GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — For years it’s been one of the most competitive conferences in West Michigan, will that continue in 2013? Here is a preview:
SCHOOLCRAFT
The Eagles ran the table during the regular season in the KVA in 2012, only to lose to their old friends from Constantine in the playoffs. This season Schoolcraft returns 9 starters, 5 on defense. On offense, fullback Trevor Stoddard returns along with 3 offensive lineman. The defense should be led by returning linebackers Carter Fowler and Nick Cakmakci.
BATTLE CREEK PENNFIELD
The Panthers were 8-2 in 2012, it was their 14th consecutive trip to the playoffs. The 2 losses were by a total of 9 points, Schoolcraft (3 points) and Three Rivers (6 points in the playoffs). Pennfield will be a little inexperienced in 2013, the offense returns 4 starters, all on the line. The defense brings back just 2 players led by linebacker Jonathan Clements.
CONSTANTINE
The Falcons finished 3rd in the KVA last season but made it all the way to the division 6 championship for the 2nd straight season. Constantine brings back just 6 starters from a season ago, but Justin Hull started the state championship game at running back. On defense, 3 of the 4 defensive backs return.
KALAMAZOO HACKETT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
The Irish were 4-5 in 2012 and this season will have a new head coach in John Blankenship. Blankenship has been a varsity football coach for 32 year, most recently at Frankenmuth in 2008. Hackett does return 11 starters, 6 on offense including all 4 wide outs from the spread offense that they ran under former coach Dob Drake. On defense, linebacker Jack Schaefer leads 5 returners.
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN
K-Christian was 3-6 in 2012, and over half of their roster was made up of seniors. Look for junior Teddy Woznicki to play quarterback this year for the Comets.
PARCHMENT
The Panthers were 3-6 last season, they made the playoffs in 2011.
MAPLE VALLEY
The Lions were 3-6 last season, but beat both Hackett and K-Christian who finished ahead of them in the standings. Maple Valley does return quarterback Beau Johnson who started as a sophomore last season. Austin Gonser was the teams leading receiver and 2nd leading tackler last year and also returns.
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
The Rams snapped a 33 game losing streak last season and went 2-7. G-A will look for more improvement in 2013.
DELTON KELLOGG
The Panthers were winless in 2012. DK does return 10 starters in 2013, 6 of them on defense including 3 of their 4 linebackers.
