High School Football Previews: LCAA, TCC teams packed with talent

DUNDEE

2022 record: 6-4.

Coach: Steve Ayre, third year (12-9).

Assistants: Cord Trott, Jeremy Fielder, Jeremy Bell, Bryan Hammond, Nate Mills, John Schuler, Brian Baker.

Playoff history: Qualified four straight seasons and 10 times overall. Playoff record is 3-9.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 24: FLAT ROCK, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: at Erie Mason, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: BLISSFIELD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Onsted, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: ADRIAN MADISON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Clinton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: HILLSDALE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Hudson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: IDA, 7 p.m.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense: Trent Vajcner (L), Jay Hickey (L), Quinton Lephew (L), Gabe Daniel (L), Ethan Layton (WR), Cooper Buhl (TE), Trey Parker (RB), Braiden Whitaker (WR), Ryan Zanger (QB).

Defense: Layton (DB), Whitaker (DB), Buhl (LB), Parker (DL), Lephew (LB), Vajcner (L), Hickey (L).

OUTLOOK

Offense: Nine starters return including the bulk of the blockers – linemen Trent Vajcner, Jay Hickey, Quinton Lephew and Gabe Daniel along with tight end Cooper Buhl. “We have a lot coming back on offense with lots of weapons,” Ayre said. Quarterback Ryan Zanger stepped up in a big way last season as a sophomore, throwing for 1,571 yard and 13 touchdowns. Braiden Whitaker, Trey Parker and Ethan Layton all are dangerous with the ball in their hands.

Defense: The Vikings have a third-year starter back at every level of the defense with Parker at defensive end, Buhl at linebacker and Layton in the backfield. Buhl finished fifth in the Monroe County Region with 119 tackles last season and Layton was right behind him with 116. Other returning starters are Whitaker at defensive back, Lephew at linebacker and Vajcner and Hickey on the line. Only two opponents scored more than 20 points against the Vikings last season.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Ayre listed Ida, Clinton and Hudson as the top contenders in the Lenawee County Athletic Association. “The LCAA is deep with lots of talented programs with great history. Ida returns most of their OL and had a solid JV season. Clinton lost a lot but has great talent coming up and returning. Hudson is a power year in and year-round.”

COACH’S FINAL WORD

“We expect to compete each and every week. I am very excited about the type of football team we have the potential to be. We have had a great off season and look to build on it moving forward.”

ROSTER

Cooper Buhl, 12

Jayme Burg-Morales, 12

Dan Kreger, 12

Ethan Layton, 12

Aiden Massingill, 12

Trey Parker, 12

Jackson Perrine, 12

Trent Vajcner, 12

Braiden Whitaker, 12

Aidan Williams, 12

Gabe Daniel, 12

Joey Brink, 11

Jacob Foster, 11

Jay Hickey, 11

Landon King, 11

Quinton Lephew, 11

Jackson Martin, 11

Carter Ray, 11

Nick Thompson, 11

Ashton Viers, 11

Ryan Zanger, 11

Austin Auttman, 10

Evan Bennett, 10

Calvin Campbell, 10

Josh Ebendick, 10

Camden Fairchild, 10

Julius Jenkins, 10

Kaden Kominek, 10

Nolan Oliver, 10

Rocco Redmon, 10

Scott Rhoades, 10

Cade Salenbien, 10

Anthony Sandstrom, 10

Logan Turner, 10

ERIE MASON

2022 record: 6-4.

Coach: Steve Bowers, third year (11-9).

Assistants: John Goodin, John Goodnough, Tanner Herrera, Kevin Kaufman, David Kelly, Devyn Kennedy, Cody Wiley.

Playoff history: Qualified last season for the 10th time. Won a state title in 1987 and have a playoff record of 12-9.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: DUNDEE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: at Northwood (Ohio), 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Ottawa Hills (Ohio), 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: SUMMERFIELD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: WHITEFORD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: QUINCY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Reading, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: at Sand Creek, 7 p.m.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense: Vaughn Brown (QB), Blake Stanish (L), Cole Kreger (RB-WR), Korbin Herrera (WR), Malachi Rodriguez (L), Michael Narew (RB-WR), Cam Davis (L).

Defense: Kreger (DE-LB), Brown (DB), Phoenix Stefko (DB), Herrera (DB), Toby Frazier (LB), Narew (LB), Logan Goodin (DE).

Prep Football Training Camps: Mason players bigger, faster, stronger

OUTLOOK

Offense: Senior Vaughn Brown returns for his third season as the starting quarterback. He broke the school record last season with 1,877 yards and threw for 21 touchdowns. “Vaughn is a leader on and off the field as a three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track) and an all-A’s Honor Roll student and Scholar-Athlete.” His favorite target Korbin Herrera is back along with good hands and speed in Cole Kreger, Toby Frazier, Michael Narew and Phoenix Stefko. The line will be led by returning starters Blake Stanish, Malachi Rodriguez and Cameron Davis. The top returning ballcarriers are Cole Kreger and Logan Goodin.

Defense: The Eagles have a pair of tackling machines in Kreger and Goodin, who combined for over 200 tackles including 11 tackles for loss last season. Narew and Frazier are returning starters at linebacker and Brown (safety) and Herrera (cornerback) are back in the secondary.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Defending state champion Whiteford highlights a small, but tough Tri-County Conference. “Even with just four 11-man football teams remaining in the TCC it should be competitive from top to bottom. There is a lot of good football played in the TCC with each school having many hardworking and talented athletes.”

COACH’S FINAL WORD

“We have a good amount of experience coming back this year with seven starters on each side of the ball and several others who saw significant playing time. Once again, we have some skill players who should make games exciting this year.”

ROSTER

Jordan Adkins-Black, L-L, 12

Vaughn Brown, QB-DB, 12

Dillon Cannon, L-LB, 12

Toby Frazier, WR-LB, 12

Korbin Herrera, WR-DB, 12

Cole Kreger, RB-LB, 12

Blake Stanish, L-L, 12

Mario Ybarra, WR-DB, 12

Joe Duran, L-L, 11

Logan Goodin, RB-DL, 11

Michael Narew, WR-LB, 11

Malachi Rodriguez, L-L, 11

Phoenix Stefko, WR-DB, 11

Reece Turner, L-L, 11

Cameron Davis, L-L, 10

Kory Bondie, RB-LB, 10

Aiden Cannon, WR-DB, 10

Bowie Jacobs, WR-LB, 10

Colin Koehl, L-L, 10

Maddix Wise, L-LB, 10

Lucas Neely, L-L, 9

IDA

2022 record: 4-6.

Coach: Jeff Potter, seventh year (36-24).

Assistants: Dave Potter, Chris Leonard, Zack Johnston, Zac Shopshire, Clay Sampson, Brian Spears.

Playoff history: Qualified last year for the 13th time. Playoff record is 11-13.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 24: at Grosse Ile, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: at Whiteford, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: CLINTON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: HUDSON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: at Hillsdale, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Onsted, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: BLISSFIELD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: ADRIAN MADISON, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: at Dundee, 7 p.m.

RETURNING STARTERS 

Offense: Jackson Wertenberger (L), Alex Giarmo (L), Cameron Satkowski (L), Jeremiah Hoffman (L), Chris Galloway (L), Dean Thomas (RB).

Defense: Galloway (DL), Hoffman (LB), Tyler Konieczny (LB), Thomas (DB), Jak Kocinsky (CB).

Prep Football Training Camps: Ida's entire offensive line back for 2023

OUTLOOK

Offense: The Blue Streaks start with an advantage up front with all five starters back on the line. Tackles Jackson Wertenberger and Chris Galloway led the way with Jeremiah Hoffman, Cameron Satkowski and Alex Giarmo are back inside. But no jobs are guaranteed. “All were solid last season, but still face competition from others,” Potter said. Dean Thomas came on late in the season in the backfield and should be the primarily ballcarrier. Potter is impressed with the improvement of Tyler Konieczny and Trevor Konieczny and Max Buschmann was 4-for 4-on field goals last season.

Defense:  Jak Kocinsky returns from an inury to bolster what already looked to be a solid defense. Hoffman and Tyler Konieczny are poised for big seasons at linebacker. Thomas will be a standout in the secondary with Galloway and Wertenberger leading the way on the line. “We are less experienced on this side of the ball, but there are several kids competing for positions and will get in on the action,” Potter said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK 

Potter lists Clinton, Hudson and Dundee as contenders in the Lenawee County Athletic Association. “The league will be competitive from top to bottom,” he said. “The LCAA is an extremely competitive small-school league.  It is fun to play in, but you have to stay focused and buckle it up every week.”

COACH’S FINAL WORD 

“The great thing about this group is that we are still young at several positions and have the opportunity to grow and improve each week.  If we can gain a little experience and confidence on both sides of the ball, we have the potential to excel.”

ROSTER

Perry Bartley, RB-DB, 12

Seth Breitner, OL-DL, 12

Max Buschmann, RB-DB, 12

Logan Czlapinski, TE-LB, 12`

Chris Galloway, OL-DL, 12

Tait Klod, TE-LB, 12

Jak Kocinski, TE-DB, 12

Trevor Konieczny, RB-DB, 12

Tyler Konieczny, RB-DB, 12

Grady Merren, OL-DL, 12

Lucas Moore, OL-DL, 12

Alex Noland, TE-DB, 12

Joshua Rose, RB-LB, 12

Wyatt Dirkmaat, RB-DB, 11

Alex Giarmo, OL-DL, 11

Jeremiah Hoffman, OL-LB, 11

Kenneth King, OL-DL, 11

Gavin Langford, OL-DL, 11

Wade Morrison, TE-LB, 11

Cameron Satkowski, OL-DL, 11

Dean Thomas, RB-DB, 11

Tristen Thornsberry, OL-DL, 11

Jackson Wertenberger, OL-DL, 11

Drew Weyer, OL-DL, 11

Landon Alberts, OL-DL, 10

Gavin Albring, RB-DB, 10

Brayden Bydlowski, RB-LB, 10

Kaden Gerth, TE-LB, 10

Dylan Jarrett, RB-LB, 10

Samuel King, OL-DL, 10

Rylan Mannino, TE-DB, 10

Trent Pfeiffer, RB-DB, 10

Anthony (AJ) Sivil, OL-DL, 10

Owen Snyder QB-DB, 10

Jacob Towne, RB-LB, 10

SUMMERFIELD

2022 record: 5-4.

Coach: Dylan Szegedi, first year.

Assistants: Geoff Skibinski, Steve Bolster, Levi Ladd, LeRoy Wood.

Playoff history: Missed last year for the first time in three years. Has qualified 10 times. Won three games in 2019. Playoff record is 9-10.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 25: at Waterford Our Lady, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: BRONSON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: SPRINGPORT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: at West Unity Hilltop (Ohio), 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: at Erie Mason, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Sand Creek, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: UNION CITY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Quincy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: WHITEFORD, 7 p.m.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense: Hayden Dusseau (L), Charles Baldridge (L), Brenden Myshock (TE), Tyler Dafoe (WR), Logan Keane (WR), Hayden Noland (WR), Jake Wadsworth (FB).

Defense: Ethan Jeffers (DE), Myshock (DE), Mitchell Gomulinski (DE-LB), Wadsworth (LB), Noland (DB), Dafoe, (DB), Keane (DB).

Prep Football Training Camps: Summerfield changes under new coach

OUTLOOK

Offense: Junior Trace Secor takes over at quarterback. He missed much of last season with an injury, but has displayed good leadership skills during the summer. He will be surrounded by returning starters with Jake Wadsworth at fullback, Tyler Dafoe, Logan Keane and Hayden Noland at receiver, Brenden Myshock at tight end and Hayden Dusseau and Charles Baldridge on the line. “We are young at the offensive line, but those young players have a lot of potential and room to grow as football players,” Szegedi said. “We expect to be very productive offensively.”

Defense: “Jake Wadsworth will be the heart and soul of our defense at mike linebacker,” Szegedi said. Other returning starters are Myshock, Ethan Jeffers, Mitchell Gomulinski, Logan Keane, Tyler Dafoe and Hayden Noland. Eli VanHuysen has looked impressive in early practices. “We have some experience returning and are looking forward to what the season will bring,” Szegedi said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Szegedi points to defending state champion Whiteford as the heavy favorite. “They return a lot of talent from their team last year, and will be a very, very good football team this year,” he said. “The other three teams return many starters and will be very competitive this season.”

COACH’S FINAL WORD

“In my first season as the head coach at Summerfield, we expect to compete each and every week. I am very excited at the potential I see in our team, and I am very excited to see what this season holds for our football team.”

ROSTER

Ethan Jeffers, OL-DE, 12

Aiden Lewis, OL-DL, 12

Jacob Wadsworth, FB-LB, 12

Landon Cannon, OL-DL, 11

Tyler Dafoe, WR-DB, 11

Hayden Noland, RB-DB, 11

Erick Nowicki, FB-ILB, 11

Mitchell Gomulinski, RB-LB, 11

Brenden Myshock, TE-DE, 11

Trace Secor, QB-FS, 11

Liam Shaner, WR-DB, 11

Eli VanHuysen, RB-DB, 11

Charles Baldridge, OL-DL, 10

Brody Ciacelli, WR-DB, 10

Hayden Dusseau, OL-DL, 10

Reece Kalb, QB-FS, 10

Monty Slinker, OL-DL, 10

Nathan Wadsworth, OL-DL, 10

Colin Brown, WR-DB, 9

Hudson Crots, RB-DB, 9

Jude Flowers, WR-LB, 9

James (JT) Lemert, OL-DL, 9

Trent Miller, WR-DB, 9

Nick Perez, OL-DL, 9

Jacob Salenbien, FB-LB, 9

Caleb Sheppard, WR-CB, 9

Austin Taylor, RB-DB, 9

Grady Whiting, OL-DL, 9

Jacob Woodyard, OL-DL, 9

WHITEFORD

2022 record: 14-0, Division 8 state champion.

Coach: Tod Thieken, second year (14-0).

Assistants: Ben Avis, TJ Thieken, Dale Bernhard, Ray Paige, John Nagle, Jason Vida, Tommy Eitniear, Tony Dupree, Nate Bauman, Phil Bauman

Playoff history:  The Bobcats are 31-21 all-time in the postseason with all but five of those wins coming in the last 10 years. The Bobcats won state titles in 2017 (42-21 over Saginaw Nouvel) and last year (26-20 over Ubly).

SCHEDULE

Aug. 24: at Blissfield, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: IDA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: at Ottawa Hills (Ohio), 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Edon (Ohio), 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: SAND CREEK, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Erie Mason, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: READING, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Union City, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: at Summerfield, 7 p.m.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense: Jack Iott (OT), Mason DeBarr (TE), Kolby Masserant (TE), Ryin Ruddy (TE), Drew Knaggs (FB), Jake Iott (RB), Hunter DeBarr (RB).

Defense: Iott (LB), Brandon Knaggs (LB); Mason DeBarr (DE), Trent Olrich (DE), Drew Knaggs (DT); Stepon Masserant (S); Kolby Masserant (S), Ruddy, (S), Hunter DeBarr (DB).

Prep Football Training Camps: Defending champs may ride defense

OUTLOOK

Offense: It looks like one Ruddy will be taking over for another at quarterback. Shea Ruddy, the Monroe County Region Offensive Player of the Year last fall, was lost to graduation, but it looks like his younger brother will take over as signal caller. He will oversee an offense the features a slew of playmakers including running backs Drew Knaggs, Jake Iott and Hunter DeBarr and pass catchers Mason DeBarr and Kolby Masserant. The offensive line will be led by Jack Iott, a four-year starter who moves into the team’s “super tackle” position. Thieken calls the offensive line, “a very talented group who may be the biggest and strongest across the board that Whiteford has had in a long time.”

Defense: The defense brings back nine starters from a unit that allowed just 12 points a game last season. At the center of it all is Jake Iott, a four-year starter who led the Monroe County Region with 202 tackles last season including 14 for loss and 8 sacks. Brandon Knaggs is another talented linebacker. Mason DeBarr, Trent Olrich and Drew Knaggs return on the line and Stepon Masserant, Kolby Masserant, Hunter DeBarr and Ruddy are back in the secondary.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Whiteford is once again a heavy favorite to win the Tri-County Conference with has shrunk to just four teams. The other three are Summerfield, Erie Mason and Sand Creek.

COACH’S FINAL WORD

“This group has tremendous potential with the number of returning starters from last year’s team and some very solid newcomers to our starting groups.  We must make sure that we don’t get caught up in how good people say we can be and make sure that our focus each day is to get better in every phase of the game.”

ROSTER

Cooper Bieber 12

RJ Cornett 12

Hunter DeBarr 12

Jakub Diesing 12

Jack Iott 12

Jake Iott 12

Brandon Knaggs 12

Drew Knaggs 12

Kolby Masserant 12

Stepan Masserant 12

Trent Olrich 12

Ryin Ruddy 12

Luke Vida 12

Liam Waterford 12

Connor Bott 11

Chase Lee 11

Frankie Palfalvi 11

Shevy Alexander 10

Nate Andrews 10

Mallory Bahls 10

Mason DeBarr 10

Cooper Diesing 10

Brody Hillard 10

Blake Mills 10

Antonio Nachtrab 10

Gavin Peters 10

Logan Riffle 10

Drew Ruddy 10

Jake Scott 10

Gabriel Speweik 10

Keegan Thomas 10

Nolan Walker 10

Austin Bauman 9

Gus Bieber 9

Austin Billau 9

Bradyn Burton 9

Brandon Cook 9

Tre Eitniear 9

Theodore Joerin 9

Jason McCullough 9

Conner Mills 9

Cooper Ray 9

Ryan Rodriguez 9

Brek Ruddy 9

Caden Stewart 9

Andres Trejo 9

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: High School Football Previews: LCAA, TCC teams packed with talent