Carlson Marauders: 2024 Team Preview

The Gibraltar Carlson Marauders football team is gearing up for another successful season under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Gendron, who enters his third year with an impressive 19-4 record. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Marauders are poised to make a deep run in the Downriver League and beyond.

Returning Talent

The Marauders boast a wealth of returning talent, including:

• Izaiah Wright (RB), a junior who racked up over 2,000 total yards and 31 touchdowns last season
• Joe Krolak (QB), a senior who threw for 1,069 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 626 yards and 8 touchdowns
• Drew Sikora (TE), a senior who caught 8 passes for 93 yards and 1 touchdown
• Landon Vida (WR), a senior who caught 18 passes for 440 yards and 7 touchdowns
• Chris Nightengale (C) junior lineman 6-0, 265 lb

Defensive Strength

The Marauders’ defense is equally impressive, with seven returning starters, including:

• Hayden Higgins (DE), a senior who recorded 28 tackles and 1 sack
• Chase Towns (DT), a senior who started all 12 games and recorded 49 tackles and 3 sacks
• Teegan Nagy (LB), a junior who earned All-Region honors with 70 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks
• Jayden Allen (DE), a 5-10, 205 lb junior who uses speed and athleticism to excel at the position.

Returning Starters
Offense: Joe Krolak (QB), Izaiah Wright (RB), Drew Sikora (TE), Landon Vida (WR)
Christopher Nightingale (OL)
Defense: Jacob Collins (DB), Brody Lavis (DB), Teegan Nagy (LB), Kenny McCurdy (LB),
Chase Towns (DL), Jayden Allen (DE), Hayden Higgins (DE)

Newcomers to Watch

• Trent Ison (QB/HB/TE), a junior who will serve as a backup quarterback and start at H-back
• Avery Ortiz (S), a junior who will play strong safety and return kicks

Coaching Staff

Coach Gendron is joined by a seasoned coaching staff, including Dan Kalbfleisch, Drew Sweany, Ryan Buttson, Dale Midkiff, Austin Damron, Jim Kalbfleisch, Andrew Knope, Nick McGuire, Tim Simons Sr., and Alex Wellman.

League Outlook

The Downriver League is expected to be highly competitive, with Allen Park and Trenton posing significant challenges.

Coach’s Final Word

“I’m very proud of the hard work that has brought our program to its current level. Our players love the game, play for each other, and embrace our program’s standards. This group has the potential to be special. We must stay healthy and focus on the task at hand, week by week.”

FNV Outlook: With 12 returning starters, many with star potential, this could be one of the best teams in school history. The Marauders will be one of the top teams in Division 2 entering the season and could possibly make a deep playoff run.

Follow the Marauders on Twitter: @CHSMarauderFB, @CoachJGendron.