STURGIS — The second week of the high school football season has been underway with practices since the end of last week. Labor Day may have caused some break in action for a bit, but local teams are headed into their games this week looking to improve and pick up victories.
A handful of local squads opened their seasons with wins while others are now 0-1 and looking to get into the win column and even their records. Starting 0-2 can be tough for any football team, but with the new playoff point system by the MHSAA, the six wins and you’re in model no longer applies. That can take some pressure off of those teams who stumble out of the gates.
If you’re out and about this week at a game, make sure to check back on our Facebook page for the scoring update story. It will have up to the minute scores from every local team in the area. If you’re looking for me this week, I will be in Sturgis for the team’s home opener. They’re going to be having a tailgate party to open the season. Check it out if you’re in the area:
Sturgis Gridiron Club Tailgate Party
Battle Creek Pennfield (0-1) at Sturgis (0-1)
Chance Stewart and the Sturgis Trojans are looking to rebound from a season-opening loss at Coldwater last week. The Trojans were better in the second half, but ultimately weren’t able to run the football effectively enough to sustain drives and put points on the board. Sturgis finished with just 53 yards on the ground in the game and often found itself behind the chains.
Pennfield comes into the contest off a 32-26 loss to Otsego in its opener. Following Friday’s game, Sturgis will play the remainder of its schedule in Wolverine Conference play.
Mendon (1-0) at Britton-Deerfield (1-0)
This will probably be a high-scoring contest. Both Mendon and Britton-Deerfield reached 60 points in victories last week, now they meet up in a cool Thursday matchup in 8-player football. Both were playoff teams last year and return some solid firepower.
Dowagiac (1-0) at Three Rivers (1-0)
Three Rivers won in overtime over Charlotte last week, 33-32. Now the Wildcats will welcome in Dowagiac, which beat South Haven 35-9 last week. This will be the Wildcat’s final non-conference game of the season as they hit the Wolverine schedule beginning next week against Otsego.
White Pigeon (1-0) at Hartford (1-0)
This one shapes up to be an interesting matchup. White Pigeon hammered Reading last week, 38-0, with both Taylor Stewart and Ty Strawser having big games offensively. The Chief players were both up for athlete of the week honors. Hartford crushed Niles-Brandywine 52-8 and will have some revenge on its mind following a 66-0 humbling from White Pigeon last year.
Bronson (1-0) at Decatur (0-1)
During the preseason, Bronson head coach Tony Myers noted this would be a real big early test for his team. Now after a strong win at home last week over Prairie Heights (32-16), the Vikings hit the road to take on a Decatur squad coming off a 24-6 loss to Lawton last week.
Stockbridge (0-1) at Centreville (0-1)
Both Centreville and Stockbridge will be looking for their first win on Friday. Centreville lost 14-13 to Schoolcraft last week in a game where the Bulldogs nearly were able to pull off the comeback late. James Phillips and the Dogs are hosting a tailgate kickoff earlier in the evening prior to kickoff, so hopes should be high for this one.
Constantine (1-0) at Lansing Waverly (0-1)
You’re asking yourself why Constantine, a Division 7 school, is hitting the road to play at Lansing Waverly, a Division 3 school. Well, the simple answer is if the Falcons are able to win the contest, playoff points would be a huge bonus for them here. Also, Constantine found somebody to play them here in Week 2, and filling out a complete schedule is essential now with the playoff point system. Waverly gave up 50 points to Wayland last week.
Marcellus (1-0) at Martin (1-0)
This is Martin’s homecoming. In Week 2. Sometimes that’s how it has to be, though. The Onion Kings have won two of the last three state championships and went all the way to the regional finals last year, falling to Mendon. Marcellus will look to run the ball effectively here and the Wildcats will have to avoid turnovers to give themselves a chance.
Colon (1-0) at Morenci (0-1), Saturday 1 p.m.
Morenci lost to Marcellus last week, now it hosts a Colon team which is feeling good about the season-opening win. The Magi hit the road and beat Holton, scoring 39 points in the contest. Starting 2-0 would be big for a Magi team looking to make a playoff appearance this year.
Other games
In other games this week, Coldwater (1-0) heads to take on Gull Lake (0-1); Quincy (1-0) heads to take on Sand Creek (0-1); Union City (1-0) will play Maple Valley (0-1) and Jonesville (1-0) will play at winless Grass Lake.
Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BwatsonSJ.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Week 2 will be important one for local football teams
Reporting by Brandon Watson, Sturgis Journal / Sturgis Journal
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