PDF: Preview the Williamston Hornets
Schedule, coach, roster
8/23 ITHACA
8/30 at Fowlerville
9/7 LAKEWOOD
9/14 at Stockbridge
9/21 PORTLAND
9/28 at Lansing Catholic
10/5 at Corunna
10/12 at Haslett
10/19 HIGHLAND PARK
STEVE KERSTEN
* Age: 42
* Playing experience: Richland Gull Lake 1984-87, Taylor University (Ind.) 1988-92
* Coaching experience: Williamston 2001-present
* Career record: 66-42
* Full-time job: Williamston High math and technology teacher
* Assistant coaches: Jeff Lynch, Tim Stiffler, Tom Selinger, Mike Douglas, Devin Hagler
no. nameposition…year
1 Robbie Harbert OLB/TE…sr.
2 Isaak Jump LB/RB…sr.
3 Josh Ware DB/WR…jr.
4 Carter Bastien DB/TE…sr.
5 Devin Smyth LB/RB…sr.
6 Jacob Schrote LB/RB…sr.
7 Ryan Watters DB/QB…jr.
8 Walker Bradley DB/RB…jr.
9 Kyle Shashaguay DB/WR…jr.
10 Cam Stewart DB/RB…jr.
11 Matt Meranda DB/WR…sr.
12 Ray Duncan DB/WR…sr.
15 Chaz Moore DB/QB…so.
17 Ethan Miller OLB/WR…sr.
21 Jordan Schultz DB/WR…jr.
21 Sheldon Weiss OLB/RB…jr.
25 Doug Dufrin DB/WR…sr.
30 Ryan Sturgis DB/WR…sr.
33 Cole Robinson DB/WR…jr.
44 Andrew Stewart OLB/HB…sr.
55 Jake Tkaczyk DL/OL…sr.
56 Spencer Demand DL/OL…sr.
58 Trenton Newcomb LB/OL…jr.
59 Derek Wisbiski DL/OL…jr.
62 Pat Loewen OLB/OL…sr.
66 Adam Puja DL/OL…sr.
70 Tyler Chambers DL/OL…jr.
72 Zach Bentley DL/OL…sr.
74 Tristan Martin OL/DL…jr.
75 Gunner Pease DL/OL…sr.
77 Mike Minton DL/OL…jr.
79 Logan DeGarmo DL/OL…sr.
85 Chad Zaleski DB/WR…sr.
86 Kyle Russell DB/WR…jr.
Nick Martin DL/RB…jr.
Returning starters
3 on offense
4 on defense
OFFENSE
Logan DeGarmo, sr. OT
Spencer Demand, sr. OG
Ray Duncan, sr. WR
DEFENSE
Zach Bentley, sr. DL
Robbie Harbert, sr. OL
Isaak Jump, sr. ILB
Ryan Watters, jr. DB
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS
OFFENSE
Pat Loewen, sr. OL
Doug Dufrin, sr. WR
DEFENSE
Devin Smyth, sr. OLB
Pat Loewen, sr. OLB/DL
Jake Tkaczyk, sr. DL
Fourcast
BACK TO EARTH
The Hornets were among the area’s best in 2010, when they went 12-2 and made it to the state championship game. Last year, however, Williamston slipped to 4-4 and missed the playoffs, a fate it doesn’t want to repeat in 2012.
YOUNG TEAM
Williamston will be an inexperienced team this year, returning just four defensive starters and three offensive starters. Ryan Watters made all-league in the CAAC White at defensive back, and receiver Ray Duncan earned honorable mention all-conference at slot receiver. But coach Steve Kersten has been impressed with the camaraderie, work ethic and desire to be successful that he’s seen.
IN NEED OF STOPPERS
Kersten will be looking for consistency in making plays from his defense this year. The Hornets gave up just 9.75 points per game in their four wins last season, but they allowed an average of 41.5 points in their four losses.
BACK WITH THE ELITE?
Williamston finished in third place in the CAAC White in 2011 behind 13-1 Lansing Catholic and 9-2 Portland. This year, the focus will be on closing the gap with the league’s top teams.
— Ryan Bort
