Conference: Northwest Conference
School: Benzie Central
Nickname: Huskies
Coach: Steve Cox
2011 Record: 5-0 in conference play, 2-4 in non-conference play, 0-1 in playoffs
Players Lost: Northwest Conference Overall MVP, Northern Michigan Dream Team QB, Honorable mention All-State QB-Shane Roelofs; Northwest Conference MVP Offensive Player, Northern Michigan Dream Team Honorable Mention RB and over 1000 yard rusher-Ronnie Nash; Northwest Conference TE/Receiver Cory Taylor; Northwest conference award winners Tyler Bishop and Gavin Sauer
Players Returning: Seniors Corey Bock QB/DB, Gerrit Buist TE/DB, Nick MacGirr FB/MLB
Coach’s Comment: “Although we will be small in numbers this year, we will strive to be competitive and physical throughout our season. The current players have expressed that maintaining their status/standing atop the conference is very important to them. Every player is aware that in order to be successful at this game, in this conference, and in life, time, dedication, and effort are essential. Success has always come at a cost.”
School: Frankfort
Nickname: Panthers
Coach: Matt Stapleton
2011 record: 8-3
Players Lost: eight starters both ways
Key Returning Players: Trevor Lee T/DT, Nolan Nye RB/LB, Tony Evans TE/LB
Coach’s Comment: “We are still putting the pieces together to find a lineup that gels. Our attitudes are good and work ethic has been impressive. Our expectation level continues to be high. Our overall numbers are down but not our enthusiasm to be the best. Our goals still include a conference championship and a run in the playoffs.”
School: Glen Lake
Nickname: Lakers
Coach: Jerry Angers
2011 record: 5-4
Players Lost: 11
Players Returning: 13
Coach’s Comment: “We are beginning our fourth year together. The players and staff have worked extremely hard since our season ended last year. We are hoping that the experience from our four close losses will pay off for the up and coming season.”
School:Kingsley
Nickname: Stags
Coach: Jason Leonard
2011 record: 6-4
Players Lost: Jack Ocobock QB, Dylan Seeley CB, Austin Nagy TE
Players Returning: Entire front 5 linemen – Justin Leusby (all-conference), RJ Kerr (all-conference), Robbie Preston (all-conference), Justin Lidak, Corey Nuckels. Entire backfield – Tristan Eickenroth (All-State), Micah Weesner, Travis DeBello, Connor Fitzpatrick (all-conference)
Coach’s Comment: “Good senior leadership with great senior numbers (18 seniors). The key to our success will be to limit mistakes we make and to also stay healthy week to week. The strength of our schedule should prepare us well for the playoffs.”
School: Mesick
Nickname: Bulldogs
Coach: Mike Stagg.
Players Lost: 13.
Players Returning: Pete Roush, Clay Wagatha, Brad Harris, John King, Billy Bardocz, Zach Riffle, Jerry Richardson, Lance Baller, Luke Somsel
Coach’s Comment “We are a very young team, yet we are very athletic. We are all well aware what these kids have been through the last few seasons, and that’s all behind us now. Yet it was unfortunate, it doesn’t need to be a lingering problem. This year is a new season and a new attitude. I have all the confidence in the world in these young men.”
School: Suttons Bay
Nickname: Norsemen
Coach: Joe Trudeau
2011 Record: 2-7
Players Lost: Sam Kelty, Randy Kelty
Players Returning: Sean Rammy QB, Chase Pasttison RB, Alex Crocker OL
Coach’s Comment: “We’re really young. Our goals are always to try to get into the playoffs and compete for the conference championship.”