By John Raffel
Coach Karl Schmugge’s Michigan Lutheran Seminary team is coming off a strong season with hopes of repeating their fortunes in 2023.
MLS was 9-2 last year and had one loss in the conference. MLS beat Harbor Beach for the first time in the playoffs.
The Cardinals have started off the seasonwith impressive wins of 37-14 over Unionville-Sebewaing and 21-14 over Marine City Cardinal Mooney.
Key graduates from last year’s team were quarterback Evan Wakefield with 24 touchdowns, starting running back Ryan Dabe, top linebacker Will Eubank, Mark Vogel and Maddox Retberg at starting cornerback.
Key players this year should include senior Carson Koehler at running back and safety who Schmugge said is a top leader and player and led the area in interceptions last year. Another key player is also sophomore running back/linebacker Noah Reif and leader on the offensive line and Logan Broekhuizen, a three-year starter.
“We expect to compete in every game,” Schmugge said, adding the offensive line will be a strength. “All starters are back except for one.”
MLS hopes to contend for a TVC title.
“We should be fighting for first,” Schmugge said. “But Ithaca and Nouvel are always strong.”
Seniors on the team are Logan Foresi (WR/DB), Gavin Frederick (WR/DB), Andrew Archibald (RB/DB), Carson Koehler (RB/QB/DB), Levi Schroeder (RB/LB), Timmy Faustin (TE/LB), Caleb Iles (OL/DL), Drew Luetzow (OL/LB), Aidan Dehn (OL/DL), Joey Coon (OL/DL), Luke Zondervan (OL/DL), Garrett Robinson (OL/DL) and Michael Stehle (OL/DL)
Juniors on the team are Brady Falck (WR/DB), Brennan Burke (TE/DL), Brock Ochoa (WR/DL), Gavin Morse (RB/LB), William Schoch (WR/LB), William Salgat (QB/LB), Caleb Martin (WR/DB), Hayden Powers, (WR/DL), Ethan Wakefield (TE/DE), Lance Hatfield (WR/DB), Logan Broekhuizen (OL/DL) and Wyatt Schuette (OL/DL).
The lone sophomore is Noah Reif (RB/LB).
Assistant coaches are Josh Wakefield, Ken Teske, Dave Broekkhuizen and Andy Retberg.
Pictured is MLS’ Carson Koehler