Key participants for the Hillsdale High School varsity football team include, from left, Stephen Petersen, Declan Flannery, Coach Marc Lemerand, Jace Lennox, and Wyatt Wahtola.
By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports
(August 17, 2023 8:00 AM ET) The Hillsdale High School varsity football team looks to get back on the playoff bandwagon this season.
Last year the Hornets were 4-5 overall, missing the playoffs.
The Hornets have made the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs 19 times since 2001.
“Last year was a fluke season with six kids going down with shoulder injuries,” longtime Coach Marc Lemerand said during JTV Media Days. “We had to shut down our junior varsity program last year because of all the injuries.”
Hillsdale looks to have a healthy Stephen Petersen (RB/LB) – who has been a top rusher for the Hornets the past two season with nearly 1,400 yards and more than 20 touchdowns combined.
Senior Jack Bowles (QB) is starting his third season with the Hornets, and he is joined by fellow seniors Hunter Wilson (RB/DB) and Brady Kast (OL/DL).
Junior Wyatt Wahtola (C/DL) was second-team all-conference lineman in the rugged Lenawee County Athletic Association in 2022.
Fellow juniors John Petersen (OL/DL), Jace Lennox (RB/DB), and Wyatt Coshatt (OL/DL) are returning starters for the Hornets.
Players hoping to work themselves into the starting lineup are seniors Dre Fox (TE/DL) and Lane Pearson (TE/LB) who was injured for most of last year.
Juniors Anderson Hooloway (RB/LB), Carter Davis (WR/DB), and Grant Good (WR/DB) are three players the Hornets will count on in 2023.
“I really like how all the players get along with one another,” Lemerand said.
He is beginning his 25th year as a head coach and 34th as a high school football coach.
“I have been blessed with a coaching staff that is always preparing for the next game and next season,” Lemerand said.
Hillsdale High School 2023 Football Season Schedule
Aug. 25 Hillsdale at Jonesville 7 p.m.
Aug. 31 Lake Fenton at Hillsdale 7 p.m.
Sept. 8 Hillsdale at Hudson 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 Hillsdale at Blissfield 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 Ida at Hillsdale 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 Madison at Hillsdale 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 Hillsdale at Dundee 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 Hillsdale at Clinton 7 p.m.
Oct. 20 Onsted at Hillsdale 7 p.m.
