SMCC Falcons 2024 Team Preview

We last saw SMCC in 2023, bowing out in the district final at Clinton. Interestingly, 300 days later, the Falcons will play their first game in 2024 vs the same Clinton Redwolves. Can SMCC exact revenge in week 1, propelling them into a tough Huron League? The schedule for the Green and Gold is nothing to scoff at. Four state ranked teams await. The Falcons have their work cut out for them, if they are to reach their team goals.

Head Coach: Adam Kipf – 10th year (overall record: 67-32)

Assistant Coaches: Bill Bacarella, Nick Calkins, Brian Flint, Nate Geiger, Scott Hoffman, Rob Hogg, Jason Reinhardt, Kyle McElvany

Conference/League: Huron League

2023 Record: 6-5 (4-3 Huron League), Division 7 Playoff Qualifier

Last 10 season: Overall 80-33 ; Playoffs 20-7

Impact Players:

● Drew Harris (RB) – 125 carries, 734 yards, 4 TDs. “Drew has made great strides this off-season. He looks really good carrying the ball in practice. His vision has improved and he is seeing things develop quicker this year.”

● Ian Foster (QB) – Passing 14/31, 177 yards, 4 TDs – Rushing 88 carries, 522 yards, 8 TDs. “Ian is a tremendous athlete. He has a strong presence on the field and in the huddle for us. We have asked him to do more mentally this season and has responded well. We are looking for a great year from him.”

● Joel Treece (TE) “Joel emerged as one of our better blockers for us last season. He is a versatile athlete for us on the line of scrimmage. He can block and catch the ball. Joel has a great opportunity in from of him this year.”

● Brock Cousino (LB) – 66 tackles, 3 TFLs. “Brock is entering his 3rd year for us on the varsity level. Each year he has gotten better. His speed has improved and he has retained much, in terms of experience, from the last 2 seasons. Brock is a great athlete and we plan to utilize his abilities where we see fit, not just at linebacker.”

● Andrew Beggs (DB) – 52 tackles, 2 INTs. “Andrew has worked hard this off-season in the weight room. He showed flashes last year in the secondary. He is a ball hawk for us, but we need him to play more downhill, physical style of football this year.”

● Ben Carter (DL) – 26 tackles, 2 sacks. “Ben does a nice job for us on the edge. He can be elusive at times and disrupt backfields. He has a high motor, similar to Noah Smith and Riley DeSarbo from a few years ago. He carries on that position well!”

Returning Starters (Offense – 9): Ian Foster (QB), Drew Harris (RB), Max Flint (TE), Brady Hines (RB), Trey Worrell (OL), Jon-Marc LaVanway (OL), Jon Geiger (OL), Jimmy Rostash (OL), Joel Treece (TE).

Returning Starters (Defense – 7): Andrew Beggs (DB), Anthony Caladino (DB), Ben Carter (DL), Brady Hines (DL), Brock Cousino (LB), Jack Starner (DL), Jon Geiger (DL).

Predicted order of finish in Huron League:

1. Riverview 2. Flat Rock 3. SMCC 4. Huron 5. Airport 6. Grosse Ile 7. Milan 8. Jefferson

Coach Kipf’s Thoughts: “This season brings higher expectations for our team. We have worked hard to make some changes within our program this off-season. It is starting to show among our kids. We have a mix of talent and experience this year. We have several skilled kids who can impact games on both sides of the ball. Our skilled positions might be the deepest they have ever been in my 10 years. Our trench players are coming along nicely. The key to our season will be up front and what that position group can accomplish. Practices have been more spirited this year. We’ve got to translate what we do in practice to the field. I expect the Huron League to be tough this year. Several teams can win on any given Friday night, no matter the opponent. It should make for an interesting Huron League schedule! We also have two quality opponents on our non-league schedule in Clinton and Detroit Country Day. Our kids have a challenge ahead of them, hopefully, with their experience, they can rise to the challenge week after week.”

FNV Outlook: The 2024 Falcons have a chance to make a lot of noise this season. All 3 of us at FNV are high on the Falcons both in league play and in the post-season. Both, however, will be extremely difficult tasks. Riverview has a stranglehold on the league title and Division 7 is said to be the toughest division in the state. The Falcons will rely on it’s offensive firepower and will be a threat to score anywhere on the field. Look for newcomer Lukas Linzell(JR) to add to what was already a potent backfield. Brady Hines(JR) will also be a player to watch on both sides of the ball. If the offensive line makes strides as the season progresses, this could be a special season over on West Elm. As Frank might say, get your popcorn ready, this 2024 Falcons squad could be great theater.