By Jeff Steers
MHSSS Special Writer
The Ashley High School Bears won three of its four games to start the 2023
season, but injuries curtailed that momentum.
The Bears are learning that it is next man up theory when it comes to the
game of football.
Ashley finished the season with a 4-5 record.
“We don’t have the luxury of having 25 kids on the team,” Coach Kevin
Saylor said. “Our kids are learning to be resilient and becoming the next man up whether you are ready or not.”
Ashley will compete in the Big Thumb 8-Man Conference in the Red Division in 2024.
With only 74 students in the high school, staying healthy and being ready will be required for Ashley.
“It is hard to keep kids because we have been struggling in the seventh and eighth grade football programs,” Saylor said. “Football is all about having bonds with your players and teammates.”
Three seniors expect to enjoy bonds on the football field in 2024.
All-state and all-region senior linebacker Gavin Malek (OL/LB), Seth Stahr (WR/CB), and Zander Schneider expect to lead the Bears.
“We have to develop a lot of grit and play all four quarters,” Malek said. “This is our year to go, go go!”
Juniors Robert Kral is expected to be the starting quarterback on offense and cornerback on defense for Ashley and Gibby Jason will be a fullback on offense and a nose guard on defense.
Others expected to contribute in 2024 are juniors Will Long and Trent Byslma, sophomores Tristan Ringle, Nierescherand and freshman Ryder Yelsik.
Saylor believes the Bears will be in the top two in the league.
“Bay City will be the favorites in the league,” Saylor said. “I look for us to be one or two in the league.”
Ashley starts the season with an Aug. 30 game against Webberville, seven weeks of BTC action, then a non-conference game against Bear Lake to close out the 2024 regular season.
Ashley has not made the 8-man playoffs since 2020 and before that in 2009 and 2010 playoffs in 11-man football.
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