Author: Andy Hawley | Page 34

Jackson County Best-Ball Results

August 30, 2016

Jackson County Best-Ball At Arbor Hills Golf Club Gross Division Mike Raymond-Tobin Dunigan 32-33--65 Todd Marston-John Tarpley 31-35--66 Malon Backinger-Johnny Gaston 36-32--68 Tim Pickering-Rusty Whisman 35-34--69 Steve Maddalena-Connor Maddalena 34-35--69 Brett Crosthwaite-Nick Huff 37-32--69 Phil Fischmeister-Brian Carney 37-32--69 Matt Farhat-Greg Zeller 36-34--70 Chris Chaney-Cody Lysher 36-34--70 Nick Ward-Dylan Eddy 36-35--71 Tom Raymond-Brian Strickrodt 37-35--72 Joe Marzano-Brent Oliver 36-36--72 Mike Kulka-Kris Bradshaw 37-36--73 Chris Lingo-Andy Fries 37-37--74 Gary Dods-Justin Dods 39-40--79 Net Division Steve Way-Matt Way 63 Lance Veydt-Erik Baum 64 John Parkinson-Norm Hanley 69

Week 1 Football Results

August 29, 2016

Grand Rapids West Catholic 30 Lumen Christi 13 Coldwater 33 Jackson 22 Columbia Central 34 Napoleon 14 Climax-Scotts 48 Michigan Center 14 Clinton 48 Manchester 12 Concord 22 Hanover-Horton 0 Grass Lake 32 Stockbridge 18 Hudson 26 Addison 8 Springport 40 Vandercook Lake 7 Whitmore Lake 12 East Jackson 6 Grosse IIe 41 Western 21 Eaton Rapids 20 Northwest 17

Vikings to be tested right off the bat in opening-week battle with Coldwater

August 25, 2016

By Mike Moore Staff Writer Jackson — A five-game win streak and the first playoff victory since 1999 helped push the Jackson football team to an 8-3 record in 2015 and a place back at the table of football respectability. Now, with an eye on continuing that success and momentum, the Vikings open the 2016 season at home against a team that lost once all of last year. And that was in the Division 3 state semifinals. “It’s a tough way to start, but it is what it is when you’re trying to find teams to play,” Vikings coach Scott Farley said of Friday’s tilt with Coldwater, a game that will air on JTV. “But it’s a good test for us. We’re going to see good teams all year, and this will be a good barometer of where we are right now.” While the Vikings went 8-3, got back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and helped distance themselves from a five-year stretch of seven total wins, Coldwater started the year with 12-straight victories, allowing more than 14 points in that span just one time. The Cardinals’ season came to an…

August 24, 2016

Less than 1 percent of FCA dealerships in the United States were given this elite status Last October, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced criteria for a new designation of car dealer – an elite status of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM and/or FIAT dealership that puts the customer first. Dealers around the nation (there are around 2,600 FCA dealerships in the US) were eligible to earn the inaugural Customer First Award for Excellence in 2016. Extreme Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM was one of 124 dealers in the nation to receive the award. The program required dealers to fulfill very specific requirements relative to customer sales and vehicle service experience. The requirements were aligned with the following five “pillars of excellence.” Customer First Award Pillars of Excellence Facility – Customers consistently find dealerships to be clean, convenient and comfortable. Facilities are certified every six months. Customer Processes – Dealer consistently executes processes for key customer interaction points, such as sales negotiation, delivery and follow up. Performance – Dealer constantly achieves high level of satisfaction from customer sales and service satisfaction surveys. Employee Survey – Survey employees annually, share findings with employees, and act on the feedback and results. Training Certification – Dealership personnel continues to meet training…

Week 1 Football Schedule on JTV

August 23, 2016

Grand Rapids West Catholic at Lumen Christi Saturday 1pm and 7pm, Sunday 3:30pm Coldwater at Jackson Saturday 3:30pm and 9:30pm, Sunday 9:30pm Columbia Central at Napoleon Sunday 1pm and 7pm Games will stream at the above times on jtv.tv/live

Football Preview: Grass Lake

August 23, 2016

Grass Lake Warriors Last season’s record: 5-5 Returning starters: 6 on offense, 5 on defense First Game: Aug. 26 at Stockbridge 7 p.m. Offensive keys: The Warriors averaged nearly 30 points per game last season, which made a 5-5 finish somewhat surprising. But, as the 2016 campaign is set to launch, the offense has a chance to be even stronger with more than half the starting lineup back in the fold. “Offensive line play and quarterback play, to start,” coach Randy Cole said when asked what has to fuel the group. “After that, we have to develop some receivers. We have some solid backs we will rely on.” Jonathan Lutchka started at receiver a year ago, but has made the switch to quarterback. Luke Coppernoll (675 yards and seven touchdowns) and Danny Vuocolo (300 yards, four scores) will be the primary backs behind Lutchka. “I expect our line to be pretty good, too,” Cole said. “We have three guys back who started last year.” Defensive keys: After starting 2015 with a 2-4 record, it was the defense that locked down in three wins to get things back on track. Five guys from that…

Football Preview: Vandercook Lake

August 22, 2016

Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports Vandercook Lake Jayhawks Last season’s record: 8-2 Returning starters: 1 on offense, 1 on defense First Game: Aug. 26 vs. Springport 7 p.m. Offensive keys: Chase Pierce is the lone returning starter on offense, and that’s where the challenge for coach Steve Wolvin and his group begins. That’s also where the potential sits with the Jayhawks. “We have some guys who had an opportunity to play last year, and I think they are ready to shine now,” Wolvin said. “With so many new guys starting, how quickly the offensive line comes together is key. There is plenty of potential to be good. In fact, they will be good, we just hope it’s sooner than later.” Vandercook Lake averaged nearly 35 points per game last year, and did so with a number of big-play guys in a number of positions. Malik Wilks and Zaithon Allen were the explosive duo that played such a big part in the eight-win season. Those times with the ball will fall to Chris Poe and Logan Lefaive now. “This is still an offense that can score some points,” Wolvin said. “We’re running the…

Football Preview: Columbia Central

August 22, 2016

Columbia Central Last season’s record: 8-2 Returning starters: 5 on offense, 6 on defense First Game: Aug. 26 at Napoleon 7 p.m. Offensive keys: Offense was the name of the game for Columbia a year ago, as the team scored more than 31 points en route to its 8-2 record. While coach Josh Kubiak said replacing center Jacob Taylor has been one of the key focuses in camp, there are plenty of other weapons back in the mix. “We return a lot of good skilled players,” Kubiak said simply. Running back Micah Raby is back after rushing for 1,579 yards and 19 touchdowns on 175 carries in 2015. “He’s going to be the focal point of our offense,” Kubiak said. “Most of what we do will be based around him.” Sophomore Gehrig Elliot will be a multi-purpose back, even seeing time at quarterback. “We should be able to score points this year, that’s for sure,” Kubiak said. “One of the strengths we have is speed. We’re going to be quicker and faster. We just have to get the ball to the guys in space.” Defensive keys: While the offense hummed right along…

Football Preview: Lumen Christi Titans

August 18, 2016

Lumen Christi Titans Last season’s record: 8-4 Returning starters: 2 on offense, 3 on defense First Game: Aug. 26 vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic 7 p.m. Offensive keys: While there are just two starters back in the mix for the Titans this fall — Bo Bell and Zach Erwin — head coach Herb Brogan remains confident it’s a group of younger players who can do some serious damage finding the end zone. “I think we have some real good skill kids that can make a difference,” Brogan said. “We’re young across the board, but we have some playmakers.” Bell is the key. After a brilliant junior season, he’ll be the go-to guy in the Titans run-first offense. “We expect a ton out of him,” Brogan said frankly. Zach Erwin, a three-year starter at tackle, returns to anchor the line. “We’re young, but we have a lot of depth,” Brogan added. “I think, if we can scratch and claw and fight our way into the playoffs, we’re going to be a good team.” Defensive keys: While the Titans gave up a modest 20 points per game a year ago, some of the better teams,…

Football Preview: Western Panthers

August 17, 2016

Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports Parma Western Panthers Last season’s record: 6-4 Returning starters: 4 on offense, 2 on defense First Game: Aug. 26 at Grosse Ile Offensive keys: There is no shortage of talent for the Panthers on the offensive side of the ball, especially at quarterback. Steele Fortress, who started half the season under center last year and passed for roughly 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, is back at the spot to lead the group. “We plan on being pretty balanced between the run and the pass,” coach Dave Mifsud said. “The big key is the development of the offensive line. We have to protect Steele.” Luke Raczkowski will be a key player as a slot back who can run the ball and catch it. Luke French “is also a playmaker we’re excited to have,” Mifsud said. Defensive keys: While the offense has some key components back and in place, the Panthers’ defense has just two starters back in the mix. Fortress and Raczkowski, those two guys, will lead the group. “But really, it all comes down to how fast we mature as a defense,” Mifsud said. “We have…

Andy Hawley