2023 IHSAA football preview: Mishawaka Marian recovers after rare 'disappointing' season
MISHAWAKA — Mike Davidson used one word to sum up Mishawaka Marian’s football season last year.
“Disappointing,” the sixth-year head coach said.
After making it to the Class 3A semi-state championship game three straight seasons, the Knights limped to a 2-8 record in 2022. It was the first losing season in nine years for Marian and the first time winning fewer than three games since 2003.
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“As far as a win-loss record, disappointing,” Davidson said. “As far as the way (coaches) allowed the team to handle it, disappointing. But at the same time, I’ve seen a redirection into what Marian football is and what it will be moving forward.”
Marian struggled on offense for most of last season, shut out three times and held to 14 points or less on four other occasions. The Knights' season ended with a 26-14 loss to West Noble in the Class 3A sectional opener.
Now Davidson is reinforcing the core values built he’s program on — faith, discipline, work ethic and brotherhood — to his 2023 squad.
“When we’re holding those values to the highest standard, that’s when we see the results we expect on the field,” Davidson said. “It’s a culture thing. It’s a value thing. When things don’t go the right way, it’s easy to drift away from them. We’ve got to hammer those home in times of adversity, times of need and times of triumph.”
Most of the top offensive players return for Marian, while its defense will look almost brand new. Here’s what you need to know about the Knights this fall:
Mishawaka Marian football facts
Head coach: Mike Davidson, 6th season
Location: Mishawaka
Conference: Northern Indiana
Class: 3A
Last year’s record: 2-8 (lost to West Noble in sectional opener)
Key returners
Bryce LaSane, senior, quarterback
LaSane started all 10 games last year, struggling at times in completing just 43% of his passes for 853 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries. With a full season under his belt, LaSane will be expected to improve.
Leopino Sete, junior, running back
Sete appeared in just two games before an injury sidelined him for two months. He returned for the sectional, but mustered just 36 yards on 12 carries. In his last healthy game on the season, he rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown in a win over Culver Academy.
Kaleb Johnson, junior, defensive end
Among the top six leaders in tackles for Marian last year, Johnson is the only one returning. He had 48, third best on the team. His 2.5 sacks led the Knights' pass rush.
“I think it was week seven or eight last year where we had 18 sophomores starting and rotating,” Davidson said. “It bodes well for the future. We’re seeing the struggles of last year prove their worth so far this year. Everyone’s a step faster, a lot more comfortable with the verbiage and assignments. Having those guys return with experience is valuable for us.”
Key losses
∎ Kaden Middleton, linebacker: Middleton led the team with 74 tackles, 19 more than anyone else on the roster. His seven tackles for loss and two sacks were only second best to Johnson.
∎ Kyle Dennison, defensive line: Dennison was named to the First Team Class 3A Senior All-State team by the Indiana Football Coaches Association. He finished the season with 39 tackles and two sacks.
∎ Brian Bultinck, defensive back: Bultinck was second on the team with 55 tackles. He also led the team with two interceptions.
From 2022: Bultinck, 'D' carries Marian past Adams
What Coach Davidson says
On Marian’s biggest challenge: “Number one is health. That’s the number one struggle. There’s not a team on our schedule that’s the same size as us, both from a physical standpoint and a school size standpoint. We’re going up against bigger numbers and better-sized bodies, so it’s preparing us for a great (postseason) run, assuming we’re healthy.”
On Marian’s key to success: “Last year challenged our guys’ confidence, so we’ve got to build back that confidence that we are good enough to play with anybody in the state and anybody on our schedule. So, I think confidence is a big factor. Health is always a big factor. And then, ultimately, executing at a higher level. We saw glimpses last year — not that many — and we’re seeing more glimpses now. It’s just a matter of that consistency in the execution.”
Mishawaka Marian football 2023 schedule
(All time Eastern)
Aug. 18 at Mishawaka, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25 vs. Culver Academy, 7:30
Sept. 1 vs. Brebeuf Jesuit, 7:30
Sept. 8 at New Prairie, 7:30
Sept. 15 vs. South Bend Adams, 7
Sept. 22 vs. Penn, 7
Sept. 29 at Angola, 7
Oct. 6 vs. Elkhart, 7
Oct. 13 at South Bend St. Joseph, 7
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: IHSAA: Mishawaka Marian football looking for bounce back year in 2023
