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FOOTBALLAlmont exceeded all

expectations just a yearago when it finished the2010 season with a 7-3overall record. However,its magical run came toan end in the first roundof the playoffs, as it fell,27-21, to the Birch RunPanthers. Stability isalways key for any athlet-ic program, as is the casefor the Raiders, whoreturn head coachJeremy Ferman for hiseighth season at thehelm.

The Raiders did lose afew key components offof last year’s playoffsquad. Inside linebackerNick Ouillette, widereceiver Aaron May,defensive tackle MattBudzynowski, and defen-sive end Derek Kopp allgraduated.

Despite the loses,Almont has still retainedthe majority of their core.

“Yeah, we’ve got a lotof guys coming back thisyear,” said Ferman. “Ithink we’re returningeight on offense andseven on defense.”

Several big namesreturn to the gridironncluding linebacker ReneSantana, fullback AaronBorn, and Chase Orzel,who according to Fermanis ‘a four-year varsitystarter as an offensiveand defensive lineman’.The main strength forAlmont could very wellbe its backfield. WithBorn at fullback, KevinCreger and Evan Sheltonwill be anchoring thehalfback position.

As the Raiders attemptto follow up a great play-off run, coach Fermanremains optimistic aboutthe upcoming season.

“Hopefully, we startcoming together a littlebit more as a team. Rightnow, I’ve got to get myyoung guys up to speed. Iput some new wrinkles inthis year and it’s taking alittle bit longer than Ianticipated it taking,”continued Ferman.

“We’ve got a hard work-ing group of kids. Theyspend a lot of time in theoff-season together in theweight room. We’re try-ing to put it togetherhere. We’ve got (two)days from now, I guess,then we’ll play game oneand we’ll see where we’reat”. — B.P.

VOLLEYBALLAlthough coach Sue

Fredericksen lost fiveplayers to graduation,she has one new playertransferring in fromPennsylvania and acheerleader who comesback to the program aftera one-year break.

“Ashley Miller is atransfer student fromPennsylvania and I hadone player drop from lastseason,” Frederiksensaid. “I’ve already deter-mined much of the lineupfor the coming season.”

That starts with juniorNicole Diehm, whoFredericksen said “is avery impressive player, isexceptionally quick foot-ed, explosive on jumpingand just all around.”Setter Ellie Diaz, a senior,returns and was noted ashaving worked hard tobecome an accomplishedplayer. Senior HaileyHunter is back andFredericksen noted heras “a nice little defensiveplayer.” Emilee Miller,senior, will likely play atoutside hitter after play-ing defense last season.Sophomore SidneySwitanoski was a defen-sive specialist last yearand will play at outsidehitter this year. JuniorCaitlin Schmalzel hasmade the team and likelywill play at middle andjunior Sydney Nummerwill play at backup setter.Autumn Perkins, did notplay last year, but returnsafter one year off.Fredericksen said she’svery aggressive ondefense.

As far as the leagueoutlook, Fredericksenbelieves Cros-Lex is going

to come in strong. “It’s too early in the

season to tell what theother BWAC schools looklike based on graduationlosses, transfers, etc., sowe start the season atthe Bronson Invite onAugust 20 and see theseason unfold fromthere,” Fredericksen said.“It’s still too early to havemet with everyone andset team goals headinginto our second week ofofficial practice, but Ithink the girls want to dotheir best to win the con-ference title.” — L.P.

SOCCERFifth year coach John

Cmaj is very confident inhis team heading intothis season. “We werepretty good (last season).We only lost two or threegames all season long,”said Cmaj. The Raiderslost very little from lastseasons’ squad. “(Welost) two seniors. Onewas pretty good and theother was okay,” statedCmaj.

The team will bereturning the majority ofits’ core for the upcomingseason. “We’ve got thesame team, just the twoseniors are gone,” contin-ued Cmaj. “We’ve got acouple of freshmen. Weare really a stronger teamthan last year. We’ve gota really good team, andthat’s all I’ve got to say.

The strength of theirteam will be key, as theylook to take over theirconference. “This seasonI look to dominate ourdivision. I think we arethe best team right now,

no question about it.”—B.P.

TENNISCoach Nate Immekus

returns for his his fourthyear as varsity coach atAlmont and sixth overallat the school.

Returning this seasonare No. 2 Singles playerDomenic Curtis, No. 3Singles Brian Houghton,No. 4 Singles JakeMatthews, No. 1 DoublesRyan Chilcote, No. 2Doubles trio of MitchPotapa, Mitchel Bulgerand Jason McKelvey andthe No. 4 Doubles team ofGarret Borton and JacobUshman.

Junior Jared Klebbaand sophomores KyleRosenberg and ConnorMcCarthy could make animpact this season.

“We will again play thetop competition in ourdivision and some of thestrongest teams in thestate,” Immekus said. “Inthe BWAC, Armada,Almont and Richmondwill probably be favored.”— E.H.

CROSS COUNTRYAfter finishing third in

the Blue Water AreaConference last season,those returning for coachRichard Filar’s ninth yearwith the Lady Raidersinclude seniors BrookeCorbin and CarlieLawrence and juniorsKayla Johnson, AlyssaLeach and MadisonLewis.

“Cros-Lex swept theBWAC meets last year,and they return theirentire lineup. Theyshould be solid again thisseason, and there will beanother four teams or sobattling it out for sec-ond,” said Filar. “We'reamong that group, butour success will depend alittle on luck as wellas our girls' hungerand how badly they wantto compete. We havesome talented runners,but we also have somegirls with on-going injuryissues. We also have afew girls who are new torunning that could con-tribute.”

Senior Cassidy

Downing will also throwher talents into the ringfor Almont alongside sen-ior Ruby Wallen, anexchange student fromNew Zealand.

On the boys’ side, sen-iors David Burkland, JoshKlebba, Kyle Robinsonand Jess Crawford headup a group of returnersfrom last year’s secondplace team that alsoincludes juniors LoganKunath and Justin Demoand sophomores PeterDeppe, Daniel Denewethand Trevor Edie.

“Croswell-Lexingtonwon the league title lastyear, and they should bethe favorite again thisseason. The rest of theleague is pretty closelymatched. Our teamshould be pretty competi-tive, as our top three arevery solid,” Filar said.“However, a lot dependson how the rest of theteam develops. We havea handful of kids compet-ing for the remaining var-sity spots, and the emer-gence of our fourth andfifth runners will reallydecide our fate this sea-son.” — M.S.

2 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Detroit Community HS Thu Sep 1 7PM vs. Capac High School Fri Sep 9 7PM @ Richmond HS Fri Sep 16 7PM vs. Yale Public Schools Fri Sep 23 7PM @ Algonac HS Fri Sep 30 7PM @ Croswell-Lexington Community

Schools Fri Oct 7 7PM vs. Imlay City (Homecoming) Fri Oct 14 7PM @ Armada High School Fri Oct 21 7PM @ Ovid-Elsie High School

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File photo

Jacob Ferrell (#61), an offensive gurad/defensive end who graduated from Almont in 2010, and senior tightend/defensive end John Finn (#9) look to make a tackle against league rival Cros-Lex last season.

File photo

Kyle McNeil, who is a senior this season for the Almont varsity soccer team, takespossession of the ball during a 2010 game against Big Nine rival Flint Powers.

Almont’s EllieDiaz returns

for her seniorseason at set-

ter.

File photo

FOOTBALLAfter going 5-4 overall,

2-3 Greater ThumbConference-East for 2010,coach Scott Banks andassistant coaches JessVanBuskirk and LukeProwse have the good for-tune of welcoming back ahost of athletes thatplayed a key role a yearago, including senior run-ning back/linebackerNathan Primeau, whoearned First Team AllLeague honors on bothoffense and defense. Alsoreturning are seniorsAaron McIntosh at run-ning back/safety, tightend/safety Charles Baird,three-year lettermanAndrew Knox at tightend/defensive end andtight end/defensive endTyler Banks, who earnedSecond Team All GTC-EastOffense accolades lastseason. Juniorguard/defensive linemanDan Lindsay and runningback/safety Cody Laroqueare back, as well.

“Our numbers arelower this year comparedto previous years. Wehave four offensive line-man returning, whichgives us experience therewith our wing-t offense.Nathan Primeau returnsafter gaining over 1,200yards last year. We willneed to replace both tack-les this year and see howthey come along.Defensively, we have toreplace the secondary inour 4-2-5 set. If they canget to understand theirkeys and continue towork we should be alrightthere,” said Banks. “Asevery year we believewe’re talented enough tomake a run at the play-offs. We need to keepworking hard each week,get better, and the key forus is to stay healthy.”

Helping to bridge thatnumbers gap for Banksare a host of athletes thatare new to the varsity, butcould get a chance to con-tribute in 2011, includingsenior running back/safe-ty Chris Fiescher, sopho-more tackle/defensivelineman Tyler Crenshawand junior tightend/defensive end BradSmith. Also joining thecause are sophomoretackle/linebacker BrandonAngerbrandt and juniorsRyan Spokaeski at quar-terback, center/linebackerLex Wiles, runningback/center JacobPrimeau, guard/centerDalton Natke and quarter-back/center Dillon Natke.

“I look at the leaguethis year with potentiallyfive teams making theplayoffs,” Banks said.“Even with Ubly having anew coach, they are still

the team to beat. HarborBeach will be very good.Marlette has a lot of kidsreturning and they aredangerous in their spreadoffense. Sandusky, withMills and Tucker, they willgive the opposing teamfits all season. With ourlow numbers if we stayhealthy we should bevery competitive.”

The Green Devils arehoping this influx of newtalent can help fill thevoid left by last yearsgraduating seniors, suchas quarterback TrentonWood, running back CodyAnderson, tackles CaseyMartus and Kyle Lindsayand safety Quitin Pavel. —M.S.

VOLLEYBALLNicole Jones enters her

first year at the helm ofthe Green Devils.

“I’ve been an assistantto the varsity from 2004to 2008, and then I didfreshmen for a year, but Ididn’t do the varsity lastyear,” said Jones. “I didn’tcoach at all last year.”

The Green Devils willbe returning several keyplayers, including seniorsJolene Cooper andChelsey Ford.

“I have six returningseniors, and I have a sen-ior that is also playingthat didn’t play last year,but she played the yearbefore, which is one of mystarters,” said Jones.

Jones hopes to contin-ue to build on the talent

she has, and attempts totake Brown City as far aspossible.

“I want to try and winas many games as possi-ble. I have a lot of rebuild-ing to do. I know theteam, from last year tothis year, is going to be alittle stronger,” statedJones. “So I’m trying torebuild it and make it astrong team, and honest-ly, I want to win a lot ofgames. I want to try towin districts this year. Iknow I coached two yearsago and we did win dis-tricts, so I’m trying tobring that back for BrownCity.” — B.P.

SOCCERJeff Brasington begins

his fourth season incharge of the GreenDevils’ soccer team andassistant Mark Perryenters his third season.

Brown City loses threemembers from last year’ssquad including JordanFoster, Ray Bandermereand Corey Halbert.

The Green Devils havea wealth of experiencereturning led by MattPerry, Kyle Loren, TonySanson, Morgan Grutsch,Anthony Jakubowski, SamCelani, Caleb Gould, MattTackas and Nick Batz.

Newcomers to thesquad include defenderEric Ford, goaltender MikeRagap, athlete DillonBandermere and goal-tender Alex Carpenter.

“The leagues always

tough with HarborBeach,” said Perry. “USAand Bad Axe have verygood teams as well. We’revery optimistic about thisseason and the team. Ournumbers are a little lowthis year but it will be afun year.

We want to improve onlast year’s record and winthe league this year,”Perry said.” — E.H.

CROSS COUNTRYMany state qualifiers

bolster the girls’ andboys’ rosters under co-coaches Michelle Blake, inher 11th season, andJoanne Fuhrman, now inher fourth season.Shoring up the ranks areseveral All-Conferencehonorees looking to stepup their roles to help theboys’ squad better its sec-ond-place Greater ThumbConference and third-place regional finishes in2010.

Junior Chad Jacksonwas Second Team All-GTCand a state qualifier lastseason, placing 95th."Chad had an awesomeyear last year ending theseason as our numbertwo runner, I’m reallyexpecting him to step upthis year."

Sophomore Eli Poth,another Second Teamerand state qualifier (100thplace), could have astrong showing. Blakesaid he’s an extremelyhard worker and he runson his own to improve.He’ll have with fellowstate qualifiers from lastseason, junior WilliamHermann and seniorRaymond Cronce.Newcomers looking to settheir own pace includejunior Lewis Porter andsophomore AnthonyBaird.

The most significantloss to the team was MattProctor, a state qualifierall four years he ran. Heearned All-State honorsand was regional champthree years running, madeFirst Team All-Conferenceall four years and holdsthe school record of15.58.

"Last year was a veryexciting year, winning the

Lapeer County meet, tak-ing second in the SanilacCounty Meet, placingthird at regionals andqualifying for the statefinals as a team. This year,if we field a full team, weshould do well," Blakepredicted.

On the girls’ side, fourveterans will serve asleaders, starting with jun-ior Lily Brewster, SecondTeam All-Conference thepast two seasons and atwo-time state qualifier.Junior Sarah White, hon-orable mention All-Conference last season,"is full of energy and a joyto have on the team," saidBlake. Sophomore LaurenKalbfleisch was anotherhonorable mention All-GTC and state qualifier.Junior Susan Tebo "com-

pletes the team," andencourages all of the run-ners. That will be keymotivation for newcomersTaylor Wood, a junior,who has been putting inthe work all summer,sophomore MariahMartus, junior StephanieLerchenfieldt and seniorJessica Reinthaler.

"Last year we did notalways field a full team,but did have two girlsqualify for the statefinals," Blake said. "Lastyear, the girls continued toimprove their times as theseason progressed. Thisyear we hope to see thispattern continue as well ashaving them compete as ateam and we hope to be inthe top three in the leagueif we can field a full team."— L.P.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 3

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM @ Peck High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM vs. Cass City High SchoolFri Sep 9 7PM @ Kinde North Huron High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM @ Harbor Beach High SchoolFri Sep 23 7PM vs. Mayville High SchoolFri Sep 30 7PM vs. Sandusky High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM @ Ubly High SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM vs. Marlette High School

(Homecoming)Fri Oct 21 7PM vs. Memphis High School

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File photo

Senior running back/linebacker Nathan Primeau (#30), pictured here in a Greater Thumb Conference-East con-test against Sandusky last season, is back for the 2011 Brown City varsity football team.

FILE PHOTO

An unidentified Brown City runner paced the course.

Chelsey Ford (#9) is back from last years Lady GreenDevils varsity volleyball team.

FOOTBALLMark McDonald takes

over for Tom Manney atthe helm of the Chiefs.McDonald has been withthe program for the lasteight years.

McDonald loses somekey components includ-ing quarterback AustinMorgan, linebackerThomas Bolday and run-ning Anthony Closurdo.He also loses a majorityof his lineman includingRyan McDonald, KennyPolzin and Josh Tucker.

The players hoping tooffset the losses forCapac are led by six-foot,three inch, 290 pounddefensive end DakotaPerry. Other players com-ing back are DavidMcKee, who will battlefor time at quarterback,linebacker Dustin Morganand Sean O’Brien.

New players to thevarsity expected to con-tribute right away arequarterback Dan Cornish,who McDonald says maybe the best athlete on theteam, linebacker JonHorton, running backJayson Winsor and defen-sive backs Jake and JoshBoers.

The Blue Water AreaConference finished in athree-way tie last seasonwith Capac earning ashare. McDonald expectsthe Chiefs to be one ofthe top teams again butnotes Cros-Lex, Almontand Yale as “always pow-erful.” He thinks Armadacould be a factor as well.

“We want to win theBWAC straight-up thisyear,” McDonald said. “Ofcourse we want to makethe playoffs and fromthere just take it onegame at a time.”

McDonald will use thesame basic offense thatCapac ran under Manneybut overhauled thedefense and will run a 5-2scheme. — E.H.

VOLLEYBALLThe Chiefs are in a bit

of a transition year, asthird-year coach AmandaHowe attempts to rebuildwhat was a senior-heavyteam a season ago. Thereturn of Jessica Gilbertand Taylor Venzuch willgreatly help Capac thisseason. Both girls havebig shoes to fill after thedeparture of nine seniorsfrom last season.

“It is definitely like arebuilding year for us,”said Howe. “They aresuch a young team, butthey are really athletic,and we should be com-petitive in our league”. —B.P.

SOCCERLarry Tullio takes over

the program from ChadBaunoch, who steppeddown because of collegecourse load conflicts.Tullio said he has 15 onthe roster, includingthree seniors, two jun-

iors, six sophomores andfive freshmen.

“Key people for us thisseason are JesusCardenas, a senior, andSergio Zuniga, a sopho-more; they’ll both be for-wards,” said Tullio. “Ihave two goalies, Utah

Oosmialowski, a fresh-man and Drake McArthur,a senior. “Everyone elseis in the mix and whereexactly they will playremains to be seen with anew coach and wheretheir skill levels lie. Wehave seen a huge

improvement eventhough we are young. It’slooking good for us rightnow.”

Tullio noted that thekids seemed to beburned out from playingsome of the same posi-tions last season, so he’s

mixing things up at prac-tices and will iron outjust who plays at whichposition early into theseason to keep the kidschallenged and vying forthe coveted slots.

In the Blue Water AreaConference, Tullion tout-ed Almont as the fron-trunner.

“Jon Camaj just gets alot of credit and KenKunz, our girls coach, Ihave learned a lot fromboth of them,” Tullioexplained. “They playedprofessionally and theyknow the game insideand outside. As far assome of the other areateams, I’m hearing thatlow numbers and highinjury rates could havesome in jeopardy for theseason before it evenstarts.” — L.P.

GOLFThe Lady Chiefs are

loaded with juniors andset for the next two sea-sons. Coach JohnHollenbeck is just con-cerned about the follow-

ing years.“We need some

younger ones to start try-ing out next year,” hesaid.

For now, Rachel Rosesteps into the role as No.1 golfer, and Erin Kerr isright behind her. Bothshould be in the low tomid 40s. Jackie Victor,Mallory Nason andAlyssa McDonald give theteam experienced depth,and junior Jessie Laederis a promising newcomer.

“The girls played a lotof golf over the summerand they’ve done well,”said Hollenbeck. “Weshould be competitive inour league, but someother teams have somegood girls coming back,too.” — D.N.

CROSS COUNTRYThe Chiefs lost only

one girl and one boy fromlast season’s roster, butcoach Tim Gross did notreturn phone calls or e-mails for more informa-tion by our deadline. —E.H.

4 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Oscoda Area High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM @ Almont High SchoolFri Sep 9 7PM @ Croswell-Lexington CommunitySchoolsFri Sep 16 7PM vs. Imlay City High SchoolFri Sep 23 7PM @ Richmond HSFri Sep 30 7PM vs. Armada High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM @ Algonac HSFri Oct 14 7PM vs. Yale Public SchoolsFri Oct 21 7PM @ Michigan Collegiate High School

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File photo

Capac and league rival Almont went toe to toe last season.

Photo by Lisa Paine

Capac’s senior quarterback, Austin Morgan, took a snap from senior Ryan McDonald in a game against Imlay City last season.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 5

FOOTBALLThe Cardinals wel-

come first-year varsitycoach Al Margrif to theprogram, who hasinstalled new systems onboth sides of the ball.

“I’m extremely excitedto begin my first seasonas a head coach and myfirst season at Dryden,”Margrif said. “I was con-tent with the turnout atour summer lifting andconditioning program.Right now, our programhas a high level of inten-sity and enthusiasm. Wejust need to carry thatover to the season. I’mhappy with my coachingstaff and the perspectivesthat they bring to prac-tice and film work.”

Margrif also is excitedto have junior EvanPaupert back at quarter-back where he started asa sophomore.

“We are hoping to usehim more as a dual-threat,” Margrifexplained. “We’ll spreadthe ball around, so twoor three backs will sharethe load.”

Senior runningback/linebacker SeanMurphy had a lot of car-ries last year in a wing-tsystem. Margrif notedthat he’ll be opened up alittle more this seasonand should be all overthe field.

Senior offensive/defen-sive lineman BrianLadner is the anchor onthe offensive and defen-sive lines. Margrif saidhe’s a great leader andbacks it up with his play.Senior back Jake Jonikwas injured last year, buthe’s expected to be a bigcontributor going bothways. Senior kicker/widereceiver/defensive backJoe Sturza is what Margrifcalls “a dual-sport kid”from Dryden’s soccer

program. “I’ve never worked

with a kicker as talentedas him, and he’ll do morethan just kick for us.He’s an incredible all-around athlete,” Margrifstressed.

Other key playersinclude seniors JoshWargo, a fullback/line-backer and Adam Bulzan,a wide receiver/line-backer. A newcomer look-ing to get on the startingline is senior Alex Otte,an offensive/defensivelineman.

As a former defensivecoordinator at Genesee,Margrif has some earlypredictions on how theseason might shake out.

“I think we’ll match upwell with the otherschools in the GAC-Blue,”he said. “We’ve installednew systems on bothsides of the ball, so thereis a lot to learn and a lotto be done. I’ve beenimpressed by the com-munity’s support for ourteam, and we’ll workhard to put a well-pre-pared and explosiveproduct on the field onFriday nights.”

“We only have a fewathletes that will standout in our league, so it’simportant for us to stressa team-concept withshared responsibilities,”Margrif added. “Someteams will be up andsome will be down in theleague in terms of talent.We’re returning a lot andhave added a few keyplayers. I look for us toimprove on our 4-5record last season.” —L.P.

VOLLEYBALLRepeated calls to

coach Greg Grabill werenot returmed in time fordeadline. — B.P.

SOCCERComing into his fourth

year atop the Cardinals’boys’ soccer program,coach Ken Kunz has a lotto build on after leadinghis squad to a record of11-5-2 in its first year ofGenesee Area Conference-Blue competition.

“We should do well fin-ishing with senior JoeSturza (16 goals, 12assists) and juniorAndrew Kunz (33 goals,five assists) coming backstronger,” said Kunz. “Wewill be competitive inevery game this season.”

In addition to Sturzaand Kunz, Dryden is alsowelcoming back a hand-ful of players from a yearago, including seniorsAndrew Cahill, MatthewSchuhrke, Adam Hibenand Galen Roediger, whoput up four goals andfour assists for 2010.Junior Kyle Geirman isreturning from last year,as well, along side thefour goals and sevenassists put up by sopho-more Aaron Roediger.

“We need to improveon defense, as we lostour starting keeper forthe season due to injuryand two senior defend-ers,” Kunz said. “(Theteams to beat in ourleague include) Goodrich,Durand, Lake Fenton andMontrose.” — M.S

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM @ Genesee High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM vs. Byron High SchoolFri Sep 9 7PM vs. Bendle High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM @ New Lothrop High SchoolFri Sep 23 7PM vs. Hamady High SchoolFri Sep 30 7PM @ Atherton High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM @ Bentley High SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM vs. Webberville High SchoolFri Oct 21 7PM @ Morrice High School

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Senior offensive tackle/defensive tackle Brian Ladner (#74) and senior running back/linebacker Josh Clark(#30) bodyguard the ball carrier during the 2010 varsity football season for Dryden.

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File photo

Alexa Mason(#8) keeps theball in play forthe Dryden var-sity volleyballteam duringGenesee AreaConferenceaction atBentley last sea-son.

Photo by Lisa Paine

Dryden’s Mathew Schuhrke booted a ball away from LakeVille last season.

D

6 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

FOOTBALLAfter not winning a sin-

gle game last season, headcoach Ken Day and hisSpartans are on a missionto show that they can winfootball games. Althoughlosing a couple of keyplayers may have hurt,Imlay City is returningmany key players andstarters from a year ago.

“We graduated NickNivison and Mike Nagywho were key players,”said Day. “We have a lot ofreturning players also.”

Indeed, they do haveseveral returning players,including linebacker JakeScillian, running back KentWargo, defensive tackleRo Olivia, center JakeNewton, and sophomoredefensive tackle ZachRosillo, who Day dubbedthe “strongest guy on ourteam.”

Along with the manyreturning players, theSpartans have also addeda couple of key weapons.

“We’ve got a runnercoming in who took a yearoff, his name is NickReese,” said Day. “We’vealso got A.J. Caldwell atrunning back, who’s astrong kid. We’ve got a lotof returners, but you haveto remember, we didn’twin last year, so we haveto teach them to win.”

With the dreadful 0-9season behind it, ImlayCity looks to be a strongerprogram for the upcomingseason.

“Well we’re stronger,and faster, and these guys

have been together as ateam for a long time,” con-tinued Day. “Some of themright up through seventhand eighth grade, so we’reexcited.” — B.P.

VOLLEYBALLAfter a 2-12 Blue Water

Area Conference recordlast season, Aaron Muelleris looking for his team tocontinue to grow and gainexperience. Mueller isentering his sixth yearwith the program.

Though he lost a lot ofplayers to graduation,Mueller does have several

players returning whoshould help ease the loss-es. Coming back are out-side hitter CarissaMcDougall, middle hitterJennifer Jerzeski, outsidehitter Emily Job and right-side hitter Kelli Brandt.

Mueller has severalyoung players to keep aneye on including outsidehitter Chloe Kosinski, set-ter Page Queener andfreshman AlexandraVandenberg.

“The League should befairly wide open this year,”Mueller said. “Richmondhas come back to thepack a little bit and Cros-Lex should be the team tobeat. They were younglast year and surprisedsome people when theytied for first.”

I just want the team tocontinue to grow. We’reyoung and are going tohave some learningmoments. I would like towin more games than welose.” — E.H.

SOCCERWith a group of return-

ing athletes that includes

seniors Jose Barragan,Zachary Darnell, BenRodak, Tyler Michaels andVincente Torres, first-yearhead coach LuisHernandez has his workcut out for him afterspending the past two sea-sons as an assistant coachfor a squad that went 15-4-1 overall, 13-1 Blue WaterArea Conference and wona league title in 2010.

“The teams to beat thisyear are all of them. Wehave to treat every teamevenly, but if I have to givenames it would beAlmont, Richmond, andArmada,” said Hernandez.“Competitively, I expect tobe first place at every-thing in league, districtsand why not think aboutregionals and states.Academically, everyonemust succeed, seniorsmust graduate and therest must have goodgrades and follow the sen-iors example.”

The Spartans will alsobenefit from the additionof several athletes that arenew to the varsity butcould get the opportunityto make a difference,

including senior Matt VanDyk, junior Kory Kanterand freshman SalvadorBarragan.

“We are gonna do wellpressuring and we aregonna be in good shape,and we are gonna have towork our system of play,the strategy and commu-nication and thats some-thing that we are gonnalearn with time,”Hernandez said. “Justwant to thank DonGauthier, for giving methis opportunitty, (andformer Imlay City varsityboys soccer coach) RobScwable, because if it was-n't for him, this programwouldn't exist.” — M.S.

TENNISWith nine losses to

graduation, the Imlay Cityprogram took a prettygood hit. After cuts weremade late last week onlytwo positions have beennailed down for certainwith senior Kyle Strohmearning the coveted No. 1Singles spot. Junior WyattCarden will play at No. 2Singles. The rest of theSpartans’ lineup will getironed out as the seasongets underway and theboys challenge one anoth-er for playing positions.

"My remaining lineup isstill up in the air with amajority of the kids a veryeven mix of freshmen, jun-iors and seniors," saidcoach Todd Schultz."We’re fairly inexperi-enced from the standpointof losing so many play-ers."

As to hazarding anyguesses as to how theleague race could shakeout, Schultz noted thatRichmond, Almont andArmada are always tough,

quality programs. Beyondthat, it all depends on howmany losses other oppo-nents had to graduationand the skill and talentlevel of their players.

"I expect the best outof the kids every day andwe’ll certainly fight forevery match we are inuntil the very end,"Schultz stressed. "I amlooking forward to a reallygood season and we’llhave to see how everyonesteps up." — L.P.

GOLFThe Lady Spartans will

miss four-year standoutJanaye Powers, but jun-iors Hannah Campbell andAlisha Lowe are back fromthe varsity lineup. SeniorAbbey Cohoon, juniorsMegan Earehart and OliviaPauli and sophomoreLeyia Bollimi will step upfrom the junior varsity.

“We have kids to fill in,”said 14th-year coachJoyce Harlukowicz. “It willjust be a matter of howwell we develop. That’sthe case in any sport.” —D.N.

CROSS COUNTRYOne strength to this

year’s effort for the LadySpartans and head coachJim Reinke will be chem-istry because they haven’tlost any talent to gradua-tion. Despite not qualify-ing for the state meet,Imlay City was led in lastyear’s postseason atAlgonac Regional No. 16-2by Morgan Lee in 44thplace at 21:54, Jacklyn VanDyk was 52nd in 22:19 andfinishing 56th with a timeof 22:29 was Jessica Stoey.

The boys’ team facessimilar circumstances in2011 after only graduatingJesus Flores and EricHarbin from a year ago.With assistant coach BrianWells helping Reinke pulldouble duty, Imlay Cityscored a 244 at last year’sregionals and were pacedby Troy Harbin in the 24thposition at 17:40, Matt VanDyk slid in the 39th slotby clocking in at 18:12 andfinishing 42nd by clockingin at 18:13 was JosueLeon. — M.S.

810-964-4900 617 W. Sanilac Rd. • Sandusky1810 S. Cedar (M-53) • Imlay City

Best of Luck to all our local teams!!

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM @ North Branch High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM @ Richmond High SchoolFri Sep 9 7PM vs. Armada High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM @ Capac High SchoolFri Sep 23 7PM vs. Croswell-Lexington High

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Imlay City’s RJ See (#9) and the Spartans varsity boys soccer team are looking tostand tall in the Blue Water Area Conference standings this season.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 7

FOOTBALLAthletic director Joe

Beckwith takes over forBob Buckel, who movedover to Flint Powers, asthe Falcons look to makethe playoffs after fallingjust short last season witha 5-4 record. Beckwith isentering his first as a var-sity head football coach,but has coached footballfor 28 years.

Beckwith will have toreplace 15 starters fromlast season’s team includ-ing Josh Johnson, TrevorKomar, Cody Smith,Kenny Sanders and NickStreichert.

Returning for theFalcons are DaveRutherford, Billy Smith,Preston Dailey, BrysonMorawski and GarrettTaylor.

Beckwith has toreplace his quarterbackthis fall and CalebMathews and Eric Woolleyare the two competitors.Brett DeSonia is also newto the varsity and expect-ed to contribute rightaway.

“We’re going to be adifferent type of team,”said Beckwith. “We reliedon big plays last year, butwe are going to be moreof a running team thisyear that tries to controlthe tempo and the gameclock.

The (GAC) Red isalways tough, but youalways have to start withGoodrich on top. I thinkMontrose will be verygood this year, and I thinkLake Fenton will surprisesome people and do well.”

Beckwith wants histeam to compete and notgive games away.

“We will play hardevery game and com-pete,” he said. “We willplay our best ball and ifwe lose I want it to bebecause the other teambeat us, not because wegave games away.” — E.H.

VOLLEYBALLSecond-year coach

David Simmonds wel-comes back a key compo-nent to this year’s Falconsteam. Senior Autumn Langis a second-year startingsetter “with real leader-ship qualities,” the coachsaid. Also returning is sen-ior outside hitter CaitlynBradshaw, who is lookingvery strong at the net,Simmonds added.

Promising newcomersinclude juniors ShelbySims, Nicole Satkowiakand Mallory Warner.

“I’m very excited aboutthis year,” said Simmonds.“We have girls that reallywant to be on court andcompete at a high level.”— D.N.

SOCCERThe Falcons soccer

program stumbledthrough the season lastyear, finishing 4-16-1 over-

all. However, they didn’tlose too much during theoff-season.

“Actually, we really did-n’t graduate many. We hada couple decent playersthat graduated, but reallydidn’t produce last yearfor us,” said coach KeithRoberson.

The returning playerscome back with moreexperience and determina-tion to win.

“We’ve got GarrettMorey coming back thisyear, he’s a pretty goodplayer. He was actuallyGAC First Team last year.We have Mike Abbasspourcoming back this year, andhe’s a good player. Both ofthem are going to be sen-iors,” proclaimedRoberson. “Then we havesome sophomores thatare real good players thisyear, who were freshmenlast year.”

Experience plays a keyfactor for any high schoolprogram attempting tocompete at the varsitylevel.

“We had a really youngteam last year, which was

our biggest problem. Thisyear, with the sophomoresthat are returning, theyplayed varsity ball lastyear when they reallyshould’ve been JV, but wedon’t have a JV program,”said Roberson. “It justmade it a little bit tougherfor them.”

Newcomers have beenfew and far between, espe-cially this early into thepre-season practices.“We’ve had one freshmanshow up to practice so far.A lot of times the fresh-men don’t show up untilafter school gets started,”said Roberson.

Shifting some momen-tum their way will be atough challenge for theFalcons, as they try torebound from last year’ssub par season.

“I think we finishedfourth in the GAC lastyear, so at least the winswere in our division,which was helpful. I reallythink that we’re going todo better this year. I’d liketo think we could win halfour games this year,”added Roberson. “Like I

said, with the sophomoresthat are returning, they’rea little bigger, a littlestronger, a little faster thisyear. Plus they won’t be asoverwhelmed as they werelast year as freshemn. Ipretty much had freshmenon the field the entire sea-son. So they won’t be asnew this year, and they’llbe more ready for a varsi-ty program.” — B.P.

CROSS COUNTRYA strong 1-2 punch of

seniors Jordan West andMark Williams lead theFalcons’ boys team into apromising season. Bothare under 18 minutes,and West ran a 4:30 mileto win the GAC meet lastyear. Seniors AlexCollings and Joe Kennedyalso return, while AndrewMcCray and AdamBachelor are promisingfreshmen trying to crackthe top five on the nine-man roster.

“We’re looking for ourboys to do somethingthis year,” said fifth-yearcoach Mike Brouillet. “Ifthose kids can run con-sistently under 20 min-utes, we’re going to behard to beat.”

Sophomore SavannahCoolman leads a thingirls’ roster. She wasthird in the GAC two-mileas a freshman. KatieSmith is a returning sen-ior and senior softballstar Morgan Coolman is afirst-year runner on theteam. Freshman AllisonJoyce shows potential. —D.N.

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Marlette High School Thu Sep 1 7PM @ Frankenmuth High School Fri Sep 9 7PM @ Lake Fenton High School Fri Sep 16 7PM @ Goodrich High School Fri Sep 23 7PM vs. Montrose HS/MS Fri Sep 30 7PM @ Beecher High School Fri Oct 7 7PM vs. Durand High School Fri Oct 14 7PM vs. Mt. Morris High School Fri Oct 21 7PM @ Millington High School

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File photo

LakeVille’sGarrett Taylor(#22) trys toavoid aGoodrich tack-ler last seasonin GeneseeAreaConferencecompetition.

Photo by Lisa Paine

LakeVille’s Mark Williams paced a pack of runners atlast season’s County Meet.

Photo by Lisa Paine

LakeVille in black, battled against Dryden during Cancer Awareness game.

FOOTBALLThe Eagles are coming

off of a 7-2 regular seasonthat saw them finish sec-ond in the Metro Leaguelast year and the pro-gram’s first playoff appear-ance under coach JakeWeingartz.

Weingartz is enteringhis fourth season incharge of the Eagles andhis fifth year overall withthe program.

Last season, the Eagleshad a lot of experience evi-denced by the number ofplayers that moved on tocollege football this sea-son. Weingartz does havea nice mix of returningplayers and newcomers tokeep the Eagles competi-tive in the Metro.

Returning is quarter-back Gary Bulzan, whowill also see time at line-backer, wide receiver anddefensive back AaronHirsch, offensive anddefensive lineman JoePerry, wide receiver anddefensive back PaulWoloszyk, wide receiverand defensive back BradLaBrie, offensive anddefensive lineman JTPillars and defensive endand offensive linemanColin McCallum.

New players to the var-sity squad expected tomake an impact are full-back and linebacker NickBurgess, quarterback andfree safety Garrett Schaller,linebacker and tight endKyle Rachwal, defensiveend and wide receiver KenMullins and freshmanoffensive lineman andnose tackle AnthonyHerbert.

When asked about theupcoming season,Weingartz responded by

saying, “(We’re) going totake one game at a time.”— E.H.

VOLLEYBALLThe main downfall for

the Eagles this season maybe their youth. After losingfive seniors, Lapeer Eastmay be in a bit of arebuilding process. Thetransition has definitelybegun, as the Eaglesreturn just two of last sea-sons’ starters.

The main players whoreturn from last years’ ros-ter include Jenna Vierk,Lauren Tillery, andMeaghan Saelens.Newcomers AngelaCiaravino and MorganKopacka are expected tomake an impact in theirdebuts this fall.

“We are a young team,and will improve through-out the year,” said coachDan Purvis. — B.P.

SOCCERThe Eagles are conduct-

ing a crash course ondefense after graduatingall four starting defenders.But Most Valuable PlayerColin Owen is back toanchor the defense atgoalkeeper, and seniorsAndy Gonda, ZacharyWhatcott, Alex Henson,Duncan Rowley and NickBurt are stepping into thedefenders’ roles.

Offensively, East hassome skill in seniors AlexPodolski and JustinHenderson, and juniorEvan Schlaud has been thebest player in scrimmagesso far. Bailey Boyer isexpected to play midfieldand forward as the firstfreshman on the varsitysince Cullen Turczyn.

“So far in our scrim-mages we’ve had out-standing play from ourgoalie, Colin Owen,” saidEast coach Chad Kenny.“He’s been peppered withshots as we have not fig-ured out what we’re doingdefensively yet. We have alot of excellent defendersand we are still trying tosort it out in the backthird. Our midfield has notcommitted to playingdefense yet either.Offensively, if our betterplayers compete and workhard, we’ll be all right.” —D.N.

TENNISWith a large part of last

year’s team no longer apart of the Eagles champi-onship expectations, thetheme for 2011 is one ofchange and features firsttime varsity tennis com-petitors seniors KyleNelson and BryantStuewer, junior BrandonWarrean and sophomoresAlec Kluck, Levi Gonzalezand Keaton Pnacek.

“We have four otherplayers fighting for a varsi-ty position. We lost sevenplayers from last year'steam but we expect towork hard to improve onlast years accomplish-ments,” said coach OscarRodriguez.

Despite the rosterchanges, the Eagles arestill returning just as many

players as they lost tograduation, including sen-iors Brandon Kelts, HenryPeabody and JustinTownsend, juniors MattWagner and Blake Ludwickand sophomores AlexApfel and DrakeLamphere.

“Our singles should dovery well. Once we haveour doubles players select-ed we'll know more aboutour team's expectations,”Rodriguez said. “Ourmatches in the (FlintMetro) league will be abattle this year. As always,Brandon, Fenton and Hollywill be tough to beat.”

For 2011 Lapeer Eastfinished at 6-3-2 overall, 4-2-1 Metro, placing third inthe conference and fifth atregionals. — M.S.

GOLFAudrey Fleming and

Meghan Gordon are backto lead a junior-dominatedteam. Kelsey Sinclair andMegan Culbert also playedas sophomores, and SierraWoodcum followed up astrong freshman seasonwith a full summer of play.Soccer player AlexisWhatcott is out for herfirst season of golf as ajunior.

The Lady Eagles madethe state tournament lastyear but graduated theirtop two players.

“It’s definitely a rebuild-ing year,” said coach SteveStearns. “Hopefully, a cou-ple of the girls have beenworking over the summerand getting better.” — D.N.

CROSS COUNTRYManny Schmidt is in his

third stint as head coachfor the Eagles’, whileNoelle Grignani is begin-ning her seventh year withthe program.

The girls’ cross countryteam returns a wealth oftalent that includes LailaAl-Ghanem, JackiCunningham, Brennah

Donahue, Shelby Dulin,Amy Gaylor, Kelsey Jarvis,Allyssa Mazur-Batistoni,Sabrina Pflanzer, JeeniPutz, Jessica Starr andNatalie Werner.

Newcomers includeDominique Burke, LeahCrittenden, CourtneyJarvis, Mariena Jones,Celeste Lareau and GinaTorre.

“Three girls with statemeet experience and 11returning varsity letterwinners bodes well for thegirls’ squad,” saidSchmidt. “This teamshould be competitive.”

The boys’ team doesnot return the experienceor the depth that the girlsdo but could get better asthe year progresses.

Returning are LucasBonesteel, Dan Gildner,Joe Gizinski and JacobMcNutt. Newcomersinclude Ricky Burly, JamieDulin, Thomas Gildner,Josh Kimsey, Jack Lareau,Jared Putz and Ethan Sox.

“The boys’ team lacksexperience but with a cou-ple of good seniors andfive potentially outstand-ing freshman on theyteam, they should be com-petitive by season’s end,”said Schmidt. — E.H.

SWIM AND DIVEFor a co-op team that

doesn’t even have a highschool pool to use, theLapeer team somehowmanages to keep a floatilaof swimmers coming backeach year. This season, 35girls, 14 from Lapeer Westand 21 from Lapeer Eastwill look to best its sec-ond-place Flint MetroLeague finish from oneseason ago. Ten freshmenand 13 sophomores willcontinue to build upon theprogram as they find theirpositions on the team.

“I have 18 returningtotal swimmers and 17new girls in that 35,” saidcoach Pat Thomas. “Mycaptains this year are all

juniors with EmilyShallman and Jen Mausloffrom East and MeganVerbeke from LapeerWest.”

Thomas said Shallmanis seeking to make severalstate qualifying times thisseason. The seniors on theteam include EmilyCorriveau, SarahCrittenten, HannahHastings and Lindsay Kile.

Sophomore MollyBrown shows great poten-tial. Of her strong juniorcontingent, Thomas saidMausolf is expected to bestrong in the sprints, espe-cially the 100 freestyle.She’s worked through theLiquid Lightning over thesummer to build herselfup. Maranda Rutkowskicould do well in thesprints and the IM racesas a very strong swimmer.Megan Verbeke will holdone of the leadership rolesas a third-year swimmerand will be key in the dis-tance events, especiallythe 200 and 500, saidThomas.

“This season we arelooking to make state relayin the 200 IM, that’s ourgoal,” Thomas added.“Corriveau will be key inthe 200 IM and 100 breast-stroke, and looks for thisto be her best year.Crittendon, a backstroker,also looks for her besttimes and hopes to breakthe school record. She’llalso be key in the freestylesprints. Kile is the team’stop breaststroker and alsolooks for a fantastic sea-son and Hastings isexpected to do well in herfinal season.

“The team was tied forsecond in the Metro lastyear, and predominantlyeveryone has returned,especially in 200 IM, 100fly, 100 breaststroke and500. These will be ourstrongest events,” Thomassaid. “In diving, AlyciaMauslof is a newcomerand will try the diving as afreshmen, so I’m all up foranyone willing to take thaton. Others could return todiving, but it’s too early totell who.”

Thomas has employeda new Big Sister/LittleSister mentor program forthe underclassmen that isgoing quite well. She notedthat a lot of strong swim-mers are in the under-classmen ranks, and fourin particular are being putthrough more rigorousworkouts.

The team will have nohome meets this season,as the scheduling issues atthe Lapeer Rec Centerhave proved to be a deter-rent for opposing teams.Senior night will take placeat Flint Kearsley and thegirls opened the seasonTuesday at Oxford. — L.P.

8 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM @ Holly High School Thu Sep 1 7PM vs. Clio High School Fri Sep 9 7PM @ Kearsley High School Fri Sep 16 7PM vs. Lapeer West High School Fri Sep 23 7PM @ John Glenn High School Fri Sep 30 7PM @ Brandon High School Fri Oct 7 7PM vs. Fenton High School Fri Oct 14 7PM vs. Swartz Creek High School Fri Oct 21 7PM @ Linden High School

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File photo

Emily Shallman competes in the breaststroke for the Lapeer East and Lapeer West combined varsity girls’swim team that practices at the Lapeer Recreation Center and has no home meets this season.

File photo

Joe Perry (60), Eric Strickler (33) and Patrick Rieves battled St. Marys last season.

FOOTBALLThe Panthers won

their last three gamesand four of their last fivein 2010. The bad newswas, they dropped theirfirst four.

Mike Smith is lookingfor a faster start this sea-son, and the 14th-yearcoach has the horses todo so.

Key personnel areback in key positions,starting with seniorDavid Price at quarter-back, junior ZeshawnJones-Parker at receiverand linebacker, juniorMichael Ledington andChad Ferguson at run-ning back and GabeTaylor and Craig Frazeeat receiver. Senior KenBoal and BrandonWelling anchor the offen-sive line.

The defensive line iswell-seasoned with Boal,Nate Page, ZaneSchubert and LukeKnickerbocker, andPrice, Jones-Parker andTaylor are back at line-backer. Ledington andFrazee return to thedefensive backfield.

Players expected tomove into starting posi-tions include Jeff Maieron the offensive line andBriar Moshier at runningback and defensive line.Junior Cody Perkins iscompeting at quarter-back, and C.J. Meltonshows potential at line-backer. Two newcomersto the program, seniorsKyle Swailes and DarrellBougie, are vying forpositions at wide receiv-er and defensive back.Swailes also kicks.

“We return a lot ofexperience in our defen-sive line and we have alot of kids that are prettyskilled,” Smith said.“Already we have a littlebetter team speed, andhopefully we’ll play spe-cial teams better.

“We’ve got to be a bet-ter team early. We gotout of the gates slow lastyear, and we’re just look-ing at trying to be moreprepared.” — D.N.

VOLLEYBALLCoach Karen Eckel

enters her ninth seasonat West and has beenwith the program for 22years.

Eckel has plenty ofexperience returning

from a team that finishedsecond last year in theMetro League. Returningare seniors MaddisonSmith, Marisa Liburdi,Marnie Fettig, MadiganFranko and Anna Gwynand juniors Katie Eckeland Shannon Brown.

The Panthers haveseveral new faces to thevarsity that includeMallory Rozewicz,Savannah King andLapeer East transfer,Shelby Wagner. Eckel,Wagner and Smith willonce again look to earnAll-Metro honors.

“I think Fenton will bethe team to beat,” Eckelsaid. “East versus Westis always an excitinggame. (The) team hasbeen working very hardand I look forward to agreat season. If we canpass well we should be

stronger than last year.”— E.H.

SOCCERLapeer West is in a

period of youth transi-tion, as it tries to get itsyoung core more experi-ence.

“We were a bit below.500 last year. We had ayoung team,” said coachKenny Uzoigwe. “Therewere about three or fourseniors on the team thathadn’t really played highlevel, competitive soc-cer. That kind of hin-dered us from doingwhat we needed to do tobe a successful team. Onthe other hand, we alsohad two or three qualityplayers. At the end ofthe day, it’s about put-ting the ball in the net,and if we can’t put theball in the net, it’s defi-

nitely going to cost us.”“We graduated

defender Matt Cox. Hewas one of our strongdefenders,” statedUzoigwe. “He used hisheight, his size, and he’dtry to help us out defen-sively.”

West will be returningseveral players, includ-ing Matt O’Brien, whoaccording to Uzoigwe is“one of my top threeplayers”. “We are ayounger team this year,and we’re going to try tobuild on the athleticismwe have.”

The season was filledwith ups and downs forthe Panthers last year.

“Last season we lostabout our first sixgames, and then we wenton to beat Fenton, andthat was a big win forus,” continued Uzoigwe.“It carried us to winthree straight games. Ijust want to make surethat we have a goodstart this year.”

Not many key addi-tions will be made toWest’s team.

“I have a couple of JVplayers that I moved up.One of the things we’vebeen working on throughthe off-season is thepace of the game,” saidUzoigwe. “We want tomake sure we’re workingon the pace of the game

for when these JV play-ers come in. They needto understand once youget to the varsity level,there is no more ‘goingthrough the motion’thing like you go throughin JV, where the pace ofthe game is slower. Wewant them to understandwhat they’re going to befacing when they comeup.” — B.P.

TENNISWith only 13 athletes

on the roster as of Aug.16, West’s tennis teamfound itself two playersshort of the schoolboard minimum required15 participants with justa day to make up the dif-ference. Fortunately, thePanthers were able toavoid canceling theirseason with the additionof two last-minutesignups, allowing thesquad to enjoy a full sin-gles and doubles lineupas they try to climb theirway up the ladder of theFlint Metro Leaguestandings.

“Players new to thecourts, I would hopeeach match out theyimprove their game, andby the end of the seasonare consistent with theirskills and performing attheir personal best,” saidcoach Sue Pittsley.“Holly, Fenton, Brandonand East are alwaysstrong teams and consis-tent with depth.”

Coming back from ayear ago is a wealth oftalent that includes sen-iors Brian Stover, EricHyatt, JT Harris, WyattFleisher, Eric Boskee andDan Delvecchio, juniorJeff Simion and sopho-more Braydin Walters.

“I expect returningplayers to set seasongoals where they chal-lenge themselves to fin-ish higher with theiroverall record, leagueand regional play thenlast year,” Pittsley said.— M.S.

GOLFThe Lady Panthers

return four of their topfive players from a state-qualifying team. LindsayYateman and Haley

Byard are seniors, KateCarlson is a junior andTori Carlson is a sopho-more. Freshman CayceeTurczyn looks like a top-five player after qualify-ing for the OptimistsInternational tournamentin Florida this summer.Chelsea Miller alsoreturns, and coach MikeOgg has “eight freshmenwho all want to be onthe varsity.”

“We’re capable ofbeing one of the betterteams in our league, butwho knows?” said Ogg,who has coached 58teams in seven sportsover his career.“Sometimes you thinkyou have a good teambut they don’t perform;other times you’re sur-prised. We’re excitedabout the season.” —D.N.

CROSS COUNTRYRuss Reitz enters his

13th year of coachingcross country with thisbeing his second yearwith the Panthers. Theboys’ team returns moreexperience than thegirls’ squad and shouldbe competitive this year.

Returning for the boysare Jake and JohnnyWeingartz, KodyThorton, Shane More,Nick Williams, JacksonDeRuiter, MichaelO’Brien, Erik Groom andZach Hendrick. The girlsreturn Alisha Kitner, GinaCavanaugh andStephanie Anderson.

Incoming freshmanlooking to crack the var-sity rotation are AndrewPollum, Devin Karpovich,Shannon DeRuiter andVicki Martindale.

“Our boy’s teamshould fair well thisyear,” said Reitz. “Wehave a group of boyswho will run together asa pack. Last season wefinished seventh in ourleague and we hope toimprove on that.”

“Our girls team willmiss Tori Peet this year,as she was always at thefront,” Reitz added.“Alisha Kitner has beentraining hard all summerto become our lead run-ner.” — E.H.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 9

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Fenton HS/AGS MS Thu Sep 1 7PM vs. Davison High School Fri Sep 9 7PM vs. Brandon High School Fri Sep 16 7PM @ Lapeer East High School Fri Sep 23 7PM vs. Swartz Creek High School Fri Sep 30 7PM @ Linden High School Fri Oct 7 7PM @ Holly High School Fri Oct 14 7PM vs. Clio High School Fri Oct 21 7PM @ Kearsley High School

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LapeerWest’s

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File Photo

Lapeer West’s Justlin SLater was teken down during last year’s action.

FOOTBALLThe Red Raiders

return a corps of leader-ship with nine-yearcoach Denny Lester atthe helm. He has 41-43win-loss record and hisRaiders just missed theplayoffs after finishingat 5-4 overall, 2-3Greater Thumb Conf.-East.

The 10 lost to gradua-tion will be missed, but16 letter-winners return-ing including quarter-back/defensive backKolby Lange, a First-Teamer from last sea-son, who rushed 131times for 1,000 yards. Hewas 58-for-133 for 678yards with seven touch-down and eight inter-ceptions. He also had 37total tackles at corner.

"Kolby is really anexplosive offensive play-er," Lester said. "He hasan opportunity to makea big play every time hetouches the ball."

Senior Kyle Jicklingenters his third seasonat wide receiver/defen-sive back. He had 30total tackles and 4 inter-ceptions and started allnine games at corner,rotating in at widereceiver when needed.Also at widereceiver/defensive backis senior DonnieThomas. The Second-Team All-Conferencehonoree started in theslot on offense and atdefensive back the pasttwo season, who tallied80 rushing yards withtwo scores and 25receptions for 334 yardsand four touchdowns.He also had 33 totaltackles and six intercep-tions. Lester saidThomas was a big playguy for Marlette lastseason, and is expect toreally improve this sea-son.

Senior Justin Carelloplayed superback forLester last season, rush-ing 90 times for 404yards and four touch-downs, while also mak-ing 14 receptions for 93yards. He’s also expect-

ed to contribute greatlyeach game.

Senior Joey Volzstarted at offensive tack-le and linebacker andenters his third seasonafter leading in tackleswith 120 total. He alsomade five sacks and oneinterception. Lestertabbed Volz as one ofthe team leaders for thisseason after makingFirst team All-Conference at linebackerlast season.

Three seniors,Michael Wells, JacobWiley and Evan Howard,will do duty on theonline and as lineback-ers. Wells enters histhird and was honorablemention last year afteramassing 46 total tack-les that included threesacks. Wiley enters histhird year and was alsoan honorable mentionon the O-line last sea-son. On defense, he wasMarlette’s second-lead-ing tackler with 58 totaltackles, three sacks, andtwo interceptions.Howard had 40 tacklesand is expected to play

at an even higher levelthis season.

Seniors CurtisMorrison, split back,defensive line andAnthony Hoisington, O-line/D-line are bothexpected to pick upwhere they left off lastseason disrupting theopposition.

Sophomore BradSchaub was brought upat the end of last seasonat wide receiver/defen-sive back and will playboth sides this season.Seniors Eric Leveillerand Kyle Creason willboth battle for key start-ing spots. Senior BradMontgomery, who Lestersaid earned a startingspot last season isexpected to contributeagain in 2011. SeniorJames Marquardt looksto start on the O-line orD-line this season andsenior Cody Newlandwas the team’s longsnapper and widereceiver last season.Lester called him "avery intelligent footballplayer that will con-tribute this year."

A crop of newcomersincludes juniorsAnthony Kappen,Zachary Kady, RyanMiller, Alan Sager, AaronHirsch, Alex Howe andNate Straul.

Lester said the teamhas a lot of athletic abil-ity with speed as thestrength and size as alimitation, but addedthat the team has thesame high expectationsthat it does every yearand feels it can contend.— L.P.

VOLLEYBALLNow in his 10th year

with the team aftergoing 25-21-4 overall, 9-1Greater ThumbConference-East a sea-son ago, Fred McDowellhas the good fortune offacing the challenges of2011 with the help of astaff that includes juniorvarsity coach Josie Volz,eighth-grade coach KimAnstett and seventh-grade coach DeniseShaver.

“We will play togethervery well, we will have alot of fun, and when youwatch us you will seegreat sportsmanshipand positive attitudesplus some pretty decentvolleyball,” saidMcDowell. “Sandusky,and Brown City shouldbe very good this year,Ubly is always tough,and we should be ok bymid season.”

With Karley Sauder,Kelsey Roggenbuck andRachel McEwewn serv-ing as the teams only

returning seniors, theexperience of juniorsAbby Bowman andAlexis Nesto becomesthat much more essen-tial. Also coming backfrom last years team aresophomores KearaWilson, Kristen Reinstra,Lily Solgat and MaginDings, who will be com-plimented by a handfulof first-year varsity ath-letes that include juniorLexi Cooper and fresh-men Marrisa Fergusonand Courtney Quade.

“As you can tell byour roster, we are veryyoung, it will take a littlewhile to get everyone’sfeet wet, but they have agreat work ethic andshould become veteransquickly,” McDowell said.“The three seniors hadlarge roles in our quar-terfinal win two yearsago and are tested andtrue volleyball veter-ans.” — M.S.

SOCCERDave Hayden returns

to the Red Raiders’bench where he ledthem to an 11-2-1 recordand a league title lastseason.

Marlette returns amajority of its teamfrom last season includ-ing Mike Boyne andChris Titus at forward,Derek Platte, JacobKipp, Casey Johnson,Chad Walker and AaronCook on defense andAlex Hayden, Andy andJacob Bowman,Christian Mason andAlex Byars at midfield.

Newcomers includeforward Logan Dean,goalies Kody Ray andJordan Cross, defenderJeremy Fearson andmidfielder Mike Jocham.

“I feel that this year’steam should be solidbut will have to workharder to win the leagueagain,” said Hayden.“The talent is in place,now it is up to the guysto put in the work

required to do well inthe league.” — E.H.

CROSS COUNTRYThe Red Raiders’

boys’ team is the two-time defending GTC-Eastchamps and the girls’squad is the defendingchamp. Coach ChrisTitus, now in his sixthseason at the helm,expects the team todefend those titles andqualify for the statemeet. He also coaches atthe junior high level.

The boys’ squad isled by juniors Andy andJacob Bowman, statefinalists from last sea-son, juniors Matt Titus,Matt Chappel and NickShaver anchor thesquad. Returning letter-men Casey Johnson,Jared Hutchens, AlexHerman, Michael Boyneand Jacob Kipp will pro-vide the depth through-out the season.Freshman Marcus Dalewas a standout on thejunior high team andwill be joined by rookiesAndrew Clark andConnor Byce.

The girls’ squad looksfor new leadership aftergraduating one of theschool’s best runnersever in Sarah Smith andRebecca Spinks, anothersolid runner, accordingto Titus. A younger andless experienced corpswill take to the courseled by sophomore ToriMock and freshmenMacKenzie Kelly andSami Sisson. Titus notedKelly as the junior highrecord holder. Otherslooking to break into theranks include rookiesLarissa Duff and RandyHughes. Newcomer andjunior IzabellaMcCanham has whatTitus calls great poten-tial because of her dis-tance abilities.

"We are buildingtoward somethinggreat," Titus said. "Thisyear we are excitedabout the boys’ teamand their opportunity tocompete for anotherleague title and spot inthe state finals. "It willbe hard to replace someof the great girl runnersthat graduated, but wehave some real talent onthe young squad." – L.P.

10 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

Fri Aug 26 7PM @ LakeVille High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM @ Mayville Community SchoolsFri Sep 9 7PM vs. Ubly High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM vs. Elkton Pigeon Bay Port LakerFri Sep 23 7PM vs. Sandusky High SchoolFri Sep 30 7PM @ Harbor Beach High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM vs. Deckerville High SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM @ Brown City High SchoolFri Oct 21 7PM @ Peck High School

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Good Luck Red Raiders

••

•

•••

2011 Football Schedule

File photo

Marlette’s Kolby Lange (#7) is back for the Red Raiders 2011 varsity football team.

Karley Sauder (#10) con-nects at the net for theMarlette varsity volleyballteam.

FOOTBALLHead coach Mike

Campbell has his workcut out for him when itcomes to changing theculture of a program thathas posted just one win-ning season since 1988.

“This year’s Mayvilleteam returns six playersoff of last year’s team.The seniors are hardworkers that hope tohave a successful sea-son,” said Campbell.“Andrew Dumka and JoshBuhl are two captainsthat will help anchor theoffensive line. They arealso two potentialstarters on the defensiveside of the ball. BrandonGott returns as the lead-ing receiver off of lastyear’s team.”

Complimenting thiscrew of veteran talent area handful of athletes whoare new to the varsity butmay get a chance tomake their presence felt,including running backDakota Walker, MichaelShaver, Ryan Weckle andWade Stevenson, who willhelp give the team speedand depth in its back-field.

“I think that this edi-tion of the MayvilleWildcats will be very wellbalanced. This team hassome good lineman andsome speed in the back-field,” Campell said. “Onthe defensive side of theball we are aggressiveand want to improveeach and every week.The one drawback of ourteam is the lack of depthat certain positions.”

Last year, theWildcats’ varsity footballteam went 0-8 overall, 0-5Greater ThumbConference-East, scoring69 points for 2010, whileallowing 359. Despitethese results, the squadstill lost a wealth of tal-ent at key positions tograduation, such as quar-terback Aaron Mercerand offensive linemanEvan Franke.

“Some of the teamgoals for the season areto give up 50-70 fewer

points than last seasonand to be competitive ineach and every game,”said Campbell. “TheGreater ThumbConference-East is alwaysa very tough and compet-itive league. Each andevery week you playanother tough opponent.Harbor Beach, and Ublycould be consideredfavorites to win theleague, but any of theother teams are alsocapable of winning theleague.”

While Campbell’s ros-ter may only go 18 play-ers deep, at least he hasa six-man coaching staffto help him guide histroops through the vari-ous adversities that aresure to arise. Thisincludes Keith Whitaker,Dave Forystek, EdStevenson, Sean Squires,Russ Coutcher and ChrisKidd. — M.S.

VOLLEYBALLNow in her seventh

season as head coach ofthe Lady Wildcats varsityvolleyball team, NitaStevenson has severalreturning athletes from ayear ago who could playkey roles in 2011. Thisincludes senior left hitterHaley Phelps, whoStevenson describes as a,“strong hitter and serv-er”. Senior MiddleStephanie Wheaton, astrong server accordingto Stevenson, is also backalong side the, “bestdefensive player on theteam”, senior middle AlexDiller.

“We will be a veryyoung team with foursophomores on varsity.We will be focuding onbeing tough defensivelywhile we work on beingmore aggressive onoffense, “ said Stevenson.“With only three return-ing players, we will beworking on improvingevery game and work onbeing competitive in theleague.”

Among those in theirfirst year of varsity com-petition for Mayville is

sophomore left hitterCrystal Savage, a stronghitter and server, andjunior setter KelseyBlasdell, who Stevensondescribes as, “quick andvocal. Runs the offensewith confidence.” Theseadditions will help theLady Wildcats make upfor those lost to gradua-tion, including AmberSavage, Kelsey Schenkand Annie Richardson. —M.S.

CROSS COUNTRYThe girls’ portion of

Mayville’s cross countryteam is coming into theseason quite strong, los-ing only one key player

from last year’s team. “The only loss from

last year is senior KelliPape, who is out for theseason due to knee sur-gery. She earned All-Conference honors andcompeted at the statemeet last year,” said headcoach Angie Garno.

On the returning side,the Wildcats look to bestrong with the majority

of their core still intact. “We return all but one

runner from last year’sstate qualifying team,”stated Garno. Returningcontributors includeRuth Squires, AshleyMcMullen, NicoleRedfield, Jordan Dunham,Cora Sharp, and ToriBakewell. First year jun-ior, Emily Middleton, isexpected to make animpact as well, andaccording to coachGarno, ‘should fit into thetop seven quite nicely’.

As far as the seasongoes, Garno is quite opti-mistic about her squad.

“My top group shouldbe pretty strong. We arehoping to compete forthe league title as well asreturn to the state meet,”said Garno. “We did notearn any championshiptitles last year, but we fin-ished second in both theleague championship andthe regional meet.”

The boys’ squad willbe missing a key compo-nent from last year’steam.

“Hayden Garlick fin-

ished 22nd at the statemeet. He will be continu-ing his running career atAdrian College this year,”continued Garno. “Wealso graduated BrandonBaber and John Madocksfrom our top five run-ners.”

The Wildcats willreturn senior FrancisBuggia, juniors Nick Foxand Justin Harris, andsophomores Kyle Baxterand Tyler Rowe, who willbe expected to step up tofill the shoes of the grad-uated seniors’ accordingto Garno.

The season overallcould have some positiveresults for Mayville.

“We have a hard work-ing group of boys that aregoing to push themselvesthis year to finish at thetop of the league,” saidGarno. “They also havegoals of qualifying forstates as a team.” Theboys are coming off of aseason in which theyplaced third in the leagueand fourth in regionals.— B.P.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 11

The Lady Wildcats lost Annie Ricardson (#8) from lastyears team to graduation.

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Michigan Lutheran SeminaryThu Sep 1 7PM vs. Marlette High SchoolFri Sep 9 7PM @ Sandusky High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM vs. Ubly High SchoolFri Sep 23 7PM @ Brown City High SchoolFri Sep 30 7PM vs. Star International AcademyFri Oct 7 7PM @ Bay City All Saints High SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM vs. Harbor Beach High SchoolFri Oct 21 7PM @ Kingston High School

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FOOTBALLLosing 20 to graduation

led to a very excitingquarterback battle overthe off-season for theBroncos. Coach PatForster announced thatthe starting spot goes tosophomore Jacob Young,who was battling last sea-son’s backup and incom-ing senior Jakob Bonner.

Because of how Bonnerhas handled the pressureand the move from quar-terback to wideout,Forster and the coachingstaff named him as a cap-tain. The team typicallychooses its own captains.

"Young is a special kidand at 6-foot, 165 lbs. heruns a 4.7 second 40 forus," Forster said. "He hasa strong arm, is verysmart and coming alongquickly. Bonner has reallytaken a senior leadershiprole, moves out to wide-out and being a quarter-back, knows his route, hastremendous hands andknows where to be. He’salso going to start atstrong side for us."

Other key returningplayers include seniorcaptain Trevor Marceau, a6-4, 215 lb. wide receiver.He had 493 yards andseven scores last seasonand was a TVC SecondTeamer. Senior and third-year starter and captainStewart Fielder stands inat 6-4, 225 lbs. on theoffense/defense line. Hereplaces Ethan Deshetskyat left tackle. Cody Bader,6-foot, 220 lbs. played onthe line last year, this sea-son he returns to his fullback position.

Another captain andForster’s "QB of ourdefense this season" isnewcomer and sopho-more Doug Stikeleather, atrunning back/defensiveback. Sophomore JacobPasek is a cornerback andkicker that Forster is real-ly excited about.

"Hands down, he’s themost athletic kid in theprogram and kicked sever-al 35 yard field goals as afreshman," Forster said."We picked up anotherstrong kicker that contin-ues our strongsuit at thatposition over the years."

Forster said becausethe rest of the team is sonew and young, a lot isstill up in the air, but thebunch is very athletic and

strong. "As the offenseand defense line go, so dowe," he said.

As for the season?"Regardless of past histo-ry the expectations arethe playoffs every year,"Forster stresed, enteringhis 12th season with theprogram. "We’re excitedabout that first game(with Imlay City) andCoach Day is doing a phe-nomenal job with that pro-gram. We need Imlay Cityto be back to what theywere six or seven yearsago. We want that excite-ment and rivalry. We’regoing the right way andfeel they are, too. We wantthat to be that premieregame every season in theThumb." — L.P.

VOLLEYBALLJim Fish returns to the

North Branch sidelines forhis 12th season at theschool and is entering his25th year of coachingoverall. Fish has amassedover 800 victories in hiscareer with 618 of those atNorth Branch.

The Broncos won the

state championship in2009 and lost in the statefinals in 2010. This year’ssquad will have some bigshoes to fill if they want toreturn to Battle Creek.

Returning for theBroncos are middle hitterSam Garza, who wasSecond Team All-State lastyear and led the team inblocks, defender WhitneyStrich, who led the teamwith a 95.9 serve percent-age, and MicaelaDeshetsky, who will movefrom middle position tooutside hitter and willplay both offense anddefense this year. JuniorRachel Fish will have toreplace two-time FirstTeam All-State CatherineBrusie as libero and AliRuhlman and JamieBarrows will combine toreplace three-time FirstTeam All-State and 2010Miss Volleyball JordanFish at setter.

The Broncos will relyon some young pieces thisyear to replace the fourseniors that are now play-ing in college. BesidesBarrows, sophomoreTiffany Walker and fresh-man Maddy Ruhlman,Victoria Severance andLaura Willson will see thecourt right away.

North Branch has wonseven consecutive unde-

feated Tri-ValleyConferenceChampionships and 46consecutive TVC matches,but will be hard-pressedto keep the streak going.Frankenmuth returnsmost of its players fromlast year’s regional semifi-nal team.

“Frankenmuth is a topten team in the state andwe will have to play themin Frankenmuth,” saidFish. “We will have ourwork cut out for us.” —E.H.

SOCCERWith final cuts still to

be made as went to press,coach Josh Spencer wasnot yet ready to releasethis seaon’s preview infor-mation. — L.P.

CROSS COUNTRYIn the early days of pre-

season practices, its’ hardto get a grasp of what theNorth Branch cross coun-try squad will look like.“I’ve only had two days ofpractice, so I’ve only gotlike five kids,” said headcoach Jason Castle. “I’mgoing to get more nextweek.”

Last season went fairlywell for the Lady Broncos,but the boys, however,

didn’t get as much shine.“The girls finished, in theTri-Valley East, I believethey were fifth. As far asthe boys, I did not have acomplete team,” statedCastle.

North Branch lost a fewkey players this off-sea-son, who were major con-tributors. “On the girlsside there was SamanthaGriffin and JessicaMcKnight. (For the boys itwas) Leo Juengling, hewas a foreign exchangestudent last year,” contin-ued Castle. “Also RyanOrmiston just decided notto run, and he was all-league.”

The girls team will havea few returning playerswho Castle expects tomake an impact. Only asophomore, MorganSawgle was a state qualifi-er in her freshman season.Also returning are seniorsMaggie Verellen, andStephanie Schlaud. Forthe boys’ squad, not manyare returning, but theyhave picked up a promis-ing new runner in RyanGarza.

“I’m going to have,probably eight or ninegirls on my team,” saidCastle. “We should finisharound the top three inthe league.” — B.P.

12 • Wednesday, August 24, 2011 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW www.mihomepaper.com

Let’s Go!

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2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Imlay City High SchoolFri Sep 2 7PM @ Birch Run High SchoolFri Sep 9 70PM vs. Caro High SchoolFri Sep 16 70PM vs. Millington High SchoolFri Sep 23 70PM vs. Frankenmuth High SchoolFri Sep 30 7PM @ Essexville Garber High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM @ Lake Fenton High SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM vs. Bridgeport High SchoolFri Oct 21 7PM @ Yale Public Schools

File photo

Sam Garza (#8) and the North Branch varsity volleyballteam look to make a run at the state title once again.

File photo

North Branch’s Jakob Bonner will play at a new position this season.

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FOOTBALLThe Pirates turn the

page to a new era aftergoing 1-7 last year and 4-5in 2009. Prior to that, theyhad made three straightplayoff appearances andsix in eight years.

New coach RobMcDaniel has 17 varsityplayers and some goodexperience at key posi-tions to work with. TimLogghe is back at quarter-back and twin brotherJames returns at runningback for their senioryears. Senior J.T. Cahoonalso returns to the back-field, and senior tackleJimmy Cribbins is back toanchor the line.

“Talent-wise, we’repretty solid as far asreturners in key posi-tions,” said McDaniel.“I’ve seen them on filmfrom last year, but oncewe get them in a scrim-mage and see how theyrespond to contact, we’llknow better where we’reat. I think we’re going tobe okay.”

Peck scrimmaged atCass City with Ubly andImlay City last Friday,after County Press dead-lines.

Promising new playersinclude junior JakeOverstreet, a tight endand backup quarterback.Juniors Nolan Kreiner andCamron Warren are vyingfor time at running back,and Warren also can playtight end. Junior JarrettBell looks like a solid addi-

tion to the offensive line. “The biggest thing is

putting in a new offenseand new defense,” saidMcDaniel, who has beencoaching since 1987. “Wehave a lot of growingpains right now, but theyseem to be catching onquite well.”

McDaniel is new to theNorth Central ThumbLeague but seesDeckerville as the topcontender.

“Even in a down year,

they’re probably thefavorite to win theleague,” he said. “KindeNorth Huron is supposedto be fairly decent.”

As they have done forthe last eight seasons, thePirates will open againstnon-league foe Brown Cityat 7 p.m. Friday at home.— D.N.

VOLLEYBALLTrisha Bussey enters

her fifth season in charge

of the Pirates’ volleyballprogram. The team didnot win a game last sea-son, but looks for a bigpay-off this year with thetalent coming up throughthe ranks.

Gone from last season’ssquad is Courtney Ziegler,Tina Daniels, ElizabethPeck, Karen Jones andBrittany Partlo. Jonesmoved to South Carolinaand Partlo transferred toCros-Lex though neitherwill play volleyball.

Returning for Peck areShayla York, HeidiBehnke, Mairead Warner,Kendall LaFleur, MirandaDavis and Katie Weller.New varsity playersinclude Nickie Sheldon,Jessica Girska, LaurenAvers, Sami Murray,Megan Pitts and RebecaBirdman.

“We’ve built the pro-gram up over the last fewyears and we should seeit pay-off this year,”Bussey said. “There ismore help this year and Ilook for the girls to playas a team this year and fillin some of the gaps.” — E.H.

www.mihomepaper.com FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Wednesday, August 24, 2011 • 13

2011 Football ScheduleFri Aug 26 7PM vs. Brown City High SchoolThu Sep 1 7PM @ Whittemore-Prescott HSFri Sep 9 7PM @ Deckerville High SchoolFri Sep 16 7PM vs. Lutheran HS NorthwestFri Sep 23 7PM vs. North Huron HSSat Oct 1 2PM vs. Kingston Middle/High SchoolFri Oct 7 7PM @ Arenac Eastern Middle/High

SchoolFri Oct 14 7PM @ Memphis High SchoolFri Oct 21 7:00PM vs. Marlette High School

Give Sheryl a call today about any of your financial needs810-378-5505 • www.tri-countybank.com

Best of Luck Peck Pirates!

File photo

Peck lost several defenders to graduation, including Darryl Garvey (#31) andBrandon Manns (#20), who are shown here making the tackle.

VIEW Newspapers columnist Jeff “The Fat Guy” Day and broadcast partner Jason Connolly will provide play-by-play high school football again this fall.

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The County Press

US 103.1 footballbroadcast schedule

August 26 Fenton at West

September 1 Davison at West

September 9 Brandon at West

September 16 West at East

September 23 Swartz Creek at West

September 30 East at Brandon

October 7 Fenton at East

October 14 Swartz Creek at East

October 21 East at Linden

D