By Mike Moore File Photo: Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
Staff Writer
Jackson — The start has been perfect, but the test is about to get a whole lot tougher.
Since starting the 2016 season with two losses in three weeks, the Lumen Christi football team has now won 13 games in a row, including two impressive victories in 2017.
But coach Herb Brogan knows what’s on deck Friday night, and knows his team will have to be even better if that win streak wants to reach 14.
“We’re playing well right now. We’re a mature team, and we’re playing like it,” Brogan said. “We haven’t made many mistakes. We’ve run the ball well and we’re passing at about 75-percent completion rate right now. The defense has been solid as well.”
The Titans opened the year with a 27-24 victory at Grand Rapids West Catholic, and last week rolled at Hastings 42-6.
And now, with the home opener set for Friday night, the Titans welcome in Battle Creek Harper Creek.
“It’s the most physical test we’ve seen so far,” Brogan said of Harper Creek. “It’s a team that’s going to line up and try to pound the ball on us. The challenge is trying to stop them. Come late Friday night, we’ll know whether or not we could.”
After going 7-3 a year ago, Harper Creek opened the year with a 15-14 victory over Gull Lake and then took it to Northwest 48-14 last week.
“They send people at you from all over,” Brogan said of Harper Creek’s defense. “They keep you guessing. We’re going to have to play very well.”
Brogan said he likes to think his team can play that style of football.
“We have in the past,” he said. “It’s been a recipe of success for us for a long time.”
Much like the Titans the Beavers have a ton of experience back this fall. The team returned almost every starter from last year’s squad.
Harper Creel defeated Lumen 24-14 at home last year.
Friday’s game is the first for Lumen at home this year.
“The first two weeks were long bus trips,” Brogan said. “To not have that is an advantage for us. It’s always nice to play at home.”
While it’s only the third week of the season, it’s never to early to look ahead to the playoffs, something Lumen has been a part of every season since 1997.
Brogan said that’s not something lost on his guys.
“It’s something we talk about, and this would be a huge step toward that goal,” Brogan said of the chance to be halfway to an automatic playoff berth. “This will be the best team we’ve seen, and if we find a way to get a victory, it’d be a huge step forward in what we want to do.”
The game will air on JTV and jtv.tv/live Saturday at 1pm and 7pm and Sunday at 3:30pm.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Real Estate agent with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.
