FLINT METRO LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM CAPSULES 2020
Below are the area’s prep football conferences and area teams within these leagues. Capsules compiled by veteran sports writer Dan Stickradt based on research and information gathered from coaches’ preseason surveys. Corrections and changes can be made by emailing to dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans and on several social media platforms.
FLINT METRO LEAGUE—DIVISION I (LEGENDS)
SCHOOL: Holly
HEAD COACH: Dallas Lesperance, second season
2019 RECORD: 3-6, 1-4 FML Division I (fifth)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2015, 2011, 2010, 2006
RETURNING STARTERS: Kolten Steele, sr. RB/LB (5-10, 205); Logan Dzendzel sr. DL/OG (6-1, 200); Max Keurejian, sr. WR/DB (5-7, 160); Jacob Hild, sr. QB/DB (5-11, 200); Jacob Gonzales, jr. RB/LB (5-11, 175); Christian Sells, sr. WR/DB (5-10, 175); Alec Lewis, sr. WR/CB (6-0, 180); Sebastian Beeman, sr. WR (5-9, 170)
TOP PROSPECTS: Clayton Lowe, jr. OG/DL (6-4, 280) (transfer from Johannesburg-Lewiston); Charlie Curtis, jr. C/OL; Luke Leighty, jr. OG/DT (5-10, 170); Wilson Tschirhart, jr. LB (5-11, 180); Deshawn Willis, soph. LB (5-11, 185); Dwayne Lane, jr. RB/LB (5-10, 170) (out-of-state transfer)
NOTABLES: After being outscored 232-84 last season in a rebuilding year, Holly looks to right the ship with most of skilled athletes back. The Bronchos must replenish their offensive and defensive lines somewhat but will do so with some talented newcomers and transfers. Holly will look to climb the FML standings after finishing fifth in its division last season. The Bronchos have bigger size up front and an array of sure-handed receivers coupled with a returning quarterback. Defensively, Holly must find a way to stop the opposition’s big play both on the ground and in the air.
SCHOOL: Fenton
HEAD COACH: Jeff Setzke, 15th season at Fenton (103-45 at Fenton; 166-80 overall)
2019 RECORD: 9-2, 5-0 FML Division I (first)
2019 POSTSEASON: Def. South Lyon (31-28); lost in D-2 district finals to Walled Lake Western (49-21)
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2000, 1999, 1993, 1989, 1987, 1985, 1984
RETURNING STARTERS: Josh Thompson, sr. OT/DT (6-4, 290) (Northwestern, all-league); Dylan Davidson, sr. QB/RB (all-league); Brandon Miller, sr. RB; Austin Henard sr. DE (two-time all-league); Logan Angel sr. DE/RB/KR (all-league); Orion Scwiderson, sr. OL/LB; Eddie Briand, sr. OL/DL; Marcus Berkley, sr. DB/KR; Nick Russel, jr. P (6-2, 180); Nick Temple, jr. K (6-1, 180)
TOP PROSPECTS: Charlie Hundzinski, sr. WR/FSKR; Logan Fuller, sr. OL; Hayden Johnson, sr. RB/LB; Sam Claborn, jr. WR/DB; Jahon bond, fr. DB; Kaden Karoma, sopa. OL; Dyan Beverly, soph. OLB; Seth Logan, jr. OLB
NOTABLES: There are four returning starters on offense and five on defense. But if history has anything to do with it, don’t expect the Tigers to drop from their perch as perennial contenders in the FML. This program is coming off 12 straight postseason appearances and has enough holdover talent and quality newcomers to keep the tradition alive. In recent decades the Tigers last failed to finish in the top three of the league in 2007,
the tail end of a seven-year stretch of losing records.
SCHOOL: Flushing
HEAD COACH: Robert Oginsky, ninth season (63-55)
2019 RECORD: 5-5, 3-2 (FML Division I (third)
2019 POSTSEASON: Lost in D-2 pre-district to Walled Lake Western (35-7)
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994
RETURNING STARTERS: Jahill McGee, sr. OG/DT (5-8, 210); DeAndre Deleon, sr. DE; Aaron Lanxton, sr. OT/C/DE (6-3, 240); Jacob Schilke, sr. SE (5-10, 165)
TOP PROSPECTS: Chance Wilson, sr. QB/LB (6-0, 170); Caleb Mantei, jr. QB/DB (6-1, 170)
NOTABLES: The Raiders are coming off three straight postseason appearances and hope to field a team worthy of a playoff win this season and challenge Fenton in the FML Division I.
SCHOOL: Flint Kearsley
HEAD COACH: Kaleb Forr, third season (13-16; FML Coach of the Year in 2019)
2019 RECORD: 8-3, 4-1 FML Division I (second)
2019 POSTSEASON: Def. Birmingham Brother Rice (20-19); lost in D-2 district finals to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (56-26)
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2019, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1988,
RETURNING STARTERS: Jack Hinman, sr. OL; Braylon Silvas, sr. RB/QB/SE (6-1, 180) (offers from Butler, Valpraiso, Moorehead State, Northwood, Lake Erie; two-time Division 1-2 All-State Honorable Mention); Isaiah Jones-Stiverson, sr. RB/DT (5-9, 205) (Offer from Siena Hieghts; All-State Honorable Mention); Jace Chapman, sr. TE/LB/KR (6-0, 204) (offers from Alma and Urbana); Tyler Byczynski, sr. DE (6-2, 230); Connor Cooper, sr. LB/TE/P (6-2, 220); Jack Hinman, sr. OT (6-3, 275) (offers from Urbana and Alma College); Brendan Schanick, jr. OG (6-4, 270) (offers from several MAC and Ivy League schools); Braylon Ambs, sr. C (6-4, 265); Michael Plunkey, sr. OG (5-11, 220); Derrick Phipps, jr. WR/DB/KR (5-10, 150); Michael Gibson, sr. WR/DB/KR (5-10, 165)
PROSPECTS: Terrance Cooper, sr. DE (6-1, 200); Jesse Molina, sr. LB (5-10, 165); RJ Lenoir, sr. WR/DB (5-10, 150); Dominik DiGenova, soph. DT/TE (6-2, 210); Donovan Harrington, fr. DE/TE (6-2, 210); Zach June, soph. DT/OG (5-11, 210); Hunter Rowan, jr. DT/OL (6-0, 245); Victor Desjardins, jr. RB/K (5-8, 135)
NOTABLES: The Hornets were not only one of the state’s most notable turnaround success stories last season, but snapped a 15-year streak of finishing under five hundred, the last time being 5-4 in 2003. It marked the first time since 1998 that Kearsley even reached the postseason and the Hornets finished second in the FML Division I and posted its highest win total since going 10-1 back in 1998. This is a generational-type senior class at Kearsley and of the nine returning starters on offense and five on defense, senior highlight that group.
SCHOOL: Linden
HEAD COACH: Dennis Hopkins
2019 RECORD: 4-5, 2-3 FML Division I (fourth)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995
RETURNING STARTERS: Griffin Michael, sr. LB (5-10, 190); Bryce Eliuk, soph. LB (6-2, 225); Austin Jaworski, sr. WR/SS (5-11, 175); Gavin Wildeman, sr. QB/WR/FS (6-3, 180); Cam Galley, sr. OL/DL (6-2, 285); Carson Kelley, sr. K
NOTABLES: After qualifying 16 straight seasons from 2002-2017, the Eagles dipped ever so slightly the past two seasons with 4-5 campaigns. Linden would love nothing more to climb back near the top of the FML standings this season. The program has also qualified for the postseason 20 times since 1995. Hopkins is one of the longest tenured head coaches at one school in the Flint area and rarely fields a team that isn’t at least competitive.
SCHOOL: Swartz Creek
HEAD COACH: Joe Spencer
2019 RECORD: 1-8, 0-5 FML Division I (sixth)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2018, 2012
RETURNING STARTERS: Jacob Booth, soph. DL/OL
NOTABLES: After reaching the D-2 postseason for only the second time in 2018, the Dragons ventured through a major rebuilding season in 2019 by ending the season on a seven-game losing streak. As an 1-8 team, there’s really one way to go in 2020.
FLINT METRO LEAGUE—DIVISION II (STARS)
SCHOOL: Ortonville Brandon
HEAD COACH: Brad Zube, fifth season
2019 RECORD: 8-3, 4-1 FML Division II (second)
2019 POSTSEASON: Def. St. Clair (21-19); lost to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in D-4 district finals (54-40)
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2000, 1997, 1996,
RETURNING STARTERS: Micah Miller, jr. QB/DB/RB (6-5, 175); Peyton Gulledge, sr. LB/OL/WR/SL (6-0, 195) (Division 3-4 All-State Honorable Mention); Alex Griffiths, sr. WR/SL/LB (6-0, 175); Colton Leslie, sr. OL/DL (5-10, 235); Ian Burke, sr. K (6-0, 170); Dylan Dickens, jr. RB/QB/LB/DB (5-8, 170); Jawon Slater, sr. FB/WR/DB (5-11, 180); Brennen Wetzel, sr. TE/DE/LB (6-0, 185); Gavin Alderman, sr. FB/LB/DL (5-9, 175)
TOP PROSPECTS: Drew Hickmott, fr. QB/WR/DB (6-0, 170); Mike Bolan, fr. TE/WR/DB (5-11, 170); Joldan Alderman, fr. FB/LB (5-8, 165); Wes Atkinson, soph. OL/LB/DE (6-1, 200); Brennen Johnson, soph. OL/DL (5-9, 175); Joe Ferdon, soph. OL/DL (5-10, 220); Wyatt Morgan, soph. OL/DL (6-1, 225)
NOTABLES: Wherever Brad Zube coaches, whether that is Pontiac, Rochester Stoney Creek or Ortonville Brandon, his teams always compete. Coming off a runner-up finish in the FML Division II and a berth in the D-4 district finals, that trend should continue. The Blackhawks outscored the opposition 431-224 last season, are coming off five straight winning seasons and five straight postseason appearances — four under Zube. Even though enrollment has dipped from around 1,300 in 2007-08 to around 800 this school year, this team should challenge Goodrich for the league title this season. There is ample experience with 18 returning players starting games last season, depth at every position, get team speed and pure athleticism to contend with anyone in the 12-school FML.
SCHOOL: Corunna
HEAD COACH: Kyle Robinson, sixth season
2019 RECORD: 2-7, 2-3 FML Division II (fourth)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2016, 2015, 2013, 2004, 2002, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1981
RETURNING STARTERS: Jacob Lloyd, sr. OL; Scout Jones, sr. MLB/RB (6-0, 195)
NOTABLES: In its first season in the FML, Corunna only won two games and is coming off just three wins the last two years and eight wins the past three years. The Cavaliers must adapt to a bigger league with bigger schools if it is to return to the form of 2015-2017, where Corunna was 22-9 in that stretch with playoffs appearances in 2015 and 2016.
SCHOOL: Goodrich
HEAD COACH: Tom Alward, 28th season
2019 RECORD: 7-3, 5-0 FML Division II (first)
2019 POSTSEASON: Lost to Fowlerville in D-4 pre-district (49-28)
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995
RETURNING STARTERS: Tyson Davis, sr. WR/TE/CB/KR (5-9, 160) (committed to Central Michigan); Aidan Rubio, sr. RB/QB (6-5, 185); Nick Steinacker, sr. DE (6-7, 205); Porter Zeeman, sr. RB/LB (6-0, 195); Milio Deceichi, sr. DB/OLB/RB; Evan Williams, sr. DE/TE (6-5, 195)
NOTABLES: The Martians thoroughly enjoyed their new digs in the FML last season, winning the inaugural Division II (Stars) title when the league expanded from nine to 12 schools and split into two divisions. For a program coming off three straight postseason berths and seven in the last decade, expect more of the same from Goodrich. The Martians did graduate half of their starters, but have enough holdover talent to make another run at championships.
SCHOOL: Lake Fenton
HEAD COACH: Martin Borski, third season
2019 RECORD: 3-6, 3-2 FML Division II (third)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002,
RETURNING STARTERS: Carter Foerster, sr. C/OL/DL (6-2, 205); Reid Shumaker, jr. RB/QB (6-0, 165); Walter Ridgeway, jr. DB/RB (5-10, 160); Mason Skyner, jr. DT/OLB (5-11, 185)
PROSPECTS:
NOTABLES: Although the Blue Devils only finished 3-6 last season, they did finish third in the FML Division II in their first year in the conference. For a program with six postseason appearances in the last decade, expect a possible turnaround this autumn.
SCHOOL: Clio
HEAD COACH: Capus Robinson, fourth season (4-14)
2019 RECORD: 2-7, 1-4 FML Division II (fifth)
2019 POSTSEASON: None
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2012, 2001
RETURNING STARTERS: Gage Grandson, jr. TE/DE; Alex Lemon, sr. LB; Dilan Typinki, jr. DL; Jordan Vance, jr. C/LB (6-1, 220)
PROSPECTS: Anthony Loik, jr. SL/FS (6-0, 180) (all-league transfer from Otisville-LakeVille); Jordan Sherman, jr. QB (6-0, 170); Drayden Murphy, jr. MLB (6-1, 185); Wyatt Gradowski, soph. LT/DT (6-6, 255); Ethan Muzoz, jr. K/P; Chase Hall, jr. RB/KR/DB; Adam Lee Davis, jr. RB/KR
NOTABLES: The past decade has not been kind to the Tigers. After reaching the postseason in 2012, Clio is only 5-58 over the past seven years. There has only been 18 total wins over the past 18 seasons. The current coaching staff hopes to reverse that kind of trend. There are five returning starters on offense and four on defense. The Tigers did show some promise on offense by collecting 198 total points, but must shore up the defensive end and stop the big play. There are some quality athletes coming up the ranks and a strong-armed QB in Jordan Sherman who could quickly help turn the tides.
SCHOOL: Owosso
HEAD COACH: Devin Pringle, third season
2019 RECORD: 2-7, 1-4 FML Division II (fifth)
2019 POSTSEASON: Martin Borski
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2012, 2001
RETURNING STARTERS: Branix Pakosz, sr. TE/LB (6-1, 195); Jon Safi, OL/DL (6-0, 255); Peyton Fields, sr. RB/DB (6-0, 165); Noah Crites, jr. DB/RB (5-8, 160)
PROSPECTS: Chris Ott, jr. OL/DL (6-0, 265); Noah Oszust, sr. OL/DL (6-3, 230); Brett Czarnopys, jr. OL/DL (6-0, 235)
NOTABLES: Over the past seven seasons, wins have been hard to come by for the Trojans. With a combined 5-58 record over seven seasons and with their last winning campaign coming in 2012 (7-4). Owosso lost several close games last season to show some improvement, including three one-point losses, but lost 16 of 22 full-time starters.
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