Off to Fast Start, Gunsells Aspiring to Assemble Lasting Ludington Legacy
By
Tom Kendra
Special for MHSAA.com
September 11, 2025
Cameron Gunsell has been building things at Ludington High School his entire life.
“One of my earliest memories is making forts with the blocking dummies with my older brother during football practices,” recalled Gunsell of his and older brother Wilson’s adventures.
The Gunsells are now building something much bigger and more permanent at Ludington – with dad, Charlie Gunsell, in his 22nd and final year as the Orioles’ head football coach, Wilson an assistant coach and Cameron the team’s unquestioned leader and senior quarterback.
Cameron has rushed for nine touchdowns and thrown for three more over the first two weeks, leading Ludington to lopsided road wins over Coopersville and rival Mason County Central and heading into Friday’s home and West Michigan Conference Lakes opener against Fremont.
There is a buzz in this small town, best known for its Lake Michigan car ferries, which hasn’t won a football conference title since 1999 and has only one playoff victory in school history, which came during the COVID year of 2020.
“We definitely feel like this is our time,” said Cameron, 18, who is three years younger than his only sibling, Wilson. “Our motto this year is ‘Wake People Up.’ We brought back a ton of playmakers and had the best offseason in the weight room getting ready.”
The Orioles started making noise right away at Coopersville, where Cameron carried the ball 34 times for 246 yards and five touchdowns while completing 8-of-11 passes for 116 yards and a TD. He also made a team-high six tackles from his free safety position.
Last week, he was back at it against rival MCC in the Lumberman’s Cup, this time doing more damage through the air completing 8-of-15 passes for 245 yards and two scores while rushing 16 times for 161 yards and four TDs. He again led the team with eight tackles.
“It’s uncomfortable for me as the head coach talking about my son, but he is really good,” said Charlie Gunsell, a Caro native who was the starting quarterback at Ferris State in 1997. “Cam is so stinking competitive, and 80 percent of what we do offensively is a read through him. He is the guy who makes us click on both sides of the ball.”
Cameron (6-foor-3, 190 pounds), in his third year as the starting quarterback, is closing in on 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards for his career. His play caught the attention of college scouts, drawing scholarship offers from Grand Valley State, Davenport and reigning Division II national champion Ferris.
Gunsell announced last month that he would be following in his dad’s footsteps at Ferris, which he said was not an easy decision.
“I honestly was really close to choosing Grand Valley,” said Cameron, who completed 70 percent of his passes last season. “But, in the end, I have always wanted to be a Bulldog. Just like here at Ludington, I grew up going to football games at Ferris.”
With that choice behind him, Cameron is focused on the immediate goal of helping his team unseat Whitehall, which has won three straight WMC Lakes titles, and then making a run in the Division 4 playoffs.
He knows that defenses are going to be keying on him and stacking the box after his fast start.
“If they want to focus on me, that’s great for us,” explained Cameron, who lines up in the shotgun every play and distributes the ball to the Orioles’ four-wide skill players. “We have a lot of other weapons this year.”
The leading receiver is junior Taj Williams with seven catches for 142 yards over two games, while sophomore Kyle Himes has three catches for 122 yards.
Ludington actually features three Himes brothers, with freshman Mikie Himes the team’s second-leading rusher through two games with 88 yards. Junior Messiah Himes is a dangerous running and receiving threat from his slot position.
“We have a lot of kids who deserve touches, and they will get them as we get into our conference games and everyone tries to take Cam away,” said Gunsell, who is assisted by offensive coordinator Brent Gillett and defensive coordinator JP Deines.
Coach Gunsell points to conference foes like Oakridge, Montague, Orchard View and Whitehall as teams that have had the type of playoff success his team wants to emulate.
In order to make a run, he said the team must get the job done up front, where they are led by seniors Walt Autrey (6-4, 298), Colin Shelton and Connor Chaney.
“We have had talented players before, but our biggest thing up here is, are we tough enough?” said Gunsell. “These kids have worked so hard in the weight room to get stronger and to make that toughness our calling card.”
Tom Kendra worked 23 years at The Muskegon Chronicle, including five as assistant sports editor and the final six as sports editor through 2011. E-mail him at [email protected] with story ideas for Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Lake, Oceola, Mecosta and Newaygo counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Ludington quarterback Cameron Gunsell launches a pass during his team’s win over Mason County Central last week. (Middle) Gunsell’s father and head coach, Charlie Gunsell (in headset) monitors the action from the sideline. (Photos by Jason Goorman/Local Sports Journal.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 4 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 22, 2025
The Week 4 football schedule gave us an idea of what was coming. But it's fair to say this weekend's statewide slate of games even exceeded expectations.
Metro Detroit matchups Detroit Catholic Central/Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Detroit Cass Tech/Martin Luther King were predictably notable. But we also saw our first league champion crowned, impressive winning streaks broken and another extended, and a pair of programs reach successes they haven't enjoyed in multiple decades. Saline's Tommy Carr threw eight touchdowns passes, and Holland receiver Finn Galloway scored a combined seven rushing and receiving.
And that was just the start.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Cass City 17, Millington 14 (OT) Cass City has reached the playoffs 11 straight seasons and is a regular league title contender. But this still had to be unexpected given reigning Division 7 champion Millington’s 25-game regular-season winning streak and the Red Hawks’ 1-2 record entering the night. Cass City’s overtime field goal – and stifling defense – played lead roles in dealing the Cardinals (3-1) their first loss since a 2023 Division 7 Semifinal. Click for more from the Bay City Times.
Watch list Richmond 24, Armada 17 The Blue Devils (4-0) are back – and tied for the early lead in the Blue Water Area Conference after defeating Armada (3-1) for the first time since 2019 and after losing this matchup 42-0 a year ago. Dominic Bonnetti scored the go-ahead touchdown with 45 seconds to play.
On the move Clio 26, Owosso 21 After finishing 0-9 last year, Clio (4-0) has its most wins in a season since 2001. This one came against an Owosso team (3-1) that hadn’t lost entering the evening. Gladwin 28, Clare 26 The Flying Gs (1-3) earned their first win, but it definitely is one they won’t forget as they avenged last year’s loss to rival Clare (3-1). Linden 42, Holly 6 The Eagles (4-0) are off to their best start since 2012, and Holly (2-2) already has more wins than a year ago after avenging 2024 losses in Weeks 2 and 3.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Detroit Catholic Central 29, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 14 The Shamrocks (4-0) have a notable lead atop the Catholic High School League Central with this win joining a Week 2 victory over Toledo Central Catholic to give DCC an impressive over the other expected main contenders this fall. Samson Gash starred, and the Shamrocks’ defense held OLSM (3-1) to 30 points fewer than the Eaglets’ season average. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
JUST A NORMAL NIGHT FOR SAMSON GASH. 🏈 The Mr. Football candidate and Michigan State commit scored two touchdowns as Detroit Catholic Central defeated OLSM 29-14. Delivered by @hungryhowies @GashSamson | @DCCfootball | @DETROITCCAD | @jcessante pic.twitter.com/pJUPKv3Ptz
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 20, 2025
Watch list Detroit Cass Tech 27, Detroit Martin Luther King 22 These two have met a second time the last five seasons, and the first round this time went to the Technicians (4-0) as they held on after building an early lead on three CJ Sadler scores. King is 2-2 with two losses by a combined seven points.
On the move Ecorse 18, Warren Michigan Collegiate 16 The Red Raiders are (4-0) after winning four games all of last season, and this effort ended Michigan’s Collegiate’s 42-game Charter School Conference winning streak going back to 2016. Macomb Dakota 28, Sterling Heights Stevenson 14 Dakota (4-0) remains one of two teams tied atop the Macomb Area Conference Red standings after handing Stevenson (3-1) its first loss. Redford Union 8, Dearborn Heights Robichaud 0 Union (3-1) and its 32-game winning streak in the Western Wayne Athletic Conference turned away one of its toughest challenges during the streak, from a Robichaud team (3-1) seeking a third-straight playoff appearance this fall.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Haslett 21, Mason 14 (OT) Add this to a one-point Week 2 win at Fenton decided during the final minute, and Haslett has claimed two key nail-biters with this avenging an overtime loss that decided the Capital Area Activities Conference Red title a year ago. Kory Amachree ran for the go-ahead score, and the Vikings (3-1) then closed out the win with an interception to send Mason to 1-3. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Watch list Beal City 42, McBain 7 The Aggies (4-0) continued a defensively-dominating start by avenging last season’s 29-25 loss to McBain (2-2) that ended up deciding the Highland Conference title. Beal City has given up 17 points total over four games.
On the move Stockbridge 25, Union City 18 Although the Panthers (1-3) have had a rough start, this certainly could get things rolling as they ended Union City’s 21-game winning streak in the Big 8 Conference and handed the Chargers (3-1) their first loss overall this fall. Grand Ledge 30, Holt 24 The Comets (4-0) are shaping up as contenders again in the CAAC Blue with this their fourth-straight win over the rival Rams (2-2). Mount Pleasant 28, Traverse City Central 13 The Oilers (4-0) faced another tough challenge in the Saginaw Valley League North but held on for a key road victory at Central (2-2).
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Kingsley 38, Boyne City 6 The Stags (3-1) played arguably their best game this season in advance of this week’s matchup with Traverse City St. Francis. Those two and Boyne City (3-1) shared the Northern Michigan Football League Legends title a year ago, and Kingsley also with this win avenged last year’s District Final loss to the Ramblers. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Watch list Gaylord 19, Petoskey 13 It’s difficult to not come back to the Blue Devils (4-0) who defeated the reigning Big North Conference champ Northmen (1-3) and did so with their fourth win this season by seven points or fewer.
On the move Maple City Glen Lake 24, East Jordan 22 Glen Lake (3-1) has opened NMFL Legacy play with three wins, while East Jordan (2-2) has lost two heartbreakers the last two weeks by a combined six points. Mancelona 32, Frankfort 6 The Ironmen (3-1) join Glen Lake as undefeated through the start of NMFL Legacy play, with this breaking a three-game losing streak against the Panthers (2-2). Ogemaw Heights 49, Shepherd 14 The Falcons (3-1) earned what could end up a key win in their repeat drive in the Jack Pine Conference I as Shepherd (3-1) was 3-0 for the first time since 2009 and hadn’t given up a point in its two games prior.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Saline 61, Dexter 34 Tommy Carr approached perfection, completing all but four passes and throwing for eight touchdowns – tied for second-most in MHSAA history for a single game – as the Hornets (4-0) scored their most points since Week 8 of 2023 and became one of only two teams still undefeated in Southeastern Conference Red play after dealing Dexter (3-1) its first. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.
Watch list Monroe Jefferson 39, Riverview 8 We featured Jefferson (4-0) on MHSAA.com last week, and the Bears continued to generate excitement by breaking an eight-game losing streak against Riverview (2-2) and avenging last year’s 61-0 defeat.
On the move Vandercook Lake 17, Addison 16 The last six seasons have seen Vandercook Lake navigate 8-player, an abbreviated schedule and return to 11-player last fall, and the Jayhawks (3-1) with this win eclipsed last year’s total while also avenging a 44-7 loss from last season to Addison – which is 0-4 but with three defeats by a combined nine points. Michigan Center 43, Manchester 8 Michigan Center (4-0) has looked nothing short of powerful so far and opened Cascades Conference play by avenging a 46-35 loss from 2024. Chelsea 35, Tecumseh 6 Chelsea moved to 4-0 and extended its SEC White winning streak to 13 since Tecumseh (2-2) won their 2022 meeting.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Paw Paw 35, Edwardsburg 7 Paw Paw’s first three opponents this season are a combined 12-0, and the Red Wolves (1-3) showed they belong in the conversation too by handing the Eddies (3-1) their first defeat. Ben Miller ran for 171 yards and four touchdowns and made 12 tackles.
Watch list Coloma 60, Saugatuck 42 The Comets didn’t have a team three years ago and had lost both meetings with Saugatuck (2-2) by an average of 35 points since returning. But Coloma is up to 2-2 after also finishing last season strong to make the playoffs.
On the move Dowagiac 41, Marshall 22 Dowagiac (3-1) has been building some nice momentum over the last three seasons and is off to another solid start as it seeks a second-straight playoff berth. White Pigeon 46, Centreville 0 The Chiefs (4-0) earned their third shutout this season as they extended their Southwest 10 Conference winning streak to 13 games going back to a loss to Centreville in 2022. Three Rivers 21, Plainwell 7 The Wildcats also are up to 4-0 overall with the other Wolverine Conference co-leaders Vicksburg and Niles up next over the next two weeks, respectively.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Menominee 25, Calumet 15 The Maroons (4-0) earned the first of what may be three necessary key wins to lock up a Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title after they finished second to Kingsford a year ago. The Copper Kings (3-1) will remain in the mix as well as both must still see the Flivvers and Calumet already has a win over Negaunee. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.
Watch list L’Anse 46, Manistique 16 The Purple Hornets (4-0) have taken another step during an amazing start after the program had won once over its previous two seasons – a run that had included 44 and 37-point defeats against the Emeralds (1-3).
On the move Kingsford 35, Negaunee 21 This was another key matchup in the West-PAC Copper, which left the Flivvers (3-1) tied with Menominee for first. Houghton 46, Ishpeming Westwood 44 The Gremlins (2-2) have won four straight in this annual series with this their closest meeting since a three-point victory in 2022. Marquette 20, Saginaw United 12 Coming off a tough one-point loss to Gaylord, the Sentinels (2-2) made a trip downstate for the second week in a row and came back with what could be an important victory over a Division 2 opponent.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Grand Rapids Northview 35, Holland Christian 28 Northview had to defeat Holland Christian (3-1) last season to finish a perfect run through the Ottawa-Kent Conference Black, and this year the Wildcats (4-0) hope they’ve started another one. Northview went ahead late on the first night of league play.
🏈 PLAY OF THE WEEK NOMINEE – GRAND RAPIDS NORTHVIEW 🏈 Grand Rapids Northview pulls off the perfect hook-and-ladder late in the 4th, and Jalen Grant takes it in for the go-ahead TD as the Wildcats edge Holland Christian 35–28! Powered by @LawrenceTechU pic.twitter.com/agCw2nFM84
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) September 22, 2025
Watch list Rockford 21, East Kentwood 14 The emerging Falcons (3-1) have given the O-K Red yet another power program, but the Rams (3-1) remain just a step ahead after holding on in this matchup.
On the move Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 49, Cedar Springs 35 Kenowa Hills is 4-0 for the first time since 1992, according to Michigan-Football.com, after avenging last season’s seven-point loss to Cedar Springs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 10, East Grand Rapids 7 The Cougars (4-0) opened O-K Black play by avenging last season’s three-point loss to EGR (2-2). Muskegon 46, Byron Center 17 Last season’s Week 8 loss helped end Muskegon’s playoff hopes, but the Big Reds (2-2) avenged in a big way as Byron Center (1-3) continued to navigate a loaded early schedule.
8-Player
HEADLINER Portland St. Patrick 48, Fulton 6 These two shared the Mid-State Activities Conference Red title with Morrice last season in part because of a Fulton win over the Shamrocks. But St. Patrick (4-0) has defeated both this season and already clinched the league championship. Click for more from WLNS.
Watch list Deckerville 33, Brown City 20 Reigning Division 1 champion Deckerville (4-0) has won 17 straight games and pulled away in this one after defeating Brown City (3-1) by just two points a year ago.
On the move Felch North Dickinson 62, Ontonagon 42 The Nordics (4-0) have scored 38, then 52, then 58 and now 62 points over the last four weeks as their offense is on pace to far surpass last year’s 425 over nine games. Martin 52, Gobles 6 While North Dickinson is scoring more and more points every game, Martin is giving up fewer and fewer and held the Tigers (3-1) to their fewest since the teams met to decide a Regional title in 2023. Bay City All Saints 49, Peck 12 All Saints (3-1) is a one-point Week 1 loss to Deckerville from a perfect start after handing Peck (3-1) its lone defeat.
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PHOTOS (Top) A Lansing Everett receiver pulls in a pass during the Vikings' Week 4 32-0 win over Lansing Waverly. (Middle) Lansing Catholic defenders close in on a Charlotte ball carrier during the Orioles’ 35-17 win. (Below) Ishpeming's Josh Wojie is able to break a couple of tackles and get past Munising’s MJ Bell for a touchdown during the Hematites' 52-14 victory. (Everett/Waverly photo by Larry Arreguin/Team Arreguin Photos. Lansing Catholic/Charlotte photo by Tom Pierson/TCP Photography. Ishpeming/Munising photo by Cara Kamps.)