Northwest Looks to Build a Foundation, Culture in Football

Northwest High School football Coach Adam Grybauskas, center, will count on players, from left, Luke McCann, Ashton Golightly, Isaiah Grybauskas, and Nolen Novak during the 2021 football season.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(August 18, 2021 10:24 AM) Northwest High School football Coach Adam Grybauskas did not believe that COVID-19 changed his team too much in 2020.

That was until he noted all of the team-building activities that the Mounties – and everyone else in the state – missed last season.

But the Mounties are getting back to normal for the 2021 season after an 0-6 season last year.

“A lot of those extra ‘family’ things went away due to COVID-19,” Coach Grybauskas said. “You practiced or played a game then went home.”

Northwest is hoping to build on a new football foundation and culture with a number of returning starters from 2020.

“We have been pushed around defensively over the years, but I think we will be more stout up front,” Grybauskas said. “We need to become a great practice team and see who is going to set the tone every day in practice.”

Offensively the Mounties have a four-year starter in all-conference quarterback Isaiah Grybauskas and three returning linemen in Luke McCann, Evan Dean, and Jacob Moody.

“Whenever you are good up front and have a guy with experience that touches the football every play that is a good place to start,” Coach Grybauskas said.

Other returning starters include J.R. Morrow (WR), Nolen Ulch (WR/DB), Alfredo Mendoza (OL/DL), and Easton Craig (OL/DL).

Morrow started every game at wide receiver, Ulch was a mainstay in the defensive backfield, and Mendoza and Craig are returning defensive linemen for the Mounties.

Izayiah Hawes (RB/S), Ashton Golightly (RB), Nolen Novak (TE/LB), and Eli Stetz (WR/DB) are players expected to make an impact for the Mounties in 2021.

The Mounties will start the season hosting former conference foes from Eaton Rapids and end the season with a non-conference game against Jackson.

“Right now, our focus is strictly on Eaton Rapids,” Coach Grybauskas said. “It is a tough game every week in the Interstate-8 Conference.”

Northwest High School

2021 Football Schedule

Aug. 27 Eaton Rapids at Northwest 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 Northwest at Western 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 Lumen Christi at Northwest 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 Northwest at Coldwater 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 B.C. Harper Creek at Northwest 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 Marshall at Northwest 7 p.m.*

Oct. 8 Northwest at Hastings 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 Northwest at B.C. Pennfield 7 p.m.