What is behind the biggest turnarounds in Michigan high school football?
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The one constant in high-school football is that no roster will be identical from year-to-year. Between inevitable roster changes and growth from junior varsity to varsity, teams evolve to reach the next level of success, sometimes drastically.
However, these teams have put together a 2022 season that deserves recognition for their improvement from the 2021 season.
Whether the teams had a winless season last year or were able to produce a four-star recruit, below are five Michigan High School teams that made vast improvements in 2022 following a lackluster 2021 season.
Last year: 0-9
This year: 5-3
Last year, The Patriots went 0-9. However, the Patriots currently sit 5-3 following that winless campaign. This current success comes from the team's offseason dedication and the new culture instilled by first-year head coach Brandon Gennette.
When speaking on this current season, Gennette believes the team’s current record is because of the roster’s mental toughness.
“Since we started with weight-lifting in January until now, I believe they’ve become stronger mentally. I believe that’s been a big part of this turnaround.” Gennette said. “One thing we wanted to focus on is some core values that we believe would work in our program: commitment, discipline, competitiveness and toughness. That’s part of our breakdown every day. I think instilling that from day one has made a big difference in the kids and how they approach the game.”
The Patriots are currently second in their Macomb Area - Gold Division, with a game coming up against the Sterling Heights Stallions on October 21. Regardless of the results, Gennette states he’s proud of how the team developed this season.
“I just want to say how proud I am of the kids and the community to have something they can be proud of again. “
Last year: 3-6
This year 8-0
Last year, The Grosse Pointe North Norsemen put together a rather forgettable 2021 campaign, amassing a 3-6 record. This record landed the team fourth within its Macomb Area - Gold Division.
However, this season, the Norsemen have yet to taste defeat, putting together an undefeated season thus far at 8-0.
“We knew we were going to turn around," head coach Joe Drouin said. "We knew a better team was coming. I don’t think we knew it was an 8-0 team.”
When discussing what’s changed from last year to now, Drouin mentioned the level of competition within the team.
“One of the things we started when we took over five years ago was instilling the motto of effort, enthusiasm and toughness.” Drouin said. “The kids know that if they work hard, they will be rewarded with playing time. It’s been competitive, our practices are competitive and there’s competition every day either for playing time or for a starting position. We’ve taken on the mindset that it’s us versus everybody.”
The Norsemen have a chance to finish the regular season undefeated as they take on the Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils October 21.
The Norsemen ended last season on a two-game skid, including a defeat by the aforementioned Blue Devils.
Drouin states he does not see this as a game for revenge. However, he does see the momentum on his side.
“They’ve beaten us for the past few years. This is not a revenge game for us. I don’t think we’re at that point yet.” Drouin said. “Our team is very talented going into this, and we have a lot of pieces that will help us. We feel that with the momentum going into this game, we have a good chance of putting a great performance together on Friday night.”
Should the Norsemen win on Friday night, their victory would make a fitting conclusion to a perfect comeback season.
Last year: 1-8
This year: 6-2
The Utica Eisenhower Eagles are having one of their most successful campaigns in recent memory. Following their 2021 season, where the Eagles went 1-8, putting them at the bottom of the Macomb Area - Red Division, The Eagles now sit at six wins on the season while tied for second in their division.
“Last year we had nine sophomores starting. We spent a lot of time in the offseason helping them play faster.” head coach Chris Smith said. “We try to instill discipline in what they do every day. We also try to teach how to play as a team and not as an individual. This group has done a great job of playing together and playing for each other.”
When discussing what he highlights as a contributor to the success, Smith states that the team’s offensive and defensive lines are the most important contributors to the team’s success.
“We’ve improved up front on both sides of the ball. I think that’s been our greatest improvement, especially from week one until now.” Smith said. “We’re seeing our lines getting better every week, and that’s what you look forward to seeing.”
The Eagles will close out their regular season against the West Bloomfield Lakers (7-1) on October 21.
Last year: 2-7
This year: 7-1
The Midland Chemics have crafted one of the best seasons within the Saginaw Valley - Blue Division. Currently riding a six-game winning streak, this season is a return to form for the Chemics, who went 2-7 during their 2021 season.
However, for this season, the Chemics have become defensive juggernauts, outscoring their opponents 240-58 during their last six games.
Led by head coach Eric Methner, The Chemics have an opportunity to end their regular season on a high note as they take on The Dow Chargers (3-5).
Last season saw the Seaholm Maples drop their first six games, finishing their season with a pedestrian 1-8 record. This record tied the Seaholm Maples for worst within the Oakland - White Division.
This season has been anything but pedestrian, as the Seaholm Maples began their 2022 season with a seven-game win streak, holding their opponents scoreless in three outings.
“We were young last year, and that game experience last year has helped us transition to win a few ball games this year.” head coach Jim Dewald said. “We had a great offseason. A lot of our kids got into the weight room, and our strength coach did a phenomenal job working with those kids during the summer and throughout camp. With the experience and getting bigger, faster, and stronger, it’s all helped out.”
When discussing the team’s mentality, he credits the team leaders for helping the team achieve their high level of play.
“We have leadership from our lineman Jon Jokisch," Dewald said. "Along with him, our defensive lineman Brenden Barrett has been dominant on the defensive side of things, and Colton Kinnie, our junior quarterback, has led the charge. They’ve helped us this season.”
Currently first in their division, the Seaholm Maples will take on the Groves Falcons (5-3) to end the regular season.
Other notable turnarounds:
Last year: 1-8
This year: 5-3
Outscored 322-58 last season, Anderson has rallied this year for its first winning season since 2014.
Last year: 4-5
This year: 8-0
Tecumseh is undefeated and No. 16 in SBLive's Power 25. It has eight wins already this season after combining for eight wins from 2018 to 2021.
Last year: 2-7
This year: 6-2
The Warriors have turned five years of losing seasons into a winning season this year led by quarterback Isaiah Marshall.
Photo by Katy Kildee
