Bronson Football Raising Bar with Growth in Numbers, Growing String of Successes
By
Scott Hassinger
Special for MHSAA.com
October 6, 2026
BRONSON – Tony Myers remembers the excitement he felt 17 years ago when, as a player, his Bronson football team won a Division 6 District championship.
Years later, Myers, now in his third year as the Vikings' head coach, has fans in this small community located in Branch County buzzing with enthusiasm as Bronson seeks a third-straight playoff berth and upper-tier finish in the Big 8 Conference.
Bronson, 4-2, has big games left on its schedule over the final three weeks of the regular season against league foes Quincy, Reading and East Jackson.
But its lone blemishes came to Division 8 ninth-ranked Springport 35-14 in the season opener and a 22-14 loss a couple weeks later to Union City. The Vikings own an impressive 14-0 win over Division 5 Buchanan in a nonleague battle.
Bronson hasn't won a District since Myers' playing days. The Vikings lost 20-12 to Hanover Horton in a Division 7 District Final last season and fell in a District Semifinal to Schoolcraft 28-14 in 2024.
For several years the program struggled before finally seeing an increase in numbers and players putting in the work during the offseason to make significant changes.
"Our coaching staff has instilled that belief that Bronson can be successful in football. I always talk to the kids about integrity, discipline, honor and those things that aren't mentioned too much outside of football. Men of integrity expect to be believed, and if they aren't then they prove people wrong over time," said Myers, whose wife Kate is a 2012 Bronson graduate; together they have a 7-year-old son Korbin and 5-year-old daughter Charlie June Myers.
He and his coaching staff brought a system and have been successful implementing it across the program. There are solid numbers at the junior varsity and middle school levels.
"It's really exciting to see the growth of this program. We have a new weight room and growth in numbers. Everything has just been really positive, and the community has been very supportive,” said Myers, who is serving as a substitute teacher in Bronson's school district while pursuing an education degree. “There is a huge crowd that follows us, which is great with the situation we're facing this season with no home games."
Due to stadium and field renovations, Bronson has been playing its home games this season at Sturgis, Coldwater and Union City high schools. Thanks to a successful millage vote, renovations to Bronson's stadium are now underway. A new track is being installed, and the field will be re-sodded, along with the addition of new lighting, new goal posts and future plans for upgrades of the press box and seating.
Bronson's defensive unit has forced 14 turnovers in six games. Going into last week's against Maple Valley, the Vikings' hadn't given up a single point during a second half.
Offensively, the Vikings have rolled up 2,428 yards of total offense, with 1,565 rushing yards and 863 passing. Bronson is averaging 30.8 points per game.
"We have a goal for our offense to achieve 5,000 total yards by the end of the season. We've been pretty balanced both passing and running the football," Myers said.
Bronson's backfield is led by the senior duo of Reid Stukey and Ben Stevens.
Stukey, a 5-foot-9, 165-pounder, leads his team in rushing with 97 carries for 809 yards and four touchdowns.
"Our mantra is exactly with Coach Myers preaches in practice, hard work and discipline. These guys all show up every day and ready to work. That's what makes you successful,” Stukey said. “The culture we've built calms my nerves. I'm not nervous about any roles I perform on the field. We want to win titles and play for one another.”
Stevens is the team's second-leading ground gainer with 55 carries for 562 yards and eight TDs. He's also caught 12 passes for 183 yards and two TDs.
"Ben is electric and knows how to read blocks. He's patient and waits until that pulling guard comes around, and after he leads into that linebacker he shoots out of the gap and is off to the races," Myers said.
Stevens, a slot back and tailback, also plays cornerback and safety.
"My leadership and explosiveness, I feel, are two of my biggest strengths. I try to get everyone pumped up after we make a big play and celebrate," Stevens said.
Starting quarterback Owen Losinski separated his shoulder two weeks ago, forcing Myers to move Stukey behind center. Stukey is 9-of-16 passing for 126 yards and two TDs since taking over as signal caller. Losinski is expected back on the field later this week.
"Reid has done a nice job stepping in at quarterback. He provides great leadership and picked things right up and has been able to run our offense effectively," Myers said.
Bronson's most imposing figure on the field is junior offensive tackle and defensive end Kyle Hyska (6-2, 290).
"We have a great deal of size up front with good chemistry within the entire team. Our guys are playing well as a unit and getting better each week,” Hyska said. “We just have to have trust that the guy next to us is doing his job at a high level. I like that with my positions that I get to run through people with controlled aggression.”
Hyska has received a Division I scholarship offer from Harvard.
"Kyle couldn't even squat 185 pounds as a freshman, but he's since grown into his body and increased his strength. He has dreams of playing at the college level and has the right body size, work ethic and mindset to do so," Myers said.
Leading Bronson defensively is senior middle linebacker Caleb Harvey (6-1, 185) with 45 tackles, including nine for loss of yardage and two QB sacks.
"Caleb is one of our toughest kids. He doesn't brag on himself, but he's an absolute animal at linebacker,” Myers said. “He is a great leader, makes quick reads and is always in the backfield making lots of tackles and just gets everyone focused.”
Harvey takes a lot of pride in the Vikings' defense.
"Most of the guys on the team have been playing together since our days in rocket football. At my position I really get to see the field and make big plays. I enjoy leading our defense. We just all need to be in unison to reach our goals," Harvey said.
Thirteen members of Bronson's team went to a summer football camp at Trine University.
"These kids are hungry, but they understand that nothing is given to you in life. We've really tried to ingrain to this group that if there's something you want, that you have to work hard and go after it,” Myers said. “People are going to have their opinions and be critical of you. No one builds statues of critics, so we tell the kids not to let the naysayers hold them down. I'm so thankful our senior group bought into what we're doing at such a young age because now all our underclassmen are seeing they can be successful as well.”
Ultimately, the Vikings want to add some hardware to the school trophy case once the postseason rolls around.
"These kids have talked about getting some trophies to put in their memory bank," Myers said.
Scott Hassinger is a contributing sportswriter for Leader Publications and previously served as the sports editor for the Three Rivers Commercial-News from 1994-2022. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Bronson senior tailback Ben Stevens (2) works to break a tackle against Buchanan on Sept. 25. (Middle) Bronson players (from left) Kyle Hyska, Reid Stukey, Caleb Harvey and Ben Stevens pose for a photo with head coach Tony Myers after a practice. (Below) Reid Stukey (20) tackles a Buchanan receiver following a reception. (Photos by Scott Hassinger.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 3 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 11, 2025
The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and Michigan Sports Writers both released their first state rankings of the season this week, providing their opinions on the top teams in every division.
There are always a few programs that dominate from start to finish. But this season already seems like it could provide an audible.
Consider, of 602 teams playing 11 or 8-player football this fall, only 179 (just under 30 percent) after just two games. And that total is guaranteed to decrease by 28 teams over the next two days as we have that many matchups of unbeatens – several of which are noted below.
Some related food for thought: Although we finished the 2024 regular season with 27 undefeated teams statewide, only Millington and Deckerville hoisted MHSAA Finals championship trophies without taking a loss. We had only two undefeated champions in 2023 as well, but five in 2022.
You'll again have the opportunity to tune into several games this weekend on the NFHS Network. Scores for every game across the state will posted on the MHSAA Scores page as they conclude.
Bay & Thumb
Ithaca (2-0) at Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2-0)
This matchup determined league championships in both 2022 and 2023, and Ithaca has won 20 straight league games including all five in the Tri-Valley Conference Blue a year ago. MLS gave the Yellowjackets their closest league game (35-14) last fall and is off to a solid start outscoring its first two opponents by a combined 82-8. Ithaca’s is coming off one of the state’s more notable victories of Week 2, 36-7 over Lawton.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Bay City John Glenn (2-0) at Essexville Garber (2-0) WATCH, Durand (2-0) at Montrose (2-0) WATCH, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central (2-0) at Saginaw Valley Lutheran (2-0) WATCH, Harbor Beach (2-0) at Ubly (1-1) WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Rochester Adams (2-0) at West Bloomfield (2-0) WATCH
Arguably the most competitive league in the state – the Oakland Activities Association Red – begins play with what should be a challenging matchup for both of these opponents. Adams claimed year’s meeting 21-17 on the way to eventually reaching the Division 1 Semifinals, and has a couple of big wins so far this fall over Romeo and Rochester. West Bloomfield has won both of its first two games by 37-0 scores, shutting out Dearborn Fordson and Southfield Arts & Technology.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Birmingham Groves (1-1) at Harper Woods (2-0), Clarkston (1-1) at Oxford (2-0) WATCH, Gibraltar Carlson (2-0) at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (1-1) WATCH, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2-0) at Warren De La Salle Collegiate (1-1).
Mid-Michigan
Williamston (2-0) at Mason (1-1)
Williamston can finish reversing last season’s 0-3 start with a win over Mason, which won last year’s meeting 34-20. This matchup again kicks off the Capital Area Activities Conference Red schedule, and Mason has won 18 straight league games and the last three Red titles. The Bulldogs fell just short in their comeback attempt last week against DeWitt, but have won six in a row over the Hornets – who have been impressive in revenge wins over Lansing Catholic and Hastings.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY St. Johns (2-0) at Fowlerville (2-0), Midland Dow (2-0) at Mount Pleasant (2-0), Portland (2-0) at Olivet (2-0) WATCH, Northville (2-0) at Howell (2-0) WATCH.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Davison (2-0) at Traverse City Central (2-0)
Davison has dominated these meetings the last three seasons, with three victories all by at least 35 points. But Central also is 2-0 heading into this game for the first time during that run and has scored a combined 96 points in big wins over returning playoff qualifiers Novi and Parma Western. Davison edged Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 23-21 to avenge a 2024 defeat after opening with a 17-point win over Roseville.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Boyne City (2-0) at Cheboygan (1-1) WATCH, Kalkaska (2-0) at East Jordan (2-0) WATCH, Escanaba (2-0) at Petoskey (1-1) WATCH. SATURDAY Marquette (1-1) at Gaylord (2-0) WATCH.
Southeast & Border
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0) at Jackson Lumen Christi (1-1) WATCH
We featured Lumen Christi in this space last week as well, but it’s hard not to again when the Titans have arguably the toughest nonleague schedule in the state. They’re coming off wins over two 2024 champions – Lombard Montini from Illinois and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep from Division 5 – and now get an opponent that fell just a win shy of also playing for the Division 5 title last season. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is facing its first in-state opponent after earning wins over teams from Illinois and Ontario.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Adrian (2-0) at Chelsea (2-0) WATCH, Blissfield (1-1) at Clinton (1-1) WATCH, Tecumseh (2-0) at Ypsilanti Lincoln (2-0) WATCH, Ann Arbor Huron (1-1) at Dexter (2-0).
Southwest Corridor
Schoolcraft (1-1) at Constantine (2-0)
This is a matchup we circle every season, and it’s easy to explain why. Constantine’s 31-29 win over Schoolcraft a year ago, while its third straight, was the second in a row decided by one score or less, as have been five of their last 12 matchups. Both teams went on to great success last season, Constantine winning a District title and Schoolcraft claiming its Regional. And while the Eagles do have an early loss, it came last week to Division 4 power Hudsonville Unity Christian.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Battle Creek Harper Creek (1-1) at Coldwater (2-0) WATCH, Kalamazoo United (1-1) at Lawton (1-1) WATCH, Three Rivers (2-0) at Otsego (1-1) WATCH, Niles (2-0) at Paw Paw (0-2) WATCH.
Upper Peninsula
Calumet (2-0) at Negaunee (2-0) WATCH
The Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper division is among the deepest leagues in northern Michigan, sending four teams to the playoffs last year with two more finishing 4-5. Calumet and Negaunee have been two of the frequent contenders, Negaunee last sharing the league title in 2023 and Calumet most recently in 2021. The Miners won last year’s matchup 29-0 and the last five in the series.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hancock (0-2) at Houghton (0-2) WATCH, Iron Mountain (1-1) at Manistique (1-1) WATCH, Gladstone (0-2) at Kingsford (1-1) WATCH, Ishpeming Westwood (0-2) at Menominee (2-0) WATCH.
West Michigan
Caledonia (2-0) at Hudsonville (2-0) WATCH
These two are among four Ottawa-Kent Conference Red teams that have started 2-0, with three more at 1-1 as league play begins. Grandville and Rockford have especially notable wins among that 1-1 group, and this league race truly could be wide open – which will make every game including this one especially important. Hudsonville last season broke a three-year losing streak against Caledonia, and despite substantial graduations has opened with impressive victories over Byron Center and East Lansing. The Fighting Scots’ 56 points last week against Muskegon Reeths-Puffer were their most since 2023.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hudsonville Unity Christian (2-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern (2-0) WATCH, Grand Rapids West Catholic (1-1) at Grand Rapids South Christian (1-1), East Kentwood (2-0) at Jenison (2-0), Grand Rapids Northview (2-0) at Sparta (2-0).
8-Player
Pickford (2-0) at Newberry (2-0)
Pickford has won the last two Great Lakes Eight Conference East titles, and last year’s run to finishing Division 1 runner-up included a 44-14 win over Newberry. But Newberry already has one victory this season over a team that reached Superior Dome a year ago – 22-20 over reigning Division 2 champion Crystal Falls Forest Park in Week 1 – and last week’s 34-14 victory over Ontonagon also avenged a 2024 loss.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Deckerville (2-0) at Bad Axe (2-0) WATCH, Adrian Lenawee Christian (2-0) at Climax-Scotts (1-1), Britton Deerfield (1-1) at Colon (2-0), Concord (2-0) at Mendon (2-0) WATCH.
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PHOTO Ithaca and Lawton players attempt to reel in a pass during the Yellowjackets' Week 2 win. (Photo by High School Sports Scene.)