CAAC Blue
East Lansing
Nickname: Trojans
Coach: Bill Feraco
2012 Record: 7-4
Players lost: Javon Haines, Ronnie Russell, Caleb Goodman
Players returning: Patrick Moriarty, Devin Paritee, Matt Ethington, Tyler Gulick
Notes: The Trojans turned in a solid season last year, as they reached the district finals before falling to Caledonia by one point. They return a strong core and will again be in the hunt for the league title.
Grand Ledge
Nickname: Comets
Coach: Matt Bird
2012 Record: 7-3
Players lost: Ben Cornell, Will Farr, Ben Bedard, Redmond Riggs, Devante Dear, Jacob Quain
Players returning: Joe Reverman, Keefer Johnson, Marq Adams, Jon Dobie, Jalen Brady
Notes: The Comets have reached the playoffs for five years running. Led by running back Joe Reverman and quarterback Jalen Brady, the Comets will have a potent offense this season as long as the line rounds into shape.
Holt
Nickname: Rams
Coach: Al Slamer
2012 Record: 5-4
Players lost: Marquise Wilson, Joe Thurman, Charles Waits, Chris Morgan
Players returning: Ty Glover, Austin Kent, Josh Marsh, Dakota Lawhon, Eric Potter, Zac Peterson, Romeel Dozier
Notes: The Rams have not experienced a losing season since 1999, although they saw a three-year playoff string end last fall. They will have a solid ground game led by Ty Glover, while Austin Kent is a solid receiver. The offensive line should also be a strong point.
Jackson
Nickname: Vikings
Coach: Scott Farley
2012 Record: 0-9
Players lost: Doug Miller, Matt Bell, Ben Seppa, Zach Sperry
Players returning: Elvis Haught, Tony Anderson, Jacob Rumler
Notes: The Vikings suffered through a winless season last fall and have won only one game the past two seasons. A new coach takes over this fall, and the Vikings are looking to begin an upward trend.
Lansing Eastern
Nickname: Quakers
Coach: Robert McBride
2012 Record: 1-8
Players lost: Ernie Wilson, Dar’Relle Welch, Phoenix Washington
Players returning: Joe Hutchins, Jeffrey Mills, EJ Jackson
Notes: The last time the Quakers enjoyed a winning season was 1997. They have won just one game each of the past two seasons, and the outlook for a winning season this fall is challenging in the rugged Blue.
Lansing Everett
Nickname: Vikings
Coach: Marcelle Carruthers
2012 Record: 9-1
Players lost: Alec Cambric, Jaleel Canty, James Mills, Antonio Reynaga, Tyairre Bragg, Anthony White
Players returning: Lucas Barner, Xavier Couthen, Marquan Windham
Notes: The Vikings enjoyed a perfect regular season and captured the league title outright last fall. Although hit hard by graduation, the return of all-league quarterback Lucas Barner will help.
Lansing Sexton
Nickname: Big Reds
Coach: Daniel Boggan
2012 Record: 4-5
Players lost: AJ Hobbs, LaRon Nixon, Jamelle Peebles
Players returning: Malik Mack, Marshaun Blake, A’vonte Bell, Gerard Lewis, John Norton, Nate Emens
Coach’s comment: The Big Reds saw a five-year winning and playoff streak come to an end last fall. This year, the outlook is brighter with a large group of veterans back. Junior quarterback Malik Mack and sophomore lineman Marshaun Blake are two of the top young players in the league.
Okemos
Nickname: Chieftains
Coach: Jack Wallace
2012 Record: 2-7
Players lost: Dan Brown
Players returning: Chris Nelson, Kome Johnson, Chris Moore
Notes: The Chieftains suffered through a rugged season last fall. They are on the young side again this season, and they have some talented younger players who will see plenty of playing time.