We last saw the Eagles (6-4) make a round-one exit in the 2022 playoffs with a loss to State Semi-finalist Napoleon. Mason will look to improve on last year in year three of Head Coach Steve Bowers(11-9). His coaching staff is comprised of: Devyn Kennedy, Cody Wiley, Kevin Kaufman, John Goodnough, John Goodin, Tanner Herrera, David Kelly.
Returning letter winners: 19
Returning starters:
Offense: Vaughn Brown (QB)- leader on and off the field as a 3-sport athlete(football, basketball, and track) and an all-As Honor Roll student and Scholar-Athlete. This season will be his 3rd year as the varsity starting QB. Brown broke the school record for passing yards in a season in 2022 with 1,877 yards. He also set the single-game passing yards record last season with 369 yards.
Korbin Herrera (WR)-6-2, 180, senior, WR/DB: Korbin is the #1 returning WR. He led the team last year with 37 receptions for 754 yards and 9 TDs. Herrera is a tall and fast receiver with great hands and is a scoring threat from anywhere on the field. He has committed to the weight room this off-season, allowing him to add size and strength while improving his speed.
Cole Kreger (RB/WR) 6-0, 175, senior, Athlete/LB: Cole is an all-around athlete (a 3-sport athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball) who plays several positions for the Eagles on offense. Taking snaps at WR, RB, and QB, Kreger’s versatility will be on display often. Cole amassed 645 all-purpose yards last season.
Other returning starters include: Logan Goodin, Malachi Rodriguez (OL), Michael Narew (RB/WR), and Cam Davis (OL).
Defense: Cole Kreger (DE/LB)109.5 tackle. 2 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and 1 interception, Vaughn Brown (DB), Phoenix Stefko (DB), Korbin Herrera (DB), Toby Frazier (LB), Michael Narew (LB), and Logan Goodin (DE) 6-2, 175, junior, RB/DE: 3-sport athlete, 101.5 tackles last season with 9 TFLs, 4.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
New Comers to keep an eye on:
Cameron Davis (10-OL/DL) , Maddix Wise (10—OL), Colin Koehl (10—OL)
Coach’s thoughts on League and Schedule:
“Even with just 4 11-man football teams remaining in the TCC it should be competitive from top to bottom. Whiteford is the defending D8 State Champ and has been dominant at the lower levels. With 11 straight winning seasons I don’t expect that to change and once again they will be the team to beat. Sand Creek will be a tough physical team once again. It will be interesting to see how Summerfield uses its hard-working and competitive athletes under their new head coach.”
“We look forward to our new schedule as we play 4 county teams (Jefferson, Dundee, Summerfield, and Whiteford) and scrimmage two others (Ida and SMCC). The crossovers with the TAAC and the Big 8 should be interesting. Northwood has a strong tradition in football, Ottawa Hills is coming off one of their best seasons in years. Reading is always one of the top teams in D8 and Quincy is where I went to high school and is looking to make big improvements in year two under their new co-head coaches. Weeks 1 and 2 will present major challenges. Jefferson has some really good athletes and gave us a really tough and physical Week 9game last year; it will be fun to see Coach Beaudrie work his magic there. We have scrimmaged or done 7 on7s with Dundee the last two seasons and know Coach Ayre has some talented athletes who have had back-to-back winning seasons. We expect to be competitive week in and week out this season. We have several returning contributors from last season which we are excited about. However, lack of depth will definitely require some younger guys to step up and play major roles on varsity this season but the hard work they put in this off season has prepared them for that challenge.”
FNV Outlook: Coach Bowers has put together a very tough schedule in 2023. Opening up with Jefferson and Dundee, not only provide stiff competition but a nice story line as well. Following up with the rest of the schedule, there doesn’t seem to be many breaks or “gimme” wins. If playoff aspirations are to be met, It would seem the Eagles may have to come out of the blocks strong. Moving up to Division 6 in 2023, playoff points will need-be acquired from the upper-division foes in August and September. With the fire-power Mason returns, this should be a fun team to watch as Brown and Herrera will be a tough match-up for anyone. Look for the Eagles to continue their solid play in 2023 and make a strong push for the state playoffs.
Scrimmage location and time:
8/17 @Ida w/ SMCC and Melvindale @6 PM
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