Redwings Ready to Open New Nest
August 30, 2012
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Those who have watched a football game at St. Johns High School in the past easily could get lost trying to find the Redwings' home this fall.
That's tongue-in-cheek, of course. But it is not an exaggeration on how much the school has improved its football home, which will be opened for tonight's varsity game against Corunna.
It's been a long-awaited event in the community four exits north of Lansing, which settled on the project with a May 2010 bond.
The former stadium certainly had its good points, including a welcoming small-town feel tucked in among the park and fairgrounds just to the north of the high school.
The new stadium sits in the same spot, but is a completely new build around the playing field. The first thing returning visitors will notice are bleachers, with 3,500 seats total including 1,000 on the opponents' side. There also are new entrances, team and officials rooms, press box, scoreboard, restrooms and concession area, plus bus parking among the added amenities.
St. Johns' football program has become a regular playoff qualifier and made a trip the MHSAA Finals in 2004. The new-look stadium provides a suitable home for the community to celebrate that success.
PHOTOS courtesy of St. Johns High School.
Performance of the Week: Blanchard Montabella's Brady Kieff
November 20, 2025
Brady Kieff ♦ Blanchard Montabella
Senior ♦ Football
Kieff ran 13 times for 86 yards and three touchdowns – including the game-winner with 1:04 to play – as Montabella came back from a 20-point deficit to defeat Norway 32-28 in an 8-Player Division 1 Semifinal. The Mustangs (11-1) have won their first Regional championship and set a record for wins this season, and next will face Martin on Saturday in the Division 1 Final at Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University.
A 5-foot-10, 160-pound running back, Kieff missed all of his junior season with an injury – but he has stormed back as a senior leading Montabella in rushing with 1,561 yards – 8.4 per carry – and 19 touchdowns. Kieff also plays baseball and plans to attend Mid Michigan College immediately after high school and then Lake Superior State University to study conservation, law and biology as he hopes to eventually work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
@mhsaasports 🏈POW: Brady Kieff #football #blanchardmontabella #highschoolsports #performanceoftheweek #MHSAA ♬ Bright and fun upbeat pops, Kids, Animals, Pets, Fun, Cute, Happy, Playful, Upbeat(1465232) - SAKUMAMATATA
@mhsaasports 🏈POW: Brady Kieff #funfacts #tiktalk #performanceoftheweek #highschoolsports #MHSAA ♬ Girly and cute synth pop - SAKUMAMATATA
Follow the MHSAA on TikTok.
MHSAA.com's "Performance of the Week" features are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
Previous 2025-26 honorees
Nov. 13: Ella Laupp, Battle Creek Harper Creek swimming - Report
Nov. 7: Hunter Eaton, Charlevoix cross country - Report
Oct. 31: Stephen Gollapalli, Lansing Christian tennis - Report
Oct. 23: Talya Schreiber, Pickford cross country - Report
Oct. 16: Avery Manning, Dexter golf - Report
Oct. 9: Brady Van Laecke, Hudsonville football - Report
Oct. 2: Sarah Giroux, Flat Rock volleyball - Report
Sept. 25: Sam Schumacher, Portage Central tennis - Report
Sept. 18: Kaylee Mitzel, Saline field hockey - Report
Sept. 11: Natasza Dudek, Ann Arbor Pioneer cross country - Report
Sept. 4: Kate Posey, Big Rapids golf - Report
(Photos courtesy of Photos by Anna Jensen.)