Football Preview: Packers Aiming HIgh

Photos by Russ Tindall of Pro Photo Image

By Ken DeLaat

Packer Coach Jared Hudson and his team enter into the season with lofty goals in  mind.
“We are looking to compete for a WMC Lakes Division title. “
The Packers notched just 2 wins last year, one over a tough, playoff bound Beaverton squad and the other against a spiraling Grant team. Then there's that brutal WMC Lakes lineup ahead. Perennial powerhouses Montague Oakridge and Whitehall have likely reloaded a bit. Manistee made the postseason last year and Ludington was a game away.
But as former NY Jets Coach Herm Edwards once affirmed in a memorable post game rant, “You play the game to win.”
And Coach Hudson says the time is tight for the Packers to get into the mix.
“We cannot keep saying we are rebuilding; it is time to put a product out on Friday night that our community is proud of!”
The line play will be a key to success and there is some experience and depth  on both sides of the ball. Coach Hudson also cites a high football IQ among his players.
“We have lots of kids who have been playing the game since the youth leagues.”
One area of concern is the inexperience in some of the Packer starters.
“We will have 5 underclassmen who moved up and will be starting throughout our offense and defense.”
After opening on the road against Hopkins on Thursday the Pack face their northern rivals from Liudington and Manistee but they get them at home this year and believe me, not one of the Packers will miss those bus rides.
This is a team that will be interesting to watch. Hopkins had a down year but their program has been in the playoffs more often than not and they are tough at home. The Orioles and Mariners will deliver a pair of tests for a team looking to punch their first (non covid) playoff card since their seniors were in first grade.
 
Returning Starters:
 Austin Sparks OL
Chance Crawford OL/DL
Khai Noordyk RB
Jacob Burns WR
Nathan Burns DL
Noah Hansen LB
Asa Barnhard LB,
Trentyn Corley DB
Tritan Corrigan DB


Others in the Mix: 
Michael Robinson OL/DL
Talen Reichert-Slater QB/DB
Brayden Crosley QB/DB
Tavin Reichert-Slater WR/DB
Karter Frens RB/LB


See full,schedule at 
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/fremont/boys/varsity/football/2024