2023 High School Football Preview – 8-Man Football
As we begin our look at the upcoming 2023 high school football season, we first take a look at those area 8-player football teams.
While Martin did win the state title in 8-player football, many believe that the Bridgman Bees would have been the state champions, that is if they had the chance to play. Bridgman went a perfect 9-0 during the 2022 regular season but due to MHSAA rules on the size of the school, the Bees are not allowed to play in the 8-Player playoffs because the enrollment of Bridgman High School is too high.
Although Coach Aaron Locke’s team would not exist without making the move to 8-man, it leaves the Bees in a difficult position, go back to 11 man, and not have enough players to field a team, or have a soccer team, or other fall sports. Or continue playing 8-man football and never get the chance to play for a state championship.
2023 Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League
Bridgman Bees
2022 Record: 9-0 (6-0 SWMI 8-Man League-II)
Head Coach: Aaron Locke (8th season, 41-22)
2023 Schedule
8/25 at Concord – 7:00 p.m.
8/31 vs. Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 at Martin – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 at Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 vs. Colon – 7:00 p.m.
Playing 8-man football has been both a blessing and curse for the Bridgman Bees program. Sure, it’s been able to allow Bridgman to continue playing football, and being a Class C school, it’s allows Bridgman to continue to offer other fall sports as well.
But that same reason is why Bridgman is not allowed to play in the 8-man playoffs. An ironic twist that kept arguably the best team in the state a chance to play for a state title. Bridgman’s enrollment, by MHSAA standards, is too large to allow them to play in the playoffs. Something Martin certainly took advantage of when they won the state championship, despite losing in the regular season to Bridgman and Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian. Northpointe is also like Bridgman where they are too large for the playoffs.
It’s easy to say that Bridgman probably would have won a state title in football, after all, it was many of those same players that led the Bees to the state championship in baseball this past spring. That group of seniors contributed much to the success of the team last year. Coach Aaron Locke says the group coming in this season should be just as solid.
Bridgman has 13 players on the team this season with seven of them seniors. The Bees do have five returning starters on offense, and six returning on defense, which should bode well for this year.
Junior Chuck Pagel has the task of replacing the now graduated Reid Haskins at quarterback. Of the offensive line, seniors Kale Brown, and Jose Estaban will be joined by junior Owen Heath. The wide receivers are juniors Wade Haskins and Alex MacMartin and sophomore Ethan Stine. Bridgman’s running back is senior Clark Smith.
Bridgman’s 2-4 defensive front will have Haskins and MacMartin at corner. Joined by Senior Nolan Staniszewski, and Travis Locke at linebacker. Smith will also play defensive tackle, along side Drew Neidlinger and Estaban.
Senior Ethan Williams is tasked with the kicking duties.
Locke said, “Our Season outlook is very optimistic.” “Even though we have a small roster of 13, we are not really weak at any position. Of that 13, we also have 3 dual sport (soccer) athletes that will contribute to our team.”
As for the division, Locke says, “Our Division with Martin, North Pointe Christian, and Gobles, will be one to watch. Any of those teams, as well as ourselves, could win the conference.”
Bridgman opens the season on Friday, August 25 at Concord.
Eau Claire Beavers
2022 Record: 5-4 (4-2 SWMI 8-Man League-II)
Head Coach: Earl Koch (3rd season, 8-10)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 vs. Grandville Calvin Christian – 7:00 p.m.
8/31 vs. Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 at Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 vs. Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
9/30 at Wyoming-Lee – 12:00 p.m.
10/6 at Wyoming Tri-Unity – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 vs. Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
Eau Claire has been a team on the way up since making the transition to 8-man football during the COVID season of 2020. The Beavers went 2-4 that first year, and got better each year, going 3-6 in 2021 and 5-4 in 2022. The 5-4 season in 2022 was Eau Claire’s first winning season since going 5-4 in 2011, still playing 11-man football
Coach Earl Koch comes back for his third season in charge of the Beavers football team, but will have to depend on some younger players to keep that steady improvement going.
Eau Claire has 18 on the roster this fall, and will have 5 seniors. But Eau Claire only returns two starters on offense and only two starters on defense.
The Beavers will run an 8-man Wing T offense, with Koch calling the plays as offensive coordinator. Koch will count on Jose Martinez, Center, 210, SR, Aidan Fisher, RB, 185, SR, Landon Stuckey, RB, 255, SR, Ryder Williams, TE, 160, SR, Aidyn Dohm, QB, 150, Soph, and Thai Wittman, OL, 275, JR on offense.
On defense, the same group will be key, along with Angel Guzman-Hernandez, DB, 150, JR, Jovany Raya, LB, 208, JR, Dan Rodriguez, FS, 165, JR, and Keane Yanez, LB, 160, SR.
Ryder Williams will also handle the kicking and punting duties.
Koch tells us, it should be a rebuilding season for Eau Claire, despite the first winning season in 11 years. The Beavers have a new quarterback, running back, O-line, and new receivers. They have six new starters on both sides of the ball.
Koch sees Gobles, Martin, Mendon, and Red Arrow as the teams to beat in the SW Michigan 8-Man league.
Eau Claire opens the season at home against Grandville Calvin Christian on Thursday, August 24 at 7:00.
Fennville Blackhawks
2022 Record: 4-5 (2-4 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
Head Coach: Wendell Hughes (1st season)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 at Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
9/31 vs. Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 at Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Grandville Calvin Christian – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 vs. Martin – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 at Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 vs. Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 at Mendon – 7:00 p.m.
Fennville did not reply to our request for a season preview.
Gobles Tigers
2022 Record: 7-3 (4-2 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
Head Coach: Gregory Eichler (3rd season, 10-9)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 vs. Lawrence – 7:30p.m.
9/1 at Bangor – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 vs. Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Martin – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Concord – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 at Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 vs. Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 vs. Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
Gobles transitioned to 8-man football in the COVID shortened season of 2020, unfortunately with limited practice time and the inability to truly adjust to the new style of football provided a rough two years in the 8-man game. However last year Gobles not only got their footing. They flexed their muscles again. With their only two regular season losses to Martin and Mendon, two teams that were in the state championship game last year. And losing to Adrian Lenawee Christian, who lost to eventual state champion Martin in the regionals.
Coach Greg Eichler has a total of 7 starters returning on offense, and all 8 on defense this season. The Tigers roster consists of 26 players, with 15 of them seniors. Gobles key offensive players are; Eli DeYoung (2024)- 6’0″ 210 lbs., Mason Mansfield (2025)- 5’9″ 180 lbs., Trenton Mansfield (2024)- 5’8″ 170 lbs., Tristan Harbaugh (2024)- 6’1″ 220 lbs., and Carter Bell (2025)- 5’11” 230 lbs.
Defensively has, Xavier Wilkes (2024)- 5’9″ 170 lbs., Eli DeYoung (2024)- 6’0″ 210 lbs., Mason Mansfield (2025)- 5’9″ 180 lbs., Trenton Mansfield (2024)- 5’10” 170 lbs., Tristan Harbaugh (2024)- 6’1″ 220 lbs., Tony Lisowski (2024)- 5’7″ 135 lbs., Jack Geiger (2025)- 6’6″ 220 lbs.
Coach Eichler writes. “We return every player from last year’s team except one (our lone senior). This year’s group of seniors and big and they are extremely tight-knit. We are blessed to not only have a great group of kids, but there is some emerging talent. With that said, we will be challenged greatly with our schedule and we will find out what kind of team we are early on. Our kids are up to the challenge and excited to play against some great teams.
Offensively, our offensive line is going to be bigger than in recent years. We should average about 230-240 lbs across the board. We’ve had a great off-season in the weight room and we are considerably stronger. Last year with the first year in our offense, so we will be expanding it this year, especially with some of the extra athletes we have on the roster. DeYoung and M. Mansfield will lead the rushing attack, with some other guys capable of making a big impact (T. Mansfield, Lisowski)
Defensively, we have shown great physicality early on in summer camp and passing leagues. Our defense should be bigger, faster, and stronger, which will bode well for us. Not only do we return everyone on our defense, but we have a few juniors moving up that should contribute. Watch out for 2025 Jack Geiger and 2025 Preston Misak to make an immediate splash partnered with this senior class.
This group certainly has goals to make a run this year, but we will focus on one game at a time and just keep getting better every day.”
He sees Northpointe Christian as the conference favorite.
Martin Clippers
2022 Record: 11-2 (5-0 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
2022 MHSAA 8-Player Division 1 State Champions
Head Coach: Brad Blauvelt (5th season, 46-9)
2023 Schedule:
8/25 at Colon – 7:00 p.m.
9/1 at Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 vs. Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 at Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Britton Deerfield – 6:00 p.m.
10/13 vs. Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 at Vermontville Maple Valley – 7:00 p.m.
The Martin Clippers head into the 2023 season with a target on their back, coming from both peninsulas of the State of Michigan, and quite frankly, they wouldn’t want it any other way as Martin comes into the season as the defending MHSAA 8-Player Division 1 State Champions.
Martin lost two games last year, a loss to Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian and Bridgman, but since Bridgman and Northpointe cannot play in the playoffs, doesn’t mean they didn’t earn the title. Of Martin’s seven wins a season ago, three of them were by shutout, and three more they gave up just six points. Plus Martin scored 30 points or more in eight of their nine games and scored 50 points or more five times.
But that was 2022, 5th year head coach Brad Blauvelt still has a lot to excited about for this fall.
Martin returns four starters on offense, and Blauvelt himself will be calling the plays for the Clippers spread power read offense. Junior Gavin Myers will lead the offense as quarterback, with senior Bryce Robinson lining up behind Myers at running back. Senior Taegan Harris will line up as the slot receiver with junior Carson Cameruci on the offensive line.
On defense, Martin lines up in a 2-3 defensive set. Bryce Robinson and senior Jackson Robinson will be on the defensive line. Senior Abe Dykstra will play as an outside linebacker, sophomore Haylen Buell lines up at middle linebacker, he will also serve as the team kick and punt returner.
The Clippers roster consists of 18 players with eight seniors on the team.
Coach Blauvelt had plenty of reasons to tells us about his 2023 team.
“Our lone goal is to repeat as state champions, we must peak at the end of season and throughout the playoffs. Last year we had the toughest strength of schedule in all of 8 man football by a lot. This year will look very close to that. Starting the year with Colon who’s coming off a 10-1 season with years’ of success. We play NorthPointe Christian, Bridgman, Fennville and Maple Valley all schools that are too big to qualify for the playoffs, but give us some of the best competition of the year. Our expectations are just as high as they were last year, we have the pieces to repeat as champions. Now that we’ve tasted that championship we want nothing more than to get back to the Superior Dome and have that same experience. We have a great group of returning players including Senior speedster Tagean Harris. Taking over the QB position for All State JR Hildebrand (Trine) will be his cousin Gavin Meyers who started at CB in the championship game and happened to intercept 3 passes during that game. Football runs deep in that family, Gavin’s brother, Gabe Meyers played QB for us 3 years ago and is now a starter at Kalamazoo College. We also return our entire offensive line who help contribute to 705 points scored last season. Led by Senior Jackson Robinson and Junior Carson Cameruci our up-front play should be very good this season. From a defensive perspective we believe we could be better than we were last year, which it’s said without thought. This years’ group is FAST, every position can run and run fast. We will look to play a physical brand of defense. The Robinson twins lead that charge up front. Sophomore Haylen Buell, All State Wrestler will be a kid to keep an eye on. He played significant minutes during last year’s championship game as a freshman. We have to stay healthy; we aren’t as deep as we were last year, that will be a big key to this year’s outcome.
The Southwester Michigan 8-Man league realigned this season and now has Martin in the same division as Bridgman and Northpointe Christian, so even if Martin doesn’t win the division, a deep playoff run is not only not out of the question, but expected.
Of the teams in the division, Blauvelt says. “NorthPointe Christian return a great core of players. They beat us last year and we will look to avenge that loss. We play them at home this year, where we haven’t lost since 2018. Bridgman will be tough and well coached as well.”
Martin begins the defense of their state championship at Colon on August 24.
Red Arrow Raiders
(New Buffalo, River Valley Co-op)
2022 Record: 6-3 (4-2 SWMI 8-Man League-II
Head Coach: Matthew Johnson (11th season, 31-48)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 vs. Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m. (at New Buffalo)
8/31 at Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 at Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 at Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 vs. Wyoming Tri-Unity – 7:00 p.m. (at River Valley)
9/29 at Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Wyoming-Lee – 7:00 p.m. (at New Buffalo)
10/13 vs. Bridgman – 7:00 p.m. (at River Valley
10/20 at Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
Year number three of the Red Arrow Raiders, the combined effort of New Buffalo and River Valley schools so each could continue their football programs, and the Raiders are hoping to keep going in the same direction.
The Raiders went 6-3 last year, while they did not make the 8-man football playoffs, the team was two wins better and two less losses than the previous year.
Coach Matt Johnson will take on the role as offensive and defensive coordinator for the team, as well as the athletic director duties at New Buffalo.
Red Arrow has 16 players on the roster this season, seven are seniors. They return four on offense and three on defense.
According to Coach Johnson, the key players on offense will be Ethan Lijewski -Jr, QB, 5’9-160
Jaquan Pierce – Sr, WR/TE, 6’0 190, Payton Lijewski – Sr, WR, 5’9-150, Ryder Wolnik – Sr, RB, 6’0 170, Cameron Forker – Sr, OL, 6’3, 300, Owen Slavens- Sr, RB, 5’9-150.
On defense Red Arrow’s key players include David Nicely, Jr, DL 5’10-245, Ryder Wolnik, Sr, LB 6’0-170, Payton Lijewski, Sr, OLB 5’9-150, Jaquan Pierce, Sr, OLB, 6’0-190, M’nason Smothers, Jr, DB 5’8-145.
Ryder Wolnik and Jaquan Pierce will be specialists on special teams.
Johnson said of his team, “Hoping to build on a successful 6-3 campaign from 2022. Offense looks to be explosive with a strong defense anchored by three returning linebackers.”
Johnson sees Bridgman and defending state champion Martin as the favorites in the league. The Red Arrow Raiders will split their four home games with two taking place in New Buffalo and two at River Valley. The first game is on Thursday, August 24 against Bloomingdale at New Buffalo.
Twin Cities Sharks
(Our Lady of the Lake, Michigan Lutheran, Countryside Academy Co-op)
2022 Record: 1-8 (1-5 SWMI 8-Man League-II
Head Coach: Peter Murphy (3rd season, 2-16)
2023 Schedule
8/24 vs. Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
8/31 at Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 vs. Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 at Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Wyoming Lee – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 at Bangor – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 vs. Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 at Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
Maybe the best way to describe the 2022 season for the Twin Cities Sharks is an extended and early preseason for the 2023 Twin Cities Sharks, and maybe again for 2024.
The Twin Cities Sharks, the co-op team formed by Our Lady of the Lake, Michigan Lutheran, and Countryside Academy have all eight starters returning on offense and defense, and of the 25 players on the 2023 roster, there is just a single senior.
The Sharks offense is an 8-Man version of the Raid offense, with junior Ty Johnson at quarterback, the junior has started all three years. Junior Micah Herbst, also in his 3rd season as a starter, will line up as a wide receiver. Junior Colin Watts will line up at running back, also a 3-year starter. The Sharks lone senior Jonah Eggert will join his Michigan Lutheran schoolmate Herbst at wide receiver.
Defensively, Twin Cities lines up in a 4-1 defensive alignment, which for 8-man football will have half of the defense on the line of scrimmage. The same four key offensive players are also the key players on defense with Johnson and Watts as a linebacker, Eggert playing at cornerback, and Herbst at free safety.
Third year coach Peter Murphy said. “Our season will go as well as our preparation. We could be 9-0 or 4-5. If the boys stay dedicated, we will be a fun team to watch.”
Murphy still expects Bridgman as, how he describes, “The main road block to anyone’s perfect season.” Murphy also says Bangor will be tough and describes Gobles as a “Well oiled machine”
Twin Cities plays their home games at the Kohn Sports Complex in Stevensville on the Lakeshore Rocket Football Field, just south of Lakeshore’s Al Stockman Stadium.
Southwest Michigan 8 Man Football League – III
Bangor Vikings
2022 Record: 3-6 (1-5 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
Head Coach: Tom Matthews (2nd season, 3-6)
2023 Schedule
8/25 vs. Mendon – 7:00 p.m.
9/1 vs. Gobles – 7:00 p.m.
9/9 vs. Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 at Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Grandville Calvin Christian – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 at Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Vermontville Maple-Valley – 7:00 p.m.
10/21 at Battle Creek St. Philip – 7:00 p.m. Bangor did not reply to our request for a season preview.
Bloomingdale Cardinals
2022 Record: 0-9 (0-6 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
Head Coach: Jason Hayes (2nd year, 0-9)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 at Red Arrow Raiders- 7:00 p.m.
9/31 at Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 vs. Grandville Calvin Christian – 7;00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Bangor – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 vs. Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 at Wyoming Tri-Unity – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 at Wyoming-Lee – 7:00 p.m.
Jason Hayes enters his second year in charge of the Cardinals program, still in search of his first win. But he will have an experienced team coming back for his second season. The Cardinals return 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense for this 8-player team.
This 20-player team returns only 3 seniors from last year, so the experienced Cardinals will continue to grow into next year as well. Troy Zuck is a two-way starter (5’10-155 Jr.) along with Austin Slater on offense (6’3-155 Sr.) and Tyler Clemmons (5’11-170 Sr.) on defense. With Clemmons serving as kicker and punter, as well as kick returner.
Coach Hayes tells us, “We are returning most of our team from last year, so we’re looking to continue to build on what we started last year and keep growing this program.”
Hayes said Marcellus is the favorite as the 2023 season begins.
Bloomingdale’s opening game will be at the Red Arrow Raiders
Lawrence Tigers
2022 Record: 3-6 (3-3 SWMI 8-Man League-II)
Head Coach: Derek Gribler (2nd season, 3-6)
2023 Schedule:
8/24 at Gobles – 7:30p.m.
9/1 vs. Martin – 7:00 p.m.
9/9 at Bangor – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 vs. Marcellus – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Vermontville Maple Valley – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Grandville Calvin Christian – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 at Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Fennville – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 vs. Twin Cities Sharks – 7:00 p.m.
It’s been 10 years since Lawrence became one of the first schools in Southwest Michigan to make the transition to 8-Man football, and they found success early on with a state championship in 2014, but the Tigers haven’t come close to duplicating that early success. Derek Gribler returns for his second year at the helm of the Tigers football team. Even though his roster has 16 players, he has 5 returning starters on offense and defense.
Gribbler’s key starters on both offense and defense are Ben McCaw QB 6’0 160 Sr., Christian Smith RB 5’9 160 Sr., Noel Saldana WR 5’9 170. Zander Payment C 5’10 215. Austin Vasquez LG 6’0 185. McCaw was the quarterback on the team last year, and was named our WSJM Sports player of the Week in the Tigers win over Wyoming Lee last year.
The 2023 Lawrence Tigers have 7 seniors on the roster this season, including McCaw.
Gribbler says. “The season is approaching fast and we’re looking forward to it. We have a talented team that could do a lot of good with hard work being put in. We should have a good season with having a young team with about 5-7 Freshman being pulled up and not too many sophomores and juniors. The upper classmen will do a good job of leading by example and setting expectations for the season.”
With only 14-16 players on the roster, depth will be an issue for Lawrence. The Tigers were unable to finish play the final game of their season last year, forfeiting that final game against Mendon.
Gribbler tells us Marcellus or Grandville Calvin Christian are the probable division favorite.
Marcellus Wildcats
2022 Record: 6-3 (3-3 SWMI 8-Man League-I)
Head Coach: Nathan Davies (5th season, 20-24)
2023 Schedule:
8/25 vs. Wyoming Tri-Unity – 7:00 p.m.
8/31 at Vermontville Maple Valley – 7:00 p.m.
9/8 vs. Red Arrow Raiders – 7:00 p.m.
9/15 at Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
9/22 at Bloomingdale – 7:00 p.m.
9/29 vs. Bangor – 7:00 p.m.
10/6 vs. Grandville Calvin Christian – 7:00 p.m.
10/13 at Martin – 7:00 p.m.
10/20 at Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
Marcellus could be one of the most experience teams in area 8-player football this season. Coach Nathan Davies has 9 seniors of the expect 18 on the roster this season, and he has 7 starting coming back on offense, and another 6 coming back on defense.
Marcellus went 6-3 last season and 3-3 in division play. With 2 of the Wildcats three losses coming to state champions Martin, and state runner up Mendon.
The Wildcats will run from the 8-player version of the I formation, and will be led on the field by Junior Quarterback Parker Adams. His protection up front will come from Senior Center Adan Deer. Adams likely targets will be either Senior Running Back Dawsen Lehew or WR Nathan Mihills.
Marcellus defensive line will have two senior Defensive Ends Brock Buck and Cole Thornburgh. With another senior Jackson Krzycki at corner.
Davies said the goal for his team this year is “Looking to get back to the playoffs and maybe make a run.”
He also says Defending State Champion Mendon is the favorite in the league.
Tomorrow: Independent teams
