Stockbridge Looking for Improvement, More Wins

Key players for the Stockbridge High School varsity football team include, from left, Joey Ballagh, Damien Hayes, Coach Jeremy Killinger, Jalen Rogozinski, and Drew Robinson.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

Last year: 4-5

If all goes well, Stockbridge should be looking for at least five wins in the 2022 football season.

Two years ago the Panthers won three games and earned four victories in the 2021 season.

Improvement is what Coach Jeremy Killinger is looking for.

“We want to continue the improvement we have seen the last couple of seasons,” Killinger said in his notes for the JTV Media Days. “Team communication and community outreach will be continued focus as well.”

The Panthers are trying to get back to the level of teams that averaged six wins between 2014-2016 and made the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs.

Key returnees for the Panthers include Drew Robinson (running back/defensive back), Donavin Pignanello (lineman), and Damien Hayes (receiver/defensive back).

Robinson is the fastest player on the team, coaches call Pignanello “Coach Hog” because of his on field leadership, and Hayes spent 2021 learning the game in his first season playing football. 

Newcomers who expect to battle for positions include Jalen Rogozinski (quarterback/defensive back), Joey Ballagh (receiver/defensive back), Gary Killinger (running back/linebacker), Travis Sayler (lineman), and Zach Fletcher (end/lineman). 

The Panthers are expected to begin the school’s 112th season of football with more than 20 players at the varsity level and 30 on the junior varsity team. 

Stockbridge High School

Football Schedule 2022

Aug. 26 Springport at Stockbridge 7 p.m. 

Sept. 1 Ypsilanti at Stockbridge 7 p.m. 

Sept. 9 Stockbridge at Olivet 7 p.m. 

Sept. 16 Lincoln at Stockbridge 7 p.m. 

Sept. 23 Leslie at Stockbridge 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 Stockbridge at Lakewood 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 Perry at Stockbridge (Homecoming) 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 Stockbridge at St. Charles 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 Stockbridge at Dansville