Warren Mott

Helmet courtesy of Michigan Helmet Project

League: Macomb Area Conference

White Division
Last season: 6-4
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 27

at Romeo High

Offense

Key player: Ben Filimon, senior, quarterback

Filimon returns with almost the exact supporting cast that helped him to 2,705 yards passing and 34 total touchdowns last year.

Senior receivers Torico Searcy, Martez Kelly and C. J. Olaniyan return, while seniors Javon Steel and Maurice Kelly give the Marauders a one-two punch at running back.

“Benny does a nice job with the work ethic and keeps a level head,” said coach Tom Milanov. “Ben leads by example more than anything, and that’s a big thing. That’s his strong suit.”

Defense

Key player: C. J. Olaniyan, senior, defensive end

           

Olaniyan is regarded as one of the top college prospects in the state, and at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 230 pounds with a 4.65 40-yard dash, it’s easy to see why.

           

“He’s always been a hard worker on the field and in the weight room,” Milanov said of Olaniyan. “This year, he knows there’s a bull’s-eye on his back, but it’s his time to step up. It’s a chance to play his whole season like he did in his biggest games last year.

           

Milanov looks for senior linebackers Ben Meli and Adam Schwarb, and senior defensive lineman Anthony Best to excel alongside one of the county’s most talked about players.

           

“It helps whenever you have a guy with that talent who coaches are going to scheme toward and against,” Milanov said of how players benefit from Olaniyan’s presence.

           

“It makes the other guys step up and make plays.”

Marquee matchup: Olaniyan will face the always physical front line of Grosse Pointe North and senior tackle Mike Tolliver at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at North.

Special teams

Key player: Stefan Tereckyj, senior, kicker/punter

Like most of the Marauders’ roster, the kicking game returns veteran skill and experience. Tereckyj returns for his third year as the varsity kicker.

Coach’s outlook

The sky could be the limit for a Mott squad that took home the 2008 MAC White championship.

           

While most of his seniors got a taste of championship football as regulars last year, Milanov is hoping they’re hungry enough to take a step further and extend their success into the state playoffs.

           

“Similar blueprint, just try to expand and keep getting better,” Milanov said of the game plan in 2009.

           

“You continue to remind them about their goals and to focus on the process and their daily work. Then the outcome will be there. We’re working daily to get better.”