PETOSKEY — Just like the previous two summers, Nolan Schley was making throws to his teammates at the beautiful Petoskey Northmen Stadium.
He did it during his sophomore year prior to earning Cheboygan’s starting job.
He did during his junior year when he continued to show growth at quarterback.
And he certainly did it on Tuesday, July 28, which marked the final 7-on-7 passing event in the high school career of Schley, who’s heading into his senior season at Cheboygan High School this fall.
Has it flown by? You bet it has.
“It doesn’t feel real,” Schley said. “I don’t feel like I’m a senior. It still feels like it was two years ago, when I was a sophomore starting on varsity. I’m excited that I will get to play another year, but it’s obviously sad it’s my last year of high school. I feel pretty confident going into this year. I know I’m ready for it.”
Following another productive three-sport season this past school year, Schley understands the importance of his upcoming senior year and the effect it’ll have on the Cheboygan team. This summer, Schley has done just about everything to improve his QB craft, attending camps at Western Michigan, Ferris State, Northwood and others.
Facing off against other Northern Michigan programs at Tuesday’s 7-on-7, Schley made some quality throws, but as his coach knows, there’s always room for improvement.
“I think he is a little more present mentally,” Cheboygan coach Bill Nesbitt said. “I think he’s trying to do a better job of recognizing coverages pre-snap, and he’s working on it. He’s working on it, but he’s still not there yet, but he’s working on getting the ball out a little quicker and recognizing his reads. He has a tendency sometimes to wait for a guy to get open and then throw it — well then, it’s too late. That’s something he’s working on and getting better at.”
Quarterback is the main position for Schley, but it’s not the only spot he’ll be occupying.
A season ago, Schley stepped in and performed well as a defensive edge rusher. As his last season approaches, Schley is aiming to lock down one of the linebacker spots and play it full time.
If there’s one huge advantage Schley has, it’s durability.
“The one thing you really have to appreciate and respect is that he’s committed to getting his body in shape,” Nesbitt said. “I know CrossFit is his true love, and lifting weights is his true love, but a lot of people, kids or even adults will say they love something or really want to be good at something, but they’re not disciplined and they make those claims but don’t follow through. The one thing about Nolan when it comes to his conditioning and developing his body, he’s very disciplined not just with his weight training but also his nutrition.”
As a team captain, Schley and his fellow seniors are aiming for a winning season, something they nearly achieved two years ago. After only three victories in 2025, there’s plenty of motivation for Schley and the guys he’s grown up with.
“It would be great to get into the playoffs,” Schley said. “We’re going to have a very small team, so we’re going to try and be close and get all the small details right. It’s been fun to work with those guys. We’re all in the same class, and it’s our last chance, so we’re ready for it.”
Cheboygan opens fall camp on Monday, Aug. 10.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Senior QB Nolan Schley ready for one final run with Cheboygan football
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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By Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
