CAAC Red
DeWitt
Nickname: Panthers
Coach: Rob Zimmerman
2013 Record: 13-1
Players lost: Jacob Heath, Chris Bukoski, Chris Ruby
Players returning: Jake Johnson (QB), Lear Brougher (OG), Jacob Wozniewski (TE/DE), Ben Heinritz (RB), Josh Villegas (C), Connor Grice (LB), Ben Zamiara (DB), Josh Hanna (DL), Brandon Martinez (DL)
Notes: The Panthers reached the Division 3 state final last year. With Johnson back at quarterback, along with some punishing linemen and defenders, a return to Ford Field is the goal.
Haslett
Nickname: Vikings
Coach: Charlie Otlewski
2013 Record: 6-4
Players lost: Graham Riley, Connor Wilson, Griffin Fox
Players returning: Blake Roe (DL), Alec Dunckel (WR/LB), Darrin Bath (T/DL), Lee Mott (WR), Brandon Allen (DB), Rob Broughton (C), Tyler Winston (RB/LB)
Notes: The Vikings will be a force to deal with this season thanks to some big, physical linemen, led by Roe (6’3″, 285 pounds), one of the premier junior defensive tackles in the state.
Waverly
Nickname: Warriors
Coach: Anthony Walker
2013 Record: 3-6
Players lost: Austin Jackson, Airic Boyce, Nick Morris, Kevin Kirkland
Players returning: Austin Edwards (TE/DE), Deonte Braxton (OL/DL), Zack Boyer (G), Kyle Tackett (WR/FS)
Notes: Keep an eye on Edwards, who is a talented all-around player. He totaled seven sacks last year and scored three touchdowns on offense.
Mason
Nickname: Bulldogs
Coach: Jerry VanHavel
2013 Record: 7-3
Players lost: Cole Dekett, Josh Flamme, Isaiah Barker
Players returning: Jarrett VanHavel (QB/LB), Jake Scavarda (FB/LB), Kolby Thompson (WR/DB), Stone Miller (OT/DE), Dan Kennihan (OT/DT)
Notes: The Bulldogs will be in the thick of the playoff hunt again this year. VanHavel and Scavarda will be impact players in the backfield and on defense, while Miller is an impact lineman.
Owosso
Nickname: Trojans
Coach: Bryan Carpenter
2013 Record: 1-8
Players returning: Gavin Barnes (WR/LB), Zach Roberts (OL), Chris Tobias (C/LB), Parker Thornton (OL), Alex Mackenzie (FB), Jalen Weekley (QB)
Notes: The Trojans lost long-time coach and mentor Tom Harkema during the off-season. This year’s squad will dig deep and play with a passion that would make Harkema proud.
St. Johns
Nickname: Redwings
Coach: Dave Mariage
2013 Record: 5-4
Players lost: T.J. Havens, Adam Young, Adam Zbiciak, Kody Stockwell
Players returning: Austin Ervin (TE), Blake Thelen (QB), Angus Arthur (RB), Tanner Motz (LB), Jake Gnegy (DL), Justin Hallead (OT)
Notes: Senior tight end Austin Ervin (6’5″, 235 pounds) is headed to Central Michigan University next year. The Redwings have a strong corps of seniors and will have a punishing ground game led by Arthur.