Montcalm County capsules
SCHOOL: Belding
NICKNAME: Redskins
COACH: Joe Schwander
2014 RECORD: 2-7
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Bryce Wilker (OT/DT)
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Aaden Quinn (QB), Blake Rodarmer (LB), Connor Barker (RB/S), Matthew Ferman (FB/LB), Jordan Esposito (OT), James Daniel (RB/LB), Nolan Beck (RB/LB), Chris Ornelas (PK/DB), Alex Hubbert (WR/DB), Dalton Riches (OL/DL), Damion Ball (OL/DL)
NOTES: Belding had problems on offense, scoring only 136 points while allowing 364 points last season. The Redskins will be looking for massive improvement both offensively and defensively.
Carson City-Crystal Eagles
League: Mid State
Coach: Devin Pringle
2014 Record: 7-3, 3-2 3rd
Players lost: Jeremy Schnieder (TE), Austin Hopkins (DL), Josh Costen (OL/DL), Dakota O’Green (OL/DL)
Players returning: Dallas O’Green (RB), Zach Pringle (QB/CB), John Ferris (OL/DE), Garrett Tabor (LB), Jacob Smith (OL/DT), Zach Edmister (DE), Tommy Christensen (DT/OL), Taylor Barkley (RB), Tabor Erskin (RB)
Outlook: Carson City-Crystal reached the playoffs for the third straight season last fall, and with the talent returning, an even bigger season could be in the cards this year. Senior running back Dallas O’Green heads up what will be a strong running game. A returning all-state running back, O’Green rushed for 858 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Seniors Taylor Barkley and Tabor Erskin also add to the options at running back. Quarterback Zach Pringle (6’1″, 160 pounds) also returns. Pringle is a dual-threat quarterback who had over 1,000 yards of total offense last year. Carson City-Crystal also boasts a powerful line on both sides of the ball. Seniors Jon Ferris (6’4″, 230) and Zach Edmister (6’2″, 235) return at defensive end, with junior Jacob Smith (6’0″, 230) and senior Tommy Christensen (6’3″, 270) at defensive tackle. Senior Garrett Tabor (5’11”, 175) is a returning all-conference linebacker. Pringle also earned all-conference honors last year and is the leader of the secondary.
SCHOOL: Central Montcalm
NICKNAME: Green Hornets
COACH: David Clay
2014 RECORD: 5-5
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Keagan James (QB), Jacob Palmer (OL/DL), Nate Jones (OL/DL), Aaron Loew (C/DL), Brandon Loper (OL/DL), Blake Wittkopp (WR/DB), Todd Switzer (WR/DB)
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Trenton Braman (RB/LB), Bo Studley (RB/LB), Zack Bebow (OL/DL), Caleb Johnson (QB/WR/DB)
NOTES: Central Montcalm is extremely young and has a lot of new faces starting on both sides of the football. The Hornets are very athletic and have good team speed.
SCHOOL: Greenville
NICKNAME: Yellow Jackets
COACH: David Moore
2014 RECORD: 5-4
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Eric Plate (RB), Chase Harrington (LB), Steve Eipper (T)
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Nolan MacMillen (RB/C), Alec O’Connor (FB/LB), Tyler Kuiper (T/N), Will Kronlein (SE/FS), Alec Fowler (G/DE), Cody Buchanan (T/N), Zach Holder: (G/DE), Jon Craig (FB/SS), Jon Grube (G/LB), Logan MacMillen (QB), Nick Baker (RB/C), Keegan Cossou (TE/DE)
NOTES: The Yellow Jackets lost some good talent from last season, including Steve Eipper, now at Central Michigan University; Eric Plate, who set a record for rushing yards; and Chase Harrington, who established the career and season record for tackles. This team will be led by senior quarterback Logan MacMillen.
SCHOOL: Lakeview
NICKNAME: Wildcats
COACH: Sean Rinehart
2014 RECORD: 8-2
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Tony Seaborn, David Larson, Kobe Perez
NOTES: Lakeview will be focusing on a no-huddle offense in its bid for another CSAS Silver Division title.
SCHOOL: Montabella
NICKNAME: Mustangs
COACH: Shaun Balhorn
2014 RECORD: 6-4
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Tyler House (OT/DE)
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Josh Balhorn, Alex Faber
NOTES: Montabella outscored its opponents 287-204 and returned to the football playoffs last season. The Mustangs hope to be a factor in the MSAC again.
SCHOOL: Saranac
NICKNAME: Redskins
COACH: Andy Lytle
2014 RECORD: 1-8
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Benji Leader (Slot/LB), Drew Young (Slot/DB), Spencer Overbeck (FB/LB), Hunter Videan (FB/LB)
KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Drake Edwards (QB/DB), Sam Ward (OL/DL), Isaac Kidder (OL/DL), Alex Cadwallder (SE/LB)
NOTES: Saranac is looking to improve in the CMAC and shore up its defense. The Redskins are young but very motivated and focused to improve as a team. Saranac coaches are set instill discipline and sportsmanship to get back to winning ways.