Clinton Township Chippewa Valley

Helmet courtesy of MichiganHelmetProject.org

League: Macomb Area Conference Red Division
Last season: 6-4
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 27 against Utica High at home

Offense

Key player: Joe Smith, senior, quarterback

New coach Scott Merchant could not have asked for a better situation to walk in to.

While his specialty lies on the defensive side of the ball, in Smith, Merchant has the benefit of a proven senior under center to guide the offense.

“Joe Smith will be the catalyst for our offense,” Merchant said. “Everything will start with him, and we’ll go as far as he can carry us.

“He’s responsible for making a lot of reads in run plays and pass plays. He’s a really tough kid.”

Smith threw for 1,438 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior and rushed for another 478 yards and eight scores.

The Big Reds will have to replace the 1,181 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns of graduated running back Kyerell Williams.

“We don’t really have one guy,” Merchant said of his rushing attack. “Senior Tom Herzog and junior Cameron Wilson will get some carries.

“It will probably be a little bit more by committee with whoever has the hot hand this year.”

Smith’s top target last year, Tyler Danna, also graduated, but the Big Reds’ second-leading receiver, senior Devin Cohn, is back after catching 24 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns.

Special teams

Key player: Greg Cognetto, senior, kicker

Cognetto returns after booting three field goals and 36 extra points as a junior. With the graduation of senior John Dreshaj, he also adds kickoffs to his list of duties.

“He has a chance to be an All-MAC caliber kicker,” Merchant said.

Coach’s Outlook

While Merchant is keeping much of the same coaching staff and schemes as former coach Mike Carr, he still sees an adjustment period as he gets to know the MAC Red landscape.

“The tough thing is the teams we’re playing against,” Merchant said. “I don’t have a great feel for them, but as long as we’re healthy and stay healthy, we can have a great year. If it all comes together, we have the ability to be a strong football team.”

— Brad D. Bates