Greg Tunnicliff
Sports Scene
Fenton’s football program has won a lot of big games over the years.
None, arguably, were bigger than the Tigers’ 42-35 first-round Division 2 district victory October 29, 2010, at Midland.
Before that win, Fenton was always regarded as one of the top gridiron programs in the Flint area.
But when it came the state level, the Tigers were just another team, having dropped their first nine postseason games.
“Everybody in the state knows Midland is a great football program,” Fenton coach Jeff Setzke said of the Chemics, who reached the Division 2 state finals as recently as 2007. “We needed that first [playoff victory.] Playing those teams, beating those teams, the last three years, put us on the map.”
Since that win, Fenton has consistently gotten closer to bridging the gap between being one of the Flint area’s top teams and being a state powerhouse.
The Tigers have won four of their last six playoff games and back-to-back district championships.
Fenton lost in the regional championship game the previous two seasons, including a 35-14 setback at Lowell last year.
“I’m not sure we’re a power yet,” Setzke said. “If we’re ever going to be known as a state power, we have to get to the state championship game and get a state title under our belt.”
It wasn’t too long ago that just winning a game was a big step for Fenton.
The Tigers posted a 1-17 mark in the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including a 0-9 mark in 2004.
The resurgence of the school’s program began with the hiring of Setzke in 2006.
While the Montrose native got off to a 1-13 start, the Tigers gradually made progress.
They had a breakout season in 2008, posting an 8-2 record and winning a share of their first Metro League title since 1998.
“It was a different world than what I was used to,” said Setzke, who was the head coach at Bendle before coming to Fenton. “Each year, [players] grow up in your system. Our lower levels have delivered better and better players every year.”
Under Setzke’s tutelage, Fenton has posted a 34-28 (.548) overall record, including a 31-13 (.705) mark since 2008.
Fenton has won a share of two Metro titles and has earned four consecutive postseason berths.
Last year, the Tigers went 9-3, their most single-season wins since posting back-to-back 9-1 records in 1984 and 1985.
“We built our program not to be a one-time thing,” Setzke said. “Every opportunity you get at that [state] level gives you an expectation that you can do this. Now, when we talk about playing in a regional final, winning a regional championship, it’s real.”
Fenton returns several starters from last year’s team, including five three-year starters.
Additionally, the Tigers’ incoming junior class has never lost a high school game.
Pacing Fenton will be first-team All-Metro offensive guard Cody Hocevar, second-team offensive tackle Nick Chappell, and second-team defensive tackle Alex Okopien.
The Tigers’ top returning skill-position players will be wide receivers Mitch Shegos (383 yards, seven touchdowns) and Trent Grimes (272 yards, two touchdowns).
Fenton will have an added incentive in that Setzke needs three more victories to become only the 27th Flint-area coach to win 100 or more games.
The 47-year-old has a 97-63 (.606) overall record at Bendle and Fenton since 1996.
“That’s a pretty neat thing,” Setzke said of reaching 100 wins. “I never thought I would be a high school coach, let alone a head coach. It’s more about developing the kids and teaching them life skills.”