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8/27/2008-Football
There's a bit of uncertainty in his voice when Mike Giannone talks about his two-time defending Division 1 champions.
"We were 13-1 two years ago, then we topped that by going 14-0," he said. "Even though it's a different group we have the same three goals: Win the (Macomb Area Conference) Red, get to the playoffs and make a long run."
With a demanding schedule in one of the state's most competitive conferences -- since 1999, a team from the MAC Red Division has played for the Division 1 title seven times -- there's no guarantee Dakota will achieve any of the three.
It would be a shock, though, if the Cougars don't qualify for their eighth consecutive playoff appearance.
Just three starters return, but that's not unusual for a program built on depth and execution.
Still, Giannone has some solid pop in place now:
• He has a breakout youngster in sophomore Gerald Jackson, a 5-foot-5, 137-pound slot back.
• At quarterback is senior Mike Romanchik (6-1, 200), the starting catcher the past two seasons on the baseball team. He, however, has little varsity experience.
• John Hofman saw playing time at running back last season and will get the start in the opener.
And the few returning starters are keepers: seniors Dan Miller, who started at H-back and moves to tight end; center Joe Palm (6-1, 275); and right tackle Jeff Fantuzzi (6-4, 280, Central Michigan), one of the state's best.
The Red Arrows have won 86 games this decade, but what their fans remember most is the 31-28 loss to Midland in the Division 2 semifinals last season. QB Kyle Nichol returns, and RB/CB Torsten Boss, a four-year starter, could be the best player on the state's west side. Running back Austin Graham averaged 100 yards during the playoffs last season, and three offensive linemen return, led by junior T Connor Kruse (6-4, 275). Boss and LB Randy Hogan (6-1, 220) lead the defense.
The Highlanders came oh-so-close to reaching the Division 2 final last season -- with a young team. Seven starters return on offense and six on defense. Coach Tony Patritto said the strength of this year's team is his linemen -- junior T Jordan Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders, DT/G Vach Trumble and G/DE Mike Sirhosky. But in Andrew Waszak (6-2, 180), Patritto has one of the top quarterbacks in the area. Cody Wilson, who switches from receiver to slotback, is a breakaway threat. Bo Barterian has good speed at fullback and WR/DB Joe Reynolds is a speedster being recruited for track.
The 2004 and 2005 champions are experienced. Four offensive linemen return -- three-year starters Cody Knott and Steve Fegel are the best of the group. Running backs Aaron Kwekel and Ryan Cochran find the holes and are fine receivers. Wide receivers Nick Stokes and John Wierengo return. On defense, two backs, two linebackers and two linemen return. Safety Brogan Bibler hits like a linebacker and OLB Eric Fast is quick.
The Division 3 finalist shouldn't miss a beat. Two-way starter Dion Sims is one of the state's best, Robert Bolden (6-3, 195) could be the state's top junior quarterback, FB/LB Justin Semmes and WR Rodney Woodland are being recruited by Division I schools, and T Christian Brandt (6-6, 285) could end up at an Ivy League school. Running back Sam Fioroni rushed for 450 yards last season. The secondary, meanwhile, has plenty of speed with Suave Lavallis and Tayler Pruski.
Terry Wilczek hands over the coaching reins to offensive coordinator Eric Methner. And Wilczek didn't leave the cupboard bare -- the Division 2 finalist returns four starters on offense, including the state's top quarterback in Andrew Maxwell. Michael Albrecht is a do-everything type of player on offense. Offensive tackle Wes Lacourt returns, but the status of WR Drew Moulton (knee) remains uncertain. Defensive tackles Evan Kriz and Ben Dvorak lead the defense.
The Eagles have won 48 games the past five seasons. With six starters back on offense, they should be consistent, if not dominant. Quarterback Casey Blackport (6-4, 195) has a strong arm and RB/LB Jordan Yonker is one of the best all-around players in the state. Two linemen are back, plus two tight ends in Josh Baker and Christian Prince, which is key in head coach Dave Duram's two-tight end formations. Defensively, three linebackers return plus FS Jordan Keur and T Jacob Bouwman (6-6, 250).
The person who schedules the Cardinals' nonleague games should rethink priorities -- no team has a more difficult schedule. The Cardinals return six starters on offense, including four linemen. The top one is all-league C Kaleb Forr. This is a senior-dominated team, and LB Kevin Yosting and RB Kyle Talley are two of the best. Five starters return on defense, including E Kevin Kleine and L Corey Goble.
The young Pilots stumbled last season (6-4) after reaching the Division 2 final in 2006. They shouldn't miss a step this season with eight starters back on offense and defense. John and Jim Martinez, both three-year starters at wide receiver/defensive back, make plays on both sides of the ball. Another three-year starter, LB/RB Chet Privett, will keep defenses honest with his inside running. Defensively, tackles Steve O'Shell and Matt Privett are leaders.
The Division 3 champions return five starters on defense, led by E Robert Bell (13 sacks). East Grand Rapids coach Peter Stuursma says DT Alex Luke is nasty. The tough inside running of RB Joe Glendenning (5-10, 177) will carry the Pioneers early. Tight end Chris Blair is a clutch receiver and junior RB/DB Josh Drummond started all 14 games. Stuursma's ace in the hole is junior QB A.J. McEwen (transfer).
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