To say the Ithaca High School football team has played its share of big games over the last six years would be an understatement.
To say that the Oct. 2 game against Michigan Lutheran Seminary is one the biggest regular-season games for the Yellowjackets in recent memory would be accurate.
Both teams enter the game with 5-0 records, and the winner will likely go on win the Tri-Valley Conference West Division title and host at least three play-off games.
Ithaca coach Terry Hessbrook knows how important a victory will be, and he expects the Yellowjackets to be on top of their game.
“Karl [Schmugge] has done a great job of getting players out for football,” Hessbrook said. “They have been very good over the years. They were special last year. I have not yet seen them on film this year. I know they have one of the best players in the entire state in Casey Williams.”
Schmugge said that no matter whom the Cardinals play, his team has a ‘one-game-at-a-time’ attitude.
“Obviously, Ithaca has a tremendous team and will be a tremendous challenge for any team they face this year,” he said.
Hessbrook expects his senior leadership to carry the team through the rest of the season and on to the playoffs. Players like Jake Smith, Jace Demenov, Kurtis Ackels, Tyler Spitzley, Jonah Loomis, Derek Teed, and Aaron Barnes, all have big-game experience. “We will lean on them a lot as we move closer to play-off season,” Hessbrook said.
Hessbrook will also get a big boost from senior Spence DeMull when he returns from a knee injury. DeMull hasn’t suited up for the Yellowjackets yet this season, but Hessbrook expects him to hit the field in a week or so. “Spence is getting closer every day,” Hessbrook said. “He is getting excited about returning.”
Hessbrook has also been impressed with one player who has flown under the radar this season, junior Tristan Leiter. Leiter has changed positions multiple times in his career, but he seems to have found a home on the Yellowjackets defensive line. “He has some great mentors, with Derek Teed & Jonah Loomis,” Hessbrook said. “He has been very impressive.”
Streak is no more
It was a losing streak that Ithaca would have liked to forget, and the Yellowjackets have put it in the rearview mirror this season.
After nearly two decades of not being able to defeat a St. Louis volleyball team, Ithaca finally got over the hump. At the Alma Invitational, the Yellowjackets defeated the Sharks after 52 consecutive defeats, 25-20, 25-27, 15-10. St. Louis will likely be out for blood when the two teams meet up later this season.
Keon commits to CMU
St. Louis High School senior kicker Kaden Keon verbally committed to the Central Michigan University football program as a preferred walk-on.
Chris Sailer Kicking currently ranks Keon as the 37th-ranked kicker in the Class of 2016, while on Kornbluekicking.com, he is ranked as the 19th-best kicker and the 12th-best punter.
He has attended the Central Michigan camp the past three years, which has provided the coaches a glimpse of his leg strength and accuracy.
Keon had a 40.4 yards per punt average on 32 punts last season and put eight inside the 20-yard line. His season-long was 65 yards.
Keon was also named the Sharks’ homecoming king.
Huskies continue to improve
Although it has been nearly two full seasons since one of the best distance runners to ever come out of Michigan, Kirsten Olling, has worn the Breckenridge colors, her influence remains.
Over the last four years, the Huskies have four straight top-10 finishes in the Division 4 finals, as they finished seventh in 2014, second in 2013, 10th in 2012, and seventh in 2011.
On paper, the Huskies, who last won a conference title in 2013, appear to be rock solid.
Sophomore Chloe Brittain finished 18th at the final last year to lock up all-state honors. She was 12th at the recent Holly Invitational, while Ellen Laurenz, who is returning from injury, landed 35th, and Ayanna Williams was 26th. All-conference runner Carly Jenkins is also strong.
Senior Laine Krueger has been coming along nicely, while Claire Laurenz and Stephanie Olexa have been cutting time.
Vestaburg Rolling
The Vestaburg football team’s dream season continues after its 47-6 Mid-State Activities Conference victory over Montabella Sept. 25.
The Wolverines improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in MSAC action to stay tied atop the standings with Sacred Heart Academy.
Defensive Stopper
The Alma football team recorded its first shutout since 2012 after defeating Bullock Creek, 38-0, at home Sept. 25.
Bullock Creek’s Adam McCann intercepted all-conference quarterback Justin Doyle on the Panthers’ third play from scrimmage. Though McCann returned the pass to the Alma 22-yard line, the Panthers defense held. That would be as close as Bullock Creek would get to scoring that night.
Doyle finished the night 8 of 14 through the air for 168 yards and three touchdowns, and he added 70 yards on the ground on eight carries.