Center Line High

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Macomb Area Conference

Silver Division
Last season: 1-8
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 27 against New Haven High at home

Offense

Key player: Mike Melkonian, senior, running back

While mentioning a running back as a key player may not be too out of the ordinary, having Melkonian at that spot is certainly an eye opener in that the past two seasons, he was the Panthers’ center.

This past offseason, however, he lost more than 30 pounds, so instead of snapping the ball, he’ll run with it.

“He’s going to carry the ball for us a lot this season,” coach Bret Davis said. “He’ll be a strong piece of the rotation of backs we plan on using.”

Special teams

Key player: Brett Ogden, senior, kicker/punter

Ogden has been with the football team “on and off,” as Davis put it, for the past three years. The soccer player will have a more permanent role this year, however, one that Davis feels will give his team the upper hand, or leg, if you will.

“He’s a kid with a great leg,” Davis boasted. “He had a real strong season last year when he was here, and we expect more of the same this season.”

Coach’s outlook

Youth and inexperience will dominate the Center Line squad this season, but Davis expects a drastic change from the 1-8 finish in 2008.

“We’re young, but this is a very smart group of kids,” he said, adding that the team’s GPA is about a 3.0. “They are a very bright group that is learning quickly. You combine that with their work ethic and their desire to get better, and we could have a pretty good year.”