Cvengros Leaves Lasting Impact
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 1, 2014
Retired Associate Director Jerry Cvengros, who served at the Michigan High School Athletic Association for more than 13 years after three decades at Escanaba High School, died Monday evening in Lansing. He was 80.
As lead assistant to Executive Director John E. “Jack” Roberts from August 1988 until retiring in January 2002, Cvengros served as director of football and briefly hockey in addition to coordinating the Program of Athletic Coaches Education (PACE), presenting annual in-service training for administrators and serving as MHSAA liaison to statewide principals, athletic directors and coaches associations.
He came to the MHSAA after 30 years at Escanaba, where he taught, coached, served as athletic director and later principal during a tenure stretching from August 1958 through July 1988. While at Escanaba, Cvengros also represented Upper Peninsula Class A and B schools on the MHSAA Representative Council from 1983-88 and served as the Council’s president from 1986-88.
Cvengros received the MHSAA’s Charles E. Forsythe Award in 2000 in recognition of his many and significant contributions to interscholastic athletics.
“During his lifetime, Jerry Cvengros impacted every area of interscholastic athletics as a coach, athletic director, principal and then associate director of the MHSAA," Roberts said. “He was the perfect combination of fairness, toughness and diplomacy, able to draw on a vast knowledge of MHSAA rules and an understanding of educational athletics fostered by his various experiences.
“Jerry was known and respected statewide for his dedication, and his contributions have had a lasting impact.”
Cvengros built an elite football program at Escanaba as varsity head coach from 1962-84, leading the Eskymos to a 161-42-3 record, a Class A runner-up finish in 1979 and the MHSAA championship in 1981. That team remains the only Class A/Division 1 team from the Upper Peninsula to win an MHSAA football title. Cvengros was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and served on its original Board of Directors.
His 1979 team fell to Detroit Catholic Central 32-7, but he brought the Eskymos back to the Finals for a 16-6 win over Fraser two seasons later. Cvengros' championship lineup included quarterback Kevin Tapani, who would go on to pitch for the Minnesota Twins among five major league clubs, and tailback Dean Altobelli, who later played at Michigan State University. The title run included a 15-14 Semifinal win over Dearborn Fordson that included a savvy two-point conversion call by Cvengros, who wanted to avoid overtime after a late score drew Escanaba to within a point of tying the score.
As the MHSAA’s director of football, Cvengros was instrumental in creating the current playoff format that expanded the field from 128 to 256 teams beginning with the 1999 season. He also co-authored “Youth Football: A Complete Handbook,” a guide to coaching at that level.
Among many additional honors, Cvengros was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame and Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. The National Federation of State High School Associations twice awarded Cvengros with a Citation – the NFHS’ highest honor – for his service as a coach and then as a member of the MHSAA staff.
Since his retirement, Cvengros and his wife Shelley have continued to reside in Okemos. A visitation will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, at St. Martha Parish in Okemos, with a funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m.
Cvengros was a 1951 graduate of Ironwood High School and went on to study and play football at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a master’s from Northern Michigan University.
He taught English, history and physical education at Escanaba High School and also coached basketball and track and field. He became the school’s athletic director in 1970, added the duties of activities director in 1975 and became principal in 1983.
Cvengros is survived by his wife and children Michael, Steven and David, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lee Ann (Cvengros) Swasey in May 2013.
PHOTOS: (Clockwise from left) Escanaba quarterback Mike Beveridge fires a pass during the 1979 Class A Final; Cvengros co-authored a book on coaching youth football; Cvengros was celebrated once more in Escanaba following his final season as football coach.
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 3 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 15, 2025
With at most only nine dates on every football team’s regular-season schedule, every game from August through October can make a difference when it comes to playoff hopes and league title aspirations.
We just finished up Week 3 this fall, but several of the weekend’s games may end up having that impact – and we dive into that below.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Saginaw Swan Valley 31, Freeland 7 The Vikings bounced back from a seven-point Week 2 loss to Frankenmuth to defeat the Falcons (2-1) for the first time since 2019 – and after losing last year’s meeting 34-0. Swan Valley also is 2-1 after starting 0-3 a year ago, its best start since 2020. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Watch list Saginaw Valley Lutheran 27, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 20 Valley Lutheran qualified for the playoffs last season for the first time since 2012, and the Chargers are 3-0 for the first time according to Michigan-Football.com after their first win over Nouvel (2-1) in program history.
On the move Harbor Beach 33, Ubly 6 The Pirates (3-0) kicked off Big Thumb Conference Black play by winning the matchup that decided last year’s league title, adding to last year’s two wins (regular season and playoff) over the rival Bearcats. Grand Blanc 56, Saginaw Heritage 27 The Bobcats (3-0) moved to 2-0 in the Saginaw Valley League South by winning the matchup that decided last season’s league title in their favor. Caro 46, Marine City Cardinal Mooney 7 The Tigers won two games a year ago and have won no more than three in a season since 2018. But they’re up to 2-1 this fall after a big win over a Cardinal Mooney team that while 0-3 has made the playoffs every year this decade.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Waterford Mott 42, Walled Lake Western 34 While only three games into the Lakes Valley Conference schedule, Mott has defeated the champion and runner-up from last year with this breaking Western’s 28-game LVC winning streak going back to 2021. Mott (2-1) was only 3-5 last season after making the Division 2 Semifinals in 2023. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Watch list Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 49, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 10 The Eaglets are 3-0 for the first time since 2021 after downing De La Salle (1-2) for the first time since 2019. It was the best-possible way for St. Mary’s to set up for this week’s titanic matchup with Detroit Catholic Central.
On the move Northville 17, Howell 7 The Mustangs (3-0) avenged last season’s 27-12 loss to Howell, breaking the Highlanders’ 11-game regular-season winning streak. Harper Woods 35, Birmingham Groves 8 The Pioneers (3-0) avenged last year’s loss to Groves (1-2) that ended up deciding the Oakland Activities Association White championship. Gibraltar Carlson 42, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 21 The Marauders’ offense has been rolling during the team’s 3-0 start, putting up a combined 152 to at least double up every opponent including the reigning Division 5 champion Fighting Irish (1-2), whose regular-season schedule is quickly looking like it will end up one of the toughest in the state this fall.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Ithaca 42, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 40 (OT) This Tri-Valley Conference Blue opener ended up being everything it was billed, as Ithaca stopped an MLS two-point conversion try to start overtime and won the night on the next possession. Offense reigned as both teams are averaging more than 40 points per game through these first three weeks. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Watch list St. Johns 27, Fowlerville 26 After opening 5-0 a year ago, St. Johns (3-0) is off to another solid start after a third-straight win over the Gladiators by seven or fewer points. Fowlerville (2-1), off to its best start since 2020, will attempt to rebound against undefeated Williamston this week.
On the move Williamston 28, Mason 0 The Hornets (3-0) have now defeated three 2024 playoff teams and with Mason (1-2) also the reigning Capital Area Activities Conference Red champion. Mount Pleasant 63, Midland Dow 39 The Oilers (3-0) received their strongest challenge of the early season and responded by scoring their most points in a game since 2016 while handing Dow (2-1) its only loss. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 49, Vestaburg 7 Both of these teams returned this season to 11-player football from 8-player, and they will meet again in Week 6.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Gaylord 28, Marquette 27 (OT) The Blue Devils’ turnaround season continued as they moved to 3-0 after going 0-5 to start 2024, this time avenging a 30-0 loss to the Sentinels (1-2) to open the Big North Conference schedule. Gaylord stopped a two-point conversion try to hold on for the victory. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.
Watch list Kalkaska 24, East Jordan 20 This arguably was the best win of Kalkaska’s first 3-0 start since 2017, as it avenged last year’s 44-13 loss, gave the Blazers as many wins already as all of last season and came against an East Jordan team (2-1) that’s been in the playoffs every season this decade.
On the move Ogemaw Heights 49, Gladwin 14 The Falcons (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to open Jack Pine Conference I play by avenging last year’s District Final loss to Gladwin (0-3). Kingsley 48, Grayling 21 The Stags (2-1) also bounced back from a Week 2 defeat as they began Northern Michigan Football League Legends play by sending Grayling to 1-2 overall. Elk Rapids 8, Oscoda 6 The Elks’ first two games this season came against teams still undefeated, but they got on the board by avenging last year’s 20-0 loss to the Owls (1-2).
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Ypsilanti Lincoln 21, Tecumseh 17 While the season is only three weeks old, Lincoln has handed a first loss this fall to all three of its opponents in opening 3-0 for the first time since 2012. The Railsplitters also are 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference White after playing in the SEC Red the last four seasons. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Riverview 38, Carleton Airport 6 The Pirates (2-1) opened with a loss to Division 1 Utica Eisenhower but have started Huron League play 2-0 as they look to take back league supremacy after finishing second a year ago.
On the move Chelsea 29, Adrian 12 The Bulldogs (3-0) also are 2-0 in the SEC White, running their overall league winning streak in the league to 12 in handing Adrian (2-1) its lone loss. Dexter 48, Ann Arbor Huron 16 The Dreadnaughts (3-0) will head into this week’s potential eventual SEC Red-deciding matchup with Saline having won all of their first three games by at least three touchdowns. Michigan Center 53, Hanover-Horton 14 The Cardinals’ playoff hopes last season hinged in part on a pair of losses by two points or fewer, and they avenged the first in a big way by sending the Comets to 1-2.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Schoolcraft 32, Constantine 14 Schoolcraft (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to break Constantine’s three-year hold on this rivalry series. The teams now go their separate ways in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, both as potential champions. Constantine also is 2-1. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Marshall 41, Parma Western 6 After a close Week 2 loss to Fowlerville, Marshall (2-1) found its stride to open Interstate 8 Athletic Conference play with its first win over Parma Western (1-2) since 2020. The Redhawks need just one more win this fall to equal last year’s season total.
On the move Battle Creek Pennfield 23, Buchanan 20 Pennfield (2-1) already has surpassed last year’s lone victory, handing returning playoff qualifier Buchanan (2-1) its only defeat. Lawton 22, Kalamazoo United 19 The Blue Devils (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss heading into SAC Valley play, defeating the Titans (1-2) for the second-straight season. Niles 30, Paw Paw 14 Although Paw Paw (0-3) is off to a rough start, this matchup did decide the Wolverine Conference title last year. Niles (3-0) has won six straight in the series including in the playoffs the last two years as well.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Calumet 33, Negaunee 18 The Copper Kings (3-0) earned a significant upper hand on Negaunee in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper, moving into an early three-way tie for first with Menominee and Kingsford by breaking a five-game losing streak against the Miners (2-1). Menominee and Kingsley are up next, respectively, for Calumet. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.
Watch list Escanaba 27, Petoskey 10 Escanaba (3-0) is moving smoothly through the start of Big North Conference play and checking in as the No. 6 team in Division 4 playoff-point average after downing the reigning league champion Northmen (1-2).
On the move Houghton 42, Hancock 0 The Gremlins (1-2) have won six straight in the Copper Bowl and surely hope this one will get them on track with plenty of tough competition ahead. Kingsford 25, Gladstone 13 After starting the season with a close loss to Escanaba, Kingsford (2-1) has opened West-PAC Copper play with two double-digit wins – right in time to face rival Negaunee this week. Menominee 50, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Maroons (3-0) got back on the field after their Week 2 game was canceled, earning some no doubt valuable prep in advance of this week’s matchup with Calumet.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Whitehall 35, Zeeland West 28 After playing the eventual Division 3 champion to one of last season’s highest-scoring games – a 60-43 loss – Whitehall (2-1) avenged with the go-ahead score during this game’s final minute. The Dux (2-1) hadn’t lost a nonleague game since 2018. Click for more from the White Lake Mirror.
Watch list Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28, Jackson Lumen Christi 14 The Cougars’ first game this season against an in-state opponent was one to remember as they moved to 3-0 in downing the reigning Division 6 champion Titans (1-2).
On the move Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 42, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 10 Forest Hills Northern (1-2) earned its first win over the rival Huskies since 2004 and after FHC had won the last 10 (including once in the playoffs) since the teams began playing each other annually again in 2016. Grand Rapids West Catholic 27, Grand Rapids South Christian 20 The Falcons will take a winning streak into Ottawa-Kent Conference White play this week after avenging last season’s three-point loss to the Sailors (1-2). East Kentwood 54, Jenison 7 East Kentwood is 3-0 for the first time since 2017 after handing Jenison (2-1) its only loss and with this week’s matchup against Rockford a major opportunity to prove it’s an O-K Red contender.
8-Player
HEADLINER Climax-Scotts 44, Adrian Lenawee Christian 41 These two have built a nice cross-state rivalry first in 11-player and now in 8-player over the last six seasons. Climax-Scotts (2-1) broke a 28-28 tie during the closing minutes of the third quarter this time to send the Cougars to 2-1 as well.
Watch list Gogebic 38, Ishpeming 16 The Miners (3-0) have rumbled with 173 points (and only 22 allowed) over their first three games, coming off a 5-3 finish a year ago and seeking their first playoff season since 2014.
On the move Felch North Dickinson 58, Crystal Falls Forest Park 7 The Nordics (3-0) continued to impress, this time with their first win over Forest Park (1-2) since 2012 and the era when these two frequently met in both the regular season and playoffs. Mendon 56, Concord 26 Three of Owen Gorham’s nine carries went for second or third-quarter touchdowns as Mendon (3-0) scored the first points Concord (2-1) had given up. Pickford 53, Newberry 6 Pickford (3-0) appears in midseason form already, outscoring its first three opponents by a combined 168-14 as it opened Great Lakes Eight East play with a big win over previously-undefeated Newberry (2-1).
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PHOTOS (Top) Grand Blanc cheerleaders root for their ball carrier as a Heritage defender attempts to make a tackle Friday. (2) Mount Pleasant attempts to block a Midland Dow kick. (3) Bath's Rylen Dixon (10) takes a handoff during his team's game against Pewamo-Westphalia. (4) Calumet's Ben Anderson finds a hole and gains several yards against Negaunee. (Grand Blanc/Heritage photo by Terry Lyons. Mount Pleasant/Dow photo by High School Sports Scene. Bath/P-W photo by John Johnson. Calumet/Negaunee photo by Cara Kamps.)