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Division 6
Area Teams to Watch
Central Montcalm: The Hornets improved on last year’s playoff performance, finishing 8-1 with their lone loss coming at the hands of Newaygo. Central Montcalm overcame a challenging schedule, securing wins over Houghton Lake, Berrien Springs, and Kent City. The offense is buzzing with a 43.2 ppg average while the defense has stifled opponents to 11.8 ppg. A rematch with Kent City awaits the Hornets in round one.
Chesaning: Chesaning is returning to the playoffs after a dominant 9-0 regular season. The Indians handled a tough schedule with relative ease notching victories over Bath, New Lothrop, Ovid-Elsie, and Durand plus a 50-point shutout of Montrose in week six. Chesaning’s electric offense, which is scoring 42.6 ppg, is complemented by a tough defense that has limited teams to 12.1 ppg. The Chesaning is led by quarterback Maxwell Volk who has passed for 1,368 yards and 21 touchdown passes. Volk can also do damage as a runner with over 300 yards rushing and eight touchdowns this season. The ground game is led by running back Brayden Florian who has rushed for 1,180 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Their postseason journey starts with a test against Lansing Catholic.
Lansing Catholic: Lansing Catholic will make it 16 straight postseason appearances after finishing 6-3 in the regular season. Wins against Williamston, Ionia, and Pewamo-Westphalia are the highlights of this season. The Cougars The defense has been great at limiting opposing offenses to 20.3 ppg and will be key to a deep playoff run. Lansing Catholic’s path to return to Ford Field will begin against Chesaning in round one.
Ovid-Elsie: Ovid-Elsie finished the season 7-2 to qualify for their 5th straight playoff appearance. The Marauders had impressive 42-7 wins over Durand and Montrose in weeks four and five along with a 42-point shutout of New Lothrop in week eight. Balance has been key for Ovid-Elsie as the offense has scored 39.7 ppg to go along with the defense’s 15.1 points allowed. The Marauders face a tough test in round one against favorites Almont.
Reed City: The Coyotes will be in the postseason for the 15th straight year after a 7-2 regular season finish. Reed City began the season with an impressive 24-22 win over defending Division 6 state champions Kingsley and continued their success with wins over Newaygo, Tri-County, and Beal City. The offense has been electric for the Coyotes, scoring 36.6 ppg including a 63-point performance in their win against Newaygo. Reed City will start their postseason against Manistee.
Top D6 Contenders: Almont (9-0), Chesaning (9-0), Jackson Lumen Christi (8-1), Warren Michigan Collegiate (8-1), Reed City (7-2)
Preview: Undefeated Almont headlines the top half of the D6 bracket as they are favorites to return to Ford Field, but they will need to go through a host of contenders that include unbeaten Chesaning, Reed City, and defending champions Kingsley who beat the Raiders in last year’s D6 title game. Ford Field regulars Jackson Lumen Christi will be heavy favorites in the bottom half of the bracket after another impressive season, but look for Warren Michigan Collegiate as a possible dark horse pick for a title run. Olivet and Marine City are two other teams who could challenge as well.
HSSS Division 6 State Final Prediction: Jackson Lumen Christi 28, Almont 26

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Division 7
Area Teams to Watch
Bath: Bath qualified for their 3rd straight postseason appearance after a 5-4 finish in the regular season. The Bees rattled off four straight wins in the second half of the season, including an impressive 22-8 victory over fellow playoff qualifiers Saranac in week seven. Bath features one of the top running backs in Mid-Michigan is Nolan Rowley who has rushed for 1,236 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Bath will play Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in the first round.
Burton Atherton: Burton Atherton’s first year back in 11-man football has been a resounding success as the Wolverines finished 7-2 to qualify for their first postseason (both 11 and 8-man) since 2014. The defense has been exceptional, shutting down opponents to just 13.8 ppg. The Wolverines will play fellow success story Leslie in the first round.
Evart: Evart will make it five straight playoff appearances after a 6-3 finish to the regular season. The Wildcats finished the season strong with wins over Houghton Lake and Harrison. Evart’s offense is high scoring, putting up 37.5 ppg and is sure to keep them competitive this postseason. Evart features a productive passing game led by quarterback Aidan Anderson who has passed for 2,416 yards and 28 touchdowns. Anderson has a trio of talented pass catchers to throw to in Lucas Johnson who has caught 52 passes for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns, Noah Vanderlinde who has caught 35 passes for 718 yards and 10 scores and Dryson Derscheid who has corralled 31 passes for 579 yards and six touchdowns. The Wildcats will play North Muskegon in the first round.
Harrison: Harrison makes their postseason return after going 7-2 in the regular season. The Hornets cruised through their first seven games before stumbling at the finish with loses to Ogemaw Heights and Evart to close the season. Harrison will play McBain in the first round of the playoffs.
Ithaca: Ithaca is back for their 16th straight postseason appearance after dominating in the regular season, going 9-0. The offense is scoring at a high 44 ppg clip while the defense has given up just 82 points all season making them a favorite in Division 7. Senior quarterback Jackson Conn has been putting up big numbers this season with 1,520 yards passing and 23 touchdowns. Conn has also rushed for 681 yards and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. Ithaca’s leading ground gainer is running back Nathan Mikesell who has rushed for 1,085 yards and 13 scores. Defensively, the Yellowjackets have been getting big years from Nathan Mikesell who has recorded 96 tackles, Roman Hurosky who has 61 tackles and Broghan Bupp who has totaled 60 tackles. Ithaca’s quest to return to Ford Field for the first time since 2017 starts against Saranac.
Leslie: Leslie is one of this year’s surprise teams going 8-1 for their first winning season since 2012. The Black Hawks impressed with wins over Manchester and Napoleon along with a 35-14 victory over previously unbeaten Hanover-Horton in the final game of the season. Leslie has been strong on both sides of the ball, scoring 40.8 ppg and limiting opponents to 18.4 ppg. Leslie features a potent passing game on offense as sophomore quarterback Joel Cranmore has passed for 2,092 yards and 29 touchdown passes. Cranmore has some talented targets to pass to led by Jaydn Colby who has 1,022 receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns and Braydin Johnson who has 478 receiving yards and seven scores. Their postseason begins against Burton Atherton.
Millington: Millington will be one of the favorites in their 21st straight postseason after a dominant 9-0 regular season that included wins over Reese and Elkton Pigeon-Bay Port Laker. The Cardinals allowed merely 52 points all season including three shutouts while their offense put up 40.4 ppg. The Cardinal offense is led by quarterback Truk TerBush who has passed for 865 yards and 11 touchdowns this season and has rushed for 253 yards and eight touchdowns. Running back Tevon Dallas-Walsh has added 956 yards rushing and scored 13 touchdowns. Ford Field has eluded Millington in the past, but this year is looking promising. Their path to Detroit starts with a rematch against Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker.
Montrose: Montrose is in the playoffs for the 15th straight season with a 6-3 record featuring wins over Durand, New Lothrop, and Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. This year’s team is no stranger to hard fought and competitive games having won their last three games by a combined nine points making them a tough out in the postseason. The Rams will face fellow perennial power Pewamo-Westphalia in round one of the playoffs.
Pewamo-Westphalia: It is 21 straight postseason appearances for Pewamo-Westphalia after a 7-2 regular season that featured many close games. The Pirates won their season opener 8-7 against playoff qualifiers North Muskegon and had a 33-28 week eight win over Saranac. Their losses to Fowler and Lansing Catholic were by a combined four points. Pewamo has been stout on both sides of the ball, scoring 39.3 ppg while allowing just 10.6 ppg. The Pirates will have a tough opening round matchup against Montrose as they look to return to Ford Field.
Saginaw Valley Lutheran: Valley Lutheran has clinched their first playoff appearance since 2020 after finishing 5-4. The Chargers started the season strong with shutout victories over Rochester Lutheran Northwest and St. Louis and finished the season with a win over Pinconning to secure their spot. They will face Cass City in the first round.
Saranac: Saranac is in the playoffs for the 2nd straight year with a 6-3 finish. The offense has been a highlight for the Red Hawks, scoring 39.6 ppg which will keep them competitive against postseason opposition. Saranac will face a tough test in the first round against favorites Ithaca, but their five-point week eight loss to Pewamo proves that the Red Hawks are sure to put up a fight.
Top D7 Contenders: Ithaca (9-0), Monroe St Mary (9-0), Millington (8-0), Hudson (8-1), Menominee (8-1)
Preview: Division 7 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive brackets this year with title contenders littered throughout. The top half features a pair of undefeated area teams in Ithaca and Millington who will need to fend off a host of challengers that include Montrose, Pewamo-Westphalia, and Menominee who is a dark horse pick to reach the finals. The bottom half is highlighted by undefeated Monroe St Mary who will have to stave off tough competition from the likes of Hudson, Lawton, Schoolcraft, and Leslie if they want to return to Ford Field. Certainly, whoever wins the D7 title will be worthy champions this year.
HSSS Division 7 State Final Prediction: Monroe St Mary 26, Menominee 22

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Division 8
Area Teams to Watch
Beal City: The Aggies are back for their 6th straight postseason after a 7-2 finish that included dominant wins over postseason teams Evart and Houghton Lake. The defense has been exceptional this season, giving up only 85 points all year including two shutouts. The Aggies path to a return to Ford Field begins against Frankfort.
Burton Bentley: The renaissance continues at Burton Bentley after the Bulldogs made it back-to-back postseason appearances thanks to a 5-4 record. Bentley’s stingy defense has kept them competitive all season, limiting opponents to 16.2 ppg. The Bulldogs face Clarkston Everest in the first round.
Fowler: Perennial powers Fowler have made it six straight playoff appearances, cruising to a 9-0 record against formidable competition. The Eagles notched wins over Hudson, Saranac, Pewamo, and McBain during the regular season thanks to a defense that has stifled opponents to just 80 points all year. Despite their regular season successes, Fowler has not been to Ford Field since 2011 but this year could be different. The Eagles begin their postseason run against Reese.
Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary: Michigan Lutheran will make their 3rd straight playoffs after finishing the regular season 6-3 with highlight wins over Saginaw Valley Lutheran and Reese. The Cardinal’s defense has been the highlight, limiting opponents to 13.4 ppg and kept the team competitive even losses to Ithaca and Saginaw Nouvel. They will be hoping for redemption in the first round as they play Nouvel who the Cardinals lost to in week four 23-14.
Saginaw Nouvel: Nouvel is back in the postseason after going an impressive 8-1 in the regular season, their only loss coming to D7 power Ithaca. Highlights included a 23-14 win over Michigan Lutheran and wins against Valley Lutheran and Manistique. Defense has been the Panther’s strong suit, limiting opponents to just 14.8 ppg. A rematch against Michigan Lutheran awaits in round one.
Top D8 Contenders: Fowler (9-0), Iron Mountain (9-0), Clarkston Everest Collegiate (8-1), White Pigeon (8-1), Riverview Gabriel Richard (7-1),
Preview: The top half of D8 features a pair of unbeatens in Fowler and Iron Mountain who look to be the early favorites, but the likes of Beal City, Harbor Beach, and Clarkston Everest Collegiate will make this half of the bracket a true gauntlet for whoever is able to make it to Detroit. The bottom half is open for the taking with no clear-cut favorite. Look for Decatur, White Pigeon, or Riverview Gabriel Richard to stake their claim for a spot at Ford Field.
HSSS Division 8 State Final Prediction: Fowler 27, Riverview Gabriel Richard 18

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8-Man Division 1
Area Teams to Watch
Bay City All Saints: All Saints are back in the playoffs after finishing the season 7-2. The Cougars dominated on both sides of the ball, scoring 46.2 ppg while only giving up 96 points all season including four shutouts. They will have a tough test in the first round with a rematch against Deckerville who they lost to in week 1 50-16.
Blanchard Montabella: Blanchard Montabella has clinched their first playoff appearance since 2020 thanks to a 6-3 regular season finish. The Mustangs went on a four-game winning streak midseason, including a 42-12 victory over Coleman, before losing to Morrice in the final week. Indian River Inland Lakes await in round one.
Top 8-Man D1 Contenders: Deckerville (9-0), Gobles (9-0), Indian River Inland Lakes (9-0), Pickford (9-0), Alcona (8-1)
Preview: The top half of the bracket features two unbeaten teams in Pickford and Indian River Inland Lakes who will be favorites to meet in the semifinals, but do not count out Alcona whose offense is averaging 54.7 ppg. The bottom half of the bracket also features two unbeatens in Deckerville and Gobles along with two-time defending state champions Martin making it a gauntlet.
HSSS 8-Man Division 2 State Final Prediction: Pickford 34, Deckerville 28

8-Man Division 2
Area Teams to Watch
Morrice: Morrice clinched their 8th straight playoff berth thanks to an 8-1 record with their lone loss coming to fellow D2 contender Portland St. Patrick. The Orioles had an impressive regular season that saw them beat the likes of Fulton-Middleton, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, and Blanchard Montabella. Morrice is a well-balanced team, scoring 42.2 ppg while only giving up 89 points all season. Morrice feature plenty of speed on offense with players like Wyatt Cartier and Joel Fisher who have been a steady source of offense for the team this season. The Orioles have a rematch with Portland St. Patrick in the first round.
Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart: Sacred Heart rallied late with wins in their last two games to reach their second straight postseason, finishing with a 6-3 record. The offense, which averaged 37.6 ppg, helped post big wins against Blanchard Montabella in week 1 and Coleman in the final week of the season. Sacred Heart is led on offense by quarterback Jason Boge. Boge is a strong runner and is also an excellent passer. Luke Hacker is one of the top options to throw to when the Irish take to the air. At running back, Teegan Duffy and Mark Kanimi have been a steady source of yards on the ground. The Irish will play title favorite Grand Rapids Sacred Heart in the first round.
Portland St. Patrick: The Shamrocks cruised to their second straight postseason appearance with an 8-1 record, their only loss coming to D1 playoff contender Fulton-Middleton. Portland St. Patrick features a high-powered offense that is averaging 48.7 ppg. The offense is paced by versatile quarterback Brady Leonard. Leonard has passed for 831 yards this season and tossed 17 touchdown passes. Leonard has also carried the ball for 1,123 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Running back Brayden Simon has added 597 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by Charlie Thelen who has caught 19 passes for 334 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, Thelen is among the leaders with 66 tackles and seven sacks while Ben White leads with 89 tackles, Auggie Teachworth has 63 tackles and Simon has five sacks. The Shamrocks begin their title run against Morrice who they beat 29-12 back in week 3.
Top 8-Man D2 Contenders: Grand Rapids Sacred Heart (9-0), Crystal Falls Forest Park (8-1), Morrice (8-1), Portland St. Patrick (8-1), Powers North Central (8-1)
Preview: This year’s playoffs are wide open with half of the field holding an 8-1 record. Grand Rapids Sacred Heart, the sole undefeated team, is the early favorite but are in arguably the toughest region with the winner of Morrice and Portland St. Patrick potentially awaiting them in round two. Do not count out three-time champions Powers North Central or Crystal Falls Forest Park in the top half of the bracket. A potential matchup between the two could decide who will end up playing in the Superior Dome on November 23rd.
HSSS 8-Man Division 2 State Final Prediction: Powers North Central 33, Grand Rapids Sacred Heart 25

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HSSS FOOTBALL STATS
Mid-Michigan coaches, statisticians, school administrators. Feel free to contact us with any updates or football statistics you have. Send any updates to greg102300@yahoo.com . HSSS will be updating the football stats page on a daily basis. Send us your stats if you have players among the leaders, we will post them.

WEEK 9 STATS
PASSING YARDS
Aidan Anderson, Evart 2,416
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 2,197
Joel Cranmore, Leslie 2,092
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 1,755
Garrett Buzzard, Bay City Glenn 1,740
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 1,604
Jayden Arthur, Clare 1,540
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 1,520
Tyger Whitbeck, Perry 1,501
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 1,368
Hunter McGuire, Chippewa Hills 1,319
Christian Powers, Charlotte 1,312
Mayson Burgett, Dansville 1,266
Kaleb Nielson, Williamston 1,118
Jordan Allen, Saginaw United 1,101
Zac Rogozinski, Stockbridge 1,022
Liam Patrick, Owosso 952
Truk TerBush, Millington 865
Jay Kreisler, Bath 843
Ethan Pett, Essexville-Garber 764
Blake Burke, Okemos 724
Shawn Skocelas, Houghton Lake 724
Andrew Miller, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 700

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS
Joel Cranmore, Leslie 29
Aidan Anderson, Evart 28
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 28
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 25
Jayden Arthur, Clare 24
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 23
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 22
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 21
Liam Patrick, Owosso 20
Garrett Buzzard, Bay City Glenn 15
Christian Powers, Charlotte 15
Hunter McGuire, Chippewa Hills 14
Zac Rogozinski, Stockbridge 14
Kaleb Nielson, Williamston 13
Jordan Allen, Saginaw United 12
Jay Kreisler, Bath 11
Truk TerBush, Millington 11
Shawn Skocelas, Houghton Lake 10
Mayson Burgett, Dansville 8
Jake Metiva, Freeland 8
Tyger Whitbeck, Perry 8

RUSHING YARDS
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 1,348
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 1,341
Nolan Rowley, Bath 1,236
Brayden Florian, Chesaning 1,180
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 1,117
Codey Manley, Belding 1,101
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 1,085
AJ Hill, Davison 1,079
Tevon dallas Walsh, Millington 956
Ladon Hatcher, Holt 928
Dominick Knezek, Essexville-Garber 829
Luke Winkler, Almont 824
Joe Smith, Williamston 796
Max Heyn, Freeland 753
Liam Patrick, Owosso 740
Aidan Anderson, Evart 728
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 683
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 681
Trav Moore, DeWitt 670
Brandon Hamlett, Stockbridge 651
Landon Russell, Millington 603
Aiden Vanbonn, Clare 568
William Salgot, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 565
Tim Bensinger, Charlotte 530
Marshawn Hallums, Okemos 516
Case Johnson, Greenville 507
Brayden Petre, Freeland 503

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 19
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 19
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 16
Codey Manley, Belding 16
Aiden Anderson, Evart 14
Luke Winkler, Almont 14
Max Heyn, Freeland 13
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 13
Trav Moore, DeWitt 13
Nolan Rowley, Bath 13
Tevon Dallas Walsh, Millington 13
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 12
Ladon Hatcher, Holt 12
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 11
AJ Hill, Davison 11
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 9
Noah Rief, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 9
Landon Russell, Millington 9
Brayden Florian, Chesaning 8
Noah Sandecki, Stockbridge 8
Joe Smith, Williamston 8
Truk TerBush, Millington 8
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 8
Chase Battani, Almont 7
Jayden Colby, Leslie 7
Kaiden Holmes, Charlotte 7
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 7
Jayden Arthur, Clare 6
Boston Beaugher, Swan Valley 6
Codey Manley, Belding 6
Gavin Morse, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 6
Brayden Petre, Freeland 6
William Salgat, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 6
Liam Patrick, Owosso 6
Aiden Vanbonn, Clare 6

RECEIVING YARDS
Jamison Pelt, Swan Valley 1,222
Jayden Colby, Leslie 1,022
Abram Larner, DeWitt 913
Lucas Johnson, Evart 867
Gage Perkins, Chippewa Hills 769
Noah Vanderlinde, Evart 718
Quinton Burgett, Dansville 605
Dryson Derscheid, Evart 579
Braylon Naves, Davison 576
Jacob Adkins, Perry 567
Wesley Hughes, Davison 562
Jacob Halicek, Clare 528
Brady Sager, Chesaning 527
Dionquavis Hardy, Saginaw United 517
Bradley Boyk, Bay City Glenn 512
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 494
Brock Rochow, Stockbridge 489
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 478
Brayden Connell, Perry 463
Zach Rye, Owosso 463
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 458
Ryan Louch, Clare 445
Cal Delisle, Swan Valley 431
Gibson Rondy, Ithaca 426
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 423
Hunter VanSickler, Williamston 412
Colton Carey, Charlotte 409
Adam Woodcock, Chesaning 397
Owen Fortman, East Lansing 378
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 371
Wilson Huckeby, Freeland 369
Kaiden Holmes, Charlotte 365
Coleson Lessner, Lake Fenton 354

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS
Jamison Pelt, Swan Valley 20
Abram Larner, DeWitt 17
Jacob Halicek, Clare 11
Lucas Johnson, Evart 10
Gage Perkins, Chippewa Hills 10
Noah Vanderlinde, Evart 10
Jayden Colby, Leslie 9
Brady Sager, Chesaning 9
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 8
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 8
Quinton Burgett, Dansville 7
Kaiden Holmes, Charlotte 7
Wesley Hughes, Davison 7
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 7
Braylen Navis, Davison 7
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 7
Dryson Derscheid, Evart 6
Wilson Huckeby, Freeland 6
Gibson Rondy, Ithaca 6
Adam Woodcock, Chesaning 6
Coleson Lessner, Lake Fenton 5
Ryan Louch, Clare 5
Brock Rochow, Stockbridge 5
Bradley Boyk, Bay City Glenn 4
Brayden Connell, Perry 4
Cal Delisle, Swan Valley 4
Lukas Gies, Bay City Glenn 4
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 4
Trav Moore, DeWitt 4
Jacob Phillips, Leslie 4

TACKLES
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 137
Carter Moore, Charlotte 112
Cohen Ferqueron, Almont 108
Miles Keener, Williamston 103
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 96
Brady Burns, Perry 93
Justin Rodriguez, St. Louis 93
Timmy Bensinger, Charlotte 87
Van Reed, Charlotte 86
Carson Moore, Owosso 83
Noah Reif, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 83
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 81
Jack Pestrue, Essexville-Garber 81
Valentino Solano, Bay City Glenn 80
Logan Broekhuizen, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 76
Cal Frasier, Chesaning 72
Melchizadek Washington, Saginaw United 72
Brayden Bundy, Davison 70
Kane Romano, Dansville 70
Aiden Van bonn, Clare 70
Michael Borie, St. Louis 66
Blake Bawks, Perry 68
Morgan Laupichler, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 66
Joey Bouchy, Clare 64
Ryan Louch, Clare 64
Zach Rogozinski, Stockbridge 64
Alex Mcewan, Perry 63
Braiden Royal, Stockbridge 63
Jamaris Graham, Okemos 62
Nathan Precise, Okemos 62
Chase Battani, Almont 61
Quinton Everett, Chesaning 61
Roman Hurosky, Ithaca 61
Keegan Whelton, Freeland 61
Broghan Bupp, Ithaca 60

SACKS
Alex Mcewan, Perry 13
Tristan Comer, Freeland 7
Braydon Wendling, Chesaning 7
Landon Qualls, Chesaning 7
Van Reed, Charlotte 5
Logan Broekhuizen, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 4.5
Austin Blaha, Owosso 4
Trenton Farkas, St. Louis 4
Ethan Fowler, Freeland 4
Cal Frasier, Chesaning 4
Brevin Hendricks, Millington 4
Marcus Joshua, Bay City John Glenn 4
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 4
Karson Tweh, St. Louis 4
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 4

INTERCEPTIONS
Kam Reynolds, Swan Valley 7
Brock Rochow, Stockbridge 7
Tray Haido, Davison 5
Elijah Smith, Ithaca 5
Abram Larner, DeWitt 4
Truk TerBush, Millington 4
Miller Wing, DeWitt 4
Aiden Wolf, Bath 4
Jadon Bender, DeWitt 3
Owen Case, Freeland 3
Jaydin Colby, Leslie 3
Dionquavis Hardy, Saginaw United 3
BJ Henry, Holt 3
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 3
Andrew Miller, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 3
Jacob Phillips, Leslie 3
Cortez Porter, Davison 3
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 3
Torrion Stevenson, Saginaw United 3

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WEEK 8 STATS
PASSING YARDS
Aidan Anderson, Evart 1,998
Joel Cranmore, Leslie 1,854
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 1,757
Garrett Buzzard, Bay City Glenn 1,608
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 1,561
Jayden Arthur, Clare 1,540
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 1,422
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 1,363
Hunter McGuire, Chippewa Hills 1,319
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 1,194
Tyger Whitbeck, Perry 1,161
Mayson Burgett, Dansville 1,123
Kaleb Nielson, Williamston 1,026
Jordan Allen, Saginaw United 965
Jay Kreisler, Bath 843
Liam Patrick, Owosso 773
Ethan Pett, Essexville-Garber 764
Shawn Skocelas, Houghton Lake 724
Truk TerBush, Millington 705

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS
Joel Cranmore, Leslie 26
Jayden Arthur, Clare 24
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 24
Aidan Anderson, Evart 22
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 20
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 19
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 19
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 17
Liam Patrick, Owosso 15
Garrett Buzzard, Bay City Glenn 14
Hunter McGuire, Chippewa Hills 14
Jordan Allen, Saginaw United 12
Kaleb Nielson, Williamston 11
Jay Kreisler, Bath 11
Shawn Skocelas, Houghton Lake 10
Truk TerBush, Millington 10
Mayson Burgett, Dansville 8
Jake Metiva, Freeland 8

RUSHING YARDS
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 1,175
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 1,169
Nolan Rowley, Bath 1,156
Brayden Florian, Chesaning 1,049
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 1,004
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 979
Codey Manley, Belding 964
AJ Hill, Davison 957
Ladon Hatcher, Holt 928
Tevon dallas Walsh, Millington 860
Joe Smith, Williamston 739
Dominick Knezek, Essexville-Garber 713
Liam Patrick, Owosso 700
Max Heyn, Freeland 679
Aidan Anderson, Evart 672
Trav Moore, DeWitt 670
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 648
Landon Russell, Millington 603
Aiden Vanbonn, Clare 568
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 549
Case Johnson, Greenville 507
Brayden Petre, Freeland 503
William Salgot, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 503

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 17
Jackson Conn, Ithaca 16
Elliott Larner, DeWitt 15
Aiden Anderson, Evart 14
Codey Manley, Belding 14
Trav Moore, DeWitt 13
Ladon Hatcher, Holt 12
Max Heyn, Freeland 12
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 12
Nolan Rowley, Bath 12
AJ Hill, Davison 11
Tevon Dallas Walsh, Millington 11
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 9
Noah Rief, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 9
Landon Russell, Millington 9
Jayden Colby, Leslie 8
Jaxson Dosh, Davison 8
Joe Smith, Williamston 8
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 8
Maxwell Volk, Chesaning 8
Brayden Florian, Chesaning 7
Colton Klein, Swan Valley 7
Jayden Arthur, Clare 6
Boston Beaugher, Swan Valley 6
Codey Manley, Belding 6
Brayden Petre, Freeland 6
William Salgat, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 6
Liam Patrick, Owosso 6
Aiden Vanbonn, Clare 6

RECEIVING YARDS
Jayden Colby, Leslie 909
Abram Larner, DeWitt 824
Jamison Pelt, Swan Valley 819
Gage Perkins, Chippewa Hills 378
Noah Vanderlinde, Evart 718
Lucas Johnson, Evart 679
Quinton Burgett, Dansville 579
Wesley Hughes, Davison 531
Jacob Halicek, Clare 528
Brady Sager, Chesaning 527
Braylon Naves, Davison 497
Dionquavis Hardy, Saginaw United 458
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 448
Bradley Boyk, Bay City Glenn 445
Ryan Louch, Clare 445
Jacob Adkins, Perry 436
Cal Delisle, Swan Valley 431
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 424
Gibson Rondy, Ithaca 413
Hunter VanSickler, Williamston 412
Dryson Derscheid, Evart 396
Owen Fortman, East Lansing 378
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 377
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 371
Wilson Huckeby, Freeland 369
Adam Woodcock, Chesaning 365
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 351

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS
Abram Larner, DeWitt 16
Jamison Pelt, Swan Valley 14
Jacob Halicek, Clare 11
Gage Perkins, Chippewa Hills 10
Noah Vanderlinde, Evart 10
Brady Sager, Chesaning 9
Jayden Colby, Leslie 8
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 8
Quinton Burgett, Dansville 7
Wesley Hughes, Davison 7
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 7
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 7
Wilson Huckeby, Freeland 6
Lucas Johnson, Evart 6
Gibson Rondy, Ithaca 6
Ryan Louch, Clare 5
Braylen Navis, Davison 5
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 5
Adam Woodcock, Chesaning 5
Bradley Boyk, Bay City Glenn 4
Cal Delisle, Swan Valley 4
Dryson Derscheid, Evart 4
Lukas Gies, Bay City Glenn 4
Kane Graham, Houghton Lake 4
Trav Moore, DeWitt 4
Jacob Phillips, Leslie 4

TACKLES
Hoyt Patrick, Owosso 122
Miles Keener, Williamston 98
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 96
Justin Rodriguez, St. Louis 86
Brady Burns, Perry 78
Garrett Hilborn, Bay City Glenn 75
Carson Moore, Owosso 75
Jack Pestrue, Essexville-Garber 74
Valentino Solano, Bay City Glenn 72
Logan Broekhuizen, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 72
Aiden Van bonn, Clare 70
Noah Reif, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 69
Joey Bouchy, Clare 64
Ryan Louch, Clare 64
Michael Borie, St. Louis 62
Karson Tweh, St. Louis 62
Blake Bawks, Perry 61
Roman Hurosky, Ithaca 61
Brayden Bundy, Davison 60
Alex Mcewan, Perry 60
Kane Romano, Dansville 60

SACKS
Alex Mcewan, Perry 13
Braydon Wendling, Chesaning 7
Landon Qualls, Chesaning 7
Tristan Comer, Freeland 5
Trenton Farkas, St. Louis 4
Ethan Fowler, Freeland 4
Cal Frasier, Chesaning 4
Nathan Mikesell, Ithaca 4
Karson Tweh, St. Louis 4
Ethan Wakefield, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 4

INTERCEPTIONS
Kam Reynolds, Swan Valley 6
Elijah Smith, Ithaca 5
Tray Haido, Davison 4
Miller Wing, DeWitt 4
Aiden Wolf, Bath 4
Jadon Bender, DeWitt 3
Owen Case, Freeland 3
Jaydin Colby, Leslie 3
Dionquavis Hardy, Saginaw United 3
BJ Henry, Holt 3
Braydin Johnson, Leslie 3
Andrew Miller, Michigan Lutheran Seminary 3
Jacob Phillips, Leslie 3
Tommy Pratt, Williamston 3
Torrion Stevenson, Saginaw United 3
Truk TerBush, Millington 3

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David Cook
Sports Scene
Over the years, the DeWitt girls golf team has been one of the premier teams in the Mid-Michigan area. This season is no different as the Panthers have been posting some consistently low scores.
Heading into October and with the state tournament looming, DeWitt is ranked seventh in the state in Division 2. The Panthers are also in third place in the ultra-competitive Capital Area Activities Conference (CAAC) Blue Division that includes Okemos, ranked first in the state in Division 1, and Grand Ledge, ranked 10th in the state in Division 1.
Leading the way for DeWitt this season are a pair of seasoned seniors who bring a wealth of experience and talent to the course. Seniors Courtney Novak and Cate Piesko are both four-year varsity players and are leading the way for the Panthers. Novak is averaging 42.6 for nine holes while Piesko is close behind with a 44.0 average for nine.
DeWitt is also receiving a strong contribution from junior Sydney Ferguson. In her first year of playing golf for the Panthers, Ferguson is averaging 46.8 for nine holes.
DeWitt started the season strong with an impressive performance at the Sydney Carfine Memorial tournament at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University. In a field loaded with top teams from across the state, the Panthers placed eighth out of 18 teams.
A couple weeks after that, the Panthers turned in one of their top performances of the season. That is when they placed third behind Okemos and Grand Ledge at the Holt Invitational. DeWitt finished just two strokes behind second-place Grand Ledge and seven shots behind first-place Okemos. DeWitt scored their lowest team total of the season at the Holt Invitational and placed five golfers in the top 17 individually.
DeWitt was led at Holt by Ferguson who placed sixth with an 85. Novak also finished in the top ten as she placed eighth with an 87. Hannah Kukulski took 11th with an 88, Piesko placed 13th with an 89 and Sophie Beland placed 17th with a 92.
DeWitt also placed second at the Coldwater Invitational where they were led by Beland and Novak who both placed in the top ten individually.
The Panthers are gearing up for the state tournament that is closing in. The regional is slated for October 8 at the Coldwater Golf Club. The regional is stacked with state-ranked teams including No. 2 South Lyon, No. 3 Dexter, No. 6 Mason, No. 10 Fenton and the Panthers. DeWitt has won back-to-back regional titles and adding a third is the goal.
“If the girls find a way to stay relaxed, enjoy the moment and play to their ability, there is a good chance we can steal one of the state finals spots,” said DeWitt coach Chris Thelen.
A total of three teams from the regional qualify for the state finals.

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David Cook
Sports Scene
Thanks to some excellent overall team speed, the Clare football team is off to a fast start this season.
The Pioneers opened the new season by coming out of the gate quickly with a 51-7 win against Grayling. Clare followed that up with a 43-0 win against Sanford-Meridian, a 53-14 win against Midland Bullock Creek and a 26-21 win against Gladwin in a key Jack Pine Conference matchup.
A big element to Clare’s fast start is some excellent team speed.
“So far the strong points of our team is our overall team speed and athleticism,” said Clare coach Steven Spranger, “but as a coach, what’s been most impressive is the way the guys are coming together and playing for one another.”
Whale the Pioneers have started the season fast, they still have a big second half of the season awaiting them along with a number of goals to accomplish.
“Obviously, we’re happy with the way the season has started,” Spranger said, “but we’re nowhere near accomplishing our goals and still have a lot of our season ahead of us.”
Another big factor in the success the team is enjoying is a deep and talented group of seniors.
“We have a very strong senior class that’s been through a lot of big games,” Spranger said, “and we will continue to lean on them as the season progresses.”
Jayden Arthur, the team’s quarterback and a defensive back, is one of those senior leaders. Arthur is off to a strong start this season as he has passed for 781 yards through the first four game. Arthurn is completing 68% of his passes and has also thrown for 12 touchdowns. Arthur has also rushed for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“Jayden is our third year starting quarterback and has been tremendous for us in the off-season and has carried that into the season with his play and his leadership,” Spranger said. “He’s always getting us in the right spot, and making the right reads. His calm demeanor and presence is exactly what you want in a quarterback.”
Senior wide receiver/running back/defensive back Ryan Louch is another senior leader. Louch has caught 15 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns through the first four games. Louch also leads the team in tackles with 38 including a pair of tackles for loss.
“Ryan is another third-year starter for us that we can move all around the field and can count on him making an impact on the game,” Spranger said. “Defensively, he’s our most physical player and is able to go sideline to sideline making plays.
Up front, senior Chase Randall is a leader in the trenchses both along the offensive and defensive lines.
“Chase is another third-year starter that made the move from tight end to tackle to fit our needs and has become a leader of both of his position groups,” Spranger said.
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Dawson Babcock is another leader in the trenches who has made a position switch for the good of the team.
“Dawson is another senior who moved positions to fit the needs of the team,” Sprang said. He moved from right tackle to center and has done a tremendous job.”
At running back, senior Aiden Van bonn has taken over the bulk of the ball carrying duties. Van bonn is also a leader on defense at linebacker. Van bonn has rushed for 365 yards (7.3 avg.) and scored five touchdowns. On defense he has 33 total tackles and a pair of tackles for loss.
“Aiden is a senior who has waited his time to take over the bulk of the carries, and has a done a tremendous job for us,” Spranger said. “With the athletes that we have on the edge, he gets forgotten about at times and that’s when he’s able to bust off a long run.”
Senior Joey Bouchey is a linebacker on defense and running back on offense. Bouchey is one of the leaders of the Pioneer defense.
“Joey is the guy in the middle of our defense who is making all of our checks and making sure that we’re in the right spots defensively,” Spranger said.
A junior turning in a big season is Jacob Halicek who lines up at wide receiver on offense and defensive back on defense. Halicek is a big-play target in the passing game with 11 receptions for 270 yards and three touchdowns.
“Jacob is a two-year varsity player that is doing a great job as our deep threat and has made some big catches for us,” Spranger said.
While the Pioneers are pleased with the fast start, they know that they have plenty more work ahead of them.
“In order to continue our success, we need to continue to win the turnover battle and limits opposing team’s big plays,” Spranger said. “We also have to capitalize on our ability to make the big plays, all while continuing to improve all across the board.”

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DeWitt girls golf team carrying on winning tradition this season

Clare football team utilizing team speed for fast start to new season