The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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Saline Hornets gearing up
Football ready to start fresh in news season on the gridiron
By Ed Patino, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: August 28, 2008
Success on the gridiron has been quite common for the Saline varsity football team in recent years.
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Since 2002, the Hornets have posted five straight winning seasons and have been a regular contender in the always-competitive Southeastern Conference.
However, as the 2008 season approaches, just posting a winning season will not satisfy the Hornets. With more experience on defense, capable returners on offense and a return to full strength, Saline is setting its sights on a return to the state playoffs.
After making the playoffs in 2005 and 2006, including a trip to the third round the latter year, the Hornets started strong last year. A 3-0 start, including a thrilling 28-22 victory over Ann Arbor Pioneer, had Saline thinking playoffs again. But a 49-27 loss to Tecumseh a week later, plus several injuries to key players, sent the Hornets into a slide as they dropped four of their final six games.
A 23-7 loss to South Lyon in the regular season finale kept Saline out of the playoffs.
With 70 players in camp for the varsity team, the Hornets are anxious to put last year's finish behind them.
"Last year was very frustrating with numerous injuries to some talented kids," Saline coach Mike Glennie said. "We had an All-State quarterback and kicker who didn't play a down. We're hoping this year brings us better health."
The defense was one area hurt by injuries and inexperience last year. During the late season slump, the Hornets allowed 40 or more points three times. But with the experience gained, Glennie believes that his defense should improve this fall.
"Most of our returning experience is on defense," Glennie said. "We still have a way to go, but we'll rely heavily on our defense early."
The linebackers are the headliners of the defense as three-year starters Matt Price and Gabe Helmuth return along with two-year starter Matt Needham. Price, a senior, had 120 tackles last year with nine sacks and was an All-SEC Red First Team and All-Heritage First Team selection. Fellow senior Helmuth and junior Needham will give the Hornets added depth at linebacker.
In the secondary, seniors Brad Guenther and Marcus Johnston return. Guenther earned All-SEC Red First Team and All-Heritage First Team honors, while Johnston was All-Area honorable mention. Fellow senior safeties Ben Olsen and James de Irala provide added depth. Seniors Ryan Nowatzke and Travis Abrahams will anchor the Hornets' defensive line.
"We don't have stars, but we have a good group that plays their roles," Glennie said. "The kids are diverse with many talents."
Nick Moeller took the snaps under center last year, and the senior is locked in as the Hornets' starting quarterback this season. Classmate Travis Owens will get the bulk of the carries at running back. Both were All-Area honorable mention in 2007.
Senior Evan Kourtijan is the lone returning receiver, but the Hornets have plenty of depth at the position. With the influx of juniors from last year's junior varsity team, Glennie expects to rotate about eight receivers. Among those are newcomers Nick Winchester and James Gentile.
"We have a boatload of receivers," Glennie said. "Our offense is young, but this junior class has some talented kids."
Youth will be served on the offensive line this season. Chris DuBois is the lone returning senior. Ian Wood and Al Cieher are among the juniors that will see time on the offensive front.
The Hornets will open the season Friday against SEC rival Ann Arbor Pioneer. The game will be played at Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium as part of the Big Day Prep Showdown. It will mark the third time in the last four seasons that the Hornets have participated in the showdown.
While the team is already excited for the chance to play in a Division I college stadium, the Hornets will have extra incentive playing against a conference opponent.
"Opening against an SEC team forces us to be prepared right out of the gate," Glennie said. "The league is continuing to evolve with the addition of Ann Arbor Huron, and the additions and restructuring will make the conference better."
Saline will play its first home game Sept. 19 against defending SEC champion Chelsea. The homecoming game is scheduled for Sept. 26 with the Hornets looking for revenge on Tecumseh. The regular season concludes Oct. 24 as Saline visits league newcomer Ann Arbor Huron.
"I'm happy with the progress we're making so far, and the kids are working hard," Glennie said. "We feel that we're heading in the right direction."
Ed Patino is a staff writer for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 1-734-428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.
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