Clinton football capsules
St. Johns Red Wings
League: CAAC Red
Coach: Dave Mariage
2014 Record: 8-2, 4-1 CAAC Red 2nd
Players lost: Angus Arthur (RB), Austin Ervin (TE), Justin Hallead (OL), Nic Sturgis (OL), Chris Wells (OL)
Players returning: Blake Thelen (QB), Blake Stewart (RB), Steven Linton (RB), Jake Gnegy (OL/DL), Tanner Motz (TE/LB), Jake Eaton (WR/FS), Tyler Luznak (OL), Michael Lambert (OT/NG), Joren Ruhf (RB/CB), Ryan Simon (OLB), Collin Rosendale (RB/SS), Ross Feldpausch (QB/SS)
Outlook: The Redwings are coming off a big 2014 that saw them go 8-1 during the regular season before dropping a tough 21-13 defeat against Grand Rapids Christian in the opening round of the playoffs. St. Johns suffered some key graduation hits, as tight end Austin Ervin has moved on to Central Michigan University and running back Angus Arthur is wrestling at Purdue University. Enough talent returns, especially in the running game, to make the Redwings a team to watch again this season. Senior running back Blake Stewart (5’9″, 168 pounds) is a speedster in the backfield who earned all-conference honors last season. Stewart will form a dynamic one-two punch with fellow senior Steven Linton (5’7″, 150), who also displays outstanding quickness and moves at running back. Senior quarterback Blake Thelen (6’0″, 200) returns to pilot the offense. While Ervin is gone, junior Tanner Motz (6’2″, 205) is a promising tight end with good quickness and hands. The Redwings also have the makings of a solid offensive line, led by seniors Jake Gnegy (6’0″, 255) and Tyler Luznak (6’1″, 200). The Redwings defense also welcomes back some key players. Gnegy leads the charge up front with Stewart, Motz, Thelen, and Ryan Simon at linebacker. Senior Jake Eaton (6’3″, 185) returns to the secondary, along with Linton and Joren Ruhf. The Redwings face a difficult schedule this season. After opening against rival East Lansing, the Redwings travel to Grand Rapids to face Grand Rapids Catholic Central. After going through the CAAC Red grind the next five weeks, they wrap up the season against Fruitport and Goodrich.
DeWitt Panthers
League: CAAC Red
Coach: Rob Zimmerman.
2014 Record: 10-1, 5-0 CAAC Red 1st
Players lost: Jake Johnson (QB), Ben Heinritz (RB), Michael Roberson (WR), Jacob Wozniewski (OL), Josh Hannah (DL), Mason Bennett (LB), Ben Zamiara (DB)
Players returning: ShonQuise Trainor (RB), Cameron Fegeur (OL), Matt Hummell (DL), J.D. Ross (DB), Matt Meagher (DB/K), Shane Cullin (DB), Andrew Carrizales (DB/K), Brandon Martinez (DL), Ryan Wheeler (OLB)
Outlook: The Panthers reeled off 10 straight wins to start the season last fall. They finished unbeaten in the league and defeated Tecumseh in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Mason in the district championship game. The Panthers suffered some heavy graduation losses, including quarterback Jake Johnson, who is now at Central Michigan University, and 1,000-yard rusher Ben Heinritz. The cupboard is far from bare, however, as plenty of talent returns this season. Senior running back ShonQuise Trainor (5’8″, 170 pounds) is a returning all-conference running back who will spearhead the offense. The Panthers will again have a big, strong offensive line. Junior all-conference player Cameron Fegeur (6’6″, 272) returns to anchor the offensive line. DeWitt also has a valuable special teams player in senior Matt Meagher, who is a returning all-conference punter. The Panthers also return some key defenders. Senior defensive lineman Matt Hummel (6’0″, 245) is a returning all-conference player up front. Junior defensive back J.D. Ross (6’1″, 170) earned all-conference honors last season, as did senior cornerback Shane Cullin (5’11”, 160). The Panthers face a rugged non-conference slate with an Upper Peninsula flavor. After opening at home against Linden, DeWitt hosts U.P. powerhouse Kingsford in week two. After the CAAC slate, the Panthers travel to Menominee in week eight and then finish the season at Fruitport.
Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates
League: CMAC
Coach: Mark Radamacher
2014 Record: 10-3, 6-1 CMAC 2nd
Players lost: Trey Bauer (QB), Adam Chartrand (WR), Stanley Fink (OL), Aaron Rademacher (LB), William Fandel (WR)
Players returning: Jared Smith (RB), Dan VanElls (OL/DL), Colin Smith (RB/DB), Nate Jandernoa (LB), Matt Fox (OT/DT), Noah Droste (TE/DE), Roderick Cross (WR/CB), Dominic Spitzley (C/DL), Joe Parker (G/LB), Mason Schneider (WR/FS), Preston Schaar (WR/S), Jason Smith (WR/S), Jimmy Lehman (QB), Josh Meyers (WR/DB), Devon Pung (OL/LB), Mitchell Buckley (OL/DL)
Outlook: The Pirates are coming off another successful season. They won 10 games for the second straight season and reached the Division 7 state semifinal round. An explosive offense was the key to success last year, as the Pirates scored a school-record 503 points. While the Pirates graduated some key players off that offense, they do return the main cog. Junior Jared Smith (6’0″, 195 pounds) turned in an all-state season, as he rushed for 2,140 yards and scored 28 touchdowns. Smith will be running behind an offensive line anchored by senior Dane VanElls (6’2″, 265) who earned all-conference honors last fall. Matt Fox (6’0″, 275) also returns up front, along with juniors Mitchell Buckley (5’11”, 230) and Dominic Spitzley (6’2″, 220). At quarterback, look for sophomore Jimmy Lehman (6’2″, 190) to figure into the equation. The Pirates will also be stout on defense. VanElls returns to the defensive line along with Fox, who earned honorable-mention all-conference honors. Senior Nate Jandernoa (5’11”, 215) is a returning all-conference linebacker, and all-conference defensive back Colin Smith (5’10”, 167) returns to the secondary. Along with the rugged CMAC schedule, the P-W slate includes tough non-league games against Madison and Calvin Christian.
Fowler Eagles
League: CMAC
Coach: Kris Ernst
2014 Record: 10-1, 7-0 1st
Players lost: Austin Cook (RB), Derek Bengel (QB), Jacob Pung, Nolan Feldpausch, Grant Platte (LB), Zach Rudat (OL), Adam Blackwell (OL)
Players returning: Clayton Simon (TE), Jared Speers (OT), Dallas Watts (TE/LB), Kyle Jorae (G), Cole Theis (C), Glenn Becker (LB), Justin Myers (K)
Outlook: The Eagles turned in a big season last fall, as they opened with 10 consecutive victories before falling to Muskegon Catholic Central in the regional title game. The Eagles have some key holes to fill, mainly those left by 1,000-yard rusher and all-state running back Austin Cook and by quarterback Derek Bengel. Fowler will have a solid offensive line, anchored by all-conference guard Kyle Jorae. Senior center Cole Theis earned honorable-mention all-conference honors. Senior tight end Clayton Simon, junior left tackle Jared Speers, and junior tight end Dallas Watts (6’1″, 215 pounds) also return up front. On defense, senior linebacker Glenn Becker led the team in tackles a year ago. Watts also returns at middle linebacker for what should be a solid defense. Justin Myers is an all-conference kicker.
Ovid-Elsie Marauders
League: TVC Central
Coach: Travis Long
2014 Record: 6-4, 5-2 3rd
Players lost: Chris Luckhurst (FB), Tyler Skriba (OL), Brandon Meisel (DB), Garrett Andersen (OL)
Players returning: Devon Kelley (RB), Keaghan Sutliff (QB/DE/K), Michael Ryals (OL/DL), Ben Stilwell (WR/S), Tyler Root (FB/DE), James Wilber (OL)
Outlook: Last fall, the Marauders qualified for the playoffs for the third time in the past four years before falling to Frankenmuth in the opening round. With standout running back Devon Kelley (5’9″, 175 pounds) back for his senior season, O-E has the makings of a potent offense. Kelley rushed for 900 yards and scored 12 touchdowns a year ago. Versatile senior Keaghan Sutliff (6’2″, 205) returns at quarterback to give the Marauders an effective passing game. Sutliff is entering his third year at quarterback and is also an all-conference punter. Senior Ben Stilwell (6’3″, 190) is a strong target at tight end, while senior Tyler Root (5’9″, 176) is looking to step in at fullback. Senior defensive lineman Michael Ryals is a returning all-conference player who will lead the defense. Sutliff is also back at defensive end.
Ionia Bulldogs
League: CAAC White
Coach: Mike Holes
2014 Record: 4-5, 1-4 5th
Players lost: Austin Gregory (QB), Kyle Parks (RB), Brian Wiles (WR), Doug Henry (LB), Jon Klump (OL)
Players returning: Martin Gale (WR/CB), Steven Barber (OL/LB), Dillin Biella (OL), John McCord (WR), Mitchell Lahr (QB), Josh Magley (QB)
Outlook: The Bulldogs featured a high-octane offense last season behind quarterback Austin Gregory, who passed for close to 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns, and running back Kyle Parks, who rushed for over 1,050 yards. Gregory, Parks, and a number of other key players have graduated, leaving the Bulldogs with a major rebuilding project this season. Seniors Mitchell Lahr and Josh Magley will be in the mix at quarterback. Ionia does return senior wideout John McCord, who totaled over 500 receiving yards and caught five touchdown passes last season. Martin Gale will also give the Bulldogs a target at receiver. Ionia’s offensive line will be build around strong senior Dillin Biella (6’4″, 267 pounds). Ionia faces plenty of challenges in the CAAC White against teams like Lansing Catholic, Portland, and Eaton Rapids. The non-league games should be competitive against the likes of Charlotte, Owosso, Wavery, and Lakewood.
Portland Raiders
League: CAAC White
Coach: John Novarra
2014 Record: 4-5, 2-3 4th
Players lost: Sam Goodman (LB), TJ Schnitzhofer, Nick Herblet
Players returning: Mark Brooks (OL/DL), Noah Hengesbach (TE/LB), Kyler Simon (LB), Cory Gensterblum (DB), Logan Lefke (RB/S), Bryant Pettit (WR/DB), Griffin Hager (SB/DB), Ty Zimmerman (RB/DT), Jalen Sampson (TE/DE), Treyvin Groesser (WR/DE), Peyton Galey (OL/LB), Cole McGregor (QB), Nic Spitzley (QB)
Outlook: The Raiders went through some growing pains last fall. This season, they have greater experience and plenty of size. Portland also has plenty of talented juniors up from an undefeated junior varsity team. Juniors Cole McGregor and Nic Spitzley are in the mix at quarterback. Junior Logan Lefke (5’9″, 160 pounds) is a talented young back, while Ty Zimmerman is a returning senior. Senior Noah Hengesbach (6’2″, 205) is a returning all-conference tight end. Portland has a strong core of defenders returning to what should be a rugged defense. Senior Mark Brooks (6’7″, 260) is a big, talented defensive lineman who has committed to Western Michigan University. Hengesbach returns at linebacker, along with senior Kyler Simon (6’1″, 220), who also earned all-conference honors. Senior Cory Gensterblum (5’11”, 175) is a returning all-conference player in the secondary. Portland will be competing for the CAAC White title this season and also has a challenging non-league slate that includes the opener with Ovid-Elsie, Hillsdale, Olivet, and Marshall.
Portland St. Patrick Catholic Shamrocks
League: Central Michigan 8 Man
Coach: Pat Russman
2014 Record: 8-2, 2-0 1st
Players lost: Joe Mackowiak (QB), Conner Hengesbach (TE), Daniel Bosworth
Players returning: Fischer Klein (OL), Brady Lehman (LB), Sam Hodge (LB), Nick Coyne (WR/DE)
Outlook: The Shamrocks have made a successful transition to the growing 8-man football ranks. They turned in their third consecutive winning season last fall and made the 8-man playoffs for the third time in as many years. The Shamrocks have some rebuilding to do this season, as they lost veteran quarterback Joe Mackowiak. St. Patrick will build the offense around returning all-conference lineman Fischer Klein. Senior Nick Coyne earned all-conference honors as well and will be a key offensive performer. Defense will be a strong point this season, as St. Patrick returns a pair of all-conference linebackers in Brady Lehman and Sam Hodge.
Bath Bees
League: CMAC
Coach: Chris Rypstra
2014 Record: 1-8, 1-6 7th
Players lost: Kasey Kesler (LB), Zach Richardson-Green (LB), Leslie Payne (DB)
Players returning: Jared Moffitt (QB/S), Taurean Resseguie (RB), Sam Weiler (RB/LB), Brandon Bermudez (OL/DL), Elliott Carter (RB/DB)
Outlook: The Bees are looking to rebound this season, behind a number of talented skill position players. Senior Jared Moffitt is a dual-threat quarterback who earned honorable-mention all-conference honors last year. Senior Taurean Resseguie (5’10”, 145 pounds) is a returning running back who earned all-conference honors. Junior Sam Weiler is also in the mix at running back and will be a key on defense at linebacker. Senior Elliott Carter, who also earned all-league honors, is another running back and will also be a leader in the secondary. Senior Brandon Bermudez (5’10”, 190) is a leading returnee on the offensive and defensive lines.
Laingsburg Wolfpack
League: CMAC
Coach: Brian Borgman
2014 Record: 5-4, 3-4 5th
Players lost: Ryan Wade (QB), Cole Franks (WR), Brandon Bauer (OL)
Players returning: Kevin Koenig (QB/DE), Dan Harkness (RB), Levi Fraidenburg (OL/LB), Josiah Hayes (WR/LB), Tristan Butler (OL/LB), Jacob Hannah (OL/DL), Wyatt Rowley (C/DE), Noah Martindale (OL/DT)
Outlook: The Wolfpack just missed the playoffs last fall. With a strong core of veterans back, they are poised to make a run this year. Senior Kevin Koenig (6’3″, 220 pounds) is a big, strong athlete who had a nice year passing the football last year and who is a stout defender. Senior running back Dan Harkness (5’11”, 205) is a hard-running back and return man who rushed for over 500 yards last season. Laingsburg has a strong core of defenders, led by Levi Fraidenburg (5’10”, 205), who is a productive playmaker at linebacker. Tristan Butler (5’10”, 180) is another solid linebacker, while senior Wyatt Rowley (6’0″, 185) and junior Noah Martindale (6’1″, 230) will shore up the defensive line, along with senior Jacob Hannah (6’1, 225).