Montrose comes into week 12 with a 10-1 record, finishing 2nd to New Lothrop in the Mid-Michigan Conference with a 6-1 mark. We last saw the Rams in week 11 defeating Millington 22-0. Montrose has qualified for the playoffs 25 of the last 30 seasons, won 7 District title and 4 Regional titles since 2000. The Rams hold 2 State Championships in 1998 and 2002 and hold an overall playoff record of 40-24. The Head Coach for Montrose is Dennis Reinhart. SMCC finished 2nd in the Huron League with a 6-1 conference mark and are 9-1 on the season. The Falcons have qualified for the playoffs 17 of the last 20 seasons, won 12 District titles and 8 Regional Crowns since 2000. SMCC won State Titles in 1969, 1991, 2014 and hold an overall playoff record of 48-21. In his 5th season leading the Green and Gold, SMCC is fronted by Coach Adam Kipf. This will be the 2nd meeting between these two programs on the football field, with SMCC winning the previous contest.
Montrose Hill-McCloy Rams (10-1 Mid-Michigan Conference)
Montrose runs a varied attack out of the spread shot-gun formation. The Rams have a very balanced offense and can move the ball in any fashion. Boasting an offensive line that resembles most small college teams with it’s size, Kameron Osborn(6’1, 280lbs), Tyler Cannon(6’1, 300lbs) and Aden Viar(6’0, 275lbs) are leaders on the Offensive Line. Taking full advantage of the tremendous size up front are Running backs, Adam Stiverson II(8.6 ypc, 7 TD’s), Jack Kalakay(9.1ypc, 5TD’s) and Antio Harrison(8.0 ypc, 6TD’s).
The Rams also feature a high powered passing attack through the arm of QB Bobby Skinner( 73-117, 1,573 yds, 24 TD’s, 3 INT). Skinner can get it done with the legs as well( 97 carries, 518yds, 5.3 ypc, 7 TD’s). On the receiving end of Skinner are Joe Wilber( 23rec, 666yds, 11 TD’s) and Jayden Harden( 23rec, 377yds, 9TD’s).
Defensively Montrose is led by an impressive group of Line Backers in Kalakay(131 tckl, 12.4 for loss) and Stiverson(14.5 tfl). The Defensive Line is led by Griffin Barnette(6’0, 275lbs) with 7.5 tackles for loss. Delazea Bedford does a great job from his Defensive End position.
The Rams average 42.1 ppg while giving up 17.1
Comment From Coach Reinhart: “They are Big, Strong, and Physical…. So it will be a monumental challenge for us in this game. They execute so well, and with their size and speed, it will be very challenging to stop them, or should I say, slow them down.”
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Falcons (9-1 Huron League)
The Falcons once again will showcase their usual punishing ground attack out of the Full House T offense. Relying heavily on their talented senior running back quartet of Sam Cousino( 77 carries, 647 yards, 11TD), Wyatt Bergmoser(114 carries, 814 yards, 10 TD) Alex Morgan(95 carries, 1332 yards, 13 TD) and Jace Worrell(30 carries 137 yards 1 TD). The above 4 average an impressive 9.27 yards per carry. Christiaan Harrington (14 for 23 for 351 yards and 4 TD’s) will take the snaps for the Falcons.
As always, the foundation of any ground attack is the Offensive Line. The Falcons have bullied their way to 3,649 yards rushing on the season. Up front for the Falcons are Connor Bogdanski(6’3″ 285lbs), Luke Bilan(6’1″ 230lbs), James Hawkins(5’7″ 235lbs), Brendan Sloan(5’10” 205lbs), Zach Patterson(6’3″ 235 lbs), Mason Gullen(6’3″ 235 lbs), Gus Flint(5’11” 190 lbs), Jackson Strube(6’1″ 205), Nieko Castiglione(6’0″ 200 lbs).
Defensively the Falcons are led by Flint, Strube, Gullen, Castiglione and Cousino.
SMCC averages 37.7 ppg while giving up 15.7
Comment From Coach Kipf: ” Montrose has a great size all over the field. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be key in this game. They play the game very physical and would rather run you over instead of around. Their skill players move very well so we will have to contain them. They are a great program, coached very well, and have an outstanding football tradition.”
FNV thoughts: This is a battle of two blue blood programs. Both have an excellent winning percentage through the years to include, all sorts of District, Regional and State Titles. Both squads boast tremendous senior leadership, with each having 19-20 seniors on the roster. I would say both of these coaches have been looking forward to this year. Both think they have what it takes to win it all… and I would agree. It’s no secret, in the game of football, whoever controls the line of scrimmage best, has the upper hand. The more physical team will come away with yet another Regional Crown to add the already impressive mantel. I would expect Montrose to travel well. The stands should be full of excitement and without a doubt, the people in attendance, will be treated to a fantastic High School football game. How lucky are we all.
***For those of you who cannot make the game, you can stream the game live at 983nashicon.com or download the nashicon app.