By BUTCH HARMON
One of the strongest leagues in the state just got even stronger, as the Capital Area Activities Conference (CAAC) added Lumen Christi to its lineup of schools playing football. A long-time Division 5 powerhouse, Lumen Christi enters the CAAC Gold, where it immediately becomes the team to beat. The CAAC Blue has the same lineup and figures to be a wide-open battle once again. DeWitt has dominated the CAAC Red and looks to be the team to beat, while Lansing Catholic returns plenty of talent from a team that won the CAAC White and reached the Division 5 state title game.
CAAC Blue
The Blue ended in a four-way tie last season, with Holt, Grand Ledge, East Lansing, and Sexton all sharing the top spot.
This season, Holt appears to be one of the favorites along with rival Grand Ledge. Holt is led by a rock-ribbed defense that has eight starters returning. The Rams feature a running game on offense, led by Ty Glover, who rushed for over 1,300 yards last season. Reinforcements are also on the way from an undefeated junior varsity team.
Graduation hit Grand Ledge hard, but the Comets always seem to have talent waiting in the wings. The Comets also have a veteran quarterback to lead the way in junior Jalen Brady.
Lansing Sexton made a big impact in the league last season but faces major rebuilding this fall.
East Lansing won a share of its first league title in almost a decade last season. The Trojans have several veteran linemen back but have to rebuild the skill positions.
Lansing Everett is eagerly looking forward to the season, with several standouts returning, led by quarterback Lucas Barner and standout defenders Jaleel Canty (DB) and James Mills (LB).
Rebuilding is the name of the game for Okemos, Lansing Eastern, and Jackson.
CAAC Gold
The Gold increases from five to seven teams with the arrival of Lumen Christi. This sheds a new light on the league, which now has three schools from Jackson County.
The Titans reached the regional finals last year and have plenty of talent back this year, led by quarterback Justin O’Down, who threw for over 1,000 yards last season. The Titans also have a big-time back in Amani Bass, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last year.
Charlotte will be the prime challenger, thanks to the return of 16 starters, including all-conference quarterback Ryan Bartolacci.
Waverly has plenty of speed and talent returning at the skill positions.
Rebuilding will be underway in a big way at Mason, where the defending league champions graduated all their starters.
CAAC White
Lansing Catholic ruled the White last year and advanced all the way to the D5 state title game before falling to Powers Catholic Central. While the Cougars graduated a number of key players, they have some talented seniors to fill the shoes of the likes of quarterback Cooper Rush and wide-out Matt Macksood.
Portland and Williamston will be the prime challengers once again. Portland’s only two losses last season came against Lansing Catholic, and the Raiders have another solid team this year.
Williamston is looking for a rebound last year after reaching the state championship game in 2010.
Look for league newcomer Stockbridge to make an impact this season, while both Corunna and Lakewood will be rebuilding.
CAAC Red
DeWitt has captured the last six league titles, and the Panthers have a team capable of extending that streak to seven this season. The Panthers have a number of starters back on defense and some key returnees along the line and at the skill positions on offense. Added to the group are a number of newcomers off a junior varsity team that went 8-1 a year ago.
Strong line play will be the key at St. Johns, where the Redwings are looking to build on last year’s success. All-conference players Ben Proctor and Chris Lindquist are outstanding linemen who make an impact on both sides of the line.
Owosso fell just short of a playoff berth last season. With a solid core of veterans back, the Trojans are poised to take the next step this season.