By Frank Vajcner
Last season, Whiteford thoroughly dominated anyone standing in their way en route to the Division 8 State Championship. The Bobcats have also qualified for the playoffs in each of the last six seasons. The quest for a repeat will begin with six starters returning on both offense and defense.
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Jason Mensing (61-13, seventh year at Whiteford, 99-62, 16th year overall)
Assistants: Kris Hoag, John Nagle, Tom Eitniear, Bob Ondrovick, Jay Gilmore, Brent Orr, Charlie Butz, Tony DuPree, Shane Wellman, Todd Thieken
Offense: The Bobcats’ explosive Double Wing offense will have a familiar name at the controls, but a new face. Senior Ty Eitniear replaces his decorated brother, Tommy, at QB. The younger Eitniear will have no shortage of playmakers to get the ball to. In the backfield, seniors Logan Murphy, Zack Bertz, and Hunter Lake all return, and junior Devon Shaw could work his way into the mix. Senior Bradyn Clark-Gilmore will be the go-to option at SE, while fellow senior Nate Bauman could see action at receiver or RB. On the offensive line, senior DeShaun Williams returns at tackle, while Ian Slick (guard) and Nick Donnelly (center) will anchor the interior.
Defense: The Bobcats weren’t just tough to stop last season, but tough to score on, as they only allowed 13 points per game. Williams and Slick will both anchor what should be another very good defensive line. Treylan Hess, Josh Hagan, and Noah Bauman will also see time there. Bertz, Clark-Gilmore, and Nate Bauman will head up the linebacking corps, while the secondary will feature Murphy at safety, and Eitniear and Lake at corner. Newcomers Nick Marchant and Braedon Mills will also push for playing time in the secondary.
Coach’s Outlook: We believe the TCC is going to be highly competitive this season, Sand Creek has the fastest player in the state and will be improved, Clinton returns much of their unit, Summerfield and Morenci have proven to be very consistent and strong programs, Madison and Britton Deerfield participation numbers are way up, and Whitmore Lake had a very competitive team last year and returns much of their defense.
FNV Thoughts: Despite losing some talented seniors on both sides of the ball, the cupboard is still stocked in Ottawa Lake. An opening visit from a much-improved Blissfield team could provide a good test, but in conference play, until someone knocks the Bobcats off (their last conference loss was October 23, 2015), they could mow through the TCC again.
Frank’s Prediction: 9-0
Chris’s Prediction: 8-1
Gary’s Prediction: 9-0
View Comments
Did anyone see the Whiteford vs Milan 7 on 7? Milan had more athletes and out manned them at almost every position. I know Whiteford runs the ball a lot but so does Milan. Milan was bigger, quicker and faster at every position.
Okay I was just wondering, thanks
Not sure, 9-0 is tough to do. Blissfield and Clinton jump out to me.
Chris who do you have beating them
BLissfield game should be a stiff challenge. If it were at BLissfield I would have went with the Royals.