the Photo: S. Hutchison
Activity Night Activity Night saw Trojans competing in three-legged races, tug-of-war, Slurpeedrinking contests, and more. See which grade dominated on page 2.
Photo: K. Raymond
Dance & Superfans Fresh off of their on-field victory, Trojans continued the celebration at the Homecoming dance on page 4.
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October 4, 2011
Volume 91
Issue 1
Spirit Week Spirit week saw the halls filled with Trojan pride. Students flooded Central with blue, orange, red, and gray for Class T-shirt day, then donned their favorite flannel for Tuesday. Classy Day was followed by Jersey Day, finishing the week with traditional Black and Gold Day. See these displays of Trojan spirit on page 3.
2011 MIPA Spartan Award Winner
Traverse City Central High School 1150 Milliken Drive, Traverse City, Michigan 49686 Photo: A. Hilden
Trojan victory sets Homecoming tone
New faces, new attack
The Trojans had no problem showing the first-year Big North Conference team, Ogemaw Heights, who’s boss after a 4226 Homecoming victory. Central looks to the rest of season for the league chamionship and a spot in the play-offs.
The Trojans’ 2010 offensive line executed intricate plays and dramatic passes. With a crop of new players, the 2011 offensive line has a completely different focus: running the ball and utilizing the team’s speed. These players share some of this year’s offense strategies. Nick Mulvaine, Ashley Reed Staff Reporters
“The speed we have in the back field is a lot better because, for me, it’s easy to see the field because I’m not that tall of a quarterback. I’d say we have a lot more speed this year than last year.” TJ Schepperly ‘13 Photo: S. Hutchison
“This year, it is more of a running game than a passing game because we lost Mack Sovereign and we are a faster team than last year. We have more speed and more ability to run the ball.”
Running back Ryan Verschuren ‘12 runs the ball during the Homecoming game against Ogemaw Heights. Verschuren was happy that he was able to play after his spleen injury in Petoskey. “It felt great scoring four touchdowns,” Verschuren said. “That’s the most I’ve scored so far this year. It happened basically because of my linemen blocking. They helped get me in the end zone.”
Miranda Winowiecki, Shannon Weaver Sports Editor, Associate Sports Editor From the coin toss and to final touchdown, the Trojans had a victorious Homecoming night. Excitement was in the air as the stands were packed to the brim with Superfans decked out in black and gold attire and the band belting the fight song. The Trojans defeated the Ogemaw Heights Falcons 42-26, moving them to 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big North Conference (BNC). “It was a hard game,” Head Coach Tom Passinault said. “Ogemaw was very well prepared.” The Trojans started strong after Dylan Kelly ‘12 recovered a Falcons’ fumble. The offense brought the ball to within four yards of the end zone and Ryan
Photo: A. Hilden
Preparing to pass the ball is first year Varsity player and quarterback, TJ Schepperly `13. “It’s a lot different this year, being on varsity instead of JV,” Schepperly said. “Everything is more up-tempo and a little bit faster.”
Verschuren ‘12 lazered in for his first of four touchdowns. “He’s an outstanding runner and showed it Friday,” Passinault said. Verschuren took a hit to the spleen during the Petoskey game a week earlier, leaving his health up in the air for the Homecoming game. “We didn’t find out he could play until Wednesday, but knowing he was healthy gave us a big lift.” After scoring the extra point, the Trojans lead 7-0. Ogemaw fought back hard, returning the ball 69 yards to the Trojans’ 23, with Weston DeTar ‘13 making the tackle. Seven plays later, the Falcons executed, scoring a touchdown and the field-goal. “I was kind of worried for a second after Ogemaw scored their first touchdown, but then we got back together as a team and came back,” DeTar said. Quaterback TJ Shepperly ‘13 then ran in the first quarter’s final touchdown, pulling the team ahead 14-7, and gave the Trojans momentum going into the second quarter. “It was pretty cool scoring two touchdowns. The first one was only a one yard run so it wasn’t really all me that scored, but it was a good feeling,” Shepperly said. The second quarter once again showed promise as the Trojans recovered a fumble in the end zone after a 73 yard drive by the Falcons, preventing a tie. “As the player reached for the goal line we ripped the ball from his hands. It really turned the game around,” DeTar said. After a 60 yard punt by the Trojans, Ogemaw’s offense went three and out,
giving Central possession of the ball at the Falcons’s 28. One play in, Shepperly struck for the Trojans’ third touchdown. “My second touchdown had come when we were kind of getting beat up in the game and the linemen made a good block,” Shepperly said. “We got it on the outside in a long run so it was pretty cool.” With Falcon possession of the ball, they drove in another touchdown with 30 seconds left in the second quarter, resulting with a 21-14 score at the half. “In the first half, we felt pretty comfortable once we had the lead and in the second, as long as we could keep scoring, we could pull off the win,” Passinault said. At the top of the half, Central’s offense ignited for a 69 yard drive, capped off by a 29 yard run by Verschuren for the score. “The draw play was the certain play that stood out to me in the game,” Verschuren said. “We got two touchdowns on them and it gave us some breathing room.” Ogemaw then rallied back with another touchdown. The Trojans were not rattled and Verschuren answered with his fourth and final touchdown. “It felt great scoring four touchdowns,” Verschuren said. “That’s the most I’ve scored so far this season. It happened basically because of my linemen blocking. They helped me get in the end zone.” In the end, the Trojans showed their incorruptible teamwork, pulling together for a strong win that Passinault hopes will help carry them through the season. “We had our two goals for the season and they were to win the Big North and make the playoffs,” Passinalut said. “I think this win gives us confidence and helps keeps our goals alive.”
The mind gym: Trojans overcome Homecoming nerves Bryton Lutes, Erin Lipp, Hayley Rozema Business Manager, Staff Reporters
How do you calm your nerves before a game?
How do you calm your nerves before a game?
How do you calm your nerves before a game?
“Everyone has their own pre-game method. I don’t think there are many people that do the same things mentally to prepare for a game. Some people prefer to calm their nerves, but I like to play off of them.” - Kodie Chupp ‘12
“I don’t really have any nerves for the Homecoming game. I think I’ve played enough games to where that sort of thing has just gone away.”
“I just try to focus and know what I’m going to do out on the field. I don’t pay attention to my nerves, I just play the game.” - Kyle Ludwig ‘13
- Jake Gorter ‘14
Graphics: N. Mulvain
Photo: courtesy of Timeless Image
Photo: courtesy of Timeless Image
Tyler Clark ‘12
“We’re not as big as last year, but we’re faster and we use the speed that we have to our advantage.” Joey Prokes ‘12
Photo: courtesy of Timeless Image
“We have a lot of senior offensive linemen who have been in the weight room all summer, so running the ball is easier because the ball carrier has them to block for him.” Photo: courtesy of Timeless Image
Brandon McKee‘12
“We have more speed on the outside and there are a bunch of people who can spread out the attack.” TJ Schwannecke ‘13
Photo: courtesy of Timeless Image