LAST YEAR

4-5 overall, 2-3 in CAAC White (t-3rd)

SCHEDULE (last year’s score)

Aug. 26 at Eastern, 7 p.m. (W 42-18)

Sept. 1 Holly, 7 p.m. (W 7-6)

Sept. 9 at Lansing Catholic, 7 p.m. (L 35-0)

Sept. 16 at Ionia, 7 p.m. (W 41-27)

Sept. 23 Eaton Rapids, 7 p.m. (W 35-26)

Sept. 30 at Fowlerville, 7 p.m. (L 31-28)

Oct. 7 Portland, 7 p.m. (L 41-6)

Oct. 14 at Haslett, 7 p.m. (L 28-7)

Oct. 21 Lake Fenton, 7 p.m. (L 39-14)

COACH

Steve Kersten

Age: 46

Playing experience: Richland Gull Lake 1984-87, Taylor University (Ind.) 1988-92

Head coaching experience: Williamston 2001-present

Career record: 89-58

Full-time job: Williamston High School math and technology teacher

Assistant coaches: Joel Emmons, Dan Price, Eric Goss, Sean Wenger, Brandon Bedes

FOURCAST

ATHLETIC AND EXCITING

Heading into 2016, Kersten said his football team has a “plethora of team speed” and he believes it will make Friday night exciting in Williamston. Frankie Toomey, Logan Fenech and Tommy Dutcher are returning skill players who possess the speed Kersten was referring to. Also, the addition of wide receivers Sy Barnett, who transferred from Charlotte in the middle of last school year, and Carey Haney will add to the athleticism on the outside.

QUARTERBACK DUEL

With Jake Westphal gone to graduation, the Hornets will be working in a new signal caller this year. There is a competition between Joey Elenbaas and Jackson Pollack for the starting job and Kersten said both guys possess strong arms. Whichever guy emerges as the starter will have some veteran weapons on the outside, but they’ll be playing behind an offensive like that Kersten said needs to “develop quickly.”

SHOW AND PROVE

Despite having six returning starters from last year’s defense back in 2016, Kersten is looking at his linebackers to show and prove early on. Dutcher is the only returner from the linebacker corps. Linebacker Mason Bamfield is a guy Kersten believes could contribute heavily this season, and he’s hoping this group can go from untested to battle tested sooner rather than later.

BEATING THE RIVAL

Since 2010, the Hornets have made four playoff appearances, which includes a trip to the Division 4 state title game in 2010. However, it’s been since the turn of the new decade, during that state-final run, that Williamston has defeated CAAC White rival Lansing Catholic. The Cougars are currently on a five-game winning streak over the Hornets, and one would believe Kersten’s team is ready to put an end to that.

ROSTER

(Note: positions and grades not provided)

1 Carey Haney

2 Sy Barnett

3 Jackson Pollack

4 Nathan Elenbaas

5 Quintin Lopez

6 Michael Walter

7 Cody Hayse

8 Max Grace

9 Joey Elenbaas

10 Logan Fenech

11 Mason Bamfield

12 Frankie Toomey

15 Cole Berg

21 Chase McManaman

24 Drew Bowen

25 Bryce Rollin

33 Hunter Kinne

35 Mikey Barry

42 Tommy Dutcher

50 Jacob Milam

55 Justin Bloom

56 Blake Monroe

58 John Partridge

59 Michael Hurlburt

60 Ryan Ackerly

65 Stone Schafer

66 Ben Dyer

68 Brandon Poland

70 Hayden Torra

72 Kyle Clendenan

75 Jacob Turner

76 Nick Ryder

77 Jake Yanez

79 Michael Flick

80 Asher Linn

82 Blake Arbanas

83 Austin Lott

85 Matt Althoff

88 Ashton Denk

RETURNING STARTERS (4 on offense, 6 on defense)

OFFENSE

John Partridge OL

Frankie Toomey WR

Logan Fenech WR

Tommy Dutcher RB

DEFENSE

Frankie Toomey DB

Cole Berg DL

Brandon Poland DL

Logan Fenech DB

Tommy Dutcher LB

Michael Walter DB

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS

OFFENSE

Sy Barnett WR

Carey Haney WR

Joey Elenbaas QB

Jackson Pollack QB

Stone Schafer OL

Quintin Lopez WR

Michael Hurlburt OL

DEFENSE

Jacob Turner DL

Mason Bamfield LB

— James L. Edwards III