Utica Ford II

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Macomb Area Conference Red Division
Last season: 3-6
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 against Macomb L’Anse Creuse North at home

Offense

Key player: Terry Gissendanner, senior, running back

With new coach Todd Winters bringing in the single-wing offense, rushing attempts will be not be hard to come by for Gissendanner and the rest of the Ford II backfield.

Quarterback Aaron Cox will help carry the load, but Winters points to Gissendanner’s speed as a big weapon.

“He’s strong and runs hard to the hole, but he’s got speed that can break a big run at any time,” Winters said.

The Falcons will be running behind a veteran offensive line that returns four seniors in right tackle Zach Orris, center Jon Valentino, left guard Kyle Unruh and left tackle Darren Devgood.

Special teams

Key player: Aaron Berthet, junior, kicker

Berthet returns to head up the Falcons’ kicking duties. He will handle kickoffs, extra points and field goals.

Coach’s outlook

While installing a new offense and defense, Winters is also facing the challenge of a smaller roster. After last year’s team of 66 graduated 38 seniors, Winters has 40 on his varsity roster this season.

He has seen those 40 players pick up his new systems and hopes they’ll be ready to put the Falcons back in the state playoffs for the first time since 2006.

“We had our whole offense installed in three days, so we should be clicking by Thursday night,” Winters said of getting his team ready for their Aug. 20 scrimmage against Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse.

“We just hope to compete in the MAC Red. Compete week in and week out, and you will get in position to get to the playoffs.”