Football season previews, schedules and rosters for the Monroe County Region’s three largest schools — Bedford, Monroe and Gibraltar Carlson.
BEDFORD
2024 record: 5-5.
Coach: John Phillips, sixth year (22-15).
Assistants: Jay Lake, James O’Brien, Tom Regalado, Nick Kledzik, Ben Whetstone, Adam Gilsdorf, Rick Schoch, Matt Phillips, Aiden Schoch, Stephan Wilkinson, Robby Gossard, Michael Piasecki, Cam Braun, Cory Scheuer.
Playoff history: Qualified last year for the 14th time in school history. Playoff record is 9-14.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 28: at Sterling Heights Stevenson, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5: at ANN ARBOR PIONEER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: MANSFIELD (Mass.), 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: at Monroe, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: DEXTER, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: ANN ARBOR HURON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Saline, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: DETROIT CASS TECH, 7 p.m.
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense: Simon Montrie (L), Parker Winslow (L), Trenton Smithson (RB), Hudson Heams (L) Braylon Gilsdorf (RB), Jacob Spoonmore (RB), Isaac Henman (QB), Kale Ernst, (L).
Defense: Keagan Dixon (DB), Dylan Grabowski (DB), Trenton Smithson (LB), Jaxson Lestock (LB), Brayden Rooks (L), Caleb Przybylski (L).
OUTLOOK
Offense: Braylon Gilsdorf, who led the Mules with 416 rushing yards last fall is back, along with top passer Isaac Henman. Henman is a two-year starter at quarterback. “We’re looking forward to impact on the team his senior season,” Phillips said. The backfield also features returning starters Jacob Spoonmore and Trenton Smithson. They will operate behind a veteran offensive line led by Simon Montrie, Parker Winslow, Hudson Heams and Kale Ernst. “We have spent the long off season and the summer fine tuning our offense,” Phillips said. “We are simplifying and installing some new look option concepts.”
Defense: Smithson earned a spot on the All-Region team last season by logging 77 tackles. He will line up at linebacker with Jaxson Lestock, who was one of the most pleasant surprises of last season by winning a starting job as a freshman. Lestock intercepted three passes last season and defensive back Keagan Dixon picked off four. Dylan Grabowski also returns in the secondary while Brayden Rooks and Caleb Przybylski lead the line. “We’ve got a number of returning players at key positons on defense,” Phillips said. “We will be aggressive. We should be a tough defense to contend with.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK
Phillps believes his team can contend with Saline and Dexter for the Southeastern Conference Red title. “The division will be the same traditional slug fest as in the past. We’re looking forward to the competition.”
COACH’S FINAL WORD
“We believe the summer was successful. We’re looking to our returning starters to help to lead our team.”
ROSTER
Todd Dowe WR-DB 12
Braylon Gilsdorf RB-LB 12
Dylan Grabowski SR-DB 12
Hudson Heams OL-DL 12
Isaac Henman QB-DB 12
Mason Laffartha OL-DL 12
Simon Montrie OL-DL 12
Joshua Parshall WR-DB 12
Jacob Pietrowski WR-DB 12
Caleb Przybylski TE-DL 12
Brayden Rooks RB-DL 12
Bryce Senyo TE-DL 12
Trenton Smithson RB-LB 12
Jacob Spoonmore SR-DB 12
Cooper Starr WR-DB 12
Giovanni Turigliatto OL-DL 12
Champ Baker OL-DL 11
Jack Batey SR-DB 11
Brady Boisselle QB-DB 11
John Derian SR-DB 11
Keagen Dixon SR-DB 11
Kale Ernest OL-DL 11
Vaughn Gilsdorf SR-DB 11
Nickolas Grace OL-DL 11
Jackson Harman TE-DL 11
Parker Hearns SR-DB 11
Drew Hill OL-DL 11
Ethan Jamieson WR-DB 11
Deuce Johnston RB-DB 11
Eli Koontz RB-LB 11
Jackson Laskey OL-DL 11
Alex Mapes SR-DL 11
Masyn Moran RB-DL 11
Waylon Napier OL-DL 11
Sawyer Pienta OL-DL 11
William Rivers III TE-DL 11
Noah Scott OL-DL 11
Cole Smith OL-DL 11
Wyatt Van Buren WR-LB 11
Connor Wallace RB-LB 11
Everett Wingate RB-LB 11
Chase Atkins QB-LB 10
Drew Bilik RB-DL 10
Blake Elliott OL-DL 10
Nolan Gambino SR-LB 10
Damion Hart RB-LB 10
Caleb Kinney OL-LB 10
Jaxson Lestock WR-DB 10
Caden Merritt SR-DB 10
Luke Whetstone QB-DB 10
Parker Winslow OL-DL 10
MONROE
2024 record: 2-7.
Coach: Kyle Reed, third year (5-13).
Assistants: Drake Minton, Alex Russo, Kendall Major, Logan Genson, Joe Hammond, Jody McCollum, Travon Hamilton, Brad Montague.
Playoff history: Qualified 18 times, but only twice in the past nine years. Playoff record is 6-18.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 28: PLYMOUTH, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5: DEXTER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: BEDFORD, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: SALINE, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: at Jackson, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: at Rochester, 7 p.m.
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense: Tanner Collett (TE), Keoni Snavely (RB), Julian Espinoza (RB), Brendan Bacon (RB), Jakoby Haefler (OL), Tim Tisher (OL).
Defense: Tanner Collett (LB), Keoni Snavely (LB), Julian Espinoza (CB), Brendan Bacon (S), Nolan Cacioppo (DL).
OUTLOOK
Offense: “We have shifted things offensively as far as scheme goes this year,” Reed said. “We are looking to find ways to get our athletes the ball in space.” Grady Brooks, who was forced into action because of an injury last season, returns at quarterback. He will have some enticing weapons at his disposal including Keoni Snavely, Julian Espinoza, and Brendan Bacon. Returning starters Jakoby Haefler and Tim Tisher lead the line. “Our offensive line has put in the work this offseason and we are stronger than we have been in a while up front,” Reed said.
Defense: Four-year starter Tanner Collett already owns close to 300 career tackles, including a Region-best 109 last season. He and Snavely are returning starters at linebacker. “Look for Keoni Snavely, Brendan Bacon and Julian Espinoza to be difference makers on the defensive side of the ball,” Reed said. Nolan Cacioppo (line) also is a returning starter. “We are looking for some young kids to step up in key roles defensively and so far they have answered that call through summer 7-on-7’s and camps.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK
“I expect our league to be competitive,” Reed said of the Southeastern Conference Red. “Saline will be a league favorite with them returning 35 juniors from a solid team last year.”
COACH’S FINAL WORD
“We expect to be competitive in every game. When I took over the program three years ago, I decided we didn’t need a rebuild, we needed a reset. I expect to see that hard work paying off for these kids this season.”
ROSTER
Zamir Austin WR-DB 11
Brendan Bacon RB-DB 12
Conner Bacon OL-DL 12
Joshua Bedner OL-DL 12
Max Bodi WR-DL 11
Brett Bray RB-LB 11
Grady Brooks QB-DB 11
Ryan Bruck OL-DL 12
Nolan Cacioppo TE-DL 12
Jayden Campbell WR-DB 12
Jack Casey OL-DL 11
Jahlon Clemons RB-LB 11
Tanner Collett TE-LB 12
Davian Davis WR-DB 12
Julian Espinoza WR-DB 11
Joshua Gray OL-DL 10
Landon Griffin K 10
Jakoby Haefler OL-DL 11
Wesley Hayes WR-DB 11
Ari Hunter TE-DL 11
Mykeah Hyden OL-DL 10
Cole Lahna WR-LB 11
Blake Little WR-DB 10
Jadyn Loope WR-DB 11
Jamesyn Loope WR-DB 11
Landon Loveland TE-LB 11
Xzander McCoy RB-LB 12
Marcus McPherson OL-DL 11
Dartanian Mendoza OL-DL 12
Daniel Moreno OL-DL 12
Michael Nguyen K-OL-DL 11
Tavin Parkhurst WR-DB 11
Caden Pfeiffer TE-DL 11
Zyshonne Reid OL-DL 11
Timothy Richards RB-LB 10
Griffin Rippee WR-DB 12
Kaleb Russeau OL-DL 11
Torran Simmons RB-LB 11
Cole Smith RB-DB 12
Keoni Snavely RB-DB 12
Cooper Stewart OL-DL 12
Malahki Threatt RB-DL-LB 12
Tim Tisher K-OL-DL 12
Landin Turner-Pomeroy RB-DB 11
DaWann Watkins OL-DL 11
Marquis Wilkerson RB-DB 11
Darius Zimmerman OL-DL 11
GIBRALTAR CARLSON
2024 record: 10-2 (won District title)
Coach: Jason Gendron, fourth year (29-6)
Assistants: Dan Kalbfleisch, Drew Sweany, Ryan Buttson, Dale Midkiff, Austin Damron, Jim Kalbfleisch, Andrew Knope, Nick McGuire, Mitch Duvall, Tim Simons Sr., Shaun Thacker.
Playoff history: Qualified in each of the past eight seasons and 17 times overall. Playoff record is 8-17.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 28: WYANDOTTE ROOSEVELT, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5: at Dearborn Edsel Ford, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: at Pontiac Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: at Trenton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: TAYLOR, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3: SOUTHGATE ANDERSON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: WOODHAVEN, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Lincoln Park, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: ALLEN PARK, 7 p.m.
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense: Izaiah Wright (RB), Avery Ortiz (WR), Trent Ison (QB). Chris Nightingale (L), Brady Wilkins (L), Jovani Wilczewski (L), Sam Przytula (L), Josh Beach (L).
Defense: Ethan Guriel (DE), Jayden Allen (DE), Cam Kalbfleisch (LB), Teegan Nagy (LB), Jacob Collins (DB), Kenny McCurdy (DB).
OUTLOOK
Offense: Purdue recruit Izaiah Wright, who amassed 3,500 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns in his first three seasons, returns at 100 percent after being hampered much of last season by an injury. “If he stays healthy, he has the ability to take over games and elevate our entire offense,” Gendron said. Wright will run behind a veteran offensive line that features returning starters Chris Nightingale, Brady Wilkins, Jovani Wilczewski, Sam Przytula and Josh Beach. Trent Ison, who filled several roles on the offense last season, shifts to quarterback. Avery Ortiz will be a dangerous weapon at receiver. Marco DePaoli is a physical tight end.
Defense: Ethan Guriel and Jayden Allen will be the bookends on the ends of what should be an outstanding defensive line. “We’ll need to replace some key pieces on the interior of our defensive line, but we’re confident in the depth and development we have coming up,” Gendron said. Cam Kalbfleisch and Teegan Nagy lead the linebacking corps and Jacob Collins and Kenny McCurdy anchor the secondary. “Overall, this is a tough, high-energy group that plays with pride and if we can shore up a few areas early, our defense has the potential to be a major strength,” Gendron said.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK
Carlson is seeking its fifth straight Downriver League championship. “Our rivalry games with Trenton, Allen Park, and Woodhaven always bring out the best in both teams,” Gendron said. “Those matchups are physical, emotional, and usually come with playoff implications.”
COACH’S FINAL WORD
“The pieces are in place for another strong season. With a veteran core, championship experience, and seniors hungry to finish what they started, this team has the potential to make a deep run — if we stay healthy and grow in a few key areas.”
ROSTER
Ethan Guriel LB 12
Jacob Collins DB 12
Zach Holewinski WR 12
Kenny McCurdy DB 12
Avery Ortiz WR 12
Izaiah Wright RB 12
Teegan Nagy LB 12
Trent Ison QB 12
Brody Kulhanek DB 12
Carmine Carafelli WR 12
Cam Kalbfleisch LB 12
Grant Gomez WR 12
Jayden Allen DE 12
Marco DePaoli TE 12
Noah Latzy WR 12
Corey Cupp WR 12
Nick Dietz DB 12
Caleb Knapp LB 12
Leo Rowe LB 12
Dean Manthei K 12
Chris Nightingale OL 12
Bo Hocutt OL 12
Lucas Poindexter DL 12
Jacob Evans DL 12
Austin Davis OL 12
Brady Wilkins OL 12
Peyton Rippe OL 12
Jovani Wilczewski OL 12
Rocco Stoney DB 12
Danny Pak WR 12
Jailan Harris OL 12
Landon Larkin DL 12
Cole Federoff QB 11
Nick Rooding LB 11
Jaxon Arndt DB 11
Scott Clark DB 11
Timothy Selonke DB 11
Reece Wieckowski DB 11
Michael Skowronski DB 11
Asher McCall WR 11
Drew Biro TE 11
Wally Sindone RB 11
Ezekiel Morris DB 11
Henrik Lobb LB 11
Lucas Greear LB 11
Cade Wyatt DL 11
Asher Jenson OL 11
Liam Roberts DE 11
Joshua Newby DL 11
Jakob Hedke OL 11
Sam Przytula OL 11
Mason Love WR 11
Jaxon Arndt DB 11
Antonio Torres DE 11
Jeffery Morris DL 11
Landon Forbes DL 11
Joseph Street DL 11
Noah Borowski QB 10
Grayson Malec WR 10
Brennan Hudson RB 10
Jordan Palmore DB 10
Aiden Yount OL 10
Josh Beach OL 10
Adrian Blackmon WR 10
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Looking at the prospects for Monroe, Bedford, Carlson football
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
