TRUE
BLUE DECEMBER VOL 1. EDITION 15 NEWSLETTER MAGAZINE
FAMILY. FUN. FOOTBALL
INSIDE THIS EDITION THE YEAR IN REVIEW PLUS THE CROWNING OF THE CHAMPS! TRUE BLUE
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CONTENTS
December 2005
true blue
family.fun.football
FOOTBALL FEATURES [11] [13] [16]
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FRESHMEN JUNIOR VARSITY
VARSITY FAMILY
FUN
ROGER BERTOIA HAS CREATED HIS OWN INSTITUTION WITHIN WJF THAT ALL FAMILIES COULD BENEFIT FROM. READ MORE in the family section
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THE CHEERLEADERS WERE A HUGE PART OF THE SUCCESS OF THE WJF CHAMPIONSHIP RUN. SEE THEIR STORY IN THE CHEER SECTION
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IT’S NEVER GOODBYE- IT’S SEE YOU LATER ARE YOU HAVING THE GOOD OL’ MICHIGAN WINTER BLUES? DO YOU MISS FOOTBALL YET? THIS FALL WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF ENJOYING THE HOTTEST THE TICKET IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, AS WE WATCHED OUR AMAZING BOYS AND GIRLS IN MAIZE & BLUE achieve A NOMINAL AMOUNT OF SUCCESS. WITHOUT THEM WE WOULD BE FORCED TO TURN TO THE
LOWELY LIONS FOR ANY SORT OF EXCITEMENT on the gridiron. I’m sure you’ll agree that it was incredible to be a part of the wonderful tradition of Washtenaw junior football. As I have said many times before these children have been truly inspirational. Toward the end of the season I contemplated if I would do true blue again next year. While that is still up in the air, I will say however that I have begun to build a TRUE BLUE WEBSITE that will enable players, FAMILIES and WJF FANS alike to get a more indebt look at the wolverines. And honestly with the out pour of phrases that I have received there’s no way some parents would allow me to not continue true blue (unless I leave the State). I even had one parent ask me if I would continue to do monthly issues after the season. I will say however that the experience that I have had writing True Blue has inspired me to reassess my own career ambitions as a writer. I hope that you all enjoy this issue of True Blue and continue to support and be a part of Washtenaw junior Football for years to come. I also hope that no matter how relentless the pursuit or how complex the drive is; continue to keep your children involved in team sports. Studies show that team sports increases the likelihood that our children will grow to become productive successful adults. On a final note, please be safe during the winter. And as you gather with your families to reminisce about wjf during the holiday season please remember to think & give to those less fortunate. Wishing you a safe and calm winter,
Heath J. Boston TRUE BLUE
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YEAR IN REVIEW
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Volume 1, Issue 15 Newsletter Family. Fun. Football
DE 1, 2005
Log onto www.washtenawjrfootball.org for more information
Washtenaw Junior Football Thanks for Participating in another Great Season in 2005!! The members of the Washtenaw Junior Football (WJF) organization are very pleased with the 2005 season. The program approached 400 participants with over 70 coaches. We had over 70 cheer team members. This is the second year in a row that we have had more participation (players and cheer team members) than WJF has had since its inception. We are excited about WJF accomplishments this year and our potential in future years. We would like to recognize all the senior veterans who played their last season for WJF in 2005. We thank you for your years of participation and commitment to WJF. You will truly be missed. We wish you all the luck as you enter high school, participate in alternative programs, or pursue new endeavors. We would like to congratulate all nine squads for an outstanding year in terms of not only competitiveness but also outstanding sportsmanship. We would also like to give accolades to the Maize Freshmen, Maize Junior Varsity, Blue Freshmen, Blue Junior Varsity, and Blue Varsity squads for qualifying for the 2005 DJFL Football playoffs and the Maize cheer teams that participated in the DJFL Cheer Team Competition. We also would like to provide praise to the 2005 DJFL AFC Championship teams (Blue Freshmen, Blue JV, and Blue Varsity). What a terrific season! On behalf of the 2005 Board Members of WJF, thanks for being part of the WJF family in 2005 and making this a rewarding and memorable season!! We hope to see many of you in 2006. Regards, Greg Yarrington President, Washtenaw Junior Football
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WASHTENAW JUNIOR FOOTBALL SERVING THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY CELEBRATED A MONUMENTAL 2005 SEASON. BOTH MAIZE AND BLUE UNITS ENJOYED THEIR SHARE OF SUCCESS AS FRESHMEN MAIZE, VARSITY BLUE AND JUNIOR VARSITY MAIZE AND BLUE FINISHED THE REGULAR SEASON OUT IN FIRST PLACE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DIVISIONS. WJF ALSO SENT FIVE TEAMS TO THE PLAYOFFS AND FOUR TO THE SUPERBOWL WITH THREE BLUE UNIT TEAMS CAPTURING VICTORIES.
At our finest, we are a family. During this year’s registration, which was held during the spring, WJF registered nearly 400 participants. As the season progressed each squad had less than 3% roster drop.
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VARSITY
CONTRIBUTORS
Date
Opponent
W/L
Score
09/11
Wyandotte
W
43-0
09/17
Melvindale
W
39-0
09/24
Taylor Cobras
W
45-12
10/01
Dearborn Blue
W
32-31
10/08
Taylor Mustangs
W
42-12
10/15
Romulus
W
39-13
10/22
Gross Ile
W
25-7
10/29
Woodhaven
W
40-12
11/05
Taylor Cobras
W
40-24
11/12
Woodhaven
W
26-20
PRESIDENT WJF GREG YARRINGTON FRESHMEN HEAD COACH TONY BERTOIA VOLUNTEERS A. WARREN BECKY NAUSS RHONDA WARREN TERRY OWINGS EDITOR IN CHIEF Heath J Boston WRITER ZACH POISSON FRESHMEN
JUNIOR VARSITY Date Opponent
W/L Score
Date Opponent
W/L
Score
09/11 Wyandotte
L
15-19
09/17 Melvindale
W
26-0
09/24 Taylor Cobras
W
27-0
10/01 Dearborn Blue
L
6-12
09/11 Wyandotte
W
29-12
10/08 Taylor Mustangs
W
40-0
09/17 Melvindale
W
26-0
10/15 Romulus
W
24-13
09/24 Taylor Cobras
W
27-20
10/22 Gross Ile
W
33-6
10/01 Dearborn Blue
W
19-7
10/29 Woodhaven
L
18-19
10/08 Taylor Mustangs
W
36-6
11/05 Wyandotte
W
7-0
10/15 Romulus
W
32-19
11/12 Woodhaven
W
14-0
10/22 Gross Ile
W
26-6
10/29 Woodhaven
W
38-20
11/05 Taylor Cobras
W
32-6
11/12 Wyandotte
W
21-6
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# 11 MARCUS WALLACE CELEBRATES A JUNIOR VARSITY VICTORY WITH HIS TEAMMATES. WALLACE, A SECOND YEAR PLAYER, WILL RETURN TO JUNIOR VARSITY NEXT SEASON.
#11 MARCUS WALLACE CELEBRATING A JUNIOR VARSITY VICTORY WITH HIS TEAMMATES.
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WINNING IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss. DOUG WILLIAMS
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WASHTENAW JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHEERLEADERS PERFORM AT HALFTIME. 9
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YARRINGTON BRINGS HOME MORE THAN THE GOLD nyone who believes that hard work doesn’t pay off, needs to take a play from Greg Yarrington’s play book. Two years of sweat, hard work perseverance and a culmination of miles and gas on his personal vehicle was made all worth while on Saturday November 12, 2005. Yarrington, in his second year as President of WJF Yarrington has seen the fruits of his labor blossom into perfection.
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In a season that had its stage set with nearly perfect weather, the consolidation of the Wildcat franchise and nearly 400 players and cheerleaders registered, Yarrington and WJF had been in the driver’s seat all year long keeping enough gas in the tank to make the playoffs and win championships.
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Most youth football organizations only have three teams, but WJF along with a few other downriver organizations have six. Therefore, in essence Yarrington is in charge of one organization with two sub organizations within. At the start of the season, Yarrington’s goal was to have the Maize and Blue units operate both jointly and independently of one another. His plan has paid off in huge dividends, with all six teams finding success during the year. In a perfect world all six teams would have made the playoffs and won the championships. Perfection aside all six teams made significant progress amidst several changes within the organization this year. Yarrington will be the first to tell you that he cannot take sole ownership of the success of the program, as it is the kids, the parents, the volunteers and board members who make this program a success. SEE C OACH on page 15
Yarrington, a man of more actions than words, truly has found his calling in life when it comes to being a leader. His leadership, straight forward demeanor and kids first attitude has enabled the people who serve under his guidance to flourish. WJF, with its two units, can at times be overwhelming to lead. Greg Yarrington has assured WJF families that he isn’t ready hang up his whistle, just yet.
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CINDERELLA NEVER DANCED LIKE THIS FRESHMEN TURN THE TIDES AND DEFINE SEASON WITH DEFENSE FRESHMEN PLAY PERFECT GAME as Coaching Makes the Difference in Victory
The Blue Freshmen may have something to say about the phrase “March Madness” or “The Big Dance” March is months away, yet they danced all the way to the championship game as a four seed: the lowest seed. Ever seen a sixteen seeded team beat a one seed? Although the Wolverines were no sixteen seed, their standings said nothing about their true desire and ability to play on center stage. But it wasn’t in the spectacular fashion that one would assume. Perhaps a last second drive to win it all? Nope. Or maybe a last minute interception returned to take home a victory? Nope, not that either. It was hard nosed going to work Detroit Piston style defense (just on a football field) that did the job.
Freshmen Quarterback Brandon bertoia celebrating a Freshmen victory The defense led by Makeen “Mr. Big Shot” (Chauncy Billups) Farha ate up their opponents in the post season by dishing out two big shutouts. Farha’s big play ability enabled the players around him to develop and get better as the season progressed. Two of those players, Trevor Makarov and Bradley Koenig swarmed and shut down their opponents as if they were Ben and Rasheed Wallace of the Pistons. Makarov and Koenig played a critical role in stabilizing a defensive front, putting together a unique blend of physical assertiveness and charisma. Makarov along with Farha and Chase Campbell showed exceptional leadership ability
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displaying a defense that for virtually all season had been a hidden gem behind a great offense; a defense that really started to shine in their last regular season meeting against Woodhaven. During that game Defensive End Chase Campbell racked up four sacks. Although the Wolverines came up short 18-19 in that contest, they looked all the part of a potential spoiler on the horizon. If there was ever such a thing as the near perfect game, the Freshmen Wolverines certainly demonstrated it in the champion game against Woodhaven. Championships are won in the trenches within the dirt and sweat of the defense. SEE FRESHMEN PAGE 15
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trey heren and his varsity teammates hoist up their helmets along with the championship trophy. Heren, a varsity linebaker, will be playing for the saline hornets next season.
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FAMILY. FOR LEAGUE INFO LOG ONTO WWW.WASHTENAWJRFOOTBALL.ORG
FAMILY, THE STRONGEST INSTITUITION Heath J Boston
Washtenaw Junior Football has always encouraged families to be involved with its program. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that at the foundation of any quality community program, families play a very integral role. With that being said Roger Bertoia and his family have set the bar as volunteers. With three generations of the Bertoia family taking an active role in the development, success and enrichment of WJF and its children, Roger has been adopted by all he encounters as “GrandPa Bertoia.” No, it doesn’t mean that he has to go out and buy holiday gifts for over two hundred kids. It means that his unspoken dedication to his own family and to WJF has not gone unnoticed.
Mr. Roger Bertoia is a vital part of Washtenaw Junior Football.
If you ever have had the pleasure of speaking with him, you would know that everything he has to offer is of great substance. You will also come to understand the competitive and kind nature of his children (Mike and Tony Bertoia, and his grandchildren Alex, Nick and Brandon). As a family, the Bertoia’s have
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In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future. Alex Haley
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THE EYES YOU LOOK INTO EVERYDAY BECOME A REFLECTION OF WHO YOU ARE.
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The family is one of nature's masterpieces. George Santayana
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gone through their share of the ups and downs with the organization. Three years ago, the last time Mike and Tony coached together; they enjoyed the success of coaching a 62 team.
scream at the coaches, the refs or the players. Actually while the kids are on the football field during games, Bertoia is quietly tucked away in a press box taping the games for coaches.
Success aside their freshmen team, which had two Bertoia players on it (Alex and Nick) were ruled ineligible for the post season due to league violations by the organization.
And during practices, nearly every one, you can find him nestled quietly on the sidelines, analyzing the play of not just his grandchildren, but their teammates and the coaches.
Brothers Mike (Junior Varsity Assistant Coach) and Tony Bertoia (Freshmen Head Coach) both played youth football in Ann Arbor under the guidance and leadership of their father Roger Bertoia.
Roger Bertoia has made football in Washtenaw County a part of his family.
Bertoia’s own coaching resume runs deep, dating back over 30 years ago. As a Defensive Backs coach for the Ann Arbor Jr. Packers (1974-1978), Bertoia was known to be a bit fiery with an absolute adoration for the children and the game. During his run as a coach Bertoia best years can be attributed to defeating the Allen Park bulldogs for the 1976 Varsity championship and defeating the Ann Arbor junior wolverines for the 1978 championship. His love for watching children play has lingered over the years, and while he doesn’t coach his technical, fatherly style still influences the program. Roger, er um, Grandpa Bertoia expects the team to give a 100% effort on the field. He is not one of those raging fans that will
DID YOU KNOW? *DURING ITS FOURTEEN EDITION RUN, TRUE BLUE ACCUMILATED OVER 600 WEEKLY READERS. IN THE FOURTEEN EDITIONS, TRUE BLUE COMBINED FOR OVER 130 PAGES (NOT INCLUDING THE YEAR BOOK).
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Volume 1, Issue 15 Newsletter Family. Fun. Football
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WJF WOLVERINE
IN THIS SECTION 40
COACHES
40
TEAM PICTURE
41
PLAYER PICTURES
43
PICTURES FROM SEASON
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WOLVERINE
DECEMBER
Heath J Boston
As the cold wintered snow will eventually remove itself from the sidewalks and sidelines of football fields, players will soon find themselves suiting up again and embarking on another season. Those who were fortunate enough to have played in 2005 will bring with them the swagger of winners and the memories and lessons learned from their coaches and peers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 47
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DIETER HEREN HEAD COACH
ALAN GORDAN ASSISTANT COACH
MIKE BERTOIA ASSISTANT COACH
LAWRENCE PEEPLE ASSISTANT COACH
BLUE UNIT JUNIOR VARSITY COACHING STAFF SCOTT WHITE ASSISTANT COACH
STEVE NOFFKE ASSISTANT COACH
T O GE T H E R
RYAN BESAW ASSISTANT COACH
E V E R Y O N E AC H I E V E S
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MO R E
BRANDON GORDAN #1
JAMES JENSEN # 58
MICHAEL ANDRIES # 16
GARY HOPKINS #15
ANDREW WHITE #28
JOSEPH TITUS # 77
ALLEN SNOWDEN #81
ANDREW THOMPSON #91
DANIEL BLESKE #85
ALEX BERTOIA #10
JOSHUA SHUBIN #89
ROBERT BONDY #80
SAM ROSE # 76
GAVIN OLSON #72
GRIFFIN KREBSBACH #71
MALCOLM UPCHURCH #57
SETH HEREN #6
ZACH DAVIS #9
DEWAN ABINOJAR #13
TORREY JUIDE #7
JOHNTAE PITTMAN #3
DIANDRE WOODS #65
QUANIS HOPKINS #83
ALEX BELANGER #19
DRAKE JOHNSON #2
YARRSAIL FIFER #50
TREVOR HILL #75
THAD STALMACK #12
MARCUS WALLACE #11
TREVAUN GEE # 14
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JALIL BOSTON # 18
NICK BERTOIA # 22
DALLAS CURTIS # 31
ANDY CREAL # 45
ANDREW SIDDAL #56
ZACH POISSON # 60
ANDREW DARROW #96
CHRIS WRIGHT # 20
TYLER SHEETS # 51
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM IS A GROUP OF MANY HANDS OF ONE MIND. BILL BETHEL
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TRUE CHAMPS PLAY THE RIGHT WAY
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THE HARDER YOU WORK THE BIGGER THE RESULTS
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FOOTBALL HAS ONE UNSPOKEN RULE- PLAY HARD
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IN OURSELVES ARE TRIUMPH AND DEFEAT. LONGFELLOW
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All coaches have their stories of why they coach, some full of color and life, while others are speckled with rich tradition. These stories are ones that the players within the team will someday inherit as their own. It is with candor and with complete humility that these stories are revealed. For every coach and for every reason, they will have one common bond; they love the children and the game. When your coaches look at you, they don’t see just you; they see young men and women who will eventually take their place within the community. Their hope and desire is for you to become a success at whatever you choose and that the lessons you have learned from being apart of a winning team will help you along the way.
With everything that is involved in this sport there is a lesson to be learned. The frustrations of enduring seemingly hard practices can at times be discouraging, but just as in life, their will remain constant obstacles that will stand in your way of the ultimate goal: BEING A WINNER. Football can be your vehicle to success. It can give you the physical and mental strength you need to be an eventual success, but only if you use it. It doesn’t have to be in the form of a scholarship or a big NFL contract, but in accepting the lessons and values your coaches instilled in you. YES, every parent wishes and dreams of seeing their child signing a letter of intent to play football at the University of Michigan. However, we know that U of M only has so many scholarships and while
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the dreams of playing against NFL pros push us; our intelligence is the shining light that guides us. The only way we can be a success is if we study and do well in school. As a wolverine, you are expected to do just as well in school (if not better) than you do on the football field. So as you grow and your experiences in life form you, remember what your coaches and football has taught you. Remember that the difference between a good athlete and a great one is that the great one knows that being a student goes in front of being an athlete. Always know that your legs can only get you so far, but your mind can take you much further.
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Volume 1, Issue 15 Newsletter Family. Fun. Football
SOMETIMES, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BELIEVE
IN THIS SECTION 30
COACHES
30
TEAM PICTURE
31
PLAYER PICTURES
32
PICTURES FROM SEASON
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BELIEVE
DECEMBER
Heath J. Boston
Ending the regular season with a record of five wins and three losses is not what the freshmen blue coaching staff expected. Losing against the Woodhaven Warriors in the final game meant that the Wolverines would now be a four seeded team instead of a three. That meant their first round opponent would be the Wyandotte Indians, the only undefeated freshmen team in the league. Continued on page 39
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TONY BERTOIA HEAD COACH
ALAN GORDAN ASSISTANT COACH
EUGENE SMITH ASSISTANT COACH
CHUCK MAKAROV ASSISTANT COACH
BLUE UNIT FRESHMEN COACHING STAFF CHARLES CURTIS ASSISTANT COACH
TROY SPURLOCK ASSISTANT COACH
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PHILLIP TOOMASIAN # 42
AUSTIN KENT # 13
TONY BIGGS # 32
SAM STALMACK # 66
KERSH RAY #41
CHRIS SPALY # 20
TREVOR MAKAROV # 99
DON CARLTON # 28
MICHAEL GALE # 21
BRANDON BERTOIA #12
CHASE CAMPBELL #25
BRAD KOENIG # 22
EUGENE SMITH # 81
TOMER CHEN # 81
LARRY VITALE # 9
DIANDRE LYONS # 65
ALEX LOZON # 15
SAM McCLAIN # 95
SAM STEVENS # 88
MAKEEN FARHA # 2
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JOSEPH OLIVE # 33
MERRICK PERPICH # 80
GEORDAN OLSON # 58
JOE MILLER-RAMSEY# 50
THE RACE IS NOT GIVEN TO THE SWIFT OR THE STRONG BUT TO THOSE WHO ENDURE UNTIL THE END.
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¼ TANK OF GAS IN THE FAMILY VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO THE GAME TEN DOLLARS 4 HOT DOGS AT $1.50 EACH SIX DOLLARS DRIVING AWAY FROM WOODHAVEN WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY PRICELESS
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REAL MEN WEAR HELMETS.
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CHAMPIONS KNOW HOW TO RISE TO THE OCCASION.
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COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING; KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS; WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS. HENRY FORD
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PLAYERS DON’T WIN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS, TEAMS DO.
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WITH HEART WE FIND DESIRE. WITH HUMILITY WE FIND PASSION. WITH TRIUMPH WE FIND OURSELVES. 38
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After finding out who their opponents were, the Wolverines decided then that if they were going to win, the past had to be left in the past. The only thing that the past could be used for was a stepping stone, a reminder of a lesson learned. As the their first playoff game approached, you could see it in the eyes of the players. Their cleats were tied a little tighter, their chest stuck out a little more, and their heads held slightly higher. “It’s the playoffs, win or go home,” said Assistant Coach Troy Spurlock. “And we don’t intend on
going home.” After defeating Wyandotte 7-0, the Wolverines could have eased up, relaxed and considered that game their own personal championship. Instead they asserted themselves leading them to two great victories against two great teams. In that game, if you played close attention you could see a team of young brilliant stars transitioning into mature young men. Here are a few examples; in Chase Campbell you could see the next Garrett Warren. In Makeen Farha you could see the next Brandis Yarrington. In Trevor Makarov, the next Chris Biggs and
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Brandon Bertoia the next Miles Sorise. Of course all these kids and their teammates will go on to make a name for themselves, but one thing will continuously ring true, they will be Wolverines forever. The Freshmen team, Cinderella or not should be praised more for their ability to foresee all doubt and believe in themselves. They accomplished what a lot of people assumed would be impossible, by defeating the odds and believing in themselves.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR LEAGUE INFO LOG ONTO WWW.WASHTENAWJRFOOTBALL.ORG
DEDICATION:
THIS YEAR BOOK IS DEDICATED TO MR. WARREN: THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US THAT PICTURES ARE WORTH MORE THAN A MILLION WORDS WHATS IN HERE: 14-18
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18-28
CHEER SECTION
29-38
FRESHMEN SECTION
39-47
JUNIOR VARSITY SECTION
48-58
VARSITY SECTION
57-61
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SECTION
62-
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VARSITY FORCED THEIR WAY THROUGH THE OPOSITION THIS SEASON
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FRESHMEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
COACH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
With all but one penalty taking back one touchdown, the Freshmen played a spectacular game. The coaches tweaked their playbook as they knew what Woodhaven would try to do; shut down Chris Spaly. Spaly made a name for himself in the regular season finale against Woodhaven; as he scored two impressive touchdowns. While the Warriors, keyed in on Spaly players like Bradley Koenig and Brandon Bertoia were able to be the core difference makers in the game.
As Yarrington goes, so does the Board of Directors and together they sit down monthly to discuss the future of Washtenaw Junior Football. Although they don’t always agree, as with most families, they do reach compromises for the best interest of the kids. With the success Yarrington and WJF has captured this season, he has gained Downriver league admirers. Football organizations from across the league have recognized the resurrection of WJF through Yarrington’s efforts. While the stigma of WJF’s past no longer hangs over its head, the future looks bright.
On the first play from scrimmage Koenig burst through the line running for a 35 yard carry setting the tone for his teammates. Bertoia scored three times, only to have one score taken away on a penalty just as the second quarter expired.
After the championship contest against Woodhaven, Yarrington was pulled to the side by one of the Warrior’s coaches and asked to pose for a picture; with him and a few of the opposing team’s players. Yarrington, in shock, respectfully agreed.
The Wolverines had a balanced offensive attack this season as they had six players rush for over 200 yards and 11 players score touchdowns. The Blue defense was equally impressive as they forced five shutouts with two in the playoffs.
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JUNIOR VARSITY DIGS IN Heath J Boston
Wyanndotte came out with a tightened grip on the game. The Indians stepped on the field hitting hard and playing aggressive. Tit for tat they gave the wolverines all they had until the boys in blue had enough.
See JV IN THE TRUE BLUE SECTION
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GAMES THAT DEFINED THE REGULAR SEASON ALL OF OUR PLAYERS ARE BIG TIME GAMERS, HERE WE WILL LOOK AT THREE PLAYERS AND THEIR ROLES IN THREE CRITICAL REGULAR SEASON GAMES
One game that the folks in the Downriver football league may talk about for years to come was the varsity Wolverines at Dearborn Blue game. This game featured two undefeated teams with very aggressive offenses. If ESPN Classic would broadcast youth football games, this would certainly serve as one of their instant classics. In true classic form, this game came down to the last few seconds of the contest. Washtenaw, while trailing by 13 at halftime, regrouped and reasserted them selves in the second half. Led on the field by their field general Brandis Yarrington, the Wolverines entered the second half determined to take control of the contest. BRANDIS YARRINGTON PLAYED BIG IN WEEK FOUR AGAINST DEARBORN BLUE. YARRINGTON, EFFECTIVE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL, WAS RESPONSIBLE WAS OVER 400 YARDS OF OFFENSE. SO IMPRESSIVE WAS YARRINGTON, DEARBORN FANS REQUESTED HIS AUTOGRAPH AFTER THE GAME.
For varsity, they showed why there are 48 minutes in a game. With each second something spectacular happened. The defense, led by Garrett Warren, Trey Heren and Jeremy Jackson struck blow after blow when it mattered the most, on the goal line. Although Dearborn scored twice in the second half, the defense proved their worth as they prevented Dearborn from scoring any extra points, which essentially made the difference in the game.
V WASHTENAW BLUE VS. DEARBORN BLUE BOTH TEAMS ENTERED THE CONTEST 3-0 WITH THE WOLVERINES LEADING THE AFC AND THE LIONS THE NFC. AFTER THEIR VICTORY THE WOLVERINES WOULD EVENTUALLY WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP, WHILE THE LIONS WOULD GO ON TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP ONLY TO LOSE TO DEARBORN SILVER.
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FOR ANXIETY SUFFERERS, NAIL BITTERS AND THOSE WITH WEAK HEARTS THE WEEK THREE CONTEST IS ONE THEY PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE STAYED AWAY FROM. WITH PLANS OF A PERFECT SEASON ON THE HORIZON THE WOLVERINES NEARLY HAD THEIR PLANS FOILED BY THE TAYLOR COBRAS. THE WOLVERINES WERE PUT TO THE TASK BY A QUICK DEFENSE THAT HAD THE WOLVERINES ON THEIR HEELS. THE DEFENSE LED BY ROBERT BONDY, JOHNTAE PITTMAN AND ANDY CREAL FACED A HARD HITTING OFFENSE THAT TESTED JV WITH A VARIETY OF SWEEPS AND MISDIRECTION.
DRAKE JOHNSON PLAYED BIG IN WEEK THREE FOR JUNIOR VARSITY, WITH THE SCORE TIED 20-20 AND THE WOLVERINES ON THEIR OWN 5 YARD LINE, THE WOLVERINES PUT THE BALL IN JOHNSON’S HANDS AS HE EXPLODED UP THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD FOR A 95 YARD SCORE, WHICH WON THE GAME.
AS THE FOURTH QUARTER ROLLED AROUND THE GAME LOOKED TO BE UP IN THE AIR. THE WOLVERINES DEFENSE BUCKLED DOWN AND STOPPED THE COBRAS IN SCORING POSITION INSIDE THE FIVE YARD LINE.
JV WASHTENAW BLUE VS. TAYLOR COBRAS THE WOLVERINES AND THE COBRAS ENTERED WEEK THREE TIED FOR FIRST PLACE IN THE AFC. AFTER THEIR HEARTSTOPPING VICTORY THE WOLVERINES WOULD GO ON TO CAP OFF THEIR PERFECT SEASON WITH A 21-6 WIN OVER WYANDOTTE. THE COBRAS WOULD MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS AS THE FOUR SEED FACING BLUE IN THE FIRST ROUND, LOSING 32-6.
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PRIOR TO KICKOFF JOEY RAMSEY-MILLER LOOKED CALM, COOL AND COLLECTED. MILLER HAD PRETTY BIG SHOES TO FILL WITH STARTING CENTER TONY BIGGS NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO FAMILY OBLIGATIONS. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS GAME NEVER CAUSED MILLER TO WAVER OR SKIP A BEAT; TO MILLER IT WAS JUST A GAME. BOY WAS IT EVER. MILLER, ALONG WITH THE STRONG SUPPORT OF THE OFFENSE LED THE TEAM TO A PLAYOFF CLINCHING VICTORY OVER ROMULUS. THE OFFENSE LED BY BRANDON BERTOIA (130 TOTAL YARDS: 1TD), CHRIS SPALY (113 TOTAL YARDS: 1 TD) AND MAKEEN FARHA (108 YARDS:2 TD) MADE A STATEMENT AGAINST ROMULUS.
MAKEEN FARHA IS A BIG TIME PLAYER WHO DID BIG THINGS IN A HUGE GAME AGAINST ROMULUS. FARHA WAS THE STAPLE OF THE DEFENSE FOR THE GAME AS HE RECOVERED TWO FUMBLES AND TALLIED 5 TACKLES. THE VERSITAL PLAYER CONTRIBUTED BIG TIME ON OFFENSE WITH 108 YARDS ON 15 CARRIES ENDING THE DAY WITH 2 TOUCHDOWNS.
THE OFFENSE POISED THROUGHOUT THE GAME PUT A STAMP ON THEIR VICTORY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. AFTER FORCING ROMULUS TO TURN THE BALL OVER ON DOWNS THE WOLVERINES MARCHED DOWN THE FIELD WHILE LEADING 18-13, LOOKING TO CONVERT ON THIRD DOWN BRANDON BERTOIA COMPLETED A TWENTY YARD PASS TO CHRIS SPALY IN HIGH WINDS FOR A FIRST DOWN; LEADING TO THE EVENTUAL GAME SECURING TOUCHDOWN.
F WOLVERINES VS. ROMULUS WASHTENAW AND ROMULUS ENTERED THE WEEK SIX CONTEST JOCKEYING FOR PLAYOFF SECURITY. WITH A WIN THE WOLVERINES WERE IN THE PLAYOFFS. AFTER THE VICTORY THE WOLVERINES WOULD GO ON TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND ROMULUS WOULD LOSE TO WOODHAVEN IN THE FIRST ROUND.
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YEAR IN REVIEW
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Volume 1, Issue 15 Newsletter Family. Fun. Football
DECEMBER
In this section
Inside every young lady there is a cheerleader ready to shout!
20 TEAM PICTURE 20 COACHES 21 LADIES OF BLUE 22 PICTURES OF THE YEAR
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2005 BLUE CHEER SQUAD
2005 CHEER COACHES
KIM POISSON VARSITY CHEER Head Coach
ALISHA WOODS JV CHEER Head Coach
JENNIFER MYERS FRESHMEN CHEER Co-Head Coach
ILENE KROLL FRESHMEN CHEER Co-head coach
ASSISTANT AND JUNIOR COACHES JERRE STEVENSON
CHANTEL ANDERSON
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SHANA CAMPBELL
BLUE
OUR LADIES OF MAIZE AND BLUE
Christina Bullard-Varsity
Ariel ward- VARSITY
Danielle Poisson-Varsity
Jasmine Spalding-Varsity
Jazmen Williams-Varsity
Markeia Williams-Varsity
Bria Woods-JV
Corrina Davis-JV
Maggie saunders-jv
Aislyn glenn-jv
Maria Makarov- JV
Angelica cook- jv
Keanna Tabias-JV
Caroline landry- jv
Nilya Woods-JV
Shayla Tabias-JV
Sierra Mason-Freshemn
Ah’Nice battle-freshmen
Julie Bolgos-freshmen
Emily kroll-freshmen
Alex Snowden- Freshmen
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Flying is the second best thrill to cheerleaders; being caught is the first. ~Author Unknown
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IT’S A CHEER THANG YOU WOULDN’T UNDERSTAND
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INSIDE EVERY YOUNG LADY, THERE IS A CHEERLEADER READY TO SHOUT!
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Cheerleading is more than a sport; it's an attitude. ~Author Unknown
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The Few. The Proud. The Cheerleaders. BEING A PART OF THE PYRAMID Heath J Boston
The spirit of a Washtenaw Junior Football Cheerleader is one that equals her football counterpart. Weathering the wicked Michigan climate, cheerleaders cheer with an unheard of amount of enthusiasm in spite of the weather, the crowd and the score. While cheering the crowd and players to a victory is their main objective, they also lend an incredible amount of
support to their gridiron guys when facing defeat. Cheerleaders, as do football players, rely on each other for field support. If even one cheerleader is out of synch with the others, then their routine can unravel at the seams. The trust they place into the literal hands of their teammates and coaches is insurmountable. Cheering is a sport that can lead young ladies to a brilliant future. Studies show that girls who participate in sports such as cheerleading have a 80% chance of graduating high school. Of that 80%, 70%
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go onto college. AS our family of cheerleaders continues to grow our goal for our young ladies is to eventually win a cheer competition. With that said, the support of the cheer program has to come from the members of the community. In the next year, we will take our cheer program to new and exciting heights, becoming more creative and innovative.
THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING ON A TEAM IS THE FRIENDSHIPS.
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Volume 1, Issue 15 Newsletter Family. Fun. Football
REFLECTIONS FROM THE EYES OF A TEAM
IN THIS SECTION 48
COACHES
48
TEAM PICTURE
49
PLAYER PICTURES
49
PICTURES FROM SEASON
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REFLECTIONS CONT.
DECEMBER
Heath J Boston
As the seconds erased themselves from the game clock, a momentary silence hung over the sidelines with the varsity blue players. They knew that this moment would eventually come, and with it the end of a great season. CONTINUES ON PAGE 56
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GREG YARRINGTON HEAD COACH
PAUL KENNEDY ASSISTANT COACH
ED JONES ASSISTANT COACH
MIKE JOHNSON ASSISTANT COACH
MARK REYNOLDS ASSISTANT COACH
JOE SOTO ASSISTANT COACH
BILL COLLINS ASSISTANT COACH
SARAH YARRINGTON ASSISTANT COACH
PETER CONNOR BELANGER ASSISTANT COACH
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JASON MATNEY # 19
DON EATON # 8
AJ ROSS # 2
DEREK OWINGS
KEEGAN JONES # 47
GORDON PORTER # 40
TIM GRADY # 45
CHRIS BIGGS #72
DYON LYONS #90
BLAYDE RAY # 33
MATT BOLGOS #1
MILES SORISE #3
JAKE HILL # 77
JIM SPALY #4
ZACH MANN #41
GREG GOSS # 13
BILLY COLLINS # 20
STEVEN REYNOLDS # 27
JOEY SNYDER # 51
ANTHONY SOTO # 31
ERIC NEWBERRY # 50
JOSHUA GARDETTE # 22
DENNIS OLSZEWSKI #73
RIVERS UPCHURCH #65
GARRETT WARREN #21
JOHN WURSTER # 74
BRANDON HAMMOND #58
CHARLES BREWER #28
KIRBY LEE #26
STEVEN DARROW #99
2005 BLUE VARSITY 50
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JOHN WHITE # 32
MICHAEL HARRINGTON # 48
ERIC FINCH #76
CARTER JOHNSON #7
YARRINGTON #5
JACOB MERRELL # 46
ANDERSON WARD # 15
MITCHELL ALLAN # 44
Victory belongs to the most persevering.
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Napoleon
Victory always starts in the head. Douchan Gersi
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The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves. MIKE DITKA
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Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. PAUL BRYANT
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Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there. JOHN WOODEN
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Words could not do Greg Yarrington, his coaching staff or his players the justice of describing their emotions at the end of the championship game. Yarrington soaked from being Gatorade dunked by his players stood proudly in the company of the team and coaches as they huddled for the very last time. You could tell from looking into the eyes of these young men that if they could they would hold off this moment for just another week, or perhaps even another year. “Thank you, said Coach Joe Soto after the game, thank you all for allowing me to coach my Grandson this season.” Soto, the defensive coach, allowed the players on the team to make a lasting impression on him. “These are a special group of kids,” added the gracious Soto.
The players, overwhelmed with emotion listened intently to their coaches as tears filled their young eyes. For some it had to be a bittersweet end to a magical season. And with the end of this season is growth, many of these players will move on to high school programs; taking with them the experiences and lessons they have learned from each other and their coaches. Players like Trey Heren, a linebacker with a great personality and enthusiasm for sports will make his mark as a Saline Hornet next season. Speedster Brandis Yarrington along with hard hitters Chris Biggs and Garrett Warren will line up dressed in the purple of Ann Arbor Pioneer next year. While some move on, others will find themselves leading new teammates into the 2006 season.
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All players, who will someday face one another across opposite sidelines, will take with them more than a trophy. While the championship will allow them to reflect back on their accomplishments, it is the lessons of life that they have learned from Coach Yarrington, Soto, Collins, Johnson, Kennedy and Jones and the entire coaching staff that will help grow into better football players, students and young men. They have met and understood the sacrifices of teamwork. They have been leaders and allowed themselves to be led. They have worked for the greater good of each other, in spite of themselves. They have, in all become champions, and champions they will be for the rest of their lives.