Macomb Lutheran North

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Metro Conference
Last season: 4-5
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 against Yale High at home

Offense

Key player: Zek Bielecki, junior, running back

Coach Gary Faszholz didn’t need much time to think about his top offensive player. Bielecki, an All-Metro player a year ago, led the Mustangs in rushing and receiving in 2008.

“More or less, the offense runs through him,” Faszholz said. “He’s going to be the guy we lean on.”

             

Special teams

Key player: Bielecki, junior, returner

           

When asked about his key guy on special teams, Faszholz went back to a familiar name — Bielecki.

“He’s going to touch the ball more than anyone, and that’s pretty important,” Faszholz said. “He’ll have the ability to shift field position every game. If he can do that, we’ll be in good shape.”

           
Coach’s outlook

The 4-5 record in 2008 was significant on two fronts.

First, it was the first losing season for the program in 11 years, and second, it marked the first time the Mustangs missed the playoffs since the 2000 season.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement, and the guys know that,” Faszholz said. “This is a great bunch of guys, very hard-working kids. We want to get back to the playoffs. That’s where we expect this program to be.”

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project