How Michigan's first-year high school football coaches have fared so far

Coaches beginning their first year is always an interesting experience. Seeing a team gel together, adapt to new schemes and create a new culture within a new environment is a tricky process. However, some coaches can pass these challenges, while others may take a few years to find their footing.

For this article, we will examine the progress of some of the first-year coaches in Michigan, and how they’re performing in their divisions.

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Justin Pintar - Clarkston

Pintar took over the head-coaching role at Clarkston and acquired one of the most successful programs in the history of the Oakland Activities Association division. Since 2012, Clarkston has won three state championships in the last ten years, repeating as division one football state champions in 2013 and 2014.

Under Pintar’s leadership, The Wolves have continued their winning ways, crafting a 5-2 record. The Wolves are currently third in their division. However, with two games remaining in their current schedule, Clarkston could make a late push to top its division.

Pintar, who took the program over following the departure of former coach Kurt Richardson, looks to follow Richardson’s path in continuing Clarkston’s winning ways.

Brandon Gennette - Cousino

Cousino went winless during its 2021 season, starting the season 0-5 before forfeiting its remaining games following the departure of multiple players and then-coach Anthony Wright.

This season is a return to form for the Cousino Patriots, who now have a 5-2 record, good enough to remain second in the Macomb Area - Gold Division.

Gennette, within his first season with the Patriots, has helped the once-winless Patriots into a divisional powerhouse. Cousino is riding a three-game winning streak and will face off against the 3-4 L'Anse Creuse Lancers. 

Cody Kater - Reeths-Puffer

Coach Kater took over as head coach of the Reeths-Puffer Rockets following their 2021 season, where the team put together a rather forgettable 3-6 record.

However, since becoming head coach, Kater has led the Rockets to a 5-2 record as they take on the 6-1 Mona Shores Sailors this coming Friday.

Currently ranked fourth in the stacked Ottawa-Kent - Green Division, Kater has been able to give the Rockets a winning season. Something that hasn’t happened since 2019.

Chad Hepner - Grosse Pointe South

Chad Hepner was named head coach of Grosse Pointe South following the departure of former coach Tim Brandon, who retired following the 2021 season.

The Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils put together a successful season thus far, standing 5-2 and on top of the Macomb Area - White Division.

Hepner has helped guide this program to their best record since 2018, and with an upcoming matchup against the 5-2 Romeo Bulldogs, Hepner has an opportunity to help the Blue Devils progress to a six-game winning streak.

Antonio Parker - Jackson

Following former head coach Scott Farley's move to the athletic director at Parma Western High School, the Jackson Viking's former assistant coach, Antonio Parker, became the head coach for this current season.

During the 2021 season, the Vikings finished with a 5-5 record, earning a playoff appearance for their effort.

However, for this season, the Vikings once again find themselves in the middle of the road, currently holding a 4-3 record, third in the Southeastern - White division.

Coming off a 22-14 victory against the Adrian Maples, the Vikings will play their final away game against the undefeated Mason Bulldogs.

William “Billy” Keenist - Holly

Billy Keenist comes to Holly following his tenure as the head coach at Troy Athens High School.

For this year, The Holly Bronchos have crafted a 4-3 record. Currently, The Bronchos have put together a two-game winning streak, with an upcoming game against the Brandon Blackhawks.

Regarding their current season, The Bronchos find themselves fourth in their Flint Metro League division. However, Holly could end the season with an impressive 6-3 record, should they win their remaining games.

Jason Mensing - Westland John Glenn

Jason Mensing, who recently departed the Whiteford football program after winning 93 games in a decade of coaching the Bobcats, took over head coaching duties at Westland John Glenn Rockets.

Unfortunately for the Rockets, this season has seen more downs than ups, as they find themselves with a 2-5 record, recently suffering their third loss in a row against the Dearborn Pioneers 27-14.

Currently, the Rockets sit fifth in the Kensington Lakes - East Division and will look to end their season on a high note as they take on the winless Wayne Memorial Zebras before their final game on October 21st.

Andrew Micovich - Milford

The Milford Mavericks were successful before the arrival of coach Micovich, earning a 7-3 record during their 2021 season.

However, since the arrival of Micovich, who took over following the departure of former coach Garfrey Smith, the Milford Mavericks find themselves sixth in the Lakes Valley division, holding a rocky 4-3 record on the season.

Coming off a 38-12 victory, the Mavericks will look to finish their season strong, facing off against the 5-2 South Lyon East Cougars.

Dave Mifsud - Monroe

Coach Mifsud is a stranger to failure, having coached for 16 years at Dearborn High School, becoming the highest-winning coach in the school’s history.

While Mifsud’s transition to coaching Monroe High School began smoothly, going 2-1 within their first three games, their season has since tailspin to a 2-5 record, including a current four-game losing streak.

Monroe is currently fifth in the Southeastern - Red Division, with a chance to break its current losing streak against Pioneer High School, which has struggled as of late, coming into the matchup with a 1-6 record.