By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson ― As far as the season-opening atmosphere goes, it may not get better than this.
As far as the season-opening opponent goes, well, it may not get better than this.
The Lumen Christi football team is set to play under the lights Friday night as the guys in green and gold officially launch the 2016 season in style.
And at the other end of the field will be a Grand Rapids West Catholic squad that’s played in five of the past six Division 5 state finals, and just so happens to be a three-time defending champ.
“We expect a great ball game,” Lumen coach Herb Brogan said Thursday. “They’re the three time defending champ that’s been there for almost five years in a row. It’s a program with great tradition.”
It’s also one, Brogan added, that returns most of its starters on the offensive side of the ball, including at quarterback, all receiver spots and running back.
“They are going to move the ball and score some points. They do that against everyone,” Brogan said. “The key is getting a few stops in there.”
That was the approach the Titans took in Week 1 last year, doing just enough to up end the Falcons 22-21.
West Catholic actually started 1-2 in 2015, and then won 11 in a row.
Brogan said his guys have to be able to win in the trenches, and in doing so, keep the ball on the ground and the clock on the move.
“We have to move the ball on the ground and chew up some clock,” Brogan said. His guys started 4-0 a year ago, eventually ending with an 8-4 mark and in a regional final. If we’re successful running, we have confidence to throw the ball as well. Our play-action passing game is always strong.”
Expect Bo Bell to see a healthy dose of hand offs Friday.
“He’s had a great preseason,” Brogan said of his top back. “We’re going to lean on him.”
While it may not be ideal to start consecutive years against a defending state champ, Brogan said it’s a reality of today’s scheduling.
“A game like this keeps your focus all preseason,” he said. “At the same time, we don’t have a ton of choices as to who wants to play us and who wants to play them.”
As for the atmosphere?
“The lights will be on. The kids will be fired up. It’s all going to be pretty special,” Brogan added. “I’ve talked to a lot of people who haven’t been around lately who plan on being here for this. Everyone involved with making this (night) game a reality has done a fantastic job.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
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