'Patriot Game' Unites Traverse City Rivals
September 9, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Twenty years ago this fall, Traverse City Central and Traverse City West faced each other in varsity football for the first time as new communities created by the split of the former Traverse City High School.
As was inevitable, the resulting rivalry has become one of the state’s most competitive, with West holding a 12-7 edge in varsity football after winning the first four games of the new series. But an idea five years ago to make the game about more has given an entirely new meaning to the annual neighborly get-together.
The “Patriot Game” was an idea first stoked by West football coach Tim Wooer, who suggested a military salute game in 2012 after the death of U.S. Marine Justin Hansen, who had been serving in Afghanistan and was one of Wooer’s players when the latter formerly coached at Kingsley.
Historic Thirlby Field was packed with 10,000 fans for that first Patriot Game, played Week 6 that fall. And it was just a start.
The Patriot Game has grown to also honor first responders, including police, fire and medical personnel, and for more reasons than football has become the game for the 3,000 students who attend either Central or West.
In their words, two of those students – Central senior Sarah Berry and West senior Dani Priest, the governors of their school’s respective student senates – explain why the Patriot Game has grown to mean so much, and also what it says about their communities.
Both Berry and Priest have attended all four Patriot Games, and of course will be on hand tonight after a full day of festivities at both schools. (Watch the game live with subscription on MHSAA.tv.) The game again is played at Thirlby, which is the shared home of Central and West as well as Traverse City St. Francis and has been hosting football games since 1896.
Priest: “My favorite memory of the Patriot Game was freshman year. Thirlby Field in itself is just a field where not many high school kids get to experience (that kind) of opportunity, because it an incredible thing that we share between the schools. The stands were completely filled, it was my first-ever high school football game, it was under the lights, it was 500+ kids from West, 500+ kids from Central. The whole community (went) back and forth, back and forth, the game was incredibly close and then West ended up winning (17-14). That was the only game since I’ve been in high school that we’ve won. The feeling after that was incredible especially because I was a freshman and it was new; there were no words. … Especially since our community is so intimate and small, that adds another component. No matter what, because we’re in the same conference, we’re going to play each other. But what is so important about the Patriot Game itself is the students are so involved in this game.”
As has become tradition, the student sections will wear patriotic colors – tonight, West will be a sea of Blue and Central of red. The schools hold various fundraisers, including selling T-shirts leading up to the game. Money raised this year will be donated to Veteran 2 Veteran, a local program that sets up mentors for veterans as they return to civilian life.
Berry: “Last year I helped to build a memorial at our field, so that was really special and really awesome to present that to the veterans who were at the game. This year, something that I think is going to be really special is we’re doing a thing called ‘Bucks for Vets.’ We’re going to bring all the student senators and run through the stands for two minutes and get all the donations from as many people as we can to go toward this organization. The organizations that we support every year are chosen through a council. I’ve been on the council for three years now and meeting with all of the organizations. They’re able to pitch to us why they need the money, where they’re going to use the money so it will affect veterans in the area, and we’re able to choose what organization – they all deserve money – but what organization needs the money. So all of the money from the game is going toward them and not just extra new special things.”
Classes began Tuesday, giving student officers at both schools limited time to drum up enthusiasm for today’s events – although there’s already ample buzz. Both schools will hold assemblies today. At Central, veterans and first responders will be welcomed in to tell some of their stories. At West, student leaders will hold more of a pep rally to make sure the entire student body, especially new classmates, know details for the night and why they should be there.
Berry: “We have an assembly every year right before the game where we honor all of our veterans and all of our first responders, and I think that really explains to (students) why it’s such a big deal. During that assembly, everyone is completely silent. They have so much respect. Our whole school still talks about how astounding that assembly was to thank all of them (last year), and I really think they know how much it means. It’s really hard not to be emotional about it during the assembly because we have families that come in and they lost a loved one in a war, and we have people who came back from combat a few years ago, so it’s really easy to understand how much it means to everyone. Normally, all of our other assemblies, people are rowdy, (but) this one assembly everyone has so much respect. It’s amazing. You always hear, ‘Oh yeah, the veterans are losing their lives in the war. They’re fighting for our country. They’re risking their lives.’ But to actually hear from someone who has experienced the death firsthand, it really opens your eyes.”
Both teams are 2-0, and this will be the first time they'll match up with perfect records. Both also are expected to contend in the Big North Conference; Central won the league title and West was third a year ago. But those teams make up only a part of what is, of course, an educational event.
Priest: “What we learn from the Patriot Game is there’s so much more than just high school. There’s so much more than just a Central/West rivalry. There are people out there fighting for our country, and we all stand together. Both of our schools are at one place realizing there’s more than just us. We have to be thankful that we have the opportunity to be at this game, cheering on our teams.”
Berry: “People definitely learn a lot about respect. You definitely notice how much respect everyone has during the game, toward other people; it’s amazing. Definitely in past years, I’ve learned how much veterans do for us. And not only veterans, but the responders, police, everyone. It’s astounding. I guess I just wasn’t aware previously how much they really risk and how much they really do. That’s the main thing I learned, and I think a lot of people in the school could say the same thing. And you really learn a lot about your community as well. (The game) is sold out every single year. The student sections are covered in a sea of blue and red, and you just learn how much support can be given to our community.”
Ticket sales at the stadium gate begins at 2 p.m. Veterans, reservists, active military and first responders will be admitted free of charge through special entrances, and later student senators from both schools will camp out at the entrances to make sure no special guests are waiting in line when festivities begin. A motorcade of American Legion Riders, local motorcycle police and North Flight emergency medical transport personnel will ride into the stadium, and colors will be presented by member of the U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard and first responder Honor Guard.
As the West marching band plays, student senators from both schools will form a tunnel for veterans and first responders to walk through as they enter the field and then line up at the 50-yard line, where they will be greeted by both football teams.
After the playing of taps and a memorial announcement of names, the junior varsity football teams from both schools together will take hold of a giant American flag stretching sideline to sideline as the band plays the national anthem. There will then be a flyover before the coin toss and opening kickoff.
Berry: “I think doing (the Patriot Game) with West makes it extremely special. Because not only do we have friends on the other side, but using the game in this way is extremely smart. We’re able to come together for a common cause, on common ground, in that we want to honor all these people and honor what they’ve done for us, and that really ties it all together. … I’ve been asked if I want more people to be in the student section from Central supporting the veterans or more people from West, but really, we want everyone there. We want everyone to do well. We want everyone to be able to thank everyone, and it’s just an extremely supportive thing. Of course we want to win, but win or lose, it’s a great experience.
Priest: “I think what makes it special with Central is honestly, we know these kids. We see them, we’re friends with them. The only thing that makes us different is we go to different schools. We live in the same town, we do the same things, in our free time we go to the same ski hills, we go to the same beaches, we go to the same restaurants, we see each other around town, we participate in the same social events. Seeing your friends and people that you care about as well, not only as your rival but you care about them, makes it so much better.”
An estimated 100-150 veterans and first responders attended the 2015 Patriot Game, and 150 or more are expected tonight with moderate temperatures and mostly clear skies expected. The schools are preparing for a crowd that could eclipse 8,000 fans total.
Priest: “I know people who don’t have kids in high school. My neighbors, actually, have elementary school kids, and they’re like, ‘We’re coming to the game. We bought T-shirts.’ Because they just want to help out with the cause. It’s broadcast on the news, it’s on the radio, it’s everywhere. It just shows so much how no matter if it’s your school or if it’s your kids, people just want to get involved and they want to know how they can help.”
Berry: “It explains so much about Traverse City’s personality and just how giving the entire community is, and accepting. Traverse City is such a special place in that everyone comes at you with open arms. Our community is so giving towards veterans. The hearts of everyone grow bigger during this game. Going there can definitely affect the way you view the city.
“There’s so much love in that stadium. And everyone wants to be there. It’s the event of Traverse City for the high schools. If you’re going to go to any of the games, I would tell you, you have to be at the Patriot Game.”
Click for more information from the Patriot Game website.
PHOTOS: (Top) Traverse City Central players shake hands with veterans before the first "Patriot Game" in 2012. (Top middle) Junior varsity players from Central and West hold the giant flag during last season's national anthem. (Middle) West players converge on a Central ball-carrier in front of a packed Thirly Field in 2015. (Below middle) A helicopter provides a fly-over as the Traverse City Central band takes the field. (Below) Students dress in blue and red in support of veterans and first responders saluted during the game. (Photos by Rick Sack/TC Rick Photo.)
1st & Goal: 2022 11-Player Semifinals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 17, 2022
Snow has blanketed the majority of the state over the last few days. But it’s nearly a guarantee that the players on the field for this weekend’s 11-player Semifinals will be the last to notice it’s gotten wetter and colder outside.
They’re focused on getting to Ford Field, and a snowy mid-November game is just part of the unique path traveled by championship contenders in Michigan.
All 16 Semifinals will be viewable on MHSAA.tv with subscription, with Friday’s Belleville/Detroit Cass Tech game in Division 1 to be broadcast live on Bally Sports Detroit’s primary channel. The other 15 Semifinals will be played Saturday; click for the full schedule.
Below is a look at all 16 games that will determine this season’s Finals matchups.
Division 1
Detroit Cass Tech (9-3) vs. Belleville (12-0) at Novi – FRIDAY
Cass Tech has won eight straight games, with its last five victories as impressive a string as anyone has conquered statewide. Senior quarterback Leeshaun Mumphfield (1,712 yards/25 TDs passing) is a proven leader and has standouts like senior running back Sean Hodges (846 yards/12 TDs rushing) and freshman Corey Sadler Jr. (665 yards/8 TDs receiving) to take away some of the playmaking pressure. Belleville’s 23-game winning streak is on the line, and the reigning champion has plenty of big-game experience too with sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood (2,479 yards/34 TDs passing) and junior running back Jeremiah Beasley (1,088 yards/23 TDs rushing) showing the way.
Clarkston (10-2) vs. Caledonia (11-1) at DeWitt
These teams have combined to run for 7,458 yards this season, perhaps the best fit for what weather conditions might provide this weekend. Caledonia has a pair of 1,000-yard rushers – junior running back Brock Townsend (1,130/16 TDs) and senior quarterback Mason McKenzie (1,441/19), who also has thrown for 1,356 yards and 19 touchdowns. Clarkston’s top five runners all average at least seven yards per carry, but senior running back Ethan Clark is shouldering the load with 2,542 yards – at 10.1 per carry – and 30 touchdowns on the ground. Both teams have avenged a regular-season loss during the playoffs, Caledonia to Rockford and Clarkston to Davison.
Division 2
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (12-0) vs. Dexter (12-0) at Portage Northern
Dexter is playing for its first championship game berth, and Forest Hills Central for its first since 1994. A Rangers defense giving up only 7.9 points per game will face its strongest challenge as senior running back Cole Cabana (1,433 yards/26 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Reeves Taylor (2,248 yards/30 TDs passing) give the Dreadnaughts a variety of options on the offensive side of the ball. Not that FHC doesn’t have the same, especially with senior quarterback Justin Osterhouse’s ability to make plays rushing (654 yards/15 TDs) and throwing (1,070 yards/13 TDs passing). Dexter’s defense has been similarly special too, giving up only 9.3 ppg.
Birmingham Groves (9-3) vs. Warren De La Salle Collegiate (11-1) at Troy Athens
Groves had rebounded off 3-6 and 2-7 seasons and accelerated after a 4-3 start to return to the Semifinals, impressing especially with last week’s 32-25 win over Livonia Franklin. Senior running back Josh Woods went over 1,000 yards rushing for the season in that victory, and Franklin was the first team in six weeks to score more than 12 points on the Falcons. Reigning champion De La Salle has put up more than 4,600 yards in total offense and will challenge Groves beginning with senior quarterback Brady Drogosh, who has thrown for 1,839 yards and 33 touchdowns and run for 1,088 yards and 13 scores. The Pilots have allowed more than 16 points just once, in their lone loss two months ago.
Division 3
DeWitt (9-3) vs. Muskegon (10-2) at Greenville
This will be the fourth time these two have matched up over the last six seasons and third time in Semifinals over the last four years. The Big Reds’ losses this fall were to De La Salle and Zeeland West, the latter avenged last week. Their top playmakers are all juniors – quarterback M’Khi Guy leads in rushing (1,297 yards/18 TDs) and passing (614 yards/10 TDs), while Destin Piggee (318 yards/4 TDs receiving, 713/5 rushing) and Jakob Price (863 yards/14 TDs rushing) provide plenty of options. All three of DeWitt’s losses were by seven or fewer points, and the Panthers have grown up quickly this fall after several leaders graduated from the teams that reached Finals the last two seasons. Senior Bryce Kurncz does a lot of everything, leading the team in rushing (1,395 yards/17 TDs) and receiving (727 yards/11 TDs) while also throwing for four scores, returning punts and starting on defense. A variety of others contribute too, including sophomore Abram Larner who is second on the team in rushing and receiving yardage.
Detroit Martin Luther King (8-3) vs. Mason (12-0) at Westland John Glenn
The reigning Division 3 champion King is seeking to reach the Finals for the fourth time in five seasons, which included 2019 in Division 2. Senior quarterback Dante Moore is the name everyone knows, and rightly so as he’s thrown for 1,787 yards and 24 touchdowns in his fourth season directing the offense. But senior running back Sterling Anderson Jr. is another of many to note, as he’s run for 918 yards and 12 scores and caught 36 passes including four for touchdowns. Mason is certainly less familiar statewide at this point; this will be the Bulldogs’ second Semifinal in two seasons as they seek their first Finals appearance. But they’re starting to gain plenty of attention, especially sophomore quarterback Cason Carswell (2,141 yards/33 TDs passing) and junior running back AJ Martell (1,221 yards/20 TDs rushing).
Division 4
Edwardsburg (11-1) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
A season that started differently than usual for Edwardsburg with a loss is shaping up the same as the rest lately as the Eddies will play in their third straight and sixth Semifinal over the last seven seasons – and with that opening-night opponent, Grand Rapids West Catholic, still playing as well. Edwardsburg again relies on the run game – it’s thrown 21 passes, but rushed for 4,343 yards led by senior backs Brett Allen and Andrew Colvin, who have combined for 1,957 yards and 27 scores on the ground. South Christian has followed the lead of senior quarterback Jacob DeHaan to its first Semifinal since 2014. He’s run for 949 yards and 14 touchdowns and thrown for 2,308 yards and 28 scores.
Goodrich (11-1) vs. Riverview (12-0) at Rochester
Goodrich is another team that didn’t get down after a season-opening loss, as the Martians won their next 11 games to reach the Semifinals for the first time. They have been balanced almost to the yard with just north of 1,600 rushing and 1,600 passing. Senior running back Jace Simerson has shouldered much of the load running for 1,130 yads and 15 touchdowns, with senior quarterback Gavin Hart balancing that out with 1,612 yards and 19 scores through the air. They’ll go against a Riverview team that’s won two straight games where the Pirates and their opponents have combined for 80 or more points. Jacob Shank (1,603 yards/28 TDs rushing), Anthony Bowman (1,026/11) and Max Lockhart (892/10) lead a ground game averaging 8.8 yards per carry.
Division 5
Gladwin (12-0) vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (11-1) at Ithaca
Grand Rapids Catholic Central has won the last two Division 5 championships and the 2019 Division 4 title before that – and while most of the star power has turned over since last year, the new playmakers have provided similar results. Junior running back Kellen Russell-Dixon is averaging nine yards per carry for 1,406 total and 17 touchdowns on the ground, while junior quarterback Connor Wolf has thrown for 2,622 yards and 30 scores. No opponent has gotten closer than 19 points since the Cougars’ 36-34 loss to South Christian in Week 6. Gladwin can turn to a defense that’s given up only 8.4 points per game and 4.1 yards per play. The Flying G’s will also employ several options offensively, with senior Earl Esiline at 1,048 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing, senior running back Logan Kokotovich at 833 and 11, respectively, and senior quarterback Nick Wheeler having thrown 11 touchdown passes and run for 19 scores.
Detroit Country Day (8-3) vs. Frankenmuth (12-0) at Lapeer
After falling in the Regional Final to eventual Division 4 champion Chelsea last season, Country Day will play in its third Semifinal in four seasons and coming off both its highest-scoring game of this fall and lowest-scoring defensive effort last week in a 44-7 win over Flat Rock. Junior fullback Gabe Winowich (833 yards/11 TDs) has run for nearly half the team’s rush yards, and senior Gabe Zeldes is another intriguing playmaker – he’s caught nine touchdowns passes, returning three of his five interceptions for scores and also found the end zone on a kickoff return. They’ll try to get past a Frankenmuth defense giving up just 5.3 points per game – and not more than seven since Week 3. The Eagles have allowed only eight offensive touchdowns this season. They also spread things around on offense, as junior Griffin Barker, senior Sam Barger and senior quarterback Aidan Hoard all have run for at least 10 touchdowns. Hoard also has thrown for 16 scores.
Division 6
Negaunee (12-0) vs. Reed City (11-1) at Gaylord
Negaunee enters its first Semifinal since 2003 following just its second single-digit game this season, and Gladstone last week also was the first opponent in five weeks to score on a Miners defense giving up only 6.3 points per game. A pair of 1,000-yard rushers set the pace offensively – senior Nico Lukkarinen (1,124 yards/18 TDs) and junior Kai Lacar (1,082/16 TDs). Reed City most recently played a Semifinal in 2017 and is seeking its first championship game berth. A high-producing offense churns with three rushers with at least 900 yards led by senior running back Bryson Hughes (1,215 yards/15 TDs rushing.)
Clinton (12-0) vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic (11-1) at Coldwater
Clinton is playing in its second Semifinal in three seasons after last week’s 31-30 win over 2021 runner-up Warren Michigan Collegiate. The Redwolves have capitalized on 29 turnovers by opponents this fall, and also feature a strong running attack with senior back Bradyn Lehman leading with 1,005 yards and 16 TDs rushing plus five receiving scores. West Catholic is headed back to the Semifinals for the first time since 2017 after winning the first three games of these playoffs by an average of 33 points per. Senior running back Timmy Kloska has piled up 1,852 yards and 30 touchdowns on the ground.
Division 7
New Lothrop (10-2) vs. Traverse City St. Francis (12-0) at Clare
This is a rematch of the 2020 Final, won by New Lothrop 42-35. The Gladiators have won their games this fall by an average of 33 points per after suffering their lone 2021 loss in the Semifinals by seven points to eventual champion Pewamo-Westphalia. Senior quarterback Wyatt Nausadis is just one of several talented playmakers; he’s run for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns and thrown for 1,192 and 17. New Lothrop’s losses were by a combined three points to a pair of Division 6 league opponents. Junior quarterback Jack Kulhanek provides similar run-pass options, having thrown for 1,682 yards and 25 touchdowns and run for 1,342 yards and 17 scores.
Napoleon (12-0) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (9-3) at Chelsea
Both have great stories. Napoleon was 1-8 two years ago, missed the playoffs last season after improving to 6-3, and followed up with this perfect run that has included four wins by eight points or fewer including last week’s over Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central. Lumen Christi is a frequent visitor to the Semifinals but started this fall 0-3 and hasn’t lost since, edging Lawton 7-6 last week to advance. Senior running back Bart Laretz is the key cog for the Pirates’ offense with 1,973 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing. Senior quarterback Joe Lathers (678 yards/15 TDs rushing) and senior running back Derrick Walker (968/15) key another powerful Titans running attack.
Division 8
Ubly (12-0) vs. Iron Mountain (11-1) at Petoskey
This will be Ubly’s fourth Semifinal in four years as the Bearcats seek their first championship, and last year’s five-point Semifinal loss was their only defeat over the last two seasons. They’ve defeated their opponents this season 49-6 on average, stacking up 4,400 rushing yards led by senior Mark Heilig (1,151 yards/26 TDs rushing) and junior Evan Peruski (1,158/20). Iron Mountain last played in a Semifinal in 2018, and got past Evart 34-33 last week in its first close game since a Week 1 five-point loss to Negaunee. Senior quarterback Joe Colavecchi directs a balanced attack and has thrown for 1,590 yards and 20 scores, and junior Luke Wolfe is the leading rusher and also has five interceptions.
Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-3) vs. Ottawa Lake Whiteford (12-0) at Brownstown Woodhaven
Everest Collegiate is back at a Semifinal for the second time in three seasons after winning eight of its last nine games – and avenging the lone defeat of that string. An offense that’s run for more than 2,100 yards and thrown for more than 1,500 has posted three of its four highest-scoring games over the last month. Whiteford got through its closest matchup of the season last week, 38-26 against White Pigeon, and has won its games by an average score of 50-13. Whiteford boasts two 1,000-yard rushers plus has enjoyed school record-setting performances from senior quarterback Shea Ruddy (19 TD passes) and junior linebacker Jake Iott.
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PHOTO Ottawa Lake Whiteford's Hunter DeBarr gets up the sideline against Petersburg Summerfield. (Photo by Natalie McCormack.)