Football fans grapple with violent side of a beloved sport
The harrowing on-field collapse of Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin has forced some fans to confront a truth they’ve always known but hated to think about: Football, a game with violence in its DNA, can go from exciting and joyous to dark and tragic in a flash.
Tom Brady, Wilson release limited-edition, autographed football
Wilson Sporting Goods and football legend Tom Brady have joined forces to release a limited-edition football that is available for sale now. The TB12 x Wilson “LFG” football, Wilson said, is a collaboration that was “inspired by Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero’s commitment to fueling performance, recovery and greatness through the TB12 Method.”Wilson said the ball “features a reimagined Wilson ‘Duke’ NFL football in black, designed with Tom’s mantra ‘keep going’ and his signature in red foil along with an embossed ‘LFG.’”Only 300 of the footballs will be produced. Each one comes with a number on a leather hangtag. The football is $250 and can be purchased from Wilson and TB12.
mlive.comVote for the Kalamazoo-area fall sports Athlete of the Week for Oct. 31-Nov. 5
KALAMAZOO, MI - Football players aren’t the only high school athletes taking the field across Michigan this fall, and the Kalamazoo area, in particular, is loaded with standout performers outside of the gridiron. With that in mind, we’re recognizing some of the area’s top performers in cross country, volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming from Oct. 31-Nov. 5.
mlive.comVote for the Kalamazoo-area fall sports Athlete of the Week from Oct. 24-29
KALAMAZOO, MI - Football players aren’t the only high school athletes taking the field across Michigan this fall, and the Kalamazoo area, in particular, is loaded with standout performers outside of the gridiron. With that in mind, we’re recognizing some of the area’s top performers in cross country, volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming from Oct. 24-29.
mlive.comVote for the Kalamazoo-area fall sports Athlete of the Week from Oct. 17-22
KALAMAZOO, MI - Football players aren’t the only high school athletes taking the field across Michigan this fall, and the Kalamazoo area, in particular, is loaded with standout performers outside of the gridiron. With that in mind, we’re recognizing some of the area’s top performers in cross country, volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming from Oct. 10-15.
mlive.comVote for the Kalamazoo-area fall sports Athlete of the Week from Oct. 10-15
KALAMAZOO, MI - Football players aren’t the only high school athletes taking the field across Michigan this fall, and the Kalamazoo area, in particular, is loaded with standout performers outside of the gridiron. With that in mind, we’re recognizing some of the area’s top performers in cross country, volleyball, boys soccer, girls golf, girls swimming, and boys tennis from Oct. 10-15.
mlive.com10 must-see Kalamazoo-area high school football stadiums
KALAMAZOO, MI – Football is the main attraction under the Friday night lights, but a scenic backdrop, a sense of history or a sprawling grandstand can make attending high school stadiums an even more enjoyable experience during the fall. The Kalamazoo area is fortunate to feature several exception venues for high school football, and we’re taking a look at 10 of the best places to take in some gridiron action on a Friday night.
mlive.comWho is going to emerge as North Central Thumb League Stripes football champion?
The North Central Thumb League has become the model for eight-player football. Adapting to the eight-player game, the NCTL has helped football continue to thrive in the area despite shrinking numbers. And the Thumb area is ready for another great season on the gridiron. If you receive a message that reads “Thank you for voting,” your vote will be counted. North Central Thumb LeagueEight-Player Football Champions2012 Deckerville2013 Peck2014 Peck2015 Deckerville2016 Deckerville2017 Stripes: North HuronStars: Deckerville, Morrice2018 Red: MorriceWhite: New Haven MerrittBlue: Deckerville2019 Red: MorriceWhite: New Haven MerrittBlue: Deckerville2020 Stripes: North HuronStars: Morrice, Mayville2021 Stripes: North HuronStars: MorriceLove reading about local sports?
mlive.comNational Signing Day: See where Muskegon-area student-athletes are headed
Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterGrand Haven linemen Dayne Arnett (52), Ashton Lepo (78) and Landon VanBeek (77) do drills prior to Friday's game. Mona Shores defeated Grand Haven, 36-15, in a high school football game Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at Buccaneer Stadium in Grand Haven, Mich. Scott DeCamp | MLive.comScott DeCamp | MLive.comStudent-athletes across the country made their college plans official Wednesday as part of National Signing Day and the Muskegon area had its fair share of celebrations despite the inclement weather. Below is a list of local high school standouts who signed their letter of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. NOTE: Coaches, players and parents are encouraged to send additional student-athletes to jvandyke@mlive.com to be included in this post. ---MUSKEGON HIGHFOOTBALLTy’Quarius Irby – DavenportDamari Foster – Ferris StateMyles Walton – Ferris StateDuane Anderson – ElmhurstJamarrius May – AlbionJeremiah Dault – Lawrence Tech---MONA SHORESFOOTBALLDemetri Roberson – Saginaw Valley StateElijah Johnson – AlmaRyan McNiff – AlmaMark Konecny – Western Michigan---REETHS-PUFFERFOOTBALLAlmarco Fields – Ferris State---GRAND HAVENFOOTBALLNathan Boehnke – Saginaw Valley StateDayne Arnett – Ferris StateAshton Lepo – Michigan State---SPRING LAKEFOOTBALLTy French – Alma---KENT CITYBOWLINGPeytin Brake – Valparaiso---MONTAGUEFOOTBALLAndrew Kooi – DavenportHayden McDonald – Hillsdale---OAKRIDGEFOOTBALLDerek Driscoll – Adrian---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEKent City girls basketball team flips the script in win over SpartaMuskegon-area basketball highlights: North Muskegon boys pick up pivotal league winMuskegon-area basketball highlights: North Muskegon boys pick up pivotal league winMuskegon-area girls basketball power rankings for week of Feb. 1Muskegon-area boys basketball power rankings for week of Feb. 1Michigan Associated Press high school boys basketball state rankings for Jan. 31Michigan Associated Press high school girls basketball rankings for week of Jan. 31Vote for the Muskegon-area Athlete of the Week for Jan. 24-29Muskegon-area high school basketball standings as of Jan. 31Muskegon-area high school basketball schedule for Jan. 31-Feb. 5
mlive.comNFL playoffs offer too much to watch, so take a pass on some of the action
If you like watching pro football, you will love this weekend. There are six National Football League (NFL) playoff games played over three days. The winners move on, and the losers go home. The two top-ranked teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans, will have their first games playoff next weekend.
washingtonpost.comMLive’s top 50 football recruits in Michigan for class of 2022: December update
The popular early signing period for NCAA Division I football is a week away, scheduled to begin on Dec. 15 and lasting through Dec. 17. Many high school football players in the state’s 2022 class will sign a letter of intent next week to officially join their future programs. As the early signing period approaches, it is time to revisit MLive’s top 50 football recruits in Michigan for the 2022 class. Most of Michigan’s top 50 recruits have committed, but there are a few worth watching as the early signing period approaches.
mlive.comSee 109 photos from Mona Shores’ playoff victory over Forest Hills Central
GRAND RAPIDS, MI-- Football high school playoffs are back in Michigan and two-time defending division 2 state champions, Mona Shores is advancing to the second round. Last year Mona Shores held on for a 28-25 win after a controversial last-second stop at the goal line. Mona Shores would go on last season to win Division 2 state championship for the second consecutive year. GAME RECAP: Mona Shores football leaves no doubt in dominant win over Forest Hills CentralMona Shores (8-2) will take on Caledonia (9-1) next week in the second round of the MHSAA division 2 football playoffs. RELATED: Mona Shores preparing for another battle with Forest Hills Central in D2 playoff openerMore on MLive:See photos from the first week of high school football playoffs across MichiganMichigan high school football scores from first-round playoff gamesDown 24, Grand Rapids Christian rallies to beat Spring Lake by 24
mlive.comFormer Alabama player, coach busted in prostitution sting
A sting operation at a Tuscaloosa hotel led to the arrests of six people on a total of 11 charges, including a former University of Alabama football and NFL player and assistant coach. Kindal Jerome Moorehead, 42, is among those arrested Tuesday night in the operation carried out by the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. He went on to be drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2003 and later served as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee. Moorehead is charged with soliciting prostitution and was released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $1,000 bond. “It’s no secret that we conduct these types of operations on a regular basis,” said Human Trafficking Task Force Commander Capt.
mlive.comHow to Watch Michigan Prep Sports on September 1 | Live Stream Info
Some more girls volleyball and boys soccer action around the state of Michigan. Many football games this season are live-streamed and available at MHSAA.tv or by visiting NFHSnetwork.com. Games on NFHS are accessible by subscription, costing $10.99 per month or $69.99 per year and can be purchased by clicking here. Watch prep sports on the NFHS NetworkALL TIMES EASTERNFOOTBALLSault Area vs. Tawas Area (6 p.m.)GIRLS VOLLEYBALLJonesville vs. Coldwater (4 p.m.)Hamilton vs. East Grand Rapids (4:30 p.m.)Three Rivers vs. Edwardsburg (4:45 p.m.)Traverse City Central vs. Traverse City West (5 p.m.)Kalamazoo Central vs. Coldwater (5 p.m.)Academy of the Sacred Heart vs. University Liggett (5 p.m.)Calumet vs. West Iron County (5 p.m.)Caro vs. Marlette (5:30 p.m.)Coleman vs. Merrill (5:30 p.m.)Bullock Creek vs. Nouvel Catholic Central (5:30 p.m.)Johannesburg-Lewiston vs. Forest Area (5:30 p.m.)Garden City vs. Carbrini (6 p.m.)Paw Paw vs. Ostego (6 p.m.)Mason vs. Eastern-Lansing (6 p.m.)Vicksburg vs. Sturgis (6 p.m.)Williamston vs. Fowlerville (6 p.m.)Niles vs. Allegan (6 p.m.)Williamston vs. Fowlerville (6 p.m.)Capac vs. Dryden (6:15 p.m.)Genesee vs. Lakeville Memorial (6:15 p.m.)Sacred Heart Academy vs. Ashley (6:30 p.m.)Ida vs. Jefferson (6:30 p.m.)St. Mary Prepatory vs. Everest Collegiate (6:30 p.m.)Gaylord vs. Alpena (6:30 p.m.)Lapeer East vs. Lakeland (6:30 p.m.)Dearborn vs. Northville (6:30 p.m.)Lutheran North vs. Shrine Catholic (6:30 p.m.)Petoskey vs. Cadillac (6:45 p.m.)Breckenridge vs. St. Charles (7 p.m.)Eradicate Academy vs. Hopkins (7 p.m.)White Cloud vs. Holton (7 p.m.)Breckenridge vs. St. Charles (7 p.m.)Grosse Pointe South vs. Athens-Troy (7 p.m.)Bath vs. Fulton (7 p.m.)Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Gabriel Richard-Riverview (7 p.m.)Nouvel Catholic Central vs. Hemlock (7 p.m.)Lakeview vs. Hesperia Community (7 p.m.)Ithaca vs. Standish-Sterling Central (7 p.m.)Kent City vs. Morley-Stanwood (7 p.m.)Fraser vs. Chippewa Valley (7 p.m.)Crossroads Charter Academy vs. Clare (7 p.m.)Lake City vs. Harrison (7:30 p.m.)Watch prep sports on the NFHS NetworkBOYS SOCCERHemlock vs. Valley Lutheran (4:30 p.m.)Cabrini vs. University Liggett (4:30 p.m.)H.H. Dow vs. Grand Blanc (4:30 p.m.)Roscommon vs. Northern Michigan Christian (5 p.m.)Warren Woods-Tower vs. L’Anse Creuse (5:30 p.m.)Ludington vs. Whitehall (5:45 p.m.)Lake Shore vs. Fitzgerald (6 p.m.)Huron Valley Lutheran vs. Clarenceville (6 p.m.)Lapeer East vs. Flint Powers Catholic (6 p.m.)Portage Northern vs. Lakeshore (6:30 p.m.)Owosso vs. Holly (6:30 p.m.)Linden vs. Goodrich (6:30 p.m.)East Grand Rapids vs. South Christian (6:45 p.m.)Utica vs. Rochester Adams (6:55 p.m.)Canton vs. Brighton (7 p.m.)Our Lady of the Lakes vs. Bishop Foley (7 p.m.)Grand Haven vs. East Kentwood (7:15 p.m.)FIELD HOCKEYDexter vs. Saline (7 p.m.)Huron-Ann Arbor vs. Chelsea (7 p.m.)Edsel Ford vs. Clarkston (7 p.m.)
mlive.comHow to Watch Michigan Prep Sports on 8/26/21 | Live Stream Info
The 2021 high school football season is set to kick off, with many teams beginning their seasons on Thursday night. Many football games this season are live-streamed and available at MHSAA.tv or by visiting NFHSnetwork.com. Games on NFHS are accessible by subscription, costing $10.99 per month or $69.99 per year and can be purchased by clicking here. Watch prep sports on the NFHS NetworkFOOTBALLFrankenmuth at Goodrich (4 p.m.)Lapeer at GR Catholic Central (12 p.m.)Midland vs. Traverse City West - in Ann Arbor (3:30 p.m.)Communication Media Arts vs. Universtiy Liggett (4 p.m.)Canton vs. Fordson - in Detroit (4 p.m.)Clarenceville at Cranbrook Kingswood (5 p.m.)Houghton Lake at Glen Lake (6 p.m.)Zeeland East at Warren Woods-Tower (6 p.m.)Lake Linden-Hubbell at Wakefield-Marenisco (6 p.m.)Valley Lutheran at Lutheran Northwest (6 p.m.)Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian at Suttons Bay (6:45 p.m.)Lincoln Park at OA Carlson (6:50 p.m.)Lakeview-St. Clair Shores at Crestwood (6:55 p.m.)Port Huron at Stoney Creek (6:55 p.m.)Carney-Nadeau at Norway (7 p.m.)Grand Ledge at Coldwater (7 p.m.)New Haven at Capac (7 p.m.)Mount Pleasant at Kalamazoo Central (7 p.m.)Clinton at Manchester (7 p.m.)New Lothrop at Lumen Christi Catholic (7 p.m.)Williamston at Croswell-Lexington (7 p.m.)Dearborn at Brighton (7 p.m.)Pinconning at Standish-Sterling Central (7 p.m.)Caledonia at Holt (7 p.m.)St. Louis at Montabella (7 p.m.)Bad Axe at Harbor Beach Community (7 p.m.)Durand Area at Imlay City (7 p.m.)Roseville at Monroe (7 p.m.)GIRLS VOLLEYBALLMason County Central at Brethern (9 a.m.)Traverse City St. Francis at East Kentwood (4 p.m.)Potter’s House at Hopkins (5 p.m.)Reed City at Holton (5 p.m.)Harbor Springs at Alanson (5:30 p.m.)Newberry at Manistique (5:30 p.m.)Hillman at Alpena (5:30 p.m.)Battle Creek Pennfield at Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (6 p.m.)Quincy at Stockbridge (6:15 p.m.)Pinckney at Skyline (6:30 p.m.)Hamtramck at Arbor Preparatory (6:30 p.m.)Ewen-Trout Creek at Luther L Wright (6:45 p.m.)Canton at Woodhaven (7 p.m.)BOYS SOCCERTraverse City Central at Heritage (12 p.m.)Ogemaw Heights at Grayling (4 p.m.)Stevenson at Churchill (4 p.m.)Riverview Community HS at Melvindale (4 p.m.)John Glenn-Westland at Dearborn (4 p.m.)Oscoda at Kalkaska (5 p.m.)Detroit Cristo Rey at Cabrini (5 p.m.)Kalamazoo Christian at Comstock (5 p.m.)Unionville Sebewaing at Bad Axe (5:30 p.m.)Shepherd at Ithaca (5:30 p.m.)Bishop Foley at Everest Collegiate (5:30 p.m.)Zion Christian at Godfrey-Lee (6 p.m.)Thurston at Clarenceville (6 p.m.)Hartland at Novi (6 p.m.)Anchor Bay at Lakeview-St. Clair Shores (6:30 p.m.)Northview at GR Catholic Central (6:45 p.m.)BOYS TENNISManistee Catholic Central vs. Stoney Creek (4 p.m.)
mlive.comMichigan State football an early underdog for season opener at Northwestern
Michigan State football is an early underdog for its season opener on the road. Northwestern is a 7.5-point favorite against Michigan State, according to vegasinsider.com on Wednesday. Michigan State is coming off a 2-5 season in coach Mel Tucker’s debut leading the program. Northwestern won three straight matchups before Michigan State took the last two. Related Michigan State football stories:A look at Michigan State football’s 2022 commits after June visitsMichigan State football uses June recruiting visits to more than double 2022 class3-star California QB Katin Houser commits to Michigan StateMichigan State lands commitment from 3-star CB Shannon BlairSpartan Confidential podcast: Why Michigan State is embracing name, image and likeness
mlive.comWest Michigan Officials Association announces Athletes, Coaches, Officials of the Year
The West Michigan Officials Association’s Awards Banquet is coming up June 1. Here’s who will be bringing home the hardware at the 6 p.m. event at Watermark Country Club. Student Athlete Scholarship Award Winners:Kensey Armock – Sparta, Girls BasketballBraiden McDonald – Fremont, Boys BasketballBlake Bosma – West Ottawa, FootballCoach of the Year Award Winners:Jill VanderEnde – West Catholic, Girls BasketballPhil Visser – Caledonia, Boys BasketballTom Burrill – Caledonia, FootballAthletic Director of the Year:Deanne Crowley – LowellDon Edwards Officials of the Year:Bob Navarro – FootballPatrick Kane – BasketballCarl T Paganelli Lifetime Achievement Award:Dave Chesney
mlive.comWolverine Confidential podcast: Michigan football wraps up spring practice
Michigan football held its closed-to-the-public spring game on Saturday, declaring the unofficial end to the first major phase of the offseason. So, where do the Wolverines stand? MLive’s Aaron McMann and Ryan Zuke are back with another episode of the “Wolverine Confidential” podcast, recapping the spring that was, things we learned and potential clues for what Mike Macdonald’s defense might look like. You can listen below (click here if you can’t see it) or search for us on your preferred podcasting platform.
mlive.comWolverine Confidential podcast: Michigan football signing day preview
Michigan football was productive during the early signing period. On the latest episode of the Wolverine Confidential podcast, we tell you everything we need to know about the potential future Wolverines. There’s also discussion about outgoing Michigan football players, including running back Zach Charbonnet and quarterback Dylan McCaffrey. Related content:What to watch for Michigan football on February signing dayTwo key defensive players returning to Michigan football in 2021With return date unclear, will Michigan basketball pick up where it left off? Michigan assistant coach reportedly interviewing with Urban MeyerMichigan AD: Goal remains for Jim Harbaugh to win rivalry games, Big Ten
mlive.comMore than 50 Milan athletes earn All-Huron League honors for fall sports
MILAN – It was a successful 2020 fall sports season for many Milan athletes despite the ups and downs teams faced. The Big Reds were well represented in the Huron League as more than 50 Milan athletes earned all-conference honors after successful fall athletic seasons. Twenty Big Reds claimed first team honors, while 26 were named second team and six were selected honorable mention. See which Milan athletes received all-Huron League recognition below. --FIRST TEAMBOYS CROSS COUNTRYBrayden HumesGIRLS CROSS COUNTRYHannah SegristElla RacetteFOOTBALLDylan BeckCole McElvanyKendrick McBrideKaleb Monahan-AlberGOLFKylee BratschiSOCCERGarrett DeBrockSWIM & DIVEAnnabelle WilliamsEmily HuelkeHailey BradyJillian RhoneyRaeghan HinesElaina MalachPhoebe RhoneyTENNISDuane MichaelsTyler HelzemanEthan BuddVOLLEYBALLDelaney Higgins--SECOND TEAMGIRLS CROSS COUNTRYSaebrianna SmallwoodFOOTBALLNoah CartwrightJett IsaacsJJ StinesTravon StinesGOLFMegan MonroeSOCCERParker BeardBen CisloSWIM & DIVEHailey BradyKrista CookRaeghan HinesElaina MalachMikala MuccinoRylee MitchellJillian RhoneyNadia SmithKamryn StrippMolley SmithTENNISRyder KnoxMatt BowmanZach SpradinGavin KruiseAdam DuboisTrent SpradinVOLLEYBALLNya MatleyAllison Millina--HONORABLE MENTIONFOOTBALLEvan MorelockConner DessellierEthan GriffinZack AbbeySOCCERSamuel KlienVOLLEYBALLVanessa WhiteMORE:See which Ann Arbor-area volleyball players earned All-Region honorsAnn Arbor-area football players named all-region for Divisions 1-42 Father Gabriel Richard football players earn Division 5 all-region honors
mlive.comWolverine Confidential podcast: Michigan vs. Wisconsin preview
Michigan football hosts Wisconsin on Saturday in an important game for the Wolverines. Wisconsin is somewhat of an unknown entity given that the Badgers haven’t played since their opener on Oct. 23. None of these uncertainties prevent the Wolverine Confidential trio from making predictions for the game. More Michigan football content:Q&A: Thoughts on QB Graham Mertz, Wisconsin’s run game ahead of Michigan showdownMichigan depth chart: How shorthanded will the Wolverines be vs. Wisconsin? Michigan football players, families adjust to new Big Ten postgame protocolsMichigan football has lost its identity on defenseWolverine recruiting report: Where does Michigan turn after missing on DT Rayshaun Benny?
mlive.comWolverine Confidential podcast: freshmen to watch as Michigan preps for Minnesota
Michigan football opens the season next week at Minnesota. We give an early preview of the Gophers (4:05) but not before a brief discussion about the ridiculous way some college football coaches -- particularly Tennessee’s Jeremy Pruitt -- wore masks on the sidelines this past weekend. We also talk about Michigan’s potential starting defensive backfield (10:00), which transitions into a discussion about the freshmen likely to see the field early and often for the Wolverines this season (12:15). We hope you’ll give it a listen by pressing play below, clicking here, or searching for “Wolverine Confidential” on your preferred podcast platform. Related content:Michigan football inserts Sammy Faustin into CB battleMichigan football opener at Minnesota set for prime time5 freshmen who could have the biggest impact for Michigan football in 2020Michigan football opponent preview: the opener vs. Minnesota’s potent offenseFor $70, your face can be inside Michigan Stadium this football seasonAround the Big Ten: several teams still have QB battles
mlive.comWearing bull’s-eye, No. 1 Mona Shores passes test against game Grand Haven squad
Friday’s matchup came about because conference games for Grand Haven and Mona Shores were canceled because of opponents reporting positive COVID-19 results in their programs. Grand Haven was looking for a replacement game as early as Monday, while Mona Shores was on the lookout starting Tuesday. Mona Shores players, including senior captains Bryce Sikkenga (52) and Keondre Pierce (2), take the field with their school's flag waving prior to Friday's game against Grand Haven. Grand Haven lines up against Mona Shores during Friday's game. Mona Shores senior linebacker Karsen Marihugh, center, lines up across from Grand Haven junior offensive tackle Ashton Lepo during Friday's game.
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