Lumen Christi Wins Ninth State Football Championship
Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports Mike Moore Staff Writer DETROIT — From two losses in three weeks to 11 wins in a row. From Jackson to Detroit, from Titans to champions. Herb Brogan said earlier this week that he didn’t think his Lumen Christi football team was one on a mission of any kind, but instead, a group of guys getting better one game at a time. In the final week, and final day of the season, the Titans saved their best game for the most important in years, defeating Glen Lake 26-14 in the Division 6 final at Ford Field. Mission accomplished. “It feels great,” Brogan said afterwards. “It just feels great to do this. “We have certain expectation here, and to see the kids rise to that level of expectations is super.” “We’ve been working for this all summer long, all year long,” senior running back Bo Bell said. “Last year we ended on a bad note. To come into the season and finish it like this, all the hard work is worth it.” There was no secret to how the Titans wanted to play, with a strong running game and persistent defense. Check, and check. Kyle…
Lumen Christi vs Glen Lake State Championship Finals – Photo Gallery
Photos by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports. Photos from Lumen Christi 26 vs Glen Lake 14 State Championship Finals at Ford Field, Detroit. November 25, 2016. JTV Sports.
Lumen’s final challenge comes on biggest stage under brightest lights
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…
Parking & Entrance Protocols Announced For Football Finals at Ford Field
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…
Lumen one win from trip to Ford Field, has to get past Millington first
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…
Record-setting 2016 season will be one to remember for Concord football team
By Mike Moore Staff Writer Concord — It was a year that began with big ambitions, and one that ended with heads held high. As the Concord football program looks back on the history books, the 2016 season will down as one of the best the Yellowjackets have ever known. And given where this team and program has come from, that’s saying plenty. “I grew up with this program, and as a player watched the success we had.” coach Max Clark said Wednesday, just five days removed from the season-ending loss to Cassopolis. “It was a matter of doing the right things and sticking with the right things. At the same time, knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight thing. Still, this probably all happened quicker than people wanted.” What ‘this’ was, was a 9-3 season that included a host of records and a trip to the Division 7 regional final. Keep in mind, when Clark took over prior to the 2013 season, Concord had won 15 games in nine years. Football was an afterthought at the school. But Clark wanted to tap into something he experienced as a player from 1998…
Next challenge is biggest yet as Napoleon football takes aim at Lumen
By Mike Moore Staff Writer Napoleon — Everything earned, nothing given. That’s the genesis of the confidence Scott Ashe said his Napoleon football team has going right now. And why not? Saturday afternoon, the Pirates will look to extend their record-breaking season by another week. Saturday afternoon, in a road trip to Lumen Christi, Napoleon will search for a 10th win in a row and a spot in the state semifinals for the first time ever. “And these guys believe in themselves,” Ashe said. “They know nothing has been given to us at all. They’ve earned the right to be in this game and have this opportunity.” Napoleon comes into the third round of the Division 6 playoffs at 9-2, riding a win streak that began in Week 3 after opening the season with consecutive losses. Having gone without playoff win since 2000, the Pirates snuck past Michigan Center 25-24 in an opener and then went to Grass Lake and pulled a 42-21 upset last week. Is there any more magic aboard this ship? “We feel we’ve prepared as well as we can,” Ashe said simply. “We’re excited for the…
Concord football approaches another milestone with regional final vs Cassopolis
By Mike Moore Staff Writer Concord — Another weekend, another chance to further what has become somewhat of an unforeseen story. For those outside the Concord football program, that is. The 2016 squad has been rewriting the record book at every turn, and now, at 9-2 on the season, has won more games (16) in a two-year period than any other time in program history. Win No. 16 came last Friday as the Yellowjackets did more than enough to beat Homer 48-32, winning the program its first district title since 2001 and it’s first road playoff game ever. “It’s just awesome,” coach Max Clark said. “It’s great for this program and great for these kids.” Tony Brooks Jr. continues to power the Concord offense. In the win against Homer, he completed 15-of-28 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 141 yards on 23 carries. Now his, and Concord’s challenge, is a Cassopolis (10-1) team that allows just 15 points per game in a Division 7 regional. “It’s the same old thing I’ve been saying. You have to take care of the football,” Clark said. “That’s a team that played in a…