We last saw the Eagles make a round one exit in the 2021 playoffs with a loss to old LCAA foe Ida. Mason will look to improve on last year in year two of Head Coach Steve Bowers(5-5). His coaching staff is comprised of: Gabe McQuaide Asst. Coach, David Kelly Asst. Coach, Devyn Kennedy Asst. Coach, Justin Gessner Asst. Coach/JV HC, John Goodin Asst. Coach, Corey Green Asst. Coach.
Returning letter winners: 14
Returning starters:
Offense: Vaughn Brown (QB)*started all season(66/129 passing 1,039 yards, 10 TDs, 94 carries 316 yards), Cole Kreger (RB)13 carries 27 yards, 15 receptions 124 yards, John Nolan*started all season (OL), Xavier Wise (OL), Korbin Herrera (WR), Trent Herrera (WR)4 receptions 46 yards, 1 TD.
Defense: Cole Kreger (DE), Trent Herrera (DE), Korbin Herrera (DB), John Nolan (DL), Thomas Hutson (DL)
New Comers, who saw limited action in 2021, to keep an eye on:
Cole Kreger (RB/WR/DL): started a few games on offense and defense for us last year. Moved positions to
DL after the injury to Cooper Kinsey. He should be a key contributor on offense and defense this year.
Korbin Herrera (WR/DB): Moved up to varsity later in season and was in the WR rotation and eventually
started. He’s a tall and fast receiver with great hands that should be a good weapon for us.
Trent Herrera (WR/LB): Started 2 nd half of season on defense and was part of our WR corps. Excellent athlete
with good speed and hands, as well as a physical blocker.
Louden Murbach (WR/LB): Recorded double-digit tackles in a couple games last year despite not being a
starter. Brings great speed to both sides of the ball.
Zach Miller (RB/DL) and Logan Goodin (RB/DL): Both are competing with Cole Kreger for the starting RB
position but will definitely find time on the field on both offense and defense this season.
Coach’s thoughts on the League:
“Whiteford is certainly the team to look out for in the TCC. Despite Coach Mensing leaving, they return nearly their entire team from last year and a dominant JV team and should once again be one of the top D8 teams in the state. I expect Madison to be very competitive in the 2nd season in their new system under Coach Gallagher, Sand Creek will work to keep their 4-year winning/playoff streak going, and Summerfield has some great athletes who are well-coached and always play tough.”
Thoughts from the Coach:
“This season presents a few challenges for us. We graduated 12 seniors and have many key contributors to replace, and with teams leaving the TCC again we play an interesting 5-game non-league schedule. We return several players with varsity experience, but just two who started all last season. Added to that, we have just 6 seniors on the roster so we are looking to several juniors and sophomores to be leaders and to make contributions this season. We had a great off-season as far as attendance and effort; many guys got a lot stronger and faster, especially our sophomore and junior classes who made a serious commitment to the off-season. We also had an investment by these two groups to grow as leaders during the last several months that should pay huge dividends for us this season and into the future. We have had a great start to the season with a lot of enthusiasm and hard work this past week, and a lot of competition for spots on varsity. So far, we are extremely excited about our skill group. Filling out our defense and solidifying the offensive line will both be high priorities over the next week and obvious keys to our success each week.”
FNV Outlook: At first glance, the 2022 schedule seems to be much more manageable than 2021. The Eagles could very well come into TCC play with a 3-0 record. However, 5 of the next 6 games will not be easy. Summerfield, Sand Creek, Madison and Whiteford will give the Eagles all they can handle. I look for a very exciting season from Mason. Vaughn to Herrera is a combination worth watching. As coach stated, 6 seniors is not a lot. The Eagles will have to rely on some underclassmen to step up and contribute. A playoff berth may be on the line in week 9 vs Jefferson; that should be a great one.
Scrimmage location and time:
8/17 @Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, Varsity @4pm and JV @6pm
Look for Zach Miller to lead the team this year on both sides of the ball RB and LB. He’s a brick wall. Good luck this year Mason