By Geoff Mott
Sports Scene
SAGINAW TWP. – While the Nouvel Catholic Central football team doesn’t like to admit it, last year’s 19-15 loss to Beecher in the third round of the playoffs was a tough pill to swallow.
“That was definitely a motivator for our season and team,” Nouvel senior running back, linebacker, and kicker Ryan Sullivan said. “We have a little bitter taste in our mouth, and we’re ready to get back at it.”
Tyler Jacqmain, a senior linebacker bound for Division 1 college football, agreed. “That was a big motivator for everybody, because nobody expected to lose,” he said. “We did, and that was a wake-up call. So we went to work on everything in the off-season.”
Nouvel coach Mike Boyd was impressed with his team’s work ethic after they followed a state title in 2011 with a 9-3 finish last season. “I think our off-season participation was as high as it’s ever been,” Boyd said. “We’re real happy with the effort and attitude that they displayed.”
Jacqmain is a three-year starter and first team all-stater at inside linebacker. He spent the summer attending camps at Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University and Northwestern University. Boyd said his defensive anchor is well-prepared for the next level.
“He’s all over the field; he’s like a coach on the field, and he’s a great leader on and off the field,” Boyd said. “He’s one of those kids that makes things easier for us. He takes care of the little things, and his attention to detail is spot on. And he has good classmates to help him along those lines. He has a great tenacity and competitiveness.”
Those qualities translate well in academics. Jacqmain carries a 4.3 grade-point average, and he scored 32 on the ACT.
“Any college would make a mistake by not looking at this kid,” Boyd said. “He trains like mad, and everything is positive. He has created great opportunities on and off the field.”
Jacqmain is looking for the best fit on the football field and in the classroom. “I want to go into engineering, and that sort of limits the schools,” he said.
Jacqmain will also see action at tight end in an offense that has great leadership in the offensive backfield. Senior Garrett Graham split quarterbacking duties last season before taking over in week seven. Sullivan saw action as a sophomore during the state title run and returns as the Panthers’ top running back.
“Those two can make some special things happen, and both are great with their feet,” Boyd said.
Sullivan said the team is prepared for a season that features a difficult schedule.
“We have a lot of experience on offense, and everything seems to be clicking,” said Sullivan, who’ll also see action at outside linebacker. “There’s a lot more responsibility as a senior, because we want to go out strong. There’s not added pressure, but we really want to succeed.
“That experience from the 2011 state title was great, because it showed us the commitment it takes to win.”