2008 GLIAC Football Preview
By Sandy Gholston
BAY CITY, Mich. - The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference boasts strong representation in the preseason 2008 American Football Coaches Association Division II Top 25 Preseason Poll.
It's no big surprise perennial national power Grand Valley State, the strong preseason pick by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's coaches to win the 2008 championship, ranks prominently nationally as well. Head coach Chuck Martin's Lakers are rated second in the nation by the AFCA while Ashland, under the guidance of head coach Lee Owens, is ranked 15th nationally with a tough home game against 25th ranked Bloomsburg (Pa.) to open the season on Aug. 30. The Lakers and Eagles were the lone representatives of the conference in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Ashland was defeated 40-24 by Central Washington in the first round while the Lakers advanced to the semifinals before they were stopped on the road by Northwest Missouri State, 34-16. The two GLIAC favorites battle it out in a highly-anticipated showdown, on the Lakers' turf, at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale on Oct. 25 under the lights.
The hunters already are lined up behind the Lakers and Eagles with thoughts of springing upsets. Grand Valley was the leader in the GLIAC Coaches poll with 121 points and 11 of 12 first-place votes. Next, Ashland garnered the last first-place vote and a total of 105 points to place second. After the top two, the race tightens considerably as Saginaw Valley (83 points), Northwood (78), Hillsdale (73) and (73) Michigan Tech are separated by 10 points. The Cardinals and Timberwolves have new head coaches this season, but those two teams along with the Chargers and Huskies will be confident in their ability to spring an upset or two and finish prominently in the final standings and in the push for playoff positioning.
In seventh, Ferris State earned 66 points while Indianapolis was eighth with 64, Wayne State ninth with 48, Northern Michigan 10th with 40, Findlay was 11th with 25 points and GLIAC newcomer Tiffin , which also has a first-year head coach, placed 12th with 16 points.
Ranked in order picked in the 2008 GLIAC Preseason Coaches Poll (2007 final records):
1. Grand Valley State (12-1 overall, 9-0 GLIAC)
Overview: Grand Valley enters the 2008 season as a strong favorite to repeat as GLIAC champion and make yet another extended playoff run. For years, the Lakers have survived GLIAC battles with a target on their backs. Grand Valley has a tough road game at Saginaw Valley and what should be a big home contest later in the season against Ashland as tests.
Offense: Junior Brad Iciek, who could be in line for numerous post-season honors, returns as starting quarterback. Iciek is likely to be a strong candidate for The Harlon Hill Trophy after a prolific 2007 season during which he passed for 2,850 yards and 30 touchdowns. Joining Iciek in the backfield is James Berezik, a sophomore, who rushed for 1,021 yards with eight touchdowns as a true freshman. Adding versatility is Blake Smolen, who is an explosive runner out of the backfield with capability as a receiver. He finished with 1,631 all-purpose yards last fall with seven touchdowns. Junior Mike Koster and Ryan Bass are returning layers with experience. The Lakers are experienced at tight end and strong on the offensive line led by preseason All-American center Billy Eisenhardt.
Defense: The Lakers return 21 letterwinners, defensively, led by standout senior lineman Dan Skuta and sophomore Danny Richard who could be in line for All-American consideration. Skuta totaled 77 tackles and 11.5 sacks while Richard was credited with 54 tackles with nine sacks.
Special Teams: Grand Valley offenses make a habit of scoring touchdowns from the red zone and beyond. Thus, punt and field goal opportunities are limited. Junior Justin Trumble returns at punter placekicker while senior Todd Carter will be the man with kickoffs.
Coaching: Chuck Martin is 50-4 as a head coach with the Lakers. That record includes a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships (2005, 2006), three straight GLIAC titles (2005, 2006 and 2007), two AFCA Coach of the Year Awards (2005, 2006), the 2006 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award and more.
Key Dates: The Lakers travel to University Center to face Saginaw Valley State on Sept. 13, hosts rival Ferris State University in the Anchor-Bone Trophy Game on Sept. 20 and hosts national power Ashland on Oct. 25.
2. Ashland (8-2 overall, 8-1 GLIAC)
Overview: Ashland, ranked 15th in the nation in the preseason AFCA poll, enters the league threatening to challenge Grand Valley for conference supremacy, but facing a tough schedule that is strong from start to finish. The Eagles' opener, at home against No. 25 Bloomsburg, will be one of the nation's top season openers.
Offense: The Eagles boast one of the GLIAC's top quarterbacks in junior Billy Cundiff. Last fall, Cundiff passed for 2,278 yards and 16 touchdowns. Carrying the ball, Dawon Harvey, a junior, rushed for 1,026 yards and 11 touchdowns behind a stout offensive line anchored by senior Nate Hollins.
Defense: A strong linebacker corps could be the strength of Ashland's defense. Senior Tom Brenner, also is listed at defensive back, had 54 tackles and an interception a year ago. Marcus Council, a junior, recorded 68 tackles with seven tackles for loss to go with 3.5 sacks.
Special Teams: Harvey, a second-team Football Gazette All-American, is again expected to create excitement in the Eagles' return game.
Coaching: Lee Owens came to Ashland after serving as head coach at the University of Akron from 1995-2003. Prior to coaching at Akron, Owens had been an assistant at Ohio State University.
Key Dates: At home against No. 25 Bloomsburg on Aug. 30 at No. 2 Grand Valley State on Oct. 25.
3. Saginaw Valley State (3-7 overall, 3-7 GLIAC)
Overview: Saginaw Valley has a first-year head coach and must replace key veterans who have exhausted their eligibility. But, the Cardinals return plenty of talent that just requires some experience to begin to realize the potential.
Offense: Brandon Emeott, a senior, brings experience to the Cardinals' backfield at running back. Last season, he rushed for 677 yards (including three 100-yard games) and eight touchdowns. At quarterback, sophomore Dan Stiefel entered preseason as the leading candidate to replace Chris Dougherty. Last season, Stiefel threw for 397 yards (and accounted for 443 total) in a 24-21 victory over Hillsdale. Junior Galen Stone will be one of the players battling to replace long-time standout receiver Ric Cottengim. SVSU returns experience on the offensive line and that will be critical with lesser-experienced players stepping in at receiver and quarterback.
Defense: SVSU will undergo some philosophical changes, defensively, but look for the line to continue to excel. Brad Bush is expected to anchor the line after a season during which he totaled 7.5 tackles for loss. Robert Callaway brings size and skill to the line as well. Mike LeVand helps solidify the linebackers returning after a season in which he had 55 tackles and 7.5 sacks. The Cardinals are highly experienced at defensive back led by Matt Black and Mike McClenny.
Special Teams: SVSU has a strong punting and kicking game with preseason All-American Kurtis Fournier and Jeremy Burr handling those responsibilities.
Coaching: Jim Collins begins his first season as head coach of the Cardinals after finishing 44-13 during the last five seasons at NCAA Division III Capital University (Ohio).
Key Dates: SVSU hosts No. 2 Grand Valley on Sept. 13 and travels to No. 15 Ashland on Oct. 18.
4. Northwood (5-5 overall, 5-5 GLIAC)
Overview: Northwood has made a strong reputation for itself by running the football behind a strong offensive line and being stingy against the run with a tough defense that begins with a run-stuffing line. Expect winning the running game battle - offensively and defensively - to continue to be a theme for Northwood.
Offense: Senior fullback Torris Childs returns to lead an always-strong Northwood running attack. Last fall, Childs finished with 980 rushing yards (in spite of missing two games). Don't fall asleep because the Timberwolves will throw it from time to time. Sophomore Quillan Mathis finished with 13 touchdown receptions last season. At quarterback, Spencer Klukowski brings an experienced hand to the table with his ability to pass and run. Luke and Mitch Krombach return with All-GLIAC accolades to their credit.
Defense: In spite of losing two strong players on the line in Kyle Clement and Matt Worton, NU returns some experience up front. At linebacker, Leroy Goulbourne returns from a year during which he was a second-team All-GLIAC performer with 98 tackles. In the defensive backfield, junior Simon Cholometes is back after he started all 10 games and ranked fifth on the squad with 49 tackles.
Special Teams: Northwood returns a group of veterans in special teams with Chris Kollias as a standout punter. O'Neill Thomas helps field position as a solid punt return specialist who led the GLIAC and ranked 16th nationally in punt return average (13.4 yards per return).
Coaching: Mike Sullivan enters his first season as head coach of the Timberwolves, but he is hardly new to Northwood. After serving as associate head coach the past six seasons, in addition to being the offensive line coach at NU, Sullivan is now running the show.
Key Dates: With a new coach, even one who is familiar with the program, the first game oftentimes can be a tough one - especially on the road. Northwood is at Northern Michigan on Sept. 6. The Timberwolves host Saginaw Valley State in the Axe Bowl on Sept. 20 and they host No. 15 Ashland on Oct. 11.
5. Hillsdale (8-3 overall, 7-3 GLIAC)
Overview: Head coach Keith Otterbein has worked hard to build Hillsdale College, his alma mater, into a strong program climbing the GLIAC ladder toward the top.
Offense: Hillsdale features a balanced and disciplined offense with a solid offensive line (anchored by junior Jared Veldheer and senior Josiah Swartz). At receiver, Aaron Waldie returns, as a senior, while Vinnie Panizzi brings experience as a running back. Sophomore Troy Weatherhead is expected to be the man at quarterback this season for the Chargers. Weatherhead has big shoes filling in for standout quarterback Mark Nicolet, who earned All-American honors.
Defense: The team returns a lot of experience and quality with Tom Korte, a senior, leading the way at linebacker. Seniors Eric Weber and Drew Berube are back as linemen while defensive backs Alex Wojcik, a senior, and Palmer Schoening, also a senior, strengthen the defensive backfield.
Special Teams: Mark Petro is a veteran returning at placekicker. This is Petro's third season in the program at that position.
Coaching: Keith Otterbein is in his 31-35 in six seasons as head coach of the Chargers. Otterbein, this fall, is being inducted into the Bulldog Athletic Hall of Fame for his successes as head coach of Ferris State University's football team from 1986-1994.
Key Dates: Hillsdale makes an early trip to the Upper Peninsula to face Michigan Tech on Sept6, then hosts No. 15 Ashland on Sept. 27 and travels to Allendale to face No. 2 Grand Valley State on Oct. 11. Otterbein hosts Ferris State on Nov. 1.
6. Michigan Tech (6-5 overall, 6-4 GLIAC)
Overview: Michigan Tech returns with experience on offense, including one of the league's top quarterbacks, and a defense that traditionally has been tough.
Offense: Quarterback Steve Short has proven to be a prolific passer for the Huskies. A year ago, Short set a school record with 2,194 passing yards to go with 25 touchdowns. Phil Milbrath brings a solid presence to the running game after totaling 730 yards with nine rushing touchdowns as a true freshman last season. Keith White, a senior, finished with 828 receiving yards last season and tied a school record with nine touchdowns.
Defense: The Huskies are expected to feature a taste of youth this fall, but traditionally Tech has enjoyed a hard-hitting, hard-nosed defense.
Special Teams: Tyler Cattelino and John Mills are expected to solidify the kicking and punting game. Tech is experienced in the return game as well.
Coaching: Tom Kearly is in his third season as head coach Michigan Tech after replacing long-time coach Bernie Anderson, who took over at rival Northern Michigan.
Key Dates: The Huskies host No. 15 Ashland on Sept. 13. Tech then travels to Marquette to face archrival Northern Michigan in the Miner's Cup Game. The Wildcats travel to No. 2 Grand Valley State on Sept. 27.
7. Ferris State (7-4 overall, 6-4 GLIAC)
Overview: Ferris is fighting to prove that it can elevate itself into the upper division in the GLIAC in spite of being picked seventh in the preseason league poll. Graduation hit the team's offense particularly hard as key players (C.J. Van Wieren Robert Miller, Mike Guevara, Nate Fricke and Bill Bourdlais) are gone from the program.
Offense: Ferris State will have some new players competing for the quarterback spots as Eric Grozenski, Tom Schneider, Kyle Foster and Kyle Parrish are battling to replace last year's starter, Van Wieren. Leonard Curry, Paris Holloman, Chuck Wasson and Marvel Pridgeon are in the mix at running back. Tim Hogue will be among those contributing at slot receiver and running back with his versatile skills running and receiving. At receiver, Chris Wilson and Cole Meredith benefit from experience at receiver positions. Up front, Joe Doman, Matt Wellman and Brad Bammert will anchor the line.
Defense: Consensus All-American tackle Jake Visser is expected to be the man up front. Visser had 106 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. Kyle Walker returns at end. At linebacker, Ferris is strong with Jeff Hollandsworth, Kevin Noe and Jordan Moore. Terrell Heggins and Kyle Williams are seniors returning at cornerback.
Special Teams: Jim Yates brings a strong leg to the kicking game for the Bulldogs.
Coaching: Jeff Pierce returns for his 14th season as head coach at Ferris - his alma mater.
Key Dates: The Bulldogs are on the road at 15th-ranked Ashland on Sept. 6. Ferris travels to Allendale to face archrival Grand Valley State, ranked second in the nation, in the Anchor-Bone Trophy Game Sept. 20.
8. Indianapolis (6-5 overall, 5-5 GLIAC)
Overview: After being hurt severely by a host of injuries last season (offensively and defensively), Indianapolis hopes to rebound with a healthy squad that could surprise some teams in the race for positioning in the league standings. The Greyhounds open the season with three straight home games.
Offense: Craig Jenkins brings senior leadership as a running back. She set the school single-season rushing leader with 1,136 yards in 2006, as a starter. He missed the 2007 campaign with an injury. Jenkins was one of several Greyhounds who suffered injuries that limited or ended the 2007 season. Justin Russell and Kevin Sanford provide targets at receiver for Indianapolis. At quarterback, Lance Lasker could be the leader for the starting position this season.
Defense: Randall Courtney, a junior, anchors the defensive line with 12 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Senior Jamel Williams had eight tackles for loss. All league linebacker Leonard Bush returns after compiling 74 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Special Teams: Indianapolis returns its kickers and punters and should have some competition. Junior punter Tyran Fakes is in his third season at that position and averaged 37.7 an attempt a year ago. Kyle Mossbrucker and Jace Morrison could be in a battle for placekicker duties.
Coaching: Joe Polizzi returns for his ninth season head coach of the Greyhounds.
Key Dates: Indianapolis is at No. 2 Grand Valley on Sept. 6 and hosts No. 15 Ashland on Nov. 1.
9. Wayne State (3-8 overall, 2-8 GLIAC)
Overview: Wayne finished 6-5 two years ago, but dipped to 3-8 in 2007. Coach Paul Winters is hoping for a healthy season from his standout players as well as the emergence of some younger players filling key positions.
Offense: The Warriors' offense generally starts with standout back Joique Bell, a two-time GLIAC Offensive Back of the Year, who has compiled 3,492 yards and a school-record 47 touchdowns during his two seasons at Wayne State. Helping him out in the backfield is Daryl Graham, who gained 800 yards in 2007. At quarterback, Zack George, a redshirt sophomore, and Mickey Berce, a fifth-year senior, returned with experience. Three starters return on the offensive line in senior guards Ryan Cue, Chris Ostosh and Ryan Jonik.
Defense: A strong group of linebackers will help serve as the backbone of Wayne's defense under the direction of new coordinator John Hauser. Senior linebackers Tristan Black and Adam Nuckols will be key components of that defense at linebacker.
Special Teams: Kicker David Chudzinski brings experience to the placekicking position as he will battle Anthony Morasso and Drew Chiatalas. Shane Morris, a freshman, is expected to take charge of punting duties.
Coaching: Paul Winters returns for his fifth season with a record of 13-29.
Key Dates: Wayne is at No. 15 Ashland on Oct. 4 and finishes the regular season with a home date against second-ranked Grand Valley State in Detroit .
10. Northern Michigan (5-5 overall, 5-5 GLIAC)
Overview: Head coach Bernie Anderson continues the rebuilding process at Northern Michigan and hopes a .500 record from last season is a foundation for bigger and better things this fall. The team won four of its last six games in 2007.
Offense: Ben Hempel and Vincent Church will be battling to replace Buddy Rivera, who put up big-time numbers during his playing career for the Wildcats. Hempel, who entered camp as No. 1 on the depth chart, passed for 96 yards with a touchdown while Church completed one pass for 11 yards. Anderson stated he would not rule out the use of two quarterbacks. All-GLIAC pick Mark Bossuah is back after rushing for 1,285 yards. Dan Elmore and Zach Nichols had strong seasons as Elmore had 38 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns while Nichols had 35 catches for 429 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns. The offensive line returns with experience.
Defense: Nathan Yelk, at linebacker, finished second on the team with 83 tackles during the 2007 season. Zack Gauthier, another linebacker, totaled 55 tackles. Jacob Reimer leads the line while the Wildcats hope to continue to make plays from the defensive backfield.
Special Teams: Anthony Leandri, a placekicker, enjoyed a strong season as he converted 8-of-16 field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder against Michigan Tech. Jon Laue entered fall training camp as the leader among punters.
Coaching: Bernie Anderson enters his third season as the head coach of Northern Michigan , his alma mater.
Key Dates: Northern plays host to archrival Michigan Tech in the Miner's Cup Game at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Sept. 18. The Wildcats host No. 2 Grand Valley State on Nov. 1 in the Upper Peninsula .
11. Findlay (4-7 overall, 4-6 GLIAC)
Overview: The Oilers hope to climb the ladder from a ninth-place finish in the conference standings last season during head coach Jon Wauford's first year.
Offense: Offensively, Findlay returns 18 letterwinners and 13 players who started at least once. Anthony Lanzara and Jonathan Mora will be among the leaders in the battle for the quarterback spot. Jonathan Bell, who also is in the mix at receiver, could also be a contender as the team's passer. Melvin Jackson, a junior, adds experience at running back. At receiver, Findlay has competition as Mike Chambers, a transfer from the University of Minnesota, along with Bell, sophomore Dustin Zielaskiewicz, senior Scott Palmer and DeJerrian Smith are the threats. Last fall, Zielaskiewicz finished with 303 yards and two touchdowns after moving over from defensive back.
Defense: Findlay returns 16 letterwinners. Justin Lyons, junior E.J. Whitlow and sophomore Emery Saunders bring experience for the Oilers. Lyons had 47 tackles last season, Whitlow had 38 and Saunders had 18. Honorable mention all-league linebacker Joe Knopick, a junior, finished with 71 tackles in a starting role last season.
Special Teams: Sophomore kickers Cameron Stevens, an honorable mention All-GLIAC honoree, and Kirt Munson lead at that position while Knopick is expected to be the punter.
Coaching: Jon Wauford is in his second season as head coach of the Oilers.
Key Dates: Findlay's schedule is back-loaded with several tough games that include an Oct. 18 home date against No. 2 Grand Valley State, a Nov. 1 home date against Saginaw Valley State and a Nov. 8 road date against No. 15 Ashland, an in-state rival.
12. Tiffin (9-2 overall, first year in GLIAC)
Overview: Tiffin enters its first season as a member of the GLIAC for football and also boats a first-year head coach in David Walkosky. Making the adjustment to a new conference, particularly one that plays high-level football like the GLIAC does will be a challenge. Tiffin, however, has challenged some GLIAC teams in recent seasons and performed competitively.
Offense: The Dragons averaged 38 points during the 2007 season and a big part of that was starting quarterback Matt Root. Root, a senior, threw for career-high totals with 2,396 yards, 27 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 66. Tiffin can run the ball well, too, as Senior Pierece Wade totaled 976 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2007. Tiffin returns experience on its offensive line as well.
Defense: Tiffin has experience on the defensive side of the football as well as Steve Yarbrough finished with 113 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions from the linebacker position. Parris Burt, an All-American candidate, led the Dragons with 137 tackles and three forced fumbles. Crawford, a lineman, finished with 49 tackles, four sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Helped by the secondary, Tiffin finished with 11 interceptions as a team.
Special Teams: John McCoy, a sophomore, had a strong year punting the football for the Dragons as he averaged 36.9 per attempt. Troy Brookins and Dyshaun Edwards are threats in the kick return game.
Coaching: David Walkosky is entering his first season as head coach of the Dragons as he takes over for Nate Cole.
Key Dates: Tiffin opens at home on Aug. 30 against Ferris State. The Dragons are at 15th-ranked Ashland on Sept. 20 and host No. 2 Grand Valley State, for homecoming, on Oct. 4.
