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High School Sports Scene, 555 E Downie Street, Alma, MI (2026)

10/09/2026

This week’s Mid-Michigan and Statewide games to watch

BUTCH HARMON
Sports Scene
Following are some of the top matchups in the Mid-Michigan area and across the state for week seven of the high school football season.

ALL GAMES FRIDAY
Sports Scene Coverage area
Frankenmuth@ Bay City Glenn
Glenn is looking for a statement win. A win against Frankenmuth would be a huge statement.
HSSS prediction: Frankenmuth 37, BC Glenn 13
Durand @ Birch Run
Winner of this game would take a big step toward moving up in the playoff standings.
HSSS prediction: Birch Run 27, Durand 22
New Lothrop @ Chesaning
Mid-Michigan Conference full of outstanding games this week and this is one of the feature games.
HSSS prediction: New Lothrop 30, Chesaning 20
Harrison @ Farwell
Two teams looking good for the playoffs. Both have been playing good football this season.
HSSS prediction: Harrison 28, Farwell 27
Alma @ Flint Powers
Powers has been on a roll lately while the Panthers have been playing solid football all season. This will be an interesting battle.
HSSS prediction: Alma 27, Powers 22
Valley Lutheran @ Ithaca
Ithaca has been rolling since week one. Valley Lutheran comes in with a 5-1 mark but faces a major hurdle this week.
HSSS prediction: Ithaca 47, Valley Lutheran 14
Gladwin @ Ogema Heights
Game of the week in the Jack Pine. Both teams have been playing solid football this season.
HSSS prediction: Ogema Heights 34, Gladwin 27

Statewide games of the week
Macomb Lutheran North @ Almont
Showdown time in the Blue Water conference. Lutheran North has won some close ones this year. Can they do it against Almont?
HSSS prediction: Almont 34, Lutheran North 17
Northville @ Belleville
Kensington Lakes classic. Belleville comes in on a roll while Northville is looking to rebound.
HSSS prediction: Belleville 28, Northville 27
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Game of the week in the OK Red. It’s Caledonia’s turn to try and slow down the Kentwood express.
HSSS prediction: East Kentwood 34, Caledonia 20
Ida @ Clinton
A Clinton win would throw the Lenawee County league standings for a loop.
HSSS prediction: Clinton 34, Ida 28
Lawton @ Constantine
A good one in Southwest Michigan. Constantine has been on a roll since opening-night overtime loss to Kazoo Hackett.
HSSS prediction: Constantine 27, Lawton 13
Woodhaven @ Gibraltar Carlson
Unbeaten Carlson faces a tough test against Woodhaven. Home field could be an advantage.
HSSS prediction: Carlson 30, Woodhaven 21
Monroe Jefferson @ New Boston Huron
Game of the week Downriver. Jefferson will bank on defense to make the difference.
HSSS prediction: Monroe Jeff 30, New Boston Huron 13
Battle Creek Harper Creek @ Kenowa Hills
This should be an outstanding clash between a pair of teams turning in big seasons. Both teams are tested tough.
HSSS prediction: Kenowa Hills 35, Harper Creek 20
Berrien Springs @ Hopkins
Another matchup of Southwest Michigan and West Michigan powers. Hopkins is coming off a big win against Belding and is rolling.
HSSS prediction: Caledonia 27, Grandville 24
Brighton @ Howell
Big one in Livingston County between long-time rivals. Get there early.
HSSS prediction: Howell 31, Brighton 27
Zeeland West @ Hudsonville Unity Christian
A good one on the west side. Both teams like to ground and pound.
HSSS prediction: Zeeland West 28, Unity Christian 26
Fenton @ Linden
Flint Metro league showdown between long-time rivals. This should be a good one.
HSSS prediction: Fenton 27, Linden 20
Detroit Catholic Central @ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Another huge one in the Catholic League. This one will be a classic. Availability of Duke Banta is a big key.
HSSS prediction: Detroit Catholic 27, OL St. Mary’s 21

Last week’s prediction record: 14-6, Season record 79-30

•

10/09/2026

A Tale of Two Kingstons: Heritage's Dynamic Duo Making a Name for Themselves
Same first name. Last names beginning with W. Different talents. One common goal — getting the Hawks back into the playoffs.

(SVL Sports)

Scott Keyes
Sports Scene

There are two Kingstons roaming the halls of Saginaw Heritage High School these days.
Both play football. Both are pretty darn good at it. And just to make things interesting, both have last names beginning with the letter W.
Meet Kingston Wright and Kingston Ware.
Confused yet?
Imagine being Heritage football coach Justin Thelen, who has to figure out which Kingston he's yelling for during practice.
Fortunately, the Hawks have developed a system.
Jersey numbers, initials and last names usually do the trick.
But there's one thing nobody around the Heritage program seems confused about.
Both Kingstons can flat-out play football.
And with the Hawks sitting at 3-3 heading into Friday night's pivotal Week 7 home showdown against East Lansing, Heritage will need both at their best.
"Great players, outstanding humans," Thelen said. "Both of them are just wildly consistent. They love football."
For Ware, a senior, that consistency has meant doing a little bit of everything.
A returning first-team all-league defensive performer, Ware has become one of Heritage's most valuable two-way players, rarely leaving the field.
And Thelen isn't shy about praising his contributions.
"What he's doing for us, starting both ways, is one of the most impressive things I've seen from a player in my seven years here," Thelen said. "He's a returning first-team all-league player on the defensive side, and honestly, he's playing at a first-team all-league caliber level on the offensive side as well."
Even more impressive?
"He has never remotely complained," Thelen added. "He's the model example for every kid in our program."
Then there's Wright.
The younger Kingston has become Heritage's big-play threat, the kind of player who can change a game in a heartbeat.
Catch a pass? Absolutely.
Take a handoff? You bet.
Throw a touchdown pass?
He's done that, too.
"He gives us an explosive threat on every single play on the offensive side of the ball," Thelen said. "Defenses always have to be conscious of where he's at, and as a result, defenses move around because of him, and he creates space for others."
Wright also understands the expectations that come with playing receiver at Heritage.
He grew up watching former Hawks standout Braylon Isom put up impressive numbers and dreamed of following in those footsteps.
"When I was in eighth grade, that was when he was a senior," Wright recalled. "I watched the previous players and what they did. I knew when I came into my sophomore year, I had to really show everybody that I could do what he did or even better."
Wright is quick to acknowledge Isom's place in Heritage football history.
"He was one of the greatest players to come through the program," Wright said. "But I know I'm capable enough to do what he did or even better."
That's confidence.
And Thelen wouldn't have it any other way.
But the two Kingstons have something more pressing on their minds than individual accomplishments.
Friday night. East Lansing. And Heritage's playoff hopes.
The Hawks have navigated one of the more demanding schedules in the area, facing the likes of Mount Pleasant, Grand Blanc and Davison.
Now comes another formidable Division 2 opponent.
"Our four non-league opponents were state finalists, regional finalists," Thelen said. "They won a ton of games, and that's how we want to schedule here."
At 3-3, Heritage knows the margin for error is shrinking.
Ware, playing his final high school season, isn't interested in settling for a mediocre finish.
"We plan on winning the rest of these games," he said. "So, 6-3."
Wright agrees.
"Definitely planning on winning the rest of these games," he said. "Just going out there with a good mindset and knowing we can beat these teams."
Both understand the importance of the next two weeks.
"Definitely critical," Ware said. "Two big games to really just warm us up for the playoffs and see what we can bring to the table."
For Thelen, the biggest compliment he can give his two Kingstons has little to do with touchdowns, tackles or statistics.
It's their attitude.
"They work really hard, and they want to be coached," he said. "They come out every day with an approach that they enjoy being out here, and they get better because of it."
So, if you're heading to Heritage Friday night and hear someone yelling "Kingston!" from the sideline, don't be surprised if two players turn around.
Just remember this:
One's Wright.
One's Ware.
And if the Hawks are going to make some noise down the stretch, they're going to need both Kingstons.
Because at Heritage, two Kingstons are definitely better than one.

10/09/2026

Meet Saginaw Heritage's Kingston Ware and Kingston Wright...I know it took us a little while to figure out too...

10/09/2026

HERITAGE ON THE RUN: KETELHUT BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH THE HAWKS
Former Heritage standout carries on Gary Lobert's tradition as a talented junior class eyes the Division 1 state cross country championships.

Scott Keyes
Sports Scene

SAGINAW TOWNSHIP — When Max Ketelhut took over the Saginaw Heritage boys cross country program, he knew exactly what he was walking into.
Big shoes. High expectations. And a tradition of excellence was established by longtime coach Gary Loubert.
Four years later, Ketelhut isn't just maintaining that tradition. He's putting his own stamp on it.
A 2016 Heritage graduate who competed under Lobert, Ketelhut returned as an assistant in 2020 before taking over the boys’ cross country program in 2022.
Lobert, meanwhile, hasn't left coaching. After a stop at Bay City Western, he's now directing the Midland Dow program.
"I would say so," Ketelhut said when asked about the challenge of replacing his former coach. "Just because of how long he had been the coach here."
But Ketelhut has something special brewing.
A talented junior class that has grown up together, pushed each other and developed into legitimate contenders for a trip to the MHSAA Division 1 state cross country championships.
Leading that group is Abe Blaskowski, who recently clocked a 16:11 over 5,000 meters at Heritage's home meet at Delta College.
And he's hardly alone.
Gabe Jaime, Alec Brown, Pascal Rasmussen and Travis Schiebner form the nucleus of a team that Ketelhut believes is only beginning to scratch the surface.
"They kind of inserted themselves as the top guys, just starting out as freshmen, and have just kind of progressed from there," Ketelhut said.
The biggest difference?
Learning how to become runners, not just athletes who run.
"They have found their notch in how to train right, how to keep their bodies fueled," Ketelhut said. "They're still learning every day, but they're also doing the right things that are helping them progress."
With the post season approaching, Heritage's timing couldn't be much better.
The Hawks have begun breaking through the mid-16-minute barrier, and their familiarity with Delta College's course could prove valuable with championship meets scheduled there.
A strong field at Shepherd provides another opportunity to lower times before regionals.
The ultimate goal remains simple: Get to the state finals and make some noise.
A TRACK PROGRAM WITH CHAMPIONSHIP DEPTH
Ketelhut's success extends well beyond the cross country trails.
The Heritage boys track and field program has developed into a well-rounded operation, producing talent in the sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and distance events.
And the results speak for themselves.
In 2026, Jase Behmlander captured a Division 1 state championship in the high jump, giving the Hawks another individual state champion.
Ketelhut and assistant coach Andrew Giddens knew Behmlander had special ability. What surprised them was how quickly he reached the top.
"We knew that eventually he would get there," Ketelhut said. "But we thought that maybe a state title might have been something that he could accomplish."
Behmlander wasn't the only Hawk making noise at the state championships.
Nick Coleman finished sixth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.08 seconds, while Grayson Byam placed fourth in the shot put with a throw of 55 feet, 4¾ inches.
That's championship-level talent across three very different events.
And there's more coming.
Sophomore hurdlers Miles and Myron Murray have emerged as promising young talents, while Kingston Ware is developing into one of Heritage's top throwing prospects.
What makes the program particularly interesting is how Ketelhut builds his roster.
Football players. Basketball players. Swimmers.
He welcomes them all.
"For the most part, football and basketball have been my biggest feeder programs," Ketelhut said. "They kind of just show up coming to the team to stay in condition for their main sport."
Rather than demanding year-round specialization, Ketelhut believes competing in multiple sports helps develop better overall athletes.
It's a philosophy that has helped Heritage build both depth and championship talent.
DON'T OVERLOOK THE GIRLS
While Ketelhut's primary responsibility is the boys’ program, there's another Heritage runner worth keeping an eye on as the state tournament approaches.
Junior Sawyer Lynn. The Heritage girls are coached by John Kowalski.
Lynn has established herself as one of Heritage's top girls distance runners and frequently trains alongside the boys to find stronger competition.
"She's kind of been a force to be reckoned with," Ketelhut said.
With a smaller girl’s roster, Lynn has also become an important example for younger runners, including a group of freshmen learning the demands of high school competition.
For Heritage, the future looks promising on both sides.
And for Ketelhut, who once wore the same uniform as the athletes he now coaches, there's something special about watching another generation chase championship dreams.
The foundation was laid years ago.
The championship tradition is alive and well.
And with a junior-heavy cross country lineup returning in 2027, the best might still be ahead for the Hawks.

10/09/2026

Not every stop on our Mt. Rushmore Tour takes us to a football powerhouse. Clio has endured more than its share of struggles on Friday nights, but that doesn't mean the Mustangs haven't produced some outstanding athletes and memorable coaches.
Our next stop celebrates three individuals who made their mark on Clio football, beginning with a coach who helped establish the program's tradition.

LOREN WILLEY — COACH
When it comes to Clio football history, few names carry more weight than Loren "Coach Will" Willey!
Willey compiled a 133-106 career record over 28 years of coaching, with stops at Quincy, Dansville, Clio and Flushing. At Clio, he guided the Mustangs to Big Nine Conference championships in 1970 and 1972, then returned as defensive coordinator for the school's 1996 league championship team.
Inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987, Willey left a legacy that extended far beyond wins and losses.

ERIC DOYLE — ATHLETE
A 1997 Clio graduate and one of the school's greatest all-around athletes! Doyle was a three-year starting quarterback, two-time captain and earned All-State recognition. He helped lead Clio to the 1996 Big Nine championship and a state playoff berth. He also excelled in basketball and baseball, earning induction into the Clio Area Schools Hall of Fame in 2025.

D'MARION ERLENBECK — ATHLETE
A talented Mustang who brought athleticism and excitement to the football field. Erlenbeck represents another generation of Clio athletes who gave Mustang fans something to cheer about, even during difficult times for the program.

WHO'S NEXT?
Clio hasn't enjoyed the championship success of many schools on our tour. But every program has its history, its standouts and its people who made a difference.

MUSTANG FANS — WHO DESERVES THE FOURTH SPOT ON CLIO'S FOOTBALL MT. RUSHMORE?
Let the debate begin!

10/09/2026

MID-MICHIGAN AREA
8-MAN FOOTBALL STATS

PASSING YARDS
(Min. 600 yards)
Charlie Cornford, St. Charles 1,338
Brennan Glazier, Coleman 1,128
Greg Croze, Potterville 453
Sawyer Eager, Bay City All Saints 404
Gabriel Kauffman, Montabella 371
Emmet Fandel, Portland St. Patrick 264

PASSING TOUCHDOWNS
Charlie Cornford, St. Charles 20
Brennan Glazier, Coleman 12
Sawyer Eager, Bay City All Saints 9
Greg Croze, Potterville 7
Gabriel Kauffman, Montabella 6
Emmet Fandel, Portland St. Patrick 4

RUSHING YARDS
Charlie Cornford, St. Charles 915
Josh Agranbright, Montabella 832
Austin Jensen, Montabella 778
Aaron McComb, Mayville 631
Gabriel Kauffman, Montabella 479
Emmet Fandel, Portland St. Patrick 464
Jeffrey Hartman, Bay City All Saints 461
Greg Croze, Potterville 438
Shane Miller, Mayville 361
Robert Brown, Mayville 320

RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
Josh Agranbright, Montabella 15
Charlie Cornford, St. Charles 14
Austin Jensen, Montabella 12
Aaron McComb, Mayville 11
Emmet Fandel, Portland St. Patrick 7
Jeffrey Hartman, Bay City All Saints 7
Gabriel Kauffman, Montabella 5
Greg Croze, Potterville 5

RECEIVING YARDS
Easton Hafner, St. Charles 859
Sincear Czarnecki, Coleman 532
Parker Klopf, Coleman 359
Elijah Alvarado, St. Charles 357
Jeffrey Hartman, Bay City All Saints 310
Tyler Thelen, Portland St. Patrick 210
Elijah Squier, Potterville 192
Austin Jensen, Montabella 162

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS
Easton Hafner, St. Charles 13
Jeffrey Hartman, Bay City All Saints 7
Sincear Czarnecki, Coleman 6
Parker Klopf, Coleman 6
Elijah Alvarado, St. Charles 4
Austin Jensen, Montabella 4
Elijah Squier, Potterville 3
Tyler Thelen, Portland St. Patrick 3

TACKLES
Davis Peterson, Montabella 58
Konar Curtis, Coleman 57
Robert Brown, Mayville 54
Mason Begart, Montabella 52
Carson Hall, Coleman 49
Damian Ward, Mayville 45
Nick Morales, Potterville 44
Kendon Bock, Coleman 43
Julian White, Potterville 40

SACKS
Camryn Eldridge, Mayville 3
Davis Peterson, Montabella 3
James Roy, Mayville 2.5
Daniel Langmaid, Mayville 2
Isaiah Rockey, Portland St. Patrick 2
Brayden Foster, Montabella 2
Bryton Strohl, Montabella 2

INTERCEPTIONS
Caden Warren, Potterville 5
Greg Croze, Potterville 3
Bryce Willis, Montabella 3
Sean Fedewa, Portland St. Patrick 2
Shane Smith, Portland St. Patrick 2
Shane Mustapha, Portland St. Patrick 2
Chase Bengel, Portland St. Patrick 2
Robert Brown, Mayville 2
Damian Ward, Mayville 2

10/09/2026

Max Ketelhut talks about the remaining part of the cross country season for the Hawks prior to last weeks Shepherd Invite. Look for the Heritage Hawks Athletics cross country to be posted Friday Morning.

10/09/2026

How are you liking the Mt. Rushmore Series thus far. Leave your comments below.

10/09/2026

Our next stop on the Football Mt. Rushmore Tour takes us to Burton Bendle, home of one of the most recognizable football players ever to come out of Michigan!

And there's another twist! One of our selections is making his SECOND appearance on Mt. Rushmore!

PAUL KRAUSE — LEGEND

Before becoming the NFL's all-time interceptions leader with 81, Krause was an outstanding athlete at Burton Bendle. He went on to star at Iowa before enjoying a remarkable 16-year NFL career with Washington and Minnesota. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Krause remains one of Michigan's greatest football products!

TOM ALWARD — LEGEND

How about this? Alward makes his second appearance on our Mt. Rushmore Tour! Earlier in the series, he earned a spot on Goodrich's mountain for his outstanding coaching career. Now he returns to the mountain at Burton Bendle, where his own football journey began. Alward went to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and was selected 153rd overall by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 1975 NFL draft. Two schools, two different chapters and one remarkable football legacy!

MATT LaFRENIERE — ATHLETE

Another outstanding athlete who proudly represented Burton Bendle. LaFreniere earns his place alongside two legendary names in the Tigers' football history, representing another generation of Bendle athletic talent.

WHO'S NEXT?

An NFL Hall of Famer. A coaching legend making his second appearance. And another standout Tiger.

But there's still one spot open!

BURTON BENDLE FANS — WHO DESERVES THE FOURTH SPOT ON YOUR FOOTBALL MT. RUSHMORE?

Let the debate begin!

10/08/2026

BREAKING NEWS: SHEPHERD FINDS HOMECOMING OPPONENT — AND THE INJURY REPORT IS ALREADY GROWING!

Bluejays to face “The Dads” Friday night in what could be the most entertaining homecoming matchup in Michigan!

Well, folks, you can't make this stuff up.
Just when we thought the Shepherd homecoming debacle couldn't get any crazier, somebody came up with an idea that might go down as one of the greatest — or most painful — decisions in Bluejays history.
Bring in THE DADS!
That's right.
After Standish-Sterling canceled Friday night's scheduled homecoming football game because of injuries, Shepherd was left scrambling to find an opponent.
Apparently, somebody suggested asking the fathers to suit up.
And in a stunning display of confidence — or complete disregard for their physical well-being — THE DADS ACCEPTED!
Friday night. 6:30 p.m. Shepherd.
The Bluejays against The Dads.
Youth versus experience.
Speed versus old-man strength.
Fresh legs versus knees that haven't been right since 1998.
And perhaps most importantly, a group of young men who actually practice football against a group of fathers who have spent the last 15 years explaining from the bleachers how the game should be played.
This should be interesting.
THE SCOUTING REPORT
Let's start with the Bluejays.
They're young. They're fast. They're conditioned. They actually know the playbook.
And most importantly, they can get out of bed Saturday morning without making strange noises.
The Dads?
Well, they've got experience.
Lots of it.
Some claim they were pretty good football players back in the day. A few insist they could have played college football if not for that one coach who didn't like them.
And we're fully expecting at least one father to channel his inner Al Bundy from Married... with Children, proudly announcing to anyone within earshot:
"I once scored SIX touchdowns in one game!"
Of course, Al Bundy famously claimed four touchdowns in a single game for Polk High, but who's counting?
When you're a Dad, the older you get, the better you were!
And we're guessing a few of those legendary touchdowns have grown from 10-yard runs into 85-yard masterpieces over the past 25 years.
Unfortunately, most of the game film from those glory days has mysteriously disappeared.
Several fathers have already been listed as questionable after suffering minor injuries while filling out their participation forms.
One reportedly pulled a hamstring demonstrating his old three-point stance in the living room.
Another needed assistance getting back up.
Neither report has been independently confirmed.
KEYS TO THE GAME
For Shepherd, the game plan is simple.
MAKE THE DADS RUN.
For The Dads?
FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING, DON'T LET THEM MAKE YOU RUN!
The Bluejays will likely rely on speed, quick passes and conditioning.
The Dads are expected to counter with a revolutionary defensive scheme known as "Everybody go get the kid with the ball!"
Offensively, sources close to the fathers' coaching staff suggest the playbook consists of three plays.
Run right.
Run left.
And the always popular, "Just throw it up there, somebody will catch it!"
Whether anyone can actually get open remains to be seen.
THE TALE OF THE TAPE
40-yard dash: Bluejays, by approximately 12 seconds.
Bench press: Dads, although several have requested that their numbers from 2004 be used.
Trash talking: Dads, in a landslide.
Conditioning: Bluejays. Not even close.
Football knowledge: Dads, according to the Dads.
Halftime adjustments: Bluejays will review strategy. Dads will review their health insurance coverage.
Recovery time: Bluejays, 24 hours. Dads, 7-10 business days.
Monday morning work attendance: Currently questionable.
THE OPENING LINE
Oddsmakers have installed Shepherd as a 28½-point favorite.
Frankly, we're not sure that's enough.
The Dads are expected to challenge the point spread, assuming somebody can locate the team's last remaining bottle of Icy Hot.
Medical personnel have reportedly requested additional ice packs, athletic tape and several comfortable lawn chairs.
The Dads' injury report will be updated hourly.
Possibly every 15 minutes.
BUT HERE'S THE BEST PART
All joking aside, what Shepherd is doing deserves a standing ovation.
Earlier this week, these young men were staring at the possibility of losing one of the most memorable Friday nights of their high school careers.
Their homecoming game was gone.
Their opponent couldn't play.
And nobody could be found to replace them.
Instead of throwing in the towel, the Shepherd community came up with something special.
Something different.
Something these players, their fathers and their families will probably be talking about for the next 30 years.
Because years from now, nobody is going to remember the final score.
But those kids will remember the night Dad lined up across from them.
And the Dads?
They'll remember it, too.
Especially every time they try to walk down the stairs next week.

Our High School Sports Scene prediction?
Shepherd Bluejays 42, The Dads 6.

And we're only giving The Dads six because somebody's father is absolutely going to insist he scored a touchdown, whether he actually did or not.Congratulations, Shepherd.

You just turned a homecoming nightmare into what might become the most talked-about homecoming in Michigan this season.
One final reminder to The Dads:
Stretch before kickoff.
Ice afterward.
And whatever you do...
DON'T TRY TO RELIVE YOUR 40-YARD DASH TIME FROM 1997!

High School Sports Scene

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