By Mike Moore File Photo Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
Staff Writer
Michigan Center — When the Michigan Center football team began the 2016 season against Climax-Scotts, coach Troy Allen and his guys had a pretty decent idea what they were getting in a team that went 11-1 the year before and reached the regional final in Division 8.
As Allen and his group prepare for Friday’s opener at Climax-Scotts, needless to say, they know exactly what they’re getting.
“A tough team that’s very disciplined and knows how to play at home,” Allen said of the Panthers, who went 11-1 last year as well, once again falling in the regional final. “We know how good this team is. We know they haven’t lost at home in 15 years, or whatever it is. At the same time, we feel this is a game we should be competitive in. We feel it’s a game we have a shot at winning.”
First things, first.
Climax-Scotts has made the playoffs every year since 2003, winning it all in 2004.
The team hasn’t lost more than two games in a single season since 2008, going 80-11 since 2009.
Center dropped last year’s meeting 48-14.
“We played well for a half or so, and then things got a little goofy,” Allen said. “We made some mistakes, and they took off.”
So how do the Cardinals change that this time around?
“We have to be very disciplined on defense,” Allen said. “The offense they run is a blend between a single wing and Wing-T. They are willing to pound the ball. They threw once on us last year. … We have to be responsible on every play. Every guy has to do what he has to do to be successful.”
Allen hopes that is enough to slow Climax-Scotts down.
If it works, the Center offense will need to go to work.
“Knowing the teams they play, and doing some work, we think they play teams similar to them in the way they attack,” Allen said. “They play teams that strictly run the ball. I think we can show them something different.”
Allen was quick to mention quarterback Jake Nichols.
“He’s a very dynamic kid who can do some good things,” Allen said. “He provides us with a chance to take them out of their comfort zone.”
The Panthers scored 554 points last year, the third most in program history.
“It’d be huge for us to get up early,” Allen said. “If we can keep them off balance, score early and get a turnover or something, we’re going to be right in it.”
Allen laughed when asked if he and his guys were ready to get the season going.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s been a sour taste since the way last year ended (25-24 playoff loss to Napoleon). We were ready to go all offseason and all summer. We’re ready to go.”
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.
