FOOTBALL: 2014 FLINT METRO LEAGUE TEAM CAPSULES
2014 PREP FOOTBALL TEAM CAPSULES
Team capsules compiled by senior editor Dan Stickradt and staff. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or results@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Oakland-Sports/439028726180861.
Clio
NICKNAME: Tigers
HEAD COACH: Todd Richards, first season (33-25 at other schools).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Brady LaFromboise, Mike LeGro, Lance Hamilto, Josh Linto, James LeGrowe.
2013 RECORD: 0-9, 0-8 Flint Metro League (ninth).
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 1, 1994.
KEY RETURNEES: Zach Takacs, sr. WR-CB (5-11, 165, fourth-year varsity); Riggs Robinson, sr. RB-DE (5-8, 180); Jimmy Ziobro, sr. QB (6-4, 230); Jake Hardaker, sr. FB-LB (6-2, 230); Jake Wilkinson, sr. RB-LB (6-0, 210); Austin Pease, jr. OL (6-1, 205); Jon Olson, jr. OL (5-10, 300); Will Hearn, jr. OL (5-10, 205); Andrew Odette, jr. OL (6-2, 240).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kane Williams, soph. RB (5-10, 195); Crater Crompton, sr. OL (5-9, 180); Matt Brackrog, jr. QB (6-0, 155).
KEY LOSSES: Tyler Eible, OT (6-3, 260); Luke Weslowski, RB-CB (5-9, 170); Jimmy Kircher, DE (6-0, 185).
OUTLOOK: With a strong junior class, could this be the year that the Tigers right the ship and not only win some games, but climb out of the cellar of the FML? The string is at 37 straight losses with 44 defeats in its last 45 games. There is only one way to go A new staff has high hopes that this year’s group can erase the recent past and put the Tigers back on the map.
Fenton
NICKNAME: Tigers
HEAD COACH: Jeff Setzke, 22nd season (114-67).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Ron Eltringham, Brian Eltringham, Ryan Coffman, Randy Hoover, Ken Brown.
2013 RECORD: 8-2, 7-1 Flint Metro League (tied-first).
2013 POSTSEASON: Lost in D-2 district semifinals to Midland Dow (30-21).
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 13, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
KEY RETURNEES: Dominic Wiess, sr. RB (5-8, 175; all-league); Scott Becker, sr. C-DE (5-10, 195; all-league); Troy Degayner, sr. RG (5-10, 250); Brice Roney, sr. WR (5-9, 195; all-league); Alec Thomas, sr. WR (6-2, 195); Evan Gornick, sr. P (5-11, 170).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kobe Lookabill, jr. OT-DT (6-2, 255); Forest Spitzer, sr. OG (6-,2 250); Justin Norris, sr. WR (5-11, 170); Alec Miller, sr. DL (6-1, 210); Evan Welch, sr. DE (6-2, 225); Connor Kovacs, sr. DE (6-1, 180); Paul Idoni, sr. LB (6-1, 185); Alec Thomas, sr. DB (6-2, 185); Chase Lynch, jr. DE (6-3, 215); Mason McCormick, jr. DT (5-11, 265); Justin Norris, sr. DB (5-11, 170); Peyton Coffman, jr. LB (5-11, 190).
KEY LOSSES: Trent Grimes, SL; Scott Lukas, WR-DB; Luke Idoni, C-DE; Tyler Hudson, DT; McKay Hamilton, FS; Johvi Reynolds, LB; Mac Hamilton, SE; John Smith, OG-DT; James Claborn, QB.
OUTLOOK: This program is coming off six straight postseason appearances and there’s every reason to believe that this team will again be in the hunt for the FML title and another postseason bid. This team has quality size, speed and experience and a veteran coaching staff that has the capability to mold the pieces all together for the right formula.
Flint Kearsley
NICKNAME: Hornets
HEAD COACH: Jeff Putnam, first season.
2013 RECORD:).
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 5, 1988, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998
KEY RETURNEES: Cedric Moten, sr. WR.
KEY LOSSES: Matt Weine, RB-P; Aaron Jones III, OT; Anthony McMasters, CB; Hayden Prine, SE.
OUTLOOK: With a legendary coach taking over, one must wonder how long it takes for Kearsley to become at least a competitive squad in the FML. If the Hornets are the most improved team in the league, don;t be surprised.
Flushing
NICKNAME: Raiders
HEAD COACH: Robert Oginsky.
2013 RECORD: 3-6, 2-3 Saginaw Valley Conference-South Division (fourth
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 8, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009.
OUTLOOK: The Raiders enter their third conference in four years, joining the FML after a two-year stint in the SVC-South and decades in the defunct Big Nine Conference. Flushing is not expected to contend after three straight seasons under the five-hundred mark.
Holly
NICKNAME: Bronchos
HEAD COACH: Ryan Culloty, 12th season (sixth at Holly)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Dallas Lesperance, Samuel Quintanilla, Greg Maynard, Eric Peterson, Robert Pouch, Clarence Hardy. Matt Kessler, Heath Neubecker.
2013 RECORD: 4-5, 3-5 Flint Metro League (sixth).
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 3, 2006, 2010, 2011.
KEY RETURNEES: Adam Tooley, jr. WR-DB (6-09, 185); Dakota Thorington, sr. OL-DL (6-4, 240); Avery Bishop, sr. DL (6-0, 220); Javon Barr, jr. RB (5-4, 130); Alex Mazzone, sr. DL (6-0, 160); Noah Brenner, sr. OL (5-11, 215); Jimmy Gray, jr. LB (6-0, 200); Austin Chmura, sr. K-P (6-0, 175); Jesse Zorn, jr. WR-DL (6-1, 185);; Jamie Cardenas, jr. DB (5-7, 140); Christian Diaz, jr. LB (5-9, 175); Landon Hooper, jr. LB (6-3, 185).
KEY LOSSES: Jake Zorn, sr. QB-DB (6-3, 190; transfer); Andrew Scott, WR; Ben Kopopitski, OL; Tom O’Connor, OL-RB; Jose Martinez, OL; Kyle Pepper, LB-RB; Tyler Flores, DB.
OUTLOOK: Although Holly isn’t loaded with size, the Bronchos return plenty of experience with 15 starters back and a hunger to right the ship. Holly dipped below the .500 mark last fall and is eager to challenge for a league title this season.
Linden
HEAD COACH: Dennis Hopkins (27th season, 117-47) and Nick Douglass (second season), co-coaches.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Gates, Tim Hense, Mike Ryan, Thad Guyzik, Max Powell, Brent Rogers, & Dustin Steedmand.
2013 RECORD: 7-4, 5-3 Flint Metro League (third).
2013 POSTSEASON: Def. Lapeer West (10-7); lost ot DeWitt in D-3 district finals (27-14).
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 16, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
KEY RETURNEES: Aus back in tstin Buerkel sr. WR-SE (6-2, 185; 35 catches, 497 yards, all-league); Zack Kentish, sr. WR (5-10, 170, all-league); Marshael Ryan, sr. WR-TE-ILB (6-2, 220; all-league); Kevin Bates, jr. RB-SE (5-9, 175); Kyle Norman, sr,. RT-DE (6-3, 270; all-league); Andy Roberts, sr. LT-OLB (6-2, 225); Austin McNeill, sr. RG-DE (6-0, 225; all-league); Andrew Kost, sr. C (6-1, 220); Zack Kentish, sr. CB (5-10, 170); Jake Marshall, sr. OLB-P (6-0, 185); Noah Sargent, jr. QB-SE (6-0, 170).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Gold, sr. WR (6-4, 195); Trent Strang, soph. WR (6-0, 180); Bailey Davis, jr. WR-K (6-0, 165); Jacob McQueen, sr. OL (5-9, 190); Ray Ballard, jr. OL (6-3, 270); Ryan young, jr. DT (6-0, 185); Skyler Stites, soph. DT (6-2, 220); Ray Ballard, jr. DT (6-3, 270); Mike Gold, sr. CB (6-4, 195); Ryker Rivera, soph. CB (5-11, 180); JAcob McQueen, sr. DL (5-9, 190); Jake Zorn, sr. QB (6-3, 190; transfer from Holly).
KEY LOSSES: Cameron Cook, P; Garrett Beaudry, WR-OLB; Charlie Gergel, OG-LB; Nick Sioui, OG-DT; Ian Webb, OG-LB.
OUTLOOK: Not only has Linden advanced to postseason play for 12 straight seasons, but Linden is normally in the FML title hunt. Most of the starting lineup is back in tact, meaning this team has some serious title goals in mind. The Eagles are quite capable of taking the crown this season and, pending on the right draw, also capable of making a lengthy postseason journey.
Ortonville Brandon
HEAD COACH: Tim Pizzala, eighth season.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Scott Sawyer, Jason Miller, Anthony Higdon, Joel Dohm.
2013 RECORD: 4-5, 4-4 Flint Metro League (fifth).
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 4, 2011, 2000, 1997, 1996.
KEY RETURNEES: Sean Russ, jr. OL-DL (6-2, 270); Brendan Poniatowski, sr. OL-DL (6-2, 190); Shane Arnold, sr. OL-DL (5-11, 210); Lucas Woch, sr. WR-DB-K (5-9, 155); Aaron Shahin, sr. WR-DB (6-2, 205); Nicholas Udocon, sr. LB-WR (6-0, 180); Jake Phelps, sr. WR-DB (5-8, 155); Nate Everett, sr. WR-LB (6-3, 185); Wyatt Wilson, sr. WR-DL (6-2, 185).
KEY LOSSES: Nick Keller, QB; Matt Sears, RB; Ian Harrington, LT; Dominik Delbuco, OG; Jake Sutherland, WR; Ryan Eldon, LB; John Ware, LB; Matt Howlett, DB; Brad Howlett, DB; Chase Cochran, CB; Trevor Bourdreau, CB; Andrew Derry, DB.
OUTLOOK: Brandon has plenty of size and experience in the trenches. If its young skill position players can thrive, then this team should finish in the upper echelon of the FML and contend for a postseason berth. the Blackhawks lost several close games last season and
Swartz Creek
NICK NAME: Dragons
HEAD COACH: Brad Brown.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Joe Spencer, Josh Attwood, John Pintek
2013 RECORD: 4-5, 4-4 Flint Metro League (tied-fifth).
2013 POSTSEASON: Did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 1, 2012.
KEY RETURNEES: Caleb Tilley, sr. WR-DB-KR; Brett Pero, jr. WR; Christian Gauthier, sr. OL
Steve Mason, sr. OL.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Gage Smith, sr. QB-P; Kenyen Spurlock, jr. WR; Ashton Mathis, Sr. OL; Clayton Lynn, soph. LB;; Steve Mangham, soph. LB; Clayton Lynn, soph. RB; Carsen Fick, jr. K; Derrick Ross, jr. KR-RB.
OUTLOOK: After reaching the postseason for the first time in school history in 2012, the Dragons dipped in 2013. Swartz Creek began last season 4-2, only to lose its final three games. The Dragons have one of the top players in the league in Smith at QB. If the line can gel and a couple of skilled players have breakthrough seasons, then Swartz Creek could surprise with an upset or two and battle for a postseason spot.
INDEPENDENTS / OTHERS
Lapeer
HEAD COACH: Mike Smith, 17th season.
2013 RECORD: First-year program
2013 POSTSEASON: None.
LAPEER EAST POSTSEASON: 5, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2011.
LAPEER WEST POSTSEASON: 15, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013.
OUTLOOK: One would have to go back to 1970 to see Lapeer High, newly created with the merger of Lapeer East and Lapeer West high schools. This school was deemed too big for the Flint Metro League, so the Pirates will head north the Saginaw Valley League.
Category: Colleges / Other, Featured Articles, High School, High School (M-Z), Holly, Prep Wraps, Top Stories, Uncategorized
