Article - High School Sports Scene

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE-CENTRAL DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES

Team Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or follow on twitter @LocalSportsFans.

School: Brother Rice

Nickname: Warriors

Coach: Al Fracassa

2012 record: 12-2, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)

Players lost: Jon Reschke, Kevin Henry, Kyle Bindi, Lucas Cherocci, Cheyne LaCanaria, Kyle Marsh, Greg Marzec, Billy Pieroni, Griffin Anderson

Players returning: Jason Alessi, sr. SE-K; Sage Baltrusaitis, sr. C; Brian Walker, sr. RB; Jon Forster, sr. P; Joshua Flye, sr. KR-TE; Grant Perry, jr. KR-WR-DB; Chris Carter, sr. CB; Jack Grisan, sr. FB-LB; Shaun Jones, sr. LB; Shon Powell, sr. RB; Corey Lacanaria, sr. WR; Ty Kiafoulis, sr. TE; Jeremy Hickey, sr. OL; Matt Phillips, sr. OL; Alberto Sandoval, sr. DT; Dominick Perkovic, sr. OL-TE

Notes: This is Fracassa’s final season at the helm, and he ranks high among the legendary high school coaches in the country in terms of wins and overall success. The Warriors have won back-to-back D2 state titles, and with several talented athletes back in the mix, there’s reason to believe that this team is capable of another long run.

School: University of Detroit Jesuit

Nickname: Cubs

2012 record: 2-7, 0-4 CHSL-Central (fifth)

School: Detroit Catholic Central

Nickname: Shamrocks

Coach: Tom Mach, 38th season

2012 record: 9-5, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)

Players lost: Wyatt Sherman, Anthony Darkangleo, Derek Edwards, David Houle, Kevin Walsh, David Widzinski, Jon Malone

Players returning: Zach Bock, sr. RB-DB; Alex Galiyas, sr. OL-DL; Dylan Roney, sr. TE-DE; David Wright, sr. LB; Sean Birney, sr. DB

Notes: Navigating a brutal schedule, the Shamrocks reached the D-1 state title game the past two years. This team rarely rebuilds, so high expectations again surround the program. It has some extra incentive this season – playing for a fallen comrade. David Widzinski, who started as a sophomore last season, died suddenly in the off-season. The Shamrocks will play for him and look to return to glory as one of the state’s top teams.

School: St. Mary’s Preparatory

Nickname: Eaglets

Coach: George Porritt, 25th season

2012 record: 11-3, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)

Players lost: Matt Linehan, Austin Johnson, Andrew Koterba, Grant Niemiec

Players returning: Jalen Watts-Jackson, sr. WR-DB; Jeremy Schram, sr. OG; Julian Jones, sr. NG; Jeff Robinson, sr. RB-DB; Michael Linihan, jr. LB-RB; Mark Zanders, sr. RB-DB; Spencer Hurst, sr. K-P

Notes: The Eaglets lost in the D3 final last year on a last-second field goal. This team has its strengths and weaknesses. A very young offensive line and a new quarterback are weaknesses, but it welcomes back an experienced defensive front and secondary. One thing that time has proven is that the Eaglets do not rebuild, they reload, and fans should expect this team to be in the league title chase and postseason once again.

School: De La Salle Collegiate

Nickname: Pilots

Coach: Matthew Lewis, first season.

2012 record: 5-4, 1-3 CHSL-Central (fourth)

Players lost: Shane Morris, Josh Cox, Andrew DiFranco, Cordell Crosby, Kyle Anderson, Chris DeSrosiers, Allan Jefferson, Jordan Avgousti

Players returning: Brent Morris, sr. WR; Mario Agosta, sr. WR-DB; Sam Badalamenti, sr. OLB-WR; Stephen Garrity, sr. OL-DL; Jared Wrangler, sr. LB-WR

Coach’s comment: “We will be young but look forward to developing our youth throughout the season. We have one of the most difficult schedules in the state, which really minimizes our room for error but creates a great opportunity for our program. We had a tremendous commitment to the off-season workout program. We hope that the effort and enthusiasm showed in the off-season will carry into the fall.”

Back

GAC Blue

Atherton

Nickname: Wolverines

Coach: Jared Noel

2012 Record: 1-8

Players lost: Demarko Morgan, Rasheed Millhouse

Players returning: Ernesto Felton, Devin Stadfeld, Joey Curran

Notes: The Wolverines are looking to bounce back from a one-win season. Shoring up the defense will be the main concern heading into the season.

Bendle

Nickname: Tigers

Coach: Mark Chapman

2012 Record: 7-3

Player lost: David Younger-Dean

Players returning: Dion Reed, Alex Richmond, Sam Lyden, Josh Mikesell, Tevin Pully, John Pike, Alex Krajniack

Coach’s comment: “Obviously the league is very tough. New Lothrop has a very strong program and others like Byron, as well. We plan to compete hard for the title.”

Bentley

Nickname: Bulldogs

Coach: Ryan Tomaselli

2012 Record: 2-7

Players lost: Chance Wesner, Quentin Sterling

Players returning: Gage Connor, Austin Nickles, Kenny Pilarski

Notes: It’s been five years since the Bulldogs posted a winning season. They have their work cut out for them, but they could get out of the gate quickly, and a 4-0 start to the season is not out of the question.

Byron

Nickname: Eagles

Coach: Dave Richardson

2012 Record: 8-2

Players lost: Hunter Taylor, Jordan Coffey

Players returning: Dustin Blom, Joel Lanning, Andy Wiggins, Hunter Dalianis-Turner, Nathan Philburn

Coach’s comment: “Our offensive line will be above average, and this will help with our balanced running game and passing offense.”

Hamady

Nickname: Hawks

Coach: Gary Lee

2012 Record: 7-4

Players lost: Sal Williams, Russell Wright, Fred Luster

Notes: The Hawks returned to the playoffs last year after a five-year absence. To make it back for a second straight season, a number of newcomers must step up.

Genesee

Nickname: Wolves

Coach: Steve Vergurg

2012 Record: 5-4

Players lost: Caleb Potter, Justin Turner

Players returning: Derek Hopper, Phillip Jones

Notes: The Wolves have posted winning seasons four of the past five years but are looking to make it to the playoffs for the first time in three years.

Morrice

Nickname: Orioles

Coach: Brad Long

2012 Record: 4-5

Players lost: Andrew Dixon, Nate Hart, Josh Stambaugh

Players returning: Connor Green, Mark Copeland, Joe Gutting, Hayden Jackson, Connor Riley

Notes: The Orioles won four games last season, the most they have totaled since making the playoffs in 2006. With a number of key returnees back, they will be looking to post a winning season this fall.

Back

GAC Red

Durand

Nickname: Railroaders

Coach: Mark Worsham

2012 Record: 2-7

Players lost: Tyler Phillips, Hadyn Havard, Jacob Sabja

Players returning: Jordan Pearce, Eli Walter, Kyle Graham, Jacob Yager

Notes: After winless seasons in 2010 and 2011, the Railroaders finished with a pair of wins last season. New coach Mark Worsham looks to build on that success this season.

Beecher

Nickname: Bucs

Coach: Courtney Hawkins

2012 Record: 8-5

Players lost: Eric Cooper, Tyrone Southward, Kermit Craig, Kareem Blaylock

Players returning: Brandon Mixon, Robbie Brown, Tevon Bailey, Marcus Wright, Mustafa Hopkins, Marquis Colburn

Notes: The Bucs advanced all the way to the Division 7 state semifinals last season before falling to Loyola. While the Bucs were hit hard by graduation, they still have plenty of talent returning for their coach, a former Michigan State University star.

Goodrich

Nickname: Martians

Coach: Tom Alward

2012 Record: 8-3

Players lost: Mitch Rubio, JR Dawley, Cody Krause, Kyler Klimek

Player returning: Andrew Sweet

Notes: Graduation hit the Martians hard, but the program has a history of success, having qualified for the playoffs four of the past five years. Look for newcomers to step up.

Lake Fenton

Nickname: Blue Devils

Coach: Eric Doyle

2012 Record: 8-3

Players lost: Nick VanDuser, Tyler Begley, Zac Zielinski, Lance Hasenfratz, Austin Frank

Players returning: Neil Allor, Chase Hull, Tyler Smith, Alex Schwartz, Tim Symons, Andy Donoho, Logan Readdy, Gage Smith, Brandon Keen

Coach’s comment: “We have a talented group, led by seven third-year varsity players. We should have very good team speed on both sides of the football.”

Montrose

Nickname: Rams

Coach: Dennis Reinhart

2012 Record: 10-2

Players lost: Caleb Reinhart, Sam Kitts, Kyle Kettler

Players returning: Malik Taylor, Jimmie Hodge, Dakota Jelinek, Riley Warren, Ben Turchi, Tyler Doyle

Notes: The Rams loss a battering ram in Caleb Reinhart but have a slew of talented players returning. They have seen their playoff runs stopped by eventual state champion Ithaca the past three seasons, and it will be no surprise if the two heavyweights square off again some time in November.

Mount Morris

Nickname: Panthers

Coach: Ben Almasy

2012 Record: 4-5

Players lost: Chase Nagy, Brad Clark, Shabonn Boone, Kody Goodman

Players returning: Isaiah Collins, Tony Saldana, Bryce Watts

Notes: The Panthers have fallen one win short of a winning season the past three years. With a potent offense, Mt. Morris is seeking the elusive fifth win and maybe more this season.

Perry

Nickname: Ramblers

Coach: Rob Porritt

2012 Record: 4-5

Players lost: Shane Devota, Corbin Curtis

Players returning: Dillon Brooks, Kenny Polhemus, Jebediah Spencer, Dakota Hart, Alex Proudfoot

Notes: The Ramblers will be playing their last year in the GAC before moving to a new conference next season in the greater Lansing area. Running back Dillon Brooks will try to make the final season in the GAC a memorable one.

Back

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.”

Back

OK Green

Byron Center

Nickname: Bulldogs

Coach: Marc Cisco

2012 Record: 5-4

Players lost: Garrett Cross, Jake Lancaster, Nick Ireland, Tabias Coleman, David Nickles, Brian Marcus, Clay Spaak

Players returning: Al Lake, Josh Lee, Eric Chard, Mickey Sturm, Jake Bylsma, Phil Sattler

Notes: The Bulldogs just missed a playoff berth last fall. Led by a solid offensive line this year, they are primed to make a playoff push. Improvement on defense will be a key.

Hamilton

Nickname: Hawkeyes

Coach: Chad Miller

2012 Record: 7-4

Players lost: Ethan Buresh, Jeff Dyke, Trenton Haverdink, Matt Kolean, Nick Kronemeyer, Connor McMahon

Players returning: Zach VandeVusse, Hayden Smith, Dylan Buresh, Heath Danenberg, Jared Overbeek, Garit Eding

Notes: The Hawkeyes, as usual, will have a big, strong offensive line. They also has good speed on offense and sturdy defenders.

Holland

Nickname: Dutch

Coach: Andrew Pratley

2012 Record: 0-9

Players lost: Cory Willis, Sam Sanchez, Cristian Martinez, Joey Seiler, Bobby Drew

Players returning: Mason Rosado, Brandon Davis, Elroy Payne, Connor Borah, Christian Ceeka

Notes: A new coaching staff takes over and looks to lead the Dutch back from a disappointing 2012 campaign. Holland has some talented athletes, but developing confidence will be key. The squad also has plenty of youth, so it will take time to gel.

Holland Christian

Nickname: Maroons

Coach: Jim Caserta

2012 Record: 5-5

Players lost: Kurtis Slenk, Reid Johnson, Ross Schreur, Jon Kraker, Max Gerrits

Players returning: Kyle Steigenga, Caleb VanderLught, Isaac Boes, Matt Dekock

Coach’s comment: “Our lines don’t have quite the experience we’d like them to have. We’re hoping the experience we gain early helps us down the line.”

Unity Christian

Nickname: Crusaders

Coach: Craig Tibbe

2012 Record: 5-5

Players lost: Josh Bordewyk, Aaron Bossgraff, Nolan Coallier, Palmer Ponstein, Nate Schuitema, Seth VanDyken, Jon Katt

Players returning: Tice Dykstra, McCoy Wondergem, Mike Dykstra, Brad Steenwyk

Notes: Unity plays smart football and pays attention to fundamentals. While not the biggest team in the league, the Crusaders play with good technique and will again be in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Zeeland West

Nickname: Dux

Coach: John Shillito

2012 Record: 7-4

Players lost: Casey Mesbergen, Braden Werley, Jon Pung, Bryn Tiemeyer, Nathaniel Blanton

Players returning: Jordan VanDordt, Marcus Lambert, Danny Bauder, Zach Poppema, Trent Kujawa

The Dux have plenty of experience and talent. On offense, they have great size with VanDordt (6’5″, 280 pounds), a Western Michigan University recruit. Lambert is a dynamite running back, while Bauder is a blazer with legitimate 4.4 speed. The development of a new quarterback will be key.

Back

Blue Water Conference

Algonac

Nickname: Muskrats

Coach: Scott Barnhart

2012 Record: 2-7

Players lost: Christian Kaminski, Darrin Teschler, Tyler Banks

Players returning: Mike Baronowski, Vaughn Schafer, Charlie Brody, Jeff Geck, Chris Snyder, Allen Kurle

Almont

Nickname: Raiders

Coach: Jeremy Ferman

2012 Record: 7-4

Players lost: John Pewinski, Pat Finn, Billy Mulligan, Jake Russell

Players returning: Peter Deppe, Jack Zielinski, Sean Mulligan, Brent Schapman, Tim Warner

Armada

Nickname: Tigers

Coach: Mark Brandimarte

2012 Record: 5-4

Players lost: Trevor Holston, Cody Brohl, Ryan Hankey, Sammy Matthews, Willie Stark

Players returning: Bobby Malburg, Steven Stark, Ross Querro, Zach Sand, Nick Burton

Coach’s comment: “Replacing 10 starters on offense and gelling juniors into the starting lineup will be the key to success. Defense and special teams see plenty of returners and will be necessary for early success.”

Capac

Nickname: Chiefs

Coach: Bill Nestle

2012 Record: 4-5

Players lost: Dan Cornish, John Horton

Players returning: Devon Rosseau, Dustin Hunsucker, Zack Farrow, Brad Harris, Noah White

Croswell-Lexington

Nickname: Pioneers

Coach: Chris Zielinski

2012 Record: 11-1

Players lost: Nathan Guitar, Tyler Sergent, Joey Mini, Brady Biscorner

Player returning: Trevor Sheridan

Imlay City

Nickname: Spartans

Coach: Eric Hensel

2012 Record: 1-8

Players lost: Chase Forsyth, Jake Newton

Player returning: Wyatt Bannister

Richmond

Nickname: Blue Devils

Coach: James Bishop

2012 Record: 7-4

Players lost: Mitchell Ward, Tom Harms

Players returning: Ryan Boyd, Jake McKiernan, Jake Schmidt

Yale

Nickname: Bulldogs

Coach: Don Smeznik

2012 Record: 5-5

Players lost: Brett Schemansky

Players returning: Derek Brown, Noah Nicholl

Back

School: Ashley

Nickname: Bears

Coach: Joe Holloway

2012 record: 4-5

School: Carson City-Crystal

Nickname: Eagles

Coach: Devin Pringle

2012 record: 7-3

School: Coleman

Nickname: Comets

Coach: Chad Klopf

2012 record: 4-5

Players lost: Tim Anderson, Christopher Lovejoy, Dakota Fike, Jacob Kipp, Mike Rocha

Players returning: Zack Frazer, Adam Stremlow, Matthew Warner, Lars Murray, Blake Scott, Mark Drake, Hunter Gross, Mitchell Franklin, Brandon Leitz, Blaine Yeager

Coach’s comment: “This team’s expectations are very high this year. We are returning so many multi-year starters that are very talented. This team will not settle for less than a trip back to the playoffs. The strengths of this team will be our passing attack, with a second-year starting QB and six or seven quality receivers to throw to. Our seniors will be our strength, but we still have quality juniors to go along with them. As long as they can stay healthy, our O and D lines will be a big part of our team success. We need to work on staying healthy. The past few years, the injury bug has hit us hard. Depth is not a strength for us, so a few injuries at certain positions could cost us.”

School: Montabella

Nickname: Mustangs

Coach: David Clay

2012 record: 3-6

School: Sacred Heart Academy

Nickname: Irish

Coach: Rick Roberts

2012 record: 9-2

Players lost: Mitchell Myler, Nick Hire, Steve Rudoni, Mike Heller

Players returning: Dustin Neyer, Brooks Hyble, Cole Younger, Matt Motz, Justin Cowell

Coach’s comment: “We return seven starters on defense, so we should be a strong defensive team this season. We lost a lot of our offensive production from last year, so we will be a work in progress as the season moves along. We need to find out who will carry the load for us this year on offense. We feel very comfortable with the pieces we have, but the players need to step up and perform in games if we are to reach our goals.”

School: Vestaburg

Nickname: Wolverines

Coach: Dan Ryckman

2012 record: 6-4

Back

North West Conference

School: Benzie Central

Nickname: Huskies

Coach: Steve Cox

2012 record: 3-6

Players lost: Corey Bock, Dylan Sauer, Josh Ireton

Players returning: Christian Dilas, Drew Byrd, Hunter Clasen, Jacob Cutler

School: Frankfort

Nickname: Panthers

Coach: Matt Stapleton

2012 record: 4-5

Players lost: Nolan Nye, David Cunningham, Trevor Lee

Players returning: Connor Bradley, David Loney, Aaron Martin, Jacob Chappell, Sam Stockdale

School: Kingsley

Nickname: Stags

Coach: Jason Leonard, sixth year

2012 record: 6-4

Players lost: Tristan Eickenroth

Players returning: Tyler Newell, Derrek Arlt, Nate Zenner, Kelly Lark, Michael Boff, Scott McPherson

Coach’s comment: “This is a nice group of young men – probably the smartest group I have ever coached as a whole. They are a tight group of friends as well. They hang out together and have fun playing football. My thoughts are this: If we can win our first two games this season (against McBain and Elk Rapids), we may be able to have an 8-1 or even 9-0 team headed into playoffs. If we do not win the first two games, we can still be good, but looking more like 6-3 or 7-2.”

School: Glen Lake

Nickname: Lakers

Coach: Jerry Angers, fifth year

2012 record: 9-2

Players lost: Curtis Bunek, Tyler Stachnik, Nick Schweikert, Dale Pleva, Mike O’Brien

Players returning: Trevor Apsey, Carter Lee, Logan LaCross, Wade Peplinski, Nick Butts, Thomas Waning

Coach’s comment: “The players are very hard workers and continue to improve each day. Success will be determined by their accomplishments on and off the field.”

School: Mesick

Nickname: Bulldogs

Coach: Joshua Crocker

2012 record: 1-8

Players returning: Lance Baller, Billy Bardocz, Zach Gonyer, Brad Hamilton, Brad Harris, Garrett Humphreys, John King, Chase Malkowski, Chad Mathewson, Tyler Myers, Jerry Richardson, Zach Riffle, Peter Rousch, Luke Somsel, Jason Wheeler

Coach’s comment: “Our strength will be self-motivated athletes. We have talented young men with an internal drive to exceed expectations. They are working hard to get us the results we want and elevating the quality of our program.”

School: Suttons Bay

Nickname: Norsemen

Coach: Joe Trudeau

2012 record: 1-8

Players lost: Sean Lammy, Alex Crocker, Matt Pigg, Chase Pattison

Players returning: Shocko Shawandase, Claudio Ruiz, Lars Thornton

Coach’s comment: “With only 17 players and five seniors, staying healthy is a must.”

Back

Independents

School: Tawas Area

Nickname: Braves

Coach: Tim Webb, eighth year

2012 record: 1-8

Players lost: Matt Krumm, Hunter Walker

Players returning: Justin Kirinovic, Jacob Morgan, Erik Thatcher, Dan Howell, Cameron Ellis

Coach’s comment: “So far it’s been a lot of fun. Our numbers are good and the attitudes and effort have been outstanding. The chemistry on this team seems to be good, but we haven’t played any games yet, so it’s easy to get along right now.”

School: Standish-Sterling Central

Nickname: Panthers

Coach: Paul Walderzak, 31^st year

2012 record: 7-4

Players lost: Jacob LeClair, Dan Miller, Isiah Doremus

Players returning: Seth Malcolm, Clay Walderzak, Matt Crawford, Tyler Walker, Jimmy Spencer, Anthony Prohaska, Kyle Blakley

Coach’s comment: “Our biggest chore is rebuilding our offensive line. We lost tackle to tackle, so we have to fill those positions. Also, on the defensive line, we lost two of our starting defensive lineman, so we have to replace those and our inside linebackers. We have some good candidates there, it’s just a matter of getting the right person to the right place and having some depth there. If we put those things into place, I think we’re a pretty balanced team. We have some kids that can run with decent speed, and I think we could put together a pretty solid team.”

School: Pinconning

Nickname: Spartans

Coach: Ben Tomke, third year

2012 record: 0-9

Players lost: Garrett Rezler, Gabe Kolbiaz, Tyler Perrou

Players returning: Dylan Staevler, Brandon Craven, Travis Thomas, Jacob Backus, Brenden Vieau, Josh Fiebke, Tyler Zinke, Jake Sylvester

Coach’s comment: “We’re excited for a couple reasons. We return 60 percent of our offensive line from last year. We are excited because I feel we have more team speed, we’re a little more explosive than we have been in the last couple years, and we’re excited we have two junior quarterbacks, and it’s been a nice competition for them.”

School: John Glenn

Nickname: Bobcats

Coach: Jeremy Werner

2012 record: 2-7

Players lost: Ryan Leiterman, Quentin Thomas

Players returning: Derek Clyde, Austin Bublitz, Garrett Krager, Tyler Robbins, Ryan Schofield

Back

North Star League

School: Alcona

Nickname: Tigers

Coach: Dave Schneider, fourth year

2012 record: 6-3

Players lost: Austin Cole, Eric Hampton, Andrew Cammack, Chad Hanenckow

Players returning: Nate Fettes, Cody Franklin, Tony Dubay, Garrette Norling

Coach’s comment: “We made the playoffs last year, so we were real happy about that, but we also got into the playoffs and got kicked around a little bit. We really set our hand at getting stronger in the off-season, and it has worked. We’re very strong, and that was our primary goal. We’re very fast, too. We’re very excited; expectations are very high. If we don’t win some playoff games, we’re going to be disappointed.”

School: Atlanta

Nickname: Huskies

Coach: Troy Cheedie

2012 record: 3-5

Players lost: Garrett Badgero, Brock Baum

Players returning: Kyle Klein, Seth Teets, Jake Chambers, Evan Reeves, Jacob Ross, Josh Barrett

School: Au Gres-Sims

Nickname: Wolverines

Coach: Eric Perrot, third year

2012 record: 6-4

Players lost: Brent Schwiderson, Cody Yokum, Tyler Schutte

Players returning: Brett Maser, Ryan Caulfield, Brett Hively, Cade Mahom, Joey Brooks

Coach’s comment: “We’re progressing; we still have work to do, though. I think we could have a pretty good team this year We’re low on numbers, but we’ll get by with what we have. We’ll be competing for an NSL title this year, I suspect, and we should have a good chance of making it to the playoffs.”

School: Hale

Nickname: Eagles

Coach: Bill Hjorth

2012 record: 2-6

Players lost: Dan Katterman, Ryan Richardson, Travis Tripp

Players returning: Kelby Chrivia, Kyle Reilly, Jamie Balbaugh, Leo Polkowski, Josh Smith

School: Hillman

Nickname: Tigers

Coach: Bill Koenig, ninth year

2012 record: 5-5

Players lost: Mike Olshanski, David Olshanski

Players returning: Brenden Zimmer, Mason VanPammel, Ty Jones, Dylan Ross, Michael Klein

Coach’s comment: “I believe that this year we should be all right. Last year, we started seven sophomores, so we have all of them back. We have a small but good group of seniors that will help us out. I think the opportunity is there, we just have to make the best of it.”

School: School: Mio

Nickname: Thunderbolts

Coach: Jim Gendernalik, seventh year

2012 record: 6-4

Player lost: Nick Mangutz

Players returning: Brad Rhoades, Colton McGregor, Bryson Devers, Seth Thomey, Zach Pattullo, Jacob Lentz

Coach’s comment: “I think we had a lot of good athletes last year. The hardest thing is getting people to work together. In that there’s a football mentality of getting after people, getting excited about this play and the next play. It’s a way bigger challenge to meet the wins to get in. We’ve been in the playoffs the last 12 years, and 15 of the last 16. We’re going to be playing bigger schools – all the schools that came into the NSL are going to be bigger than us. We hope we can get wins out of that; if not, we hope we can ride the fact that we have a tougher schedule. I’m glad those schools came in.”

School: Oscoda

Nickname: Owls

Coach: Dave LeVasseur

2012 record: 3-6

Players lost: Tony Weed, Donovan Fouchey, Jacob Wood

Players returning: Dakotah Eberhadt, Brandon Franks, Alex Lamrock, Brandon Adamson, Brad Zarachowicz

Coach’s comment: “We are getting much more comfortable with our system on both sides of the ball, but we still have a tremendous number of new faces on the varsity. Having lost 18 seniors to graduation, we have a great deal of learning to do. On the same token, we are a much more focused, disciplined, committed, and determined team with the group that we have.”

School: Posen (8-man)

Nickname: Vikings

Coach: Wayne Karsten

2012 record: 2-7

Players returning: Nick Hincka, John Zaborney

School: Rogers City

Nickname: Hurons

Coach: Tim Nagy

2012 record: 1-8

Players lost: Evan Lamb, Andrew Selke

Players returning: Matt Rhode, Clay Nadolsky, Jack Ryan, Quintin Kelly, Colton Fessler

Coach’s comment: “The biggest challenge is I don’t know these teams. We will have a film exchange with the new league, but that’s all we really get out of it. The advantage is, they haven’t seen us.”

School: Whittemore-Prescott

Nickname: Cardinals

Coach: Kevin Frederick, sixth year

2012 record: 6-4

Players lost: Tyler Janish, Clay Loomis, Jordon Runyon

Players returning: Jens Gillings, Travis MacDonald, Jose Rodriguez, Ryan Prescott, Austin Edmonds

Coach’s comment: “We will know a lot more after our scrimmage. Developing depth is something we’re focused on. We have 26 varsity players this season, and we’re hoping to get contributions from everyone in one form or another. We have always made it a goal to contend for a league title. I want our goals to expand beyond the field and into the classroom as well.”

Back

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE-CENTRAL DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES

GAC Blue

GAC Red

Seniors lead way for Saginaw Nouvel

OK Green preview

BLue Water Conference preview

Mid State Activities Conference (MSAC) football preview

North West Conference Preview

Independent Conference Preview

North Star Conference Preview