meridian Bowl

is in its fourth season, and Haslett has won two straight after the Chieftains claimed the ﬁrst of the reborn series. This game has become a great one and this will be no different if postseason implications end up being involved. w If you’re taking in the fall colors: DEWITT vs. ST. JOHNS at Central Michigan’s Kelly/Shorts Stadium — Take in the changing leaves on the journey north before watching these rivals leave a few bruises on each other heading into the playoffs.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

It’s been seven seasons, and the league reconﬁgured once (before the 2007-08 school year). And yes, it’s been excellent for area football for the most part. It’s allowed schools of similar sizes to face each other and especially allowed smaller Class Bs, such as Portland, Williamston and Lansing Catholic, better opportunities to reach the playoffs facing other Division 4 or 5 competition instead of the Division 3 teams in their former leagues. Granted, Sexton in the Red was not a popular move in Lansing, and some White teams really didn’t enjoy mandatory crossovers with the Gold. But those crossovers are history starting this fall, and Sexton is back with its former Capital Area Conference mates in 2011 in the Blue.

Lansing State Journal preseason rankings

MUST-SEE GAMES (WEEKS 5-9)

[August 25, 2010]

What you need to know as the prep football season begins

[August 25, 2010]

Powerhouse programs

Fowler, East Lansing, DeWitt top our rankings of the area’s best since ’75 GEOFF KIMMERLY gkimmerly@lsj.com

In its early age, Michigan high school football was measured in myths. “Mythical” state champions were awarded by The Associated Press voters until 1975, when the Michigan High School Athletic Association introduced playoffs — and forever changed how teams would be compared. Mid-Michigan teams have frequently contended for the top trophies — although this fall marks the 10-year anniversary since Grand Ledge claimed the area’s last football state title. Those championships remain a measuring stick for comparing the best. But with teams of all sizes playing in various postseason divisions and a variety of leagues, comparing them remains subjective. We’ve taken a swing at comparing all 43 area schools — using a little bit of opinion and a whole lot of objective math. This is the State Journal’s measure of schools’ success during the past 35 years — the playoff era in Michigan high school football. Schools were ranked using an equation that takes into account regular-season and postseason accomplishments, while making adjustments for size of school and strength of competition. Following is our ranking of our 43 area schools, with a close look at the top 10.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

1. Fowler

Like every Fowler kid, Craig Koenigsknecht grew up waiting for the day he could play for Steve Spicer. There have been plenty of moments over the past three weeks when coach Koenigsknecht couldn’t believe he now has the opportunity to do for his players what Spicer did for him and hundreds during 25 years building mid-Michigan’s most successful playoff power. Spicer — known affectionately as “Spud” by many — died in 1998. But he and former assistant and then successor Neal Hoffman built a four-time state title winner that earned re-

spect in the area despite being one of its smallest schools. “Playing under Spud was always a privilege. We had so much respect for him,” said Koenigsknecht, a fullback and linebacker from 1991-93 who took over as coach earlier this month. “That’s how we want to get things back to. Living, driving to put on that Fowler jersey again.” The Eagles’ accomplishments during the playoff era are staggering. All of the following rank No. 1 among mid-Michigan schools over the past 35 seasons: w Four state titles w Three perfect seasons w 14 district titles w 25 playoff berths

Lansing State Journal ﬁle photo

Flying high: John Spicer (left) and Tom Thelen raise Fowler’s 1996 Class D state championship trophy in celebration after the Eagles defeated Lake Linden-Hubbell 10-0 at the Pontiac Silverdome. w 10 9-0 regular seasons w 15 league titles (tied with

two teams) w Winning percentage of .770, with a record of 284-85-1 beginning in 1975. The Eagles also are tied for seventh in state history with 27 straight winning seasons stretching from 1977-2003 and 33 consecutive wins during 1995-97. The Spicer name remains prevalent in Fowler athletics. Son Mike Spicer is the school’s athletic director and nephew John Spicer joins former Eagles players Tom Thelen and Jason Pohl on Koenigsknecht’s staff. Since 1998 — which end-

ed with the second of two titles under Hoffman — the Eagles have not returned to a state ﬁnal. A 20-year playoff streak ended in 2005, and Fowler hasn’t won more than ﬁve games during the past three seasons. But this is a new year and a new regime, with designs on continuing the long-standing Fowler way. “I don’t think people have the expectation (that) if we don’t win the title, the season wasn’t successful,” Koenigsknecht said. “People around here, even when (I played), people just want to see kids out there playing with heart and pride.”

2. East Lansing

same mistake twice. And that worked to the tune of 12 Capital Area Conference championships in the league’s 28 years, plus the first CAAC-1 title after that league was formed. Smith also led the Trojans to state runner-up finishes in 1983 and 2000 and the Class A state title in 1991. East Lansing running backs Randy Kinder and Antoine Bagwell and linebackers Kirk Carruthers and Brad Jones are considered among top talents ever to play in mid-Michigan. Feraco’s first two East Lansing teams were a combined 3-15. But the Trojans have made the playoffs three of the past four seasons since, including the state semifinals in 2007. From Feraco, Pitts learned more about reading defenses, which helped him in his former and future positions. And in that one season, he got a taste of Feraco’s faster-tempo practices that were similar to what he then experienced at CMU. “From freshman football on up, you learn East Lansing tradition and how things work,” Pitts said. “It really works.”

3. DeWitt

them to perfection. Rob Zimmerman is 106-26 since taking over in 1999, using an offense with so many looks and plays that teams are often irreversibly trailing before they get a clue what they’re up against. Yet, common ties bind those successes. One is the youth program that teaches the varsity’s schemes. And starting with a state semiﬁnal run in 1988 and trip to the ﬁnal at the Pontiac Silverdome a year later, enthusiasm in the community has grown into expectations.

Only two coaches have led East Lansing since the playoff era began in 1975. And former quarterback Jean Pitts started for both. He went on to play receiver for excellent teams at Central Michigan. But Pitts, a 2005 Trojans graduate, counts East Lansing’s Jeff Smith and Bill Feraco among his favorite coaches. And he can quickly explain why the system started by Smith from 1971-2003 and carried on by Feraco since has resulted in the area’s second-best program of the last 35 years. “You learn the plays and you learn the discipline (growing up),” Pitts said. “And when you become a varsity player, you’ve played with your teammates through all those stages. You basically go through those stages together.” From the time Pitts started following older brother Jack to 7-on-7 scrimmages — Jack also was a quarterback, graduating in 2000 — he was learning the plays. But with Smith, a heavy emphasis also was on discipline — not making the Ron Wilcox is from the middle generation of three in his family that have played DeWitt football. And serving on the team’s stat crew since 1989, he’s had a closer eye than most on multiple state ﬁnals runs under multiple legendary coaches, who used signiﬁcantly different ways to win a lot of games. Gail Thornton went 117-66 in 19 seasons, ending after 1998, by running a wishbone offense that included few plays — but he taught his players to run

How’d we do it? Trojans on top: East Lansing players celebrate after their 1991 Class A state championship victory over Birmingham Brother Rice at the Pontiac Silverdome. Since the beginning of the playoff era in 1975, the Trojans also had state runner-up ﬁnishes in 1983 and 2000 and have made the playoffs 19 times. They are No. 2 in the State Journal’s program rankings. ROD SANFORD Lansing State Journal

“We had playoff teams before that, but that seemed to be the beginning of the expectations,” said Wilcox, whose son Chris Berkimer quarterbacked the 1989 team that lost 28-27 to Farmington Hills Harrison in the Class B state ﬁnal. The Panthers have won nine district and eight

regional titles, and the 2002-04 teams all ﬁnished state runners-up. Only the 2005 team didn’t make the playoffs over the past decade. And DeWitt players grow up working to not be the next. “It’s ingrained in them,” Wilcox said, “what they have to do to be the group that doesn’t do it.”

4. Fulton

Memory bank: Joe Yager was the overall State Journal male Athlete of the Year for 1998-99 but was most visible in leading the Pirates to that state title. He caught a 35-yard touchdown pass with 2 minutes left to tie that game, then kicked what ended up the game-winning extra point in a 21-20 victory over Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher.

Why the Pirates are here: League dominance and multiple trips to Detroit. Fulton won ﬁve straight Central Michigan Athletic Conference championships from 2003-07. The Pirates also won the Class DD state championship in 1998 and ﬁnished Division 8 state runner-up in 2007.

5. Okemos

6. Maple Valley

Why the Lions are here: They owned the old Southern Michigan Athletic Association with 12 championships. But Maple Valley also has the ﬁfthmost district titles, six, and ﬁnished Class CC state run-

Its winning percentage of .635 is eighth-best in the area during that time. Memory bank: The Chieftains qualified for playoff fields when they barely existed. They finished Class B runner-up in 1975 when only four teams qualified in each class, and runner-up again in 1980. ner-up in 1997. Memory bank: Defense was the calling card for that team. Maple Valley beat Montrose 20-10 in the semifinal before falling just 6-0 to Muskegon Oakridge (32.7 average before that game) at the Silverdome.

Memory bank: The Comets beat Utica Eisenhower 19-14 in the 2000 state ﬁnal after going for a two-point conversion with 53 seconds left and missing. They recovered an onside kick, and then scored the winning touchdown on a 45-yard pass from Matt Bohnet to Tim George with 22 seconds left on the clock.

8. Haslett

lett’s 41-40 regional win over Romulus in 1998 has to be one of the greatest comebacks in area history. Down 26-7 six minutes into the third quarter, and getting dominated by future Iowa and St. Louis Rams running back Fred Russell, Haslett sent the game to overtime after a 21-yard hook-and-ladder pass play set up a late score.

9. Holt

Memory bank: The Silverdome run featured a number of close calls. Holt ﬁnished 9-0 during the regular season, but six wins were by eight points or fewer. The ﬁrst two playoff wins, over Bay City Central and Jenison, were by two and six points, respectively.

10. Sexton

Memory bank: Sexton shared the Capital Area Conference title in 1989, then went on to win two playoff games before losing to eventual Class A state champion Muskegon in a semiﬁnal. It remains the Big Reds’ deepest run.

Why the Comets are here: Big performances in crunch time. When the State Journal ranked its top 10 area games ever in 1998, Grand Ledge was the victor in all three of its mentions. And that was before the incredible 2000 Division 1 state championship game, which pushed Grand Ledge up this ranking. Why the Vikings are here: A string of 11 straight playoff appearances from 1998 through 2008. Two state finals appearances didn’t end well, but among mid-Michigan Class A and B teams only East Lansing and DeWitt made as many trips to Detroit to finish the season. Memory bank: HasWhytheRamsarehere: A state runner-up trip in 1995 combined with a dominating run through the toughest league in the area over the last decade. Holt also has five district titles and three regional titles on its playoff era resume. Why the Big Reds are here: Incredible running backs are an easy answer — Sexton is known for them. But a string of 14 winning seasons starting in 1981 established the Big Reds as a force of the playoff era.

the right time to look at how all of our area schools have fared over the years. Is it perfect? Admittedly, no.Was it fun and entertaining? Definitely.Will it get fans talking? We think so.

1. Fowler 2. East Lansing 3. DeWitt 4. Fulton 5. Okemos 6. Maple Valley 7. Grand Ledge 8. Haslett 9. Holt 10. Sexton 11. Pewamo-Westphalia 12. Ithaca 13. Lansing Catholic 14. St. Johns 15. Fowlerville 16. Olivet 17. Corunna 18. Portland St. Patrick 19. Portland 20. Charlotte 21. Mason 22. Leslie 23. Ovid-Elsie 24. Alma 25. Ionia 26. Williamston 27. Stockbridge 28. Webberville 29. Dansville 30. Morrice 31. Everett 32. Ashley 33. Potterville 34. Eastern 35. Laingsburg 36. Lakewood 37. Bath 38. Waverly 39. Perry 40. Saranac 41. Owosso 42. Carson City-Crystal 43. Eaton Rapids

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Why the Chieftains are here: Although many might argue Okemos built its total facing a number of smaller schools in the Capital Circuit, Okemos regardless did win 15 league championships — tied with Fowler and DeWitt for the most during the playoff era.

7. Grand Ledge

It’s all in the math. Well, most of it, anyway. To come up with the State Journal’s ranking of area teams during the playoff era (which began in 1975), Prep Editor Geoff Kimmerly and correspondent Denny Schwarze worked up a metric taking into account virtually everything that could go into measuring a high school program’s success — and then sat down for a few days’ worth of research and arithmetic (with a big assist from www.michigan-football.com). Without boring you with the details ... every possible accomplishment was given a point value. For the postseason, that meant state titles, runner-up appearances, regional or district titles, pre-district wins or simply making the postseason. For the regular season, league titles meant the most and runners-up got a small bonus. If a team had a combined winning percentage of .500 or better, all of their regular season numbers meant more. Perfect regular and entire seasons also came into play, as did a small bonus for being ranked by The Associated Press at the end of a regular season. Of course, competition in every division of the playoffs isn’t equal, so achieving in higher divisions was weighted heavier. Making the playoffs every season also wasn’t always the same, like the first two seasons when there were only two rounds. And not all leagues are created equal — those winning or finishing second in traditionally stronger conferences also got a slight points boost. So there was a bit of subjectivity thrown into the mix. But only because those adjustments were needed to make the list closer to logical form and ultimately more true. Why now? Because 35 years have passed since the playoffs were introduced, long enough for multiple generations to have an effect on a program’s success. And with mid-Michigan seeking its first football state champion since Grand Ledge in 2000, it seemed

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

East Lansing at Haslett

Friday

East Lansing Trojans http://elps.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

PLACE

Haslett Jackson Holt Everett Okemos Grand Ledge St. Johns Eastern Owosso

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home

ROSTER

CAAC Blue

AL GOLDIS/For the Lansing State Journal

Do-it-all: Senior receiver and defensive back Devlin Bell, shown running back a punt, is a returning starter on both sides of the ball for the Trojans.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [1] They’re baaaack

Unlike a year ago, East Lansing returns a number of experienced players — nine starters on offense and seven on defense. Senior quarterback/linebacker Tyler Tucker is a three-year starter defensively, and receivers/defensive backs Devlin Bell and Efe Scott-Emuakpor and running back/defensive lineman Kimani HamiltonWray are also returning two-way starters.

[ 2 ] Move the chains

Tucker threw for 1,467 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for three more scores last year, and senior running back Spencer Treadwell ran for 966 yards and 12 TDs. Bell and Scott-Emuakpor combined to catch 92 passes, and they’re joined by returning senior tight end Eli Gruhn and starting linemen Humphrey

Bill Feraco

COACH

w Age: 63

w Playing experience: Greenburg

(Pa.) Central Catholic High 1964-65, Michigan State 1966-68 w Coaching experience: Eaton Rapids 1988-89 and 1995-98, Lansing Catholic 1994, East Lansing w Career record: 50-74 w Full-time job: High school English teacher w Assistant coaches: Steve Anderson, Andy Brent, Gianni Feraco, David Lesmeister, Adam Nolen, Kevin O’Donnell, Mike Smokevitch.

Akujobi (6-foot-1, 239 pounds), Josh Eady (6-1, 249) and Christian Vanderbush (6-2, 194). Eady is a senior, but Akujobi and Vanderbush are just juniors.

[ 3 ] Playmakers

Tucker had 72 tackles last season and is

joined by returning starter Chris Hagan and senior contributors Demetri Pope and Gabe Stewart at linebacker. That unit keys the defense but must come up big after the Trojans last fall gave up their secondmost points in at least 60 years. Seniors Alula Mesﬁn and Hamilton-Wray are returners along the defensive line and will be valuable.

[4 ] High elevation

The defensive backﬁeld might be the strength on that side of the ball, with senior Cody Crawford also back among returning starters. Scott-Emuakpor is 6-5 and Bell is 6-4, and both are high ﬂyers off the basketball team who should knock down their share of passes. Seniors Durrell Hill and Tim Kulang also are expected to contribute at the back of the defense.

NAME

POS.

1 Efe Scott-Emuakpor DB/WR 2 Durrell Hill DB 3 Devlin Bell DB/WR 4 Tim Kulang DB 5 Cody Crawford DB/WR 6 Kimani Hamilton-Wray DL/RB 7 Spencer Treadwell DB/RB 8 Tyler Tucker LB/QB 9 Colin Borruso DB/QB 10 Chris Hagan LB/RB 11 Alula Mesﬁn DL/TE 12 Kyle Lintemuth DB/WR 13 Ethan Lintemuth DB/WR 14 Alex Carlson DB/QB 20 Elijah Hamiton-Wray DB/RB 22 Demetri Pope LB 23 Isaiah Banks LB 24 Wilson Akujori LB/RB 25 Miles McGhee DB/RB 30 Michael Grifﬁn DB/WR 32 Andre Archer DB/WR 33 Shondell Knox LB/RB 35 Gabe Stewart LB LB/RB 40 Paha Kakela 42 Andrew Penrose LB 45 Eli Gruhn LB/TE 55 Aisosa Asemota DL 56 Humphrey Akujobi OL/DL 59 Joseph Waller DL 60 Austin Marquardt-Chase OL 65 Josh Eady DL/OL 66 Trevor Mackley OL 68 Kyle Towner OL 69 Christian Vanderbush OL 70 Evan Dewey OL 71 Miguel Columga OL/DL 72 Marcus Reid OL/DL 73 Emery Gosall-Parr OL/DL 74 Tom McLravy OL 75 Bauer Herstein OL/DL 76 Joseph Amakove OL/DL 77 Zack Cole OL/DL 88 Kevin Wille LB/TE 99 Scott Welburn DB/WR *Returning starters are shaded.

YR. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Learning experience

The Trojans took some expected lumps after graduating most of 2008’s standouts, ﬁnishing 3-6 and ﬁfth in the CAAC Blue. THE LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 2 — Record: 259-104 (.713) League titles: 13 — Playoff berths: 19 Extra points: The Trojans are second in the area in winning percentage and playoff berths during the playoff era. They are fourth in league titles with 13, but also have been league runners-up an area-best —Geoff Kimmerly 13 times.

GAME TO WATCH

SCHEDULE

Oct. 22

DATE

www.edline.net/pages/eastern

POS.

YR.

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

COACH

Richard Woods w Age: 41 w Playing experience:

Everett 1983-84, Eastern 1985-86 w Coaching experience: Eastern 2008 (interim for four games)-present w Career record: 5-8 w Full-time job: Deputy Director of Trial Court Services for Michigan Supreme Court w Assistant coaches: Idris Woods, Robert McBride, Tim Shields, John Farley, Anthony Panici LAST YEAR

A few big steps ahead

Eastern’s 4-5 record — including a 3-1 ﬁnish — was its best since 1997 and matched 2006-08 combined in wins. LAST 35 YEARS

MATTHEW DAE SMITH/For the Lansing State Journal

Denied: Eastern’s Garrett Fuhrman (9) knocks away a pass intended for Okemos’ Dan Emmerich.

FOURCAST [1] More speed to burn

[4 ] Man to man

[ 2 ] More experience, too

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Experienced hand: Senior QB Herbert Alford, in his third year on varsity, passed for 974 yards and ran for 195 last season.

[ 3 ] Light up the board

The Quakers could trump last year’s scoring improvement, led by Alford, an all-league honorable mention pick in 2009 after throwing for 974 yards and running for 195. Allen dealt with injuries but rushed for 184 yards in a win

Strong pass defense is a necessity in the CAAC Blue. Green, Hall and junior Garrett Fuhrman each grabbed an interception. The latter two and Alford earned all-league honorable mentions on defense. Senior linebackers Dan Monti and Aeric Rodriguez join Hall to give the Quakers plenty of starting experience on that unit as well. Junior Eric Steele was on varsity last season and adds run-stopping at 6-foot, 250 pounds, and junior linebacker L.J. Wilson should make an immediate impact as well. —Geoff Kimmerly

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

over East Lansing, and Green and senior David Hernandez were the team’s third- and fourth-leading receivers. And more playmaking is expected from junior quarterback/ receiver Lydell Trainor (a transfer from Indiana), junior receiver Travis Allen and sophomore backs Jordan Taylor and Juan Cabrera. Senior Aaron Colson and junior Devone Williams are among returning offensive line starters. Sophomore Josh Crim (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) will also be an anchor on the line.

Even after graduating some top sprinters, Eastern coach Richard Woods said the Quakers could be the fastest team in the state. Returning starting running back Tyler Allen ran the 40-yard dash in an incredible 4.24 seconds this summer, and receiver/defensive back Will Green timed a 4.4.

The Quakers posted their best record in more than a decade last fall despite a young lineup. Eastern returns eight starters on offense, which scored its most points since 2002, and six more from a defense that gave up its second-fewest points since 1997. Seniors Allen, two-way lineman Justin Clark, and linebacker/running back Nate Hall are three-year starters, and quarterback Herb Alford is in his third season on varsity. The seniors won the league as freshmen.

LSJ rank: 34 — Record: 129-186-1 (.409) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 1 Extra points: The Quakers had success from 1982-85, with two league titles, but haven’t had a winning season since 1997.

CAAC Blue

2 Will Green WR/DB 3 Nate Hall RB/LB 4 Garrett Fuhrman WR/DB 5 Herbert Alford QB/WR/DB 6 Anthony Knox OL/DL 8 Lydell Trainor QB/WR/DB 9 Tyshyn Mildton WR/LB 10 Tyler Allen RB/DB 11 Eric Lynch QB 12 Jordan Taylor RB/LB 14 David Hernandez WR/QB 15 Juan Cabrera RB/DB 25 Darryl Thompson WR/DB 26 R.J. Coleman WR/DB 27 L.J. Wilson RB/LB 30 Dan Monti OL/LB 32 Karry Smith LB/WR 36 Lahai Swaray K 42 Chayse Scruggs LB/WR 43 Eric Steele OL/DL 50 Devone Williams OL/DL 51 Chris Lowure OL/DL 52 Aaron Colson OL/DL 54 Kenneth Blackburn DL 56 Aeric Rodriguez OL/LB 61 Mykel Kenney OL/DL 62 Tyler Miller OL/DL 63 B.J. Sprague OL/DL 64 Michael Nieves OL/DL 67 Tyree Rembert OL/DL 68 Xavier McBride LB 70 Josh Crim OL/DL 72 Anthony Campbell OL/DL 77 Justin Clark OL/DL 81 Travis Allen WR 82 Jonathan Suhr WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

PLACE

8/27 DeWitt Away 9/3 Okemos Home 9/10 Jackson Away 9/17 Grand Ledge Away 9/24 Holt Away 10/1 Owosso Away 10/8 Everett Home* 10/15 East Lansing Home 10/22 Sexton Home * Game will be played at Everett.

ROSTER

# NAME

OPPONENT

[August 25, 2010]

Eastern Quakers

Sexton at Eastern

CAAC Blue

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Everett Vikings

Sexton at Everett

Sept. 10

www.edline.net/pages/Everett_HS

ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

1 Jaleel Canty WR/DB 3 James Mills LB/RB 4 Javon Moore WR/DB 5 Lucas Barner QB 7 Diquan Hunt RB/DB 8 Tony Norris LB 9 James Jenkins-Rivers LB 10 Rashawn Anderson LB 11 Lloyd Blackman WR/DB 12 Robert Tarpley WR/DB 14 Jacob Venable K/P 15 Vincent Verway DB 20 Devion Leek DB 21 Darius Lane RB/DB 22 Sigmond Evans LB/RB 23 Derrick Foy WR/DB 25 Denzel Dunn DB 28 Will Bowman DB 30 Marquan Howard LB/RB 31 Dontae’ Phifer DL 33 Anthony White LB/RB 35 Cha’quan Love DB 50 Clinton Warﬁeld OL 51 Aaron Bledsoe OL 52 Zack Patrick OL 53 Tre Darby DL 54 Moises Garcia OL 56 Tyaire Bragg OL 64 Deshawn Hobbs DL 67 Stanley Pates DL 72 Jalen Smith OL 74 Brandon King OL/DL 77 Deonte Bradley DL 80 Drevon Pruitt DL/TE *Returning starters are shaded.

YR. So. So. So. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

DATE

OPPONENT

PLACE

8/27 Highland Park Home 9/2 Grand Ledge Home 9/10 Sexton Home 9/17 East Lansing Away 9/24 Jackson Away 10/1 Holt Home 10/8 Eastern Away* 10/15 Okemos Home 10/22 Waverly Home *Game at Everett, although it is Eastern’s home game. COACH

Marcelle Carruthers w Age: 44

w Playing experience:

Eastern High 1980-82, Central Michigan 1984-87 • Coaching experience: Everett 2000-present • Career record: 40-53 • Full-time job: Everett High physical education teacher • Assistant coaches: Lloyd Blackman, Kerry Keyton, Dale Person LAST YEAR

Strong ﬁnish

An inexperienced team missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, finishing 2-7 and sixth in the CAAC Blue. But after two losses of two points or fewer, the Vikings finished with backto-back wins. LAST 35 YEARS

FOURCAST [1] Not starting over

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

SCHEDULE

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Extra effort: Everett’s Darius Lane tries to break free of a tackle last season against Eastern.

Not this time. After returning ﬁve players with starting experience a year ago, this fall’s Vikings have six starters back on both sides of the ball. Only two — receiver/defensive back Robert Tarpley and lineman Brandon King, both seniors — are returning starters on both sides.

[ 2 ] Digging in on D

The Vikings gave up about a touchdown more in 2009 than in 2008, but no more than 17 points in four of last season’s final five games. Sophomore linebacker James Mills was an all-league selection, and senior James Jenkins-Rivers is also back in the linebacker corp. Sophomore Javon Moore joins Tarpley in the defensive backfield, and senior Drevon Pruitt joins King among returning starters on the line.

LSJ rank: 31 — Record: 114-205 (.357) League titles: 1 — Playoff berths: 5 Extra points: Everett won its only league crown and earned its ﬁrst playoff berth in 1986. But the Vikings didn’t have a winning season again until 2003, when they made the playoffs the ﬁrst of two straight years.

[ 3 ] Road blockers

Seniors Zack Patrick and Clint Warﬁeld join King as returning starters on the offensive line, and that’s a big plus with the offense coming off its fewest points scored since 2000. Junior Darius Lane and sophomore DiQuan Hart at running back should get plenty of opportunities as the unit looks to rebound.

[4 ] Archie edge

Everett gets to begin its comeback with three games at home at Archie Ross Stadium. Opponents Highland Park, Grand Ledge and Sexton all made the playoffs last season and combined for a 21-10 record. But even if the Vikings struggle early, they have three KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal more later for a rare total of six home games. Ball battle: Everett’s Trent Bragg (right) defends as Eastern’s Leroy — Geoff Kimmerly Green tries to haul in a pass. Bragg is among 12 returning starters.

GAME TO WATCH

Oct. 15

www.glps.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Grandville Everett Okemos Eastern Waverly East Lansing Jackson Holt Howell

PLACE

Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Home

FOURCAST [1] Special class

The Comets’ 12th-grade group is 24 strong, and coach Matt Bird said its leadership over the summer is the main reason Grand Ledge could have a special season after going 7-3 a year ago. Much of that is a result of the group’s strong academics as well, and that intelligence is transferring to the ﬁeld.

COACH

Matt Bird w Age: 36

w Playing experience:

[ 2 ] No longer green

LAST YEAR

Learning to win

After losing the opener, the young Comets won their ﬁrst six league games and fell just 7 yards short of sending their loss to Holt into overtime. The Comets ﬁnished 7-3, second in the CAAC Blue. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 7 — Record: 207-129 (.616) League titles: 8 — Playoff berths: 11 Extra points: Battling the area’s top competition over the years kept some of these totals low. But the Comets’ Division 1 state title in 2000 was the area’s last state championship in any division.

[3 ]

After replacing most of the offensive skill position players in 2009, the Comets should further enjoy the fruits this fall. Senior quarterback Dario Bongiorni is a returning Photo courtesy of Livingston County Daily Press & Argus all-leaguer, while running Thievery: Junior defensive back Jordan Loredo, shown intercepting a back Shaun Hixson and pass against Howell, returns as a starter in the Grand Ledge secondary. receivers Jared Kissane and mention James Edgett IV defense brings back Connor McKinney also are (6-5, 250), and 6-3, all-leaguers Brett Johnson returning starters. Senior 210-pound tight end and Vincent Cook at safety running back Mitchell Zachary Hess, another and linebacker, respectively. Olivarez saw playing time all-league honorable Cornerback Jordan Loredo last fall, mention. They’ll be joined earned an honorable Great wall up front by seniors Jacob mention. Senior Nickolaus Bennett (6-2, 255), Patrick Simon also is back at Senior offensive lineman Hamelink (6-1, 235) and linebacker, and junior Corey Nick Cadwell is a three-year Arnouts is the lone Mark Humble II (6-1, 230). starter at 6-foot-3 and 270 returning starter on the pounds. He’s joined among [ ] The stoppers defensive line. returning starters by An often-overlooked all-league honorable —Geoff Kimmerly

Good Luck Comets!

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2 Mitchell Olivarez RB 3 Brett Johnson DB 4 Nick West DB 5 Jared Kissane WR 6 Jordan Loredo DB/WR 7 Dario Bongiorni QB/DB 8 Mike Cowles WR 9 Bryce Wight WR 10 Tyler Mulder RB 11 Jalen Brady QB 12 Ben Pride TE/WR 14 Joey Kolwick DB 15 Connor McKinney WR 16 Aaron Auge WR 17 Brian Eavey K 18 Nickolaus Simon LB 19 Charlie Kreager DB 20 Shaun Hixson RB 21 Josh Bachert FB 24 Dan Fent K 25 Jeff Thom FB 28 Alex Martin FB 30 Vincent Cook LB 31 Ethan Schulert DB 32 Brandon Root LB 33 Aiden Schlossberg DL 35 Andy Wicks DB 37 Jacob Grace DB 38 Rusty Page FB 40 Tyler D. Baker LB 43 Nik Catlin DL/TE 44 Tyler Thomas TE/DL 45 Andrew Myszak FB 51 Alex Rogers DL 52 Redmond Riggs DL 55 Corey Arnouts DL 60 Troy Burris OL 62 Mark Humble II OL 64 Patrick Hamelink OL 65 Caleb Sands OL/DL 67 James Edgett IV OL 68 Joe Panwas DL 70 Nic Barry DL 71 Jacob Bennett OL 72 Nick Roach OL/DL 73 Nolan O’Shea OL 74 Jeremiah Miller DL/OL 75 Trevor Gilmartin OL/DL 79 Nick Cadwell OL 80 Zachary Hess TE/LB 81 Adam Gulick TE 82 Ben Bedard LB 90 Andrew Pabst DL/OL *Returning starters are shaded.

YR. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr.

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Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

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POS.

CAAC Blue

Lansing Catholic High 1989-91 • Coaching experience: Grand Ledge 2006-present • Career record: 23-16 • Full-time job: Grand Ledge High government teacher • Assistant coaches: Blake Wegenke, Mark Ditsworth, Chad Guild, Aaron Oswill, Matt Bohnet, Zack McMillin, Sean Stevens.

LJ-0100031516

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

Grand Ledge Comets

Holt at Grand Ledge

ROSTER

GAME TO WATCH

Holt Rams

[August 25, 2010]

Rockford at Holt

Sept. 2

www.hpsk12.net

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Sexton Rockford East Lansing Jackson Eastern Everett Okemos Grand Ledge Ann Arbor Pioneer

PLACE

Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away

On the loose: Nick Thomas breaks into the open ﬁeld against Sexton last season. Thomas averaged 27 yards per catch as a junior last season.

COACH

Al Slamer w Age: 54

w Playing experience:

CAAC Blue

Wayne Memorial High 1971-72, Eastern Michigan 1974-77 w Coaching experience: Battle Creek Central 1987-2007, Holt 2008-present w Career record: 144-79 w Full-time job: Holt High phys. ed. teacher w Assistant coaches: Don Green, Jack Rarick, Ryan Anderson, Ben Holtry, Dan Knechtel, Sean Carmody, Tom MacFarland, Grant Melville, Carl Cannon, Scott Worden, Robert Dozier, John Smythe, Mark Zajac, Jeff Smith. LAST YEAR

Back on top

After a rare miss of the playoffs in 2008, Holt returned with an 11-2 record, CAAC Blue title and wins over Brighton, Howell and Rockford on the way to the Division 1 state semiﬁnals. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 9 — Record: 193-147 (.568) League titles: 8 — Playoff berths: 11 Extra points: The Rams won four straight league titles from 2004-07. But Holt’s best season was 1995, when it won the CAC and ﬁnished Class AA runner-up.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

ROSTER

KEVIN W. FOWLER For the Lansing State Journal

[ 3 ] Line ’em up, Part II

FOURCAST [1] No reload necessary

Holt lost a ton of talent, including one of the area’s leading rushers and passers in quarterback Jordan Beachnau, an all-state receiver in Dominick Todd and three all-area defensive players. But the Rams still return ﬁve starters on offense and six on defense, including leading tackler and all-area linebacker Mike Smith and all-league honorable mention safety Jake Gallimore.

Four full-time and one part-time starter return to the defensive line — senior ends Justin Madar (6-4, 230) and Will Thurston (5-11, 190) and tackles Justin Jones (6-0, 205), Hunter Osborne (6-1, 210) and Tre Wilson (6-0, 265), whose father Bobby played at Michigan State and for the Washington Redskins.

[4 ] Who’s going to score?

[ 2 ] Line ’em up, Part I

Senior tackle Kenny Rogers (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) committed to Central Michigan and is joined among returning line starters with junior Ben Steward (6-7, 265), a potential star who played guard and center in 2009. Seniors Wes Dorin (6-0, 240), Max Godinez (5-10, 235) and junior Sawyer McFadden (6-3, 245) are among those who could step in and continue the program’s great blocking tradition.

Beachanu had a hand in 26 touchdowns last season. But senior running back Curtis Nick ran for more than 600 yards and ﬁve scores. And there are dangerous receiving options in senior Nick Thomas, who averaged 27 yards per catch in 2009, and senior Danny Middleton, the team’s third-leading receiver a year ago. And don’t forget about this somewhat still-secret weapon: junior kicker Evan Fischer. He’s one of the area’s best after making 34 of 36 extra points and 11 of 13 ﬁeld goals as a sophomore.

— Geoff Kimmerly

# NAME 1 Chris Seyka 2 Nick Thomas 3 Danny Middleton 4 Anthony Harris 5 Johnathan Tackett 6 Jacob Jarrad 7 Brandon Bet 8 Nick Worden 9 Jacob Zajac 10 Curtis Nick 11 Jamie Hay 12 Jake Bozzo 13 Trayl Hartig 14 Mitch Johnson 15 Seth Hanton 16 James Jones 17 Daetona Beech 18 Drew Dyer 19 Evan Fischer 20 Kyle Bort 21 Grant VanLiew 22 Brandon Lovely 23 Grant Taylor 24 Abdullah Qawwee 25 Jake Gallimore 27 Taylor Triplett 28 Niko Waters 30 Chris Morgan 32 Cody Sholty 33 Chris Mee 35 Stephen Shassberger 36 Tyler Gidley 38 Mike Fleming 40 Tobin Egger 42 Tyler Culp 44 Matt Zajac 45 Mike Smith 48 Cole Johnson 50 Adam Lansdell 51 Tyler Elmo 52 Frank Schmidt 53 Robert Barrios 54 Clayton Hosﬁeld 55 Will Thurston 56 Justin Jones 57 Hunter Osborne 58 Evan Harliss 59 John Riggins 60 Halen Garcia 61 Justin Whitlock 62 Trey Williams 63 Justin Saxman 64 Josh Rios 66 John Rauchholz 67 Noah Asseffa 68 Sawyer McFadden 70 Wes Dorin 71 Chance Mizer 72 A.J. Argenta 73 Chris Roberts 74 Max Godinez 75 Kenny Rogers 76 Tre Wilson 77 Julius Blair 78 Ben Steward 79 Fred Turner 80 Connor Klisch 81 Greg Lewis 82 Joe Hill 84 Dan Romigh 85 Ryan Dennany 87 Brando Rendon 88 Max Poole 90 Nick Rolison 95 Trevor Hamilton 99 Justin Madar *Returning starers are shaded.

POS. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB DB WR DB WR/DB DB DB RB TE QB RB/LB DB RB WR WR/DB QB/DB PK RB WR WR/DB WR/DB DB QB/DB RB WR/DB DB RB WR LB WR/DB WR/DB LB LB LB LB TE OL RB/LB DL OL LB OL/DL DL DL DL LB OL LB OL OL OL LB OL OL/DL OL DL WR OL OL OL DL DL OL DL WR WR WR/DB TE WR/DB DL WR DL DL OL/DL

YR. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

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Good Luck Holt Rams LJ-0100030944

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GAME TO WATCH

Friday

www.okemosschools.net

SCHEDULE

DATE

8/27 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Waverly Eastern Grand Ledge Mason East Lansing Jackson Holt Everett Haslett

PLACE

Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

COACH

Paul Palmer w Age: 43

w Playing experience:

LAST YEAR

Looks are deceiving

Okemos’ 1-8 finish was its worst since 2003. But the Chieftains lost five games by seven or fewer points on the way to a seventh-place finish in the CAAC Blue. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 5 — Record: 205-118 (.635) League titles: 15 — Playoff berths: 8 Extra points: The Chieftains are tied for the most league titles, winning the Capital Circuit 15 times between 1975-98. They started the playoff era with 12 straight winning seasons.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH/For the Lansing State Journal

Over the line: Okemos running back Bailey Magsig runs in for a touchdown against Eastern last season. Magsig is one of 16 returning starters for the Chieftains — seven on offense and nine on defense.

FOURCAST [1] Depth charge

[ 2 ] Been there before

The Chieftains should be among the area’s most experienced teams with seven starters back on offense and nine on defense. Among them, senior offensive lineman/linebacker Brian Budd, senior linebackers Collin Ritchie and Brad Dotterer and senior

[ 3 ] Sizing them up

Okemos has had its struggles ﬁnding big bodies up front, but there are some this fall. Junior two-way lineman Taylor Moton is a returning starter at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, and senior Tom Keenoy is back at 6-3 and 260. Budd was an all-league offensive lineman last year at 5-10 and 205, and Keenoy received honorable mention. Senior tight end

10 11 13 14 15 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 33 34 36 38 40 43 44 45 48 52 53 54 56 58 59 60 61 62 64 65 66 68 70 71 72 73 74 76 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 89 95

CB FS K WR CB RB CB RB RB/LB WR CB SS/WR SS/WR LB LB DL WR RB FB CB RE CB DL LB OL OL OL OL DL OL LB DL DL DL OL OL DL WR OL DL DL DL TE WR TE CB CB TE SS/WR WR LB

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

Sam Dickinson Dan Emmerich Benjamin Klaver Alex Bez T.R. Hollis Spencer Bonoﬁglio Nathan Bellaire Jonny Bolas Ian Horne Jarad Motley Blake Ellsworth Wilson Whybrew Kevin Jacob Evan Leski Collin Ritchie Nabeel Kasim Brycen Sorber Bailey Magsig Todd Tuchek Devontaye Pruitt Zach Peck Devonte Lepak Michael Schmidt T.J. Barker Jon Guthrie Matt Guthrie Peter Harrison Cooper Sigourney Tashtan Tashtanov Taylor Moton Brian Budd Corbin Romig George Park Brian Seggebruch Jackson Miller Tom Keenoy Dan Brown Cody He Cameron Bogle Jordan Knickerbocker Benjamin Clark Weston McJames Brad Dotterer Denny Hodge Max Fagan Adam Glaub Zach Bellaire Hunter Holtrop Steven Freemire Keenan Noyes Conner McCowen

*Returning starters are shaded.

Zach Peck (6-0, 190) also has starting experience. That’s all good news for senior Bailey Magsig, one of few returnees in the backﬁeld.

[4 ] Defending the goal

Defense is often a strong point for the Chieftains. Ritchie and senior defensive back Dan Emmerich were all-league selections last season as the team gave up 20 or fewer points ﬁve times. Junior defensive lineman Brian Seggebruch and junior linebacker Ian Horne also are among MATTHEW DAE SMITH/For the Lansing State Journal the large group of returning starters Chalk talk: Okemos coach Paul Palmer (center) on defense. and assistants huddle during halftime for a strategy — Geoff Kimmerly session during last season’s game against Eastern.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Okemos enters the fall with 51 players — 10 more than a year ago. That should make a huge difference in depth, allowing for fewer players having to play both ways.

receiver/defensive back Wilson Whybrew also started as sophomores. They’ve been through a few tough seasons but are motivated to turn things around.

YR.

CAAC Blue

Okemos High 1982-85, Western Michigan 1987 w Coaching experience: Okemos 2003-present w Career record: 21-43 w Full-time job: Okemos High physical education and health teacher w Assistant coaches: Kelly Carrier, Bill Miller, Brian Smith, Ethan Fahy, Tom Keenoy.

POS.

[August 25, 2010]

Okemos Chieftains

Okemos at Waverly

ROSTER

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

SCHEDULE

Sexton Big Reds

Sexton at Mason

Oct. 15

FOURCAST [1] Rush-n-attack

DATE

sexton.lansingschools.net

Sexton could boast the state’s top running game. Senior back Onaje Miller has committed to Michigan State and is arguably the best at his position in the state. In front of him return four starting linemen — tackles Corey Ware (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) and all-leaguer DaMarco Bisbee (6-4, 295), guard Nahkiem Cotton (5-11, 265) and all-league honorable mention center Daniel Mammah (6-0, 240). And don’t forget about junior running back Anthony Goodman — he’s got star potential, as well.

w Age: 41

w Playing experience:

Eastern High 1984-85, Indiana University 1986, Western Michigan 1987-91 w Coaching experience: Sexton 2002-present w Career record: 51-32 w Full-time job: Sexton High student support specialist w Assistant coaches: Johnel Davis, Lyle McFadden, Eddie Saade, Patrick Duke, Eldon Evans, Damon Ford, Larry King.

CAAC Red Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

ROSTER #

[ 3 ] Linebackers lead

Although junior quarterback Denzel Valentine didn’t return this fall after committing to MSU for basketball, Willie Dillard takes over after throwing more than 20 touchdowns for the Big Reds’ junior varsity squad last year. He’s got a potential star receiver in returning all-league honorable mention De’Aaron Williams, who measures in at 6-2 and 188 pounds. And another source of points should be senior Nick Spearman, an all-league honorable mention kicker/punter in 2009. — Geoff Kimmerly LAST YEAR

Back in the mix

Sexton ﬁnished 8-3, winning that many games for the second time in three seasons and claiming a share of the CAAC Red title. Both regular season losses were by eight points or fewer.

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away

Dan Boggan

The Big Reds also return four starting defensive backs from a year ago — corners Greg Scott and Derrick Wallace and safeties Goodman and Miller. All four earned some level of all-league recognition last season, all on defense except Miller because he was all-league on offense. Together, the group should regulate well on opposing spread offenses and assist in run stoppage, too.

[4 ] They will throw, too

PLACE

Holt Waverly Everett St. Johns Jackson Northwest Muskegon Heights Owosso Mason Eastern COACH

[ 2 ] No scoring zone

Lesser known perhaps, but nearly as impressive, Sexton’s linebacking corp returns three starters including all-league honorable mentions Ware and Dominique Hoyle. Junior Kyren Kemp is also a returning starter in that group and showed lots of potential at times last season. Bisbee is at nose guard in front of them, giving the Big Reds eight starters back total for a defense that gave up just 18 points per game last season.

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Picking his way: Running back Anthony Goodman ﬁnds some room last season against Eastern.

Down you go: Returning safety Greg Scott (left) lays a hit on Nick Grider of St. Johns after Grider made a reception in their game last season. Scott is part of an experienced Big Reds secondary. KEVIN W. FOWLER For the Lansing State Journal

NAME

1 Onaje Miller 2 Dominique Hoyle 3 Jerrett Walker 4 De’Aaron Williams 5 Anthony Goodman 6 Mike Scott 7 Willie Dillard 8 Justin Fuqua 9 Kyren Kemp 10 Tyree Burton 12 Nick Spearman 13 Herman Mason 15 Johnnie Buck 16 Koﬁ Hobson 18 James Duncan 20 Derrick Wallace 21 Greg Scott 22 Camryn Bass 23 Terrence Wright 25 Kendall Jackson 44 Anthony Clemmons 45 Deon Fondern 51 Alfredo Delacruz 52 Corey Ware 54 Brandon Volker 55 Daniel Mammah 56 Nahkiem Cotton 58 Evan Gelina 60 Bryan Xiong 67 Mikel Williams 75 Desmond Crayton 77 DaMarco Bisbee 82 Ellis Chapman 88 Jaron McKinney *Returning starters are shaded.

POS.

YR.

RB/LB FB/LB TE/DL WR WR/RB/DB WR/LB QB WR/DB FB/LB WR K WR WR WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 10 — Record: 204-132 (.607) League titles: 10 — Playoff berths: 12 Extra points: The Big Reds had 14 straight winning seasons from 1981-94. Twice during that span they won 10 games, and ﬁve times they were outright or co-CAC champs.

GAME TO WATCH

Friday

Owosso Trojans

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

owosso.k12.mi.us

OPPONENT

PLACE

Corunna Mason Jackson Northwest Waverly Flint Northwestern Eastern Sexton St. Johns East Lansing

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

[August 25, 2010]

Owosso at Corunna

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

# NAME

FOURCAST [1] Familiar face

[ 2 ] Air show

Offensive recovery could start through the air, with senior quarterback Garrett Barnes back after registering among area leaders with 1,237 yards passing last season. Also back are top receivers Tyler Jones and Jordan Weekley, both all-league selections a year ago. Jones actually plays all over the ﬁeld, also starting at safety, kicker and punter.

Tom Harkema w Age: 58

w Playing experience: Owosso

High 1973, Grand Valley State 1975-76 w Coaching experience: Dexter 1980, Owosso 1988-98. w Career record: 50-58 w Full-time job: Owosso High math and physical education teacher. w Assistant coaches: Greg Freeman, Nick Davis, Mike Brooks, Burt Edington, Marvin Freed, Ron Lawton, Kenney Geoghegan.

[ 3 ] Ballhawking ’backers

Linebackers Alex Garcia and Derek Compeau were the team’s second- and third-leading tacklers, respectively, a year ago and should help key a defensive revival. Defensive end Nick Zemcik earned an all-league honorable mention. He and Garcia are seniors, and Compeau is a junior.

[4 ] Grow up fast

Owosso’s success might revolve around an offensive line that returns senior Nathan Bigelow (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) and junior Hunter Simmons (6-0, 200), but is inexperienced otherwise. Junior Matt Thornton should provide a big boost, though, at 6-4 and 270 pounds.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

— Geoff Kimmerly LAST YEAR

Tough times

Owosso ﬁnished 1-8 for the fourth straight season, and the offense struggled badly with 101 total points — the Trojans’ fewest since 1987. The lone win came by a point over Jackson Northwest, allowing Owosso to tie for fourth in the CAAC Red. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 41 — Record: 123-193 (.389) League titles: 1 — Playoff berths: 1 Extra points: The Trojans’ most signiﬁcant season of the playoff era was easily 2001, when they split the Mid-Michigan A title with St. Johns and earned their lone playoff berth.

TRICIA BOBEDA/Lansing State Journal

Listen up: Owosso coach Tom Harkema talks to his players at practice. Harkema is back as the head coach after previously running the program from 1988-98.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

After nine seasons as an assistant, Tom Harkema is back as the head coach after previously running the show from 1988-98 and winning a school-best 50 games (along with 49 losses, also the most for any coach). That 11-year tenure was longer than any other Owosso head coach. Like last time, Harkema takes over a team coming off a 1-8 season. But his 1988 team went 7-2, one of four winners during his ﬁrst stint. Owosso has had just one winning season since — the year he returned as an assistant in 2001.

COACH

YR.

CAAC Red

TRICIA BOBEDA/Lansing State Journal

Getting ready: The Trojans run through offensive drills during practice. Senior QB Garrett Barnes returns after passing for 1,237 yards last season.

POS.

7 Alex Garcia FB/LB 9 Tyler Jones TB/S 11 Jake Zemcik WR/DE 12 Garrett Barnes QB/DE 14 Jordan Weekley TE/LB 15 Jared Jackson QB/DE 16 Tyler Herritt WR/S 18 Justin Constine WR/SS 20 Dylan Warner WR/SS 21 Frankie Samson FB/DE 22 Gunnar Edington WR/SS 24 Derek Compeau FB/LB 25 Jon Wing WR/C 26 Jake Remenec TB/C 31 Micah Johnson FB/NG 37 Mike Schutt WR/C 40 Curtis Wisterman FB/DT 50 Hunter Simmons G/DT 51 Nathan Bigelow G/LB 52 Dtkab Hathaway G/DT 53 Ian Johnson G/LB 60 Alex Vallie DT/T 64 Matt Freeman T/DT 65 Mike Morel G/DT 68 Dustin Wisenbaugh T/DT 70 Matt Thornton T/DT 72 Ryan Stechschutle T/DT 75 James Pavwoski C/DT 78 Steve Smith T/DT 79 Thomas Pokorny T/DT 81 Nate Hall WR/C 82 Matt Guyski TE/DE 85 Nick Zemcik TE/C 86 John Stickel K 87 Tyler Austin WR/C 88 Justin Phillips WR/C 89 Brent Gunsell WR/S *Returning starters are shaded.

GAME TO WATCH

Mason Bulldogs

[August 25, 2010]

Sexton at Mason

Oct. 15

With power: Mason running back Saylor LaVallii drags a St. Johns defender into the end zone during the Bulldogs’ win over the Redwings last season. LaVallii and teammate Ben Hinamanu are back after combining for nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns last season.

Jerry VanHavel w Age: 45

w Playing experience:

Morenci 1979-82, University of Toledo 1983-84, Hillsdale College 1985-87 w Coaching experience: Mason 1991-present w Career record: 115-67 w Full-time job: Mason Middle School English and physical education teacher w Assistant coaches: Steve Shuptar, Ted Main, Pat Hayhoe, Jeff Pitman LAST YEAR

CAAC Red

Championship effort

Mason scored at least 35 points in each of its first five games and finished 8-2, tied for the CAAC Red title. They missed winning it outright only by a one-point OT loss to Sexton.

FOURCAST [1] Quality and quantity

Mason has just four starters back on offense and ﬁve on defense, but those players combined for eight all-league selections last fall. And this season’s Bulldogs total 45 players — seven more than at this point last season.

AL GOLDIS For the Lansing State Journal

[ 3 ] Stingier than ever

Standouts also return for a defense that gave up just 12.2 points per game, Mason’s best showing since 1998. Defensive backs Hinamanu and senior Sean Wren — also a three-year starter at receiver — were all-league. So was junior linebacker Connor — Geoff Kimmerly Holbrook, despite playing through injury. Seniors Ethan Dunsmore and Lance Craft LAST 35 YEARS return after earning all-league honors on the LSJ rank: 21 — Record: 172-155 (.526) line, and senior linebacker Austin Barr also League titles: 7 — Playoff berths: 9 started two games a year ago.

[4 ] Toughen up

Dunsmore is a four-year varsity player and

uck L d o Go n Spor ts Masoeams! T The “24 Hour Pharmacy”

Extra points: The Bulldogs had seven winning seasons in eight years from 2002 through last fall, including nine-win seasons in 2002 and 2008. The string included three league titles.

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away

ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

YR.

2 Thomas McNamara 5 Hunter Kinney 6 Connor Holbrook 7 Ryan Joseph 8 Sean Wren 9 Chris Gardner 10 Ian Way 12 Blake Pierce 16 Jakob Somerville 20 Kyle Brunner 22 Ben Hinamanu 23 Kyle Owens 26 Austin Barr 27 Eric Nelson 33 Saylor LaVallii 34 Luke Richards 39 Nathan Rice 40 Logan Fitchett 41 Cody Jordan 44 Blake Cook 45 John Sainz 49 Jeff Smith 50 Charlie McNulty 54 John Noonan 55 Ethan Dunsmore 56 Lance Craft 58 Luke Hughson 60 Zach Aldrich 61 Grant Rasmussen 63 Luke Schunk 66 Alek Guettler 68 Tanner Roe 69 Cameron Hass 72 Shane Johnson 73 Brad Kennihan 74 Brad Spicer 75 Adam Robinson 77 Jorden Harris 78 Charles Alley 80 Jon Geer 81 Nick Smith 83 Daniel Couchenour 88 John Scavarda 99 Jacob Derby *Returning starters are shaded.

QB/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TB/DB WR/DB TB/DB WR/DE TB/DB FB/LB TE/DE WR/DB TE/DE FB/LB WR/LB TB/LB OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DE WR/DE WR/DB K

Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

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PLACE

Ypsilanti Lincoln Owosso Waverly Okemos St. Johns Jackson Northwest Muskegon Heights Sexton Eaton Rapids

Bring this coupon in for

LJ-0100031235

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

The youngest part of last year’s team was the offensive backﬁeld, and now it could be the best part. Junior Saylor LaVallii and senior Ben Hinamanu are back after combining to run for nearly 1,400 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Junior quarterback Thomas McNamara ran for 300

keys both lines, and Craft plays guard on offense. But there will be plenty of new contributors in the trenches. One to watch is junior two-way lineman Adam Robinson — although he’s not new, just newly returned. He played on varsity two years ago but was hurt last season. At 6-foot-1 and 260 pounds, he is one of mid-Michigan’s top heavyweight wrestlers.

yards and six touchdowns and should be much improved throwing the ball.

[ 2 ] Back in the backﬁeld

LJ-0100031232

DATE

mason.k12.mi.us

COACH

304 S. Jefferson, Mason Beautiful Downtown Mason

SCHEDULE

439 S. Cedar Mason | 676-2987

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 2

web.waverly.k12.mi.us

ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

YR. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

w Age: 30

• Playing experience: Alma High 1994-97, Albion College 1998-2001 • Coaching experience: Waverly 2006-present • Career record: 6-30 • Full-time job: Waverly High government and history teacher • Assistant coaches: Don Dimick, Mike Wallace, Ryan Cotton, Jim Kilfoyle, Todd Simon, Dave Pike, Josh Palmer, Ronnie Roper, Anthony Walker, Brian Thompson, Pete Sherry. LAST YEAR

Injury bug hits again

After six straight losing seasons, Waverly is working just as much on its mental approach and conﬁdence as its physical training. But with eight

returning senior starters — receivers/ defensive backs Tony Henry, Sean Smith, Larry Trice and Kendall Vincent are the others — the Warriors enter this season with an adjusted outlook. Junior running back/linebacker Alex Canady, a sophomore call-up in 2009, is expected to also provide leadership.

[ 3 ] Runners return

The Warriors must establish a reliable ground game after six backs shared the load last season. Leading rusher Jordan Martin is back as a junior after making the all-league team, and so is senior Amari Kelley after a dislocated knee kept him from a junior season full of high expectations. Both have plenty of ability and could provide an intriguing one-two punch.

For the second straight fall, injuries decimated the Warriors and they ﬁnished 1-8. At one point, there were more sophomores than seniors in the starting lineup, although Waverly’s lone win over Owosso allowed for a tie for fourth in the CAAC Red.

[4 ] Front and center

That running game and the offense as a whole will beneﬁt from a line led by Ahmeti (6-foot-6, 285 pounds) and Roath (6-3, 215), both all-leaguers last season. Peruchietti (5-10, 205) and junior Erick Jackson (5-7, 215) add to the starting experience along the line. Ahmeti has verbally committed to Central Michigan. — Geoff Kimmerly LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 38 — Record: 90-226-1 (.285) League titles: 1 — Playoff berths: 2 Extra points: The Warriors’ points came almost VALERIE KNIFFEN/Lansing Community Newspapers entirely from the 1982 season. That’s when they claimed their lone league title of the playoff era, in Battle-tested: Quarterback Justin Wray is one the Capital Area Conference, and earned one of two of the Warriors’ 15 returning starters, which postseason berths. includes eight on the offensive side of the ball.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] Warrior pride

Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away

Chris Huff

VALERIE KNIFFEN/Lansing Community Newspapers

Two seasons of struggles have allowed a number of underclassmen to contribute. One result is six returning starters in their third varsity seasons — senior linemen Ramadan Ahmeti and James Roath, junior offensive lineman/linebacker Payne Peruchietti, senior quarterback Justin Wray and senior running backs/linebackers Grant Evans and Amari Kelley. In total, eight starters are back on offense and seven on defense.

Okemos Sexton Mason Owosso Grand Ledge St. Johns Jackson Northwest Holly Everett

PLACE

COACH

Six in sight: Waverly linebacker Payne Peruchietti celebrates on his way to a touchdown last season.

FOURCAST [1] Their time to shine

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

CAAC Red

1 Jordan Martin RB/LB 2 Sean Smith WR/DB 3 Cameron McIntyre-Jordan RB/DB 5 Justin Wray QB 7 Jaime Rivera QB 8 Ryan Mazurek WR/DB 9 Aaron Mays WR/DB 11 Larry Trice WR/DB 12 Alante Sims WR/DB 15 Nigel Flanagan WR/DB 17 Tony Henry WR/DB 19 Dee Roberts RB/LB 20 Anthony McCloud RB/DB 21 Marquet Prophet WR/DB 22 Alex Canady RB/LB 23 Kendall Vincent WR/DB 24 Carlos Fountain WR/DB 27 Amari Kelley RB/LB 32 Teiran McDaniel RB/DL 34 Juan Marin RB/DB 35 Matt Major OL/LB 36 Grant Evans DL/TE 50 Dan Richardson OL/LB 51 Dominic Roy OL/DL OL/DL 52 Anthony Booker 53 Tony Obregon OL/DL 54 Payne Peruchietti OL/LB 55 Erick Jackson OL/DL 56 Ramsey Seville OL/DL 59 Antwan Whitehorn OL/DL 60 James Roath OL/DL 64 Jordin King OL/DL 71 Andrew Kenger OL/DL 75 Chris Fralick OL/DL 77 Ramadan Ahmeti OL/DL 90 Andre Morehouse OL/DL 92 Keagan Gottchalk OL/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

DATE

[August 25, 2010]

Waverly Warriors

Waverly at Sexton

SCHEDULE

GAME TO WATCH

St. Johns Redwings

[August 25, 2010]

St. Johns at Mason

Sept. 24

# NAME

www.stjohns.edzone.net

SCHEDULE

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Charlotte Jackson Northwest Fenton Sexton Mason Waverly East Lansing Owosso DeWitt

Straight ahead: St. Johns’ Mason Sauls looks for room against Sexton last season. Sauls is one of three returning starters for the Redwings at running back, along with Colin Wilson and Tim Moinet.

PLACE

Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away CMU

COACH

Dave Mariage

CAAC Red

w Age: 47

• Playing experience: East Lansing 1979-80, Albion College 1981-84 • Coaching experience: Springport 1994-96, St. Johns 2000-present • Career record: 77-54 • Full-time job: St. Johns High economics and government teacher • Assistant coaches: John Archambault, Mike Maloney, Russ Waggoner, Jake Parker, Mark Burnash, Rick LaBar, Andy Schmitt, Matt Woodhams.

KEVIN W. FOWLER For the Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Tradition of toughness

LAST YEAR

Earning a share

St. Johns turned a big win over Sexton into a share of the CAAC Red title. The Redwings ﬁnished 6-4 and advanced to the postseason for the second straight year. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 14 — Record: 192-138 (.582) League titles: 10 — Playoff berths: 9 Extra points: The highlight of the playoff era was surely the state ﬁnal run of 2004. St. Johns set a school record for wins with 11 before falling to Lowell in the title game.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

ROSTER

St. Johns will work to recapture its physical reputation of years past, and it could start with a large group of veteran offensive linemen. Senior Taylor Pemberton (6-foot, 220 pounds) was an all-league offensive guard and also started at defensive tackle last season. Senior Aaron Fedewa (6-0, 250) started at defensive tackle and part-time at guard, and seniors Jordan Waeiss (6-1, 255) and Trevor Kramer (6-5, 220) also are back on the offensive line. Senior Justin Janeski (6-5, 305) is another big body on the offensive line.

[ 2 ] Speed and power

St. Johns could have its most complete set of running backs in recent memory with returning starters Colin Wilson, Tim Moinet

(both seniors) and junior Mason Sauls. They give the Wing-T scheme a variety of fast, powerful options and should get a hand from junior Andrew Mullikin as well. Junior Brad Cordes steps in at quarterback and must bring balance with the passing game.

[ 3 ] Safety valves

Half of the Redwings’ opponents last season were playoff teams, and St. Johns struggled defensively in those games. But they’ve got a solid base for improvement this fall with Wilson, a returning all-league linebacker, and the speedy Moinet (also all-league) and junior Austin Koneval manning the safety spots. Senior Taylor Ladisky and junior Bo Moore are also expected to contribute in the defensive backﬁeld.

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Any defensive improvement could start

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.

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YR.

with more physical play — in particular by stopping the run. Senior Cody Garlock (6-3, 255) is a returning all-leaguer at defensive end. Juniors Kris Lindquist (6-2, 205) and Zach Bramble (6-3, 225) are expected to help ﬁll in on the front. — Geoff Kimmerly

[4 ] Let’s get physical

Carson City Hospital

POS.

2 Andrew Mullikin FB/LB 3 Mason Sauls FB/LB 4 Camron Spiece RB/DB 5 Logan Smith SE/DB 7 Fredrik Boijer RB/LB 10 Brad Cordes QB/DB 11 Taylor Ladisky RB/DB 12 Cooper Davis SE/DB 14 Tyler Curtis SE/DB 15 Devon Harkness SE/DB 20 Colin Wilson RB/QB 21 Tim Moinet RB/DB 22 Alex Zuker RB/LB 23 Austin Koneval RB/DB 25 Bo Moore SE/DB 30 Andrew Flegler FB/DB 33 John Eaton TE/LB 34 Quintin Bierstetel SE/DB 40 Nicholas Lawless FB/LB 44 Tyler Rademacher TE/DL 52 Ryan Love OT/DL 53 Conrado Dominguez C/OG/LB 55 Cody Garlock OT/DL 57 Scott Ketchum C/OG/LB 58 Jarod Collier OG/DL OG/DL 61 Michael Weber 63 Nicholas Theis OT/DL 64 Taylor Pemberton OG/DL 65 John Rosner OT/DL 66 Clint Hinze OT/DL 70 Taylor Parker OT/DL 71 Aaron Fedewa OG/DL 72 Jordan Waeiss OT/DL 74 Anthony Peele OG/DL 75 Trevor Kramer OG/DL 76 Rosalio Rodriguez OT/DL 79 Justin Janeski OT/DL 80 Charles Scruggs TE/DL 81 Kris Lindquist TE/DL 83 Zach Bramble TE/DL 85 Dylan Thelen SE/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

• Athletic training / injury prevention services for St. Johns High School • Board-certified orthopedic surgeons and certified athletic trainers • 12,000 square-foot facility • State-of-the-art fitness equipment • Physical, occupational and speech therapy programs

Sparrow Clinton Hospital Physical Therapy & Fitness Center

Southpoint Mall • 1079 South US 27 • St. Johns 0100030776

989.224.1575

GAME TO WATCH

Friday

Charlotte Orioles

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

www.charlottenet.org

Ganging up: Charlotte linebacker Patrick Eldred (12) closes in to help his teammates bring down an Ionia ballcarrier last season. Eldred was an all-league honorable mention selection as a sophomore.

# NAME

Junior Chase DeBack started every game at right tackle last season in earning an all-league honorable mention, and he measures in at 6-foot-7 and 300 pounds. Junior center Jake Walker (6-1, 240) also is a returning starter and is the smallest of a line that will average 275 pounds. Others expected to join the group are seniors Dane

FRANK SILVAS Lansing Community Newspapewrs

Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away

DeWitt and the Orioles allowed a respectable 20.5 points per game last season. Junior linebacker Patrick Eldred was among the area leaders in tackles in earning an all-league honorable mention. Senior nose guard Josh Miller and senior defensive back Justin Holman also are returning starters and two of this season’s three captains.

Eddie Ostipow w Age: 36

w Playing experience: Owosso

1990-91

w Coaching experience: Charlotte

1999-2004, 2008-present; East Kentwood 2005-2007 w Career record: 65-44 w Full-time job: Charlotte social studies and physical education teacher w Assistant coaches: Tom Sneckenberg, Eric Emery, Ben Sherman.

[4 ] Skilled under ﬁre

POS.

YR.

QB/DB So. WR/QB/DB Jr. K/P Sr. SLOT/DB So. WR/SLOT/DBSr. WR/DB Sr. OB/TE/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. SLOT/K/P Jr. FB/LB Sr. FB/LB Sr. SLOT/DB Sr. SLOT/DB Sr. FB/LB So. FB/LB So. OL/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Jr. TE/DL/LB Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL So.

LAST YEAR

Senior receiver Bret Thomas is the third returning all-league honorable mention, but he’s also the only skill position starter back for what traditionally is a high-scoring offense. Sophomore Ryan Bartolacci stands to take over at quarterback, and senior receiver KC Reynolds is the third team captain and among those who could be a key offensive component.

McGill (6-3, 260) and Garrett Mikesell (6-2, 275) and junior Matt Stair (6-2, 280).

2 Ryan Bartolacci 5 Aubrey Parrish 6 Jake Barnett 8 Kevin Jalilian 9 KC Reynolds 10 Bret Thomas 12 Patrick Eldred 15 Sid Romero 16 Curtis Long 18 Mickey Emmenheiser 20 Matt Goodrich 21 Ryne Wilson 24 Justin Holman 28 Hunter Challender 32 Anthony Charameda 51 Victor Harris 52 Josh Miller 55 Dane McGill 57 Dustin Bevins 58 Jake Walker 59 Dan Schumacher 71 Matt Stair 75 Garrett Mikesell 77 Tyler Palmatier 79 Chase DeBack 80 Pat Granning *Returning starers are shaded.

One win short

The Orioles won three straight to end the season 5-4, missing the playoffs by a game, and ﬁnished tied for third in the CAAC Gold. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 20 — Record: 173-157-1 (.524) League titles: 6 — Playoff berths: 7 Extra points: The Orioles won consecutive league titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The — Geoff Kimmerly 2004 team reached the Division 3 semiﬁnals.

[ 3 ] Orange rush

Subtract 56 points put up by state power

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310 Lansing St. Charlotte

543-7438

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Veteran stalwart: Charlotte senior defensive back Justin Holman (24), shown making a tackle against Perry last season, is a returning starter and a captain for the Orioles.

COACH

LJ-0100031644

[ 2 ] Row of houses

St. Johns Berkley Eaton Rapids Fowlerville DeWitt Ionia Haslett Corunna Tecumseh

CAAC Gold

Charlotte returns just three starters on each side of the ball this fall. The good news is that half of those players earned all-league honorable mention last season. But it also means there are plenty of opportunities for a large group of juniors and sophomores who must make signiﬁcant contributions.

PLACE

ROSTER

FRANK SILVAS Lansing Community Newspapers

FOURCAST [1] Few but ﬁerce

OPPONENT

[August 25, 2010]

St. Johns at Charlotte

SCHEDULE

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Prep Football | CAAC Gold

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Eaton Rapids at Charlotte

Sept. 10

Eaton Rapids Greyhounds www.erpsk12.org

COACH

Bob Ribby w Age: 38

• Playing experience: Eaton Rapids 1986-89, Michigan State 1990-93 • Coaching experience: Eaton Rapids 2007- present • Career record: 2-25 • Full-time job: Eaton Rapids High physical education teacher • Assistant coaches: Dewayne Smith, Dan Ribby, Craig Benton, Jamy Marske, Mark Baker, Gabe Cooper, Travis Elsenheimer, Dave Lynch, Erik Smith.

BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal

Full stride: Sophomore running back Mike Kitsmiller carries the ball during practice earlier this month.

FOURCAST [1] Receiver to passer

Senior Blake Marsh was an all-league honorable mention receiver last season, but he will slide over to quarterback this fall. He’ll be surrounded by players also adjusting on the ﬂy as one of just three returnees who started on offense a year ago. The good news is six of his receivers are returning letterwinners. Senior Mitch Smith is in his third season at fullback and a physical option as the team works to replace its top three rushers from 2009. Senior Mike Nealey is

Summer school: Eaton Rapids coach Bob Ribby yells out instructions to his players. Ribby and the Greyhounds are looking to bounce back from a 1-8 record last season. BILL MCLEOD Lansing State Journal

PLACE

Williamston Lakewood Charlotte DeWitt Ionia Haslett Fowlerville Portland Mason

Away Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Home

ROSTER

One early, but only one

[ 2 ] Power ball

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

# NAME

LAST YEAR

The Greyhounds were 1-1 after a Week 2 win over Lakewood, and nearly made it a 2-1 start before losing to Charlotte by seven the next week. Eaton Rapids ended up 1-8 for the fourth time in six seasons, and sixth in the CAAC Gold.

SCHEDULE

DATE

a returning starter on the offensive line in front of him.

[ 3 ] Got your back(ers)

There is little experience on defense, but all three returning starters are linebackers. Junior Kannon McVicker earned an all-league honorable mention last season. Senior Brenin Richardson and junior Garrett Johnson also got starts in 2009.

[4 ] Familiar, not easy

favorites Portland and Williamston in its nonleague schedule, along with what should be an improved Lakewood. And the Gold is one of the state’s most competitive Class B leagues, with DeWitt, Haslett and, perhaps, Fowlerville good possibilities to be ranked early on. —Geoff Kimmerly LAST 35 YEARS

The Greyhounds face the same slate of opponents as last year, and ﬁve of those teams went on to the playoffs. This fall, Eaton Rapids again will face CAAC Red contender Mason and CAAC White

LSJ rank: 43 — Record: 107-206-2 (.342) League titles: 0 — Playoff berths: 0 Extra points: Yes, the Greyhounds have struggled. But there is positive history here, too. Over the ﬁrst 11 years of the playoff era, Eaton Rapids ﬁnished runner-up in the Capital Circuit four times.

Go Greyhounds! GLENN BUEGE CHEVROLET, INC. 1606 S. MAIN ST. EATON RAPIDS, MI 48827

LJ-0100032278

POS.

4 Jacob Angel-Williams TE 5 Mike Kitsmiller RB 6 Blake Marsh QB 7 Austin Bancroft WR 8 Matt Althouse REC 10 Derek Morris WR 11 Cam Warner WR 12 Brandon Siple WR 14 Jacob Masteller K 15 Jacob Diehl RB 16 Jacob Norris WR 17 Sean Langford WR 22 Jason Gay DB 25 Sean Bischoff RB 32 Kannon McVicker LB 33 Selby Sanchez DE 34 Cody MacArthur DB 40 Zack Duling WR 50 Cameron Love OL 51 Thomas Grifﬁth DL 52 Mike Nealey OL/DL 55 Garrett Johnson LB 56 Jared Bolan LB 58 Brenin Richardson LB 59 David Grifﬁth LB 60 Jason Kibiloski C 61 Cody Whalen DL 62 Dustin Davies OL 65 David Hidy DE 67 Justin Bray OL 70 Jesse Priest OL 75 Ryan Thomas OL 77 Tyler Klien OL 80 Chase Richey WR 85 Andrew Stine DB 87 Radian Miller WR 90 Mitch Smith FB 95 Sage Miller WR *Returning starters are shaded.

PH. 517-663-8111 Fax 517-663-1157 www.glennbuege.com

YR. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

GAME TO WATCH

Friday

DeWitt Panthers dewittschools.net

Big switch: Senior Caleb Higbie moves from wide receiver to take the reins of the Panther offense at quarterback this season. Higbie also starts on defense as a defensive back for DeWitt, which is coming off a 12-1 season in which it reached the Division 3 state semiﬁnals.

[ 2 ] Tradition lives on

[ 3 ] Playing catch-up

That’s what opponents could be doing most of this fall. The Panthers have 17 players who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds or quicker. DeWitt scored 44.5 points per game last season, and there’s no question that speed will be used to put points on the board again this fall.

Eastern Portland Haslett Eaton Rapids Charlotte Fowlerville Ionia Lakewood St. Johns

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home CMU

# NAME

COACH

Rob Zimmerman w Age: 44

• Playing experience: Perry 1980-83, Northwood 1984, Central Michigan 1985-86 • Coaching experience: Cedar Springs 1996-98, DeWitt 1999-present • Career record: 113-46 • Full-time job: DeWitt High social studies and physical education teacher • Assistant coaches: Bob Acre, John Vertalka, Kyle Haskell, Tim Williams, David Wolff, Cole Thelen, Tyler Thelen, Kendall Crockett, Philip Wilson

YR. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Sustained excellence

[4 ] Fast D-velopment

Senior Jacob Higbie at cornerback and senior defensive lineman Dylan Keener also join Caleb Higbie and Johnson (also a cornerback) among returning starters on that side of the ball. The defense will get tested immediately by a fast Eastern team and tough runners in Portland and Haslett over the ﬁrst three weeks. Senior Jordan Copeland (6-foot-3, 280) should provide a boost after splitting time on the defensive line last year and starting three games on offense, too. — Geoff Kimmerly

POS.

2 Ryan Potrykus WR/DB 3 Zachariah Acre QB/DB 4 Jacob Higbie WR/DB 5 Levi Sims RB/DB 6 Ethan Rennaker RB/LB 7 Jordon Fletcher WR/DB 9 Max Alverson WR/DB 10 Collin Rennaker WR/DB 11 Jordan Wallace WR/DB 12 Caleb Higbie QB/DB 15 Uriah Rogers WR/DB 18 Kevin Kinney WR/DB 20 Timothy Park K 21 Nathaniel Deak RB/LB 22 Brian Moore RB/LB 23 Jordan Johnson WR/DB 24 Justyn McNett RB/LB 25 Ryan Wieber WR/DB 27 Michael Cappelletti OL/DL 28 Logan Minix RB/LB 32 John Wyman RB/LB 33 Gavin Baum-Blake RB/LB 50 Trey Williams OL/DL 54 Alex Harless OL/LB 55 Dylan Keener OL/DL 56 Robert Ankney OL/DL 59 Stephen Ashbrook OL/DL 62 Alec Puffenberger OL/DL 64 Andrew Fox OL/DL 65 Ian Fitzner OL/DL 66 Sam Brown OL/DL 68 JL Purves OL/DL 70 Calvin Manitowabi OL/DL 71 Mark Conway OL/DL 74 Ryan Earley OL/DL 77 Jordan Copeland OL/DL 78 Collin Flegler OL/DL 84 Luke Pabst OL/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

DeWitt finished 12-1 to end the decade 102-21 and won a fourth-straight league championship as well. The Panthers’ first and only loss came against Orchard Lake St. Mary in a Division 3 state semifinal. LAST 35 YEARS

KEVIN W. FOWLER/For the Lansing State Journal

Running wild: DeWitt senior running back Nathaniel Deak rushed for 1,311 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. He was a State Journal ﬁrst team all-area selection and will be starting for his third season with the Panthers.

LSJ rank: 3 — Record: 250-111 (.692) League titles: 15 — Playoff berths: 16 Extra points: The last decade shot the Panthers up our LSJ rankings substantially, thanks to a 102-21 record, seven of those league titles, nine of those playoff berths and three state runner-up ﬁnishes. DeWitt is tied for ﬁrst in the area with 15 league titles total during the playoff era.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

DeWitt churns out star quarterbacks like few other area programs, and senior Caleb Higbie is quickly looking like the next after moving over from receiver after last fall. He was also an all-league defensive back.

PLACE

CAAC Gold

This is a reloading season for DeWitt at many positions, with only four starters back on both sides of the ball. But few, if any, teams return a running back-receiver duo like seniors Nathaniel Deak and Jordan Johnson. Deak was an all-area pick last season in running for 1,311 yards and 24 touchdowns, and Johnson made the all-area Dream Team with 59 catches for 925 yards and 15 touchdowns.

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

ROSTER

KEVIN W. FOWLER For the Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Familiar faces

DATE

[August 25, 2010]

Eastern at DeWitt

SCHEDULE

CAAC Gold

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Fowlerville Gladiators

Fowlerville at Lan. Catholic

Sept. 2

www.fvl.k12.mi.us

ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

1 Josh Sefton FB/LB 2 Andrew Kubiak WR/DB 3 Chad Soja WR/DB 4 Colin Boak QB/DB 5 Sean Sobocinski WR/DB 7 Ryan Balazy WR/DB 8 Garrett Pilachowski TE/LB 9 Zac Walton TE/LB 10 Kevin Campbell WR/DB 11 Nate Wilkinson TB/DB 12 Brian Lauer FB/NG 14 Dustin Hoskins TE/LB 15 Tim Wedesky QB/DB 20 Dan Pringle FB/LB 21 Lawerence Love TB/DB 22 Alex Fluegel WR/DL 23 Travis Richards FB/LB 30 Jacob Wietecha TB/DB 32 Jacob Gaines WR/DB 40 Jordan Jabara FB/LB 44 Tyler Lichlyter WR/DB 50 Dustin Macjewski OL/DL 51 Erik Obodzinski OL/LB 52 John Riley OL/DL 55 Tom Showerman OL/LB 56 Alex Dziurgot OL/LB 60 Adam Stock OL/DL 64 Adam Coon OL/DL 64 Adam Fluegel OL/DL 65 Jacob McFarland OL/DL 66 Garrett Tomlin OL/DL 70 Billy Behe OL/LB 71 John Vandervelde OL/DL 73 Joe Foldenauer OL/DL 74 Zac Petersen OL/DL 75 Steve Chapdelaine OL/DL 77 Ethan Gibbons OL/DL 79 Alex Nielsen OL/DL 80 Brian Moran TE/LB 82 Cody Kelly WR/DB 88 Josh Evans TE/LB *Returning starters are shaded.

YR.

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [1] Lots on the line

Seniors Tom Showerman (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) and Ethan Gibbons (6-0, 220) are three-year starters, returning all-leaguers and this fall’s team captains. Sophomore Adam Coon (6-5, 230) and senior all-leaguer Billy Behe (6-4, 235) are also back in the lineup for an offense that improved more than a touchdown per game in 2009.

[ 2 ] Junior jump-start

Quarterback Tim Wedesky threw for more than 700 yards on varsity as a sophomore last season, and fullback Josh Sefton was the team’s leading scorer with 12 touchdowns, also as a 10th grader. Seniors Nate Wilkinson,

SCHEDULE

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Capac Lansing Catholic Ionia Charlotte Haslett DeWitt Eaton Rapids Traverse City Central Corunna

PLACE

Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home

COACH

Jack Wallace w Age: 51

• Playing experience: Southgate Aquinas 1970-74, Olivet College 1974-78 • Coaching experience: Fowlerville 1980-present • Career record: 184-95 • Full-time job: Fowlerville physical education teacher • Assistant coaches: Matt Copeland, Jeff Ruttman, Tyler Ferris LAST YEAR

Back in the race

After a one-year absence, Fowlerville returned to the playoffs with an 8-2 record and ﬁnished second in the CAAC Gold with just one league loss (to DeWitt). LAST 35 YEARS

Courtesy of Livingston County Daily Press & Argus

Time running out: Junior quarterback Tim Wedesky returns after passing for more than 700 yards as a sophomore. The Gladiators went 8-2 and ﬁnished second to DeWitt in the CAAC Gold.

Travis Richards and junior Jacob Wietecha are among others who will carry the ball, and seniors Ryan Balazy and Alex Fluegel will contribute at receiver.

Surehanded: Fowlerville senior Nate Wilkinson (right) hands off to junior Sean Sobocinski on a reverse play during practice last week.

[ 3 ] Two-way terrors

Four offensive starters also started on defense last season — all-league defensive linemen Coon and Gibbons, all-league linebacker Showerman and nose guard Sefton. Junior defensive backs Chad Soja and Lawrence Love also are returning starters.

[4 ] Road warriors

The Gladiators have an added challenge in getting off to a fast start — a two-hour trip on opening night to Capac, followed by a stop at Lansing

LSJ rank: 15 — Record: 201-127 (.613) League titles: 8 — Playoff berths: 9 Extra points: The Gladiators won a school-record 10 games in both 2003 and 2006, the second time advancing to the Division 3 semiﬁnals despite ﬁnishing third in the CAAC-3. Unfortunately, both runs ended against power Farmington Hills Harrison.

DAVID OLDS For the Lansing State Journal

Catholic and then by another long drive to Ionia. But coach Jack Wallace likes his team’s collective smarts and

competitive instinct. — Geoff Kimmerly

Sept. 10

DATE OPPONENT PLACE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

East Lansing Corunna DeWitt Ionia Fowlerville Eaton Rapids Charlotte Williamston Okemos

Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away

COACH

Charlie Otlewski w Age: 44

LAST YEAR

Streak broken

[ 2 ] Where’s the ball?

Haslett’s Wing-T offense was once known for fakes that left defenders and fans alike trying to ﬁnd the ball, but that deception hasn’t been as crisp of late. Senior quarterback Zach Porritt and senior running backs Jake Lampman, Jake Schaibly and Kwane Shacks all started last year, and senior Alek Wroblak has played both quarterback and running back over the past two seasons. Junior Adam Foren won the quarterback job in camp, a

three-year starter at 6-1 and 255. Seniors Andrew Heinz and Jake Hampton and junior Conor Chadwell round out returning line starters, and seniors Ryan Chrisman and Ray McNamara rotated at tight end in 2009. — Geoff Kimmerly

testament to how strong that position should be this fall. Schaibly was all-league in 2009, and Lampman was an honorable mention.

[ 3 ] Restore the D

[4 ] Building blocks

Go Vikings! Go Vikings! Go Vikings!

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 8 Record: 198-140 (.586) League titles: 7 Playoff berths: 12 Extra points: A run of 11 straight playoff seasons that ended just last fall included four seasons with at least 10 wins, ﬁve league titles and state runner-up ﬁnishes in 1998 and 2005.

Haslett graduated all-league linemen Jamie Burns and Brian Norris, but the Vikings got junior Arthur Harris, a 6-foot-1, 304-pound transfer from Sexton. Junior Eric Vering (6-3, 245) is a starter on both lines, as is senior Ben Jackson (5-11, 200). Junior Billy Hastings is a

ROD SANFORD Lansing State Journal

Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Williams Carpet Shoptown Plaza, Haslett

LJ-0100032179

LJ-0100032122

339-4385

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

After 11 straight seasons with a playoff berth, Haslett missed out with a 5-4 record. The Vikings tied for third in the CAAC Gold and swallowed a seven-point loss to Fowlerville and 20-pointer to Charlotte

After a solid start last season, the defense struggled in league play. But Schaibly and senior Brett Allen were all-league linebackers, and Wroblak and senior Mike Gorman round out a speedy unit at that spot. Senior Josh Delaney should be one of the Gold’s top defenders overall after making all-league as a defensive back. He’s joined in the back by senior returning starter Toka Mwondela.

Two-way star: Senior Jake Schaibly (right) is back for his third year as a starter. He was an all-league selection last season as both a running back and a linebacker.

Players were in elementary school the last time Haslett missed the playoffs before last season, and that’s increased motivation heading into the fall. Add in 11 players with starting experience on offense and nine more on defense, and Haslett might be the most veteran team in mid-Michigan.

YR.

1 Marcus Jenks RB/OLB 2 Josh Delaney RB/DB 3 Rob Whitaker WR/RB 4 Adam Foren QB 5 Brett Allen WR/OLB 6 Mike Gorman TE/LB 7 Alek Wroblak RB/OLB 8 Jake Lampman RB/DB 9 Toka Mwondela RB/DB 10 Nick Mowid DB 11 Zach Porritt QB/DB 13 Ryan Laczynski TE/DB 14 Johnny LaRosa RB/LB 15 Ryan Chrisman TE/LB 16 Kyle Lofton QB 19 T.J. Ross WR/DB 20 Dan Salinez RB/OLB 21 Kwane Shacks RB/LB 22 Joe Varlesi RB/DB 23 Shane Heston DB 25 Brendan Semperger TE/LB 26 Adam Hewitt DB 28 Cody Chasse’ TE/DB 32 Kolby Casaday RB/OLB 33 Jake Schaibly RB/LB 34 Grifﬁn Kinder TE/LB 35 Steven Lott OLB 45 Rob Byrnes TE/LB 50 Lucas Lounds OL/LB 51 Conor Chadwell OL/DL 52 Billy Hastings OL/DL 53 Ray McNamara OL/DL 54 Paul Marvin OL/DL 55 Ben Jackson OL/DL 57 Andrew Heinz OL/DL 56 Logan Milliman OL/DL 59 Matt Lammers OL/LB 60 Jake Hampton OL/LB 62 Eric Vering OL/DL 65 Sal Garofalo OL/DL 66 Arthur Harris OL/DL 72 Payton Warner OL/DL 80 Zach Chasse TE/DB 81 Cory Smith TE/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

www.haslett.k12.mi.us

FOURCAST [1] High expectations

POS.

CAAC Gold

• Playing experience: Cheboygan 1980-83, Adrian College 1984-88 • Coaching experience: St. Ignace 1990-93, Haslett 1994-present • Career record: 144-58 • Full-time job: Haslett High U.S. history and weight training teacher • Assistant coaches: Jeff Woodworth, Nick Hamilton, Todd Bartley, Jonal Saint-Dic, Eric Bubolz.

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

Haslett Vikings

Haslett at DeWitt

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

GAME TO WATCH

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH Ionia at G.R. Forest Hills North.

Friday

SCHEDULE

Ionia Bulldogs

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

www.ionia.k12.mi.us

OPPONENT

GR Forest Hills Northern Williamston Fowlerville Haslett Eaton Rapids Charlotte DeWitt Lansing Catholic Lakewood

PLACE

Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home

ROSTER

CAAC Gold

2 4 6 7 8 11 12 14 20 22 24 28 30 31 32 34 44 52 55 58 61 63 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 75 81

Justin Shattuck Nathan Palchowski Ryan Massengale Christian Conrad Robbie Bledsoe Tommy White Jake Nelson Mike Bunting Jordan Sattler Tyler Walch Kendal Leonard Alex Connor-Wellman Brendan Borton Josh Snyder Jack Grieve Matt Hemenway Nick Dinehart Matt Lance Tom Rockwell Tyler Robinson Jay Miller Conner Bennett Luke Smalley Jordan Miller Dalton Speckin Ken Voet Kyler Johnston Garrett Smith Kyle Grummett Andy Deschaine Shane Ferris

POS.

RB QB/DB QB/DB RB/DB QB/LB RB/DB RB/LB TE/DB RB/DL RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DL RB/LB TE/LB OL/LB DL/LB K OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

COACH Courtesy of Ionia Sentinel Standard

Backs are back: Ionia senior running back Alex Connor-Wellman (28) combined with Jake Nelson to rush for more than 900 yards last season.

FOURCAST [1] Bulldogs on the run

Ionia improved by nearly four points per game last season, up to 19.3, and returns leading rushers Jake Nelson and Alex Connor-Wellman. That senior-junior combo combined totaled more than 900 yards last fall, and each averaged at least 7 yards per carry. There was little balance, though, and the passing game must improve this fall.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

NAME

[ 2 ] And leading the way ... Blockers won’t be the forgotten players if Ionia’s offense starts churning. Seniors Jay Miller, Tom Rockwell, Andy Deschaine and Luke Smalley are all back in the starting lineup, as is senior tight end Nick Dinehart. Miller and Rockwell are three-year starters, and the latter was an all-league honorable mention pick a year ago.

[ 3 ] Fresh start on D

Ionia returns far fewer veterans on defense, although a fresh start might be good as last

LAST YEAR

Closer than it looks

State Journal ﬁle photo

[4 ] Finish the job

Ionia was in nearly every one of its games last

w Age: 50

• Playing experience: Portland St. Patrick 1976-78 • Coaching experience: Portland St. Patrick 1991-2006, Ionia 2007-present • Career record: 97-96 • Full-time job: School principal for Michigan Department of Corrections • Assistant coaches: Jason Grifﬁth, Nathan Kraatz, Andy Nobis.

Instruction time: Ionia coach Chris Schrauben and the Bulldogs ﬁnished 2-7 last season, but they had their best offensive numbers in Schrauben’s three-year tenure.

year’s unit gave up 30.3 points per game. Miller is a returning all-league selection at defensive end, and senior Matt Hemenway is a returning starter at linebacker.

Chris Schrauben

year, save for big losses to DeWitt and Williamston. The Bulldogs had a tough time ﬁnishing, though, as evidenced by ﬁve losses by an average of 6.6 points apiece. If they can take that next step, they could emerge as one of the area’s surprise playoff contenders.

Ionia ﬁnished just 2-7, but the Bulldogs had their best season offensively in coach Chris Schrauben’s three-year tenure. Five losses were by 13 points or fewer. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 25 — Record: 151-169-1 (.472) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: The Bulldogs posted seven straight winning seasons from 2001-06, with — Geoff Kimmerly league titles in 2005 and 2006 and the program’s only playoff win in ’03.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 2

Corunna Cavaliers www.corunna.k12.mi.u

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

PLACE

Owosso Haslett Lansing Catholic Perry Lakewood Williamston Portland Charlotte Fowlerville

Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away

[August 25, 2010]

Haslett at Corunna

SCHEDULE

COACH

Chris Curtiss w Age: 42

ROSTER

# NAME

TRICIA BOBEDA/Lansing State Journal

Prep work: Senior offensive lineman Jalen Schlachter goes through drills during practice. Schlachter has committed to play in college at Indiana.

FOURCAST [1] Back on the head set

[ 2 ] Butcher’s ﬁnest cuts

Senior running back Ryan Butcher, a returning all-leaguer and three-year starter, has a chance to break the school’s career rushing record. He’ll team with senior Willie Renwick, another returning starter at running back. And

[ 3 ] Move these guys

The size is also evident on the defensive line, where Schlachter and O’Connor will be joined by senior Nick Fick (6-3, 270), junior Jon Toma (6-3, 215) and junior reserve Kyle Jones (6-5, 360). But Curtiss said they have to become more physical to go along with that mass.

[4 ] Help on defense

For two seasons in a row, Corunna has given up a respectable 20 points per

game, and that number could go lower. Linebacker Tyler Perkins and defensive backs Renwick and Phillip Gibson are all returning starters. Juniors Codie Naylor and Jake Chapman join the mix at linebacker and have the potential to make it a much stronger unit. — Geoff Kimmerly LAST YEAR

Good start, late slide

Two close losses prevented the Cavaliers from a 5-0 start, and then they lost their last four to ﬁnish 3-6 and fourth in the CAAC White. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 17 — Record: 189-135-1 (.583) League titles: 9 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: The Cavaliers went 26-4 from 1992-94, including perfect regular seasons in 1992 and 1994. The 1994 team earned the program’s ﬁrst playoff win, 49-26 over Frankenmuth.

YR. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Coach Chris Curtiss has returned to the sideline after serving most recently as the Cavaliers’ athletic director. During his first stint as coach, he led Corunna to a 29-12 record — including finishes of 10-1 and 9-3, and the program’s first playoff win in 1994. He also served as Alma College’s defensive coordinator from 1998-2001 and brings a wealth of experience back to the position.

they’ll have plenty of help up front in senior standout Jalen Schlachter (6-foot-6, 305 pounds), who has committed to Indiana, and senior Kaleb O’Connor (6-3, 260). Both linemen were ﬁrst-team all-leaguers last season. Senior Cody Mastrodonato starts at quarterback. He started one game last season.

POS.

1 Codie Naylor RB/LB 2 Jorden Thomson RB/DB 3 Allen Cuilla WR/DB 4 Justin Barber RB/DT 5 Joseph Janca QB/DB 6 John Fattal QB/DB 7 Chase Knox WR/DB 8 Phillip Gibson RB/DB 9 Cody Mastrodonato QB 10 Willie Renwick RB/DB 11 Nevada Smith RB/LB 12 Elijah Gentry WR/DB 15 Anthony Lepior WR/DB 22 Nicholas Howes RB/DB 30 Emily Birchmeier WR/DB 32 Ryan Butcher RB/LB 44 David Martin WR/DB 50 Garrett Ruess OL/LB 52 Jon Toma OL/DL 53 Matthew Pickler OL/DL 54 Deric Numerich OL/DL 55 Andrew Robertson OL/DL 57 Kaleb Poor OL/DL 60 Erik Wade OL/DL 61 Jacob Chapman OL/LB 63 Tyler Perkins OL/LB 64 Andrew Kelpinski OL/DL 66 Jalen Schlachter OL/DL 67 Kaleb O’Connor OL/DL 72 Robert Reed OL/DL 76 Nick Fick OL/DL 77 Kyle Jones OL/DL 80 Logan Dumond WR/LB 82 Michael Janca WR/DL 85 Hank Sizemore WR/DB 88 Jacob Miller WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

CAAC White

Playing experience: Corunna 1983-85, Central Michigan 1986-87 • Coaching experience: Corunna 1994-97 • Career record: 29-12 • Full-time job: Corunna High special education teacher • Assistant coaches: Mark Clough, Steve Herrick, Jeff Sawyer, Scott Moeller.

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Lakewood at Ionia

Oct. 22

Lakewood Vikings www.lakewood.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

PLACE

Hastings Eaton Rapids Portland Lansing Catholic Corunna Perry Williamston DeWitt Ionia

Home Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Away

COACH

Jim Behrenwald w Age: 47

w Playing experience:

CAAC White

Lakewood 1979-80, Hope College 1981-84 w Coaching experience: First season w Career record: 0-0 w Full-time job: President of AIS Construction Equipment w Assistant coaches: Randall Hager, Doug Callaway ROSTER

Courtesy of the Ionia Sentinel Standard

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

In a pinch: Lakewood senior QB Mackenzie Doane tries to shake free from a pair of Portland tacklers last season. Doane is also a starter at safety.

FOURCAST [1] His turn to lead

Long-time assistant Jim Behrenwald is the head guy this fall after 23 years as an assistant coach in the program, most recently as defensive coordinator. Behrenwald, an All-American and captain at Hope College, also was a senior on Lakewood’s last league championship team in 1980.

[ 2 ] Senior management

The Vikings have 16 seniors this fall — six more than a year ago — and Behrenwald has been impressed with how the group is

leading the team as it adjusts during his ﬁrst season. He also has a strong junior class and expects a number of those players to be able to contribute immediately.

[ 3 ] Big hitters

The Vikings’ reputation for toughness won’t be lost on this year’s team, which again features a number of big hitters. Senior Cody Lindemulder is a returning all-league linebacker and made 109 tackles in 2009. Six more starters return on defense, including senior safety Mackenzie Doane, an all-league honorable mention pick as a junior. Defensive ends Nathan Bryans (6-foot-4) and Hayden Acker (6-3) bring experience and height to

the edges.

[4 ] Vikings sail

Speed is a strength for Lakewood this fall, with running back Wes Cramer a returning starter and a sprinter on the track team. He’s joined by a number of veterans in the backﬁeld, including returning quarterback Doane and senior running back Aaron Hawkes. Senior Zach Innes joins tight end Bryans among those expected to contribute at the pass-catching positions. Bryans was the team’s leading receiver last season.

NAME

POS.

YR.

2 3 5 8 9 11 15 20 21 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 35 36 40 45 47 48 50 54 55 56 60 64 65 70 71 76 77 82 88 89

Nathan Bryans Austin Duits Aaron Hawkes Zach Innes Wes Cramer Cory Keeler Leonard Robert Nicholas Briggs Paul Salazar Cody Collins Mackenzie Doane Joey Endres Jack Trump Travis Shattuck Daniel Colston John Fletcher Taylor Swafford Cody Lindemulder Keaton Williams Jesse Harmon Hayden Acker Robert Jenkins Aaron Reiser David Risk Tony Vela Lars Pyrzynski Jesse Hummel Samuel Brown Garret Hyatt Bryce Pennington Nick Payne Austin Lance Forrest Quick Jordan Cooper Ryan Cisler Dan Crame

TE/DE RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/DE TE/DE RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB LB RB/DB TE/LB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE RB/LB TE/DE RB/DB TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/DE DE

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Offensive breakdown

Lakewood struggled to score, putting out its lowest offensive output since 1997 in going 2-7 and ﬁnishing ﬁfth in the CAAC White. A bright spot was a third straight seasonending win over rival Ionia, however. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 36 — Record: 139-178 (.438) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 2 Extra points: The Vikings won three of the — Geoff Kimmerly ﬁrst six Tri-River Conference championships of the playoff era in 1975, 1979 and 1980.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 25

Lansing Catholic Cougars www.lansingcatholic.org

COACH

Jim Ahern w Age: 63

w Playing experience:

Owosso St. Paul 1961-63

w Coaching experience:

Ithaca 1973-2003, Lansing Catholic 2009-present w Career record: 203-132-6 w Full-time job: Retired as teacher, coaching only w Assistant coaches: Ross Baldwin, Mike Doran, Jim Wenson, Elbert Payne, Jodie Clemons, Hub Waite, Lou Boyer, Mike Ahern, Lee Vickers, Mike Bacon, Paul Stornant, Chris Rett.

DATE

OPPONENT

PLACE

[August 25, 2010]

Williamston at Lan. Catholic

SCHEDULE

8/27 Jackson Northwest Away 9/2 Fowlerville Home 9/10 Corunna Away 9/17 Lakewood Home 9/25 Williamston Home 10/1 Portland Away 10/8 Perry Home 10/15 Ionia Away 10/22 Albion Away *Home games at Holt Junior High, except for 9/25, which is at Lansing Catholic. ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

LAST YEAR

Cougars comeback

After a 2-7 season in 2008, Lansing Catholic scored its most points since 2004 and returned to the playoffs with a 6-4 record. The Cougars got in with three straight wins at the end of the regular season, ﬁnishing third in the CAAC White. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 13 — Record: 181-147 (.552) League titles: 7 — Playoff berths: 8 Extra points: From 1984-87, the Cougars went 41-6 and won the Class C state championship in 1985 with a convincing 33-6 victory over St. Ignace. Include 1983, and Lansing Catholic won ﬁve of their seven league titles during that span.

FOURCAST [1] Bring on the Rush

Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

LJ-0100032173

[2]

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Junior Cooper Rush avoids it most of DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal the time, but he arrived on the High expectations: Junior quarterback Cooper Rush returns for the Cougars after passing for eight scene big-time as a sophomore last touchdowns and nearly 1,100 yards, as well as rushing for more than 300 yards, as a sophomore. season. Expectations are high after the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder threw for into more signiﬁcant roles at [ ] Changing up nearly 1,100 yards and eight scores receiver. The lack of big bodies has forced and also ran for more than 300 some players who haven’t previyards. [ ] Stop right there ously played on the line to learn new Coach Jim Ahern is optimistic about New cast positions. Senior Nate Johnson improvement from his defense as Rush, senior running back Andrew (5-10, 220) is among those well, despite returning just three Robeson and senior offensive expected to step into the offensive starters in all-league defensive back lineman Richard Krause are the only mix, while seniors Tim Hansen (5-10, Robeson, Krause on the line and returning starters from that 175) and Matt Horvath (6-3, 220) junior linebacker Chris Carey. Junior rejuvenated offense. But there is could play on both sides of the line. Dan Liesman is also back after talent among the new skill position starting the ﬁrst game last season starters, with seniors Jon Albright before getting hurt. — Geoff Kimmerly and Mike Mooney expected to step

YR.

CAAC White

1 Joe Prichard CB/RB 2 Matt Macksood CB/RB 3 Connor Bartlett CB/SE 5 Mike Mooney SE/DB 7 Dan Liesman LB/RB 8 Jim Maher TE/CB 9 Cooper Rush QB 15 Jim Fata SE/CB 16 Michael Bair RB/CB 17 Sean Macklin LB/TE 20 Kyle Oswald CB/SE 21 Andrew Robeson LB/RB 24 T.J. Curtin RB/DB 34 Cedric Lee RB/CB 40 David Dunn RB/CB 45 Alex Moore TE/CD 46 Chris Carey LB/RB 53 Patrick Dionise LB/OL 56 Matt Horvath DL/OL 57 Devin Fogal NG/OL 60 Richard Krause DL/OL 62 John Tran OL/DL 63 Nate Johnson C/DL 64 Matthew McDonald DL/OL 66 Matthew Lehmann LB/OL 67 Tim Hansen NG/OL 70 Dominic Fata OL/DB 71 Andy Gross OL/DL 72 Dalton Blood OL/DL 74 Nick Gerdes OL/DL 77 Michael Dennany OL/DL 78 Jacob Harvey OL/DL 81 Jon Albright TE/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

CAAC White

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Perry at Romulus Summit

Friday

SCHEDULE

Perry Ramblers

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

www.goperry.org

On the edge: Perry junior running back Chris Benjamin tries to get around the corner during practice earlier this month. Benjamin also is a key on defense — he was promoted to the Ramblers’ varsity team during last season and is now their top outside linebacker.

The schedule lines up better than in recent years, as Perry looks to break its 19-game losing streak. Four opponents had losing records last season, including Friday’s host Romulus Summit Academy (2-7). Because of a change in the CAAC schedule, Perry also won’t have to play crossovers with bigger Gold teams, eliminating a pair of games in which the Ramblers went 1-5 over the past three years.

[ 2 ] Great Scott

Opponents must account for returning all-league safety Scott Ruzinsky, who was among area leaders with 120 tackles last season. He’s got help from three more returning starters on defense, including defensive ends Jake Baumgartner and Clint Benjamin — who combined for 11 sacks — and linebacker Nick Goodman. Senior linebacker Cody Hatt also was a starter for Tri-Valley Conference West co-champion Carrollton in 2009.

# NAME

[ 3 ] Replacing Ross

Graduated quarterback Ross Richard rewrote much of Perry’s passing record book, and two juniors are vying to be the Ramblers’ next leader under center. Dominic Olson started on junior varsity last season, and Jacob Ferraiuolo also will see time at quarterback, although he is primarily a running back on offense.

[4 ] Raising the bar

Senior tight end Zach Holley was an all-league selection last season and gives Perry some bulk at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. But the rest of the Ramblers also have been raising bars in the weight room during the offseason. Junior center Tim Welsh is one of the big contributors to coach Steve Bentley’s strongest group of players during his six-year coaching tenure at Perry.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

TRICIA BOBEDA Lansing State Journal

POS.

2 Lamar Zenker WR/OLB 3 Dominic Olson QB/OLB 9 Megan Davison K 19 Jake Thivierge RB/DL 20 Thomas Costello FB/LB 22 Chris Benjamin RB/OLB/K 24 Chance Holder WR/DB 25 Jake Ferraiuolo RB/CB 30 Scott Ruzinsky WR/S 32 Joe Thivierge WR/DB 35 Mike Holt RB/OLB 42 Jacob Swanson RB/OLB 44 Jake Baumgartner DE/RB 45 Adam Strom FB/MLB 55 Nick Goodman OG/LB 60 Casey Jones OG/LB 66 James Carr OG/DL 67 Clint Benjamin OL/DE 69 Tim Welsh C/DL 70 Sebastian Kruger OL/DL 71 Logan Stevens OL/DL 72 Jacub Shaw OL/DL 75 Cody Hatt OL/LB 77 Zach Clark OL/DL 81 Wyatt Russ WR/CB 84 Logan Winn WR/DB 86 Zach Holley TE/LB *Returning starters are shaded.

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Still searching

Perry ﬁnished 0-9 for the second straight season and sixth in the CAAC White. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 39 — Record: 122-192-1 (.388) League titles: 2 — Playoff berths: 0 Extra points: The years 1984-85 came in the middle of four straight with winning records — Geoff Kimmerly and included back-to-back Ingham County League titles.

COACH

Ramblers rarin’ to go: Perry players gather up before a break in practice. The Ramblers are trying to break a 19-game losing streak this season.

PLACE

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home

ROSTER

TRICIA BOBEDA Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Winning time

OPPONENT

Romulus Summit Whitmore Lake Williamston Corunna Portland Lakewood Lansing Catholic Ypsilanti Willow Run Durand

Steve Bentley w Age: 34

• Playing experience: Corunna 1991-93, ConcordiaRiver Forest 1994 • Coaching experience: Perry 2009-present • Career record: 0-9 • Full-time job: Perry High social studies and English teacher • Assistant coaches: Dave Myron, Mitch McManus, Shawn McCumby, Mike Porter, Chad Curtis, Brock Morse, Aaron Ruhl. LJ-0100032181

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 17

www.portlandk12.org

COACH

John Novara w Age: 39

• Playing experience: Iron Mountain 1987-88 • Coaching experience: Portland 1999-present • Career record: 62-46 • Full-time job: Portland High math teacher • Assistant coaches: Jack Anderson, Keith Schrauben, Jerry Johnson, Fred Lowrey, Andrew Tisdale.

LAST 35 YEARS

ROBERT KILLIPS/Lansing State Journal

Taking aim: Quarterback Jacob Kenyon passed for more than 1,000 yards last season for the Raiders.

Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home

Portland has long been known for its physical rushing game, but senior Jacob Kenyon lifted the passing game last season, throwing for more than 1,000 yards. Top receiver Chris Feldpausch is back this fall, and Tyler Pierce also started last fall and is a 6-foot-4 target.

Senior Alex Newman is in his third season starting and ran for more than 1,000 yards

last season. He’s joined by junior Andrew Barr, who ran for more than 1,000 yards on junior varsity and ﬁnished fourth at the Division 3 state track meet in the 100-meter dash. Up front, senior John Rock was all-area last season. Junior Preston Scheurer, at 6-3 and 325 pounds, started in the playoffs and could see time on both sides of the ball.

[ 3 ] Super-sized

The Raiders have eight players at 280 pounds or heavier, including junior Kurt Deuel (6-1, 320), who missed last season with an injury but was all-league as a freshman.

[4 ] Front moving in

The Raiders’ seven returning starters on defense are mostly on the line and at linebacker, where senior Dillon Bondy was all-league last season. Junior Mike Adams started at the end last season as a sophomore, and senior Zack Goodman brings starting experience to the edge as well. But there is little of that experience in the secondary, and that unit must be developed quickly with top league contenders Williamston and Lansing Catholic relying on their passing games.

POS.

3 TJ Costello 4 Chris Feldpausch 5 Jacob Kenyon 6 Tyler Pierce 7 Alex Newman 9 Nathan Schrauben 10 Alex Haik 12 Justin Ouendag 14 Zach Pung 16 Ryan Balderson 20 Travis Smith 22 Cody Presson 23 Andrew Barr 24 Will Augst 33 Branden Kerr 34 James Pace 35 Nick Feldpausch 36 Josh Trotter 40 Cody Cathcart 42 Brock Cochrane 43 Matt Guidi 44 Thomas Moore 45 Mike Adams 48 Zack Goodman 50 Jasen Benjamin 51 Preston Scheurer 52 Caleb Pung 54 Dillon Bondy 55 Bruce Hall 56 Seth Manshum 58 James Kost 61 Mitchel Shaw 66 Ryan Rock 72 Brody Barr 74 Kevin May 75 JJ Bates 77 Kurt Deuel 78 John Rock 79 Steven Katalenich 80 Jordan Russell 81 Connor Roe 88 Hunter VanRiper *Returning starers are shaded.

QB/DE WR/S QB/CB WR/DE RB/S WR/S QB/S QB/S RB/CB WR/S FB/LB RB/T RB/CB WR/CB RB/DE WR/CB RB/LB RB/CB TE/DE RB/LB TE/DE FB/LB TE/DE TE/DE C/T G/T C/LB G/LB G/T RB/LB T/T T/T T/T T/T T/T T/T G/T G/T T/T WR/DE WR/CB WR/S

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

— Geoff Kimmerly

kiebleragency.com

517.647.4322 147 Kent Street 877.647.4366 Tel

LJ-0100031565

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ANNIVERSARY

2010

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Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

KIEBLER BL KIE E

FOURCAST [1] Balancing act

KEVIN W. FOWLER For the Lansing State Journal

PLACE

CAAC White

And that’s good news. Portland ﬁnished 7-3 for the fourth time in ﬁve seasons, won its second straight CAAC White title and made the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year.

In hand: Portland receiver Chris Feldpausch secures a pass while being defended by DeWitt’s Ross Parsons. Feldpaush returns after being the Raiders’ leading receiver in 2009.

Ovid-Elsie DeWitt Lake Odessa Lakewood Williamston Perry Lansing Catholic Corunna Eaton Rapids Armada

# NAME

More of the same

[ 2 ] Still ground heavy

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

ROSTER

LAST YEAR

LSJ rank: 19 — Record: 179-146 (.551) League titles: 9 — Playoff berths: 11 Extra points: Although the Raiders have strung together a few league titles here and there, the last two seasons have been the highlight with championships in a tough CAAC White and a ﬁrst-ever playoff win in 2008.

DATE

[August 25, 2010]

Portland Raiders

Portland at Williamston

SCHEDULE

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Portland at Williamston

Sept. 17

Williamston Hornets www.gowcs.net

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/25 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

PLACE

Eaton Rapids Ionia Perry Portland Lansing Catholic Corunna Lakewood Haslett Chesaning

Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away

ROSTER

CAAC White

Photo courtesy of Battle Creek Enquirer

Playmaker: Williamston quarterback Dylan Schultz breaks free for some yardage in the Hornets’ overtime playoffs loss to Marshall last fall.

FOURCAST [1] Offensive explosion

Williamston averaged 38.2 points per game last season, two touchdowns better than in 2008. And there were times senior quarterback Dylan Schultz looked like he might be the area’s best coming into this fall. He threw for 1,114 yards and 12 touchdowns, including 828 yards and nine touchdowns combined to returning senior receivers Dylan Monette and Nik Jump.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] On the run

The Hornets do have a big hole to ﬁll on offense with the graduation of running back Reggie Duncan, who rushed for more than 1,300 yards a year ago. Schultz gained 527 yards with 12 touchdowns, and senior Corbin Austin also is a returning starter in the backﬁeld who should see more touches.

[ 3 ] Pathﬁnders

They’ll have plenty of help with senior tackles Ethan Wirth (6-foot-6, 290 pounds) and Alex Brouwer (6-4, 290) bookending the line and Nate Massa (5-9, 225) also back among the starters. Seniors Garrett Demand

COACH

Steve Kersten w Age: 40

• Playing experience: Gull Lake 1984-87, Taylor University (Ind.) 1988-92 • Coaching experience: Williamston 2001-present • Career record: 50-36 • Full-time job: Williamston High math and technology teacher • Assistant coaches: Jeff Lynch, Tim Stifﬂer, Tom Selinger, Mike Douglas.

(5-11, 230), Sean Fitzgerald (5-10, 240) and Matt Hurlburt (6-2, 270) also are in the mix up front. Wirth has committed to Toledo.

[4 ] Secondary stars

NAME

1 Kory McKay 2 Corbin Austin 3 Nick Porter 4 Jake Smith 5 Dylan Monette 6 Cody Ball 7 Justin Schultz 8 Nik Jump 9 John Westphal 10 Colin Erickson 11 Collin Weiss 12 Dylan Schultz 15 Brandon Hall 17 Gus Grace 21 Andrew Rising 25 Jesse Fleming 30 TJ Davis 33 Chase Robinson 35 Jeremy Ward 40 Tyler Allman 42 Bryan Taylor 44 Kody Ware 45 Ryan Stephen 55 Andy Hicks 56 Sean Costello 58 Matt Hurlburt 59 Jake Brandon 60 Leo Deason 62 Colin Degarmo 65 Nate Massa 66 Ethan Wirth 68 Chris Smith 69 Sean Fitzgerald 70 Caleb Risdon 72 Garrett Demand 75 Alex Ogard 76 Hunter Hanysak 77 Alex Brouwer 78 Mitch Maki 79 Aaron Cline 80 Andy Rauschenberger 82 Scott Baldwin 86 Tyler Watters 88 Josh Arnett *Returning starters are shaded.

POS.

YR.

QB/DB FB/LB FB/OLB TE/OLB RB/DB RB/DB DL RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB K/DB QB/DB WR/DB TE/OLB WR/DB FB/LB DL WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB FB/LB OL/DL LB OL/DL LB OL/OLB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL C/DL OL/DL C/OLB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL C/DL OL/DL TE/OLB WR/DB WR/DB TE/OLB

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Taste of playoff success

Williamston arguably had its best season ever, finishing 9-2 and notching its first playoff win. But it was also bittersweet at times — the Hornets fell to rival Portland, 39-35, to eventually finish second in the CAAC White, then lost the district final in BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal overtime to Marshall, which went on to win Wirth a lot: Standout offensive lineman Ethan the Division 4 state title.

Williamston gave up 13.1 points per game a Wirth was a big key to a Hornets offense that year ago, its fewest since 1992, and Monette averaged 38.2 points per game last season. and Schultz provided some major playmakBut the Hornets must replace their entire ing with eight interceptions apiece (Schultz starting linebacker corps. Juniors Nick Porter also had 96 tackles from his safety spot). and Jake Smith are among those who should They’re joined by senior Kory McKay to give solidify the unit. the Hornets an experience defensive backﬁeld, and Wirth and Brouwer are also — Geoff Kimmerly returning as starters on the defensive line.

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 26 — Record: 164-157 (.511) League titles: 2 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: Four straight winning seasons and the program’s ﬁrst playoff win last fall trump seven straight winning seasons from 1987-1993 as the Hornets’ highlight.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 2

Bath Bees

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/2 10/8 10/15 10/22

www.bath.k12.mi.us

OPPONENT

Saranac Portland St. Patrick Dansville Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia Fulton

PLACE

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

[August 25, 2010]

Bath at Portland St. Patrick

SCHEDULE

COACH

Chris Rypstra w Age: 31

w Playing experience:

DeWitt 1995-96

w Coaching experience:

Bath 2007-present

w Career record: 4-23 w Full-time job: Bath

High English and history teacher

w Assistant coaches: Chad Densteadt,

Steve Plemmons, Mike Miller and Travis Mofﬁtt ROSTER

BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal

Hands team: Bath senior wide receiver Cameron Garrett, an all-league honorable mention last season, catches a pass during practice.

FOURCAST [1] They’re back

Bath returns eight players on both the offensive and defensive sides, and most are two-way players. Four of the returning Bees — Justin Gurk, Cameron Garrett, Brodie Megill and Brandon Wahrer — earned all-league honorable mention, which is impressive considering the Bees’ 1-8 record last season. Garrett and Gurk received honorable mentions for both offense and defense. Bath’s offensive and defensive lines will be among the largest in the CMAC. Brandon Brown, a 6-foot-6 junior, weighs in at 295 pounds. Brown is an agile big man who proved his athletic abilities on the basketball court. Cody Grider (260 pounds), Evan Eddy (190) and Brenden Plemmons (210) will give the Bees an offensive line with size. Senior Chris Fry also is a returning starter on the defensive line.

For the past two seasons, Tyler Garfield has been sidelined with ailments. His sophomore year, Garfield was sidelined with an injured knee. He returned last season but, after two games, developed mononucleosis and again was done for the year. This fall, senior Garfield could team up with junior Keenan Thomson to give the Bees a strong set of backs. Plemmons, who earned all-league first-team honors as a sophomore lineman, missed about half of last year with an injury and is also back.

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So.

LAST YEAR

One bright spot

[4 ] Winning ways

Megill, Plemmons, Wahrer and returning starting defensive back Austin Townsend started for the Bees’ baseball team in the spring’s state semiﬁnals, and Gurk and Garrett were among football players on the track team that ﬁnished 16th in Division 4. Bath hopes some of that BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal success rubs off during the fall. Straight ahead: Running back Justin Gurk takes — Bill McLeod a handoff from quarterback Brodie Megill. Both earned all-league honorable mention in 2009.

If there was a bright spot on last year’s schedule, it came in the second week of the season when the Bees defeated Portland St. Patrick, 42-12. It was the ﬁrst time Bath defeated the Shamrocks since 2001. The Bees went on to ﬁnish 1-8 and tied for ninth in the CMAC LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 37 — Record: 129-189 (.406) League titles: 1 — Playoff berths: 2 Extra points: The Bees went 9-0 in 1975 to start the playoff era but didn’t make the playoffs. But they did go 8-3 in 2000, with their lone playoff win.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] Tip the scales

[ 3 ] Healed up

POS.

1 Tyler Garﬁeld RB/DB 2 Keenan Thomson RB/DB 3 Justin Gurk RB/DL 5 Brodie Megill QB/DB 6 Cameron Garrett WR/DB 7 Austin Townsend QB/DB 23 Brandon Wahrer WR/DB 30 Richard Sivak RB/DB 35 Mike Flegal FB/OL/LB 42 Kenny Crouch RB/DB 43 Mike Smith RB/DL 52 Brenden Plemmons OL/LB 54 Evan Eddy OL/LB 57 Cody Grider OL/DL 60 Dylan Cooper OL/DL 62 Kyle Trudgeon OL/DL 65 Brandon Pulver RB/OL/LB 67 Chris Fry OL/DL 68 Spencer Smith OL/LB 75 Brandon Brown OL/DL 80 Shauonte Spencer WR/LB 81 Nick Preville WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

CMAC

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Bath at Carson City-Crystal

Sept. 17

Carson City-Crystal Eagles www.carsoncity.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/25 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia Fulton Bath Portland St. Patrick Dansville Saranac Laingsburg Fowler

PLACE

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home

COACH

Jason Gray w Age: 28

w Playing experience:

Owosso High, 1999-2000

w Coaching experience:

CMAC

First season as varsity coach w Career record: 0-0 w Full-time job: Carson City-Crystal student coordinator w Assistant coaches: Nick Merlo, Travis Wilcox, Tim Stout, Jared Stone, Ryan Fritz, Justin Carpenter, Gabe Carter, Joe Merlo ROSTER

GREG DERUITER/Lansing State Journal

Moving around: Carson City-Crystal’s Devon O’Greene (1) played quarterback for the Eagles in 2009 but has switched to running back this season.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [1] Starting fresh

Jason Gray has taken the head coaching job for the Eagles, who have won just seven games total over the past ﬁve years. But the outlook is focused solely on positives. Gray is committed to changing the perception of the team and bringing a competitive attitude to the program. Previously, he served on Owosso’s staff from 2001 through last fall.

[ 2 ] New faces

The Eagles return just six letterwinners from last year’s team and will look to a large number juniors to ﬁll voids in their starting lineup. Lineman/linebacker Jack Powers, running back/defensive back Mitch Wesley and tight end/linebacker Jordan Tyler are expected to contribute immediately.

[ 3 ] Playing both ways

With just 20 players on their roster in 2009, the Eagles had the majority starting on both offense and defense. That likely will be the case again as all six starters from last year’s team started both ways. Senior Will McCrackin led the team in rushing last season and was one of their top defensive backs as well. Seniors Seth Heckman at quarterback and Devon O’Greene at running back help ﬁll out the backﬁeld.

YR. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr.

LAST YEAR

Rays of light

Carson City-Crystal struggled with a 1-8 record, but the Eagles did top the 30-point mark twice, including a 34-15 victory over Bath. They tied for ninth in the CMAC.

[4 ] Across the line

Three of the Eagles’ returning seniors were starters on both the offensive and defensive line. Caleb Houck (5-foot-10, 190) is a state qualifying powerlifter and will be called upon to anchor a small but athletic offensive line. Joining him are seniors Mike Grimwood (5-10, 175) and Nick Schafer (6-1, 183)

# NAME POS. 2 Devon O’Green RB/DB 9 Jordan Tyler TE/LB 10 Logan Forist RB/LB 12 Seth Heckman QB/DB 13 Will McCrackin RB/DB 18 Andre Collins RB/DB 24 Eric Ward TE/LB 30 Shaun Mitchell RB/DL 35 Mitch Wesley RB/DB 45 Brandon Kittle OL/LB 50 Jack Powers OL/LB 52 Mike Grimwood OL/DL 54 Caleb Houck OL/DL 58 Tyler McMillan OL/DL 66 Thomas Marek OL/DL 70 Nick Schafer OL/DL 74 Frank Miller OL/DL 76 Brann Schmitt OL/DL 80 Chris Houck TE/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

LAST 35 YEARS GREG DERUITER/Lansing State Journal

Heavy pursuit: A trio of Carson City-Crystal defensive players close in on P-W’s Nick Keilen as he tries to turn the corner. The Eagles have six returning starters from last year’s team, and —Sean Merriman all six started on both sides of the ball.

LSJ rank: 42 — Record: 129-182-1 (.415) League titles: 0 — Playoff berths: 1 Extra points: The Eagles finished Central State Activities Association runners-up three straight times from 1989-91. They finished runners-up again in 1999, but finally nabbed their only playoff berth and finished 8-3.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 10

Dansville Aggies www.dansville.org

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Pewamo-Westphalia Fulton Bath Portland St. Patrick Saranac Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Potterville

PLACE

Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away

[August 25, 2010]

Dansville at Bath

SCHEDULE

COACH

Dan Price

Leader under center: The return of senior quarterback Andy Parsons is one big reason for optimism for Dansville this fall. Parsons led all of mid-Michigan with 1,634 passing yards last season to go with 12 touchdowns. He also has veteran targets to throw to, including senior receivers Kaleb Myer and Forest Graham.

w Age: 32

w Playing experience:

Mason 1993-96, Alma College 1997-2001 w Coaching experience: Dansville 2005-present w Career record: 14-31 w Full-time job: Dansville High social studies teacher w Assistant coaches: Mike Galbreath, Tom Pringle, John Parsons, Nate Morrice, Steve Demers, Chad Somerville, Brandon Bedes, Kelen Gailey

# NAME

DAVID OLDS For the Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Players plus

A main point of optimism among the Aggies this fall is simply that there are more of them — 29 on varsity this fall, as opposed to 20 in 2009, and more throughout the program as well. Add that depth to improved fundamentals, and Dansville is off to a good start.

Senior quarterback Andy Parsons ﬁnished the regular season with the most passing yards in mid-Michigan with 1,634, along with 12 touchdowns. Seniors Kaleb Myer and Forest Graham could be favorite targets this fall, and juniors Tucker Mays and Jacob Hause will see time with him in the backﬁeld for an offense that returns six starters total. Parsons and Graham were all-league honorable mention in 2009.

[ 3 ] Physical force

Becoming more of one will be key, especially on the offensive line. Seniors Nick Pringle and Andre Perez are returning starters who will contribute on both lines, with senior Caleb Casanova and juniors Boone Schroeder and Lantz Miller expected to provide a boost.

[4 ] Getting defensive

The Aggies last season gave up their most points since 1998, and just four starters return on that side of the ball. But Graham was an all-league honorable mention, and added rosters numbers are expected to strengthen the mix this fall. — Geoff Kimmerly

Although the Aggies went 2-7 and tied for seventh in the CMAC, they doubled their win total from 2008 and fell seven points shy of a third victory.

So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

LAST 35 YEARS

LAST YEAR

Small improvements

YR.

DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal

Eyes on the ball: Senior receiver Josh Demers pulls in a long pass during practice.

LSJ rank: 29 — Record: 121-193 (.385) League titles: 5 — Playoff berths: 4 Extra points: The Aggies won 32 of those games from 1989-1992, with perfect regular seasons in 1990 and 1992. Two of the team’s playoff berths and league titles came during those seasons.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] Air Parsons

POS.

3 Garrett Soule QB/DB 4 Johnny Craft WR/DB 5 Andy Parsons QB/LB 7 Nate Bailer WR/DB 8 Holden Price WR/DB 10 Kaleb Myer WR/DB 11 Josh Demers WR/DB 17 Donald Duperow RB/DB 18 Jesse Patterson WR/DB 22 Grant Gottschalk WR/DB 23 Aaron Hoeﬂing WR/DB 24 Jake Grice WR/DB 26 Matt Shutes WR/DB 30 Jacob Hause RB/LB 35 Forest Graham WR/DE 42 Jay Witchell WR/DB 44 Tucker Mays RB/DL 53 Garrett Main OL/DE 54 Lantz Miller OL/DL 56 Nick Pringle OL/DL 58 Andre Perez OL/DL 63 Jaycen Glynn OL/DL 66 Caleb Casanova OL/DL 68 Boone Schroeder OL/DL 71 Collin Lucken OL/DL 72 Joe Konen OL/DL 81 Nick Pearce WR/DB 88 Adam Moubray WR/LB 89 Ethan Garecki WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

CMAC

ROSTER

GAME TO WATCH

[August 25, 2010]

P-W at Fowler

Sept. 17

SCHEDULE

Fowler Eagles

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/2 10/8 10/15 10/22

fowlerschools.net

FOURCAST [1] Starting anew

With Craig Koenigsknecht taking over as coach, Fowler has its third new leader in the past four seasons. Koenigsknecht replaced Paul Hungerford (who left to become principal at Fulton) and knows the team well. He has been involved with the Eagles football program for the past eight years, serving as head junior varsity coach for the past ﬁve. A 1994 Fowler graduate, Koenigsknecht knows how it feels to win in an Eagles uniform, playing on their 1993 Class D state championship team.

CMAC Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 3 ] Attitude, athleticism

The Eagles have adjusted to their new coach quickly and are enthusiastic about the season, looking to challenge for the Central Michigan Athletic Conference title. Linebackers Jacob Dell, Mitch Thelen and Lane Thelen are quick to react to ballcarriers or drop into coverage. Defensive lineman Alex George, a 190-pound junior, is one of the Eagles’ bigger bodies.

PLACE

Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

2 Ben Halfman OL/DL 4 Keegan Bengel WR/DB 5 Devon Feldpausch RB/DB 7 Dustin Wirth QB/DB 11 Josh Schmitt QB/DB 19 Garrett Mueller OL/DL 20 Mitch Thelen RB/LB 22 Cody Schafer WR/DB 24 Kameron Riley WR/DB 27 Kevin Pierce OL/DL 34 Tyler Koenigsknecht RB/LB 50 Jacob Dell OL/LB 52 Lane Thelen OL/LB 53 Kohl Falor OL./LB 55 Kevin Koenigsknecht OL/DL 56 Alex Goerge OL/DL 58 Cameron Bongard OL/DL 60 Ross Becker OL/LB 70 John Schrauben OL/DL 71 Garrett Pike OL/DL 73 Nick Hurren OL/DL 75 Blake Snyder OL/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

[ 2 ] In good hands

Senior receiver Ben Halfman, at 6-feet and 200 pounds, led the league in receptions last year. It will be up to quarterback Josh Schmitt to get the ball to Halfman and other skilled receivers, including Kameron Riley and running backs Mitch Thelen and Devon Feldpausch.

OPPONENT

Laingsburg Saranac Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia Fulton Bath Portland St. Patrick Dansville Carson City-Crystal

LAST YEAR

BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal

A playoff ticket

Run to daylight: Junior running back Mitch Thelen gets around the corner during an Eagles practice this month. Fowler is coming off a 5-5 season, during which it qualiﬁed for the state playoffs for the 25th time. The Eagles made it into the postseason last

[4 ] Let’s get physical

Seven of the Eagles’ nine returning seniors were starters last year. The school’s new weight training building was busy over the summer, and players are pushing each other. With 22 on the roster, several newcomers will have the chance to prove themselves. — Bill McLeod

COACH

Craig Koenigsknecht w Age: 34

w Playing experience: Fowler 1991-93

w Coaching experience: First season as

varsity coach

w Career record: 0-0

w Full-time job: Physical therapist, K-13

Physical Therapy

w Assistant coaches: Tom Thelen, Jason Pohl, John Spicer

season with five wins, as five of 10 teams in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference received berths. The Eagles finished 5-5 and fifth in the league. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 1 — Record: 284-85-1 (.770) League titles: 15 — Playoff berths: 25 Extra points: The Eagles have the area’s best winning percentage and the most playoff appearances, state championships (four) and perfect seasons (three) since the dawn of the playoff era.

Auto & Light Truck Repair For more info or questions, visit: www.gerrystuneup.com/askgerry

2625 S. Wright Rd. Fowler, MI • 48835

989•593•2647

LJ-0100031578

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Good Luck Fowler Eagles

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 24

FOURCAST [1] Back on top?

Two years ago, the Pirates lost their stranglehold on the top spot in the CMAC, arguably one of the top Class C-D leagues in the state. This year, Fulton returns five all-league players from last year’s team, and they filled nine starting spots a year ago. But expect to see several juniors getting their first varsity experience.

[ 2 ] Power backs

[ 3 ] Line surge

[4 ] Super stingy

Portland St. Patrick Dansville Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia Saranac Bath

PLACE

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

COACH

John Winkler w Age: 42

w Playing experience:

Caseville 1983-86

w Coaching experi-

ence: Fulton 2003-present w Career record: 68-15 w Full-time job: Fulton High biology, anatomy and forensic science teacher w Assistant coaches: Dave Sheahan, Boon McEwen, Jerry Winkler, Jeff Waldron, Todd Waldon, Clinton Canﬁeld ROSTER

# NAME

POS.

1 Nick Sopocy WR/DB 2 Dan Leiby TE/LB 3 Jared Barton RB/LB 10 Eric Litwiller RB/DB 11 Zach Baker QB/DB 12 Cody Johnson QB/LB 20 Hunter Grover TE/LB 21 MacKauly Blair RB/DB 33 Ryan Winkler WR/LB 42 Joe Wilson RB/LB 50 Clayton Waldron OL/DL 51 Corey LaBar OL/DL 52 Matt Barrett OL/DL 54 Korey Moomey OL/LB 65 Cameron Waldron OL/LB 66 Robert Beals OL/DL 70 Rob Wohlfert OL/DL 76 Travis Iler OL/DL 78 Dakota Price OL/DL *Returning starters are shaded.

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Another winner

The Pirates ﬁnished 8-3 to post their 16th straight winning season — although two of Fulton’s three losses came when the Pirates held a lead going into the fourth quarter. Fulton ﬁnished third in the CMAC.

The Pirates gave up 11.7 points per game last season, their lowest LAST 35 YEARS total in the past two years. And while several key contributors LSJ rank: 4 — Record: 238-116-1 (.672) graduated, credit Price and League titles: 11 — Playoff berths: 17 Clayton Waldron, along with Extra points: Fulton’s 43-game league defensive backs Barton, Litwiller winning streak last decade was pretty incredible. But the 1998 Class DD state and Zach Baker — who’ve played Lansing State Journal ﬁle photo championship was surely the biggest together the past two seasons. Multi-talented: Running back Jared Barton (3) battles for extra yardage against Fowler last season. Barton highlight, and the Pirates also won three — Bill McLeod ran for 1,588 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2009. He also averaged 37 yards as the punter. straight CMAC titles from 1976-78.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Expect all-league offensive linemen Dakota Price (6-foot, 245 pounds) and Clayton Waldron (6-2, 190) to be tough in the trenches this season. Senior Travis Iler, a solid 200-plus-pound senior who gained experience last season, to round out the line along with juniors Rob Wohlfert and Cameron Waldron. Winkler will be counting on younger linemen to step up as the season progresses.

fulton.edzone.net

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

CMAC

Look for Jared Barton to once again keep CMAC defenses on their heels. The 185-pound back has proven himself as a top rusher in mid-Michigan for the past two seasons. Last year, he scored 18 touchdowns and rushed for 1,588 yards. The multiskilled Barton also earned all-state ﬁrst-team honors as a punter, averaging 37 yards per kick. Eric Litwiller rounds out the Pirates’ explosive backﬁeld tandem.

Fulton Pirates

DATE

[August 25, 2010]

Fowler at Fulton

SCHEDULE

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH Potterville at Laingsburg

Sept. 2

Laingsburg Wolfpack laingsburg.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Fowler Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia Fulton Bath Portland St. Patrick Dansville Carson City-Crystal Saranac

PLACE

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home

COACH

Brian Borgman w Age: 36

CMAC

• Playing experience: Williamston 1989-91, Bowling Green 1992-94 • Coaching experience: Laingsburg 2002-present • Career record: 47-32 • Full-time job: Laingsburg High anatomy, biology, earth science and chemistry teacher • Assistant coaches: Bart Kjolhede, John David Cecil, Zak Kranich, Kevin Pettigrew, Dave Cecil ROSTER

BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal

Getting ready: Senior running back Tanner Nelson carries the ball in practice for the Wolfpack, who went 8-2 in 2009 and took second in the CMAC.

FOURCAST [1] Offensive talent

The Wolfpack return seven starters on offense. Senior tailback Joe Arthur was the team’s leading rusher last season, and junior quarterback Derrick McAvoy also is back. Both players were named all-league honorable mention in 2009.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr.

So close

Laingsburg followed a record-setting season in 2008 with another standout year in 2009. The Wolfpack ﬁnished 8-1 during the regular season, with its only defeat coming in a 15-14 loss to Potterville that ultimately decided the league championship. Laingsburg ﬁnished second and 8-2 overall.

Laingsburg has just 18 players on the varsity roster. However, despite the lack of depth, the Wolfpack do have experience, talent and a sense of togetherness.

Laingsburg returns ﬁve starters on defense, including all-league middle linebacker Stephen Gerger (6-foot-4, 215 pounds). He will be counted upon to lead a defense that allowed just two league opponents to score in double digits last season. Junior Nick Toth was an honorable mention defensive lineman, while seniors Ben Goheen and Colin

POS. WR/DB QB/LB FB/LB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB QB/LB RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB

LAST YEAR

[ 2 ] Quality over quantity [ 3 ] Man in the middle

# NAME 7 James Storey 10 Derrick McAvoy 11 Joe Arthur 12 Colin Domagalski 17 Steven Simons 20 Alex Barragan 21 Tanner Nelson 24 Casey Czerwinski 25 Lukas Genther 42 Trevor Marshall 45 Stephen Gerger 50 Dan Belcher 52 Ben Goheen 55 Nick Toth 58 Ken Lillie 60 Dan Kiesling 70 Taylor Smith 78 Nick Olajos 88 Grant Voisinet *Returning starters are shaded.

Listen close: Laingsburg coach Brian Borgman talks to his players during practice. Domagalski were the same last fall at linebacker and defensive back, respectively.

[4 ] Busy scoreboard

The Wolfpack put up 20 or more points on league opponents six times last fall. With an experienced backﬁeld returning this season,

look for Laingsburg to continue to pile up the points. Arthur, McAvoy and Gerger are returning all-league honorable mention picks (Gerger as a lineman). Junior lineman Taylor Smith is another returning starter on both sides of the ball who will be key on offense. — Sean Merriman

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 35 — Record: 136-185 (.424) League titles: 0 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: All of the Wolfpack’s six playoff berths have come since 2003. Laingsburg has gone 45-25 (.643) during that time.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 17

Pewamo-Westphalia www.pw.k12.mi.us

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/23

Dansville Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Potterville Saranac Fulton Bath Portland St. Patrick

PLACE

Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away

[August 25, 2010]

P-W at Fowler

SCHEDULE

COACH

Brad Weber w Age: 33

w Playing experience:

Pewamo-Westphalia 1991-94 w Coaching experience: Pewamo-Westphalia 2008-present w Career record: 15-6 w Full-time job: Accountant w Assistant coaches: Nathan Thelen, Bob Platte, Jeremy Miller, Randy Thelen, Brock Droste, Troy Thelen

# NAME

GREG DERUITER/Lansing State Journal

Back in the saddle Despite missing the last half of his junior year, P-W quarterback Charlie Hengesbach has thrown for 719 yards and 11 TDs in his career.

FOURCAST [1] Back from break

Senior Charlie Hengesbach will return as starting quarterback after missing the last half of his junior season with a broken ankle. Hengesbach has amassed 719 yards and 11 passing touchdowns with a 50 percent completion rate in his career.

[ 2 ] Acquired skill

[ 3 ] Beef up front

[4 ] Intimidating D

Junior linebacker Gavin Smith enters his third year of varsity football with 112 tackles and 10 sacks already in his career, anchoring what should be a very solid front seven. Senior defensive linemen Fedewa, Grant Thelen and Alexander Thelen return as starters to make the Pirates formidable against the run. Senior Kyle Witgen and junior Will McQueary return to the backﬁeld. — Geoff Kimmerly

LAST 35 YEARS

LAST YEAR

Make it six straight

P-W advanced to the playoffs for the sixth straight

The Pirates return four of their ﬁve season, although it picked up two of its four losses starters on the offensive line, all seniors, at CMAC champion Potterville. But the Pirates did ﬁnish 6-4 overall and fourth in the CMAC. including 6-foot-4, 240-pound Tyler

YR. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

SCOTT YOSHONIS/ Lansing State Journal

Next in line: P-W will be breaking in new players in its backﬁeld after the graduation of players who totaled 1,900 rushing yards.

LSJ rank: 11 — Record: 225-112 (.668) League titles: 9 — Playoff berths: 12 Extra points: The Pirates appeared in nine playoff games from 1999-2001, winning a ﬁrst-round game the ﬁrst year, then a district title the second and the regional title in 2001. They also won CMAC titles two of those three seasons.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

P-W graduated its top four pass receivers and running backs who totaled 1,900 rushing yards, making for a steep learning curve at every skill position except QB. Running backs Nick Keilen and Alex Thelen and receiver Dain Thoma might be new names popping up in box scores.

Schafer and 6-5, 200-pound Austin Fedewa as bookend tackles. Guard Grant Thelen and center Paul Fink also return to the lineup.

POS.

2 Justin Thelen QB/S 3 Nick Keilen FB/DL 4 Will McQueary FB/S 5 Cameron Trierweiler WR/LB 6 Justus Riley TB/CB 7 Alton Schneider HB/CB 12 Charlie Hengesbach QB/S 24 Collin Nurenberg WR/LB 25 Kaleb Riley TB/S 30 Dain Thoma WR/CB 33 Clayton Platte TB/S 36 Alex Thelen TB/CB 44 Garrett Strong FB/LB 55 Kenny Schafer OL/DE 57 Grant Thelen OL/DL 58 Austin Fedewa OL/DE 59 Tyler Simon OL/DL 61 Justin Norton OL/DL 62 Scott Spitzley OL/DL 65 Mark Schneider OL/LB 66 Tyler Schafer OL/DL 70 Gavin Smith OL/LB 72 Jordan Spitzley OL/LB 75 Michael Weber OL/LB 77 Alexander Thelen OL/DL 79 Paul Fink OL/DL 80 Josh Nurenberg HB/LB 81 Kyle Witgen WR/CB *Returning starters are shaded.

CMAC

ROSTER

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Bath at Portland St. Patrick

Sept. 2

SCHEDULE

Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/25 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/23

portlandstpats.org

OPPONENT

Fulton Bath Saranac Dansville Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Potterville Pewamo-Westphalia

PLACE

Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

ROSTER

YR. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr..

LAST YEAR

Injury bug stings

SCOTT YOSHONIS/Lansing State Journal

Heading upfield: Senior running back and cornerback Luke Wilcox finds some open field as he carries the ball against Potterville last season.

FOURCAST [1] No JV pays off

At least as well as possible. The Shamrocks had to forgo their junior varsity team two years ago. The JV is back now, but those who got early varsity experience as a result are this year’s juniors and seniors. Junior quarterback David Simon and senior running backs Evan Pelfrey and Luke Wilcox all played on the varsity as freshmen.

[ 2 ] Needed: Line help

In a small-school league known for big linemen, St. Patrick will have to overcome a considerable size disadvantage on both sides of the ball. The Shamrocks’ success likely will be determined by their line play. Seniors Tyler Kramer and Jake Remboski and juniors Adam Gunderman and Paul Pung all are returning linemen.

[ 3 ] Senior leadership

After graduating just three seniors in 2009, this year’s roster is dominated by upperclassmen. Six seniors and six juniors return. Pelfrey, Wilcox, Remboski and Kramer earned all-league honorable mentions on offense last season, and Remboski and junior linebacker Ethan Hoppes earned the same on defense. Seniors Josh Haga and Matt Schrauben and juniors Jerrid Smith and Kyle Wilcox are among other returnees with signiﬁcant experience.

Pat Russman

LAST 35 YEARS

w Age: 37

LSJ rank: 18 — Record: 155-182 (.460) League titles: 2 — Playoff berths: 9 Extra points: The Shamrocks had their share of struggles in three of the four decades of the playoff era. But state ﬁnals appearances counted for big points, and Portland St. Patrick won Class D in 1992 and ﬁnished runner-up in 1991 and 1997.

• Playing experience: St. Patrick 1987-90, Olivet College 1991-94 • Coaching experience: St. Pats 2007-present • Career record: 12-15 • Full-time job: Portland St. Patrick athletic director, middle school social studies teacher. • Assistant coaches: Ben Cross, Paul Pelfrey

KIEBLER kiebleragency.com

[ 4 ] Real home game

St. Patrick will play its ﬁrst home game against Bath on Sept. 2 at Father Flohe Field, rather than their usual home venue at Portland High. Because Flohe Field has no lights, kickoff will be at 5 p.m. — Scott Yoshonis

COACH

Injuries — the Shamrocks’ eternal Achilles’ heel — spelled the end of a two-year string of winning records as St. Patrick fell to 2-7 and tied for seventh in the CMAC. They scored more than twice in only one game last year, a 26-0 win over Carson City-Crystal.

1914

517.647.4322 147 Kent Street 877.647.4366 Tel

LJ-0100031572

Good Luck St. Pat Shamrocks

NSURANCE A RI

GENCY

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

POS.

2 David Simon QB/S 6 Cameron Bartlett WR/CB 7 Evan Pelfrey RB/LB 9 Tyler Pung WR/CB 20 Kyle Wilcox RB/LB 34 Luke Wilcox RB/CB 40 Josh Haga RB/CB 42 Ethan Hoppes RB/LB 50 Jerrid Smith OL/LB 55 Royce Cook OL/DL 57 Jesse Smith OL/DL 62 Paul Pung OL/DL 65 Adam Gunderman Ol/DL 68 Jake Remboski OL/DL 74 Ben Lawless OL/DL 77 Tyler Kramer OL/DL 84 Matt Schrauben WR/CB *Returning starters are shaded.

BL KIE E

CMAC

# NAME

ANNIVERSARY

2010

I POR TLAND, M

Portland, MI 48875 517.647.7779 fax

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 24

Potterville Vikings www.pps.k12.mi.us

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Carson City-Crystal Laingsburg Fowler Saranac Pewamo-Westphalia Futlon Bath Portland St. Patrick Dansville

PLACE

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

[August 25, 2010]

Potterville at P-W.

SCHEDULE

COACH

Mike Selzer w Age: 35

• Playing experience: Wayland 1990-93 • Coaching experience: Fulton interim 2002, Potterville 2006-present • Career record: 26-17 • Full-time job: Potterville history teacher • Assistant coaches: Paul Davis, Matt Galecka, Chad Fuller ROSTER

ROD SANFORD/Lansing State Journal

Your turn: Senior Nate Kushion takes over the starting QB duties for Potterville. Kushion had 950 combined passing, rushing and receiving yards in 2009.

FOURCAST [1] Back to near normalcy Potterville’s ﬁrst league title since 1973 also was possibly the most difﬁcult season in the history of the program. The close-knit team overcame the tragic deaths of Potterville senior Tabitha Stanton and team parent Paxton Hoggard and dedicated the season to their memories.

[ 2 ] O-line intact

The defending CMAC champs bring back seven starters on offense, including four of ﬁve offensive linemen — seniors Anthony DiLernia, Travis Stillson and Pedro Gonzalez and junior Christian Hart. DiLernia and Stillson earned allconference recognition last season.

[ 3 ] Running the show

Senior quarterback Nate Kushion has the task of taking over for the graduated Chad Titmus, one of the area’s top at that

SCOTT YOSHONIS Lansing State Journal

position a year ago. But Kushion won two games when Titmus was out with an injury, and he gets back senior receiver Sam Davis, one of the area’s leading receivers last fall. Kushion had 950 yards passing, running and receiving combined.

[4 ] Stingy defense

Potterville allowed more than two

touchdowns in a game just twice during the regular season in 2009. Three returning players — defensive back Derek Hoggard and linebackers hart and Robert Duttine — recorded 40 tackles for the Vikings. — Scott Yoshonis

YR. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

LAST YEAR

Fabulous ﬁrsts

The Vikings had their best year in program history, going unbeaten in the CMAC to win their first league title in more than three decades. Potterville won its first playoff game ever, 29-6 over P-W, and finished 10-1. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 33 — Record: 125-194-1 (.392) League titles: 1 — Playoff berths: 8 Extra points: The Vikings went 54-43 (.557) over the past decade, with six of their playoff appearances. That ﬁrst league championship came last season.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Complete: Receiver Derek Hoggard hauls in a pass during the Vikings’ playoff loss to Ravenna last season. Senior Hoggard also plays in the defensive backﬁeld.

POS.

2 Nate Kushion QB/DB 3 Darrian Pitcher RB/DB 4 Robert Duttine RB/LB 5 Derek Hoggard WR/DB 6 J.J. Giffen RB/LB 7 Sam Davis WR/DB 10 Tyler Meister WR/DE 12 Jenna Whipple K 30 Michael Mehney RB/DE 54 Anthoy DiLernia OL/LB 55 Christian Hart OL/DL 56 Travis Stillson OL/LB 57 Pedro Gonzalez OL/DL 58 Connor Deo OL/DL 60 Josh Ackley OL/DE 64 Braden Redman OL/LB 66 T.J. Jones OL/DE 70 Zach Thomlinson OL/DL 72 Carson Barnard OL/DL 85 Wesley Kushmaul WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

CMAC

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH Saranac at Fowler

Sept. 2

Saranac Redskins www.saranac.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Bath Fowler Portland St. Patrick Potterville Dansville Pewamo-Westphalia Carson City-Crystal Fulton Laingsburg

PLACE

Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away

COACH

Jeff Brooks w Age: 40

w Playing experience:

Ionia 1986-87, Albion College 1991-93 w Coaching experience: Saranac 2008-present w Career record: 7-11 w Full-time job: Portland High math teacher w Assistant coaches: Terry Johnson, Doug Whiting, Todd Gunter, Chris Rector, Andy Lytle

CMAC

ROSTER #

Courtesy of the Ionia Sentinel Standard

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Veteran runner: Saranac running back Jacob Conley tries to shake free against Potterville last season. He ran for 667 yards as a junior in 2009.

FOURCAST [1] Bucking history

Saranac last played in a playoff game in 1978 and last won six games in a season in 1986. Since then, the Redskins have posted just one winning season. This could be the best chance in a long time to buck that trend, even in the tough CMAC.

[ 2 ] Assisting Adam

Adam Guernsey, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound senior defensive lineman, could be the best defensive player in the league after recording 52 tackles and eight sacks in 2009. He’s the Redskins’ only returning starter on the

defensive line, however, and will need help with the inevitable double-teaming.

[ 3 ] Redskins on the run

lineman last season, and seniors Jared Overbeck and Tyler Ward and junior Jesse Davis are also back as starting blockers this fall. Junior Shane Gunter also is expected to contribute on the offensive line and is a returning linebacker.

Senior running back Jacob Conley totaled 667 yards rushing last year, and has four of the ﬁve starters on the line returning in front of him. If junior quarterback Dylan Leland and — Scott Yoshonis junior receiver Zach Lytle can force defenses to respect the pass, Conley and senior LAST 35 YEARS fullback Derrick Larsen could provide an LSJ rank: 40 — Record: 111-203 (.353) imposing ground attack. Senior Coy Mattix League titles: 2 — Playoff berths: 2 also carried the ball last season.

[4 ] Don’t cross this line

Guernsey also was an all-league offensive

Extra points: The Redskins went 15-4 combined between 1977 and 1978, winning both of their Tri-Central Athletic Association titles and earning a playoff appearance.

NAME

2 Dillon Gentry 4 Dylan Leland 9 Jesse Allen 10 Shayne Conaway 16 Andrew Perry 18 Jacob Shook 20 Zach Lytle 21 Mitch Blood 22/54Shane Gunter 23 Derrick Larsen 24 Jimmy Leland 28 Jacob Conley 32 Coy Mattix 33 Dalton Rehmert 34 Garrett Parks 38 Brian Chipman 55 Jacob Lopez 58 Jared Overbeck 61 Ben Bartosh 62 John Cole 65 Dustin Hardy 66 Jesse Davis 70 Tyler Ward 71 Adam Guernsey 72 Mitchell Parker 79 James Rhoton * Returning starters shaded

POS.

YR.

RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB FB/E WR/DB RB/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/E OL/E OL/DL OL/DL

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. 10 Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

Moving forward

After taking over a team that went 0-9 in 2007, Brooks has improved the team’s record in each of his two years in charge — going 3-6 in 2008 and 4-5 last season. The Redskins were a three-point loss to P-W away from posting the program’s ﬁrst winning record since 1993 and ﬁnished sixth in the CMAC standings.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 2

Morrice Orioles www.morrice.k12.mi.us

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

PLACE

Burton Bentley Webberville Burton Atherton Genesee Byron Burton Bendle New Lothrop Flint Hamady Dryden

Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away

[August 25, 2010]

Morrice at Webberville

SCHEDULE

COACH

Brad Long w Age: 32

ROSTER

# NAME

TRICIA BOBEDA/Lansing State Journal

Armed and ready: Senior quarterback Ryan Watz is one of the area’s top returning passers. He set three single-game school passing marks last season.

FOURCAST [1] Into the Blue

Senior quarterback Ryan Watz set three school single-game passing records last season, including most yards with 344. He’s one of seven returning starters and one of the area’s top three-sport athletes, also starring in basketball and baseball. Seniors Josh Gutting, Bret Campbell and Derek Mallory were the team’s top three receivers in terms of yardage a year ago, and senior Tim Embury also is expected to contribute.

[ 3 ] Must defend

The Orioles did cut their points-against per game average a few last season and had two of their three best defensive

performances during the last two weeks. But defensive improvement is imperative, and it likely will start with senior linebacker Luke Copeland. He averaged 10 tackles per game last fall.

[4 ] Early birds

Not having a junior varsity in 2009 has taken a toll on depth, with just one junior on the roster. Sophomores and freshmen must ﬁll in immediately, especially on lines with little size and experience. Copeland also earned an all-area honorable mention on the offensive line last year, and senior Nick Parks is a returning starter expected to contribute on both. — Geoff Kimmerly

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So.

LAST YEAR

Long road

Playing teams from all over the Lower Peninsula in their final season as an independent, the Orioles finished 1-8 — but got that win in the final week over Dryden, which like Morrice joined the Genesee Area Conference this fall. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 30 — Record: 134-191 (.412) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 7 Extra points: The Orioles’ most successful run of the playoff era came from 1996-1999, when they went 28-15 with four playoff appearances and a league title.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

After two years as an independent after the Southern Michigan Activities Association North folded in 2007-08, Morrice will join the Genesee Area Conference this fall and play in the Blue division. Genesee is the reigning champion and New Lothrop also made the playoffs last year and is an annual powerhouse. The Orioles go from playing no league games to playing one every week because there are 10 teams in the division. But they’ll have a familiar foe in rival Webberville, which also joined this season.

[ 2 ] O-line intact

POS.

2 Ryan Watz QB/S 3 Bret Campbell WR/LB 4 Pasqual Compian WR/DB 5 Tim Embury WR/DB 9 Nate Hart WR/DB 10 Joe Gutting QB/LB 24 Josh Gutting WR/DB 34 Dallas Rickman RB/ DB 44 Mike Mortimore RB/DL 51 Conner Green OL/DL 52 Nick Parks OL/DE 53 Hayden Jackson OL/DL 54 Mark Copeland OL/DL 55 Brandon Tabit OL/DL 64 Hayden Bradberry OL/DL 65 Luke Copeland OL/LB 70 TJ Miles OL/DL 71 Ethan Cole OL/DL 73 Cody Stover OL/DL 81 Derek Mallory WR/DE 82 Cameron Gonzalez WR/DE 88 Zach Mosciski WR/TE *Returning starters are shaded.

GAC Blue

• Playing experience: Ovid-Elsie 1995 • Coaching experience: Morrice 2007-present • Career record: 6-21 • Full-time job: Morrice industrial arts, weightlifting, drafting teacher • Assistant coaches: Keith Edington, Jeremy Freed, Adam Sparks.

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Webberville at Genesee

Sept. 10

Webberville Spartans www.webbervilleschools.org

SCHEDULE

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Burton Atherton Morrice Genesee Byron Burton Bendle New Lothrop Flint Hamady Dryden Burton Bentley

PLACE

Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Away

COACH

Gary Teague w Age: 43

w Playing experience:

Webberville 1982-85

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

GAC Blue

w Coaching experience:

Webberville 2009-present w Career record: 4-5 w Full-time job: Material control for BAE Systems w Assistant coach: Pat Gifford ROSTER #

BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal

In the grasp: Webberville junior fullback Nate Gardziella tries to escape a tackler in practice. Gardziella is also expected to see time at linebacker.

FOURCAST [1] New kid in town

After two seasons as an independent, Webberville will once again be playing in a league, facing mostly new opponents in the Genesee Area Conference Blue division. Joining the Spartans in the mostly Flint-area conference will be Morrice, another former Southern Michigan Activities Association team. Webberville will face several formidable teams in the new league, including New Lothrop, which has made the playoffs 10 years in a row.

[ 2 ] Time to rebuild

Not enough students signed up to have a junior varsity this season. The combined junior varsity and varsity team should have about 25 players suited for the first game. Connor Lyons is the only returning starter who saw significant playing time last season. A wide receiver last season, Lyons moved to running back to add stability to the backfield. He will also play linebacker on defense.

[ 3 ] Calling all juniors

Webberville was senior-loaded last year, losing 15 to graduation off a 19-man roster. Two transfers to other schools thinned the ranks even more. Webberville will be looking to several juniors moving up from the junior varsity to ﬁll the open slots. Junior Auston Ogden, a 190-pound tight end and linebacker, led the junior varsity in tackles last year. Ryan Adair, a 195-pound junior defensive end and offensive lineman, is the most aggressive hitter on the defense. Junior Nate Gardziella will take over at fullback and linebacker.

[4 ] Instant tests

Webberville should have a chance to ﬁne tune the team at the start of the season, playing Burton Atherton and then Morrice, two teams that had a combined three wins last year. Those two games should help the team gain conﬁdence as the Spartans move into the meat of their nine-game schedule.

NAME POS. YR. Ryan Adair OL/DE Jr. Tyler Adair TE/LB Fr. Jimmy Albin RB/LB Fr. John Anton WR/DB Sr. Corey Beaudry OL/DL Jr. Billy Bensinger RB/DB Jr. Jon Dale WR/DB So. Aaron Driver WR/DB So. Nate Gardziella RB/LB Jr. Conner Heaney WR/DB Jr. Owen Judd WR/DB So. Chris Loveall QB/DB Jr. Connor Lyons RB/LB Sr. Tyler McMillen QB/DE So. Kigabi Muzaliwa OL/DL Jr. Patrick Muzaliwa RB/DB Jr. Jon Nelson OL/DL Jr. Auston Ogden TE/LB Jr. Josh O’Rourke OL/DL Sr. Kyle Osterle QB/LB Fr. Jarred Roby WR/DB So. Esteban Rubio WR/DB Jr. Sergio Rubio WR/LB Sr. Dereck Woodrow OL/DL So. Jake Wylie WR/DB Sr. *Returning starters are shaded. Jersey numbers were not available. LAST YEAR

Season of tough tests

After stumbling against Ashley in the opener, Webberville managed four wins as an independent. The Spartans played some stiff competition, including Frankfort, which was state runner-up in Division 8. Four of the Spartans’ 2009 opponents qualiﬁed for the playoffs. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 28 — Record: 136-166 (.450) League titles: 7 — Playoff berths: 3 Extra points: The Spartans didn’t even have BILL MCLEOD/Lansing State Journal a team for a season during the playoff era. Short on experience: Senior halfback Connor Lyons But they won three straight Mid-State is the only returning starter who saw signiﬁcant playing Activities Conference titles from 1993-95 and made the playoffs for the ﬁrst time in 1994. — Bill McLeod time on a senior-laden Spartan team in 2009.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 17

Leslie Blackhawks

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

http://www.lesliek12.net

FOURCAST [ 1 ] Seasoned leader Coach Scott Farley has been a mainstay at Leslie for 17 years and will have a chance to win his 100th game this season. Despite a difﬁcult season last year, Farley knows what it takes to get the Blackhawks back to the top.

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

Scott Farley w Age: 45

ROSTER

# NAME

[ 3 ] Solid secondary

Of the six defensive returnees, four helped make up the Blackhawks’ starting secondary last season. The leader of the group is Arras (5-10, 175), the only starter left from Leslie’s 2008 state ﬁnalist team. Kibbey, Kunze and junior Collin Martin are also back on that unit. DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 22 Record: 139-193 (.419) League titles: 3 Playoff berths: 7 Extra points: The Blackhawks have won 10 or more games four times, but did so back-to-back in 2007 and 2008. The latter team ﬁnished 12-2 and as Division 6 state runner-up.

Focused: Leslie junior running back Andrew Arras, a returning starter, eyes the ball on a sweep during the team’s practice . DAVID OLDS For the Lansing State Journal

LAST YEAR

YR.

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Tough act to follow

After making their first state final appearance in school history, the Blackhawks struggled to an 1-8 record last season. Leslie finished 0-5 in the SMAA.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Taking aim: Leslie junior quarterback Brendon Smith is one of 15 returning starters for the Blackhawks.

POS.

1 Jeremy Kunze RB/DB 2 Collin Martin RB/DB 3 Kruiz Short RB/DB 6 Kyle Bryson WR/DB 7 Brendon Smith QB/DB 11 Brandon Kibbey WR/DB 12 Tucker Hanson WR/DE 15 Zach Culver TE/DE 20 Chrishawn Smith RB/LB 23 Chanler Carmer RB/DB 24 Gregg Davis RB/DB 32 Lynn Lehnert DL 36 Andrew Arras RB/DB 40 Manny Pennell RB/LB 44 Jared Hansen TE/DE 51 Zach Strahle OL/DL 52 Tylor Mireles OL/LB 64 Ryan Armstrong OL/DL 66 Chaz Navarro OL/DL 68 Jacob Budd OL/DL 71 Trevor Vogt OL/DL 72 Chris Brown OL/DL 73 Lewis Carlson OL/DL 74 Colt Nevins OL/DL 75 Dalton Cardwell OL/DL 77 Zach McGhee OL/DL 82 Garrett Kanik TE/LD *Returning starters are shaded.

SMAA

• Playing experience: Leslie 1979-82 • Coaching experience: Leslie 1993-present • Career record: 95-71 • Full-time job: Leslie physical education and leadership teacher • Assistant coaches: George Manson, Tom Shafer, Will Derr, Bob Kinney, James Harrison, Scott Powers, Rob DeSmith

Leslie returns 15 starters this year, nine on the offensive side of the ball. All starting skill positions return for the Blackhawks, including junior quarterback Brendon Smith, running backs Andrew Arras and Jeremy Kunze and receivers Brandon Kibbey and Kyle Bryson. The three returning offensive lineman — juniors Chris Brown, Colt Nevins and Zach McGhee — are all 6-foot-1 or taller and 225 pounds or heavier. And senior tight end Zach Culver is 6-6, 210.

The Blackhawks struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball last season. They were unable to hold any opponent under 20 points and gave up 64 points to rival Stockbridge. Culver (6-6, 210) is back at defensive end and junior Manny Pennell is a returning starter at linebacker. — Scott Yoshonis

East Jackson Sand Creek Brooklyn Col. Central Stockbridge Hillsdale Jackson Co. Western Albion Erie Mason M.P. Sacred Heart

PLACE

COACH

[ 2 ] Paid their dues

[4 ] Get defensive

OPPONENT

[August 25, 2010]

Leslie at Stockbridge

SCHEDULE

SMAA

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Stockbridge Panthers

Leslie at Stockbridge

Sept. 17

http://scs.k12.mi.us

ROSTER #

NAME

2 Jacob Pace 3 Mitch Clark 5 Jeff O’Brien 8 Jeff Katz 12 Jacob Frey 15 Joe Martinez 16 Matt Klann 20 Nick Balkus 25 Justin Gipfert 28 Robert Fonseca 31 Dylan Baisden 35 Scott Watson 54 Alex Boyce 55 Koltin Grammer 56 Doug Tripp 60 Ricky Hurd 61 Lyle Reasoner 62 Tyler Good 64 Alex Deitrich 65 Jacob Williams 66 John Babbitt 70 Dylan Allen 71 John Grassmeyer 72 Dakota Patrick 74 Jake Hamblin 75 Alex Lozon 78 Mike Hoard 81 Ashton Baalaer 83 Devin Allen 84 Dominic Busen 91 Anthony Gibson * Returning starters shaded

POS.

YR.

WR/DB QB/DE QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DL RB/DB WR/DE WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DE OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DE OL/DL

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

PLACE

Whitmore Lake Home Dundee Home Hillsdale Away Leslie Home Albion Away Brooklyn Columbia Central Away Parma Western Home Hudson Away East Jackson Away COACH

Jeremy Killinger w Age: 34

• Playing experience: Stockbridge 1992-93 • Coaching experience: Stockbridge 2002-present • Career record: 35-42 • Full-time job: Controller for CD Okemos 10, LLC • Assistant coaches: Karl Heidrich, Al Francis, Pat O’Brien, Jason Ladd, Tim Good Sr., Tim Good Jr. LAST YEAR

Terriﬁc turnaround

After going 1-8 fn 2008, Stockbridge ﬁnished 9-2 last season and undefeated in the SMAA. LAST 35 YEARS

AL GOLDIS/For the Lansing State Journal

One more time: Senior Jeff O’Brien is entering his fourth season as Stockbridge’s starting quarterback.

LSJ rank: 27 — Record: 132-187 (.414) League titles: 4 — Playoff berths: 4 Extra points: The Panthers broke a 15-year playoff drought by going 9-2 in 2003, then made the postseason again in 2004.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [ 3 ] Well protected Stockbridge will feature one of the [1] Eyeing consistency After cruising to a league title in 2009, Stockbridge will look to repeat as SMAA champs. The Panthers return six starters on both offense and defense, including ﬁve starting on both sides of the ball — senior quarterback/ defensive back Jeff O’Brien, senior receiver/defensive back Jacob Pace, senior receiver/defensive end Dominic Busen, senior lineman Koltin Grammer and junior lineman Jake Hamblin.

[ 2 ] Veteran at helm

O’Brien will enter his fourth year as the starting quarterback. He will be given some more freedom to air it out this year as Stockbridge has experienced receivers in Busen and Pace and a handful of others in Devin Allen, Jeff Katz and Joe Martinez expected to contribute. Senior running back Matt Klann is also back in the lineup.

largest offensive lines in Killinger’s memory. The average weight across the line is 260 pounds, anchored by 6-foot-3, 285-pound tackles Grammer and Hamblin. They also start on defense with all-area pick Busen at end and senior Doug Tripp (6-4, 220) on the other side.

[4 ] Need to stay stingy

Defense was one of the Panthers’ strong points last season. They held opponents under 20 points in all but three regularseason games in 2009. The line is set, but senior Jacob Frey is the only returning starter to a linebacking corps that must solidify quickly. Junior Scott Watson should help there, and senior Ashton Baalaer is expected to strengthen a strong backﬁeld. — Scott Yoshonis

AL GOLDIS/For the Lansing State Journal

Beware of Busen: Stockbridge’s Dominic Busen (right) drives Columbia Central’s Travis Turner into the ground. Busen is one of ﬁve returning Panthers who start on both sides of the ball. Busen was an all-area selection as a defensive end in 2009.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 17

Olivet Eagles

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

olivetschools.org

OPPONENT

Galesburg-Augusta Kalamazoo Hackett Constantine Kalamazoo Christian Battle Creek Pennﬁeld Delton Kellogg Parchment Schoolcraft Maple Valley

PLACE

WMU Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home

[August 25, 2010]

Kal.Christian at Olivet

SCHEDULE

COACH

Dean Peters w Age: 56

w Playing experience:

Potterville 1969-71

w Coaching experience:

Olivet 1988-present

w Career record: 136-59 w Full-time job: Olivet

physical education teacher

w Assistant coaches: Bob Burcaw, Brock

Peters, Gabe Priddy, Brandon Peters, Chad Loveless, Brian Garrett, Larry Fisk, Elliott London ROSTER

Photo courtesy of Bob Burcaw

Hut, hut: Olivet sophomore Don Kyre (left) and junior Tyler Shaver, both tackles, practice at the Midwest Lineman Camp at Albion College in June.

FOURCAST [ 1 ] New nest

[ 2 ] Gang green

Seven starters are back on defense, including linebackers Zach Place (104 tackles last season) and Matt Montague, who is in his third varsity season. Senior Cody Cowell returns at nose guard and sophomore Don

[ 3 ] Take to the air

Cousineau passed for 1,372 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and will look to duplicate those numbers in this, his third year as starting signal-caller. Look for 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end Mike Malone to be a favorite target.

[4 ] Movin’ on up

Thanks to a 25-student jump in enrollment this year, Olivet will be a Class B school for the ﬁrst time, with 481 students according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association. For football, that will likely be more help to their Class C foes than to the Eagles themselves, as wins over KVA foes

Delton Kellogg, Parchment and Pennﬁeld will no longer yield bonus playoff points.

— Scott Yoshonis LAST YEAR

Another strong run

The Eagles earned their second straight playoff berth, and the sixth in seven seasons, defeating Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 20-16 in the first round before falling 50-6 to eventual state semifinalist Ithaca. Olivet also gave another eventual state finalist, Constantine, its last loss until the state final, 10-8 in Week 2. The Eagles finished 7-4 overall and fourth in the KVA. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 16 — Record: 205-126 (.619) League titles: 7 — Playoff berths: 10 Extra points: From 1992-2006, the Eagles posted winning records every season but one. Twice they ﬁnished 10-1 — in 1998 and 2005 — and eight times they made the playoffs during that span.

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

Olivet will play its first game in a new field-turf stadium on Sept. 17 against Kalamazoo Christian. The new digs may have to wait a year to make a difference in league play, however, as the Eagles will play KVA title favorites Constantine, Pennfield and Schoolcraft away in 2010. The new stadium could give Olivet one advantage this season: Since joining the KVA in 2006, the Eagles have beaten every team in the league at least once, except Kalamazoo Christian.

Kyre at end. But the Eagles must defend better against the pass, where returning safeties Jay Cousineau and Patrick Banta could be key.

POS.

2 Andre McCormack WR/LB 3 Blake Carleton WR/S 4 Dakota Roberts WR/S 5 Colin Spencer WR/S 6 Travis Oberlin WR/S 7 Patrick Banta RB/S 9 Zac Page RB/LB 10 Grant Zaremba QB/S 11 Jay Cousineau QB/S 12 Trevor Marshall WR/S 14 Jordan Neil WR/S 20 Nick Coolidge RB/S 21 Matt Montague RB/LB 23 Tanner McCarn WR/LB 24 Nick Walker K 25 Jake Maas K 30 Tim Nilles RB/LB 42 Zach Place TE/LB 47 Evan Bahmer WR/S 50 Thomas Greilick G/LB 52 Colt Bodo G/N 54 Jim McManus G/DE 55 Cody James G/N 56 Taylor Wilkins G/DE 57 Cody Cowell G/N 60 Nick Kelley T/N 62 Alex Herlein G/N 63 Shawn Shumaker G/N 64 Tyler Shaver T/N 65 Trent Murphy G/DE 66 Mike Tokar T/N 70 Aaron Platzer T/N 75 Gianni Faggion T/N 77 Kyle Sinclair T/N 78 Don Kyre T/N 85 Mike Malone TE/DE 88 Ethan Williams TE/DE *Returning starters are shaded.

KVA

# NAME

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Maple Valley at Olivet

Oct. 22

Maple Valley Lions mvs.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE 8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Constantine Galesburg-Augusta Delton Kellogg Battle Creek Pennﬁeld Schoolcraft Kalamazoo Christian Kalamazoo Hackett Parchment Olivet

PLACE

WMU Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Away

KVA

COACH

Brian Lincoln

Room to run: Junior running back Michael Caldwell gets around the corner in Maple Valley’s scrimmage last week against Allegan. Caldwell also plays defense and had 71 tackles in seven games last season as a sophomore.

w Age: 35

• Playing experience: Olivet High School 1991-92, Olivet College 1993-94 • Coaching experience: Maple Valley 2009-present • Career record: 2-7 • Full-time job: Maple Valley math teacher • Assistant coaches: Kevin Stewart, Bryan Carpenter, Steve Hopkins, Marty Martin, Mike McDonald, Ryan Hickey, Danny Brininstool, Gary Reid. ROSTER #

SCOTT YOSHONIS Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Learning curve

Last year, employing a new offense for the ﬁrst time since the Ronald Reagan administration, the Lions scored more than twice in a game just once, including three shutouts, and averaged just more than seven points per game. That hard experience could pay off, however, as seven of those starters return, including QB Brad Laverty. Senior tight end Riley Fisher is a three-year starter and 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, and senior Cody Leinhart caught 18 passes in 2009.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] Veteran front seven

Six of Valley’s front seven will be back on defense, including linebackers Mike Caldwell, who had 71 tackles in seven games as a sophomore last season, and third-year starter Trent Courtney. Linemen Andy Pierson and Mark Wehr, linebacker Matt Woodman, and defensive back Garrett Reid all had at least 28 tackles last season.

[ 3 ] Wandering Lions

Maple Valley will play its first three games, and four of its first five, away from home, including the opener against Constantine at Western Michigan University on Aug. 27.

That will allow them to ﬁnish the season with a four game stretch that includes three in a row at home and the regular-season ﬁnale at Olivet.

[ 4 ] History on his side

Coach Brian Lincoln, who played for Olivet in 1991 and 1992, has never come out on the losing end of the Maple Valley/Olivet rivalry. He won as a player in both of his two varsity contests in 1991 and 1992, and defeated his

Target in sight: Maple Valley senior quarterback Brad Laverty unloads a pass in the Lions’ scrimmage against Allegan. Laverty is one of seven returning starters on offense. alma mater-turned-archrival last year as a coach. The Lions lead the all-time rivalry, 24-15.

NAME

POS.

2 Brad Laverty QB/DB 3 Garrett Reid RB/DB 4 Logan Williams WR/DB 7 Trent Courtney QB/OLB 9 Riley Fisher TE/DE 10 Brady Halliwill RB/DB 21 Garrett Miller RB/DB 23 Cody Leinhart RB/DB 24 Matt Woodman RB\OLB 25 Mike Caldwell RB/LB 27 Chantz McManamey RB/OLB 33 Andy Zank RB/LB 36 Cody Sivyer RB/OLB 50 Jake Ewing G/DE 57 Slade Meade G/DE 58 Andy Pierson T/DT 65 Cody Carns G/LB 72 Dakota Gross T/DT 73 Alejandro Reid T/DT 75 Mitchell Hamilton C/DT 79 Collin Reid C/DT 80 Mark Wehr SE/DE SE/DE 82 Austin Tobias 88 Kyle Spencer SE/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

YR.

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

LAST YEAR

Tough ﬁrst year

— Scott Yoshonis Coach Brian Lincoln’s ﬁrst year in charge LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 6 — Record: 229-111-2 (.673) League titles: 12 — Playoff berths: 13 Extra points: From 1983-2002, the Lions won all 12 of their league titles as the dominant program in the old Southern Michigan Athletic Association. They were also 1997 Class CC runners-up.

was a rough one but with a strong start and satisfying end. A seven-game losing streak was book-ended by a careeropening 28-0 trouncing of GalesburgAugusta and an 8-7 win over Olivet on the last night of the season. The Lions ﬁnished tied for eighth in the KVA at 2-7.

GAME TO WATCH

Friday

Alma Panthers www.edzone.net/alma

DATE

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Newaygo Chesaning Freeland Ovid-Elsie Hemlock Saginaw Swan Valley Shepherd Midland Bullock Creek Howard City Tri-County

PLACE

Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away

[August 25, 2010]

Newaygo at Alma

SCHEDULE

COACH

Jeff Ingersoll w Age: 50

Last stand: Alma senior quarterback Dylan Custer gets ready to hand off during practice. Custer has a pair of veteran receivers to get the ball to in Nick Lewis and Sebastian SanMiguel. The Panthers ﬁnished 3-6 last season.

ROSTER

# NAME

DAVID OLDS For the Lansing State Journal

FOURCAST [1] Back to the top

The Panthers are looking to get back to their winning ways as it was just three years ago that they stood atop the TVC Central. Coach Jeff Ingersoll believes that this team’s chemistry and offseason work ethic is among the best he has seen in 23 years on the high school sidelines. Alma returns a pair of two-way starters in Nick Lewis and Sebastian SanMiguel, both of whom started at receiver and defensive back. Lewis (5-foot-8, 160 pounds) is a speedy wideout who can create space, and SanMiguel (6-0, 175) is a big downﬁeld target for second-year quarterback Dylan Custer.

[ 3 ] Power game

Seniors Derek Erskine and Sam Morey are returning starters at offensive guard, and junior Nate Smth is back at center. Behind

[4 ] New names on D

Alma returns far fewer starters on the defensive side of the ball. Joining Lewis and SanMiguel as defensive returnees is junior defensive tackle Tim Gustavison (6-2, 255). Juniors Kyle Vedrode and Brandon Fetzner are expected to make quick impacts at linebacker and sophomore Mitch Mott is a solid pass rusher. A new start on defense might be welcomed as the Panthers gave up more than 30 points in four separate games in 2009.

— Sean Merriman LAST YEAR

Good start, tough ﬁnish

After beginning the season 2-2, the Panthers lost four of their final five games, all of which were TVC Central match-ups. They finished fifth in the league and 3-6 overall.

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 24 — Record: 161-164 (.495) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 8 Extra points: The Panthers had six straight winning seasons, including ﬁve playoff appearances from 1997-2002. Then the 2007 In motion: Alma’s Chaz Bradshaw makes a cut team won a league championship and set a with the ball as head coach Jeff Ingersoll looks on. school record with 11 wins.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

[ 2 ] Air it out

them, junior Dylan Brown is a power back and senior Tyler Bradshaw brings speed to a rushing attack that must get on track.

POS.

2 Sebastian SanMiguel WR/DB 3 Mike Langston WR/DB 4 Dylan Fleminger WR/DB 5 Nick Lewis WR/DB 6 Tyler Bradshaw RB/WR 7 Dylan Custer QB 8 Tyler Fisher DB 9 Chaz Bradshaw WR/DB 10 Morgan Francis K 12 Cameron Cranna WR/DB 21 Chad Duncan WR/DB 22 Dominick Walsh DB 25 Dylan Brown RB 31 Kyle Vedrode LB 34 Jarred Moubray RB/LB 44 Mitch Mott DE 47 Matt Hunter LB/TE 50 Nate Smith C 51 Brett Latoski OL 52 Sam Morey OG 54 Tyler Moreno DL 55 Cody Carter DL/OL 56 Cole Woods LB/OT 58 Derek Erskine OG 59 Brandon Fetzner LB 62 Rick Cornejo DL 64 Tom Anderson DL 65 Sam Rodgers LB 66 Garrett Humphrey DL 68 Emilio Waltz DL/OL 72 Keegan Gallahan OL 73 Tim Gustavison DT 75 Tim Cameron OT 77 Joe Stahl OL/DL 80 Dillon Carr WR/DB *Returning starters are shaded.

TVC Central

• Playing experience: St. Louis 1976-77 • Coaching experience: Alma 2009-present • Career record: 3-6 • Full-time job: Alma high assistant principal • Assistant coaches: Randy Lark, Dan Falor, Eric Huff

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

Portland at Ovid-Elsie

Friday

Ovid-Elsie Marauders www.oe.k12.mi.us

SCHEDULE

DATE

OPPONENT

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

Portland Hemlock Saginaw Swan Valley Alma Shepherd Chesaning Midland Bullock Creek Freeland Reese

PLACE

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away

COACH

Travis Long w Age: 31

w Playing experience:

Ovid-Elsie 1995-96

w Coaching experience:

TVC Central

First season as varsity coach w Career record: 0-0 w Full-time job: Ovid-Elsie High physical education teacher w Assistant coaches: Jeremy Palus, John Hazle, Joel Longstreth, Allen Martin, Brian Zalud, DJ Chapko ROSTER #

GREG DERUITER/Lansing State Journal

Guiding the ship: Senior quarterback Gavin Bukovcik returns to lead the offense for the Marauders after getting valuable playing time in 2009.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [ 1 ] A new era

Coach Travis Long will take over for Jerry Goosen, who resigned after spending the past eight seasons on the sideline for the Marauders. Long is familiar with the Ovid-Elsie football program, having served as a varsity assistant for the past eight years and junior varsity coach for the past two seasons. He has been teaching at Ovid-Elsie for the past six years as well.

[ 2 ] Filling the void

Gone is all-state running back Chris Robinson, who was the Division 5-6 state Player of the Year in 2009. Returning candidates to replace him are seniors Andrew Barber (5-foot-11, 182 pounds) and Kayden Madden (5-10, 175), as well as junior Dustin Karlik (5-8, 152). Senior Calvin

Galecka and junior Zach Robinson — Chris’ younger brother — also are in the mix.

[ 3 ] Other means to score

There are returning options for replacing some of that graduated offense. Senior quarterback Gavin Bukovcik got valuable starting experience a year ago, and he should have time to work with seniors Robby Dobski (6-2, 255) and Josh Warner (5-10, 190) among linemen with returning experience on at least one side of the ball. Junior Cal Martin (5-11, 240) started a playoff game at offensive guard last season, and he could be joined by other sizable juniors like Chazz Miller (6-4, 260) and Jacob Gewirtz (6-5, 255) and senior Aaron Feliu (5-4, 200).

[4 ] Stopping the advance Six starters return from a defense that gave up a solid 17.3 points per game a year ago.

Defensive back Garrett Strachota returns after making the all-league ﬁrst team, and Barber and senior Ryan Schoendorf made the second team at linebacker and defensive back, respectively. — Sean Merriman LAST YEAR

Success is contagious

After setting a school record with 12 wins in 2008, Ovid-Elsie followed with 11 wins and a perfect 7-0 record in the TVC Central. The Marauders won their second consecutive league title. LAST 35 YEARS

LSJ rank: 23 — Record: 139-192 (.420) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: About one-third, or 46 of those 139 wins, came during the past ﬁve seasons. Three times the Marauders won at least 10 games, and in 2008 they ended with a Division 5 state runner-up ﬁnish at Ford Field.

NAME

POS.

2 Greg Greenhoe RB/DB 10 Ryan Schoendorf E/DB 11 Tate Coleman QB/DB 12 Garrett Strachota E/DB 14 Gavin Bukovcik QB/DB 15 Calvin Galecka RB/DE 20 Kayden Madden RB/DE 21 Luke Nixon RB/DB 22 Derrik Shepard RB/DB 24 Tyler Delaney RB/DB 25 Brendon Hagerman RB/DB 28 Zach Robinson RB/LB 30 Andrew Barber RB/LB 32 Jeff Houska RB/LB 33 Logan Winans RB/DB 40 Joshua Akena RB/LB 42 Kody Coleman E/DE 44 Dustin Karlik RB/DB 50 Tyler Swiney OL/DL 51 Vlad Zgripcea OL/DL 52 Cal Martin OL/LB 55 Jacob Gewirtz OL/DL 58 Max Eiﬂer OL/DL 60 Marco Solkan OL/DL 62 Jordan Sloat OL/DE 64 Josh Warner OL/DL 70 Aaron Feliu OL/DL 72 Mike Mills OL/DL 74 Robby Dobski OL/DL 77 Chazz Miller OL/DL 79 Ryan Heeney OL/DL 81 Rob Klco E/DB 82 Dyllan Antes E/DB 84 Taylor Markman E/DE 85 Hunter Winans E/DE 88 David Mahoney E/DE 89 Alex Ward E/DE *Returning starters are shaded.

YR.

Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 24

Ithaca Yellowjackets www.ithacaschools.net

COACH

Terry Hessbrook w Age: 42

• Playing experience: Ithaca 1982-84, Olivet College 1985-88 • Coaching experience: Montabella 1991-95, Ithaca 2004-present • Career record: 47-60 • Full-time job: Ithaca High physical education and psychology teacher • Assistant coaches: Brad Showers, Craig Snyder, Todd Hessbrook, Noah Moomey, Craig Fenn, John Mimranek, Josh Rayburn, Trevor Marcy, Glen Stevenson, Mike Holes, Justin Seaman.

8/27 9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22

OPPONENT

Durand Breckenridge Carrollton St. Louis St. Charles Saginaw Valley Lutheran Saginaw M.L.S. Merrill Shepherd

PLACE

Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

ROSTER

# NAME

LAST YEAR

Ithaca finished 11-2 and advanced to its first state semifinal before losing to eventual Division 6 champion Montague. To earn that semifinal berth, the Yellowjackets avenged an earlier loss to St. Charles, one of two teams with which Ithaca shared the TVC West title. LAST 35 YEARS

DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal

Stat man: CMU-bound Alex Niznak combined for 3,681 yards passing and rushing for Ithaca in 2009.

[ 3 ] Give me a D

[ 2 ] Nak for offense

[4 ] Big men, big game

Coming off arguably the best season in Ithaca history — and four winning seasons in a row — 20 seniors know the thrill of victory. Six starters return on offense and nine on defense, and last year’s postseason experience makes the team even more prepared for a similar run.

Many eyes in the state will be on senior quarterback Alex Niznak, who has committed to Central Michigan and also had signiﬁcant interest from Michigan State among many others. He accounted for a combined 3,681 yards and 50 touchdowns rushing and passing last season as Ithaca averaged 41 points per game. Leading receiver Christian Marble graduated, but junior David Brown and seniors Luke Capen and Jacob Acker all saw signiﬁcant time in the team’s spread — and Brown accounted for a combined 13 touchdowns receiving, rushing and passing. And don’t forget kicker Nick Pendell, who hit 52 of 62 extra point tries in 2009.

Brown also was an all-league ﬁrst team defensive back last season, Capen made the second team and Acker and senior defensive lineman Sam Reeves earned honorable mentions. But there is plenty of experience around them in senior linebacker Luke Harless, junior linebackers Charles Schnetzler and Garrett Miniard and senior linemen Jory Purvis and Blake Fish, all returning starters.

Reeves and Fish also man spots on the offensive line, but that’s the group where Ithaca will have the most new players. New linemen will bring a boost of size, with expected contributions from seniors Dylan Snyder (6-foot-3, 250 pounds), Mike Bouchey (6-2, 310), Keith Carley (6-2, 210), juniors James Reah (6-3, 240), Tyler Scott (6-2, 190) and Travis Wetzel (5-9, 180) and sophomores Josh Capen (6-2, 200) and Bradley Martyn (5-9, 180).

—Geoff Kimmerly

YR.

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Sure hands: Sophomore wide receiver Markes Gadlen snares a pass during a drill in practice. The Yellowjackets averaged 41 points per game last season.

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

FOURCAST [1] Knack for winning

POS.

2 Alex Niznak QB 4 David Brown WR/DB 5 Trevor Haynak WR/DB 7 Jacob Acker WR/DB 10 Luke Capen WR/DB 12 Jory Purvis WR/DT 14 Zack Whipple K 17 Mitch Cullinan RB/LB 20 Jacob Nelson RB/DB 21 Ryan Fairchild WR/DB 22 Luke Harless WR/LB 23 Jake Greene WR/LB 24 Markes Gadlen WR/DB 25 Tyler Gibson WR/LB 26 Nick Pendell K 32 Garrett Miniard RB/LB 34 James Carey WR/DL 50 Blake Fish OL/DL 52 Sam Reeves OL/DL 54 Marcus Kremsreiter OL/DL 55 Josh Capen OL/DL 60 Dylan Snyder OL/DT 62 Noah Harless OL/DL 64 Keith Carley OL/DL 65 Anthony Ventocilla OL/DL 66 Andrew House OL/DL 67 Bradley Martyn OL/DL 70 Tyler Scott OL/DL 71 Trenton Zuker OL/DL 72 Travis Wetzel OL/DL 74 James Reah OL/DL 77 Mike Bouchey OL/DL 78 Jacob Baublitz OL/DL 80 Charles Schnetzler WR/LB 81 Lucas Slater WR/LB *Returning starters are shaded.

TVC West

History made

LSJ rank: 12 — Record: 222-114-4 (.661) League titles: 7 — Playoff berths: 14 Extra points: Over the last four seasons, Ithaca has won at least 10 games twice, tying a school record 11 victories last season on the way to its first state semifinal berth. Both seasons in which it had double-figure wins included TVC West championships.

DATE

[August 25, 2010]

St. Charles at Ithaca

SCHEDULE

[August 25, 2010]

GAME TO WATCH

SCHEDULE

Ashley Bears

Ashley at M.P. Sacred Heart

Sept. 3

DATE

www.ashleyschools.net

FOURCAST [1] New passer

Thomas Fabus will take over the quarterback duties for the Bears. He replaces three-year starting quarterback Kolton Stoneman, who was one of 10 senior players to graduate from the team this spring. Joining Fabus in the backﬁeld will be halfbacks Justin Wilson and Ethan Burgess. Fullbacks include returning starter Josh Wilk and newcomers Corey Copeman and Brett Wolfe.

MSAC

[ 3 ] Back ’em up

Wilson and Fabus will lead the defensive charge from their free safety and linebacker spots. Both started nine games last season and improved during the offseason. Most of the offensive line will play both ways, giving the Bears a tough line to move out of the way. The defense is young but has several returning starters mixed in to add stability.

[4 ] Baby steps

POS.

YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. Sr.

LAST YEAR

The loss of 10 seniors left big holes to be filled on the fly. The team expects to get better each week and eliminate the mental mistakes. Each practice film shows an improvement from the day before.

Playoff team

Ashley ended the regular season with a 5-4 record, good enough to get the Bears into postseason play for the ﬁrst time since 2003. The Bears lost in the ﬁrst round of districts to Beal City, the eventual Division 8 state champion.

— Sean Merriman

DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal

Run to daylight: Junior fullback Corey Copeman runs through a hole after taking a handoff from quarterback Thomas Fabus during practice. LSJ rank: 32 — Record: 129-191-2 (.403) League titles: 3 — Playoff berths: 6 Extra points: The Bears capped a string of three straight winning seasons with an 8-4 ﬁnish and berth in the Class D state semiﬁnals.

COACH

Joe Holloway w Age: 34

w Playing experience:

Fulton 1993-94

w Coaching experi-

ence: Ashley 2005-present w Career record: 20-26 w Full-time job: Ashley High athletic director w Assistant coaches: Steven Clements, Jay Childers, Jason Stoneman, Freddie Willbanks

LJ-0100032267

LAST 35 YEARS

Lansing State Journal | www.lsj.com

NAME

1 Thomas Fabus QB/OLB 3 Willie Rochleau FB/CB 5 Jakob Andersen SE/SS 7 Justin Wilson HB/FS 10 Klayton Cramer FB/OLB 12 Josh Wilk HB/CB 20 Ethan Burgess HB/SS 21 Brett Wolfe FB/SS 23 Justin Wilk HB/CB 32 Tyler Skaryd SE/MLB 33 Corey Copeman FB/MLB 36 Frankie Demming FB/CB 44 Derek Ward FB/OLB 45 Kody Grifﬁth TE/NT 50 Jared Spitzley OT/MLB 54 Josh Hier OT/DT 55 Ryan Payne OG/DT 64 Travis Copeman OT/OLB 72 Justin Angel OT/MLB 74 Carl Wilson C/NT 75 Michael Jolly OT/NT 76 Jake Brookhouse OG/DT 78 Devin Saylor OG/NT 85 Frank Gross TE/OLB *Returning starters are shaded.

The Bears have impressive size on the offensive line. Tackles Mike Jolly and Josh Hier tip the scales at 280 and 255 pounds, respectively. Hier earned MSAC honorable mention last season. Guard Ryan Payne weighs in at 220 pounds. He earned MSAC ﬁrst-team honors. Frank Gross has moved to tight end but will still contribute in the Bears’ blocking schemes. Newcomer Carl Wilson will be the center.

DAVID OLDS/For the Lansing State Journal

PLACE

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

ROSTER

[ 2 ] The big Bears

Taking it wide: Halfback Justin Wilson looks for an opening as he tries to get around the corner.

OPPONENT

8/28 Southﬁeld Christian 9/3 Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart 9/10 Big Rapids Crossroads 9/17 Vestaburg 9/24 Montabella 10/1 Baldwin 10/8 Brethren 10/15 Coleman 10/22 Breckenridge *8/28 at Birmingham Groves