Walled Lake Western

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division
Last season: 6-4
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Flint Carman-Ainsworth

Offense

Key player: Sam Welch, senior, quarterback

Welch is one of five players back on offense. This is his fourth year starting and is approaching 4,000 yards passing and 40 touchdowns for his career.

“He just allows us to adjust to what the defense is doing out on the field,” coach Mike Zdebski said. “We don’t have to make the calls. He can check us into what we need to be into.”

Special teams

Key player: Josh Strange, sophomore, kicker

Zdebski said Strange, who also handled the kicking duties a year ago, can keep return teams from taking it deep against the Warriors.

“He’s going to be pretty consistent kicking the ball in the end zone, if not through the goal posts,” the coach said.

           
Coach’s outlook

With so many players back from a squad that made the playoffs last year, the Warriors have a chance to make a run in the postseason, but Zdebski isn’t looking that far ahead.

“About the only thing we talk about now is just making sure we’re very efficient with what we do,” he said. “Knowing our responsibilities, taking care of our own job and working hard. The wins will come if we take care of those things.”