INDIAN RIVER — When it comes to Inland Lakes football, the expectations always seem to be high.
While the Bulldogs graduated many players who were cornerstones in their program over the last few years, there remains plenty of talent in Indian River.
With those players returning, a new, competitive conference coming, and another trip to the postseason a possibility, here’s a few quick thoughts before the Bulldogs start their season on Monday, Aug. 10.
Next QB great?
Since this decade started, the Bulldogs have had it great at the quarterback spot.
From Mason Blumke in the opening years of the decade, to Aidan Fenstermaker who helped spearhead the program to a pair of regional titles and a state runner-up, to most recently Ty Kolly, who led I-L to a 9-0 regular season in 2025.
In 2026, it looks like another Fenstermaker will be taking the controls under center, as senior Landon Fenstermaker has all the tools to be the next excellent I-L signal-caller. One of the Bulldogs’ most talented returning stars, Fenstermaker’s athleticism, speed and physicality make him one dangerous player to deal with.
Already a star linebacker on I-L’s defense, look for Fenstermaker to have a highly productive and prolific offensive season at QB, just like those Bulldogs before him.
How will Bulldogs fare in new conference?
For the last five years, Inland Lakes dominated the Ski Valley Conference.
Now, the Bulldogs will have an opportunity to sustain their success as a member of the new Bridge Alliance Conference, competing in the Straits Division, which also features St. Ignace, Pickford, Rudyard, Newberry and Brimley.
Other than exciting clashes with Gaylord St. Mary in recent years, it was mostly smooth sailing for the Bulldogs in conference play. But in this new league, Inland Lakes will be tested weekly against quality competition that includes Pickford, another outstanding program that’s faced the Bulldogs in each of the last three postseasons.
I like the look of this league, not to mention the Bulldogs will be maintaining matchups with M-68 rival Onaway and St. Mary, who are both in the Bridge Alliance Valley Division.
Other than QB, who’s I-L’s most pivotal player?
Just a few days ago, I wrote about some of I-L’s most exciting returning players, and there were three I singled out — Fenstermaker and fellow seniors Collin Maves and Damian Bradford.
With Fenstermaker the likely starting QB, there’s others who will have to do their part if the Bulldogs want to maintain their success, and it starts with stars like Maves and Bradford.
Maves will be coming off a monster junior campaign where he shined at linebacker. Maves should continue to be a star at that spot, but I’d also expect him to take some of the workload at running back, especially knowing his size and speed are both major assets for the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Bradford will be a huge key to I-L’s defense as a disruptive lineman. Over the last two years, Bradford has produced quality performances. Knowing the sort of talent he possesses, it could be a huge final year for a Bradford.
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: Three things to watch with 2026 Inland Lakes High School football
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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By Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
