Aspen One Hour

By Mike Moore Staff Writer   Jackson — The first question sent his way wondered if he’d need a hot tub to recover from the punishment.   The next came centered on the work load, and whether he anticipated anything like it.   Bo Bell just smiled as he quickly, and calmly answered questions following a 40-carry performance in a state championship victory at Ford Field last month.   For many, getting their first took at Bell, and the way he shouldered the Lumen Christi offense was eye-opening.   For Bell and coach Herb Brogan, it was just another day at the office for the 2016 JTV Sports Player of the Year.   “He put us on his back this year and carried us,” Brogan said of his senior running back. “You look at the workload he put forth, and it’s pretty impressive.”   Bell finished the Division 6 final with 40 rushes for 238 yards (11th most in MHSAA finals history) and a score.   It wasn’t the first time he carried the ball that much in a game, either.   “He’s so elusive and cuts so well,” Brogan said. “That really allows him to avoid taking the big…

By Mike Moore Staff Writer   Jackson — A total of 16 teams remain.   It is, without question, a select group of the finest football teams the 2016 season could produce.   And for the first time since 2009, Lumen Christi finds itself as part of the party.   “Really, our goal from the start of the season was to start winning and not stop,” coach Herb Brogan said simply.   To Brogan’s point, this was, you may remember, a team that started the season with two losses in its first three games.   Since then, the Titans are 10-0 and on quite the roll right now.   “Everyone says these guys are on a mission, and I don’t know if that’s really the case or not,” Brogan said. “What I see, is we have a team that’s improved one week to the next. We’ve gotten better, and because of it, played better every time out.”   There’s only one more chance to do that this fall, on the biggest of stages and under the brightest of lights, Friday at 4:30 p.m. in a Division 6 state final against Maple City Glen Lake at Ford Field.   “Very strong…

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Nov. 21 – To provide for the convenience and safety of spectators attending the Michigan High School Athletic Association 11-Player Football Finals – presented by the Michigan National Guard – at Ford Field in Detroit, Nov. 25 and 26, attendees are being advised of a variety of items related to transportation and security – including policies regulating types of bags allowed into the stadium.   Parking will be available in Ford Field facilities and lots to the east and north of the stadium and costs $6. A map identifying the designated Ford Field lot (4) and parking deck can be found on the Football page of the MHSAA Website at http://www.mhsaa.com/sports/football. (There also are a number of privately-operated parking facilities close to Ford Field, but their pricing may differ.)   Fans also are advised that tailgating, including the setting up and use of grilling equipment, and the consumption of alcohol, is prohibited in Ford Field parking facilities and lots.   Gates A, B and G will be available for public entrance during the event. Ticket sales will begin near Gates A and G at 8 a.m. each day, and the building will open its doors to…

By Mike Moore Staff Writer   Jackson — After a season of near-perfect weather every weekend, it makes somewhat perfect sense that as teams across the state gather for some of the most important games, Mother Nature may just have some sweet revenge.   The football state semifinals are tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m., and for Lumen Christi and Millington, there’s no telling what may, or may not, fall from the sky.   “The weather really can change a lot about this game,” Titans coach Herb Brogan said of the semifinal, which is behind held at Lansing Catholic. “Millington is a mixture of power, spread and throwing. If the winds are there, they will likely go to the power running game more than passing. Whatever the case is, in games like this, you have to protect the ball. You can’t give away possessions. Field position is also key, especially with the kicking game.”   Roughly 24 hours prior to kickoff, the forecast was calling for the possibility of rain, snow and gusty winds.   “The biggest key, when you get to this point in the season, is teams are here for a reason,” Brogan added. “They are all good football…