CROWN THE HIGHLAND CHAMPS

After Beal City big win over McBain they come out against Manton in dominate fashion. The clock ticks down and Aggies gets ready to celebrate their 41-20 victory against Rangers on homecoming night. On the Aggies first drive Chase Rollin catches the outside and runs 53 yard. 4 plays later quarterback Tucker Gross caps the drive with a 2 yard touchdown putting the Aggies up 7-0 after the made extra point.

The Rangers would not let the Aggies 1st drive go unanswered. On the following kick off the Rangers Chris Stanley took one back for 80 yards for Rangers touchdown. The Rangers would miss the extra point attempt, 7-6 Aggies. On the Aggies next drive they were moving the ball gaining short yards as they marched down for a 1st. A screen play to Chase Rollin lead to an Aggies 30 yard penalty as Rollin attempts a hurdle that leads to cleating the opposing player face mask. The Aggies would not be able to regain the yardage leading to a punt.

The Aggies force the Rangers into a 3 and out. The Rangers with a little trickery fakes the punt and gains 15 yards for a 1st down. The Rangers would then fail a 4th down conversion giving the ball to the Aggies on their 17 yard line with 1:26 remaining. Before the first quarter could end the Aggies Tucker Gross on an attended pass scrambles for 67 yards for a Aggies touchdown. The score would be 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Starting the second quarter the Rangers again come back and answer the Aggies scoring drive with one of their own. The Rangers move the ball from their 40 yard line down to the Aggies 3 yard line. Rangers quarterback steps up in the pocket and deliveries an accurate 9 yard pass for a Rangers touchdown. The Rangers would attempt a 2 point conversion and fail, 14-12 Aggies.

However, the Aggies reminded the Rangers on their following possession why they are at top of the league. The Aggies would return the kick off to their 36 yard line and would nicely move the ball down the field. On 4th and 1 the Aggies would run the exact play as they did on 3rd and 2 but this time Chase Rollin finds an opening and runs it 37 yards for a touchdown. The extra point would be missed and the Aggies lead 20-12.

On the following kickoff key miss play on the return leads to the Rangers starting off on their own 8 yard line. Aggies would take advantage of the situation as they stack the box and tackle the Rangers in their own end zone for a safety, 22-12 Aggies. After the safety on the following drive Tucker Gross would throw for his longest pass of the game to William Chilman for 24 yards and Aggies 1st down. Aggies cap the drive with a 25 yard run by Chase Rollin for a touchdown, failed extra point attempt 28-12 Aggies to end the 1st half.

The Aggies would come out for the second half and continued where they left off in the first. The Aggies scored 2 more touchdowns contributed by Chase Rollin and Jacob Matthews. Chase Rollin ended the game with 119 yards on 7 attempts for 2 touchdowns and 2 catches for 11 yards for 1 touchdown. Tucker Gross would not be showed up with 7 rushing attempts for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also got it done through the air 6 of 9 attempts for 76 yards and a touchdown. 8 Aggies carried the ball for 289 yards.

With the 41-20 victory the Aggies lock up the Highland championship for the fourth year in a row at 6-1 and are now playoff eligible. The Aggies will play at home next week against LaLumiere High School. Congratulation on the win Aggies have fun dancing the night away at homecoming.

by Josh Steger

IT’S HOMECOMING

It’s that time of the year where kings and queens are crowned by the student body. Where alumni come back to just to show their school spirit. That is right folks it is homecoming and before the big dance the 5-1 Beal City Aggies take on the 3-3 Manton Rangers. The Aggies look to remain supreme at the top of the division heading into this league matchup.

Last week the Aggies demolished the McBain Ramblers on their home turf 42-22. A big part of Aggies win was their ability to run the ball. The Aggies Chase Rollin contributed the most ending the game with 216 yards. While the Aggies ran the ball very sufficient their ability to control the clock was key to their victory. On average the Aggies used up 5 minutes and 25 seconds per drive.

The Aggies mixed things up a little as the game went on with Ramblers. They were not as easy to read on offense as they were when they played Wildcats. The offensive coaching scheme was very clear quick WR screen to free up the run. The game plan worked to perfection as the Ramblers could not figure out when the screen was coming or the Aggies running right up the gut.

This week against the Rangers we will see if the Aggies can stay focus and not underestimate their opponent. Last week the Aggies did excellent mixing up the play calling, this week can they do the same? The Aggies smash mouth running style and quick screen plays will opponent up an opportunity for quarterback Tucker Gross to throw the ball down the field. If the Aggies can control the clock there Rangers will have no chance of winning the game. This Friday look for big runs made from the Aggies running back duos and also Tucker Gross racking up stats.

The Aggies looked focused and are playing like a team ready for another state title this year.  Can the Aggies continue to fly high on their way to another league championship and road to the state title? While the underdogs the Manton Rangers looking to snipe them from the sky and rain on their homecoming. We will catch at you at Friday’s game look for us in our CMU gear. Have a great homecoming and WE ARE, BEAL CITY. GO AGGIES!

by Josh Steger

BEAL CITY STATS: Week 5-6

• BCHS PASSING:      CP/ATT       Yards    TD   INT   LG

#9 T. Gross               12/18            82         0      1     35

• BCHS TACKLES:           Tk            Ast       Sack      TFL

#20 T. Ferguson           0             1            0           0

#24 S. Mauldin              0              1            0           0

#51 R. Powell                0              2            0           0

#1 T. McCann                0              1            0           0

#66 N. Cole                    0              1            0           0

#10 D. Miles                   1              0            0           0

#63 C.Vogel                    1              2            0           0

#7 C. Winegardner         3               0            0            1

        #17 C. Rollin                     3               0           0             2

        #85 B. Moore                     3              2             0          1

        #25 K. Yuncker                  3              3             0          0

        #78 S. Steffke                    2               0             0         0

        #54 J. Robinson                 2               4             0         0

        #12 W. Chilman V              1               0              0        0

        #65 P. Garret                     1               2              0         0

        #70 T. Hoover                    1               1              0         0

        #53 B. Upton                     1               3               0         0

        #3 E. Schafer                    2               2               0         0

        #56 D. Farrell                    3                4              0         0

        #72 T. Embrey                  3                3              1         1

• BCHS RECIEVING:         Rec          Yards       TD        Long     Fumble

#44 J. Matthews                 2               13              0             10         0

#85 B. Moore                     1                10             0             10          0

#1   T. McCann                  6                46             0              24         0

#17 C. Rollin                      2                14             0              14         0

#7  C. Winegardner            1                 -1             0               0          0

• BCHS DEFENSIVE:            Safety           Int          Fumble    Blocks     TD

#7 C. Winegardner                  0                   1                0             0           0

#12 W. Chilman V                   0                   1                0              0          0

•  BCHS KICKOFF RETURNS:  Return         AVG        TD          Long

#17 C. Rollin                                4                  41           0            50

#7 C. Winegardner                      1                   0             0            0

•   BCHS PUNT RETURNS:     Return         AVG        TD         Long

#17 C. Rollin                                 1                22           0            22

#25 K. Yuncker                              1                22           0            22

•  BCHS PUNTING:                   Num          AVG       IN 20      Long

#9 T. Gross                                  4               81            3            116

•  BCHS RUSHING:                    ATT          Yards      TD         Long     Fumble

#44 J. Matthews                           10               93         1              40          0

#17 C. Rollin                                 21              234        4              97          0

#7   C. Winegardner                      5                 19         0             19          0

#9   T.  Gross                                11                61         2             43          1

#25 K. Yuncker                              6                 31         0             25          1

#12 W. Chilman V                          1                 -2          0              0           0

#1   T. McCann                              3                   2          0              8           0

#10  D. Miles                                  2                   8          0              8           0

#33  N. Schafer                              1                   1           0             1           0

YOU DA MAN: Chase Rollin

The simple “player of the week” simply couldn’t do Chase Rollins justice this week, so this is the first installment of “YOU DA MAN”. Rollin had an absolutely monster game this week against the McBain Ramblers. Rollin finished with 216 yards on only 13 carries. An astonishing 16.6 yards per carry. To add to Rollin’s impressive stat line, he also had 4 touchdowns and a reception for 11 yards. For those of you who play fantasy football, that would be a whopping 46 points in a ESPN’s standard fantasy football league.

There was one common theme throughout this game, Rollin running down the field towards the end-zone and 11 Ramblers trying to catch him. And in case you weren’t at the game, those 11 players struggled to catch him. Rollin’s amazing game was highlighted by an 87 yard run, a 64 yard touchdown run, and another 27 yard touchdown run. Rollin was simply an unstoppable force that the Ramblers could not stop.

This was definitely a nice bounce back game after the loss to Evart last week. The future looks bright for Rollin and the newly motivated Aggies team. If this team wants to continue their momentum they’ll need to keep feeding Rollin the ball. Here is a highlight reel of Chase Rollin against an earlier opponent in Lake City

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3347189/highlights/184317752/v2

By Josh Lueck

“Coach’s Insight” with Head Coach Brad Gross

It’s Homecoming week at Beal City High School, so everybody is fired up about the football game against the Manton Rangers. Following a 42-22 win over conference opponent McBain, the Aggies look to keep rolling under the lights on home turf this Friday night. Luckily, I had the chance to talk to Head Coach Brad Gross, as we talked about his coaching career, goals he tries to set for his team, and the upcoming game against Manton.

Brad Gross is entering his 15th year coaching at Beal City, but this is his first year as Head Coach. Prior to becoming Varsity Head Coach, he was the Junior Varsity Head Coach for 12 years. He did get some experience at the Varsity level before taking his new position though, as he was the offensive coordinator for the ’09 State Title Team and as well as for the 2010 season. He was also a former graduate of Beal City back in 1995, and in 1994 led the Aggies to a State Title as their quarterback.

With a very good track record, as a player and a coach, Coach Gross had actually taken a couple years off to focus more on his family. They had built a new home, and as a father to three young children he had his hands full. Once he found out about the Head Coach position opening up, he jumped at the opportunity. He felt that the timing was right to take the position and went for it.

I had asked Coach Gross what kind of goals he had in mind for the team this year. Being a part of a winning tradition, he mentioned that his first goal was to make the playoffs. After they make playoffs, the next step is to make it to Ford Field. It’s not new territory for them by any means, seeing as in six out of the past ten seasons have seen trips to Ford Field as a Final Four team. After they make the playoffs, they just take it one game at a time. Not looking too far ahead of themselves, but focusing on each game individually prior to game day.

Gross mentioned that traditionally, Beal City has been a run heavy team. In his tenure as Head Coach, he noted that he would like to incorporate more passing to keep the offensive attack balanced. He understands that making other team’s defenses think and keeping them on their toes will benefit the Aggies offense in a long title run. With the game against McBain, he liked using the screen plays when going to the passing game. He believes it’s a good gateway to future passing plays that can be a little more complex than the screen.

We also had the chance to talk about the devastating loss to Evart. Coach Gross gave credit to the Evart defense for limiting the Aggies efficiency on the ground. He tried to throw the ball a little bit more that game, but some plays weren’t executed as crisp as he had hoped. The defense seemed to hold up though, limiting Evart to only 17 points, the offense just wasn’t clicking that night according to Coach Gross.

When discussing the Homecoming game against Manton this week, the first thing Coach Gross mentioned was the Rangers quarterback, Brock Clough. Gross is looking to stop Clough from making too much of an impact, as he respects the Ranger’s ability as a quarterback. As this game will be in Beal City, Manton actually has a winning record on the road this seasons so far. Gross doesn’t underestimate this team by any means though, commenting that Manton likes to spread defenses out and that his Aggie defense will have to stay disciplined to ensure this win.

Towards the end of my conversation with Coach Gross, we discussed some key injuries that have been an issue for the team in the season thus far. They have lost a few starters, with one looking to return very shortly. Nash Reeves, a starting Defensive Tackle, was out with a knee injury at the beginning of the season and was just recently cleared to play. Standing at a solid 6’4″, 300 pounds, Coach Gross is looking forward to his return and doesn’t want to rush him into play too fast. In addition to Reeves, Coach Gross mentioned Key Starters Kendall Flaugher (TE/FS) and Ian Hoogerhyde (OG/LB) have had injuries throughout the season, as well as Chase Rollins. A key figure in the rushing attack, Gross noted that Rollins has had a shoulder injury that has been lingering around lately. Rollins initially played on both sides of the ball, but Gross has been limiting him to playing at just the Running Back position, knowing that’s where they’re going to need him if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Homecoming week is looking to be as exciting as ever. So let’s get pumped Aggie Nation, and take down those Rangers on Friday night!

By Doug Moors

BOUNCE BACK!!!!!

After the upset loss to Evart last week Beal City had two options: fold or bounce back, and they bounced back in a BIG way putting down the McBain Ramblers 42-22. After forcing the Ramblers to a 3 and out on their first drive, the Aggies marched 45 yards in 5 plays capped off by Chase Rollin’s 1-yard touchdown run as he scored his first of four TD’s on the night.

After forcing another 3 and out the Aggies struck again, but this time it was Tucker Gross breaking tackles on his way to a 39-yard QB keeper to put Beal up 14-0 quick. But this time the Aggies score didn’t go un-answered. It looked as though the Aggies had forced another 3 and out with the Ramblers punting, but the punt was blocked and recovered by McBain on a wild play beyond the first down marker to give them the ball with a first down. Less than two minutes into the second quarter they capitalized with an 8-yard touchdown run by Tylor Clark to make it 14-6 as the Aggies blocked the extra point attempt.

Beal City got that ball back and did what all-good teams do: Respond. They went 80 yards in 11 plays and took 7:06 off the clock capped off by Rollin’s second TD run from 4-yards out. However, the Ramblers were ready once again as they got the ball back and scored on a beautiful 20-yard TD pass from Jimmy Schneider to Logan Eling with 48.8 seconds to go. McBain then successfully converted the 2-point conversion and the score at the half was 21-14 Aggies.

The second half started with an Aggie 3 and out but the punt flew 68 yards and pinned the Ramblers on their own 4-yard line. McBain then went 3 and out but punted the ball only 24 yards and Beal got it on the Rambler 28-yard line. They didn’t waste any time as two plays later Chase Rollin again squirted through the McBain defense breaking tackles along the way for a 27-yard TD and his third of the night. This made the score 28-14 and that score held through three as the Beal City defense forced another 3 and out. 8 plays later and on the first play of the fourth quarter Tucker Gross found the end-zone from 12 yards out to make it 35-14 and the rout was on. Then after yet another 3and out, Chase Rollin took it to the house one last time as he ran 64 yards down sideline untouched for his fourth touchdown of the game. McBain added a touchdown and 2-point conversion in the fourth, but it was too little too late as the Aggies already had the game in hand.

After being down two scores early it looked like McBain was going to put up a fight with it only being a one score game at the half. But the second half was the Aggies time to shine as they put away the Ramblers early in the fourth quarter. Beal City really controlled most of the game by just simply controlling the clock. Chase Rollin finished the game with 13 carries for 216 yards and 4 touchdowns. Tucker Gross also contributed 56 yards on the ground and 2 TD’s along with completing 7/8 passes for 45 yards. Overall, 8 Aggies carried the ball and combined for 348 rushing yards to McBain’s 84.

Beal City is at home next week against Manton (3-3) who is coming off of a 21-0 win over Pine River Area. A win next week would put the Aggies in the playoffs and lock up the Highland championship for the fourth year in a row.

by Josh Williamson

Can They Play Like Champions

September 25, 2015 at 9:00pm the final score read 17-7 Evart Wildcats. During the game Evart showed a fatal flaw within Aggies offense. If you stop the run they will have a very hard time getting down the field. As the Wildcats held the Aggies under 100 yards rushing as a team.

The Aggies run the power T and just brutalize opponents with their hard nose running. It worked in the second quarter against the Wildcats when Jacob Matthews ran for a 29 yard touchdown. Evart change-up their game plan and stacked the box telling the Aggies to beat them in the air.

Surprisingly the Aggies kept to their game plan and continue to try to crash the ball and work the outside edges of the field. The Wildcats were ready for the run and didn’t allow the Aggies to run for more than 5 yards a play. The Wildcat forced 3 fumbles with their relentless pressure to get into the backfield.

When the Aggies finally decided to pass the ball it was a little too late for quarterback Tucker Gross. The moral of the Aggies were very low in return leading to failed blocking schemes to protect Gross. As Gross frantically scrambled in the back field his wide receiver core could not back him up with catching passing. Goss ended up completing 5 of 10 passes for only 37 yards with 1 interception.

The Beal City Aggies next game is against the McBain Ramblers on Friday October 2. The Ramblers are not afraid to throw the ball with their quarterback Jimmy Schnieder. He is very well composed in the pocket and deliveries strikes down the field. On the defensive side there is cornerbacker Ty Clark who seems to always be around the ball. McBain won their last game against Manton 26-24 but are still hungry to be number one in league standing.

Have the wildcats bite awaken the sleeping giant inside the Aggies or did it manage to injure the Aggies severely? If the Aggies want to win this game they need to come out in the first half with an explosion. Mix up there play calling with running the power T and passing through the spread. If the Aggies can pass the ball and gain yards it will open up the opportunity for them to run the ball.

The Aggies special team will also need to step up. If the Aggies can mix up their offensive play scheme quarterback Goss and running back Matthews will have a highlight reel. Just simple things and clean plays will lead to an Aggie victory. They cannot afford to commit turnovers as they did last week. Friday game can determine what version of the Aggies the fans will see for the rest of the season. Can the Aggies pick up there play and sore to victory or will the Rambler feel the wheel and run over the Aggies. Stay tune to Friday’s game under the light. Go Aggies!

By Josh Steger

Player of the week vs Evart

Despite the shocking loss for the highly-sought Aggies, there was still some light to be shined on the team. Senior running back Jake Matthews lead the Aggies in rushing yards and in receiving yards. Matthews finished with 70 yard rushing on only 6 carries against the speedy Evart defense. Matthews astounding 11.7 yards per rush was helped by a 29 yard touchdown run coming in the first quarter that gave Beal City a 7-0 lead. Matthews managed to find success while the rest of the running committee could only muster up 29 yards on 21 carries. A  cringe worthy 1.4 yards per carry. Matthews also lead the Aggies in receiving yards, showing his versatility. Despite the fact he only had one catch, it went for 19 yards. In my eyes, if Beal City wants to get back on track to the juggernaut they, and the rest of the league expected, they need to feed the ball to Jake Matthews and let him go to work. Matthews is explosive and has break away speed. Here’s a clip of Matthews taking off up the middle and running for a 95 yard touchdown against Clare. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5685880/highlights/286041252/v2

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Joshua Lueck

Aggies drop first Highland game since 2011

As the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard in Beal City on September 25, it read 17-7 as Evart started to celebrate their first victory over the Aggies since 1996. Evart capped a 10-play 50-yard drive to go up by ten with 3:09 left in the game. The Wildcats scored on their only pass play of the drive on a play-action pass from Robert Tapling to MD Griffin on 4^th and goal from the 3-yard line.

The first quarter drew 0-0 tie as both teams struggled to move the football as Evart was well-prepared for the Wildcats power-T attack. Beal City opened the scoring midway through the second with a 29-yard TD run by Jacob Matthews. The score stayed the same at the half as the Aggies missed a 34-yard field goal with 7 seconds to go.

The second half is where the game turned in Evart’s favor. The Aggies muffed the kickoff to start the second half, which gave the Wildcats the ball at the Aggie 29. Then just two plays later, the Aggies picked off Evart on a tipped ball and it looked as though Beal City would be back in control. But after a couple runs the ball was fumbled and recovered by Evart who then punched it in with a run by Trevin Ladd with 8:51 left in the third quarter. After the Aggies and Wildcats exchanged punts, Gross was picked off and that led to a 34-yard Wildcat field goal by Chris Imhoff late in the third to go up 10-7.

The Aggie’s first drive of the fourth quarter ended in a fumble that gave Evart the ball on the 50. After Evart scored to take the lead, Beal city got the ball back with 3:09 left in the game. The Aggies were unable to throw the ball all night and that continued as Evart got the ball back with 1:51 to go in the game and ran out the clock.

The Aggies finished the game with 136 total yards including 99 rushing and 37 passing, while Evart finished with 157 total yards including 145 rushing and 12 passing. Dillon Danley of Evart led all rushers with 17 carries for 111 yards. The big difference in the game however, was turnovers. Evart picked off Beal once and forced 3 fumbles while the Aggies only forced one fumble the entire game. The Aggies will travel to McBain (4-1) next week who is coming off of a 26-24 win over Manton.

by Josh Williamson