Pictured: Brady Hanson, Mackia Williams, Liam Campbell, Easton Fett.
(Photo courtesy of Leo Valdez)
By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
FRUITPORT - The Fruitport football program is looking to continue to improve two years removed from their disappointing winless season in 2023.
The Trojans joined the O-K Silver Conference last fall and finished with a 3-6 overall record, 2-4 in their new league.
“We have something to prove this year heading into our second season in this conference,” said Fruitport coach Nate Smith. “We were inexperienced last season, and it showed. This season we are a much stronger and faster squad.”
For the second straight season, the Trojans opened the season playing against their top rival, Spring Lake, in the “Battle of the Bayou.” Fruitport lost its previous two games against the Lakers and looked to start the season on a high note and bring the paddle home.
“There is no easing into the season,” Smith said. “Knowing we start against our rival helps keep us more motivated to be ready during the offseason. We need to bring the urgency.”
The Trojans will have junior Brady Hanson returning at the quarterback position and Coach Smith feels he has taken huge steps getting better heading into 2025. Hanson threw for over 300 yards last season in limited time and will look to be the full-time starter.
The Trojans’ offense also will be led by sophomore running back Liam Campbell, who can make things happen, according to his coach. His all-around athletic skills will be a definite bonus. Campbell rushed for 350 yards as a freshman last season and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Kalen Teeter is also looking to have a solid season at running back after rushing for more than 250 yards and four touchdowns last year. He understands the offense and has great speed and vision, according to Coach Smith.
Coach Smith also believes Colton Teeter will surprise some teams playing running back this fall. Kalen and Colton are cousins and both entering their senior seasons.
The Trojans also will have a pair of returning wide receivers that should help put points on the scoreboard. DayDay Williams returns for his third season at the varsity level, and he has the drive to have a special year. Williams was one of the top area receivers with 17 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns.
Fruitport also will have Blair Zimmer back. He caught just three passes, but for 116 yards and one touchdown (38 yards per catch). Zimmer plays very physically, according to Coach Smith.
The Trojans also will have junior Alan Jackson playing the wideout position. He is everything you want in a football player, according to the coaching staff. Jackson will also play safety and outside linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.
Coach Smith is extremely excited about the offensive line corps heading into the fall.
“That unit will definitely be one of our strengths this season,” Smith said. “They play well in space and they are conditioned and very physical as a group.”
Senior Mackiel Williams will anchor the offensive line after being considered the heart and soul of the team as a junior. He can play all offensive line positions and will lock down the all-important offensive tackle position.
The Trojans are looking forward to seeing how senior Evan LaGuire looks after sitting out last season due to the transfer rule. LaGuire is looking forward to being on the field as it was hard for him watching from the sidelines last fall.
Senior Chase Rosema will also join the offensive line. He is strong and a natural powerlifter. Junior Ashten Kemp will man the center position, and he has incredible technique according to Coach Smith.
The offensive line will also have freshman Bryson Cena, who could make some significant contributions as the season rolls along.
The Trojans defensive line will be led by senior Adam Marjonen, who is a heavyweight wrestler and his chomping at the bit to get on the field for a game.
Sophomore Colton Smith, who almost got called up to varsity last season as a freshman, will make his debut at defensive end this fall. Colton Smith will have senior David Johnson-Jimenez at the other end of the defensive line.
The linebacking corps will consist of seniors Easton Fett and Carson Crow, along with juior Joshawa Eppard. Fett does a great job at reading the defense, while Eppard is a great study of the game and has a nose for the football.
The Trojans secondary will consist of Kalen Teeter, Hanson, and junior Mason DeVries.
“We are really excited about this season,” Smith said. “There is not a lot of depth on this team so it will be important that we remain healthy throughout the season.”
Coach Smith said the team needs to stay locked in and that there is not a huge dropoff in talent throughout the squad.
The Trojans want to compete for an O-K Silver Conference title, a league that has been owned by Belding in recent seasons. Coach Smith feels the team is heading in the right direction.
“I have had so much fun with this group of guys so far,” coach Smith said. “They work hard, and they have the ability to joke around.m They have matured from where this group started a few years ago.”
Coach Smith feels the X-factor for the team is the approach and attitude towards the game. He said the team has always been physical, but has lacked the mental ability.
“This team finally has that ability to succeed,” Smith said.
LocalSportsJournal.com
FRUITPORT - The Fruitport football program is looking to continue to improve two years removed from their disappointing winless season in 2023.
The Trojans joined the O-K Silver Conference last fall and finished with a 3-6 overall record, 2-4 in their new league.
“We have something to prove this year heading into our second season in this conference,” said Fruitport coach Nate Smith. “We were inexperienced last season, and it showed. This season we are a much stronger and faster squad.”
For the second straight season, the Trojans opened the season playing against their top rival, Spring Lake, in the “Battle of the Bayou.” Fruitport lost its previous two games against the Lakers and looked to start the season on a high note and bring the paddle home.
“There is no easing into the season,” Smith said. “Knowing we start against our rival helps keep us more motivated to be ready during the offseason. We need to bring the urgency.”
The Trojans will have junior Brady Hanson returning at the quarterback position and Coach Smith feels he has taken huge steps getting better heading into 2025. Hanson threw for over 300 yards last season in limited time and will look to be the full-time starter.
The Trojans’ offense also will be led by sophomore running back Liam Campbell, who can make things happen, according to his coach. His all-around athletic skills will be a definite bonus. Campbell rushed for 350 yards as a freshman last season and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Kalen Teeter is also looking to have a solid season at running back after rushing for more than 250 yards and four touchdowns last year. He understands the offense and has great speed and vision, according to Coach Smith.
Coach Smith also believes Colton Teeter will surprise some teams playing running back this fall. Kalen and Colton are cousins and both entering their senior seasons.
The Trojans also will have a pair of returning wide receivers that should help put points on the scoreboard. DayDay Williams returns for his third season at the varsity level, and he has the drive to have a special year. Williams was one of the top area receivers with 17 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns.
Fruitport also will have Blair Zimmer back. He caught just three passes, but for 116 yards and one touchdown (38 yards per catch). Zimmer plays very physically, according to Coach Smith.
The Trojans also will have junior Alan Jackson playing the wideout position. He is everything you want in a football player, according to the coaching staff. Jackson will also play safety and outside linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.
Coach Smith is extremely excited about the offensive line corps heading into the fall.
“That unit will definitely be one of our strengths this season,” Smith said. “They play well in space and they are conditioned and very physical as a group.”
Senior Mackiel Williams will anchor the offensive line after being considered the heart and soul of the team as a junior. He can play all offensive line positions and will lock down the all-important offensive tackle position.
The Trojans are looking forward to seeing how senior Evan LaGuire looks after sitting out last season due to the transfer rule. LaGuire is looking forward to being on the field as it was hard for him watching from the sidelines last fall.
Senior Chase Rosema will also join the offensive line. He is strong and a natural powerlifter. Junior Ashten Kemp will man the center position, and he has incredible technique according to Coach Smith.
The offensive line will also have freshman Bryson Cena, who could make some significant contributions as the season rolls along.
The Trojans defensive line will be led by senior Adam Marjonen, who is a heavyweight wrestler and his chomping at the bit to get on the field for a game.
Sophomore Colton Smith, who almost got called up to varsity last season as a freshman, will make his debut at defensive end this fall. Colton Smith will have senior David Johnson-Jimenez at the other end of the defensive line.
The linebacking corps will consist of seniors Easton Fett and Carson Crow, along with juior Joshawa Eppard. Fett does a great job at reading the defense, while Eppard is a great study of the game and has a nose for the football.
The Trojans secondary will consist of Kalen Teeter, Hanson, and junior Mason DeVries.
“We are really excited about this season,” Smith said. “There is not a lot of depth on this team so it will be important that we remain healthy throughout the season.”
Coach Smith said the team needs to stay locked in and that there is not a huge dropoff in talent throughout the squad.
The Trojans want to compete for an O-K Silver Conference title, a league that has been owned by Belding in recent seasons. Coach Smith feels the team is heading in the right direction.
“I have had so much fun with this group of guys so far,” coach Smith said. “They work hard, and they have the ability to joke around.m They have matured from where this group started a few years ago.”
Coach Smith feels the X-factor for the team is the approach and attitude towards the game. He said the team has always been physical, but has lacked the mental ability.
“This team finally has that ability to succeed,” Smith said.
