OTTAWA LAKE, Mich. — Whiteford overview:
2023 Record: 13-1 (Division 8 State Runner-Up)
Head Coach: Todd Thieken (3rd year)
Top Returning Players:
Shevy Alexander, Junior DL/TE (All-TCC)
Nolan Walker, Junior G/DE (Honorable Mention All-TCC)
Tre Eitniear, Sophomore QB/S (Honorable Mention All-TCC)
Mason DeBarr, Junior TE (Honorable Mention All-TCC)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/29 vs. Blissfield
WEEK 2 9/6 @ Ida
WEEK 3 9/13 @ Buchanan
WEEK 4 9/20 @ Edon (OH)
WEEK 5 9/27 vs. Summerfield
WEEK 6 10/4 vs. Erie Mason
WEEK 7 10/11 @ Everest Collegiate
WEEK 8 10/18 @ White Pigeon
WEEK 9 10/25 @ Lucas (OH)
The expectation of a deep playoff run remains in Ottawa Lake. After all, the program has advanced to at least the state semifinals in each of the past three seasons. A stretch that has bolstered the reputation of Whiteford football.
However, the journey to return may take shape differently this fall. There are only five seniors on the roster and as many as ten underclassmen starting on defense for the Bobcats, who are No. 7 in Division 7 in the state preseason poll.
"A lot of people may think we can't be as good as we were last year or the year before," junior safety Drew Ruddy said. "We have to show them differently by playing hard like Whiteford normally does."
On top of that, the defending MHSAA Division 8 State runners-up will adhere to a new schedule as well. The Tri-County Conference has been disbanded, although Summerfield and Erie Mason remain on the slate.
That means Whiteford has had to supplement the other opponents themselves. Given the recent success that the Bobcats have experienced, they now have to travel a total of 600 miles this season due to programs willing to play (only three home games).
No matter the challenge, you won't find any excuses. In fact, they plan to tackle whatever is in front of them.
"There's probably going to be some highs and lows this season," head coach Todd Thieken said. "More importantly, when we step on a field I tell our guys, 'We better be the toughest team.'"
Thieken is entering his 10th season overall at Whiteford.