Locker Room

By Mike Moore                   Photo: Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports Staff Writer   Jackson — He was the pulse of things moving forward, just a piece to the grander puzzle, but integral to the foundation of what this team wanted to be, and ultimately was, in another brilliant fall season.   The Lumen Christi football team ended 2017 on top yet again, a feat made possible by a roster loaded with depth, one of the most iconic high school coaches ever, and, somewhere mixed in, a humble yet dependable player in Kyle Minder.   The JTV Sports Player of the Year, to be exact.   “The fact he was such a great player on both sides of the ball is what made him so essential,” coach Herb Brogan said.   That was one way to put it.   Minder, the senior running back and linebacker was, in fact, center stage on both sides of the ball — and rarely left the field.   On the offensive side of things he finished the year with 1,015 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns on the ground and another three through the air.   In the state final, where…

By Mike Moore                    Photo:  Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports  Staff Writer   Detroit — He was stopped until he wasn’t, wrapped up until he was free.   When Sebastian Toland took a second-down handoff early in the fourth quarter Friday night, all seemed relatively normal as a pair of defenders surrounded and slowed him down.   By the time this innocent-looking play came to an end, Toland was in the end zone and Lumen Christi was on its way to a Division 6 state championship.   Once again.   “It feels so great,” Toland, Lumen Christ’s star running back said following the 40-34 victory over Ithaca at Ford Field in the D-6 championship. The Titans defended a previous title for the third time in program history.   “Every one of these is great,” Lumen coach Herb Brogan said simply. “You have new kids and it’s a new team. This never gets old.”   The game was tight early on, with each team’s defense setting the tone.   Lumen got the only touchdown of the first quarter on a 72-yard run from Nick Thomas for an 8-0 lead after a successful 2-point conversion…

By Mike Moore                           Photo:  Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports Staff Writer   Jackson — The undercards had their shot, and now, it’s the heavyweight’s turn.   Games are played over the course of a playoff tournament, because, as we’ve seen, anything can happen.   But roughly five weeks ago when the 2017 postseason began, predetermining the Division 6 final may have been a bit easier than many thought.   On Friday afternoon, two of the best will square off at 4:30 p.m. from Ford Field.   And somebody’s illustrious tradition is about to take on another glorious chapter.   “The guys understand what’s on the line,” Lumen Christi football coach Herb Brogan said about his team’s final against Ithaca. The Titans are the defending D-6 champs seeking back-to-back titles for the first time since 2003-2004. “All our preparation is for right now. The goal is to close this season out on a good note.”   Lumen enters the game 11-1, having won nine in a row.   The offense has been on cruise control, averaging 47 points in four playoff games, while the defense has allowed more than 15…