PLAINWELL

KALAMAZOO, MI - Athletes from across the Kalamazoo-area put their season on the line at the weekend’s track and field regional meets, and dozens of girls ran, jumped, threw and vaulted their way to a state finals berth. Three squads – Otsego, Lawton and Marcellus – captured team titles, while 53 individual regional championships went to local athletes, led by Lawton sophomore Kendra Koster, who won all four of her events. Six more local athletes were three-time winners, including Kalamazoo Central’s Susana Roberts, Three Rivers’ Kylin Griffin, Otsego’s Megan Germain, Gobles’ Kaya Huizenga and Deanna Wood and Lawton’s Heidi Newhouse, who will look to carry that success over to the state finals on Saturday, June 4. Follow along to see all the Kalamazoo-area girls track and field athletes who earned a spot in the 2022 state meet. 100-meter dashAthlete, grade, school, time/distance, regional finishDivision 1Keyanna O’Tey (Fr., Sturgis), 12.98 (2nd in Region 3)Division 2Kylin Griffin (Jr., Three Rivers), 12.60 (1st in R-14)Division 3Ti’Anna Murphy-Ryan (Soph., Comstock), 12.90 (1st in R-24)Audrey Nadrasik (Sr., Schoolcraft), 13.48 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Kaya Huizenga (Jr., Gobles), 13.40 (1st in R-34)Jian Toy (Sr., Lawrence), 13.42 (2nd in R-34)Morgan Modert (Jr., Gobles), 13.43 (3rd in R-34)200-meter dashDivision 1Susana Roberts (Fr., Kalamazoo Central), 26.18 (1st in R-3)Division 2Kylin Griffin (Jr., Three Rivers), 26.10 (1st in R-14)Division 3Heidi Newhouse (Soph., Lawton), 27.23 (1st in R-24)Audrey Nadrasik (Sr., Schoolcraft), 27.36 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Sage Brown (Sr., Kalamazoo Hackett), 26.65 (1st in R-34)Jian Toy (Sr., Lawrence), 27.65 (2nd in R-34)400-meter dashDivision 2Kylin Griffin (Jr., Three Rivers), 59.06 (1st in R-14)Sabrina Mills (Jr., Allegan), 1:00.30 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Heidi Newhouse (Soph., Lawton), 59.56 (1st in R-24)Jaelynn Little (Fr., Bangor), 1:01.24 (2nd in R-24)Jaidyn Klimp (Fr., Galesburg-Augusta), 1:02.39 (3rd in R-24)Division 4Sage Brown (Sr., Kalamazoo Hackett), 1:02.04 (1st in R-34)800-meter runDivision 2Mackenzie Hill (Sr., Plainwell), 2:24.85 (1st in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster (Soph., Lawton), 2:25.92 (1st in R-24)Division 4Addie Curtis (Soph., Marcellus), 2:35.82 (1st in R-34)1,600-meter runDivision 2Megan Germain (Soph., Otsego), 5:18.20 (1st in R-14)Mackenzie Hill (Sr., Plainwell), 5:19.15 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster (Soph., Lawton), 5:28.88 (1st in R-24)Division 4Presley Allen (Fr., Mendon), 5:17.72 (1st in R-35)Addie Curtis (Soph., Marcellus), 5:51.97 (1st in R-34)Mercedes Morin (Sr., Martin), 5:57.20 (2nd in R-34)3,200-meter runDivision 2Megan Germain (Soph., Otsego), 12:11.08 (1st in R-14)Anezka Pradna (Soph., Three Rivers), 12:27.42 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster (Soph., Lawton), 12:13.33 (1st in R-24)Division 4Presley Allen (Fr., Mendon), 11:34.39 (1st in R-35)100-meter hurdlesDivision 1Kennedy Gardner (Jr., Portage Central), 16.26 (1st in R-3)Division 2Megan Zahnow (Soph., Vicksburg), 16.47 (1st in R-14)Division 3Gabrielle Bowen (Sr., Centreville), 17.15 (1st in R-24)Alexis Girolami (Soph., Lawton), 17.78 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Madi Simpson (Sr., Marcellus), 17.74 (1st in R-34)Kaylee Schaap (Soph., Kalamazoo Christian), 18.41 (2nd in R-34)300-meter hurdlesDivision 1Kennedy Gardner (Jr., Portage Central), 46.64 (1st in R-3)Emily Brown (Jr., Portage Northern), 47.08 (2nd in R-3)Division 2Paige McDonald (Fr., Three Rivers), 48.48 (1st in R-14)Megan Zahnow (Soph., Vicksburg), 49.37 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Gabrielle Bowen (Sr., Centreville), 49.72 (1st in R-24)Division 4Kyia Bozzo (Soph., Martin), 54.61 (1st in R-34)Madi Simpson (Sr., Marcellus), 54.86 (2nd in R-34)400-meter relayDivision 1Kalamazoo Central (Lauryn Hudson, Samantha Bannister, Camani Johnson, Susana Roberts), 49.52 (1st in R-3)Portage Northern (Neajai Lewis, Camryn Batt, Melody Yang, Emily Brown), 49.83 (3rd in R-3)Division 2Vicksburg (Cate Curtis, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Emma Steele), 50.87 (2nd in R-14)Plainwell (Natalie Anson, Alexis Poel, Alexia Inquilla, Kaylee Wright), 51.32 (3rd in R-14)Division 3Comstock (Gianna Nathaniel, Kyla Owens, Deshanae Reed, Ti’Anna Murphy-Ryan), 51.75 (1st in R-24)Division 4Gobles (Deanna Wood, Kaya Huizenga, Kambree Tackett, Elizabeth Woodard), 53.59 (1st in R-34)800-meter relayDivision 1Kalamazoo Central (Lauryn Hudson, Kynnedi Patterson, Camani Johnson, Susana Roberts), 1:44.70 (1st in R-3)Division 2Vicksburg (Cate Curtis, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Emma Steele), 1:47.08 (1st in R-14)Three Rivers (Gisell Macedo, Paige McDonald, Kennady Cottingham, Kylin Griffin), 1:47.24 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Centreville (Gabrielle Bowen, Izzabella Kessler, Zoe Miller, Jade Kuhbander), 1:51.69 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Gobles (Alyson Tripp, Deanna Wood, Morgan Modert, Elizabeth Woodard), 1:53.53 (1st in R-34)Martin (Kylee Gonser, Elizabeth Reinke, Gracie Shettler, Katelin Bird), 1:59.44 (2nd in R-34)1,600-meter relayDivision 1Portage Central (Eliza Phares,

Plainwell entered the contest carrying a 14-1 overall record and an 8-0 conference mark, while Otsego was 11-3-1 overall and 7-1 in league play, making the season-ending rivalry game the de facto Wolverine title bout. PHOTOS: See our gallery from the Wolverine Conference championship game. “It’s certainly one of our goals, so it’s rewarding to get the win, and it was fun that it came down to a meaningful game,” Plainwell head coach Garry Snyder said. “We want to get through districts, and we want to see either Marshall or Gull Lake in regionals,” he said. I told my girls after the game that I cannot ask any more of them.

OTSEGO, MI-- Plainwell girls soccer wins the Wolverine Conference championship from Otsego at Otsego High School on May 18, 2022. Here are a few of our favorite moments:Otsego's Eva Bearup (3)sheds a few tears to her friend after her teams loss to Plainwell for the Wolverine Conference championship at Otsego High School in Otsego, Michigan on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comPlainwell's Kayla Baar (14) maneuvers the ball away from Otsego's Kaylin Proctor (5) during the game for the Wolverine Conference championship at Otsego High School in Otsego, Michigan on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comOtsego's Avery Davis (13) kicks the ball into play during the against Plainwell game for the Wolverine Conference championship at Otsego High School in Otsego, Michigan on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comAlso on MLive:Here’s where Jackson-area girls soccer teams will open district playVote for the Kalamazoo-area spring sports Athlete of the Week for May 9-15See the Kalamazoo area’s top performers from the 2021 girls soccer season

Emily Brown (Jr., Portage Northern), 12.62 (D1)200-meter dashState cuts - D1: 26.00 | D2: 26.75 | D3: 27.30 | D4: 28.001. Sage Brown (Sr., Kalamazoo Hackett), 26.81 (D4)400-meter dashState cuts - D1: 59.30 | D2: 1:01.10 | D3: 1:02.60 | D4: 1:04.301. Mary England (Jr., Kalamazoo Central), 11:32.97 (D1)5. Kennedy Gardner (Jr., Portage Central), 16.03 (D1)3. Layla Wallace (Jr., Portage Central), 17′9.75 (D1)2.

Follow along for the complete list of the Wolverine Conference all-league teams for the 2021-22 boys and girls basketball seasons, along with final conference standings. Three Rivers Wildcat Andrew Brown (24) smiles to his teammates before the game at Portage Central High School on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Paw Paw 2-6, 2-195. ), Vicksburg- Paw Paw’s Addison Roy puts up a shot during a girls basketball game against Plainwell on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at Paw Paw High School. Paw Paw 6-2, 14-83.

Nickolas Peristeridis (Sr.), Portage Northern, 1:54.4524. Ryan Meyer (Sr.), Portage Central, 2:02.5330. South Haven (Benjamin Meyer, Ashton Fields, Jacob Florey, Jacob Meyer, Luke Prong, Yamil Garcia, Kyle Bos, Eduardo Solis), 1:44.7221. South Haven (Jacob Florey, Luke Prong, Benjamin Meyer, Jacob Meyer, Kyle Bos, Eduardo Solis, Ashton Fields), 1:30.6519. South Haven (Jacob Florey, Kyle Bos, Benjamin Meyer, Jacob Meyer, Eduardo Solis, Luke Prong, Ashton Fields), 3:24.0017.

Mattawan (12-8) advances to Friday’s district championship game at St. Joseph, where they’ll meet a 12-8 Stevensville Lakeshore team that upset second-seeded Portage Central, 55-35. Barber finished with a team-high 17 points to go along with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Mendon’s Alivia Stuart added seven points, while sophomore Makennah Mullin dominated the paint with four points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Winner advances to face Bellevue district champ at Mendon regionalMore high school sports coverageParchment’s narrow win headlines Kalamazoo-area girls basketball district quarterfinal actionBuzzer-beater, big upset headline Tuesday’s Kalamazoo-area boys prep hoops actionDefense leads Kalamazoo Central boys hoops to upset over No. 3 MuskegonVote for the Kalamazoo-area prep sports Athlete of the Week for Feb. 21-26See 2022 Kalamazoo-area boys basketball district tournament pairings, schedules

KALAMAZOO, MI - Eight teams and dozens of individuals from the Kalamazoo area punched their regional tournament tickets with strong performances at last week’s districts. The Bulldogs advance to Wednesday’s regional semifinals, where they’ll meet Constantine at Watervliet, after the Falcons defeated Three Rivers and Comstock. Constantine advances to Wednesday regional semifinals at Watervliet, where it will face Otsego in a rematch of the Falcon’s 63-12 win in last year’s regional semis. Decatur advances to Wednesday’s regional semifinals at Lawton, where the Raiders will look to defeat Schoolcraft for the third time this season. Division 1 regional qualifiersWrestlers from Portage Central, Portage Northern and Kalamazoo Central will compete in individual regionals at Howell.

PLAINWELL, MI-- The Otsego Bulldogs took on the Plainwell Trojans in a girls and boys varsity basketball double header on Feb. 11, 2022. In the girl’s game, Otsego Bulldogs defeated the Plainwell Trojans 54-33, and in the boy’s game, Otsego Bulldogs defeated the Plainwell Trojans 54-48. Otsego Lady Bulldogs’ Madelyn Arlington (32) looks to throw the ball to a teammate during the game at Plainwell High School on Friday, February 11, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comOtsego Bulldogs’ Jacob Zartman (24) pushes against a Plainwell Trojan during their game at Plainwell High School on Friday, February 11, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comOtsego Bulldogs’ Ashton Atwater (3) shoots a shot during the game against the Plainwell Trojans at Plainwell High School on Friday, February 11, 2022.

PLAINWELL, MI -- Plainwell Community Schools is the latest district in the area to face a lawsuit from parents arguing that mandating face masks is illegal. A group of parents filed a lawsuit against the district superintendent and board of education members, alleging that the school cannot make students wear masks. The attorney is also representing parents who are suing Portage Public Schools and Mattawan Consolidated School over similar grievances. Plainwell’s public school district was also sued recently by a student who alleges his First Amendment rights were violated. Also on MLive:Mattawan schools sued by parents over mandated face masks in classroomsPortage parents sue school district leaders over mask mandate for studentsMasks will remain mandatory at Kalamazoo Public Schools through remainder of school year

PLAINWELL, MI -- A Michigan student is suing his school district after he said he was suspended for voicing his Christian beliefs. David Stout, a junior at Plainwell High School, was suspended for three days for violating the district’s bullying policy after his attorney said he shared his Christian beliefs in a private text conversation and in the hallway at school, according to a press release from the Great Lakes Justice Center, a nonprofit aimed at defending First Amendment rights.

PHOTOS: See our gallery from the Paw Paw vs. Plainwell girls basketball gamePaw Paw stages a 2nd half comeback to upset reigning @WolverineConf champ Plainwell 43-40. Foul trouble for starting point guard Avery Vogel gave Mitchell an expanded role Friday, and after committing a couple early turnovers, the 5-foot-8 freshman settled in and looked the part of the next great Mitchell basketball player at Paw Paw. “You’ve just got to be strong; it’s not middle school anymore, and that ramp up from coming into the high school and playing varsity – that’s huge,” Paw Paw coach Ernie Ramirez said of Mitchell. Troff knocked down a pair of 3-pointers on Plainwell’s first two possessions of the final frame, but Mitchell answered with a 3-ball of her own to keep Paw Paw within striking distance. Roy led Paw Paw with 11 points, while Rickli and fellow sophomore Katelyn Baney and added eight points apiece.

Paige Carothers (Sr.), Portage Central, 1:59.7523. Madeline Philip (Sr.), Portage Central, 25.57100-yard butterfly7. Angelina Baker (Sr.), Portage Northern, 4:59.9013. Paige Carothers (Sr.), Portage Central, 5:16.9619. Portage Central (Kelly Overheul, Karis Watson, Madeline Philip, Evelyn Wesler, Sadie Tate, Caroline Miller, Paige Carothers), 1:42.42100-yard backstroke13.

Winning has become a habit for Plainwell junior Renae Jaeger during junior season of high school golf, and her most recent victory proved to be a big one not only for herself, but her Trojan teammates, as well. Jaeger shot a 9-over-par 80 at the Division 3 regional tournament at Orchard Hills Country Club, which not only earned her medalist honors, but also led her Plainwell team to a second-place finish and a spot at the upcoming state finals. The three-time state qualifier has been one of Southwest Michigan’s best golfers throughout the 2021 season, and high school sports fans from across the region recognized her success by voting Jaeger the latest Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive Athlete of the Week. Jaeger has won her last four events, including a Wolverine Conference championship on Sept. 28 at Stonehedge North, where shot an 84. As a freshman in 2019, Jaeger shot rounds of 105 and 94 to finish with a 199, which placed her 68th overall and helped the Trojans finish 14th out of 18 qualifying teams.

The Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association released its seventh set of rankings this week, and three of the state’s four divisions have a new No. 10 and Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian joined the rankings for the first time this season. Macomb Dakota (NR), 11-1-2Gull Lake sophomore Ryker Corstange (3) heads down the sideline during the soccer game between Gull Lake and Portage Central at Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Grand Rapids Christian (12), 10-6-214. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (NR), 10-6-1More high school sports coverage2021 high school boys soccer district pairings and results for Bay City areaGarber captain may rip a ‘bullet off the back post,’ but he’ll never lose his coolSee the Ann Arbor-area boys soccer district scheduleLosses among top Grand Rapids-area boys soccer teams jumble rankings for week of Oct. 11Spring Lake boys soccer celebrates conference championshipTeam-first attitude keys turnaround for Spring Lake soccerWeek 6 boys soccer rankingsWeek 5 boys soccer rankingsWeek 4 boys soccer rankingsWeek 3 boys soccer rankingsWeek 2 boys soccer rankingsWeek 1 boys soccer rankings

KALAMAZOO, MI - The high school football season’s home stretch has arrived, as the top teams from across Michigan look to finish with two strong performances and solidify their status as elite. White Pigeon seniors (from left) Daniel Jackson, Jack Davidson, Luke Group and Dylan Carper pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Constantine players (from left) Heston Wiggs, Owen Griffith, Brayden Clark, Carson Platz and Caden Hetmansperger pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Vicksburg junior Grant Anderson (21) and Vicksburg junior Bo Skidmore (9) celebrate a touchdown at The Battle for the Bone between Three Rivers and Vicksburg at Vicksburg High School on Friday, October 1, 2021. More high school football coverageVote for Kalamazoo-area prep football Player of the Week from Week 7 of 2021 seasonKalamazoo-area high school football playoff picture heading into Week 8Associated Press high school football state rankings through Week 7 in MichiganTop 50 Michigan high school football teams: Rockford, Muskegon rise in new-look top 10 for Week 8Stunning upset, thrilling comebacks headline Kalamazoo-area Week 7 prep football actionPortage Central football overcomes early miscues, snaps 4-game losing streak to rival Northern

KALAMAZOO, MI - Michigan’s girls golf state finals field is set, and several Kalamazoo-area teams have reason to celebrate. Rounding out the area teams advancing to the state finals are Richland Gull Lake, Plainwell and Kalamazoo Hackett, while several local golfers also qualified individually, so follow along to see all the Kalamazoo-area athletes that will be teeing it up at the state finals. Notes: The Blue Devils are heading to the state finals for the second consecutive season after making their first appearance in program history last year, when Betts, Jerke and King were all on the team. Kalamazoo HackettDivision: 4Regional score/result: 412, 3rd place at Milham ParkFinals info: Oct. 15-16 at Michigan State’s Forest Akers EastState ranking: No. Notes: Hackett is back in the state finals for the 15th consecutive year, and that alone will provide a great learning experience for a young Irish team without any seniors.

RICHALND, MI — See photos from Gull Lake’s marching band performance from Friday night’s game at Gull Lake High School, where they played renditions of Radiohead’s “Creep,” and much more. The Gull Lake marching band performs at halftime during the football game between Plainwell and Gull Lake at Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan on Friday, September 17, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com)Carlin Stiehl | MLive.comThe Gull Lake marching band performs during halftime at the football game between Plainwell and Gull Lake at Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan on Friday, September 17, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com)Carlin Stiehl | MLive.comThe Gull Lake marching band performs during halftime at the football game between Plainwell and Gull Lake at Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan on Friday, September 17, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com)Carlin Stiehl | MLive.comThe Gull Lake marching band performs at halftime during the football game between Plainwell and Gull Lake at Gull Lake High School in Richland, Michigan on Friday, September 17, 2021.

RICHLAND, MI — Plainwell Football defeated Gull Lake 33-14 in Friday night’s game at Gull Lake High School. Gull Lake was able to redeem two touchdowns, but was not able to overcome Plainwell’s well established lead. During pre-game, Gull Lake honored its seniors by announcing them to the bleachers and distributing roses as they entered the stadium with their families. The fan turnout was strong, especially with the Gull Lake student section, where high schoolers donned American themed attire and displayed politicized signs. More on MLive:Michigan high school football pictures: Scenes from Week 4See how Kalamazoo-area high school football teams fared in Week 4 of 2021 seasonSee photos from the ‘Sailor Salute’ appreciation night at the Mona Shores, Zeeland West game

Plainwell takes a 7-0 lead over Gull Lake on this 45-yard TD pass from @koobryan10 to Trammel Robinson w/ 8:44 left in 1st quarter. Plainwell’s Landon Dixon-Schumacher gives @plainwellfb a 14-0 lead over Gull Lake on this 6-yard TD run with 0:27 left in the 1st quarter. That preparation paid off, as the Trojans built a 33-0 lead before Gull Lake could get anything going. Gull Lake QB @VanwormerSilas sneaks in from 2 yards out and the 2pt play is good to cut his @GoGLBlueDevils’ deficit to 33-8 w/ 9:47 left in 4th quarter. Another successful onside kick gave Gull Lake good field position, but Nolan Greenwood couldn’t corral and option pitch from VanWormer, allowing Plainwell to run the final 1:29 off the clock.

KALAMAZOO, MI – It seems like just yesterday high school football players around the state were strapping on their helmets for the first day of practice, yet somehow Week 4 is here. That three-catch, 31-yard receiving effort against the Cardinals proved to be an omen for the 2021 season, as Thompson has emerged as Sturgis’ top pass catcher. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior had another big game in last week’s 19-6 loss to Plainwell, in which he caught 11 passes for 118 yards, while carrying six times for 30 yards and his team’s lone touchdown. Through three games, Thompson has 30 catches for 334 yards and two touchdowns, while adding nine carries for 35 yards and a score on the ground. Sturgis will need another big performance from him this week, as the Trojans look for their first win at home against Paw Paw (2-1).

ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – Lanes of U.S. 131 will be closed during the weekend. Lanes of U.S. 131 north of Plainwell will close at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 and reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The lanes are closed between M-222 and M-89. The closure is for spot repairs to the concrete, MDOT Communications Representative John Richard said. The weekend closure gives the concrete time to cure during the weekend.

KALAMAZOO, MI – There was a lot of uncertainty heading into Michigan’s 2020 high school football season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but by the time the regular season came to a close, there was a predictable finish in the Wolverine Conference. That’s because Edwardsburg continued its impressive and dominant run atop the league by capturing its eighth consecutive Wolverine Conference crown. Follow along for a look at each Kalamazoo-area team and a predicted order of finish for the Wolverine Conference. After a 4-0 start, Paw Paw ended the year with consecutive losses to state-ranked teams Detroit Country Day and Edwardsburg, before rebounding with playoff wins over Otsego and Hastings. Defensively, Paw Paw has a lot of new faces in its linebacking corps and secondary, and those units should benefit from a manageable early-season schedule, before the Red Wolves visit Edwardsburg in Week 6.

PLAINWELL, MI — Following a massive cyber-attack against the world’s largest beef distributor, the JBS beef-processing plant in Plainwell, as well as others across the country, are coming back online. “Systems are coming back online and JBS USA is not sparing any resources to fight this threat,” a news release from JBS states. “The refrigeration units didn’t get warm,” he said, adding that very little additional product is kept on hand as orders are filled. Cakmakci confirmed the Plainwell plant, like other JBS plants across the United States and Australia, was able to get what little product was at the plant out and maintenance mechanics were able to do some preventative maintenance at the plant while production was halted. JBS notified the federal government that it received a ransom demand from the ransomware gang REvil, which is believed to operate in Russia, the AP reported.

Gull Lake senior Maddie Bellinger (1) throws in the ball against Portage Central at Portage Central High School in Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. - Plainwell’s Allie Hawkes passes the ball during a girls soccer game against Allegan on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Plainwell High School. - Mattawan’s Dawosu Jorgboyan controls the ball during a girls soccer game against Kalamazoo Loy Norrix on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Loy Norrix High School. Portage Central senior Ellie Lancaster (11) looks for an open teammate against Gull Lake at Portage Central High School in Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. - Plainwell’s Gabrielle Zugel controls the ball during a girls soccer game against Allegan on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Plainwell High School.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Athletes from across the Kalamazoo-area put their season on the line at the weekend’s track and field regional meets, and 84 girls ran, jumped, threw and vaulted their way to a state finals berth. Three squads -- Otsego, Lawton and Gobles -- captured team titles, while 39 individuals earned regional championships, including Plainwell’s Mackenzie Hill, Gobles’ Morgan Modert and Kalamazoo Hackett’s Sage Brown, who all captured a trio of first-place finishes and will look to carry that success over to the state finals on Saturday, June 5. The Division 1 meet takes place at East Kentwood, while Division 2 is at Zeeland, Division 3 at Jenison and Division 4 at Hudsonville Baldwin Middle School. Follow along to see all the Kalamazoo-area girls track and field athletes who earned a spot in the 2021 state meet. 100-METER DASHathlete, grade, school, time/distance, regional finishDivision 2Kylin Griffin, Soph., Three Rivers, 12.73 (1st in Region 14)Division 3Ti’Anna Murphy-Ryan, Fr., Comstock, 12.77 (1st in R-24)Gianna Nathaniel, Jr., Comstock, 13.35 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Morgan Modert, Soph., Gobles, 13.38 (1st in R-34)Jozryl Meeks, Fr., Mendon, 13.38 (2nd in R-35)Jian Toy, Jr., Lawrence, 13.40 (2nd in R-34)200-METER DASHDivision 2Adriana Morgan, Jr., Otsego, 27.95 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Ti’Anna Murphy-Ryan, Fr., Comstock, 26.10 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Sage Brown, Jr., Kalamazoo Hackett, 26.59 (1st in R-34)Morgan Modert, Soph., Gobles, 28.37 (2nd in R-34)400-METER DASHDivision 2Adriana Morgan, Jr., Otsego, 1:02.03 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Heidi Newhouse, Fr., Lawton, 1:02.77 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Sage Brown, Jr., Kalamazoo Hackett, 1:02.73 (1st in R-34)800-METER RUNDivision 2Mackenzie Hill, Jr., Plainwell, 2:19.93 (1st in R-14)Meah Yunker, Sr., Sturgis, 2:27.21 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kallie Harrison, Sr., Bloomingdale, 2:30.72 (1st in R-24)Autumn Major, Soph., Centreville, 2:32.40 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Makenzie Zeigler, Jr., Kalamazoo Hackett, 2:39.65 (2nd in R-34)1,600-METER RUNDivision 1Ellie Voetberg, Sr., Portage Central, 5:05.69 (3rd in R-3)Division 2Mackenzie Hill, Jr., Plainwell, 5:18.82 (1st in R-14)Megan Germain, Fr., Otsego, 5:25.12 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster, Fr., Lawton, 5:32.32 (1st in R-24)Division 4Sydney Van Es, Soph., Kalamazoo Hackett, 5:45.84 (1st in R-34)3,200-METER RUNDivision 2Megan Germain, Fr., Otsego, 12:19.48 (1st in R-14)Elizabeth Burrill, Jr., Otsego, 12:21.57 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster, Fr., Lawton, 12:23.09 (1st in R-24)Abigail Schlabach, Sr., Centreville, 13:00.85 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Rachel Allabaugh, Soph., Kalamazoo Christian, 13:12.90 (2nd in R-34)100-METER HURDLESDivision 2Hannah Antkoviak, Sr., Allegan, 15.36 (2nd in R-14)Annabelle Gill, Fr., Three Rivers, 16.19 (3rd in R-14)Division 3Hannah Outlaw, Sr., Constantine, 16.65 (1st in R-24)Alexis Girolami, Fr., Lawton, 18.58 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Madilyn Simpson, Jr., Marcellus, 17.97 (2nd in R-34)300-METER HURDLESDivision 1Kennedy Gardner, Soph., Portage Central, 47.70 (2nd in R-3)Division 2Hannah Antkoviak, Sr., Allegan, 45.16 (1st in R-14)Annabelle Gill, Fr., Three Rivers, 48.05 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Kendra Koster, Fr., Lawton, 53.82 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Madilyn Simpson, Jr., Marcellus, 54.70.97 (2nd in R-34)400-METER RELAYDivision 2Vicksburg (Megan Zahnow, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Emma Steele), 51.79 (1st in R-14)Division 3Comstock (Gianna Nathaniel, Kyla Owens, Deshane Reed, Ti’Anna Murphy-Ryan), 52.09 (1st in R-24)Bloomingdale (Quinn Kelly, Allison Starbuck, Maria Sustaita, Haley Westerhoff), 53.85 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Gobles (Laurel Burke, Michela Buxton, Morgan Modert, Kaya Huizenga), 53.54 (1st in R-34)800-METER RELAYDivision 2Vicksburg (Megan Zahnow, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Emma Steele), 1:49.37 (1st in R-14)Three Rivers (Stephanie Pontius, Gisell Macedo, Ellana Haifley, Kylin Griffin), 1:53.27 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Centreville (Ellie Miller, Avian Younts, Zoe Miller, Danielle Stauffer), 1:53.17 (1st in R-24)Bloomingdale (Quinn Kelly, Haley Westerhoff, Allison Starbuck, Maria Sustaita), 1:54.32 (2nd in R-24)Division 4Gobles (Laurel Burke, Michela Buxton, Morgan Modert, Kaya Huizenga), 1:54.83 (1st in R-34)1,600-METER RELAYDivision 2Plainwell (Alexis Poel, Grace Pettit, Angel Soper, Mackenzie Hill), 4:18.19 (1st in R-14)Vicksburg (Amelia Ruger, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Emma Steele), 4:19.15 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Lawton (Iliana Vigil, Addisyn Price, Sophia Mills, Heidi Newhouse), 4:21.23 (1st in R-24)Division 4Kalamazoo Hackett (Sydney Van Es, Lauren Wild, Makenzie Zeigler, Sage Brown), 4:33.69 (1st in R-34)3,200-METER RELAYDivision 2Otsego (Megan Germain, Claudia Stachura, Chelsea Glessner, Ashley Goodrich), 10:09.87 (1st in R-14)Vicksburg (Hannah Fenwick, Avalee Goodman, Amanda Laughery, Emma Steele), 10:14.99 (2nd in R-14)Division 3Centreville (Autumn Major, Abigail Schlabach, Zoe Miller, Gabriella Schlabach), 10:46.86 (1st in R-24)Division 4Kalamazoo Christi

PLAINWELL, MI – First place in the Wolverine Conference was on the line Wednesday, as Allegan and Plainwell put their undefeated league records on the line, and for 80 minutes the teams showed why they’re at the top of the standings. “It’s good for us to play well,” Plainwell coach Garry Snyder said. “We’ve been up and down, and we were pretty consistent for most of the night, so I’m happy with that. But after keeping Plainwell off the board the rest of the way, Legge was happy with his team’s 80-minute effort. “It’s probably about the hardest we played this season, to be honest, and I felt good about that,” Legge said.

ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – A Plainwell woman is accused of posting child pornography online. Allie May Teed, 27, of Plainwell, was arraigned April 29 in Allegan County District Court, on three felony counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, three felony counts of criminal sexual conduct aggravated distribution or promotion and six felony counts of using a computer to commit a crime. She was arrested by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office on April 15, after an investigation by the sheriff’s Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan State Police Fifth District’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children investigators told police about child sexually abusive material being posted online, the sheriff’s office said. Teed is scheduled for a probable cause conference May 13 before Allegan County District Judge William Baillargeon.

Ellie Voetberg (Sr., Portage Central), 1:05.17800 meters1. Ellie Voetberg (Sr., Portage Central), 2:27.222. Ellie Voetberg (Sr., Portage Central), 5:08.572. Ellie Voetberg (Sr., Portage Central), 11:08.932. Portage Central (Ellie Voetberg, Amanda Williams, Reagan Voetberg, Anna Rachowski), 10:25.552.

The Wolverine Conference recognized its top boys and girls athletes with first team, second team and honorable mention categories, as voted by the conference’s coaches. Follow along for the complete list of the Wolverine Conference all-league teams for the 2021 boys and girls basketball seasons, along with final conference standings. - Otsego's Jakson Dentler drives to the hoop during a boys basketball game against Paw Paw on Monday, Feb. 22 at Otsego High School. Paw Paw 4-4, 8-85. Vicksburg 5-3, 8-76 Paw Paw 3-5, 5-127.

KALAMAZOO, MI - A delayed start and the lingering uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic made the 2021 girls basketball season one that won’t soon be forgotten. With that in mind, we’re honoring the cream of the crop from the 2021 Kalamazoo-area girls high school hoops season. Kalamazoo Central’s junior Alaila Walker (1) takes a shot at the Kalamazoo Central vs. Mattawan basketball game in Mattawan, Michigan on Wednesday, March 5, 2021. ), Kalamazoo CentralLaila Vincent (Sr.), Kalamazoo CentralLexi Lee (Jr.), Portage CentralReagan Hoff (Sr.), Portage CentralRylee Stephenson (Fr. ), South HavenJordyn Holland (Sr.), South HavenHannah Outlaw (Sr.), ConstantineLeah Dumm (Sr.), ConstantineAllie Walther (Jr.), SchoolcraftMackenzie Miller (Jr.), SchoolcraftAnna Schuppel (Sr.), SchoolcraftKatey Reasoner (Sr.), Kalamazoo HackettAvery Ekkens (Sr.), Kalamazoo ChristianJordyn Klimp (Sr.), Galesburg-AugustaCierra Nord (Soph.

Such is the case with this week’s MHSAA girls hoops regional tournament, which features 32 of the state’s top teams in each division. As New York Yankee’s Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra once said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,” but I’m taking my shot at guessing the four regional basketball tournaments featuring Kalamazoo-area teams. Kalamazoo Central’s senior Morasha Wiggins (30) drives down the court at the Kalamazoo Central vs. Mattawan basketball game in Mattawan, Michigan on Wednesday, March 5, 2021. ---- Plainwell's Vanessa Robinson puts up a shot during a girls basketball district championship game against Otsego on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Allegan High School. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Division 3, Regional 20 at WatervlietMonday, March 29 (regional semifinal)Schoolcraft (12-2) vs. Kalamazoo Hackett (15-0), 6 p.m.Gobles (12-4) vs. Hartford (11-5), 8 p.m.Wednesday, March 31Schoolcraft/Hackett vs. Gobles/Hartford, 7 p.m.

Much like the first two contests, the rubber match came down to the final possession, and Plainwell outlasted Otsego to escape with a 42-39 win and a Division 2 district championship. Plainwell & Otsego play another instant classic, w/ the Trojans edging the Bulldogs 42-39 for a @MHSAA girls hoops D2 district title. Plainwell leads Otsego 28-17 at the half of their @MHSAA girls hoops district final. Plainwell leads Otsego 34-29 after 3 quarters of their @MHSAA girls hoops district final. “When Otsego made their run, we were trying to think what we should do next instead of reacting,” Rieman said.

hman Hannah Fitzpatrick (40) attempts to drive to the baseline past Plainwell sophomore Maya Johnson (15) during the first half at Plainwell High School in Plainwell, Michigan on Monday, March 1, 2021. Junior Cali Miller also had a nice game with seven points and three rebounds, and senior Kendra VanderLugt chipped in six points. The Trojans wrap up the regular season at 10-1 and will hope to have Johnson back for Wednesday’s district semifinal game against Paw Paw at Allegan. Three Rivers junior Kali Heivilin (22) takes a free throw during a game against Otsego at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. 1 team headlines final Kalamazoo-area boys basketball rankings for 2021 seasonMattawan’s hot streak headlines Monday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops action

KALAMAZOO, MI - The late start and slew of canceled games due to the COVID-19 pandemic have made the 2021 high school basketball season an unprecedented one. - Bloomingdale's Kallie Harrison directs the offense during a game against Centreville on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Bloomingdale High School. Kalamazoo Central’s senior Morasha Wiggins (30) takes a shot at the Kalamazoo Central vs. Mattawan basketball game in Mattawan, Michigan on Wednesday, March 5, 2021. More high school basketball coverageNew No. 1 team headlines final Kalamazoo-area boys basketball rankings for 2021 seasonMichigan Associated Press high school boys basketball state rankings for March 15Michigan Associated Press girls basketball rankings for March 15Mattawan’s hot streak headlines Monday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionVote for the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops Player of the Week for March 8-13Michigan’s toughest district tournament brackets for 2021 girls basketball playoffsMichigan’s toughest district tournament brackets for 2021 boys basketball playoffsMiss Basketball a big goal for UNC-bound Morasha Wiggins, but role model status means moreSee 2021 Kalamazoo-area girls basketball district tournament pairings, schedulesSee 2021 Kalamazoo-area boys basketball district tournament pairings, schedulesTriple-double, 1,000-point milestone headline Friday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionMattawan tops Portage Northern to continue strong second half of boys hoops seasonState’s longest boys basketball win streak ends during Thursday’s Kalamazoo-area hoops action

Schoolcraft senior Annie Housler (20) attempts a free-throw against Gobles during the second half at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Hackett’s senior Catherine McMahon (14) attempts to takes a shot at the Hackett vs. Schoolcraft basketball game in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Kalamazoo Central (8-1)Last week couldn’t have gone any better for K-Central, as the Maroon Giants tighten their grip on the No. More high school basketball coverageNew top team headlines Week 5 Kalamazoo-area boys basketball rankingsMichigan Associated Press boys basketball state rankings for March 8Michigan Associated Press girls basketball state rankings for March 8Otsego’s 4th consecutive league title headlines Monday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionMuskegon’s girls basketball team learns lessons from Kalamazoo Central, Morasha WigginsVote for the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops Player of the Week for March 1-6Fifth-ranked Schoolcraft extends state’s longest boys hoops win streak with victory over No. 6 Pewamo-WestphaliaTop teams continue winning ways during Friday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionMorasha Wiggins’ 22 first-half points lead Kalamazoo Central to big win over MattawanPlainwell’s title-clinching win headlines Wednesday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops action

KALAMAZOO, MI - Trophy season has arrived for high school basketball teams around the state, and the Otsego boys became the second Kalamazoo-area squad to lock up some conference hardware. Allegan falls to 5-7 overall and 1-6 in the conference, and the Tigers will take the court next on Wednesday at Plainwell. Many of Monday’s results had an impact on conference standings, so follow along for more scores, stats and highlights from around Kalamazoo. Three Rivers junior Kali Heivilin (22) looks to pass the ball during a game against Otsego at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. 6 Pewamo-WestphaliaTop teams continue winning ways during Friday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionMorasha Wiggins’ 22 first-half points lead Kalamazoo Central to big win over MattawanPlainwell’s title-clinching win headlines Wednesday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionFormer K-Central coach, Ferris State star named new football coach at Wyoming High School

All those outcomes had a significant impact on the latest Kalamazoo-area girls high school basketball power rankings, and another busy week is sure to create some more movement, but before we look ahead, here’s where teams stand in the early part of Week 4. Gobles junior Amanda Barber (20) attempts a free-throw against Schoolcraft during the first half at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Schoolcraft senior Annie Housler (20) attempts a free-throw against Gobles during the second half at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Mattawan sophomore Adelaide Douglass drives down the floor during Plainwell's home game against Mattawan at Plainwell High School in Plainwell, Michigan on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.Emil Lippe | MLive.com3. Plainwell junior Lauren Vanderstelt (21) attempts a shot against Otsego during the first half at Plainwell High School in Plainwell, Michigan on Monday, March 1, 2021.

Buzzer-beating hero Johnson finished with nine points, including seven in the fourth quarter and overtime, while junior forward Lauren Vanderstelt added seven points. Otsego junior Kaitlyn Payseno led her team with 13 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard Olivia Stam added 10 points. Sophomore Jenna Ballman and freshman Hannah Fitzpatrick chipped in six points apiece for the Bulldogs, who fell to 3-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Otsego looks to snap its three-game losing streak on Wednesday at home against Dowagiac. More high school basketball coveragePortage Central to start testing basketball players for COVID-19 after quarantine extensionVote for the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops Player of the Week for Feb. 22-27Undefeated teams fall during Friday’s Kalamazoo-area high school hoops action15 impact underclassmen from the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops scene in 2021Buzzer-beater, 1,000-point night headline Thursday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionThriller in Three Rivers headlines Wednesday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionAnother 1,000-point scorer headlines Tuesday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops action

KALAMAZOO, MI - The first two weeks of the girls high school basketball season have provided some marquee matchups around Kalamazoo ranging from battles between conference favorites to a Miss Basketball showdown. - Bloomingdale's Kallie Harrison directs the offense during a game against Centreville on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Bloomingdale High School. Hackett’s senior Catherine McMahon (14) attempts to takes a shot at the Hackett vs. Schoolcraft basketball game in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Kalamazoo Central (3-1)K-Central lost its first game of the season on Saturday to East Grand Rapids, which sits at No. More high school basketball coverageMichigan Associated Press girls basketball rankings for Feb. 23Michigan Associated Press boys basketball rankings for Feb. 23Top-5 shakeup headlines Week 3 Kalamazoo-area boys basketball power rankingsLate-game heroics headline Monday’s Kalamazoo-area high school basketball actionKalamazoo Central hands Lakeshore its first loss with 3-pointer in final secondsPaw Paw snaps Otsego’s 46-game league win streak in Mark Haase’s returnTop 25 Michigan high school boys basketball team rankings for Feb. 22Top 25 Michigan high school girls basketball rankings for week of Feb. 22Pair of Kalamazoo-area hoops stars add to legacies by reaching 1,000-point milestoneVote for the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops Player of the Week for Feb. 15-20

- Bloomingdale's Kallie Harrison directs the offense during a game against Centreville on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Bloomingdale High School. Hackett’s senior Catherine McMahon (14) attempts to takes a shot at the Hackett vs. Schoolcraft basketball game in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Kalamazoo Central Morasha Wiggins (30) looks for an opportunity to pass the ball during the Kalamazoo Central and Gull Lake basketball game in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Kalamazoo Central (1-0)The Maroon Giants stay at the top after having little trouble with a talented Richland Gull Lake team in the opener. 1 team headlines Week 2 Kalamazoo-area boys basketball power rankingsFirst top 25 Michigan high school boys basketball team rankings for 2021First Top 25 Michigan high school girls basketball rankings for 2021 seasonThrilling finishes and a buzzer-beater headline Monday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionKalamazoo Hackett girls start fast, hang on for thrilling hoops win over SchoolcraftVote for the Kalamazoo-area high school hoops Player of the Week for Feb. 8-131,000-point milestone, 42-point effort wrap up first week of Kalamazoo-area prep hoops action

KALAMAZOO, MI - A late start to the season and an eight-week delay to the state finals made the 2020-21 girls swimming and diving season an unprecedented one, and for at least eight Kalamazoo-area athletes, the big stage provided an unforgettable experience. Eight local swimmers captured all-state honors over the weekend, including championship performances from Portage Northern’s Hannah Williams and Angelina Baker, Plainwell’s Riley Nugent and Otsego’s Abie Sullivan. Williams’ wins in the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, Baker’s win in the 500 freestyle and Sullivan’s championship in the 1-meter dive were especially notable, as each one set a pool record. Follow along to see all the Kalamazoo-area swimmer and divers that earned all-state honors by placing in the top eight of their respective events. DIVISION 2200-yard freestyleHannah Williams (Soph., Portage Northern), 1:49.42, 1st place100-yard butterflyAngelina Baker (Jr., Portage Northern), 57.50, 4th place500-yard freestyleAngelina Baker (Jr., Portage Northern), 4:57.75, 1st place100-yard breaststrokeHannah Williams (Soph., Portage Northern), 1:03.68, 1st placeDIVISION 3200-yard freestyleRiley Nugent (Jr., Plainwell), 1:53.47, 3rd place1-meter diveAbie Sullivan (Jr., Otsego), 455.50, 1st placeKennedi Reed (Soph., Otsego), 329.95, 4th placeLaci Gottschalk (Sr., Sturgis), 291.10, 8th place500-yard freestyleRiley Nugent (Jr., Plainwell), 5:06.47, 1st placeSydney Harper (Fr., Plainwell), 5:26.25, 7th place100-yard breaststrokeMeghan Pallett (Sr., Plainwell), 1:07.86, 5th placeMore high school sports coverageHow frigid mornings at an outdoor pool made Portage Northern duo state champsBirmingham Seaholm showcases depth to win Division 2 swimming state titleAnn Arbor Pioneer relays help clinch Division 1 swimming state titleBig Ten duo powers Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood to D3 swimming state titleKalamazoo area’s best aim to make a splash at 2020-21 girls swim state finalsPlainwell swimmer Riley Nugent takes new approach in quest for 3rd consecutive state title

KALAMAZOO, MI - Between a delayed start and a two-month layoff leading up to the state finals, the 2020 girls swimming and diving season has been a unique and challenging journey. Annika Schnell (Jr.), Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, 59.241-meter dive9. Megan Gibson (Sr.), Portage Central, 2:00.09200 individual medley17. Meghan Pallett (Sr.), Plainwell, 2:16.8050 freestyle4. Riley Nugent (Jr.), Plainwell, 5:08.1110.

PLAINWELL, MI - Riley Nugent is a results-oriented swimmer, and her approach in the pool paid off with a pair of state titles in 2018 and 2019. But heading into Saturday’s Division 3 state finals, the Plainwell junior and two-time defending champion in the 500-yard freestyle has a new outlook. “I guess my goal is just to swim my best,” Nugent said. Now, she enters Saturday’s state meet at Lake Orion High School as the favorite once again with a top-seeded time of 5:08.11. “I’m really excited,” she added.

With that in mind, MLive Kalamazoo is introducing its 2020 Football Dream Team offense. Follow along to see which athletes made the cut in the 2020 MLive Kalamazoo Football Dream Team offense. - Paw Paw's Kolby Hindenach carries the ball during a football game against Detroit Country Day on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Falan Field in Paw Paw. - Paw Paw's Dennis Strey Jr. goes through warm-ups during football practice on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at Paw Paw High School. Delton-Kellogg junior Cole Pape (72) poses for a portrait during the MLive Kalamazoo Gazette high school football media in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Michigan’s high school football playoffs are in limbo following the state health department’s recent extension of its prep sports pause amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the delay doesn’t mean we have to wait to recognize the region’s top athletes. Today, we’re taking a look at the all-league football players from the Wolverine Conference, and league champ Edwardsburg was well-represented with nine athletes earning first team honors and head coach Kevin Bartz claiming Coach of the Year recognition. Vicksburg and Paw Paw followed with seven and six first team honorees, respectively, while Plainwell and Vicksburg tied for the most underclassmen to receive recognition by sending four to the first team or honorable mention lists. Follow along to see a complete list of the all-conference Wolverine football players for the 2020 season. Vicksburg senior Jacob Conklin (1) attempts to break the tackle of Plainwell senior Keagon Coffinger (44) during the second half at Vicksburg High School in Vicksburg, Michigan on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.

There was no shortage of primetime performances from high school athletes throughout the Kalamazoo area in Round 1 of the 2020 playoffs. Constantine sophomore Brayden Clark (4) rushes the ball during the fourth quarter at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. - Mendon's Jaquan Hodges carries the ball during a football game against Centreville on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Mendon High School. Schoolcraft senior quarterback Alex Thole (4) warms up before taking on Lawton Blue Devils at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. More high school football coverageFast start, tough defense lead Vicksburg football to playoff win over PlainwellRecord-setting effort, 8 TD game headline Kalamazoo-area Round 1 playoff football actionSee how Kalamazoo-area teams fared in Round 1 of high school football playoffsFans, experts differ on five Michigan high school football predictionsMeet the top 10 for 2020 Michigan High School Football Player of the YearMust-see games for second round of Michigan high school football playoffs

KALAMAZOO, MI - Michigan’s high school football playoffs have arrived, and due to the new postseason format introduced amid the coronavirus-shortened regular season, a record number of teams will be putting their seasons on the line. In the Kalamazoo area, two teams have already experienced the playoff atmosphere, with Martin moving on to Round 2 thanks to a 53-13 win over Athens, and Climax-Scotts seeing its season end with a 52-14 loss to defending state champ Colon. Follow along for everything else you need to know heading into another exciting batch of Friday night high school football. That big game not only has the Bulldogs entering the playoffs with a full head of steam, it also earned Bombich Kalamazoo Gazette Player of the Week honors. While many first-round playoff games will produce lopsided scores due to the seeded brackets and expanded playoff field, Vicksburg will not be among the teams expected to waltz in to Round 2.

PLAINWELL, MI - On the field, the Plainwell football team has had little trouble taking care of business throughout the 2020 campaign, but it’s the off-the-field things that are threatening to derail the Trojans' season. Plainwell athletic director David Price said Thursday his varsity football team will forfeit its final two games of the 2020 season due to a 14-day quarantine following a coronavirus exposure around the football program. Plainwell’s varsity football team was scheduled to face Three Rivers on Friday, then wrap up its season on Oct. 23 at Sturgis. More high school football coverageIthaca adds Three Rivers as Week 5 foe after Valley Lutheran cancelsKalamazoo-area Week 5 football picks: Which teams clinch conference titles? See Michigan’s full slate of high school football games for Week 5 of 2020 seasonAllegan football cancels final 2 games of conference play, opts out of playoffsKalamazoo-area prep football power rankings, standings heading into Week 5Vote for the Kalamazoo-area high school football Player of the Week from Week 4Cancellations still piling up ahead of Week 5 high school football gamesWith high school football playoffs near, MHSAA ‘hopes for the best’ as coronavirus cancellations continue

Ithaca had the opportunity to take a week off, heal and prepare for a long playoff run. Three Rivers' Week 5 game was against 3-1 Plainwell, which was forced to cancel because of a 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. Ithaca is 4-0 and ranked second in the state in Division 7, while Three Rivers is 0-4. Three Rivers finishes the regular season with a Week 6 home game against 0-4 Allegan. MOREBurton Bentley cancels remainder of football season after hazing allegation and eligibility issuesSaginaw Heritage, Valley Lutheran cancel Week 4 football gamesCancellations still piling up for Week 5 football games