Madison Heights Lamphere

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Macomb Area Conference Bronze Division
Last season: 7-3
Opening game: 2 p.m. Aug. 28 against Warren Fitzgerald at Eastern Michigan University

Offense

Key player: Ryan Horvath, junior, quarterback

The Rams set a school record for points scored a year ago (273), and Horvath was a major reason for that. Set to start for the third straight season, the senior threw for nearly 1,600 yards in 2008 while tossing 15 touchdowns.

“He controls the offense in terms of his demeanor,” coach Jason Charron said. “The way he displays his confidence in the huddle and how he conducts himself on the field is what other guys look up to.”

After graduating their workhorse in 1,000-yard rusher David Shoebottom, the Rams’ main concern with the ball is at the running back spot.

Defense

Key player: Jackson Lewis, junior, linebacker.

What Horvath is to the offense, Charron feels Lewis is to the defense. As a sophomore, he helped the Rams allow just 15.6 points per game. With six guys back in the fold, things could be even better.

“With him leading our defense, we think we’re going to hold some teams down,” Charron said. “He’s the leader, without a doubt, and part of a very experienced group.”

.

Special teams

Key player: Mitch Kowzlowski, junior, kick/punt returner

Charron feels the punt, while sometimes overlooked, can be one of the biggest plays in a game because of the possible change in field position. With that in mind, he was quick to name Kowzlowski the key player on special teams.

“He’s one of those guys who always has the ability to change the field position on a return,” Charron said. “When he’s doing what he does best, our offense is usually in a good spot.”

 
Coach’s outlook

Charron said he expects his program to continue its upward track of success. Getting more specific, though, he knows the heartbreaking fashion in which the Rams lost the league crown last season — a last-second play to Lincoln — should motivate his guys.

“If we play as a team, and keep in mind how last year went, this is a squad that can win a league title,” he said.