Jackson Area Sports

Football Preview 2026 – Marshall

Marshall football has 18 seniors returning in 2026

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports

Marshall High School has championship aspirations and beyond with 18 returning senior football players in 2026.
The Redhawks were 4-5 a year ago after starting the season with two wins in its first three games.
Coach Scott Farley said the goals are higher for Marshall in 2026.
“We should be ready to be a championship caliber program,” Farley said. “We look forward to competing for an Interstate Eight Conference championship and beyond.”
The Redhawks are led by all-conference quarterback Matthew Waito. The quarterback had several games last season where he both ran and threw for more than 100 yards.
Harland Begg (OL/DL) was an all-conference lineman for Marshall in 2025 and will have college scouts watching.
Colin Stealy (LB/TE) also earned all-conference honors on the defensive side of the football last season.
Others who will make impacts in 2026 include Jaylon Wharton (OL/DL), Eli Warner (OL/DL), Ayden Sleeper (OL/DL), Dylan Kopulos (TE/DL), Kye Saunders (WR/LB), Cruz Saldana (WR/DB), Karson Moga (WR/DB), Zack Hudson (WR/DB), Dom Purcell (WR/LB), Easton Dale (DB), Jojo Kalisz (OL/DL), Austin Fish (DL), Jacob Riser (RB), Grant Osterwalder (DL), and Caleb Galloway (DB).
Newcomers who hope to fill some starting positions for the Redhawks are juniors Easton Collier (OL/DL), Brandon Ray (TE/LB), Collin Dew (WR/DB), Martez Merritt (RB/LB), Jack Beattie (RB/LB), Hafiz Mujahid (WR/LB), Jakier Bates (WR/DB), and Matt Ryan (QB/LB).
Things get tough for Marshall right out of the game with games against Hastings and Harper Creek in weeks three and four.
Three of its first four games are at home but they are on the road 4-of-5 games to end the season.
The Richland Gull Lake game has been scrapped due to RGL canceling the entire season, but Marshall will host Montrose for game one on Aug. 28.

Marshall High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 28 Montrose at Marshall 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 Marshall at Waverly 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Hastings at Marshall 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Harper Creek at Marshall 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Marshall at Sparta 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Marshall at Northwest 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Marshall at Western 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Coldwater at Marshall 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Marshall at Pennfield 7 p.m.

Marshall High School quarterback Matthew Waito (7) is lifted up by lineman Harland Begg after scoring a touchdown last year against Northwest.

Football Preview 2026 – Napoleon

Eighteen seniors has Napoleon excited for 2026 season

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

With 18 seniors on the 2026 Napoleon High School football squad, the Pirates have high hopes for this season.
The Pirates were 7-4 a year ago losing to Lumen Christi in the district football final.
Napoleon is hoping getting faster and stronger pushes the Pirates to a conference title and beyond.
Their offense will look familiar – a self-described “fight in a phone booth” according to ninth-year head Coach Derek Shell. There were games a year ago when the Pirates did not pass the football.
“We are looking to play smash-mouth physical football,” Shell said.
Key returnees for the Pirates are Ashton Warner (RB/LB), Zander Weaver (OL), and Zavior Skog (RB/DB).
Ashton Warner led the Pirates in tackles in 2025 and was an all-conference and all-region player.
Weaver earned all-conference honors for his play at the center position for Napoleon.
Skog – a senior – is coming off back-to-back seasons with 1,000-plus rushing yards.
Others expected to make a difference include sophomore Halston Snellenberger (OL/DL), Ryan Lovett (OL/DL), and Carson Warner (RB/LB).
Snellenberger was noted as one of the top underclassmen in 2025, Lovett was all-conference last year, and Warner was the second-leading tackler for Napoleon a year ago.
The Pirates could start as many as nine seniors on both sides of the football according to a depth chart.
Lovett, Ashton Warner, and Isaac Caroffino were chosen as the captains for the Pirates in 2026.
Shell said the defense may look a little different for Napoleon in 2026.
“Look to see an aggressive blitz heavy 3-4 and 4-2-5 (defense) this season,” Shell said.
Napoleon has made the MHSAA football playoffs five-of-six seasons since 2020.

Napoleon High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 28 Montague at Napoleon 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 Napoleon at Grass Lake 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Napoleon at Jonesville 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Hanover-Horton at Napoleon 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Napoleon at Addison 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Michigan Center at Napoleon 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Columbia Central at Napoleon 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Cascades Crossover TBD
Oct. 23 Onsted at Napoleon 7 p.m.

Zavior Skog (22) of Napoleon High School is a two-time 1,000-plus yard rusher for the Pirates.

Football Previews 2026 – Vandercook Lake

Vandercook has 10 returning starters for 2026 football

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

Vandercook Lake has 10 returning starters from a team that went 3-6 a year ago.
But that does not tell all of the story for 2025 as the Jayhawks won three-of-four games to start the season.
The meat of their conference season eventually wore them down.
Coach Dan Midena begins his fourth season with high hopes.
“We have a solid senior class … (with) kids who have played varsity football since their sophomore year,” Midena said. “We are returning a senior quarterback but a junior quarterback is pushing him for the starting job.”
Seniors Justin Barnes (QB/LB) and Micah Crenshaw (RB/DE) earned first-team all-conference a year ago for the Jayhawks.
Barnes is a four-year captain for the Jayhawks and can play numerous positions on the field.
“He is another coach on the field,” Midena said.
Midena said Crenshaw is the most athletic player on the team.
“He dominated some games last year off the (defensive) edge,” Midena said.
The sack-happy senior had two sacks and two fumble recoveries against Sand Creek in 2025.
Other returnees for the Jayhawks include Deshawn Roper (RB/LB), Davion Bradley (RB/WR/LB), D.J. Bramlett (OL/DL), Ethan Walker (OL/DL), Carter Richmond (OL/DB), Noah Monroy (OL/DL), Eadon Briston (OL/DL), and Hunter Kurzynowski (DB).
Landon Holloway is a junior quarterback for the Jayhawks.
Midena says staying healthy and continuing to get better each day are high on his priority list for 2026.
Vandercook Lake is 5-13 since returning to 11-man football three years ago.
Midena coached most of the current varsity players in junior high football.

Vandercook Lake High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 27 Vandercook Lake at Laingsburg 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 Hanover-Horton at Vandercook Lake 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Vandercook Lake at Leslie 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Vandercook Lake at Addison 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Michigan Center at Vandercook Lake 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Vandercook Lake at Grass Lake 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Manchester at Vandercook Lake 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Cascades Crossover TBD 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Perry at Vandercook Lake 7 p.m.

Vandercook Lake High School quarterback Justin Barnes (5) is a two-time all-conference football player for the Jayhawks.

Football Previews 2026 - Concord High School

Concord boasts old, new on football field in 2026

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

Concord High School head football Coach Max Clark said the Yellow Jackets will be “old and young” in 2026.
The Yellow Jackets have a veteran group on the line but are “green” in the backfield.
Concord finished the 2025 season at 5-4 in 8-man-football just missing the playoffs. The Yellow Jackets lost a pair of record-setting performers in the backfield due to graduation.
Clark is enthusiastic about numerous young players on the 2026 squad.
“My sophomore class is possibly the best all-around group of football players I have coached to date,” Clark said. “They are athletic and committed.”
Wyatt Mandrelle will be starting for the Yellow Jackets at quarterback.
“I have no doubt he will be able to pick right up where Gavin (Riske) left off,” Clark said.
Veterans Adam Miller (OL/DL) and Waylon Mandrelle (OL/DL) will provide protection upfront.
“Most of my returning seniors are three-year starters,” Clark said. “They should be a good complement to one another.”
Hunter Watts is a junior who returns as a wide receiver and running back for Concord.
Defensive returning starters include Landen Lynn (DB), Garrett Tyler (LB), and Easton Woolworth (LB).
Clark said he is excited about the commitment the Yellow Jackets are showing early in the season.
“It really is special to have a group like this,” Clark said. “They are a team as well.”
Concord has a 22-23 record since joining 8-man-football in 2021.
Their 2026 schedule includes a pair of games to be played at college football stadiums.

Concord High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 28 Climax-Scotts at Concord 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 Concord at St. Philip 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Mendon at Concord 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Concord at Britton-Deerfield 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 Concord at Morenci 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Pittsford at Concord 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Concord at Southfield Christian (Lawrence Tech) 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Concord at Lenawee Christian (Albion College) 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Concord at Bellevue 7 p.m.

Adam Miller, left, and Waylon Mandrelle are two players Concord will count on during the 2026 football season.

Photos courtesy Concord Athletics

The Golf Report Aug. 10, 2026

Stableford Golf Tournament up next for area golfers

Jackson Amateur Golf Tour: The Jackson Amateur Golf Tour men’s schedule continues Saturday, at Sharp Park Golf Course with the Jackson Stableford Tournament. The alternative scoring format provides incentives for birdies and eagles and takes away points for bogeys or higher. The tournament is a one-day event playing 36 holes. Go to www.jacksongolf.net, click on men’s tournaments, and look for the link under 2026 Jackson Stableford. Deadline to register is Aug. 13 by 11 p.m.

JCWGA: The next Jackson County Womens Golf Association event will be a one-day meet at Burr Oak Golf Course on Aug. 21. For information go to JCWGA 2.0 on Facebook for call Barb Fischer at 989-239-6678.

R.W. Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour: The last event of the 2026 season will be Sunday at the Country Club of Jackson. Players compete in an adult/junior two-person scramble format. To be eligible players must have already participated in three other tour events and be able to shoot 119 or better for 18 holes. Tee times will be available soon for Sunday’s event at https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12533347979559461100.

Brian C**n, shown here during the Jackson Masters earlier in the month, won the Jackson Stableford Golf Tournament last year at Sharp Park Golf Course with 24 points.

FILE PHOTO

Football Previews 2026 – Lumen Christi

LC, Brogan prepares for possible record-setting football season

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

Longtime Lumen Christi Catholic High School Coach Herb Brogan enters his 47th season as head coach of the Titans with numerous significant state football records within his grasp.
But you may never hear Brogan talking about his career accomplishments.
You are more likely to hear the coach discussing his team’s tough schedule or what his players are accomplishing.
Brogan is within 11 wins of tying John Herrington of Farmington Hills Harrison with 443 career wins in Michigan High School football.
He tied Harrington last year when the Titans won the Division 6 title – the 13th for Brogan as a head coach.
Lumen Christi already owns the state record for most state titles in football with 15.
And the Titans can tie the state record for most consecutive championships with five – a record owned by Grand Rapids West Catholic, Harrison, and East Grand Rapids.
But an “experienced group” of players have a tough schedule in front of them according to Brogan.
“We should be competitive returning a good number of starters,” Brogan said in a preseason preview. “The schedule is difficult and depth could be an issue.
“If we can stay healthy we have a chance.”
On offense the Titans have quarterback Benny Gaston returning – a “polished senior leader” who completed more than 60 percent of his passes last year. Joining Gaston are seniors Wes Learned (WR), Johnny Furnas (WR), Luke Anderson (OT), Wes Vanderstelt (OL), and Colin Fuller (OL).
On defense Cash Cooper (DE), Anderson (DT), Jake Contat (LB), Brennan Brogan (LB), and Johnny Walters (DB) are expected to lead a defense that allowed less than 10 points per game during the MHSAA playoffs in 2025.
The Titans’ defense will be tested as they expect to play against a handful of soon-to-be Division 1 college quarterbacks in its schedule that includes Detroit Edison, Traverse City St. Francis, Toledo Central Catholic, Toledo St. Francis, Country Day and Divine Child.
Brogan has coached at Lumen Christi for six decades.
The Titans have registered 48 victories in winning four consecutive state titles.

Lumen Christi Catholic High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 28 Lumen Christi at Detroit Edison 4 p.m.
Sept. 4 Lumen Christi at Columbus Prep (Ohio) 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Traverse City St. Frances at Lumen Christi 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 A.A. Gabriel Richard at Lumen Christi 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Toledo Catholic at Lumen Christi 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Detroit U of D at Lumen Christi 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Toledo St. Francis at Lumen Christi 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Lumen Christi at Detroit Country Day 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Lumen Christi at Dearborn Divine Child 7 p.m.

Herb Brogan, left, enters his 47th season as the head coach of Lumen Christi Catholic High School.

Benny Gaston returns to guide the LCCHS offense in 2026.

New conference alignments for Cascades Conference

With East Jackson and Homer heading to the Big Eight Conference, here are the new five-team North and South Divisions in Cascades Conference. The conference expects to be up to 12 teams in 2027-2028 when Stockbridge and Hillsdale join the Cascades Conference.

2026 – 2027 North and South teams

Cascades North
Michigan Center, Grass Lake, Leslie, Manchester, and Vandercook Lake.

Cascades South
Columbia Central, Jonesville, Napoleon, Hanover-Horton, and Addison.

2027-2028 North and South teams

Cascades North
Michigan Center, Grass Lake, Leslie, Manchester, Vandercook Lake, and Stockbridge.

Cascades South
Columbia Central, Jonesville, Napoleon, Hanover-Horton, Addison, and Hillsdale.

Football Previews 2026 - Springport

Spartans look to repeat success of 2025

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

The 2025 campaign was a dreams season for Springport High School football.
The Spartans finished the regular season 9-0 for the second time in school history, won its first district championship, and advanced to the regional final against Hudson.
That is where the dream season ended for the Spartans – 68-22 to the eventual state runners-up from Hudson.
The Spartans return numerous key players from 2025 as they attempt to repeat that high success rate.
Two key players for the Spartans include seniors Tucker Wiginton and Kolton Woyame.
Wiginton enters the 2026 season with more than 1,500 yards in total offense – 409 rushing, 713 receiving, and 459 yards in returns. He was an all-conference and all-region player for Springport. He also won the Division 3 state title in pole vaulting with a 15-foot leap last spring.
Woyame was a key running back for the Spartans with nearly 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He enters the 2026 season with 52 tackles from the linebacker position and has the highest grades and test scores on the team according to third-year coach Ben Pack.
Other returnees expected to make a difference are Easton Merrill (RB), Jake Kregel (WR), Andrew Kregel (DE), C**t Obert (OT), and Colby Casler (CB).
Merrill has nearly 1,000 rushing yards and has scored nine touchdowns.
Jake Kregel missed the entire 2025 season due to an injury from basketball. He was a first-team all-conference and all-region receiver as a sophomore.
Andrew Kregel is the second strongest player on the team lifting 1,075 pounds on bench, squat, and deadlift combined.
Obert started all 12 games for Springport last season. Pack says his “knowledge of blocking leverage for each play leads to excellent execution.”
Casler started all 12 games at cornerback for Springport in 2025 and finished with 32 tackles and one interception.
The Spartans have earned 19 wins in the last two seasons.
Springport High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 28 Bronson at Springport 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 Springport at Homer 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Open
Sept. 18 Springport at Vermontville 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 East Jackson at Springport 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Springport at Reading 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Union City at Springport 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Quincy at Springport 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 Springport at Stockbridge 7 p.m.

Two key players for the Spartans in 2026 include seniors Kolton Woyame (left) and Tucker Wiginton.

Football Previews 2026 – Michigan Center

Collins, Villarreal to lead Michigan Center football

By Jeff Steers
Jackson Area Sports on Facebook

After going 10-2 a year ago and advancing to the Division 5 regional football final, Michigan Center reloads with numerous key players.
The Cardinals won the Cascades Conference East Division in 2025 and earned a district title with a victory over Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 35-18.
Michigan Center lost in the regional final in a shootout – a 71-45 loss to Monroe Jefferson.
“Our seniors last season were an extremely talented group, and we relied heavily on them both offensively and defensively,” longtime coach Troy Allen said. “This season brings a lot of opportunity for guys who have patiently been waiting their turn to make a difference on the field.
“Our senior group this year will be smaller in numbers, but still very talented.”
Tre Collins returns to the quarterback position for MCHS. He filled in two years ago after an injury and became an all-conference receiver a year ago.
“The best way to describe Tre is that he’s a Swiss army knife,” Allen said. “The kid can do just about anything. As a freshman, Tre was put into a game that we were trailing late in the fourth quarter because our starter and backup both were injured.
“Tre threw the game winning touchdown pass and then sealed the game with an interception on defense.”
Others expected to make a difference for the Cardinals on offense are seniors Holden Dean (OL), Bryce Beadenkopf (OL), and Devin Spencer (WR).
Braylen Villarreal is expected to anchor the defense for Michigan Center again in 2026. He will start at the middle linebacker position for a third consecutive season.
“Braylen has been our leading tackler the past two season and last year he broke our single-season tackles record with 157,” Allen said. “He was named all-region in Division 5 last year as a linebacker.”
Seniors Darius Oduntan (DB) and Spencer (DB) are two players the Cardinals will count on defensively.
Allen said the 2026 Cardinals are very “coachable.”
“Our players realize their deficiencies and they understand they can make up for a lot of our flaws if we are fundamentally perfect,” Allen said. “That’s impossible to achieve, but if we do everything we can to execute the game plan, be in the right spot, and put total trust in their teammates we can win a lot of games.
“I think it’s fair to say that all of our players and coaches are looking forward to being considered underdogs.”
The Cardinals have averaged seven wins the last three seasons.

Michigan Center High School Football Schedule 2026
Aug. 27 Michigan Center at Onsted 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 Columbia Central at Michigan Center 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Michigan Center at Manchester 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 Leslie at Michigan Center 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 Michigan Center at Vandercook Lake 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Michigan Center at Napoleon 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 Grass Lake at Michigan Center 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 Cascades Crossover TBD
Oct. 23 TBD

Tre Collins, left, returns to the quarterback position for Michigan Center High School in 2026.

Braylen Villarreal, right, of MCHS set a school record for tackles in a season with 157 last year.

Scores from Mercer Tour at Lakeland Hills

Here are winners of the flights at the R.W. Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour event at Lakeland Hills Golf Course.
Go to https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12533331052388704485 for complete results.

Boys 10-under (nine holes)
Will Schwartz 40
Baker Maska 42

Boys 11-up (nine holes)
Paul Murphy 44
Joseph Bigelow 46

Girls 12-13 (nine holes)
Lola Bruneel 46

Boys 13-15 (nine holes)
Jacob Sturgill 41
Cash Jacobs 41

Girls 16-18 (nine holes)
Maddie McClain 48

Boys 11-12 (18 holes)
Miles LaSerra 90
Andrew Carper 92

Boys 13-14 (18 holes)
Aiden Mohlman 82
Logan Banks 83

Girls 14-18 (18 holes)
Leighton Diesing 84

Boys 15-18
Brayden Norton 74
Leo Nguyen 74
Jack Sturgill 77

Lola Bruneel won the girls 12-13 age division for nine holes with a 46.