Marion

from 2020 Pioneer Football & Volleyball Preview

Reed City

Marion football hopes to return to playoffs

By John Raffel affel@pionee g oup.com

MARION – Marion football coach Chad Grundy wouldn’t mind seeing his Eagles enjoy as much success in 8-man football in 2020 as they did a year ago.

The team started out 1-2 but won five of six games to make the playoffs.

Key players graduated from the squad.

“We will miss Brandon Stewart,” Grundy said. “He was a 1,000-yard rusher for us last season and we will miss three-year starting quarterback Alex Sutten. We lost 10 seniors last season. Others were Chase Ryan a two-year starting lineman. Jeff Nealy and Garrett Bell will also be missed,”

Grandy said McCoy Williams, a senior lineman, was all-conference last season and should lead the line this season. Senior James Alberts was all -conference line last season but will move to the backfield this season.

Riley Moggo, a senior, is a two-year starter at linebacker, and will be in the backfield. Cameron Carey, a senior tight end and defensive end, brings a physical presence to the defense. Thomas Jenema is a junior and two-year starter at tight end and “will help on defense with his versatility to play multiple positions,” Grundy said. “Blaine Faulman, a senior, will be a wide receiver-defensive back that has worked really hard this off season.

“Colton Hammer will play running back and defensive back. He is versatile and has some speed. Ty Baker, a junior, played linebacker, last season and will be a tight end also this year. He is really an athletic player. Newcomers Keegan Baldwin (junior) will play center. He is a defensive lineman, is a smart player and does a really good job.” rifield is the new coach for Marion volleyball this season.

The Eagles compete in the

Mason Salisbury, “is a sophomore quarterback and defensive back and is a really good athlete that runs and throws really well,” Grundy said.

As for team goals, “we want to compete in the conference and make the playoffs and at least win a playoff game or two,” Grundy said. “Our balance on offense and defense and our physical play should be our strength. We have been working on footwork/speed and our passing game.

Marion plays in the West Michigan D League.

“I think it’s going to be a three-team race, Mesick, Brethren and us, and whoever gets some breaks and stays healthy will win it,” Grundy said, adding that in spite of COVID, “I just hope we have a season for our seniors and all the kids that have worked hard since last

Riley Moggo, a senior, is a two-year starter at linebacker, and will be in the backfield for Marion.

Marion Volleyball starts in August

By John Raffel affel@pionee g oup.com

season.” West Michigan D League.

The season is scheduled to begin on Aug. 28 at Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in a tournament. Marion will also be at Cadillac Heritage Christian on Sept. 1.

The Eagles are home against Baldwin on Sept. 10. They are at Walkerville on Sept. 17 and Sept. 19.