MHSAA Football - Looking At The Capital Area

I have to apologize for the brevity of my articles. Right now, I’m working like a dog trying to get ready for the grand opening of the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame at the Castle Museum in Saginaw. That and having a family life (with a six month old…JoePa knows what that’s like) take up nearly all my time. No more time to talk family life, it’s time to talk FOOTBALL!

Capital Area

Eaton Rapids (1-0) at Mason (0-1) (Friday September 5, 7pm)

The Greyhounds have come to life in the past few years. Once a perennial doormat, the program has surged under the tutelage of Mike Smith. Last season, they went 7-5 with a district title to add to the trophy case. It was their first winning season since 1993. A win this week would set them up in great position going into the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division schedule. They came out passing against Jackson Northwest to the tune of 278 yards in a 34-14 win. Coach Smith wants to bring a good balance of run and pass if he can though.

Mason did not open the way they would have hoped. They struggled in their 14-28 loss to Okemos. In the second half, the defense played better and they were able to get some stops. One thing that Mason has going for them is kicker Riley Roush. He had a free kick field goal attempt. The first one was from 49 yards, but was wide right. A penalty gave him a 54 yard attempt, which fell inches short. Quarterback Jarrett VanHavel was able to punch in a touchdown on a one yard QB sneak and ran in a five yarder for all of Mason’s TDs. This game will be a good one. Who can get the defensive stop when they need one?