By Ken DeLaat Photos by Alexis Mercer The Lions enter the season looking to improve on last season’s 3-6 mark and second year Coach Ralph Munger (also 6th in all time MHSAA wins) cites a number of reasons his team brings to the table for Newaygo fans to be optimistic “There is a great overall attitude, the players are very coachable, and we have numerous high achievers academically.” Coach M also praises the speed, and improved strength of his squad and adds this is is a solid core of players who enjoy competing. “Every day we work to win by improving on many aspects of our play individually and in our various position groups and lastly and, most importantly, as a team.” Challenges for the Lions are a lack of depth and some inexperience. With a team motto of "B1", Coach Munger’s expectations include that his players “Be the best student / athlete, son and sibling you can be in and away from home and school. Represent yourself, your family, your team, your school and Newaygo proudly. Make positive memories, enjoy the Grind and have fun competing with your teammates." Newaygo opens at home Thursday against Kent City, the team that edged the Lions 14-13 in Coach Munger’s first game at the helm of the Lion team. From there they go on the road to face Central Montcalm and then game #75 in the rivalry series with neighbor Grant at home. Though last season didn’t result in more than the three wins, there was definitely a different feel along the sidelines. The Lions played hard for 4 quarters every game and it was apparent that something new was in the air. Or maybe not so new, but more like revitalized. I think it’s called Lion Pride. Returning Starters on Defense Include: Senior LBer – Henry Wood Senior LBer - Xavier Stroud Senior LBer – Luis Ceja Alverez Senior DB – Hunter Yearsovich Senior DL – Jacob Eager Junior DL – Noah McLaughlin Returning Starters on Offense Include: Senior QB – Blake Kerr Senior TE – Henry Wood Junior RB – Damone Moore Senior WR – Hunter Yearsovich Senior OL – Xavier Stroud Senior OL – Jacob Eager Junior OL – Noah McLaughlin Senior OL – Tyler Borden Other team members in the mix early on include: Senior RB – Ethan Reyburn Junior LB / TE / QB – Trevor Garbrecht Junior LB / RB – Porter Slominski Junior WR / DB – Sebastian Belanger Junior LB / TE – Wesley Manning Senior DB / WR – Seth Nichols Junior DB / WR – Nathan Watson Senior DB – Ryan Pickerd Sophomore DB / WR – Cam Reyburn Sophomore OL / DL – Aiven Warmbein Senior OL / DL – Jonathan Parks Sophomore OL / DL / LB - Konner Bisel Senior WR – Zack Billings Senior DL – Kaleb Zaleski Senior DL - Alex Gentz Junior OL / LB / DL – Micah Sommer Senior DB – Sean Stone Junior DB / RB – Caleb Bays Junior RB / DB – Caden Gassman Junior OL / DL – Dylan Froese Senior DL – Cody Deur You can see the full schedule here: https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/newaygo/boys/varsity/football/2024
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