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By Brad D. Bates
C & G Staff Writer

Warren Mott football wins share of league title

It didn’t take the Warren Mott football team long to make it’s mark on the Macomb Area Conference White Division.

Four games into the Marauders’ White schedule, they secured a share of the 2008 league title with a 28-9 win against Grosse Pointe North, improving to 4-0.

“Consistency and hard work are the differences for a team that fulfills its potential,” coach Tom Milanov said of what helped his team reach its goal of a league crown.

“The kids played very clean and aggressive against North. Our offensive coaches put together a great game plan, and the kids executed it.”

The Marauders brought home their first MAC White title and the program’s first league title since the 2006 MAC Blue crown with a team that comprised 22 juniors, but Milanov credits the leadership of his 13 seniors with putting them atop the White.

“We get exceptional contributions from our seniors,” Milanov said. “The juniors have a lot of talent, and when you mix in a great group of senior leaders, it’s a nice situation.”

At press time, the Marauders were preparing for an Oct. 17 game against Warren Cousino. A win against the Patriots would have secured the title outright. 

Along with an outright title, the Marauders (5-2 overall) were working to obtain their sixth win, assuring them a spot in the postseason.

After Cousino, Mott hosts Utica Stevenson (6-1 overall, 3-1 in the MAC Red) at 7 p.m. Oct. 24.

“Our schedule didn’t have anyone light on it,” Milanov said. “It got progressively more difficult at the end of the season, though. It’s a challenge, but our kids are up to it.”

Junior tight end/linebacker C.J. Olaniyan, senior offensive/defensive lineman Chaz Pichette and junior offensive/defensive lineman Anthony Best will need to keep up their fine play if the Marauders are going to make their third straight trip to the postseason — and then extend that trip.

“C.J. really stepped up and took control defensively,” Milanov said. “Chaz Pichette is our senior leader on the lines, and Anthony Best has shown a lot of improvement. Those three really had the highlight performances against North.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1029.