David Rice | JTV Sports
Wednesday, August 7th
(8-7-2024, 12:00PM): After having the best offense in school history last season, averaging over 36 points a game, the Western Panthers look to make another playoff run in 2024. Last season, Western won it’s second district championship in the last three seasons finishing 10-2. With new additions to the coaching staff and most of the key players returning, they look to do more.
New additions to the Panthers coaching staff include Bill Dryer (former Marshall HC & WR Coach at Albion College), Josh Kubiak (former Columbia Central HC), Mark Beougher (former Addison HC), Cory Parrott, Kole Marlin, Javon Greca, Brandon Bowers, and JT Shaw.
Head Coach Nick Rulewicz is entering his fourth year at the helm for the Panthers. “He is dedicated to the team and the sport. A big family man. His family is part of the Panther Football Family. He helps kids achieve their dreams (recruiting, camps, jobs)” the players said of Rulewicz.
Key returning players include all-region QB Reed Myers who threw for nearly 1,500 yards on a 62% completion rate last year. Senior Kicker Noah Berdiner also returns for Western as the team’s fastest player. Berdiner was voted all-state by the Michigan HS Football Coaches Association and the Detroit Free Press after breaking multiple school records in 2023. All-conference WR/CB DJ VanRiper and all-conference lineman Brennan Vainner also return.
Newcomers expected to make an impact in 2024 include nationally-recruited long snapper Senior Coby Tripp, Brady Kubiak, Cole Archer, Jayden Willis, and Luke Bergkoetter.
Western has a total of seven starters returning on offense and four on defense. Goals for the season include winning a conference championship and reaching Ford Field.
2024 Schedule (all games at 7pm):
8/29 vs Dearborn Divine Child
9/6 @ Traverse City Central – Made D2 Playoffs 10 straight years
9/13 vs Marshall
9/20 @ Hastings
9/27 @ Coldwater
10/4 vs Battle Creek Harper Creek
10/11 @ Jackson Northwest
10/18 vs Haslett – D4 District Champion in 2023
10/25 vs Battle Creek Pennfield
Chelsea State Bank Football Media Day Interview with Coach Nick Rulewicz:
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