mattawan wildcats ig 16 west vs s j bstjoefootball.com/media/files/101708-mattawan.pdf2008 st....

2008 St. Joseph Bears Football Mattawan at St. Joseph – 10/17/08 of 34

TABLE OF CONTENTS…

Game Day Information 1 The Bears 2-3 Quick Facts/Series History 4 Coaches Info/ Pronunciations 5 Mattawan Roster 6 Last Year’s game 7 Big 16 Information 8-9 St. Joe Season Summary 10-16 Dickinson Stadium Information 17 Stats vs. Benton Harbo 19-19 St. Joe season stats 20-22 St. Joe scoring plays/summary 23 St. Joe record book 24-25 JV/9th/Middle School Info 26 Press Clippings 27-34

www.mhsaa.com

THE BEARS SCHEDULE… 08/29 – Harper Creek (W 34-0) 09/05 – Marshall (W 35-12) 09/12 – @ Port. Northern (W 20-7) 09/19 – @ BC Central (W 67-35) 09/26 – Niles* (W 34-3) 10/03 – @ Lakeshore* (W 21-18) 10/10 – @ Benton Harbor* (W 45-0) 10/17 – Mattawan* 10/24 – @ Kalamazoo Central All Games Start at 7:30 *Big 16 West Division Game

THE WILDCATS SCHEDULE… 08/28 – Kal. Central (L 0-47) 08/30 – @ P. Northern (L 6-49) 09/07 – @ Coldwater (L 13-18) 09/14 – Sturgis (L 27-28) 09/21 – Portage Central (L 0-34) 09/28 – @ B. Harbor* (W 18-14) 10/05 – Niles* (L 14-34) 10/12 – at St. Joseph* 10/19 – at Lakeshore* All Games Start at 7:30 *Big 16 West Division Game

MATTAWAN WILDCATS (1-6, 1-1 BIG 16 WEST) VS. ST. JOSEPH BEARS (7-0, 3-0 BIG 16 WEST)

GAME 8: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008 – 7:30 PM DICKINSON STADIUM, ST. JOSEPH – SENIOR NIGHT

BEARS AND WILDCATS… Tonight’s game will the sixth ever meeting between the Bears and Wildcats, and only the second meeting at Dickinson Stadium. The Bears lead the overall series with Mattawan 3-2. The last time St. Joe faced Mattawan, the Bears clinched the 2007 Big 16 West Division title with a 49-7 win at Mattawan a season ago. The Bears can repeat as West Division Champions with a victory tonight. ABOUT THE BEARS… It didn’t take the Bears long to score what would eventually become the game winning score as the Bears scored a 22 yard touchdown pass to Jay Nimtz on the Bears first offensive play. In total St. Joe would get three rushing touchdowns from Jamaal Jackson in the 45-0 win at Benton Harbor. Jay Nimtz had two touchdown receptions as well as a 32 yard field goal and 6 of 6 extra points. Chris Killebrew also added a touchdown. ABOUT THE WILDCATS… Mattawan entered the fourth quarter in a 14-14 tie with the Niles Vikings, but Niles scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead Niles past Mattawan 34-14. The Wildcats fell to 1-6 on the season and 1-1 in the West Division. Tyler Brindley had 127 yards rushing on 13 carries, while Nick Reyna and Addison Webb each had a touchdown run for the Wildcats. MEDIA COVERAGE.. Midwest Family Radio Sports is once again the home of St. Joseph Bears football, with WSJM AM 1400 The News and Talk of Michigan’s Great Southwest serving as the flagship for St. Joe football in their 13th straight season. Midwest Family Radio Sports provides weekly coverage of St. Joseph, Lakeshore, and South Haven football contests. Phil McDonald (Play-By-Play) and Bret Witkowski (Color) will be calling the game. The broadcast is also available worldwide at www.wsjmsports.com. WSJM’s coverage of St. Joe football was awarded by the Michigan Associated Press as Best Live Sporting Event. Fans can also check out coverage of the Bears on the official website for St. Joseph Bears Football at www.stjoefootball.com. Postgame results will be available on Saturday in print in the Herald-Palladium for fans in St. Joseph, and the surrounding areas of Berrien County and on the web at www.theh-p.com. Plus the game recap will appear in the Kalamazoo Gazette.


YOUR 2008 ST. JOSEPH BEARS… ## Name Off. Pos Def. Pos. Height Weight Year

1 NICK PIGGEE WR DB 5'7" 133 JR. 2 SEAN GUINANE QB LB 6'5" 218 JR. 3* ROBBY SCHULER WR DB 5'8" 162 SR. 4 PAT FLOOD WR DB 5'11" 156 SR. 5 WES LASOTA WR DB 5'11" 161 SR. 7 ANDREW HAMILTON WR DB 6'1" 153 JR. 8 CHRIS KILLEBREW RB DB 6'1" 160 JR. 9 TIM GOULD QB DB 6’2” 165 JR. 12 ANDY WHEELER QB LB 6'3" 198 JR. 15 JON PUNCHES QB DB 6'2" 157 SR. 17 DAN KOSONOVICH WR OLB 5'9" 162 SR. 18 ALEX MILNIKEL TE DL 5'11" 196 SR. 19 FRANK NYAMBWEKE WR DB 5'7" 154 SR. 20 JON RUSH RB LB 5'9" 186 SR. 21 DEVONTE JONES WR DB 5'9" 148 JR. 22* MITCH DUNHAM RB LB 6'0" 187 SR. 23 BRAD CLARK WR DB 5'11" 157 JR. 24 RYAN VITALE RB DB 5'9" 165 JR. 25 RYAN BOCK RB OLB 6'0" 195 SR. 28 JAMAAL JACKSON RB LB 5'11" 195 JR. 31 TYLER CURTIS TE LB 6'1" 194 SO. 32 MATT WOLF RB DB 5'10" 162 JR. 33 JOSH WEAVER RB DL 5'5" 153 SR. 34 MIKE CASE WR DB 5'10" 159 JR. 40* JONNY SCHWEIR RB LB 5'10" 196 SR. 41 KEVIN ROBB RB DL 5'6" 157 SR. 42 DRAKE SMITH RB DB 5'9" 162 SR. 43 JAY NIMTZ WR DB 5'8" 154 SR. 44 PALMER AVERILL WR DB 5'7" 154 SR. 45 COREY ERNY FB DL 5'11" 205 SO. 50 MIKE SIEMANS C LB 6'0" 196 JR. 51 TYLER TIEFENBACH OL DL 6'5" 243 SR. 52 JOHN ELLEGOOD OL DL 5'7" 161 JR. 53 ANDREW BROWN OL DL 5'8" 200 JR. 61 RAY JACKSON OL DL 5'8" 235 SR. 62 ANDREW NOWAK OL DL 6'3" 246 SR. 63 BELEM MPAMBA OL DL 5'11" 230 SR. 64 JUSTIN BINDER OL DL 5'9" 204 JR. 66 JASON GAMBRELL OL DL 5'10" 198 JR. 67 OWEN COLE OL DL 6'1" 250 JR.


YOUR 2008 ST. JOSEPH BEARS (CONTINUED)… ## Name Off. Pos Def. Pos. Height Weight Year

68 MATT MATTOX OL DL 6'3" 285 SR. 71 SAM WALLACE OL DL 6'1" 252 SR. 72 DEREK WORLEY OL DL 6'2" 238 JR. 73* COLLIN DEJONG OL DL 6'2" 208 SR. 74 DANIEL WATSON OL DL 6'2" 255 SR. 75 TYLER FOSTER OL DL 5'10" 232 SR. 76 VALENTINO MCCOY-GARCIA OL DL 5'11" 245 JR. 77 SAM KODIS OL DL 6'1" 261 JR. 78 ALEC KARSTEN OL DL 6'0" 276 SR. 80 JOSH LECOUR TE DL 6'0" 201 SR. 81 MIKE CARTER TE LB 6'3" 202 JR. 84 KRIS HICKMAN OL DL 5'10" 190 SR. 85 AARON STEFFEN WR DB 6'1" 158 SR. 86 MATT JEWELL WR DB 6'4" 184 SR. 87 RYAN SHIMANEK WR DB 6'0" 151 JR. 88 SEAN MOORE WR LB 6'6" 192 JR. 89 ANDREW KEPPELER TE DL 6'2" 195 JR. 91 MATT RIEMLAND TE LB 6'2" 185 JR.

* Captains HEAD COACH… Elliot Uzelac (3rd season 25-6, .806) ASSISTANT COACHES… Ike Muhlenkamp, Gandalf Church, Larry Jackson, Ben Jager, Bryan Keim, Orlando Malone JV COACHES… Lyle Hayden, Eric Robinson, Kevin Valdes FRESHMEN COACHES… Bob Baumgartner, Matt Culver, Mark Morris, Andrew Schalk CAPTAINS… 3 Robby Schuler, 22 Mitch Dunham, 40 Jonny Schweir, 73 Collin DeJong KEY PLAYERS… Quarterback: 2 Sean Guinane (Junior) – The junior returns for his second year on varsity after serving as the backup a season ago. Running Backs: 42 Drake Smith (Senior) – Smith made his varsity debut late in the 2006 season and made an immediate impact scoring four touchdowns in a win at Benton Harbor. Smith missed the first month of the 2007 season with an injury before giving the Bears one of the area’s top tandem at running back. Wide Receivers: 43 Jay Nimtz (Senior) – A player who transferred to St. Joe during his sophomore year, Nimtz missed the second half of last season with an injury. Nimtz returns for his 3rd season on the varsity. 86 Matt Jewell (Senior) – Jewell is the top returning wide receiver on the Bears this season, a year ago he made 42 catches for 684 yards Other top players On Offense: OL 68 Matt Mattox (Senior), OL 71 Sam Wallace (Senior) On Defense: CB 21 DeVonte Jones (Junior), LB 22 Mitch Dunham (Senior), LB 40, Jonny Schweir (Senior), NG 33 Josh Weaver (Senior)


QUICK FACTS… Series History: SJ leads 3-2 (0.600) St. Joseph points: 112 Mattawan points: 105 Games Decided by 3 Points or Less: SJ 1-0 Games Decided by 7 Points or Less: SJ 2-0 Games Decided by 10 Points or More: MAT 2-1 St. Joseph’s Longest Winning Streak: 2 2001-2002 St. Joseph Longest Losing Streak: 2 2005-2006 Current St. Joseph Streak: Won 1 Biggest St. Joseph Win: 42 - 2007 (SJ 49, MAT 7) Biggest St. Joseph Loss: 22 - 2006 (MAT 28, SJ 6) Last St. Joseph Home Win: (2002*) St. Joe’s win at “home” was at Bridgman High School) Last St. Joseph Road Win: 2007 (SJ 49, MAT 7) Last Mattawan Home Win: 2005 (MAT 39, SJ 19) Last Mattawan Road Win: 2006 (MAT 28, SJ 6)

Enrollment: 993 (Class B) Interim Superintendent: Al Skibbe Principal: Jeff Runser Athletic Director: Kevin Guzzo Nickname: Bears Colors: Maize and Blue Fight Song: St. Joseph Fight Song Conference: Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference (Big 16), Charter member since 1931 First Year of Competition: 1913 All-Time Record: 459-329-33 (93rd season*) *(No teams in 1916-18, influenza and WWI) State Titles: 0 Runner Up: 1, 1988 (Class B) S.M.A.C. Conference/Division Championships (Last): 33 (2007) Undefeated Seasons: (9) (1938, 71, 73, 80, 84, 86, 87, 88, 07) Longest regular season winning streak: 37 - 9/26/86-9/30/89 Playoff Appearances: (11) - B, 1980, 84, 86, 87, 88; BB, 1990, 96, 97; 3, 1999, 06, 07 Retired Jersey’s: 82 Rob Fredrickson (Class of 1989) – Jersey retired on January 5, 1999

THE SERIES… The Bears and Mattawan first met in the 2001 season when the Big 8 Conference expanded to the current Big 16 conference. St. Joseph defeated the Wildcats 14-12 at Mattawan in the first ever meeting. The Bears and Mattawan would meet again in 2002 which St. Joe won 25-19 at Bridgman high school. The game was at Bridgman when the current Dickinson Stadium was under construction. The series would resume in 2005, the Wildcats would win the next two games, The Bears beat Mattawan 49-7 last year at Mattawan. . THE BEARS WHEN… Overall Record: 7-0 (1.000) Home Record: 3-0 (1.000) Road Record: 4-0 (1.000) Neutral Site Record: 0-0 (0.000) Division Record: 3-0 (1.000) Against Central Division Teams: 2-0 (1.000) Against Eastern Division Teams: 2-0 (1.000) St. Joseph scores first: 3-0 (1.000) Opponent scores first: 4-0 (1.000) Scoring 21 points or more: 5-0 (1.000) Scoring 20 points or less: 1-0 (1.000) Allowing 21 points or more: 1-0 (0.000) Allowing 20 points or less: 6-0 (1.000) Leading at the half: 5-0 (1.000) Tied at the half: 0-0 (0.000) Trailing at the half: 2-0 (1.000) Leading after 3 quarters: 7-0 (1.000) Tied after 3 quarters: 0-0 (0.000) Trailing after 3 quarters: 0-0 (0.000) Giveaways/Takeaways: 7/10 (+3) Points scored off of turnovers: 42 Points allowed off of turnovers: 7

IT “BEARS” MENTIONING… This is the 6th meeting between the Bears and Wildcats, but only the second at Dickinson Stadium. The Bears first “home” game in the series took place in 2002 at Bridgman high school. The game was played there due to construction of the new Dickinson Stadium, the Bears and Wildcats would not meet at Dickinson until the 2006 season which Mattawan won 28-6.

THE OPPOSITION… Battle Creek Harper Creek: 3-4 (0.429) Marshall: 4-3 (0.571) Portage Northern: 4-3 (0.571) Battle Creek Central: 3-4 (0.429) Niles: 3-4 (0.429) Lakeshore: 6-1 (0.857) Benton Harbor: 0-7 (0.000) Mattawan: 1-6 (0.143) Kalamazoo Central: 4-3 (0.571) Opponents overall record: 28-35 (0.444) St. Joseph Record: 7-0 (1.000)


ON THE SIDELINES… Year Coach Record 1913 Whitehead 0-4 1914 Berry 2-6 1915 Gardner 0-6-1 1916-1918 No Teams 1919-1920 Gordon Gabal 12-6-1 1921-1931 Henry Howe 50-39-11 1932 Fred Harrsen 1-7-1 1933 Henry Howe 4-3-1 (54-42-12) 1934-1935 Ronald Finch 12-3-2 1936-1946 Harry Lee 53-31-5 1947-1948 Jack Petosky 7-5-3 1949-1950 Jay Eldred 8-8 1951-1953 Walt Gephart 10-13-1 1954-1963 Dick Higgs 43-31-7 1964-1967 Willis Koontz 13-22 1968-2001 Ivan "Ike" Muhlenkamp 211-110-1 2002-2005 John Van Wagoner 7-29 2006- Elliot Uzelac 25-6 ST

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ORY Head Coach: Elliot Uzelac

A college coaching veteran with more than 30 years of experience is the 16th head coach in the schools 92 seasons of playing football. Mr. Uzelac began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Bowling Green, Navy, and Michigan before becoming the Head Coach at Western Michigan University from 1975-81. He was named Mid American Conference “Coach of the Year” in 1975 while with the Broncos. He also served as Head Coach at the US Naval Academy from 1987-89. Mr. Uzelac also has held coaching positions at Indiana, Ohio State, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Maryland, Georgetown, and with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. He is a 1964 graduate of Western Michigan and he earned a master's degree in physical education from Bowling Green in 1966. He and his wife, Wendy, have two children, Lisa and Nick, one granddaughter, Jordan, and one grandson, Elliot.

Assistant Coaches: Ike Muhlenkamp, Gandalf Church, Larry Jackson, Ben Jager, Bryan Keim, Orlando Malone Equipment Staff: Kevin Strine, Keith Strine, Drew Welham Athletic Trainer: Matt Mabry (Lakeland Regional Health Systems) Team Physician: Dr. George T. Kolettis (Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine) THE WAY TO PRONOUNCE THE BEARS… Elliot Uzelac – you-zelack Ike Muhlencamp – mull -en-camp Sean Guinane – GIHN-ayne Tim Gould – Goold Jonny Schweir – Schweer Jim Nimtz – nihmtz Frank Nyambweke – Nim-bway-kay Belem Mpamba – mm-pahm-buh Collin DeJong – De-Young Josh Lecour – Lih-koor Matt Riemland – reem-land THE GAME OPERATIONS PEOPLE… Public Address Announcer: Dave Durr Spotter: Phil Cole Clock Operators: Fred Alten, David Foster 25-Second Clock: Gary Etter Message Board/In Game Audio: Dave Wolf Game Stats: (Home) JV Players (Road): Dave Wolf Video Technicians: (Press Box View) “Chip” Mattox, (Endzone) Mike Lavanway THE BOOSTERS… Presidents: Glenn and Cathy Averill Treasurers: Brian and Kelly Nimtz Secretaries: Neil and Rhonda Vitale Trustees: Jerry and Dorrine Guinane, Jim and Sue Riemland, Brian and Debbie Akins, Todd and Barbie Carter, Jason and Tammie Spiegel, George and Michelle Piggee

SAINT JOSEPH FIGHT SONG Fight on to victory, As we shout our battle cry! Fight on, old Varsity, As the Bears go marching by. We'll sing a toast or two, For every loyal son, Raise high our maize and blue, Until the fight is won! F-I, F-I-T-E, Fight! So, Bears, fight with all your might! We're right, so fight, we're conquerors tonight! Fight on to victory, As we shout our battle cry! Fight on, oh Varsity, As the Bears go marching by. We'll sing a toast or two, For every loyal son, Raise high the maize and blue, Until the fight is won!


THE WILDCATS… ## Name Off. Pos Def. Pos. Height Weight Year

1 TYLER BRINDLEY RB LB 5'11" 190 JR. 7 DUSTIN NEHLS QB DB 5'10" 140 SR. 8 ZACH STONE QB DB 5'9" 140 JR. 9 JUSTIN BORNAMANN WR DB 5'9" 140 JR. 13 NICK RICE WR DB 5'8" 155 SR. 14 ADDISON WEBB QB DB 5'10" 150 JR. 18 MITCHELL HAUSE QB DB 6'2" 170 SR. 20 SHANE DUNKIN RB DL 5'9" 165 SR. 21 JAY HINKE WR DB 6'0" 170 SR. 24 ZACHARY MOORE WR DB 6'0" 175 JR. 25 JASON DOUGLAS RB DB 5'10" 185 SR. 26 MICHAEL CAMPBELL WR DB 5'5" 130 SR. 27 SEAN HENEGAR WR LB 5'9" 165 SR. 28 SAME WOLTHUIS RB DB 5'10" 180 JR. 34 JUSTIN ELY WR DB 5'8" 140 JR. 35 BRYAN PHILLIPS WR DL 6'4" 190 SR. 40 NICK REYNA RB LB 6'2" 230 SR. 42 SHANE KAHL RB DL 5'10" 180 SR. 45 JORDAN FOREMAN TE LB 6'0" 175 SR. 51 MATTHEW BRIAN OL LB 5'9" 190 SR. 54 TYLER GARDNER OL LB 6'0" 200 JR. 56 ERIK CELESKI OL LB 6'3" 190 JR. 58 GABRIEL POGLIANO OL DL 5'10" 175 JR. 59 TYLER REGAN OL DL 6'1" 190 SR. 64 CALEB STINNETT OL DL 5'8" 160 JR. 66 BRETT HAGEDORN OL DL 5'9" 190 SO. 72 ALEX BENSON OL DL 6'4" 200 JR. 76 JAMES GILLIS OL DL 6'0" 230 SR. 77 JAMES SMALL OL DL 5'10" 260 SR. 80 JACOB LENZ WR DB 5'10" 140 JR. 82 ALEX KOLENKO TE LB 6'4" 200 SO. 84 JACOB CHOPP WR DB 6'2" 170 SR. 88 KYLE HILLSBURG WR DB 5'11" 170 SO.

HEAD COACH: DOUG PARAN (4TH SEASON, 17-19) ASSISTANT COACHES: RYAN BROWN CORY DEGROOTE TEDD SHIPP MARK NOFFSINGER JASON OSBOR MIKE SHOOSHANIA


THE LAST MEETING – 10/12/07 – ST. JOSEPH 49, MATTAWAN 7 – MATTAWAN STADIUM

(Mattawan) -- The Bears claimed their first Big 16 West Division Title with a 49-7 victory over Mattawan. The Bears have had great success on their opening drives of the game, in 4 of the previous 7 games St. Joe has scored a touchdown. The Bears did it again on Friday as St. Joe used a 12 play, 80 yard drive concluded by a 12 yard touchdown pass from Ethan Schweir to Matt Jewell to give the Bears a 7-0 lead. With Mattawan driving on their initial possession, it ended when St. Joe recovered a fumble at the Bears' 34 yard line. St. Joe would take advantage of the turnover when Brad Guinane caught a 5 yard touchdown pass from Ethan Schweir. After the Mattawan turned the ball over on downs to the Bears, St. Joe needed just three plays for a 21-0 lead as Ryan Bock had a 19 yard touchdown run. Mattawan would receive the opening kick of the second half, but the Wildcats fumbled it away and gave the Bears a short field to work with and Ryan Bock scored his second touchdown from a yard out for a 28-0 St. Joe advantage. After the Bears kicked off, Mattawan's turnover troubles would get worse. On the Wildcats first offensive play after the return, they would fumble the ball away again. Five plays later Brad Guinane would catch another touchdown pass from 10 yards out to start the running clock with a 35-0 lead. Mattawan would get on the board to resume the normal clock rules when Nick Wallace threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Samuel Krygier. It didn't take the Bears long to score as St. Joe needed just 50 seconds to score as Brad Guinane caught his third touchdown pass of the game on a 65 yard hookup from Schweir. Drake Smith would add a 33 yard touchdown run to make the score 49-7.

WILDCATS BEARS POINTS 7 49 FIRST DOWNS 15 19 3RD DOWN % 6/12 5/6 4TH DOWN % 3/4 0/0 TOTAL YARDS 238 452 RUSHING 116 196 PASSING 119 256 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 16/22/1 13/15/0 TURNOVERS 4 0 PENALTIES/YARDS 3/40 0/0 TIME OF POSSESSION 29:03 18:57

Scoring Summary St. Joseph 7 14 14 14 -- 49 Mattawan 0 0 7 0 -- 7 SJ-Matt Jewell 12 yard pass from Ethan Schweir (Brett Virgil Kick) SJ-Brad Guinane 5 yard pass from Ethan Schweir (Virgil Kick) SJ-Ryan Bock 19 yard Run (Virgil Kick) SJ-Ryan Bock 1 yard Run (Virgil Kick) SJ-Brad Guinane 10 yard pass from Ethan Schweir (Virgil Kick) MW-Samuel Krygier 11 yard pass from Nick Wallace (Tyler Payne Kick) SJ - Brad Guinane 65 yard pass from Ethan Schweir (Virgil Kick) SJ - Drake Smith 33 yard Run (Virgil Kick)

The Bears Ryan Bock scores his second touchdown of the game in St. Joe’s 49-7

win at Mattawan (Dorrine Guinane Photo)


THE BIG 16… ►Lakeshore 28, Battle Creek Central 9 - C. W. Post Field, Battle Creek After Battle Creek Central cut Lakeshore's lead to 14-9, the Lancers used a 72 yard drive in two plays to put the game out of reach as the Lancers qualified for the playoffs with a 28-9 win at C.W. Post Field. Coco Johnson had 215 yards rushing and one score for Lakeshore. ►Niles 34, Mattawan 14 - Mattawan Stadium, Mattawan Niles broke a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter as McCade Reese scored two touchdown runs and Cal Poehlman had a 42 yard interception return in the Vikings 34-14 win at Mattawan. ►Kalamazoo Central 52, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 0 - Griffith Stadium, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix committed six turnovers in a 52-0 loss to arch rival Kalamazoo Central. The Maroon Giants got one rushing touchdown and a punt return touchdown from Juwan Hemphill. KC outgained Norrix 302-58. ►Portage Central 28 Portage Northern 7 - McCamley Field, Portage Portage Central's defense recorded nine sacks on Northern quarterback Jack Livingston in the Mustangs 28-7 win over Portage Northern. ►Marshall 28, Battle Creek Harper Creek 14 - Harper Creek Stadium, Battle Creek Marshall quarterback Jeff Lough ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as the Redhawks beat Battle Creek Harper Creek 28-14. ►Coldwater 48, Sturgis 14 - Cardinal Field, Coldwater Coldwater was able to score on their first five offensive series as the Cardinals beat Sturgis 48-14. Cyle Herendeen had 142 yards rushing and one touchdown for Coldwater. ►Jackson Lumen Christi 27, Battle Creek Lakeview 0 - Spartan Memorial Stadium, Battle Creek The Lumen Christi defense limited Lakeview to one first down in the first half and just three total in the Titans 27-0 win at Lakeivew. Connor Sullivan scored two TD's for Lumen Christi. THE CONFERENCE STANDINGS…

THE WEST… THE CENTRAL… THE EAST… Team Rec Div.

1 St. Joseph 7-0 3-0 2 Lakeshore 6-1 1-1 3 Niles 3-4 1-1 4 Mattawan 1-6 1-1 5 Benton Harbor 0-7 0-3

Team Rec Div. 1 Portage Central 7-0 2-0 2 Kal. Central 4-3 2-1 3 Port. Northern 4-3 1-1 4 B.C. Central 3-4 1-1 5 Kal. Loy Norrix 2-5 0-3

Team Rec Div. 1 Lumen Christi 5-2 3-0 2 BC Lakeview 4-3 2-1 3 Marshall 4-3 2-1 4 Harper Creek 3-4 1-2 5 Coldwater 2-5 1-2 6 Sturgis 1-6 0-3

BIG 16 PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS Qualified: St. Joseph, Portage Central, Lakeshore Need 1 win: Jackson Lumen Christi Need to win out: Kalamazoo Central, Portage Northern, BC Lakeview, Marshall Hope to make it at 5-4: Niles, B.C. Central, Harper Creek Eliminated: Mattawan, Benton Harbor, Loy Norrix, Coldwater, Sturgis HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE??? After 7 weeks of play in the Big 16. The home teams are 22-34 (0.393) after 56 games. Last week only one home team won their game, as Coldwater beat Sturgis 48-14. There are two teams that are unbeaten at home, St. Joseph and Portage Central are perfect on their home turf. There are four teams that are undefeated on the road. St. Joseph, Lakeshore, Jackson Lumen Christi and Portage Central are perfect when they are visitors on the scoreboard.

ON THE AIR… Radio -Mattawan at St. Joseph (WSJM-AM 1400) -Lakeshore at Niles (WSJM-FM 94.9) -Lakeshore at Niles (WNIL-AM 1290) -Loy Norrix at Benton Harbor (WBHC-LP 96.5) -Harper Creek at Sturgis (WMSH-AM 1230) -Coldwater at Lumen Christi (WTVB-AM 1590) (Sat.) -Coldwater at Lumen Christi (WKHM-AM 970) (Sat.) Television -Coldwater at Lumen Christi (JTV) (Sat.)

THIS WEEK IN THE BIG 16… -Mattawan at St. Joseph -Lakeshore at Niles -Kalamazoo Loy Norrix at Benton Harbor -Battle Creek Central at Portage Central -Portage Northern at Kalamazoo Central -Marshall at Battle Creek Lakeview -Harper Creek at Sturgis -Coldwater at Lumen Christi (Sat.)


THE 2008 OPPONENTS SEASON SCHEDULE AND RESULTS… BC HARPER CREEK (3-4) 08/29 – at St. Joseph (Loss 0-34) 09/05 – Portage Central (Loss 11-20) 09/12 – Benton Harbor (Win 35-0) 09/19 – at Kalamazoo Central (Win 21-19) 09/26 – at Battle Creek Lakeview (Loss 7-26) 10/03 – Coldwater (Win 27-24 OT) 10/10 – Marshall (Loss 14-28) 10/17 – at Sturgis 10/24 – Jackson Lumen Christi

MARSHALL (4-3) 08/28 – at Portage Central (Loss 7-42) 09/05 – at St. Joseph (Loss 12-35) 09/12 – Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (W 35-6) 09/19 – Niles (Win 20-16) 09/26 – at Coldwater (Win 28-0) 10/03 – Lumen Christi (Loss 21-27 2OT) 10/10 – at BC Harper Creek (Win 28-14) 10/17 – at Battle Creek Lakeview 10/24 – Sturgis

PORTAGE NORTHERN (4-3) 08/28 – at Benton Harbor (Win 45-12) 09/05 – Mattawan (Win 49-6) 09/12 – St. Joseph (Loss 7-20) 09/19 – at Lakeshore (Loss 22-24) 09/26 – Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (Win 16-8) 10/03 – at Niles (Win 23-14) 10/10 – Portage Central (Loss 7-28) 10/17 – at Kalamazoo Central 10/24 – Battle Creek Central

BATTLE CREEK CENTRAL (3-4) 08/29 – Jackson Lumen Christi (Loss 28-45) 09/05 – Battle Creek Lakeview (Win 28-12) 09/12 – at Sturgis (Win 34-7) 09/19 – St. Joseph (Loss 35-67) 09/26 – at Kalamazoo Central (Loss 58-59 3OT) 10/03 – Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (Win 35-6) 10/10 – Lakeshore (Loss 9-28) 10/17 – at Portage Central 10/24 – at Portage Northern

NILES (3-4) 08/29 – Battle Creek Lakeview (Loss 9-24) 09/05 – at Sturgis (Win 34-0) 09/12 – Kalamazoo Central (Win 40-29) 09/19 – at Marshall (Loss 16-20) 09/26 – at St. Joseph (Loss 3-34) 10/03 – Portage Northern (Loss 14-23) 10/10 – at Mattawan (Win 34-14) 10/17 – Lakeshore 10/26 – Benton Harbor

LAKESHORE (6-1) 08/28 – Coldwater (Win 48-0) 09/06 – at Jackson Lumen Christi (Win 17-0) 09/12 – at Battle Creek Lakeview (Win 20-6) 09/19 – Portage Northern (Win 24-22) 09/26 – Benton Harbor (Win 41-0) 10/03 – St. Joseph (Loss 18-21) 10/10 – at Battle Creek Central (Win 28-9) 10/17 – at Niles 10/26 – Mattawan

BENTON HARBOR (0-7) 08/28 – Portage Northern (Loss 12-45) 09/05 – at Kalamazoo Central (Loss 6-7) 09/12 – at BC Harper Creek (Loss 0-35) 09/19 – Jackson Lumen Christi (Loss 0-42) 09/26 – at Lakeshore (Loss 0-41) 10/03 – Mattawan (Loss 14-18) 10/10 – St. Joseph (Loss 0-45) 10/17 – Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 10/26 – at Niles

MATTAWAN (1-6) 08/28 – Kalamazoo Central (Loss 0-47) 08/30 – at Portage Northern (Loss 6-49) 09/07 – at Coldwater (Loss 13-18) 09/14 – Sturgis (Loss 27-28) 09/21 – Portage Central (Loss 0-34) 09/28 – at Benton Harbor (Win 18-14) 10/05 – Niles (Loss 14-34) 10/12 – at St. Joseph 10/19 – at Lakeshore

KALAMAZOO CENTRAL (4-3) 08/28 – at Mattawan (Win 47-0 09/05 – Benton Harbor (Win 7-6) 09/12 – at Niles (Loss 13-18) 09/19 – BC Harper Creek (Loss 19-21) 09/26 – Battle Creek Central (Win 59-58 3OT) 10/03 – at Portage Central (Loss 6-35) 10/10 – at Loy Norrix (Win 52-0) 10/17 – Portage Northern 10/26 – St. Joseph

BIG 16 COMPOSITE SCHEDULE…

TEAM Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 BC CENT. JLC BCL @ STG SJ @ KC KLN LKSH @ PC @ PN HARPER CR. @ SJ PC BH @ KC @ BCL CLD MAR @ STG JLC BC LAKEVW. @ NIL @ BCC LKSH @ KLN BCHC @ STG JLC MAR @ CLD B. HARBOR PN @ KC @ BCHC JLC @ LKSH MAT SJ KLN @ NIL COLDWTR @ LKSH KLN MAT @ PC MAR @ BCHC STG @ JLC BCL JAXLCHRT @ BCC LKSH PC @ BH STG @ MAR @ BCL CLD @ BCHC KZOCENT @ MAT BH @ NIL BCHC BCC @ PC @ KLN PN SJ KZOLOYNX STG @ CLD @ MAR BCL @ PN @ BCC KC @ BH PC LKSHORE CLD @ JLC @ BCL PN BH SJ @ BCC @ NIL MAT MARSHALL @ PC @ SJ KLN NIL @ CLD JLC BCHC @ BCL STG MATTAWAN KC @ PN @ CLD STG PC @ BH NIL @ SJ @ LKSH NILES BCL @ STG KC @ MAR @ SJ PN @ MAT LKSH BH PORTCENT MAR @ BCHC @ JLC CLD @ MAT KC @ PN BCC @ KLN PORTNORT @ BH MAT SJ @ LKSH KLN @ NIL PC @ KC BCC ST. JOSEPH BCHC MAR @ PN @ BCC NIL @ LKSH @ BH MAT @ KC STURGIS @ KLN NIL KC @ MAT @ JLC BCL @ CLD BCHC @ MAR


GAME RECAP – 8/29/08 – ST. JOSEPH 34, BATTLE CREEK HARPER CREEK 0 – DICKINSON STADIUM

(St. Joseph) – The Bears started the 2008 season almost exactly the same way they began the 2007 season, with a dominating 34-0 shutout victory over Battle Creek Harper Creek.

After receiving the opening kickoff, St. Joe went on an 8 play 77 yard drive resulting in a 3 yard touchdown run by Drake Smith.

The St. Joe defense held Harper Creek to a 3 and out on the Beavers initial drive. Then went on a 10 play 64 yard drive ending with a 6 yard Ryan Bock touchdown. The extra point attempt was wide left but the Bears had a 13-0 lead.

After another 3 and out by Harper Creek, St. Joe would find the endzone again just 5 plays later as Drake Smith added his second touchdown from 14 yards out for a 20-0 St. Joe lead in the second quarter.

Both teams were unable to change the score in the third quarter, but the Bears would score early in the fourth quarter as Ryan Bock had a 1 yard touchdown run to put the Bears ahead 27-0.

With the Bears defense still holding back the Wing-T offense of Harper Creek. Jamaal Jackson scored his first touchdown with just over 2 minutes remaining to give St. Joe a 34-0 advantage.

The Bears dominated the stats, The Bears had 17 first downs compared to Harper Creek's 2. St. Joe had 208 yards rushing, Harper Creek 103. The most lopsided category was passing yards, St. Joe had 120 yards through the air compared to zero for Harper Creek.

Sean Guinane was 8 for 11 passing for 120 yards in his first start as quarterback.

St. Joe is now 1-0 on the season and will face Marshall (0-1) next Friday at Dickinson Stadium.

BEAVERS BEARS POINTS 0 34 FIRST DOWNS 2 17 3RD DOWN % 0/10 5/8 4TH DOWN % 1/3 0/0 TOTAL YARDS 103 328 RUSHING 102 202 PASSING 1 126 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 1/6/0 9/11/1 TURNOVERS 0 1 PENALTIES/YARDS 2/10 6/30 TIME OF POSSESSION 27:21 32:39

Scoring Summary Harper Creek 0 0 0 0 -- 0 St. Joseph 13 7 0 14 -- 34 SJ - Drake Smith 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Ryan Bock 6 yard run (kick no good, wide left) SJ - Drake Smith 14 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Ryan Bock 1 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Jamaal Jackson 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good)

The Bears Drake Smith scores the Bears first touchdown in the first quarter

of the win over Harper Creek. (Dorrine Guinane photo)


GAME RECAP – 9/5/08 – ST. JOSEPH 35, MARSHALL 12 – DICKINSON STADIUM

(St. Joseph) – The Bears offense picked up right where it left off after last week's 34-0 victory over Harper Creek. St. Joe found the endzone on their first three possessions and helped lead the Bears to a 35-12 win over Marshall on Friday night at Dickinson Stadium After the Bear defense forced Marshall to punt on their initial drive, the Bears went on a 9 play 75 yard drive, ending with a 14 yard touchdown pass from Sean Guinane to Jay Nimtz. The Bear defense gave the offense excellent field position after Matt Jewell intercepted the ball at the Marshall 20 yard line, the Bears would find the endzone again as Drake Smith scored a 3 yard touchdown to put the Bears up 14-0.

The Bears defense would come away with a fumble near midfield and just 2 plays later, Sean Guinane found Jay Nimtz for a 30 yard touchdown pass and a 21-0 lead. Marshall found the scoreboard late in the first half when Redhawks quarterback Jeff Lough scrambled for an 11 yard touchdown run, the point after was blocked and the Bears took a 21-6 lead into the locker room at halftime. St. Joe's defense helped set up the offense once again as Devonte Jones made an interception at the Marshall 27 yard line. Drake smith would run for 22 yards on the first play after the turnover, and then took it the last 5 yards on the next play for a 28-6 lead. In the fourth quarter, Jamaal Jackson scored his second touchdown of the season when he had a 15 yard touchdown run. Marshall closed out the scoring as Lough found Blake Iobe for a 62 yard touchdown pass. Iobe's kick was wide left and the Bears would run out the clock with a 35-12 win.

REDHAWKS BEARS POINTS 12 35 FIRST DOWNS 10 23 3RD DOWN % 2/10 7/13 4TH DOWN % 1/2 1/6 TOTAL YARDS 231 384 RUSHING 127 235 PASSING 104 171 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 6/15/2 15/23/1 TURNOVERS 3 2 PENALTIES/YARDS 6/20 6/64 TIME OF POSSESSION 29:01 30:59

Scoring Summary Marshall 0 6 0 6 -- 12 St. Joseph 21 0 7 7 -- 35 SJ - Sean Guinane 14 yard pass to Jay Nimtz (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Drake Smith 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Sean Guinane 30 yard pass to Jay Nimtz (Drake Smith kick good) MR - Jeff Lough 11 yard run (Blake Iobe kick blocked) SJ - Drake Smith 5 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ - Jamaal Jackson 15 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) MR - Jeff Lough 62 yard pass to Blake Iobe (Blake Iobe kick wide left)

Jay Nimtz catches the second of his two TD receptions in the Bears 35-12

win over Marshall. (David Knight - www.dkfoto.com)


GAME RECAP – 9/12/08 – ST. JOSEPH 20, PORTAGE NORTHERN 7 – MCCAMLEY FIELD

(Portage) – Don’t tell Drake Smith that he was supposed to be the back-up running back this season.

In a rain drenched McCamley Field in Portage. The senior running back ran for 214 yards and 1 touchdown in the Bears 20-7 win at Portage Northern.

The Bears and Huskies went scoreless after the first quarter, and it was the hometown Huskies who found the scoreboard first in the second quarter as QB Jack Livingston threw a 45 yard touchdown pass to Andrew Evans for a 7-0 lead for Portage Northern.

The Bears would tie the game later in the second quarter as Drake Smith would score on a 15 yard touchdown run, the point after was wide left. The Bears trailed 7-6 going into halftime.

It didn’t take long for the Bears to grab the lead as St. Joe received the kickoff to start the 3rd quarter. Devonte Jones returned the 2nd half kickoff back for an 80 yard touchdown. The point after was again no good. But the Bears had a 12-7 lead 13 seconds into the second half.

The game would remain that way until late in the fourth quarter when the Bears stopped Portage Northern on downs at the Northern 15 yard line. St. Joe would need 4 plays to find the endzone as Sean Guinane scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. Drake Smith would add the 2 point conversion for a 20-7 St. Joe lead.

The Bear defense would put a stamp on the victory as Devonte Jones intercepted Livingston’s final pass down the field as time expired.

The Bears are now 3-0 on the season and will be at Battle Creek Central next Friday night to face the 2-1 Bearcats at C.W. Post Field.

HUSKIES BEARS POINTS 6 34 FIRST DOWNS 9 15 3RD DOWN % 3/10 5/8 4TH DOWN % 1/2 0/0 TOTAL YARDS 196 283 RUSHING 77 229 PASSING 119 54 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 8/20/2 4/11/1 TURNOVERS 2 1 PENALTIES/YARDS 7/43 6/46 TIME OF POSSESSION 29:32 30:28

Scoring Summary St. Joseph 0 6 6 8 –- 20 P. Northern 0 7 0 0 -- 7 PN – Jack Livingston 45 pass to Andrew Evans (Bill Cremeans kick good) SJ – Drake Smith 15 run (Drake Smith kick wide left) SJ – Devonte Jones 80 kickoff return (kick no good, bad snap) SJ – Sean Guinane 8 run (Drake Smith PAT run good)

Drake Smith had 214 yards rushing during the Bears 20-7 win over

Portage Northern in Portage. (Dorrine Guinane photo)


GAME RECAP – 9/19/08 – ST. JOSEPH 67, BATTLE CREEK CENTRAL 35 – C. W. POST FIELD

(Battle Creek) -- The endzone became a very familiar place for the Bears, but no St. Joe player was more familiar with it than Drake Smith. The senior running back had 245 yards rushing and amazing 6 touchdowns, establishing what is believed to be a new school record for touchdown runs in a game, in the Bears 67-35 win at Battle Creek Central. Battle Creek Central found the scoreboard first as Michigan State prospect Larry Caper scored on a 7 yard touchdown to give the Bearcats a 7-0 lead. St. Joe would answer less than three minutes later as Sean Guinane threw a 26 yard touchdown pass to Matt Jewell to tie the game. The Bears found the endzone again just a few plays later as Battle Creek Central fumbled away the kickoff, which was recovered by the Bears. Three plays later, Drake Smith found the endzone again from 14 yards out to give the Bears a 14-7 lead with 19 seconds left in the first quarter. Battle Creek Central would tie the game in the second quarter as Larry Caper scored his second touchdown of the game from 3 yards to tie the game at 14. The Bears would break the less than two minutes later as Smith found the endzone for a third time from 4 yards out and a 21-14 St. Joe lead. The Bear defense held Battle Creek Central to a three and out on the next drive and thanks to Jay Nimtz's long punt return, the Bears would start the next drive at the Battle Creek Central 16

yard line. Three plays later Smith would score his fourth touchdown of the night from 2 yards out and a 28-14 St. Joe lead going into halftime. Battle Creek Central would pull within a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half as Larry Caper had his third touchdown of the game to cut the Bears lead to 28-21. The Bears would find the endzone once again as the Bears used a 7 play drive, 6 of them runs by Drake Smith, ending in a 7 yard touchdown pass and a 35-21 advantage. After forcing a punt the Bears would give the Bearcats the ball back after fumbling the punt away. The defense held again forcing Battle Creek Central to turn the ball over on downs. St. Joe needed three plays to find the endzone again, as Sean Guinane's 42 yard pass play to Palmer Averill gave the Bears the ball at the BCC 11 yard line. Smith would find the endzone again for his 5th touchdown on the night and a 42-21 St. Joe lead. Early in the fourth quarter Smith would add his 6th touchdown of the night and a 47-21 lead. Drake Smith who also kicks the extra points for St. Joe, missed the point after wide left. The second string for the Bears played for most of the fourth quarter as Jamaal Jackson scored 2 touchdowns and Chris Killebrew added another touchdown. Battle Creek would get fourth quarter touchdowns from Tylan Kirk and a pass from Dak Brit would close out the scoring. In the win, St. Joe set a new school record for most points scored in a game with 67. The old record was 61 points, established on 10/25/85 when St. Joe beat Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 61-14

BEARS BEARS POINTS 35 67 FIRST DOWNS 21 28 3RD DOWN % 4/13 2/3 4TH DOWN % 3/4 0/0 TOTAL YARDS 423 556 RUSHING 286 432 PASSING 137 124 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 8/15/0 7/7/0 TURNOVERS 1 1 PENALTIES/YARDS 6/71 2/10 TIME OF POSSESSION 27:24 20:36

Drake Smith scores one of his 6 touchdowns in the 67-35 win at Battle

Creek Central (Dorrine Guinane photo)


GAME RECAP – 9/26/08 – ST. JOSEPH 34, NILES 3 – DICKINSON STADIUM

(St. Joseph) – After last week’s record setting win at Battle Creek Central, the St. Joseph offense seemed to be centered on the running of Drake Smith.

As it turns out, the passing attack of the Bears offense is just as dangerous. The aerial attach helped lead the Bears to a 34-3 win over Niles at Dickinson Stadium as the Bears celebrated Homecoming.

Niles took a 3-0 lead on a 28 yard field goal by Colin Freas.

St. Joe needed just two plays to take the lead on a 76 yard touchdown run by Drake Smith just 38 seconds later.

The Bears defense continued to hold the Niles offense down as Matt Jewell intercepted a pass from Niles QB Andrew Brawley, and just two plays later, Sean Guinane found Michael Carter for a 19 yard touchdown pass and a 14-3 St. Joe lead.

Guinane would find Carter again in the third quarter from 39 yards for another St. Joe touchdown.

Guinane would close the 3rd quarter as Matt Jewell made a diving catch from 20 yards out while falling out of the endzone as the third quarter ended for a 27-3 lead.

Jewell would catch his second touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter from 59 yards touch to give the Bears the final margin of victory.

After allowing 110 yards of total offense in the first half. The St. Joe defense only allowed a total of 3 yards in the second half against the Niles. St. Joe held a 392-113 advantage of total offense.

BEARS VIKINGS POINTS 34 3 FIRST DOWNS 14 5 3RD DOWN % 1/5 3/15 4TH DOWN % 0/0 2/2 TOTAL YARDS 392 113 RUSHING 229 52 PASSING 163 61 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 8/13/0 3/14/1 TURNOVERS 1 2 PENALTIES/YARDS 8/83 1/5 TIME OF POSSESSION 16:55 31:05

Scoring Summary Niles 3 0 0 0 -- 3 St. Joseph 7 7 13 7 –- 34 N – Colin Freas 28 yard field goal SJ – Drake Smith 76 run (Drake Smith kick good) SJ – Sean Guinane 19 yard pass to Michael Carter (Smith kick) SJ – Sean Guinane 39 yard pass to Michael Carter (Smith kick) SJ – Sean Guinane 20 yard pass to Matt Jewell (kick wide left) SJ – Sean Guinane 59 yard pass to Matt Jewell (Jay Nimtz kick)

Drake Smith had 214 yards rushing during the Bears 20-7 win over

Portage Northern in Portage. (Dorrine Guinane photo)


GAME RECAP – 10/3/08 – ST. JOSEPH 21, LAKESHORE 18 – AL STOCKMAN STADIUM

(Stevensville) – If ESPN aired this game, this one would be considered an instant classic. With the Bears holding on to a 21-18 lead late in the fourth quarter. Lakeshore was driving deep inside St. Joe territory, but with 40 seconds to go, the Bears defense recovered the only fumble of the game as the Lancers Zane Metz dropped the handoff from quarterback Zak Wasserman, the Bears Matt Mattox recovered the fumble as the Bears were able to run out the clock and made it three straight victories over the Lancers as the Bears beat Lakeshore 21-18. The win is the Bears sixth victory of the season and clinches the third straight playoff appearance for the Bears. Lakeshore was able to get on the board first as Metz ran for a

three yard touchdown in the first quarter to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The Lancers were able to add to their lead in the second quarter as Kai Peng hit a 30 yard field goal that gave Lakeshore a 10-0 lead. St. Joe would finally get on the scoreboard with 47 seconds left in the first half as Matt Jewell put the cap on a 55 yard drive as he caught a 13 yard touchdown pass from Sean Guinane to cut the Lakeshore lead to 10-7. The momentum took a turn in St. Joe's favor after the Lancers were forced to punt, but the Bears Josh Weaver blocked the punt by Lee Myers and recovered the ball at the Lakeshore 33 yard line. A few plays later, Drake Smith scored on a 6 yard run to give the Bears their first lead of the night. St. Joe would add to the lead early in the fourth quarter when Drake Smith scored on a 1 yard run to give the Bears a 21-13 lead. Jay Nimtz kicked the extra points on all three touchdowns. Lakeshore would cut the Bears lead with 7:24 left in the game when Coco Johnson scored on a 19 yard touchdown run. Lancer QB Zak Wasserman rushed for the 2 point conversion to make the score 21-18. The Bears went on an 8 play drive, but were forced to punt. Lakeshore drove down to the St. Joe 11 yard line before the Metz fumble which sealed the win for the Bears.

BEARS LANCERS POINTS 21 18 FIRST DOWNS 16 18 3RD DOWN % 4/9 6/13 4TH DOWN % 0/2 2/2 TOTAL YARDS 254 269 RUSHING 137 149 PASSING 117 120 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 6/12/0 17/25/0 TURNOVERS 0 1 PENALTIES/YARDS 5/44 6/50 TIME OF POSSESSION 20:38 27:22

Scoring Summary St. Joseph 0 7 7 7 -- 21 Lakeshore 7 3 0 8 -- 18 LL - Zane Metz 3 yard run (Kai Peng kick good) LL - Kai Peng 30 yard field goal SJ - Matt Jewell 13 yard pass from Sean Guinane (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Drake Smith 6 yard run (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Drake Smith 1 yard run (Jay Nimtz kick good) LL - Coco Johnson 19 yard run (Zak Wasserman rush)

The Bears celebrate as the Lancers walk away dejected as St. Joe

recovers a Lancer fumble to seal the 21-18 win (Dorrine Guinane photo)


GAME RECAP – 10/10/08 – ST. JOSEPH 45, BENTON HARBOR 0 – FILSTRUP FIELD

(Benton Harbor) -- When the opposing team gives you the ball with a short field on almost every possession, it's a good chance that you'll win the game. The Tigers inability to gain any yards on a consistent basis and the smothering defense of the Bears kept the Tigers bottled up all night long as the Bears beat cross-town rival Benton Harbor 45-0 at Filstrup Field. After holding the Tigers to a three and out on the first drive, a swarming defense on the punt attempt forced the Benton Harbor punter to try to scramble for the first down, he was short of gaining the first down, giving the Bears the ball at the Benton Harbor 22 yard line. The Bears needed just 6 seconds to gain what would be the winning score as Sean Guinane threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to Jay Nimtz for a 7-0 St. Joe lead. After another short drive by the Tigers, the Bears got the ball back on the Tigers side of the field. The Bears used a 6 play 48 yard drive when Jamaal Jackson scored on a 5 yard run to give the Bears a 14-0 lead. St. Joe's defense came away with an interception on the next Tiger Drive as Jon Punches made the pick for the Bears. After Palmer Averill's 28 yard reception and Sean Guinane's 33 yard run, Jamaal Jackson scored on a 7 yard run to make the Bears lead 21-0. St. Joe would add to their lead with 4:42 left in the second quarter as Jay Nimtz connected on a 32 yard field goal to give the Bears a 24-0 lead. Nimtz also was a perfect 6 of 6 on extra points. on the night. Jamaal Jackson scored his third touchdown of the game from 6 yards out as the Bears went on a 4 play 50 yard drive to give the Bears a 31-0 lead going into halftime. The Bears would go up 38-0 just two minutes into the third quarter when Sean Guinane threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Jay Nimtz. The MHSAA mercy rule would be in effect for the remainder of the game. St. Joe closed out the scoring as Chris Killebrew scored on a 7 yard run in the fourth quarter to give the Bears the 45-0 win. The Bears earned at least a share of the Big 16 West Division title and can claim it outright with a win against Mattawan next week at Dickinson Stadium. The Bears played without leading rusher Drake Smith who sat out the game because of injury.

TIGERS BEARS POINTS 0 45 FIRST DOWNS 6 17 3RD DOWN % 3/14 1/5 4TH DOWN % 0/5 1/4 TOTAL YARDS 95 329 RUSHING 36 225 PASSING 59 104 COMPLETED/ATTEMPTED/INT 6/18/1 8/13/0 TURNOVERS 1 1 PENALTIES/YARDS 3/43 6/40 TIME OF POSSESSION 25:23 22:37

Scoring Summary St. Joseph 21 10 7 7 -- 45 Benton Harbor 0 0 0 0 -- 0 SJ - Jay Nimtz 22 pass from Sean Guinane (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Jamaal Jackson 5 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Jamaal Jackson 7 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Jay Nimtz 32 field goal SJ - Jamaal Jackson 6 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Jay Nimtz 15 pass from Sean Guinane (Jay Nimtz kick good) SJ - Chris Killebrew 7 run (Jay Nimtz kick good)

Jamaal Jackson scores the first of his three touchdowns in the Bears 45-0

win at Benton Harbor. (Dorrine Guinane photo)


THE HOME OF THE BEARS… Completed: 2003 (6th season) Seating Capacity: 5,300 (3,500 home stands - 1,800 visitor stands) Record Attendance: 7,500 (9/28/07 – St. Joseph vs. Lakeshore) (SJ won 21-3) Surface: Natural Grass Record at Dickinson Stadium: 18-12 First game: September 12, 2003 – St. Joseph 34, Kalamazoo Central 13 Press Box Phone: (269) 926-3295

The first Dickinson Stadium In the mid 1940's the St. Joseph School system acquired the title to a 40 acre parcel of land known as the Dickinson Estate. The area is where the current high school now stands. Around that same time the citizens of St. Joseph recognized the need for a new athletic and recreation area. The St. Joe football team played their games at Wells field (where Jefferson elementary currently sits). There was no parking for the fans, except on the neighboring streets, and the wooden grandstands were in danger of collapse. It was then that the St. Joe residents got the ball rolling for a new facility. After receiving numerous recommendations by various experts, the planning committee, commissioned architect Robert V. Knox to develop the sketches and conceptual drawings of the stadium. The Board of Education would take these plans to the various service clubs around St. Joseph to rally the community involvement in the project, Every group that were presented the plans went on record as supporting it. The voters overwhelmingly passed the $170,000 bond proposal on July 25, 1949 for the new stadium and track. A little over a year later, on September 22, 1950, the original Dickinson Stadium opened. Dickinson Stadium held it's last event on October 19, 2001. In the 51 year history of the stadium it was the home to thousands of events, including football games, track meets, soccer games, band competitions, and commencement ceremonies.

The new Dickinson Stadium The idea for a new stadium came about when a commission was charged with reviewing and making recommendations on the future of the facilities of the St. Joseph Public School system for the next 30-40 years. After a review of the old stadium it was determined that to bring the stadium's aging and deteriorating steel support and infrastructure up to code would be a very expensive project. The commission visited newly constructed high schools around the Midwest and made recommendations for the St. Joe schools, including a new football stadium. In March of 2001 a plan for a bond proposal was presented to the St. Joe taxpayers, which not only included the new stadium, but also a new athletic fieldhouse and other various projects at the high school, and a new auxiliary gym, offices, library and orchestra room at Upton Middle School. The bond issue passed on September 25, 2001, less than a month later, the last game at the old Dickinson Stadium would be played and demolition would begin.

While construction continued during the 2002 football season the varsity team played their "Home" games at Lakeshore's Al Stockman Stadium, Benton Harbor's Filstrup Field and at Bridgman High School. Upton Middle School was the home site for the JV and Freshmen teams. The new stadium still has one feature from the old stadium, and that is the electronic scoreboard/message center that was installed prior to the 1998 season. The scoreboard was dismantled and moved from it's previous location to where it currently stands. The stadium now also has an 8 lane running track, the old stadium had 7 and only 6 were useable. The first games were played on Thursday, September 4th, by the Freshman and JV teams who gave the stadium it's first shakedown before the Grand Opening a week later. The official dedication was prior to the game between St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Central which St. Joe won 34-13.

Less than a year after the opening, the new Dickinson Stadium had the honor of hosting country music and TV star Reba McIntyre for a performance benefiting Harbor Habitat for Humanity, The concert was part of Reba's 2004 tour which was sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation. The concert was held in front of a sold out crowd of over 6,500 on July 20, 2004.

The Upton Middle School teams normally play their home games at Koontz Field at Upton Middle School, but the 8th grade teams will play their final home game of the season at Dickinson Stadium which will become their new home field as Freshmen.


THE NUMBERS: TEAM STATISTICS VS. BENTON HARBOR… Benton Harbor Tigers VS St. Joseph Bears at Filstrup Field on 10/10/2008

Team Benton Harbor Tigers St. Joseph Bears Points Scored 0 45 First Downs 6 17

By Rush/Pass/Penalty 2/3/1 10/5/2 3rd Downs Made/Att/Eff 3/14/21 1/5/20 4th Downs Made/Att/Eff 0/5/0 1/4/25

Total Yards/Avg Per Play 95/1.9 329/7.3 Total Yards Rushing 36 225 Rushing Att/Avg 32/1.1 32/7.0

Total Yards Passing 59 104 Pass Att/Comp/Int 18/6/1 13/8/0

Average Yards Per Pass 3.3 8.0 Punts/Avg 4/19.8 0/0.0

Punt Returns/Yds/Avg 0/0/0 2/27/14 Punts Blocked 1 0

Kickoff Returns/Yds/Avg 8/109/14 1/28/28 Fumbles/Lost 3/0 4/1

Total Turnovers 1 1 Penalties/Yards 3/43 6/40

Sacks/Yards 0/0 2/9 Touchdowns 0 6

TDs Rush/Pass 0/0 4/2 Field Goal Att/Made 0/0 1/1 Time Of Possession 25:23 22:37


THE NUMBERS: INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS VS. BENTON HARBOR… Individual Stats for St. Joseph Bears

No Passer Att Com Com% Int Yds Lng TDs YPP YPC QBR 2 Sean Guinane 9 5 55.6 0 89 28 2 9.9 17.8 129.2 15 Jon Punches 4 3 75.0 0 15 12 0 3.8 5.0 80.2 TEAM TOTALS 13 8 61.5 0 104 28 2 8.0 13.0 126.3 No Rusher Att Yds Lost Net Long TDs Avg 28 Jamaal Jackson 16 96 5 91 19 3 5.7 2 Sean Guinane 3 43 1 42 33 0 14.0 8 Chris Killebrew 9 99 0 99 25 1 11.0 TEAM TOTALS 28 238 6 232 33 4 8.3 No Receiver Rec Yds Long TDs Avg 43 Jay Nimtz 3 53 22 2 17.7 44 Palmer Averill 1 28 28 0 28.0 86 Matt Jewell 2 20 12 0 10.0 1 Nick Piggee 1 2 2 0 2.0 5 Wes LaSota 1 1 1 0 1.0 TEAM TOTALS 8 104 28 2 13.0 No Punter Punts Yds Long Avg TBs 20 Blkd No punts No FG Kicker FG Att Gd Long Blkd FG% EPAtt Gd Blkd EP% 43 Jay Nimtz 1 1 32 0 100.0 6 6 0 100.0 No Returner P Rets Yds Long Avg TDs K Rets Yds Long Avg TDs 86 Matt Jewell 1 8 8 8.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 21 DeVonte Jones 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 28 28 28.0 0 1 Nick Piggee 1 19 19 19.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 TEAM TOTALS 2 27 19 13.5 0 1 28 28 28.0 0 No Defender Ta TPG As Sa SPG Int ITD PB FR BP BFG5 Wes LaSota 2 2.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 Corey Erny 2 2.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 Tyler Curtis 4 4.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 89 Andrew Keppeler 5 5.0 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 85 Aaron Steffan 1 1.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 Frank Nyambweke 2 2.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Robby Schuler 7 7.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Jon Rush 4 4.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 Jay Nimtz 3 3.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 Josh Weaver 5 5.0 2 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 22 Mitch Dunham 8 8.0 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 Jon Punches 2 2.0 0 0 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 40 Jonny Schweir 4 4.0 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 84 Kris Hickman 1 1.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 DeVonte Jones 2 2.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 86 Matt Jewell 1 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 76 Valentino McCoy-Garcia 1 1.0 0 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 Justin Binder 1 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 Mike Siemans 1 1.0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 Tyler Foster 1 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TEAM TOTALS 57 57.0 15 2 2.0 1 0 0 0 1 0


THE NUMBERS: TEAM SEASON STATISTICS… St. Joseph Bears VS Opponents

Team St. Joseph Bears Opponents Points Scored 256 75 First Downs 130 71

By Rush/Pass/Penalty 77/37/16 43/23/5 3rd Downs Made/Att/Eff 24/55/44 21/85/25 4th Downs Made/Att/Eff 4/17/24 10/20/50

Total Yards/Avg Per Play 2526/7.2 1430/4.0 Total Yards Rushing 1689 829

Rushing Att/Avg 259/6.5 242/3.4 Total Yards Passing 859 601 Pass Att/Comp/Int 90/57/2 113/49/6

Average Yards Per Pass 9.5 5.3 Punts/Avg 15/33.5 37/28.1

Punt Returns/Yds/Avg 16/171/11 4/39/10 Punts Blocked 1 5

Kickoff Returns/Yds/Avg 15/346/23 40/606/15 Fumbles/Lost 15/5 13/4

Total Turnovers 7 10 Penalties/Yards 39/317 31/242

Sacks/Yards 13/87 7/54 Touchdowns 37 10

TDs Rush/Pass 26/10 7/3 Field Goal Att/Made 1/1 3/2 Time Of Possession 154:47 181:13


THE NUMBERS: INDIVIDUAL SEASON STATISTICS… Individual Stats for St. Joseph Bears

No Passer Att Com Com% Int Yds Lng TDs YPP YPC QBR 2 Sean Guinane 85 54 63.5 2 844 59 10 9.9 15.6 125.8 15 Jon Punches 5 3 60.0 0 15 12 0 3.0 5.0 64.6 TEAM TOTALS 90 57 63.3 2 859 59 10 9.5 15.1 122.4 No Rusher Att Yds Lost Net Long TDs Avg 21 DeVonte Jones 3 12 0 12 6 0 4.0 25 Ryan Bock 14 68 1 67 17 2 4.8 42 Drake Smith 144 986 32 954 76 14 6.6 2 Sean Guinane 28 151 67 84 33 1 3.0 28 Jamaal Jackson 44 368 6 362 47 7 8.2 33 Josh Weaver 1 27 0 27 27 0 27.0 43 Jay Nimtz 1 10 0 10 10 0 10.0 44 Palmer Averill 1 9 0 9 9 0 9.0 8 Chris Killebrew 16 174 0 174 40 2 10.9 TEAM TOTALS 252 1805 106 1699 76 26 6.7 No Receiver Rec Yds Long TDs Avg 86 Matt Jewell 25 417 59 4 16.7 21 DeVonte Jones 3 70 30 0 23.3 81 Mike Carter 4 76 39 2 19.0 22 Mitch Dunham 1 8 8 0 8.0 44 Palmer Averill 8 116 42 0 14.5 25 Ryan Bock 1 1 1 0 1.0 43 Jay Nimtz 12 165 29 4 13.8 42 Drake Smith 1 3 3 0 3.0 1 Nick Piggee 1 2 2 0 2.0 5 Wes LaSota 1 1 1 0 1.0 TEAM TOTALS 57 859 59 10 15.1 No Punter Punts Yds Long Avg TBs 20 Blkd 44 Palmer Averill 15 502 48 33.5 3 3 1 No FG Kicker FG Att Gd Long Blkd FG% EPAtt Gd Blkd EP% 42 Drake Smith 0 0 0 0 0.0 25 19 0 76.0 43 Jay Nimtz 1 1 32 0 100.0 10 10 0 100.0 TEAM TOTALS 1 1 32 0 100.0 35 29 0 82.9 No Returner P Rets Yds Long Avg TDs K Rets Yds Long Avg TDs 21 DeVonte Jones 0 0 0 0.0 0 10 282 80 28.2 1 3 Robby Schuler 3 54 42 18.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 43 Jay Nimtz 8 54 34 6.8 0 1 39 39 39.0 0 44 Palmer Averill 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 15 15 15.0 0 40 Jonny Schweir 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 10 10 10.0 0 31 Tyler Curtis 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 1 Nick Piggee 1 19 19 19.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 86 Matt Jewell 1 8 8 8.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 TEAM TOTALS 13 135 42 10.4 0 15 346 80 23.1 1


THE NUMBERS: INDIVIDUAL SEASON STATISTICS (continued)… No Defender Ta TPG As Sa SPG Int ITD PB FR BP BFG 8 Chris Killebrew 4 0.6 0 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 Mitch Dunham 36 5.1 7 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 Corey Erny 14 2.0 5 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 84 Kris Hickman 27 3.9 6 2 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 Jonny Schweir 50 7.1 9 0 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 33 Josh Weaver 31 4.4 7 4 0.6 0 0 0 0 3 0 15 Jon Punches 11 1.6 1 0 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 19 Frank Nyambweke 19 2.7 5 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 DeVonte Jones 18 2.6 2 0 0.0 2 0 0 0 1 1 31 Tyler Curtis 17 2.4 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 Drake Smith 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66 Jason Gambrell 12 1.7 2 3 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 Jamaal Jackson 21 3.0 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 Alex Milnikel 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 Andy Wheeler 1 0.1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 Mike Siemans 3 0.4 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Robby Schuler 25 3.6 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 86 Matt Jewell 23 3.3 6 0 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 68 Matt Mattox 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 2 0 0 81 Mike Carter 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 89 Andrew Keppeler 20 2.9 5 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 Andrew Brown 3 0.4 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 Jay Nimtz 12 1.7 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 76 Valentino McCoy-Garcia 7 1.0 1 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 Kevin Robb 3 0.4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Andrew Hamilton 1 0.1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 87 Ryan Shimanek 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 67 Owen Cole 1 0.1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 Justin Binder 2 0.3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 Dan Kosonovich 1 0.1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 Wes LaSota 4 0.6 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 85 Aaron Steffan 1 0.1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Jon Rush 4 0.6 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 Tyler Foster 1 0.1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TEAM TOTALS 382 54.6 74 12 1.7 6 0 0 2 4 1


ST. JOE SCORING PLAYS… 8/29/08 – St. Joseph 34, Harper Creek 0 • Drake Smith 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) • Ryan Bock 6 yard run (kick no good, wide left) • Drake Smith 14 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) • Ryan Bock 1 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) • Jamaal Jackson 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) 9/5/08 – St. Joseph 35, Marshall 12 • Sean Guinane 14 yard pass to Jay Nimtz (Drake Smith kick good) • Drake Smith 3 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) • Sean Guinane 30 yard pass to Jay Nimtz (Drake Smith kick good) • Drake Smith 5 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) • Jamaal Jackson 15 yard run (Drake Smith kick good) 9/12/08 – St. Joseph 20, Portage Northern 7 • Drake Smith 15 run (Drake Smith kick wide left) • Devonte Jones 80 kickoff return (kick no good, bad snap) • Sean Guinane 8 run (Drake Smith PAT run good) 9/19/08 – St. Joseph 67, Battle Creek Central 35 • Sean Guinane 26 pass to Matt Jewell (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 14 run (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 4 run (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 2 run (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 7 run (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 11 run (Drake Smith kick) • Drake Smith 1 run (Drake Smith kick no good, wide left) • Jamaal Jackson 5 run (Drake Smith kick) • Jamaal Jackson 9 run (Drake Smith kick no good, wide left) • Chris Killebrew 40 run (Drake Smith kick no good, wide right)

9/26/08 – St. Joseph 34, Niles 3 • Drake Smith 76 run (Drake Smith kick good) • Sean Guinane 19 yard pass to Michael Carter (Smith kick) • Sean Guinane 39 yard pass to Michael Carter (kick wide left) • Sean Guinane 20 yard pass to Matt Jewell (Smith kick) • Sean Guinane 59 yard pass to Matt Jewell (Jay Nimtz kick) 10/3/08 – St. Joseph 21, Lakeshore 18 • Sean Guinane 13 yard pass to Matt Jewell (Jay Nimtz kick) • Drake Smith 6 yard run (Jay Nimtz kick) • Drake Smith 1 yard run (Jay Nimtz kick) 10/10/08 – St. Joseph 45, Benton Harbor 0 • Jay Nimtz 22 pass from Sean Guinane (Jay Nimtz kick good) • Jamaal Jackson 5 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) • Jamaal Jackson 7 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) • Jay Nimtz 32 field goal • Jamaal Jackson 6 run (Jay Nimtz kick good) • Jay Nimtz 15 pass from Sean Guinane (Jay Nimtz kick good) • Chris Killebrew 7 run (Jay Nimtz kick good)

Player Scoring Totals ## Name TD FG’S PAT 2 PT CNV SAF Points 3 SEAN GUINANE 1 0 0 0 0 6 8 CHRIS KILLEBREW 2 0 0 0 0 12

21 DEVONTE JONES 1 0 0 0 0 6 25 RYAN BOCK 2 0 0 0 0 12 28 JAMAAL JACKSON 7 0 0 0 0 42 42 DRAKE SMITH 14 0 19/25 1 0 104 43 JAY NIMTZ 4 1/1 10/10 0 0 37 81 MIKE CARTER 2 0 0 0 0 12 86 MATT JEWELL 4 0 0 0 0 24 Team 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTALS 37 1/1 29/35 1 0 256 Scoring By Quarter/Half

1st QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 1ST HALF 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER 2ND HALF TOTAL ST. JOSEPH 76 51 127 54 75 129 256 OPPONENTS 17 23 40 7 28 35 75


THE RECORD BOOK… Victories Consecutive, Regular Season only, No Ties 37 - 9/26/86-9/30/89 Consecutive Shutouts, No Ties 4 – 9/14-10/5/73 (Lakeshore, Muskegon Catholic Central, Dowagiac, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix) 3 – 10/16-10/30/87 (Portage Northern, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, South Haven)

3 – 9/26-10/10/86 (Benton Harbor, Portage Central, Niles) Consecutive Winning Seasons 11 - 1982-1992 6 - 1994-1999

Ties Lowest Scoring Tie Game 0- September 30, 1955 vs. Grand Haven (0-0) Highest Scoring Tie Game 40- October 11, 1963 vs. Niles (20-20) Season 2 - 1963, 9/20 vs. Buchanan (6-6), 10/11 vs. Niles (20-20) 2 - 1963, 9/21 vs. Buchanan (13-13), 9/28 vs. Dowagiac (6-6)

Consecutive Ties 2 - 1963, 9/21 vs. Buchanan (13-13), 9/28 vs. Dowagiac (6-6)

Scoring Game **67 – SJ 67, BCC 35 – 9/19/08 61 – SJ 61, KLN 14 - 10/25/85 58 – SJ 58, SH 0 - 10/30/87 57 – SJ 57, SH 0 - 9/5/97 55 - SJ 55, PN 0 - 10/16/87 52 – SJ 52, BUC 7 - 11/7/58 49 – SJ 49, MAT 7 – 10/12/07 49 – SJ 49, LKS 14 –10/26/07 (playoffs) 49 – SJ 49, PC 22 - 10/25/74 48 – SJ 48, KLN 0 - 10/26/84 48 – SJ 48, PN 0 - 9/12/97 48 – SJ 48, PN 7 - 9/15/95

47 – SJ 47, PC 13 - 10/30/70 47 – SJ 47, SH 6 - 9/6/91 46 – SJ 46, SH 19 - 10/28/88 **45 – SJ 45, BH 0 – 10/10/08 45 – SJ 45, CHI Luther South 6 - 9/18/59 45 – SJ 45, NIL 21 - 10/11/96

Lowest Scoring Win 2 – SJ 2, PC 0 – 10/4/85

Season (Minimum 300) 377 - 1997 336 - 1984 329 - 1987 327 - 1988 Fewest Points Allowed – Regular Season (under 80) 43 – 1986 59 – 1961 62 – 1971, 2007 64 – 1973 65 – 1974 71 – 1980 77 – 1962 79 – 1960

Fewest Points Allowed On Defense 43 - 1986

First Downs 171 - 2007

Rushing Yards 2169 - 1987

Passing Yards 1984 - 1984

Passing Attempts 232 - 2003

Passes Completed 102 - 1984

Fewest Yards Penalized 186 - 1978

Defense vs. Punt Return -2 - 1987

Defense vs. Rush 484 - 1984

Defense vs. Pass 369 - 1995

Average Punt Return (Total Attemps) 20.0 (12) - 1994

Interceptions Allowed 18 - 1983

Fewest Interceptions by Opponents 1 (4 times) - 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Interceptions by St. Joseph 19 (2 times) - 1968, 1969

Most Fumbles Lost 23 - 1969

Fewest Fumbles Lost 3 - 2002

Most Punts 54 - 2003

Fewest Punts 17 - 2007

Most Blocked Punts 6 - 1983

High Punt Average 42.8 - 1988

Kickoff Average 53.55 - 1999

Most Shutouts 4 (3 times) - 1984, 1985, 1986

NDIVIDUAL RECORDS…

Passing Attempts 231-Andy Schueneman (2003)

Completed 98- Ethan Schweir (2007)

Yards 1793-Mike Gillette (1984)

Yards per completion 22.8- Patzer (1970)

Fewest Interceptions 1-Ebon Sanders (1988)/Phelan (1991)

Touchdown Passes 19-Ethan Schweir (2007)

Longest Touchdown Pass 84-Wright (2001)

Receptions 45-Steve Preston (1984)

Reception Yards 909-Steve Preston (1984)

Average Per Reception 34.5-Gibeau (1987)

Touchdown Receptions 14-Scott Blasko (1996)


RECORD BOOK (cont)…

Special Teams PAT Percentage 100.0-Virgil (2005) 95.8-Gillette (1984) 93.3-Virgil (2006)

Most PAT's 35-Mike Gillette (1984)/Brett Virgil (2007)

Longest PAT Run (2 point conversion) 24-Nisbet (1971)

Field Goals (season) 9-Mike Gillette (1984)

Longest Field Goal 46-Brad Shushman (1999)

Kickoff Average 53.55-Brad Shushman (1999)

Punt Average 42.8-Gary Layton

Field Goal Percentage 100-Phelan (1990)/Smith (1996)/Schweir (2006)

Longest Kickoff Return for Touchdown 94-Ryan (1974)

Longest Punt Return for Touchdown 96-Keith Demchinski (1994)

Blocked Punts For Touchdown 1-Johnston 1973)/Jones (1973)/Kubicki(1989)/Hobbs (1999)/Radde(1999)

Most Blocked Punts (season) 4-Kubizna (1983), ** Josh Weaver (2008)

Rushing Yards 1215-Anthony Dunning (2002)

Attempts (Season) 235-Anthony Dunning (2002)

Attempts (Game) 40-Henry Steele (1996)

Yards Per Carry Average 7.5-T. Golba (1987)

Rushing Touchdowns 18-Alex Smith (1980)/ Jason Sandusky (1992)

Rushing TD’s (game) **6-Drake Smith (2008)

Offense Total yards (rush/receiving) 1573-Gary Layton (1990)

Total Touchdowns (run/rec) 18-Alex Smith (1980)/ Jason Sandusky (1992)

Scoring Points 139-Alex Smith (1980)

Defense Tackles (season) 104-Brown (1978)

Tackles (game) 22-Baske (1997)

Sacks (game) 13-Jeff Morris (1982)

Solo Tackles (season) 70-Radde (1999)

Interceptions (season) 8-Ebon Sanders (1989)

Interceptions for Touchdown 2-Olson (1973)/ Lincoln(1973)

CAREER RECORDS

Total Yards 3533-M. Ryan (1972-1974)

Total Rushing Yards 2366-M. Ryan (1972-1974)

Total Rushing Attempts 440-Gary Layton (1988-1990)

Total Passing Yards 3,055-Mike Gillette (1982-1984)

Total Passing Touchdowns 29-Mike Gillette (1982-84) 28-Ethan Schweir (2004-07)

Receptions 72-Steve Preston (1983-1984)

Touchdown Receptions 14-Steve Preston (1983-84)/ Scott Blasko (1995-96)

Reception Yards 1368-Steve Preston (1983-1984)

Passes Attempted 376-Andy Schueneman (2002-2003)

Passing Percentage 60.4-Ethan Schweir (2004-07)

Interceptions 12-Ryan (1972-1974)

Tackles 214-Brown (1977-1979)

PAT's Kicked 79-Brett Virgil (2005-2007)

Field Goals 19-Mike Gillette (1982-1984)

Scoring 212-M. Ryan (1972-1974)

All records listed are regular season games only, playoff games do not count in record book.

**New record established in 2008


THE UNDERCLASSMEN… 2008 St. Joseph Junior Varsity – Head Coach Lyle Hayden

Date Opponent Location Time/Result 8/27 Battle Creek Harper Creek Away Win 13-12 9/4 Marshall Away Loss 12-28

9/11 Portage Northern Home Loss 14-40 9/18 Battle Creek Central Home Win 37-20 9/25 Niles Away Win 23-8 10/2 Lakeshore Home Win 28-6 10/9 Benton Harbor Home Win 31-6

10/16 Mattawan Away Win 38-0 10/23 Kalamazoo Central Home 6:30

2008 St. Joseph Freshman – Head Coach Bob Baumgartner

Date Opponent Location Time/Result 8/27 Battle Creek Harper Creek Away Win 21-0 9/4 Marshall Away Win 14-12

9/11 Portage Northern Home Win 9-6 9/18 Battle Creek Central Home Loss 8-18 9/25 Niles Away Loss 0-33 10/2 Lakeshore Home Loss 13-23 10/9 Benton Harbor Home Loss 14-26

10/16 Mattawan Away Loss 14-22 10/23 Kalamazoo Central Home 4:30

2008 Upton Middle School 8th Grade – Head Coach Jason Catania

Date Opponent Location Time/Result 9/17 Benton Harbor Fairplain/Hull Middle School (“A” team only) Home Win 32-0 9/24 Edwardsburg Middle School Away Win 8-6 10/1 Dowagiac Central Middle School Away Loss 6-27 10/8 Coloma Middle School Away Win 30-28

10/15 Lakeshore Middle School Home Loss 0-32 10/22 Niles Ring Lardner Home 4:00

2008 Upton Middle School 7th Grade – Head Coach Jim Bird

Date Opponent Location Time/Result 9/17 Benton Harbor Fairplain/Hull Middle School (“A” team only) Home Loss 0-14 9/24 Edwardsburg Middle School Home Win 8-6 10/1 Dowagiac Central Middle School Away Loss 0-14 10/8 Coloma Middle School Away Loss 14-22

10/15 Lakeshore Middle School Away Loss 0-22 10/22 Niles Ring Lardner Away 4:00


PRESS CLIPPINGS… Herald Palladium – 8/26/08 WHAT’S NEXT FOR ST. JOE Several return from last year’s breakthrough 12-1 regional title team BY AL AREND - H-P Sports Writer What can St. Joseph’s football team do for an encore? “We just hope we can have another good year, make the playoffs and make another run at it (a state championship),” said Bears coach Elliot Uzelac. The Bears return 15 starters from last fall’s 12-1 regional championship squad, including leading rusher Ryan Bock, a 6-foot, 195-pound tailback and four of five offensive linemen. Bock averaged 5.1 yards per carry while scoring 16 TDs and gaining 828 rushing yards. The returning linemen are center Sam Wallace (6-1, 252), guards Andrew Nowak (6-3, 246) and Matt Mattox (6-3, 285) plus left tackle Collin DeJong (6-2, 208). Lost to graduation were quarterback Ethan Schweir, wide receiver Brad Guinane and tight end Brett Virgil. Senior Alec Karsten (6-0, 276) and junior Derek Worley (6-2, 238) are battling for the right tackle spot. A three-way battle for the tight end position is being waged between juniors Michael Carter (6-3, 202), Andrew Keppeler (6-2, 195), and senior Josh LeCour (6-0, 201). Junior Sean Guinane (6-5, 218) has taken over at quarterback where he backed up Schweir last fall on a limited basis. Besides Bock, senior Drake Smith (5-9, 162) is also expected to see plenty of action at tailback. Senior Mitch Dunham (6-0, 187) returns at full back, but is being pushed by senior Jon Rush (5-9, 186) and promising sophomore Cory Erny (5-11, 205). Three returning wide receivers include seniors Matt Jewell (6-4, 184), Jay Nimtz (5-8, 154) and Palmer Averill (5-7, 154). Jewell snared 29 passes for 472 yards and two TDs.

“We can mix and match here depending if we’re in a three or two receiver set,” Uzelac said. Defensively, the Bears will line up in their 4-3 base. Manning the front wall will be returning senior starters Kris Hickman (5-10, 190) at one defensive end and nose guard Josh Weaver (5-5, 153). Junior Jason Gambrell (5-10, 198) will start at defensive tackle, with Erny and Keppeler battling for the other defensive end position. At linebacker seniors John Schweir (5-10, 196), Mitch Dunham (6-0, 187), and Jon Rush (5-9, 186) return along with junior Jamaal Jackson (5-11, 195). Schweir and Dunham started last fall. Three of four starters in the Bears’ defensive backfield return in junior cornerback DeVonte Jones (5-9, 148), senior strong safety Robbie Schuler (5-8, 162), and free safety Jewell. Either Smith or senior Frank Nyambweke (5-7, 154) will be at the other corner. Senior Jonathon Punches (6-2, 157) is also expected to see plenty of action at free safety, according to Uzelac. Handling the place kicking chores will be either Smith or Guinane. Averill or Tyler Curtis will be the punter. When asked who else is going to be tough in the Big 16 Conference, Uzelac responded: “Lakeshore is going to be good. We have to point to them,” Uzelac said. “Mattawan should be improved and I’m always concerned about Battle Creek Central, Harper Creek, and Marshall.”


South Bend Tribune – 8/21/08 UZELAC PROUD OF BEARS' PRIDE LEWIS BAGLEY Tribune Staff Writer ST. JOSEPH -- Elliott Uzelac has coached in the Big House. He's coached in the Horseshoe. He's coached in the Rose Bowl and many other hallowed cathedrals of college football. Yet, since he's come here to guide the St. Joseph High School program two years ago, he's never been happier. "I'm having a ball," Uzelac said, as he prepares his Bears for the 2008 campaign. "I'm having more fun than I should be having."You can say that when you take over a program that, in 2005, didn't win a game and take it to within one game of the state finals two years later. But, even a short conversation with the 66-year-old coaching lifer can tell you the happiness goes deeper than the wins and losses. "I was an administrator for a year," Uzelac said, referring to a position he held at the University of Maryland after a coaching change in the football program. "It was driving me crazy ... too many meetings for me. I was struggling. "I missed the competitiveness of coaching, the edge you get when you are competing." He got back into coaching at the high school level in Washington D.C., then jumped at the opportunity to return to Michigan when the St. Joseph job opened up.He took over a program that not only went 0-9 in 2005, but had won only 11 games the previous five seasons and hadn't qualified for the playoffs in the new millennium. By contrast, from 1980 to 1999, the Bears made 16 playoff appearances. "I was excited," Uzelac said. "I figured the only way we had to go was up. All we had to do was wake up the tradition." To that end, he hired one of the men partly responsible for the tradition in Ike Muhlenkamp -- who guided the program from 1968-2001, winning 211 games. "I hired Ike and he and I would bring up a lot to things to the kids," Uzelac said. "We'd explain what a privilege it is to play in this program, give them examples of kids from the past, how they worked and made sacrifices. "The good news is they bought into it," Uzelac continued. "They must have said, 'we may as well listen to these two old guys.'"

The Bears went 6-5 in 2006, then won their first 12 games last season before falling to eventual Division 3 state champion East Grand Rapids in the semifinal round. Certainly a turnaround that was remarkable, but not easy. "It was an adjustment for me, no question," Uzelac said. "You do things differently in high school than in college. I had to simplify things and make sure things weren't as complicated for the kids." It's shown up in the program and in the community. "What I like about these kids is the work ethic," Uzelac said. "They take coaching and have a lot of pride. "When we came in, we had to practice harder and smarter and play harder and smarter, then we had to learn how to finish. We came close to that last year. "Another thing is the phenomenal support we get in the community. Downtown is alive with football and that's pretty great. It makes you play harder and work harder." This season, the Bears have 13 starters back ... along with a coach who is having the time of his life.

South Bend Tribune – 8/21/08 St. Joseph Bears Coach: Elliot Uzelac, third year (18-6) 2007 record: 12-1 overall, 4-0 Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West Division, lost to East Grand Rapids, 28-7, in Division 3 state semifinals Strengths: Eight starters back on offense, including senior running back Ryan Bock (1,287 yards), senior wide receiver Matt Jewell (42 catches, 684 yards) and senior offensive linemen Matt Mattox, Sam Wallace and Collin DeJong. Also, seven starters back on defense, including junior linebacker DeVonte Jones (52 tackles) and senior linebackers Mitch Dunham (30 tackles) and John Schweir (68 tackles). Quick fact: St. Joseph made the state semifinals last year for the first time since 1997 and the 12 wins tied a school-record.


South Bend Tribune – 8/21/08 ST. JOSEPH HAS FORD FIELD ON THE BRAIN BOB OPPENHEIM Tribune Staff Writer A new season is just around the corner for area Michigan high school football teams. The past should have a significant impact on what happens in the future of southwest Michigan football. Looking back Playoff participants from last year were Buchanan, Cassopolis, St. Joseph, Lakeshore, Lake Michigan Catholic, Coloma, Eau Claire, Dowagiac and Constantine. The Bears made the deepest run in the postseason, falling to East Grand Rapids, 28-7, in Division 3 state semifinals. Area conference champions from last year were St. Joseph (Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West Division), Coloma (Lakeland Conference), Eau Claire and Lake Michigan Catholic (Red Arrow Conference). Top players lost

� Niles dual performer Ben Brandstatter (1,659 yards rushing, 98 tackles on defense). � St. Joseph quarterback Ethan Schweir (2,405 yards passing and 28 touchdowns). � Dowagiac running back Jamie Simpson (1,247 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns). � Buchanan running back Marquis Hall (1,533 yards rushing, 25 touchdowns). � Cassopolis defensive end Zach Flora (72 tackles, eight tackles for a loss). � Lakeshore defensive end Mike Hollacher (58 tackles, eight quarterback sacks). � Decatur defensive end John Burns (120 tackles, 14 quarterback sacks). � Constantine linebacker Casey Smagala (89 tackles, including 11 stops for a loss). � Niles defensive back D.J. Wolnik (42 tackles and six interceptions). Top team this year

Hard to bet against St. Joseph with eight returning starters on offense and seven returning starters on defense. “We have a good nucleus of a team coming back,” said Bears coach Elliot Uzelac. “Our kids got a taste last year and understand what it takes to make a long run in the playoffs. They’d be disappointed if we didn’t get to Ford Field (for the finals).” Most improved team

Edwardsburg. Many coaches in the Lakeland Conference are wary of the Eddies, who at the end of last year gave conference leaders Buchanan (40-28) and Cassopolis (52-37) tough games before losing.

Players to watch

� Clinton Orr, Buchanan running back (1,374 yards rushing). � DaShaun Curtis, Cassopolis running back (1,506 yards rushing). � Ryan Bock, St. Joseph running back (1,287 yards rushing). � Stetson Gearhart, White Pigeon running back (1,636 yards rushing). � Matt Jewell, St. Joseph wide receiver (42 catches, 684 yards). � Darby Kelly, Cassopolis linebacker (101 tackles, four quarterback sacks). � Matt and Keegan Trail, Eau Claire linebackers (combined to make 250 tackles). � Greg Nelson, Dowagiac linebacker (123 tackles). � Randy Wells, Coloma linebacker (107 tackles). Top newcomer to watch

Sean Guinane, St. Joseph quarterback “He’s big and has a good arm,” said St. Joseph coach Elliot Uzelac. “I’m excited a lot about his potential.” Games to watch

Aug. 28: Dowagiac at South Haven: These Wolverine Conference rivals met twice last year with each team winning by lopsided scores. The Rams won during the regular season (70-20), while the Chieftains won during the playoffs (54-22). Sept. 19: Cassopolis at Buchanan: These two should be fighting it out this year for the top spot in the Lakeland Conference. Oct. 3: Coloma at Buchanan: Comets looked at by many as the favorite to win the Lakeland Conference. Oct. 3: Kalamazoo Christian at Constantine: Comets blanked the Falcons, 35-0, in playoff action last year. Oct. 3: St. Joseph at Lakeshore: Bears had two wins over the Lancers last year (21-3 and 49-14) and snapped a 17-game losing streak at the hands of Lakeshore. Oct. 17: Coloma at Cassopolis: For the Lakeland Conference championship last year, Comets rolled past the Rangers, 50-8. Coaching change The lone new coach in the area is Jeff Degner, who takes over at River Valley.


Herald Palladium – 10/11/08 QUICK START PLEASES COACH AS ST. JOSEPH BLOWS OUT BENTON HARBOR By DARREN PHILLIPS - H-P Sports Writer BENTON HARBOR — St. Joseph scored on its first offensive play and led 21-0 after three pos-sessions Friday night at Benton Harbor. The start was just what coach Elliot Uzelac was looking for. “We wanted to start fast,” Uzelac said after the Bears’ 45-0 win. “Our offense has been struggling early. We re-ally wanted the ball first, but they won the toss and elected to receive, so we had to get a defensive stop.” St. Joseph, ranked second in Division 3, forced Benton Harbor into a punting situa-tion after three plays. Punter Mike Lee tried to run for the first down after a high snap but was stopped just short, giving the Bears the ball at the Tiger 22. Sean Guinane found Jay Nimtz in the corner of the end zone on the Bears’ first play, and Nimtz followed with the extra point. St. Joseph got touchdown runs from Jamaal Jackson on its next two possessions to lead 21-0 with 2:39 left in the first quarter. Jackson, starting in place of Drake Smith, finished with 15 carries for 98 yards and three touchdowns. Smith has carried the bulk of the load for the Bears through the first six games, compiling 954 yards rushing. “Drake really didn’t prac-ice Wednesday or Thursday of the Lakeshore week,” Uzelac said. “I really thought about not playing him in that game, but he begged me to let him play. We just wanted to shut him down for a week.” After building the 21-0 lead, St. Joseph had two straight scoreless posses-sions, losing the ball once on a fumble and once on downs. Following back-to-back false start penalties on the next possession, Uzelac substituted in 11 new players. “We really played well for the first 21 points, and then the ones lost their intensity,” Uzelac said. “We had to pull them out and put the twos in. I hoped they’d regain their focus when we put them back in, and I think they did.” St. Joseph (3-0 Big 16 West, 7-0 overall) led 31-0 at the half after a 32-yard field goal by Nimtz and a 6-yard scoring run by Jackson with 1:16 left in the half. The Bears scored on their first two possessions of the second half, once with the starting unit and once with the backups. A 15-yard pass from Guinane to Nimtz put the running clock into effect on the 35-point mercy rule, and a 7-yard run by Chris Killebrew wrapped up the scoring. Killebrew played most of the second half and matched Jackson with 98 yards rushing. He needed just eight carries. “(Jackson) did a great job,” Uzelac said. “Jackson ran real well, and so did Chris Killebrew.” Benton Harbor fell to 0-3 in the Big 16 West and 0-7 overall with the loss. Coach Maurice Burton felt one bright spot was the play of junior quarterback Dawan Broyles. After completing just 1 of 5 passes in the first half, Broyles added three completions in the second half, including a 25-yard pass to Lee. That pass was part of a Benton Harbor drive in the third quarter that reached the St. Joseph 30-yard line for the Tigers’ best march of the game. “We’re not giving up,” Burton said. “The attitudes are still positive. Our quarterback looked good tonight.” St. Joseph outgained Benton Harbor 325-85 in total yardage. Guinane finished 6 of 10 for 101 yards and two touchdowns.


South Bend Tribune – 10/11/08 St. Joseph 45, Benton Harbor 0: Jamaal Jackson rushed for three touchdowns as No. 2 (Division 3) St. Joseph (7-0, 3-0) beat Benton Harbor (0-7, 0-3). Sean Guinane tossed two touchdown passes to Jay Nimtz for St. Joseph.

At Benton Harbor St. Joseph 21 10 7 7 -- 45 Benton Harbor 0 0 0 0 -- 0 SJ — Jay Nimtz 22 catch from Sean Guinane (Nimtz kick) SJ — Jamaal Jackson 5 run (Nimtz kick) SJ — Jackson 7 run (Nimtz kick) SJ — FG Nimtz 32 SJ — Jackson 6 run (Nimtz kick) SJ — Nimtz 15 catch from Guinane (Nimtz kick) SJ — Chris Killebrew 7 run (Nimtz kick)

Kalamazoo Gazette – 10/11/08

McCade Reese scored on a pair of 15-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and power Niles to the 37-14 Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West Division victory.

Reese’s first scoring jaunt broke a 14-14 tie and sparked the Vikings (3-4, 1-1 SMAC West) to a 20-point fourth quarter. Cal Poehlman scored Niles’ final touchdown on a 42-yard interception return.

Tyler Brindley rushed for 127 yards on 13 carries, and Nick Reyna had 52 yards and a 4-yard touchdown run on 13 carries to lead Mattawan (1-6, 1-1). Reyna also made a team-high nine tackles for the Wildcats.

Niles 7 7 0 20 -– 34 Mattawan 7 0 7 0 -- 14

N: David Garner 62 pass from Andrew Brawley (Colin Freas kick). M: Addison Webb 1 run (Kyle Hillsburg kick). N: Conrad Muhumuza 2 pass from Brawley (Freas kick). M: Nick Reyna 4 run (Hillsburg kick). N: McCade Reese 15 run (Freas kick). N: Reese 15 run (kick failed). N: Cal Poehlman 42 interception return (Freas kick).

Herald Palladium – 8/26/08 MATTAWAN RETURNS TO BASICS ON OFFENSE By Al Arend – HP Sports Writer It sounds like veteran area coach Doug Paran is going back to the basics on offense. That means Mattawan’s foes will have to stop the veer more often than in the past. “I think we can be very solid,” said Paran, now in his fourth year at the Wildcat helm. “Last year we felt we had two games we should have won (Portage Northern and Niles), and even Lakeshore at the end. “Our focus is emphasizing being more fundamentally sound,” added Paran. “We’re going to shorten the playbook on offense. We’re going to hang our hat on what we do best, and that’s run the veer. We’re going to try and work the heck out of that.” Leading the charge will be fullback Nick Reyna, a 6-2 230-pound senior, plus tailback Jason Douglas, a 5-11, 185-pounder with 4.6 speed in the 40. The offensive line returns only one starter in center Matt Bryant (5-9, 190), but the replacements will have decent size and quickness, according to Paran. Defensively, Mattawan returns seven starters from last fall’s 3-6 campaign, including a solid core of linebackers led by Reyna.

SJ BH First downs 17 6 Yards rushing 225 37 Yards passing 104 59 Passing 8-13-0 6-18-1 Punting 0 4-19 Fumbles lost 4-1 3-0 Yards penalized 6-40 3-43


Kalamazoo Gazette – 8/27/08 BACK TO ITS ROOTS: MATTAWAN MAKES COMMITMENT TO VEER BY BILL TEMPLETON - Special to the Gazette MATTAWAN -- When asked if he was planning any significant changes in his approach on Friday nights this season, Mattawan football coach Doug Paran didn't blink. `Ìt's really not so much a change,'' he said. ``We've been a veer team since I've been here and we've run that pretty well. ``Watching the tapes, for whatever reason, we get away from that too soon and just don't hang our hat on that. We need to be more committed to working that aspect of the game.'' And Mattawan seemingly has the personnel back this season to make that happen. It all begins with an offensive line that will again be anchored by senior center Matt Brian, along with junior right guard Tyler Gardner. Running through the holes created by the line will be Nick Reyna, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior fullback, along with senior tailback Jason Douglas. Paran has high hopes and expectations for that group. ``We feel our strength is right up the middle on offense,'' he said. ``Between the guards, our center, our fullback and tailback, we want to work the kids who are the strength in our offense.'' Said Reyna: ``We have really good linemen who are committed to staying on their blocks. Our backfield is very experienced. ``We will try and pound the ball, but we have a good passing game and we will go to that if we need to.'' The key for Mattawan will be to remain true to its veer scheme for the full 48 minutes. `Ì think sometimes in the past we've been a little too multiple just for the sake of being multiple,'' Paran said. ``We've always done quite well running the inside veer and the midline.” `Òur change is probably just to be a little more focused on what we say is our core offense, and just being committed to calling that more Friday nights and working that part of our game.'' Paran said there are multiple candidates for the starting quarterback position this fall, and that competition for the nod on Friday nights will continue on a weekly basis. ``There are three kids competing at quarterback,'' Paran said. `Èach has certain parts of their game they do really well and certain parts they are working on. ``We told them when they came in it would be open competition every day.'' Said Paran: ``We have some new faces. The veer offense is our base offense that we run and we're putting things together. It's just going to get better and better.''


Niles Daily Star – 10/11/08 BIG FOURTH QUARTER LIFTS NILES

MATTAWAN - Twenty fourth quarter points helped Niles snap a three-game losing streak Friday night.

The Vikings erupted for three touchdowns in the final 12 minutes to defeat host Mattawan 34-14 in a Big 16 Conference West Division clash. With the score tied at 14-14, McCade Reese scored a pair of touchdowns to put the Vikings ahead for good. Reese tallied on a 19-yard run and then followed that up with a 12-yard run.

Niles capped off the fourth quarter rally with a 42-yard interception return. Colin Freas hit two out of three extra points to complete the scoring. "We loosened them up a little bit," Niles coach Dan Brawley said about the fourth quarter rally. "We ran some quick stuff and put ourselves in good positions. Instead of being second and eight or second and nine we were second and three or second and four.

"We made some adjustments on the line and we were able to pick the blitzes really well tonight and gave Andrew (Brawley) some time to throw the ball," he added. Brawley was 12-of-19 for 183 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He hit David Garner with a comeback pass that turned into a 69-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first quarter. Mattawan marched 70 yards down the field to tie the score at 7-7 when Addison Webb scored on a 1-yard run. Niles (3-4) reclaimed the lead in the second quarter when Conrad Muhumuza scored on a 2-yard touchdown toss from Brawley.

Mattawan came out and drove down the field to open the second half and capped off the drive with a 4-yard Nick Reyna run. But from there it was all Niles. Garner finished with eight receptions for 149 yards, while Myles Busby added three catches for 31 yards. Reece chipped in on the ground with 94 yards on 20 carries, most of which came in the second half. On the defensive side of the ball, Niles was led by Poehlman, who had 11 tackles and three assists, plus the interception return for a touchdown. A.J. Moore also had an interception for the Vikings, while Kevin Gross had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Justin Slates had five tackles and a fumble recovery for Niles, which also got seven tackles from Justin Potthoff and a big fourth down sack from Hugh Hatcher. "We did some bending tonight, but we didn't break," noted Brawley. The Vikings will now return home next Friday night to play host to the one-beaten Lakeshore Lancers. The Big 16 West Division match up is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Niles 7 7 0 20 -- 34 Mattawan 7 0 7 0 -- 14 N - David Garner 69 pass from Andrew Brawley (Colin Freas kick) M - Addison Webb 1 run (Kyle Hillsburg kick) N - Conrad Muhumuza 3 pass from Brawley (Freas kick) M - Nick Reyna 4 run (Hillsburg kick) N - McCade Reese 19 run (Freas kick) N - Reese 12 run (kick failed) N - Cal Poehlman 42 interception return (Freas kick)

South Bend Tribune – 10/11/08 NILES ROLLS McCade Reese rushed for two touchdowns and Andrew Brawley tossed two touchdown passes as Niles beat Mattawan, 37-14. Niles is now 3-4 overall, 1-1 in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference. Mattawan is 1-6 overall and 1-1 in the SMAC West. Niles 7 7 0 20 -– 34 Mattawan 7 0 7 0 -- 14

Niles Matt. First downs 16 13 Yards rushing 127 214 Yards passing 183 40 Passing 12-19-0 5-12-1 Punting 3-28 4-34 Yards penalized 8-106 5-76


POLLING DATA… Detroit Free Press – 10/13/08 Mick McCabe’s Rankings SUPER 10 W-L DIV. 1. East Grand Rapids 7-0 3 2. Lowell 7-0 2 3. Muskegon 7-0 2 4. Rockford 7-0 1 5. Rochester Adams 7-0 2 6. Dearborn Fordson 7-0 1 7. Warren De La Salle 7-0 2 8. Macomb Dakota 6-1 1 9. St. Joseph 7-0 3 10. Marine City 7-0 4 __________________________________ DIVISION 3 W-L Last 1. East Grand Rapids 7-0 1 2. St. Joseph 7-0 2 3. Chelsea 6-1 3 4. Lakeshore 6-1 4 5. Linden 7-0 8 6. Mt. Pleasant 6-1 9 7. Carleton Airport 6-1 -- 8. Inkster 6-1 -- 9. Mason 6-1 -- 10. Adrian 5-2 5 __________________________________ Detroit News – 10/13/08 Tom Markowski's football rankings 1. Lowell 7-0 2. Rochester Adams 7-0 3. Rockford 7-0 4. East Grand Rapids 7-0 5. Muskegon 7-0 6. Warren DeLaSalle 7-0 7. Dearborn Fordson 7-0 8. Romeo 6-1 9. Macomb Dakota 6-1 10. Lake Orion 6-1 11. Grand Ledge 7-0 12. Caledonia 7-0 13. Portage Central 7-0 14. St. Joseph 7-0 15. Sterling Hts Stevenson 6-1 16. Bay City Western 6-1 17. Hudsonville 5-2 18. Wyandotte Roosevelt 7-0 19. Detroit Southeastern 6-1 20. Midland 6-1 21. Lakeshore 6-1 22. Southgate Anderson 7-0 23. Howell 6-1 24. Canton 6-1 25. White Lake Lakeland 6-1

Michigan Associated Press – 10/14/08 DIVISION 3: 1. East Grand Rapids (7-0) 50 2. St. Joseph (7-0) 44 3. Chelsea (6-1) 39 4. Linden (7-0) 32 5. Mason (6-1) 29 6. Lakeshore (6-1) 26 7. Bloomfield Hills Lahser (6-1) 18 8. Mount Pleasant (6-1) 13 9. Warren Fitzgerald (7-0) 12 10. Bay City John Glenn (6-1) 6 Others receiving votes: Adrian (5-2) 4, Warren Lincoln (6-1) 3, Carleton Airport (6-1) 2, Petoskey (6-1) 2. __________________________________ SW Michigan Sports – 10/13/08 http://swmsports.wordpress.com/ SWM Sports Football Top 10 *Indicates team has earned a playoff spot. Previous week’s ranking in parenthesis. 1. St. Joseph (7-0)* (1) 2. Lakeshore (6-1)* (2) 3. Dowagiac (6-1)* (3) 4. Hartford (7-0)* (4) 5. Paw Paw (6-1)* (6) 6. Decatur (6-1)* (7) 7. Cassopolis (6-1)* (5) 8. Coloma (5-2) (9) 9. Berrien Springs (4-3) (--) 10. LMC (4-3) (10) __________________________________ Rankings Summary

ST. JOSEPH

# 9 – DETROIT FREE PRESS SUPER 10 # 2 – DETROIT FREE PRESS DIVISION 3 # 2 – ASSOCIATED PRESS DIVISION 3 #14 – DETROIT NEWS -TOP 25 # 8 – SEARN SUPER 32 # 1 – SW MICHIGAN SPORTS

PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS… Herald Palladium – 10/16/08 MATTAWAN AT ST. JOSEPH Fri. 7:30 p.m. - Dickinson Stadium Records: Mattawan 1-1 Big 16 West, 1-6; St. Joseph 3-0 Big 16 West, 7-0. Last week: Mattawan lost to Niles 34-14; St. Joseph beat Benton Harbor 45-0. About the game: Mattawan could create a logjam atop the West division with a win, but the Wildcats enter as a huge underdog. Mattawan’s only win was by four points over winless Benton Harbor, while St. Joseph is winning by an average margin of 25.9 points. St. Joseph receiver Matt Jewell was injured in practice Tuesday and is not expected to play. Last year’s score: St. Joseph won 49-7. Game stats: St. Joseph rested starting running back Drake Smith last week and got nearly 100 yards each from backups Jamaal Jackson and Chrysten Killebrew. Al Arend’s Prediction: St. Joseph 49, Mattawan 7 ___________________________________ SW Michigan Sports – 10/16/08 Jason Gatties – Editor St. Joseph 35 Mattawan 14 I feel Mattawan will keep things a bit tight in the first half, but the better team will ultimately prevail. ___________________________________ Kalamazoo Gazette – 10/16/08 Scott DeCamp – Sports Writer St. Joseph 42, Mattawan 7

mattawan wildcats ig 16 west vs s j bstjoefootball.com/media/files/101708-mattawan.pdf2008 st....

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