2014 High School Football by Midland Daily News

2014 H igh

school football

Thursday August 28, 2014

Let the games begin n Midland High shooting for a 38th straight winning season, opens at TC West; Dow High has tough opener, hosting Mount Pleasant

Dow High’s senior class includes (front row, from left): Cody Alexander, Connor Doyle, Mason Hayes, Brandon Veihl, Max Kidd, Skyler Contardi, Miles Hooper. Second row: Cameron Alexander, Ty Larson, Brad Sommer, Nick Nelson, Blake Wilson, Matt Flanagan. Third row: Alec Marty, Gavin Kozuch, Zach Wood, Austin Wilford, Caleb Richard. Fourth row: Connor Wilson, Corey McLaughlin, and Jacob Merry.

With key players back, Dow aiming to build on success dan chalk chalk@mdn.net

After a revamped offense helped Dow High reach the second round of the football playoffs last year, coach Jason Watkins and the Chargers are aiming for more as they open the season tonight vs. Mount Pleasant at Midland Stadium. “Playoffs need to become the expectation, and then you set your goals beyond that now,” said Watkins, whose team broke a two-year playoff drought last year and went 8-3. In another good sign, 40 freshman came out for football at Dow this year. “Now we want to achieve the next thing,” Watkins added. “It’s winning that district championship. Then, of course, we’d love to keep going (beyond that).” New starting senior quarterback Alec Marty was the backup QB last season while thensenior Brennan Miller put up big passing and r ushing numbers in Dow’s new-look spread offense, which averaged over 36 points per game. Watkins looks for big Jason Watkins things now from Marty, who stepped in and led the Chargers to a win when Miller took a hard hit last season. “He had a great summer in 7-on-7s and went to a bunch of camps, and he has a really good grasp of the offense,” Watkins said of Marty, who’s 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds and will be backed up by junior Josh Riepma. “(Marty) did a great job last year against (Saginaw) Arthur Hill when Brennan got knocked out. He’s real smooth, very confident, and very comfortable.” And Marty has experienced playmakers around him, including 5-11, 195-pound senior running back Caleb Richard, and 6-6, 200-pound junior receiver Mike Robb, who have both drawn a lot of attention from colleges. Richard had 866 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing and 622 yards and six TDs receiving last year, while Robb had 636 receiving yards and six TD catches. “It’s really a great situation for a new starting quarterback,” Watkins said. “He’s got Mike, and Justin Cook and Mason Hayes all back as receivers who played the entire season last year. And he’s got Caleb back at running back. To insert (Marty) into that mix takes a little pressure off him.” Watkins said Robb, despite having already drawn interest from Michigan and Northwestern, among other schools, has stayed humble and is not only a dangerous receiver but also takes pride in his blocking. “He’s very coachable. That’s a mark of high character,” Watkins said. “A guy who’s had the success he’s had at a young age, it would be easy for him to tune out the coaches. But he doesn’t do that. I’m pretty pleased with his progress. And he still takes pride in his blocking. How many balls are you going to catch on a Friday night? You’ve got to be able to block (also).” Others who could contribute at receiver are senior Max Kidd and junior Devontae

Dow’s schedule Tonight — MOUNT PLEASANT Sept. 5 — at Bay City Western Sept. 12 — Saginaw Heritage Sept. 19 — at Flint Southwestern Sept. 26 — at Flint Powers Oct. 3 — Bay City Central Oct. 10 — Davison Oct. 17 — at Saginaw Oct. 24 — at Midland High • Games start at 7 p.m.

Stine. Left guard Austin Wilford (5-11, 205) and right guard Brandon Veihl (5-11, 270) are back to anchor Dow’s offensive line. Vying for the other three spots on the line are sophomore Kevin Murray (6-3, 195), junior Travis Wilford (6-0, 200), senior Cam Alexander (5-7, 225), junior Zachary Peterson (6-1, 175), and junior Brad Drenckpohl (6-1, 185). Lineman Nate Thurston did not come back this year after suffering a serious knee injury in the playoffs last year. Meanwhile, in Dow’s 3-4 defense, the line will be a completely new squad, led by a rotation of seniors Miles Hooper (5-11, 300), Corey McLaughlin (6-2, 225), and Veihl; junior Connor Doyle (5-9, 180); and sophomore Devan Anzarut (5-10, 160). Richard, sophomore Spencer Stephenson, Drenckpohl, and senior Blake Wilson are vying for inside linebacker spots, and seniors Matt Flanagan and Connor Wilson and juniors Spencer Hulbert and Devontae Stine are competing for outside linebacker spots. Senior Skyler Contardi, Dow’s leading tackler a year ago with 81 tackles, headlines the secondary at cornerback. Others who will contribute in the secondary are juniors Cook, Riepma, Jared Mohammed, and Eric Hus. On special teams, Watkins said Kidd, Contardi and junior Johnny Wilson are all good kickers, and Kidd and Johnny Wilson can both punt. “We’re pretty blessed this year (on special teams),” Watkins said. Looking at the big picture, Watkins is excited to see what his team can do in the second year of the new offense, and he’s anticipating another great season. “It’s going to be fun to be in year two of the new offense. We’ll see what some of these great coaches we coach against come up with defensively,” he said. “I’m excited about the potential of our team. We’re expecting a playoff year, and we’re expecting to compete for (the championship of) our side of the league.” As a member of the Blue Division in the newly realigned Saginaw Valley League, Dow will play Bay City Western, Saginaw Heritage, Flint Southwestern, Flint Powers, Davison, and Saginaw High. The Chargers play interdivisional games against Bay City Central and Midland High of the Red Division, and their official “nonconference” game is tonight’s opener with the Oilers, who were the only team besides Midland to beat Dow last year. “We’re always excited to play Mount Pleasant,” Watkins said. “Our guys are having no trouble getting excited for the first game.”

Six key players for the Midland High Chemics are: (front row, from left): Luke DeLong, Jordan Wilson, Ju’Karri Cooper. Back row: Philip Wandor, Jesse Pagtalunan, and Brandon Dulaney.

Chemics will be inexperienced but talented, Methner says fred kelly fred.kelly@mdn.net

The fact that Midland High’s football team has some skill and athleticism is without question. The Chemics’ experience and adaptability is another story as Midland takes aim at a 38th straight winning season. As MHS coach Eric Methner pointed out, a lot will depend on how this year’s new players adjust to the speed and physicality of the varsity game. “We have some playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. We just lack experience,” said Methner, whose Chemics finished 10-2 last year and won a Division 2 district title before losing 24-7 to Muskegon in the regional. “But I think we’ll get better and better as the season goes on, kind of like (we did) last year. ... We have some good seniors but just not a lot of them, so we’re going to have to have some juniors step up. “ ... We have a lot of juniors that we’ll be plugging into spots,” he added. “The big thing will be getting our juniors up to speed at the varsity level.” It won’t be easy to replace the production lost by the graduation Eric Methner of tailback Will Williams (1,837 yards rushing, 26 touchdowns), tight end Austen Irrer (51 catches, 716 yards, five TDs), and multitalented quarterback Tanner Gross, but Methner thinks he has some good pieces to work with. Six-foot, 170-pound junior Payton DeWildt will get the starting nod at QB, while fellow newcomer Vondre Warren (5-7, 160), a sophomore, will be the Chemics’ tailback. “Payton’s just a really good athlete,” Methner said of DeWildt. “He’s got a little bit of capability of running and throwing, and we want to be two-dimensional with our quarterback. He’s doing a nice job.” Methner added that senior Ryan Lynch (6-1, 180) will be a very capable backup. “He (Lynch) throws the ball really well,” Methner noted. “If we ever get in a situation where we need Ryan to step in, we have a lot of confidence in him. And we also will have Ryan doing some things (as a tight end) in some of our packages, and he’s also going to be our long snapper. “Ryan’s going to have a big year for us. He’s going to be a big piece of the puzzle.” As for the diminutive but speedy Warren, Methner said he is “the spit and image of Will Williams.” “Vondre is an exciting player. He’s got a great burst (of speed),” Methner said. “He’s just got to get used to the speed of the varsity game, and he’s got to learn to keep his shoulders down and not take the big hit. He’s not a very big kid, so he’s got to protect himself. “He’s got pretty good vision for a sophomore,” Methner added. “He sees things pretty well.” Midland also graduated its entire offensive line, including A.J. Rapanos and Zach Stirn, both Daily News Dream Team and First Team All-Saginaw Valley League North honorees, as well as Jacob Dostal, a Dream Team and Second Team All-SVL North honoree. Seniors Christian Loosemore (6-0, 250) and Brendan Price (6-4, 300) saw considerable playing time on the line last season. “We’re counting on those guys to be our anchors this year as seniors, and so far they’re doing a great job,” Methner said.

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Midland’s schedule Today — at Traverse City West (4 p.m.) Sept. 5 — BAY CITY CENTRAL Sept. 12 — at Flint Northwestern Sept. 19 — MOUNT PLEASANT Sept. 26 — BAY CITY WESTERN Oct. 3 — at Flint Carman-Ainsworth Oct. 10 — at Lapeer Oct. 17 — SAGINAW ARTHUR HILL Oct. 24 — DOW HIGH • Games kick off at 7 p.m., starting with the Sept. 5 game.

“They worked really hard over the winter, and we’re expecting big things from then not only from a player standpoint but also from a leadership standpoint.” Senior Nolan Nowak (6-3, 225) and juniors Sean Nastase (5-10, 200) and Levi Schlafley (6-0, 200) will round out the line, while juniors Ju’Karri Cooper (5-9, 165) and Luke DeLong (5-11, 170) return considerable varsity experience at the receiver position. Fellow junior Virgil Walker (6-3, 180) is also expected to be a playmaker as a wide-out. “Luke (DeLong) is a definite weapon, and so is Ju’Karri (Cooper),” said Methner. “And we also have Virgil Walker, who we’re excited about.” Defensively, the Chemics suffered the loss of graduated Dream Teamer and AllState linebacker Michael Alexander, who led the team with 140 tackles last season, but Methner is hoping that returning junior Jordan Wilson (5-11, 200) can pick up some of the slack. “Jordan was a linebacker-type player last year who will probably fill in for Alexander, and we’re excited about his capability,” Methner said. MHS also lost Dream Team and First Team All-SVL North honoree Colin Coltson off the defensive line, but senior Brandon Dulaney (6-1, 220) returns plenty of experience. “We expect him (Dulaney) to anchor our defensive line,” Methner noted. Senior Jesse Pagtalunan (6-0, 185) and junior Zach Donaghue (5-9, 175) are also expected to start on the D-line. Senior Ryan Mularz (5-10, 180) saw playing time on varsity last year and will join Wilson at linebacker, while the other linebacking spots are being contested. Junior Grant Grenesko (5-8, 165) will head a competitive secondary. “He’s an exceptional corner(back),” Methner said. “He’s got great feet, great instincts. We’re excited about him in the secondary coming up from the JV team.” Cooper and juniors Mason Dominowski (6-1, 155) and Cam Wing (5-9, 150) are vying for the other cornerback spot, while DeLong and junior Cheyne Maier (5-10, 180) likely will be the starting safeties. Senior Philip Wandor (6-2, 185) returns as the Chemics’ kicker after earning First Team All-SVL North accolades at that position a year ago. “Those guys are all good overall athletes, and those are the kinds of kids you look forward to coaching,” Methner said of his defense. Midland will be playing in the Red Division of the newly-realigned Saginaw Valley League, and the Chemics’ opponents include Bay City Central, Mount Pleasant, Bay City Western, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, and Lapeer, in addition to an interdivisional game against Dow High and a nonconference season-opener against Traverse City West. “It’s certainly going to be a tough schedule,” Methner said. “Traverse City West is going to be a very good team ... so that’s going to be a tough challenge right off the bat. And I think every team in the Valley that we’re going to face is going to be improved.”

2 Thursday, August 28, 2014

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McIntyre hopes young Mount Pleasant team grows up quickly fred kelly fred.kelly@mdn.net

Despite the loss of several starters at numerous positions, Mount Pleasant coach Jason McIntyre is hoping his Oilers can reload and try to duplicate the success of last year’s 10-2 team. But the Oilers will have to grow up quickly, McIntyre noted. “We will return very few starters off our 10-2 (Saginaw Valley League North) championship team from last season,” he said. “However, many of our younger players earned a great deal of experience during last season and have worked very hard in preparation for what (was) a very competitive pre-season camp. “We face many challenges in our schedule that includes the addition of large Division 1 schools such as (Flint) Carman-Ainsworth and the new Lapeer High School,” he added. “The success of our season will be based on how soon new leaders develop within our program and how we handle adversity throughout the season.” Mount Pleasant lost a ton of production with the graduation of quarterback Robert Backus, who threw for over 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 400 yards and four TDs; tailback

Mount Pleasant’s schedule (all games start at 7 p.m.) Aug. 28 — at Dow High Sept. 5 — FLINT CARMAN-AINSWORTH Sept. 12 — SAGINAW ARTHUR HILL Sept. 19 — at Midland High Sept. 26 — LAPEER Oct. 3 — at Flint Northwestern Oct. 10 — SAGINAW HIGH Oct. 17 — at Bay City Central Oct. 24 — at Saginaw Heritage Michael Tweh, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 15 TDs in only seven games; and Saginaw Valley League North MVP Evan Huber, who caught 45 passes for 768 yards and six TDs and rushed for another 272 yards and four TDs. Replacing Backus at QB will be 6-foot-2, 160-pound senior Nick Burkholder, while senior Will Berry (5-10, 190) will start at tailback, and senior Dillen Elliott (5-7, 185) will be the fullback. The Oilers’ most explosive returning offensive weapon is junior wide-out Kalebb Perry (6-3, 180), who finished with 23 catches for 435 yards and four TDs last year. “Kalebb is a tremendous athlete, and we’ll try to get him the ball however we can,” McIntyre said. According to McIntyre, junior Hunter Buczkowski (6-1, 220) may

also play multiple roles offensively, taking some handoffs at tailback and occasionally taking some snaps at QB. “I see him being kind of like Cory Williams for us a couple of years ago, playing a variety of roles on offense,” McIntyre said. The most experienced corps for Mount Pleasant’s offense is the line, which returns starters Grant Evans (5-11, 215) and Ian Marsh (5-11, 210), both seniors, and junior Billy Tithof (6-2, 290). Junior Marquise Gibson (5-11, 320) and sophomore Sean Fitzgerald (6-2, 240) are expected to round out the line. Junior Jake Mogg (5-10, 185) will be the other wide-out, while senior Matthew Tripp (6-3, 205) will be the starting tight end. “I think the way we’ve always played and what we’ve always tried to do is to create stress on the

defense by doing multiple things but also keeping it simple for our guys,” McIntyre noted. “We may not run a ton of different plays, but we’ll run them out of different formations. ... And (any success we have) will all start with our offensive line.” While the Oilers have five returning starters on offense, they have only three on defense — Buczkowski, who led the team with 121 tackles last year, and Berry at linebacker, and Elliott on the line. “Buczkowski is a very talented linebacker, and we’re going to need him to take control of our defense,” McIntyre said. Joining Elliott on the defensive line will be some combination of Evans, Marsh, Fitzgerald, and junior Adam Zainea (5-7, 170), while junior Taylor Carey (5-11, 230) and sophomore Logan Buczkowski (6-2, 205) are expected to vie for playing time at linebacker. The secondary spots likely will be filled by some combination of Perry, seniors Jacob Phillips (5-8, 145) and Collin Foster (5-9, 175); and juniors Del Blake (6-2, 155), Austin Onstott (5-9, 150), and Zach Heeke (6-0, 195). Mogg could see playing time at either defensive back or linebacker. “We have a very competitive defensive backfield right now. ...

But we’re kind of banged up at linebacker right now,” McIntyre said. “ ... We’re still trying to piece (our defense) together. When we play a team like Dow, we may have five or six defensive backs on the field, and when we play a team like Midland or someone else, we may not. “A lot of what we do (defensively) will depend on what personnel we’re facing,” he added. “ ... Offensively, I believe we can be explosive, but as always our ability to play defense will be the real key in our overall success.” Mount Pleasant will play in the Red Division of the newlyrealigned Saginaw Valley League. The Oilers’ opponents include Midland, Carman-Ainsworth, Bay City Central, and Lapeer, as well as an interdivisional game against Dow. “We’re very young, and it’s going to be a real test of how fast we can get the young kids up to par,” McIntyre noted. “ ... We’re going to throw them into the fire right away. If they can adapt, we have a chance to be successful. If not, we may go through some growing pains.” “ ... There’s a lot of talent in the league right now,” he added. “We’ve held our own and been successful over the years, but we’ll have our work cut out for us (this season).”

Bay City Western’s seniors are: first row, from left, Mitch Syring, Logan Smith, Carson Eby, Joey Billette, Phil Smith, Keith Rodriguez, Noah Gerhardt, Alex Mudd. Second row: Victor Espinoza, Tom Schoenherr, Jared Leonard, Cody Okes, Eli Raatz, Devon Baldwin, Sam Drzewicki, Owen Deming. Third row: Devin Rugenstein, Austin LaLonde, James Petrimoulx, Alex Sarantis, Aaron Fritz, Jason Bannister, Zack Hobgood.

BCW hopes to bounce back under interim coach Rahl dan chalk chalk@mdn.net

After 15 years as an assistant at Bay City Western, Jeff Rahl takes over as interim head coach for the Warriors, hoping to get Western back on track after a 2-7 record in 2013, only their second losing season in the last 12 years. From what he’s seen so far, Rahl is optimistic. “The kids’ attitudes have been incredible,” said Rahl, who takes over from Bruce Mann, who resigned in July to take a job in another state. “Having a coaching change that late creates adversity. But the kids have adjusted on the fly and given us a great effort. And we’re having lot of fun. “I had 50 kids come out for varsity this year. It’s just been a great start,” Rahl added. Rahl also will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator, a position he held for much of his time as an

Bay City Western’s schedule (all games start at 7 p.m.) Tonight — WALLED LK. WEST. Sept. 5 — DOW HIGH Sept. 12 — at Flint Powers Sept. 19 — SAGINAW Sept. 26 — at Midland High Oct. 3 — at Davison Oct. 10 — SAGINAW HERITAGE Oct. 17 — at Flint Southwestern Oct. 24 — BAY CITY CENTRAL assistant. Former Hemlock head coach Adam Clark is the offensive coordinator. Mann’s son, sophomore Bruce Mann III (6-3, 186), returns at quarterback after starting a few games last year when then-senior Cameron Pine broke his hand before the season. “The kid’s an athlete,” Rahl said of Mann. “He’s got a great work ethic. He’s very coachable. He has an understanding of coverages and defenses and how to make reads. As far as sophomores, he is

“The kids’ attitudes have been incredible,” said Jeff Rahl, who takes over from Bruce Mann, who resigned in July to take a job in another state. “Having a coaching change that late creates adversity. But the kids have adjusted on the fly and given us a great effort. And we’re having lot of fun.”

way ahead of the curve.” Cody Okes and Kane Wendling will be the running backs, and Carson Eby, Alex Mudd, Logan Smith, and Mitch Syring are the receivers. The offensive line includes sophomore left tackle Cody Witzgall (6-2, 266), senior left guard Devon Baldwin (6-1, 218), senior center Owen Deming (6-2, 271), senior right guard Devin Rugenstein (5-8, 210), and senior right tackle Alex Sarantis (6-0, 270). Mann, Mudd, Wendling, Witzgall, and Baldwin are returning starters. “We have athletes,” Rahl said of the strengths of his offense, which will remain a spread offense similar to what former coach Mann used. “We have kids who are good at running routes, but also a couple of vertical threats, kids who can get ball in the open field and make stuff happen, which is really exciting.” On Western’s 4-3 defense, Okes (6-0, 202) and senior Jared Leon-

ard (6-4, 187) are the ends, with Sarantis at tackle and senior Tom Schoenherr (5-9, 160) at nose tackle. The linebackers are Eby and Wendling on the outside, and Baldwin in the middle. Mudd and Mann are the cornerbacks, and Syring and Smith are the safeties. Dakota Pine will also see time at safety. Rahl brought back former longtime Western assistant Bill Johnston to help him with defense and said they’ve made it a little more complex. “We’re bringing a little more scheming, a few different types of coverages, and we’re able to disguise our coverages. We’re a little more diverse,” Rahl said. On special teams, Cole Rechsteiner will do kickoffs, Blake Watson will kick field goals, and Mann is the punter. Rahl said although Western has a very tough early schedule with Walled Lake Western, Dow High,

Flint Powers, and Midland High in four of the first five weeks, he expects his team to be competitive. “We’ll be in those games and have the opportunity to win them,” he said. “Football comes down to three our four snaps, either good or bad. We’re working right now to game-plan so that when those plays come, we’ll be on the good side of them.” And Rahl hopes that with a healthy squad with bigger numbers this year, things will go the Warriors’ way more than last year. “Last year we had some tough luck,” he said. “We didn’t have a large roster, and we had three broken legs at the varsity level among our starters. You don’t seen that very often. “This group of kids has worked extremely hard in the offseason. There’s a little more of an urgency. They want to compete in games, and they’ve worked very hard.”

New divisional alignment in Saginaw Valley League: Blue Division Dow High Bay City Western Saginaw Heritage Saginaw High Davison Flint Southwestern Flint Powers

Red Division Midland High Bay City Central Mount Pleasant Saginaw Arthur Hill Lapeer Flint Northwestern Flint Carman-Ainsworth

n Each team will play every other team in its division, and will play one nonconference game as well as two crossover games against the other division, including a rivalry game at the end of the season (Dow vs. Midland, Bay City Western vs. Bay City Central, Saginaw Heritage vs. Mount Pleasant, etc.). TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 989-839-4257

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Optimism abounds at Creek With new coach, and new offense, Lancers hope to return to playoffs dan chalk chalk@mdn.net

With a new-look offense and a lot of talent and experience returning, new Bullock Creek football coach Steve Miller has his sights set on a breakthrough season. “I firmly believe we’re going to be in the mix at the top of the ( Tri-Valley Conference Central),” said Miller, who was the quarterbacks coach at Bay City Western last year and previously coached football and other sports in Texas. The Lancers, 4-5 a year ago under former coach Jon Danna, are seeking their first playoff berth since 2007. Miller’s optimism stems from a roster of 29 players that includes 16 seniors, among them explosive running back Jaylian Henderson, who ran for 2,139 yards and 24 TDs last year. “Any time he touches the ball, he can take it the distance,” Miller said of the 5-foot-8, 170-pound Henderson. “He hits an opening and he’s gone. He has great vision and a great feel for the game. And he’s real strong for his size. He squatted 435 pounds.” And while Creek is changing from an offense that rarely threw the ball, to a spread formation with four wide receivers, Miller noted that Henderson will still be the focal point. “We’re still a run-first offense,” he stressed. “You want to take advantage of

Bullock Creek starters include (front row, from left): Austyn Gallihugh, Matt Longuski, Nate Bartosek, Gary Yarger, Jaylian Henderson, and Eric DeBolt. Second row: Josh Kissane, Caleb Petersen, Cole Osmond, Z Michael Westley, Ben McCann, Matt Hockemeyer and Michael Robertson. matchups. If teams want to load the box (to stop the run), we’ll pass the ball. We want to keep defenses off balance.” Senior Z Michael Westley (6-2, 190) takes over at quarterback after seeing some time at running back last year. “He put on about 15 pounds in the offseason and he’s got good speed and good arm strength,” Miller said. “He’s also comfortable running the ball. He’s progressed really well with our system.” Steve Miller Senior Caleb Somerville (6-0, 195), the Lancers’ secondleading rusher a year ago, will split time between back and receiver this year. Two of the other receivers will be junior Kegan Marshall (6-3, 185) and senior newcomer Jordan Dopp (6-2, 175). Manning the offensive line are senior center Nate Bartosek (5-9, 180), senior guard Ben McCann (6-3, 200), junior guard Robert Rose (6-1, 190), senior tackle Austyn Gallihugh (6-0, 205), and junior tackle Jared Ostrowski (6-2, 215). On the other side of the ball, the Lancers’ 4-2-5 defense is fronted by senior Michael Robertson (6-3, 190) and Marshall at the ends, Rose at tackle, and Ben McCann at nose tackle. Sophomore Donnie Hays and junior Garrett Radosa are the linebackers. Somerville, Henderson and Adam McCann will be the safeties, and Dopp and junior Cameron Richard are the cornerbacks.

“We don’t have a bunch of big guys on defense,” Miller said. “We’ll play to our strengths, which are athleticism and quickness. ... They like to hit and they’re not afraid of contact. They have a hard-nosed mentality.” Bullock Creek opens the season tonight at Meridian, a team that rallied late to beat the Lancers last year. The TVC Central includes perennial playoff teams Swan Valley and Freeland and is always among the most competitive conferences in the state. “The TVC Central is a tough league,” Miller admitted. “ ... (But) if we can stay healthy, we’ve got as good an opportunity as anybody else in the league.” Bullock Creek’s schedule Tonight — at Meridian Sept. 5 — ALMA Sept. 12 — at Ovid-Elsie Sept. 19 — FREELAND Sept. 26 — at Chesaning Oct. 3 — HEMLOCK Oct. 10 — SWAN VALLEY Oct. 17 — at Shepherd Oct. 24 — at Pinconning • Games start at 7 p.m.

After 2-7 season, Hemlock hoping to bounce back in 2014 dan chalk chalk@mdn.net

Fifth-year coach Bruce Bendix and the Hemlock football team are eager to start the season and erase the bitter taste of a 2-7 record that included several close losses last year. “We’ve got to find a way to swing these close games into the win column,” said Bendix, whose Huskies lost five games by fewer than 10 points each, including two one-point defeats. Hemlock had won nine games each of the two previous seasons and had made the playoffs three years in a row. At the same time, depth is a concern for Bendix, who has only 21 players on the roster. “We’re the smallest school in the

Hemlock’s schedule (all games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted) Tonight — FRANKENMUTH (7:30 p.m.) Sept. 5 — at Chesaning Sept. 12 — SHEPHERD Sept. 19 — at Swan Valley Sept. 26 — ALMA Oct. 3 — at Bullock Creek Oct. 10 — FREELAND Oct. 17 — at Ovid-Elsie Oct. 24 — ST. CHARLES

TVC Central,” he said. We have to stay healthy because depth is an issue.” The Huskies, who host Frankenmuth tonight to open the season, will lean on senior co-cap-

tains Adam Schoen (pronounced SHANE) and Austin Keyser. Schoen (5-11, 175) is the starting quarterback in Hemlock’s split-backs, triple-option offense. “He’s a tough kid. He’s wellsuited to our offense,” Bendix said. “He’s markedly improved his passing. So we’re looking for a good year from him.” Keyser (5-9, 148) is a small but strong halfback for the Huskies. “He’s not really big, but he plays hard. He gets the most out of what he has,” Bendix said. “Hopefully, if we block well, he can have a good year.” Doing that blocking up front will be sophomore center Lucas Kienitz (6-0, 169), senior guard Logan Mulvaney (6-2, 200), junior guard Adam Seitz (5-6, 190), sophomore tackle Zack Boruszewski

(6-1, 193), and junior tackle Connor Herrington (6-2, 239). Rounding out the offense are senior split end Dylan Smith, junior fullback Kyle Pratt (5-9, 163), senior tight end Cody Oczepek (5-11, 181), and junior flanker Noah Rowe. On the defensive line, the ends are Herrington and senior John Thompson (6-3, 188), and the tackles are senior Brandon Swidorski (6-0, 246) and Seitz. Oczepek, Mulvaney, and Pratt man the linebacker spots, with Mulvaney in the middle. Keyser and Smith will be the cornerbacks, junior Brett Dezelah the strong safety, and senior Brad Fleischman the free safety. Schoen will be the kicker and punter, and Rowe and Keyser are vying to return kicks and punts.

After the opener with Frankenmuth, Hemlock begins a Tri-Valley Conference Central schedule that Bendix said will again be very competitive. He noted that Hemlock beat Frankenmuth, a TVC East team, in last year’s opener and the Eagles proceeded to win their next nine games, while the Huskies won only once more. “That speaks to the strength of our division,” Bendix said. Tonight’s game will start at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., an idea suggested by Bendix to allow the teams to play in slightly cooler temperatures at a hot time of the year. “For safety and health reasons, it’s a good thing to do,” he said, adding that the rest of Hemlock’s games will start at 7 p.m.

n Tonight’s game will start at 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., an idea suggested by Bendix to allow the teams to play in slightly cooler temperatures at a hot time of the year.

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Bigger and better With increased numbers, Meridian has high hopes in Bilina’s second season dan Chalk chalk@mdn.net

Second-year Meridian football coach Mike Bilina says he and his players aren’t resting on their laurels after making the playoffs last year. “Last year we had an OK year, but we definitely expect better than that,” said Bilina, who guided Meridian to a 6-0 start and an eventual 7-3 record, ending with a loss to eventual Division 6 state champion Ithaca in the first round of the playoffs. “We had a little taste of success, but the kids are demanding more (of themselves).” Bilina is pleased to see a 50 percent increase in numbers on varsity, from 24 players a year ago to 37 this year. “That’s a good indication of the direction this program is going,” he said, attributing the increase partly to word of mouth and partly to Meridian’s improved facilities, such as the weight room. ““It’s a lot of (factors), and its starts with our administration and our community realizing the importance of athletics along with academics,” Bilina said. Mike Bilina The coach said a lot of players are out for football for the first time. “They came with great attitudes and they really want to be part of something special,” he said. One key player who does have experience is third-year starting quarterback Christian Petre (5-10, 151), who threw for 1,377 yards and 24 touchdown with only four interceptions last year. “He’s probably the fastest kid in the county; he got clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40 (yard dash) last year,” Bilina said. “We want to use his speed to our advantage. He’s gotten bigger, stronger and faster, and we’re really looking forward to showcasing his talents.” Senior left tackle Jack Brady (6-2, 234) will lead the offensive line after recovering from a torn ACL at the end of last season. Junior Tristan Dunlap (6-2, 210) is the other tackle, and sophomore Aaron Kielpinski (5-11, 238) is the frontrunner for the center position.

Seniors on the Meridian High School varsity football team are (first row, from left): Tanner Kelsey, Devin Wood, Luis Korpal, Joe Shuler, Mason Novak, Tristan Kelsey, Dale Alton and Zack Filcek. Second row: Jess Levier, Andrew Terwilliger, Jonas Leal, Tom Colley, CJ Johnson, Jack Brady, Travis Webb, and Jack Miller.

Meridian’s schedule (all games at 7 p.m.) Tonight — BULLOCK CREEK Sept. 5 — at Lake City Sept. 12 — CLARE Sept. 19 — at Roscommon Sept. 26 — FARWELL Oct. 3 — HARRISON Oct. 10 — at Houghton Lake Oct. 17 — at Gladwin Oct. 24 — BEAVERTON Juniors Mason Schultz (6-2, 262) and Jacob Wentworth (6-0, 180) will be the guards. Senior Jess Levier (6-0, 186) will be the No. 1 running back, while senior Luis Korpal (5-9, 156) will also get some carries. “They should be a good one-two

punch for us,” Bilina said. Bilina likes the depth of his receiving corps, which includes juniors Stryker O’Boyle, Monte Petre, Andre Smith, Ben Blake, and Miles LeViere and senior Jack Miller. On defense, Brady and sophomore Matt Hall (6-3, 185) are at the ends, while the interior will be some combination of seniors Tom Colley (5-8, 205), Joe Shuler (5-7, 142), and CJ Johnson (6-0, 206) and juniors Jake Cole (5-8, 225) and Dunlap. Levier, Miller, senior Tanner Kelsey, and junior Matt Hoffman will be in the linebacking rotation. The secondary will include a combination of Christian Petre, junior Monte Petre, Korpal, O’Boyle, Blake, Leviere, Smith, and junior Isaac Koon. “That’s one of the positions we’re

deepest at. That’s one area I’m really excited about,” Bilina said of the secondary. “It’s a good mix of experience and athleticism.” Bilina said O’Boyle (6-1, 172) has the potential to do all areas of special teams, including kicks, punts, and returns. The Mustangs host Bullock Creek tonight in their traditional opener, then visit Lake City after ending a long series with Pinconning. And Meridian opens the Jack Pine season in the third week by hosting perennial frontrunner Clare. “Our schedule got harder and our expectations went up,” Bilina said. “The Bullock Creek game is going to be a great atmosphere. Lake City is a heck of a team. That’s the kind of challenge we need to get our program to the next level.”

Experienced Beaverton team optimistic

Seiser believes this group has the potential to be much better than last year’s 3-6 mark. “I was not satisfied with last season, and I know the kids weren’t,” he said. “There was at least a game or two where we knew were were better than what we showed, and it’s frustrating at times, but the kids were learning how to play at the varsity level and it’s a big step. “I see a lot of confidence from this year’s seniors,” he added. “I expect us to be a much better football team overall.” Contributing along the offensive line will be Rottman, Bair, junior Wade Sturgeon (5-11, 275), junior Jamie Shaffer (5-11, 250), Owens, and Roggentine. Competing at the slot position are Sabanis, Gerow, Berthume, and Overly, while the Beaverton receivers are Duvall, Schultz, Chandler Grove (6-0, 150), and Werth. Hasenfratz and Couture could each see time at fullback for the Beavers, whose defensive linemen include Shaffer, Roggentine, Bair, Sturgeon, and Gordon Sasse (5-11, 240). Playing defensive back for the Beavers are Duvall, Gerow, Grove, and Sabanis, while Hasenfratz and Shaffer are competing for the team’s placekicking and punting duties. Clare, Gladwin and Meridian will be three of the toughest league challenges for Beaverton this season, said Seiser. “I don’t think our league gets a lot of credit overall, but it’s very competitive,” he said. “With where our program’s at, we have to fight each and every Friday night, or we’re not going to get the results that we want.”

2013 Jack Pine Conference football standings: 7-0 6-1 5-2 4-3 3-4 2-5 1-6 0-7

“I see a lot of confidence from this year’s seniors. I expect us to be a much better football team overall.” — Beaverton coach Aaron Seiser

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Clare Gladwin Meridian Roscommon Beaverton Harrison Houghton Lake Farwell

Beaverton seniors include: first row, from left, Owen Rottman, Randall Roggentine, Raziel Gordon, Matthew Berthume. Second row: Grant Smith, Seth Gerow, Clayton Werth, Nate O’Brien. Third row: Cavin Baier, Cole Overly, Ryan Duvall, Yiannis Sabanis, Nicklaus Scharf. Not Pictured: Ian Hasenfratz and Chris Schultz.

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After a 3-6 season a year ago, the arrow appears to be pointing up for Beaverton football, with 12 returning players all benefitting from their third year playing in Beavers’ coach Aaron Seiser’s system. “That’s pretty good for the size of our school,” noted Seiser. “All 12 played regularly, and I’m optimistic that the time they got last year will be put to good use.” Returning for Beaverton are Chris Schultz (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), Nate O’Brien (5-6, 145), Cole Overly (5-7, 140), Seth Gerow (5-11, 160), Matt Berthume (5-9, 170), Yiannis Sabanis (5-9, 135), Ian Hasenfratz (6-1, 195), Clay Werth (6-1, 160), Owen Rottman (5-11, 210), Cavin Bair (5-9, 275), Randall Roggentine (6-2, 205), and Ryan Duvall (6-1, 160). O’Brien, a junior, will take over at quarterback for the Beavers, as last year’s starter Gerow, a senior, shifted to a slot-back position. “It might be a positive for everyone involved,” said Seiser, whose team went 3-4 in the Jack Pine Conference a year ago. “We’re just playing to what their strengths are, and it lets us be a little more creative with what we can do.” A key component to this year’s Beaverton offense will be Hasenfratz, a senior running back in his third year on varsity. “The kids in good shape, and I’m looking for big things from him,” said Seiser. “Everybody wants to run the football, but we’re capable in the passing game too,” he added. “Our offensive line can be productive either way, but it’s really going to come down to our defense, and can we stop people when we need to. We’ve got some aggressive kids, so I’m excited to see what happens.” Seiser expects the linebacker position to be a strength of the Beaverton defense, with Rottman, junior Joey Couture (5-9, 150), Hasenfratz, Werth, Schultz, and sophomore Luke Owens (6-1, 195) all in the mix. “It’s a position we’re hoping we can hang our hats on,” he said.

Beaverton’s schedule (all games start at 7 p.m.) Tonight — at St. Louis Sept. 5 — TAWAS AREA Sept. 12 — ROSCOMMON Sept. 19 — at Clare Sept. 26 — GLADWIN Oct. 3 — at Houghton Lake Oct. 10 — HARRISON Oct. 17 — at Farwell Oct. 24 — at Meridian

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adam smith sports@mdn.net

football Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

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Coleman’s Klopf says record-setting quarterback Stremlow could be even better this season fred kelly fred.kelly@mdn.net

Coleman quarterback Adam Stremlow etched his name several times over in the school recordbook — and even the state recordbook — during a remarkable junior season in 2013. The scary part for his opponents is that Stremlow could be even better this year, according to Comets’ coach Chad Klopf. “He was still raw last year. He put in a lot of work all winter long and then all summer long,” said Klopf. “It’s almost like he’s a completely different quarterback, and he can still improve so much. It will be fun to see Chad Klopf what he can do.” As a junior, Stremlow earned Daily News Dream Team honors and an All-State honorable mention after throwing for 2,703 yards and 35 touchdowns with only six interceptions. His six touchdown passes in a single quarter was a state record for all divisions. Not bad for a guy who, in his coach’s estimation, still had a lot to learn. “He went down to quarterback training in a couple of different places (during the offseason),” Klopf noted. “Just his release and his timing (have really improved). It was all natural ability before, but now his mechanics are better, and his footwork is better. “He’s increased his speed (of release), too, as well as improved his knowledge of who he should be throwing to and how to get it there,” Klopf added. Stremlow was a big key to the Comets finishing the regular season with a 7-2 record and earning a berth in the Division 8 playoffs, where they fell 28-21 to Mid-State Activities Conference rival Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in the first round. Unfortunately for Coleman, two of Stremlow’s favorite targets graduated — Matthew Warner, who had 39 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 TDs in earning Dream Team accolades and All-State honorable mention; and Zack Frazer, who had 604 yards and 10 TDs receiving and 370 yards and three TDs rushing. Still, Klopf said he likes his offense’s overall speed and playmaking ability at the skill positions. “We’re quick. We’re maybe not

Coleman’s returning seniors are (front row, from left) Andy Drake, Adam Stremlow, Jake Oldham, Jon Cozat, Josh Pepin; (second row, from left) Brandon Lietz, Tommy Ranck, Tristan Cottrell, Levi Veltkamp, Mitch Franklin. Coleman’s schedule (all games start at 7 p.m.)

Aug. 28 — at Farwell Sept. 6 — BAY CITY ALL SAINTS Sept. 12 — at Charlevoix Sept. 19 — CARSON CITY-CRYSTAL Sept. 26 — at Ashley Oct. 3 — at Vestaburg Oct. 10 — MONTABELLA Oct. 17 — MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART Oct. 24 — at Saginaw Valley Lutheran as fast at the top (as we were with Warner and Frazer on the field), but we have a number of kids who are athletic that we can get the ball to,” he noted. “Last year, Warner and Frazer were our fastest two guys, and after that, we kind of fell off a bit. But this year, we have four or five guys who can all move pretty well (in open space).” Joining Stremlow, a 6-foot-2, 192-pound senior, in the backfield will be senior running back Jacob Oldham (5-7, 162), while seniors Mitch Franklin (5-10, 168) and Tristan Cottrell (5-11, 145) return as starters at wide-out. Franklin is

coming off a junior campaign in which he had 510 yards receiving and six TD catches to earn Daily News First Team honors. Senior Josh Pepin (6-3, 195) is a returning starter at the slot position, while senior Andy Drake (5-11, 146) will fill the other slot. The offensive line, which lost First Team All-MSAC lineman Mark Drake, will be anchored by returning starter Brandon Lietz (5-8, 235), a senior, while senior Jonathan Cozat (5-11, 193) and juniors Matthew Fox (6-3, 247), Jared Reger (5-10, 250), and Logan Wright-Clark (6-0, 278) will fill out

the rest of the line. “We’ll try to get the ball out (of Stremlow’s hand) quickly,” said Klopf. “Early on, we will still be young up front, and (the O-line) is still learning to play with each other, so we’ll try to get the ball quickly to those four (receivers) and see what they can do.” Defensively, the Comets lost some leadership in Dream Team and First Team All-MSAC lineman Hunter Gross (102 tackles), linebacker Lars Murray (122 tackles), and defensive back Frazer (five INTs). But Coleman has plenty of experience back on the defensive side of the ball, including a linebacking corps of Oldham, Franklin, Pepin, Drake, and junior Ryan Yeager (6-1, 180), all of whom saw plenty of playing time a year ago. Lietz is a returner on the D-line, while Wright-Clark and junior Chris Morningstar (6-2, 328) are the other two down linemen. Cotrell returns to the secondary, while senior Tommy Ranck (5-10,

140) and junior Elliott Murray (5-6, 120) will be the other two defensive backs. “The linemen will secure what they can up front and let the linebackers run,” Klopf said of his defensive philosophy. “We’ll use our speed (at linebacker) to cause some havoc.” Despite the loss of playmakers like Warner and Frazer, Klopf said that this is “definitely not” a rebuilding year for the Comets. “Defensively, we’re pretty solid, I think. And with Adam (Stremlow) back there (at QB) and the receivers we’ve got, if we can give him some time to get rid of the ball (we’ll be fine),” Klopf said. In sizing up the MSAC, Klopf added, “Sacred Heart is always up there (near the top of the league). Whenever it looks like they don’t have something, they always do. ... And I’d put Carson City(-Crystal) right up there, too, but I’m sure we’ll compete to be at the top as well.”

Breckenridge aiming to snap 20-year playoff drought Kristopher Lodes klodes@mdn.net

It’s been 20 years since Breckenridge’s last appearance in the state football playoffs in 1994, and second-year coach Kris Robinson feels this is the year to end that drought. The Huskies are coming off a 2-7 season, but considering the fact that they began at 0-5, they are hoping to bring some momentum into 2014. “We should be better,” said Robinson. “We progressed every week last year and won two of our last four games.”

Robinson believes the talent on the team can get the Huskies to the postseason. But he also knows that one significant injury can deal a significant blow to their playoff hopes. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking (playoffs),” Robinson said. “I think we have good enough starters that we can (make the playoffs), but any significant injury and we’ll be in some serious trouble.” The Huskies bring back 12 starters from last season, including the majority of their receivers and running backs. “It’s really helpful for us,” Rob-

Breckenridge’s schedule (All games start at 7 p.m.)

Tonight Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24

at Vestaburg at Ithaca ST. LOUIS at Carrollton SAGINAW VALLEY LUTHERAN at Merrill ST. CHARLES at Michigan Lutheran Seminary ASHLEY

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking (playoffs). I think we have good enough starters that we can (make the playoffs), but any significant injury and we’ll be in some serious trouble.”

inson said of having skill players back. “Building into this year, it is really important that we can better position people where we know they can help us.” Leading the way for the Huskies will be a pair of 5-foot-11, 160pound junior running backs, Kieran Hartnagle and Jake Wendling. The Huskies’ quarterback is 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior Jordan Lumsden, and two of his main targets will be 6-2, 230-pound senior Wade SanMiguel and 5-9, 185-pound senior Mitch Miller. Devan Eastman (6-0, 150) and Bo Collins (6-0, 150) will also be in the receiving corps.

“SanMiguel will play football at the next level somewhere,” Robinson said. “He’ll be a good player for me.” Up front, the offensive tackles will be Jayce Colthorp and Miguel Gutierrez, with Kyle Smith and Blake Fetters at guard and Martin Betancourt at center. All five linemen are at least 6-0 and 200 pounds. Fetters and Colthrop will start at tackle on the defensive side, with 6-1, 185-pounders Colton Carter and Ty Hammond on the ends. Miller, SanMiguel, Gutierrez and Smith will start at the linebacker

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spots, with Collins and Eastman at the corners and Wendling at safety. Another 0-5 start, of course, would quickly dash the Huskies’ hopes. That’s why Robinson believes the three biggest games of the year are in weeks one, two and three. Those games are at Vestaburg, at defending Division 6 state champion Ithaca, and at home against St. Louis. “Our first three games are really important for us,” Robinson said. “We need to have a winning record coming out of those three games.”

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6 Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

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football

Dow High Chargers

Front row, from left: Cody Alexander, Johnny Wilson, Connor Doyle, Joey Lundahl, Cameron Alexander, Justin Cook, Jared Mohammed. Second row: Jimmy McDonald, Josh Riepma, Mason Hayes, Brandon Veihl, Skyler Contardi, Miles Hooper, Andrew Bartos. Third row: Ty Larson, Brad Sommer, Devan Anzarut, Max Kidd, Spencer Stephenson, Matt Flanagan, Eric Hus. Fourth row: Gavin Kozuch, Zach Wood, Austin Wilford, Blake Wilson, Nick Nelson, Travis Wilford, Zachary Peterson. Fifth row: Samir Bahadur, Alec Marty, Robert Jennings, Connor Wilson, Brad Drenckpohl, Jacob Merry, Kevin Murray. Sixth row: Devontae Stine, Spencer Hulbert, Roman D’Ambrosio, Corey McLaughlin, Mike Robb, Caleb Richard. Seventh row: Helen Oikarinen, Phil Leigeb, head coach Jason Watkins, Keith Schulte, Steve Watkins, John Streeter.

Midland High Chemics

FIRST ROW: Ju’Karri Cooper, John Torry, Mason Dominowski, Ryan Mularz, Vondre Warren, Derek Groulx, Gavin Burrell, Luke Malace, Max Klemish, Zac Schneider, Payton DeWildt, Brendan Haut, Jordan Kaczmarek. SECOND ROW: Phillip Wandor, Ryan Lynch, Taylor Hansen, Bryce Kantak, Luke Delong, Chase Robison, Cheyne Maier, Jordan Wilson, Jake Pajk, Grant Grenesko, T.J. Cooper, Cam Wing, Jacob Coffey, Tyler Jean. THIRD ROW: Josh Kohler, Jacob Gudmundsen, Josh Church, Jimmy McGee, Garrett Kraut, Alex Englund, Caleb Jorgensen, Nate Rapanos, Luke White, Jesse Pagtalunan, Shay Methner, Wyatt Walden, Justin Russell. FOURTH ROW: Sean Nastase, Christian Loosemore, Nate Lillie, Andrew O’Keefe, Zach Donaghue, Levi Schlafley, Zach Purtill, Brandon Dulaney, Austin Richards, Nate Wonsey, Logan VanValkenburg, Austin Bass, Brendan Price, Jon Rutledge. FIFTH ROW: Coaches Chris Corbat, Kevin Lawson, Dave Knochel, Ched Johnson, players Virgil Walker, Tyler Foor, Jesse Cluff, Carter Welter, Curran Robart, coaches Tim Kipfmiller, John Mulvaney, Randy Keicher, Scott Yockey, Kurt Yockey. SIXTH ROW: Paul Schalk, Glen Mutscher, Gary Jozwiak, Scott Albrecht, head coach Eric Methner, Matt Starling, Pete Welter, Kendall Root, athletic trainer Tony Partipilo.

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MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

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Bullock Creek Lancers

Front row, from left: Adam McCann, Austyn Gallihugh, Garrett Radosa, Alec Chapman, Caleb Petersen, Robert Rose, Michael March and Eric Debolt. Second row: coach Steve Hagle, coach Nick Barton, Jared Ostrowski, Jared Brown, Michael Robertson, Kegan Marshall, Ben McCann, Z Michael Westley, Cole Osmond, Josh Kissane, Matt Hockemeyer, head coach Steve Miller and coach Ryan Sersaw. Third row: Gary Yarger, Taylor Sian, Matt Longuski, Brendan Gorman, Jaylian Henderson, Nate Bartosek, Nick Tomalia, Ryan Robinette, Cameron Richard and Donald Hays III.

Meridian Mustangs

Front row, from left: Nick Arthur, Jess Levier, Jack Brady, Christian Petre, Matthew Hall, Monte Petre, Luis Korpal, Ben Blake, Tanner Kelsey, Zack Spangler, Isaac Koon and Jack Miller. Second row: Adam Heilig, Jonas Leal, Matt Hoffman, Dale Altman, Justin Dill, Andre Smith, Tristan Kelsey, Jacob Konesko, Andrew Terwilliger, Joe Shuler, Brendan Novak, Tom Colley and Devin Wood. Third row: coach Paul Pignone, coach Larry Kastl, Jacob Wentworth, CJ Johnson, Jonah Wenzlick, Tristan Dunlap, Jake Cole, Mason Schultz, Zack Filcek, Aaron Kielpinski, Jason Wilson, Travis Webb, Mason Novak, Justin Hibbard, coach Patrick Van Paris, head coach Mike Bilina.

Coleman Comets

FRONT ROW: Tristan Cottrell, Adam Stremlow, Tommy Ranck, Andy Drake, Jake Oldham, Jon Cozat, Josh Pepin, Mitch Franklin. SECOND ROW: Dylan Carbeno, Ryan Yeager, Elliott Murray, Bailey Mitchell, Logan Wright-Clark, Levi Veltkamp. THIRD ROW: Robert Schmidt, Billy Harcourt, Brandon Lietz, Jared Reger, Brandon Gingerich, Matt Fox, Chris Morningstar. FOURTH ROW: Coach Doug Cellini, head coach Chad Klopf, coach Mel Skillman. TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 989-839-4257

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MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

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Freeland stacked with veteran, skilled playmakers Townsend likes Falcons’ depth, experience, speed fred kelly fred.kelly@mdn.net

Freeland would love to erase the bitter taste of losing its final three games last season following a great start. And Falcons’ coach Kevin Townsend thinks he has the experience, the depth, and the team speed to do just that. “We’re deep. We’re definitely deep, especially at the skill positions,” said Tow n s e n d . “ We’v e g o t five receivers who stand between 6-1 and 6-4, and it’s nice to have big targets like that. We also have lots of senior experience. ... We’re excited (about this season), for sure.” Last season, Freeland won six of its first seven games, with the Falcons’ lone loss in that span comi n g 2 9 - 1 9 t o p e re n n i a l power Swan Valley. The final third of the season didn’t go nearly as well for Freeland, though, as it ended the regular season with losses of 21-15 to Ovid-Elsie and 21-7 to Saginaw Nouvel, then fell 31-13 to Frankenmuth in the first round of the Division 5 playoffs. But with a plethora of returners who saw significant time last year and a talented cast of juniors joining them on varsity, Townsend said that competition for playing time should breed better players, as well as keep fresh legs on the field at all times. “We actually have some pretty good junior skill kids who will push our seniors. And with that depth at the skill positions, we’ll be able to rotate kids and keep them fresh,” he noted. “If we started the season today, the

Seniors on the Freeland varsity football team include (front row, from left): Nick Mata, Tucker LyVere, Jarett Riffel, Matt Formsma, and Ryan Schauman. Second row: Jacob Fink, Parker Kubiak, Jared Shea, Jake Jankoska, Josh Beltz, and Jared Wegner. Third row: Joey Spalding, Julian Vandaele, Hunter Ridenour, Taylor Thompson, Blake DeSander, and Matt Denby. offensive line would have one junior, and the rest would be seniors. But it’s nice to have those other juniors who can fill in. “A lot of times you wonder what would happen if you sub this kid or sub that kid. But we may actually get better at some positions when we do sub,” he added. Six-foot-1, 170-pound senior Jarett Riffel will be back as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, while senior running backs Ryan Schauman (5-10, 175), Matt Formsma (5-10, 185), and Blake DeSander (5-10, 161) also return to the backfield. The offensive line will consist of returning starters Josh Beltz (6-0, 226), Jared Shea (6-0, 205), and Hunter Ridenour (6-1, 228), all seniors; as well as senior Jared Wegner (5-10, 223) and junior Steve Hemgesberg (5-10, 180). Seniors Tucker LyVere (6-3, 196) and Taylor Thompson will be the two tight ends (6-1, 162). Though not particularly big, the Falcons’ offense will feature a number of quick and gritty players, Townsend said. “We’ve got a lot of different styles of kids. We’ve got some hard runners who won’t shy away from contact, and we’ve got some skill, and we’ve got some height all mixed together,” he noted. “ ... We’re fast again. That’s something we kind of pride ourselves on. We’re small, so we’ve got to be quick. “If you don’t have the biggest guys (on the line), you’ve got to be quick,” he added. “And we’ve got guys who are agile and quick and can run (up

Freeland’s schedule Tonight — at Lake Fenton Sept. 5 — OVID-ELSIE Sept. 12 — CHESANING Sept. 19 — at Bullock Creek Sept. 26 — at Shepherd Oct. 3 — SWAN VALLEY Oct. 10 — at Hemlock Oct. 17 — ALMA Oct. 24 — SAGINAW NOUVEL • All games start at 7 p.m.

front).” Ridenour is the lone returning starter on the Falcons’ defensive line, while Shea, LyVere, and Thompson will be the other starters in the trenches. Formsma was a First Team All-Tri-Valley Conference Central selection at linebacker last season and will be a three-year starter at that spot, while DeSander, Beltz, and senior Jake Jankoska (6-2, 163) will fill out the linebacking corps. The secondary will consist of returning starting cornerback Parker Kubiak (5-9, 160), a senior, as well as Schauman at the other corner and junior Nate Whitting (6-3, 170) at safety. The Falcons lost two of their top defenders — Daily News Dream Team honoree and All-State

special mention Charlie Ferens at DB, along with Dream Team and First Team All-TVC Central honoree Ryan Richter at linebacker — to graduation. Townsend said that senior running back/defensive back Matthew Denby (5-10, 156) and junior running backs/linebackers Joe Rybicki (5-10, 168) and Ben Rybicki (5-10, 193), among others, likely will also see plenty of playing time on both sides of the ball. “We have nice depth at linebacker, in particular,” Townsend noted. “We have six or seven linebackers, and we feel it doesn’t matter which ones we have on the field.” Looking ahead to an always-tough TVC Central schedule, Townsend said that Swan Valley is the frontrunner but noted that he likes his own team’s chances of contending. “With our depth, we like our chances. I’ll never pick us No. 2 (in the conference),” he said. “Obviously, you’ve got to figure out how to stop (allstate running back) Alex Grace and Swan Valley, and Ovid(-Elsie) is always going to be tough. ... All three of their (OE’s) kids who scored offensive touchdowns against us last year were only sophomores. “Chesaning’s entire offensive line is seniors, (coach Bruce) Bendix does a great job with the kids over at Hemlock, and who knows with Bullock Creek; they’ve got new coaches and more kids coming out,” he added. “We’ll see how that goes. It’s still one of those conferences where you can’t take anything for granted. You never know (who’ll win it).”

Merrill’s O-Line a key to team’s success in 2014 adam smith sports@mdn.net

If the Merrill football team is to return to the playoffs after seeing its streak of consecutive appearances end at seven last year, second-year Vandals’ coach Jeff Buckley expects that his offensive line will be a big part of that driving force. “It’s the biggest one we’ve ever had here, and I really think it could be a strength,” said Buckley, who’s in his 11th year overall on the Merrill staff. “We’re going to go eight or nine deep up front, and five of those kids are returning from having played quite a bit last year.” Slated to start along the MerToday 4 p.m. — Midland at Traverse City West 7 p.m. — Mount Pleasant at Dow 7 p.m. — Bullock Creek at Meridian 7 p.m. — Coleman at Farwell 7 p.m. — Walled Lake Western at Bay City Western 7 p.m. — Breckenridge at Vestaburg 7 p.m. — Beaverton at St. Louis 7:30 p.m. — Frankenmuth at Hemlock 7 p.m. — Merrill at Marlette 7 p.m. — Freeland at Lake Fenton 7 p.m. — Gladwin at Shepherd Friday, Sept. 5 7 p.m. — Bay City Central at Midland 7 p.m. — Dow at Bay City Western 7 p.m. — Alma at Bullock Creek 7 p.m. — Meridian at Lake City 7 p.m. — Bay City All Saints at Coleman 7 p.m. — Breckenridge at Ithaca 7 p.m. — Tawas at Beaverton 7 p.m. — Hemlock at Chesaning 7 p.m. — Merrill at Saginaw MLS 7 p.m. — Ovid-Elsie at Freeland 7 p.m. — Standish-Sterling at Gladwin Friday, Sept. 12 7 p.m. — Saginaw Heritage at Dow 7 p.m. — Midland at Flint Northwestern 7 p.m. — Bullock Creek at Ovid-Elsie 7 p.m. — Clare at Meridian 7 p.m. — Bay City Western at Flint Powers 7 p.m. — St. Louis at Breckenridge 7 p.m. — Roscommon at Beaverton 7 p.m. — Shepherd at Hemlock 7 p.m. — Saginaw Valley Lutheran at Merrill 7 p.m. — Chesaning at Freeland 7 p.m. — Gladwin at Harrison Saturday, Sept. 13 TBA — Coleman at Charlevoix Friday, Sept. 19 7 p.m. — Mount Pleasant at Midland 7 p.m. — Dow at Flint Southwestern

rill offensive line are senior center Zack Welch (5-foot-10, 208 pounds), senior guard Zach Bresser (6-0, 212), junior guard Joe Castillo (6-0, 267), senior tackle Levi Woods (6-2, 195), and junior tackle James Castillo (6-1, 248). The Vandals finished at 3-6 overall and 3-4 in the Tri-Valley Conference West Division last year, missing the playoffs for just the third time in the last 14 years. “They’re pretty motivated,” said Buckley. “They didn’t like sitting at home last year for the playoffs.” Out to prove last year’s setback was just a blip on the radar, Merrill’s big offensive line should help with the development of junior first-

year starting quarterback Trent Lutzke (6-0, 170), who takes over for the departed Austin Glazier. “He started for two years on the junior varsity for us, and both years he threw for well over 1,000 yards,” said Buckley of Lutzke. “He’s an extremely smart quarterback who doesn’t make many mistakes, and he’s run track for two years to really help him with his speed. “He seems to show it in practice,” added Buckley of his QB’s dual-threat potential in the team’s spread offense. “The biggest reason we didn’t bring him up last year when Austin (suffered a seasonending injury) was we wanted him to get that experience and playing

Area football schedules 7 p.m. — Freeland at Bullock Creek 7 p.m. — Meridian at Roscommon 7 p.m. — Carson City-Crystal at Coleman 7 p.m. — Saginaw High at Bay City Western 7 p.m. — Breckenridge at Carrollton 7 p.m. — Beaverton at Clare 7 p.m. — Hemlock at Swan Valley 7 p.m. — St. Charles at Merrill 7 p.m. — Houghton Lake at Gladwin Friday, Sept. 26 Football 7 p.m. — Bay City Western at Midland 7 p.m. — Dow at Flint Powers 7 p.m. — Bullock Creek at Chesaning 7 p.m. — Farwell at Meridian 7 p.m. — Coleman at Ashley 7 p.m. — Saginaw Valley Lutheran at Breckenridge 7 p.m. — Gladwin at Beaverton 7 p.m. — Alma at Hemlock 7 p.m. — Merrill at Carrollton 7 p.m. — Freeland at Shepherd Friday, Oct. 3 7 p.m. — Midland at Flint Carman-Ainsworth 7 p.m. — Bay City Central at Dow 7 p.m. — Hemlock at Bullock Creek 7 p.m. — Harrison at Meridian 7 p.m. — Coleman at Vestaburg 7 p.m. — Bay City Western at Davison 7 p.m. — Breckenridge at Merrill 7 p.m. — Beaverton at Houghton Lake 7 p.m. — Swan Valley at Freeland 7 p.m. — Clare at Gladwin

time (at the JV level).” The Vandals have seven returning players on defense, and six returning offensive players. “Most played quite a bit last year,” said Buckley. Sophomore and returning varsity player Austin Letts (5-8, 158) will start at running back this year for the Vandals, while senior receivers Neil Smith (6-0, 185) and Colin Tack (5-11, 175) are returning starters as well. First-year starters junior Nate Fisher (6-3, 190) and sophomore Jaden Reiber (5-8, 155) will also play the position. Two-way starters for the Vandals

Friday, Oct. 10 7 p.m. — Midland at Lapeer 7 p.m. — Davison at Dow 7 p.m. — Swan Valley at Bullock

Creek 7 p.m. — Meridian at Houghton Lake 7 p.m. — Montabella at Coleman 7 p.m. — Saginaw Heritage at Bay City Western 7 p.m. — St. Charles at Breckenridge 7 p.m. — Harrison at Beaverton 7 p.m. — Freeland at Hemlock 7 p.m. — St. Louis at Merrill 7 p.m. — Roscommon at Gladwin Friday, Oct. 17 7 p.m. — Saginaw Arthur Hill at Midland 7 p.m. — Dow at Saginaw 7 p.m. — Bullock Creek at Shepherd 7 p.m. — Meridian at Gladwin 7 p.m. — Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart at Coleman 7 p.m. — Bay City Western at Flint Southwestern 7 p.m. — Breckenridge at Saginaw MLS 7 p.m. — Beaverton at Farwell 7 p.m. — Hemlock at Ovid-Elsie 7 p.m. — Ithaca at Merrill 7 p.m. — Alma at Freeland Friday, Oct. 24 7 p.m. — Dow at Midland 7 p.m. — Beaverton at Meridian 7 p.m. — Bullock Creek at Pinconning 7 p.m. — Coleman at Saginaw Valley Lutheran 7 p.m. — Bay City Central at Bay City Western 7 p.m. — Saginaw Nouvel at Freeland 7 p.m. — Ashley at Breckenridge 7 p.m. — St. Charles at Hemlock 7 p.m. — Merrill at Vestaburg 7 p.m. — Gladwin at Farwell

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See “Merrill,” Page 9

Merrill’s schedule Tonight — at Marlette Sept. 5 — at Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary Sept. 12 — SAGINAW VALLEY LUTHERAN S e p t . 1 9 — S T. CHARLES Sept. 26 — at Carrollton Oct. 3 — BRECKENRIDGE Oct. 10 — at St. Louis Oct. 17 — ITHACA Oct. 24 — at Vestaburg • Games begin at 7 p.m.

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football Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

ourmidland.com

Flying G’s plan to build on last year’s success

Gladwin’s seniors are: first row, from left, Kyle Bigelow, Richie Mathis, Jacob Shell, Quentin Day. Second row: Stephen Esiline, Oshay Lewis, Damian Mansfield, Jacob Clayton. Third row: Tristan Mitchell, Leon Corlew, Mitchell Fitzpatrick, Dylan Brooks. Fourth row: Garrett Holder, Brad Gallagher, Jarred Largent.

Gladwin’s Foor aiming for long playoff run in 2014 Kristopher Lodes klodes@mdn.net

After Gladwin earned its first playoff win in 11 years last season, football coach Tyler Foor is looking for the Flying G’s to go even further in the postseason. “Making the playoffs was good, but we have higher goals,” Foor said. “ ... Our goal (like every year) is to play 14 games (and reach the state title game).” The Flying G’s ended last season with a 26-0 loss to Standish-Sterling in the district final, and Foor, last year’s Daily News Football Coach of the Year, is looking to advance further this year. Gladwin has some experience returning on offense, including three linemen and a host of weap-

ons at the skill positions. Senior Richie Mathis (6-0, 175) w i l l t a k e ov e r behind center again after playing some quarterback last season along with Tyler Foor the now graduated Demetri Trice. Mathis will have 6-foot-1, 190pound junior John Mantei in the backfield, as well as senior and three-year letterwinner Stephen Esiline (5-10, 200). Jake Shell (6-2, 165) and Oshay Lewis (5-10, 170) will play at the split end positions while Kyle Bigelow (5-10, 170) and Charlie Allen (5-9, 150) will be slot receivers.

Gladwin’s schedule TONIGHT — at Shepherd Sept. 5 — STANDISH-STERLING Sept. 12 — at Harrison Sept. 19 — HOUGHTON LAKE Sept. 26 — at Beaverton Oct. 3 — CLARE Oct. 10 — ROSCOMMON Oct. 17 — MERIDIAN Oct. 24 — at Farwell • Games start at 7 p.m.

Up front will be a rotation of Kasey Cameron (6-1, 195), Tristan Mitchell (5-6, 195), Brad Gallagher (6-6, 225), Drew Cantrell (5-9, 200), Owen Ritchie (5-9, 170), Kole Fisher (6-1, 235) and Damian

Mansfield (5-8, 200). On the defensive side of the ball, 6-foot, 255-pound nose tackle Dylan Brooks will start, with Richie, Cameron and Gallagher also on the line. Mantei and Shell will start at the ends, with Mitchell and Cantrell starting at linebacker. In the secondary, 5-foot-7, 155pound Terrance Trice will start at safety along with Mathis, while Hunter Tackett (5-7, 135) will start at cornerback along with Bigelow. “We’re missing some key guys (who graduated),” Foor said. “But we have seven or eight guys returning. Drew Cantrell was on JV all last year and got moved up and started at linebacker for two

playoff games and did a good job for us.” Gladwin will begin the season with nonconference games at Shepherd and then at home against Standish-Sterling. After that, the G’s begin Jack Pine Conference play at Harrison. As far as where Foor thinks his team will finish in the Jack Pine Conference, he isn’t one to give predictions. “We’ve got to work hard and get better every day,” Foor said. “If we do that, we can expect to like what happens. I don’t know (where we fit in the conference). I don’t focus on those things. We focus on things we can control like doing our job and being fast and physical. We don’t talk about the scores or other teams.”

“Making the playoffs was good, but we have higher goals. ... Our goal (like every year) is to play 14 games (and reach the state title game).” Gladwin coach Tyler Foor

MERRILL: Vandals open tonight at Marlette Continued

from page

include Joe Castillo at defensive tackle, James Castillo and Welch at defensive end, Letts and Woods at outside linebacker, and Smith at safety. Newcomers to the starting defense are junior Aaron Brown (6-0, 278) at defensive tackle, senior Charlie Williams (5-11, 178) at middle linebacker, and senior Quinn Gulley (5-8, 160) and junior Jacob Kulhanek (5-9, 165) at cornerback. Lutzke is the punter, while Smith is the kicker. Smith will also return punts and kicks, while Reiber and Tack will also return kicks. “Six wins is always the goal for us, and if we can get to six wins, the league is so tough that I think we could do some damage if we got into the playoffs,” said Buckley. “We’re a much faster team this year than we were last year, and with the spread (offense), we like to get guys in space and hope they can beat somebody 1-on-1. “Our junior varsity went 7-2 last year, and if they would’ve been healthy, I believe they would’ve run the table,” he added of this year’s varsity newcomers. Buckley believes his team can compete with the likes of four-time defending Division 6 state champion Ithaca and Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary in the race for the conference title and playoff contention this year. “I’m hoping we’re going to be right in the mix,” he said.

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10 Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

ourmidland.com

football

Gladwin Flying G’s

Gladwin’s varsity team includes (first row, from left): Jacob Armstrong, Kyle Bigelow, Richie Mathis, Jacob Shell, Quentin Day. Second row: Mark McAulay, Drew Cantrell, Owen Ritchie, LeRow Bouck III, Damian Mansfield, Jacob Clayton. Third row: Terrance Trice, John Mantei, Stephen Esiline, Oshay Lewis, Zachary McCully, Mitchell Fitzpatrick. Fourth row: Brad Gallagher, Tristan Mitchell, Leon Corlew, Hunter Tackett, Dylan Brooks. Fifth row: Roger Willford, Cole Fisher, Garrett Holder, Jarrad Largent. Sixth row: Tim Foor, head coach Tyler Foor, Kody Emeott, Mike Bailey, Ethan Gary.

Beaverton Beavers

Beaverton’s varsity team includes (front row, from left): Owen Rottman, Elijah Burris, Raziel Gordon, Matthew Berthume. Second row: Luke Owens, Seth Gerow, Clayton Werth, Nate O’Brien, Jamie Shaffer. Row three: Grant Smith, Cheyenne Palmer, Cole Overly, Joseph Couture, Addam Irish. Row four: Daniel Beierschmitt, Chandler Grove, Ryan Duvall, Yiannis Sabanis, Sean Kavanaugh. Row five: Cavin Bair, Wade Sturgeon, Ricky Woods, Gordon Sasse, Nicklaus Scharf, Randall Roggentine. Row six: coach Scott Wicke, head coach Aaron Seiser, and coach Greg Mose.

MDN sportswriters pick the area’s best playmakers Dan Chalk’s top 5 playmakers: 1. Jaylian Henderson, running back, Bullock Creek 2. Adam Stremlow, quarterback, Coleman 3. Mike Robb, receiver, Dow High 4. Caleb Richard, running back, Midland High 5. Christian Petre, quarterback, Meridian

Fred Kelly’s top 5 playmakers: 1. Adam Stremlow, quarterback, Coleman 2. Caleb Richard, running back, Dow 3. Jaylian Henderson, running back, Bullock Creek 4. Vondre Warren, running back, Midland 5. Alec Marty, quarterback, Dow

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Chris Stevens’s top 5 playmakers: 1. Jaylian Henderson, running back, Bullock Creek 2. Caleb Richard, running back, Dow 3. Adam Stremlow, quarterback, Coleman 4. Christian Petre, quarterback, Meridian 5. Caleb Somerville, running back, Bullock Creek

11 Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

ourmidland.com

football

Freeland Falcons

Freeland’s varsity football team includes (front row, from left): Aiden Van Loo, Matthew Wisniewski, Nick Mata, Tucker LyVere, Jarett Riffel, Matt Formsma, and Ryan Schauman. Row two: Dalton Reimus, Hunter Metiva, Steve Hemgesberg, Nate Whitting, Parker Kubiak, Jared Shea, Jake Jankoska, Josh Beltz, Jared Wegner and Ben Whitting. Row three: Gage Wolinski, Jacob Hoffman, Blake Rose, Joe Rybicki, Chipper Kushner, Hunter Ridenour, Taylor Thompson, Blake DeSander and Matt Denby. Row four: Joey Spalding, Nick Thumma, Zac Jolin, Andrew Sheffield, Mike Klimkewicz, Ben Rybicki, John Vandaele, and Jacob Fink.

FREE E-EDITION FOR ALL SEVEN DAY SUBSCRIBERS If you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of the digital e-Edition, go to OurMidland.com/eedition.

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12 Thursday, August 28, 2014

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS

ourmidland.com

sports

Bay City Western Warriors

Bay City Western’s varsity team includes: first row, from left, Mitch Syring, Logan Smith, Carson Eby, Joey Billette, Phil Smith, Keith Rodriguez, Noah Gerhardt, Alex Mudd. Second row: Victor Espinoza, Tom Schoenherr, Jared Leonard, Cody Okes, Eli Raatz, Devon Baldwin, Sam Drzewicki, Owen Deming, Zack Hobgood. Third row: Devin Rugenstein, Austin LaLonde, James Petrimoulx, Alex Sarantis, Aaron Fritz, Jason Bannister, Kane Wendling, Ryan Adcock. Fourth row: Robbie Wallace, Thomas Ouillette, George Berg, Alex Nellet, Bruce Mann, Jackson Blake, Talon Passage, Alan Clark, Cole Rechsteiner. Fifth row: Logan Kelly, Tim Bailey, Riley Bird, Dylan Lightfoot, Cody Witzgall, Matt Roesner, Dakota Pine, Blake Watson. Sixth row: coaches Jim Church, Randy Mudd, head coach Jeff Rahl, Adam Clark, Bill Johnston.

FOLLOW US ON MDN SPORTS TWITTER n Daily News sportswriters will be giving live updates from the Dow-Mount Pleasant game, and the Bullock CreekMeridian game tonight.

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Watch/Follow games at www.timberwolves.gonorthwood.com – “Game Central” Or listen live on WMPX AM-1490 Follow us on Twitter - @nutimberwolves Or Facebook – Northwood Timberwolves Athletics Northwood University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, gender, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination. Northwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (800-621-7440; higherlearningcommission.org).

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