Statcrew

As part of our class we followed the Dow Chargers football team throughout the year, but we also learn the exciting world of Statcrew as well. Statcrew is the software that is used during football games at all levels to keep track of game stats play by play. Nick, Stevie, Jason, and Myself all got this great opportunity to expand our knowledge of the sports world, and the workings behind the scenes. We got our opportunity to give it a shot during the Monday Night Football game between the Ravens and Texans. We plan on using this new skill to help us further our careers in the world of sports.

Division 2 State Champs

Since the Midland Dow Chargers lost in the opening round of the playoffs, lots of things have been happening! TC West, the team that beat Dow, lost to TC Central in the next round of the playoffs. TC Central went down next. Warren De La Salle won the D2 State title, scoring an impressive 165 points in 5 games throughout the playoffs. Congrats to Warren De La Salle!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a great and safe Thanksgiving enjoy the rest of the holiday break!

Community Behind the Team

This year Midland Dow had another great football season. We know all about that, but how did the community rally behind the team. Local fan and alumni of the school, Nick Aldrich had some input on how the season went and how the community rallied behind the team.

Q: How do you think the team did in terms of giving back to the community?
A: Well, the team did all they could for the community. Midland is a town with two high schools, so it is important to give back to the community. Dow wants more fans than Midland High and they can achieve that by giving back to those fans.

Q: When you went to the school, what was the expectations of the football team on-the-field and off?
A: As a senior at Midland Dow two years ago, the football team carried themselves with a certain sense of pride. On-the-field they acted like no one could beat them. I knew some of the guys on the team and they would always tell stories about there pregame rituals. "It is all about being confident," they would tell me. Off-the-field, the team acted like they were on top of the world. The football team is usually the team that all students rally around and our team knew this. So, they made sure to be humble and stay within themselves.

Q: Have you noticed any difference between the team from two years ago to the team now?
A: Not really, I feel like the traditions of the past have been passed down from year to year. So, for the team to change that much would be very strange. Plus, I haven't had the chance to be around this team as much as I was my senior year.

Q: During the season, did the community seem to travel with the team?
A: I believe that friends and family of the team traveled very well throughout the season. I know I made it to a couple away games, but that was just because they were those close away games.

Q: How was the support from the community at the home games?
A: What else is there to do on a Friday night in a high school football town? Go to the football game. The community shows a lot of support at the home games. Family, friends, and the community all show there support when our team is under the lights.

Q: At every game there are sponsors that show up to show their support for the team. How well do you think the companies around the community showed their support for the team?
A: That is tough to say. I know that certain companies are always there to show support, like the local car dealership, Garber Chevrolet. But other companies come and go. The players used to get pizza after the game from Little Caesars, but I am not sure if they do that anymore.

Q: Did Homecoming make the community rally more around the team?
A: Homecoming is always a great time of the football year. Midland has a lot of people to draw from, and a lot of alumni. Homecoming offers them a chance to come back and relive the glory days, so to speak. I saw a lot of former players from my senior year at Homecoming this year. It was really a great thing to see.

Q: I know there is a little bit of an in-town rivalry in Midland. When Midland High plays Dow, how does the community act?
A: Well, it is nothing like the Michigan vs. Michigan State game, but there is still a lot at stake. It is pretty cool to see the two schools kind of come together to cheer on the teams. We all know that some people want a certain team to win, but the Midland community knows that it is just all good fun.

Interview: Gary Robertson fan of the team

Interviewer: What's your favorite thing about going to the games?

Gary: Seeing the players have fun and be successful. You can really tell that this team has a drive to win, and it shows out on the field. More importantly its great to see the players having fun together and bonding.

Interviewer: Do you come to a lot of the games?

Gary: I try to make it as many games as I can. With a busy schedule it can be hard at times. I have a love for the game of football, and for this team. Seeing everyone at the games cheering and supporting the team makes going to games worth it.

Interviewer: Are you excited for next years team?

Gary: I am very excited for next years team. The team this year is pretty young so we won't be losing much. With the success of this team so far this year only good things are on the horizon.

Interview: Wide Receiver Alec Reisig #15

I caught up with senior receiver Alec Reisig and talked about the season and his future plans:

Interviewer: What are you most focused on heading into the off season?

Alec: Well I am a senior so it transferred most of my focus to college and schoolwork.  I also plan on playing baseball in the spring after not playing for two years, so I plan to work on my baseball skills so I can make the team.

I: What was your favorite moment from the season?

A: My favorite part would probably be the Midland vs. DOW game.  Nothing can beat that kind of energy for a high school football game and all the hype in the week leading up to the game.

I: Do you have any future plans for football after high school?

A: I thought about trying to walk on somewhere because I love football so much and it's worth a shot but it always comes back to the time commitment it includes in college and how much work it is to focus on classes and be committed to a sport.

Alec is a fantastic receiver, great student, and awesome person.  We wish him the best of luck with baseball in the spring and his academic and football pursuits going forward!

Coaches

A lot of credit for Midland Dows great season this year has to go to the coaching staff. Head coach Jason Watkins and assistant coaches Steve Watkins, and John Streeter. These coaches implemented a game plan and the players brought that plan to life in a very successful way. They led their team to being ranked 201 in the state of Michigan, and 29 in Michigan class 2 rankings at the end of the season. They will look to build upon their success from this year as they look forward to next season.

Players of the Season

Midland Dow had plenty of talent on the roster this year. Here is a recap of the ones we thought needed another shout-out at the end of the season. Nick Sierocki got our player of the week honors twice. He had two huge games again John Glenn and Carman- Ainsworth racking up three TD's and over 150 yards in both games. Alec Reisig had over 100 yards and a TD against Flint Powers, and Brennan Doyle had two TD's against a strong Saginaw Arthur Hill team. Quarterback Ben Zeitler led his team to an impressive win over Carman- Ainsworth, and Caden Skin was a stand out in a tough playoff loss with a touchdown. With Dow being a younger team excitement is in the air about what to expect from these talented athletes next year.

Great Season

With Midland Dow taking a loss to Traverse City West means it's the end of the season. Although they fell short in the playoffs they still had a great season overall. They finish with a 7-3 record on the season and 5-1 in conference play. The season was filled with high scoring games led by a high powered offense, and a lock down defense. With Dow being a young team they have a lot to look forward to next year, and will be hungry for another great season.

Player of the Week: Caden Skin

(Lipsitt Photography)

This week's Player of the Week is Caden Skin!  Although DOW suffered a tough defeat, Skin was one of the lone bright spots as he still caught a big touchdown and played a great game.  The team was not able to bounce back, as they lost 49-19 to Traverse City West the next week.  All in all it was a great season for the Chargers, we are proud of our boys! Stay tuned to our blog for interviews and other stories surrounding the DOW Chargers team.

Interview: Quarterback Ben Zeitler #8

(Lipsitt Photography)

Quarterback of his high school football team, straight A student, and school journalist (Midland Dow High School Journal), Ben Zeitler does it all. He is an all around team player and looks to lead the Chargers to a state title in this 2017 season. Ben Zeitler is a humble man, a leader, an excellent student with high character, and athletically gifted. All of us strive to be like Ben in some form or another.

Interviewer Jason: "What are your aspirations for this team?" 

Ben Zeitler: "On the field last year after we lost to Fenton in the district championship, I set the goal that we would return to the district championship in 2017, and win this time. So that's been my driving force, but once we accomplish that, I won't be content. I want to continue winning until we win the State Championship at Ford Field."

Interviewer Jason: "How does this years team compare to last years team? Can you explain some strengths and weaknesses that your team is dealing with right now?"

Ben Zeitler: "We're returning only 4 or 5 starters from last year, with only one returning starter on offense, so we had to fill a lot of spots and find our own identity. I think we differ from last year's group in that we don't have any stars, any Division I or II players, but we're pretty solid high school players overall, and we have depth. I also feel that our team has a deeper sense of camaraderie than we had last year. As for the strengths and weaknesses, as Coach Streeter says, speed is our advantage. We are physically smaller than almost every team we play, but we counter size with speed. In order to achieve our goals, we have to execute better on offense by getting and staying on our blocks, and by converting on crucial plays." 

Interviewer Jason: "As a starting QB for Midland Dow, a high level Division 2 school, do you feel you have big shoes to fill from last years Quaterback?"

Ben Zeitler: "I do feel like I have big shoes to fill. Replacing a two-time SVL MVP and All-State quarterback is a daunting task, but I think that between Shane Astrike and I, we are doing a good job of putting Dow High in a position to win each and every game."

Interviewer Jason: "One last question before I let you focus on the upcoming game later this week. You said that this year team has a high level of camaraderie. Is there anything the team does to bond with one another outside of football?"

Ben Zeitler: "On Monday nights of weeks that we play at home, we have team dinners at Applebee's where we are served water, an appetizer and an entree of Applebee's choice, and we must pay only a $2 tip for the service. On Wednesdays, the offensive line eats at Pi's, and the defensive backs sometimes eat at Entre Amigos. On Thursdays, we have an optional team dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, and then we go watch JV play if they have a home game. If varsity has a home game, there is an afterparty for players and parents at a teammate's house, and we eat and watch Friday Night Lights on the news."

Interviewer Jason: "I appreciate your time and willingness to interview with me! Go Chargers!"

Ben Zeitler: "No problem, I'm a journalist Midland Dow High School Journal for my school paper so I'm usually the one asking the questions, thank you for doing the blog about us!"

Interviewer Analysis: Ben Zeitler is a winner. He is not content until he has put his maximum effort forth and achieved the highest ranking in everything he does. Ben is an example of give 100% every single day. This effort is seen in his grades, athletic talent, high character, humble demeanor, and leadership on and off the field. The Chargers face a top tier Traverse City West team on Friday. Ben Zeitler will be a part of the two quarterback system in order to put an end to West's win streak. Now that we have gotten to know Ben, how can you not root him on, and hope the Chargers pull out this win!

Headed North for Districts: Throw Down at Thirlby

Photo: Lake Michigan Football

The towering stands of Thirlby field will be packed with fans from the north on one side and fans from the south on the other this Friday. Midland Dow will be making the trek north to Traverse City, for a district match-up with the 8-1 Traverse City West Titans. Dow coming off of a tough loss to Midland High, will be hungry to get back in the win column. However, the Titans, out of the Big North Conference will be no easy opponent. TC West will be seeking victory after a tough loss at home in their last game of the regular season.

Before their loss in the final game, TC West was walking all over their opponents, including Midland High. TC West scored an average of just under 40 points (38.4) per game, while only allowing just two touchies (13.89 points) a game in the regular season. On the other hand, Dow was in the end-zone about five times per game (34.89), while holding teams to 17 points a game in their dominant season. It is safe to say that there will be two high powered offenses and a couple stone cold defenses ready to throw down at Thirlby field on October 27th.

If the Chargers get past the Titans of Traverse City, they could have a chance to get revenge on Midland High in the regional game. Everyone knows the Chargers want the win against their in-town rivals.

The Chargers are hungry for revenge, but the Titans are thriving for the W. The Throw Down at Thirlby will be a sight to see. Time to get the dub Chargers.

Tough Loss

(Photograph: Lipsitt Photography)

YOUR Midland Dow Chargers were stopped in their tracks Friday night against the Midland Chemics (Blog here MidlandChemicsBlog). The inner-city rivalry did not disappoint as it was a relatively high scoring affair, with the Chemics pulling out the win 49-21. The Chargers are headed to the to the playoffs and this is only a  slight bump in the road. "We have our eyes set on a district title," said Quarterback Ben Zeitler. "After losing to Fenton last year, I set a goal that we would make it back to the district championship and win."

Chargers vs. Midland

With another game tomorrow night the Chargers look to continue their impressive win streak. The Chargers are off to a hot start with a 8-1 record on the season and 5-1in conference. They have managed to beat their opponents easily the past couple games and look to keep that momentum going into a tough matchup against Midland. This should make for a great game as Midland is 7-1 and 6-0 in conference play. This game is sure to be an offensive show down with plenty of big plays to keep you on the edge of your seat. Be sure to go out to the game and support the Chargers tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.

Player of the Week

(Photo: Courtesy of Lipsitt Photography

Player of the Week goes to..... none other than Nick Sierocki. Another huge game for the All-Star Running Back/Slot Receiver. This isn't the only week Sierocki recorded over 150 yards and a total of 3 touchdowns either! Lets just admit it, the kid is insane and has a chance to play at a higher level some day. He looks to continue his offense success against the Chemics who are 6-0 in conference play. 

Close Games? The Chargers Can't Relate

(Photography: Lipsitt)

Your Midland Dow Chargers have recorded yet another impressive blowout with a score of 45-14 against Carman Ainsworth. This marks the Charger's seventh straight massacre after losing a close one to Bay City Central back on August 31st. That loss has brought this team closer than ever before. After that heartbreaking defeat, the Chargers have outscored their next seven opponents, 309-97. Each victory was won with a margain of 28 points or more. The Chargers look to continue their hot streak next Friday against Midland in order to improve to 9-1 on the year.

Player of the Week

(Photograph: Lipsitt Photography)

Midland Dow smashed Saginaw Arthur Hill last Friday, 55-20. With a total of five different scorers and easily over 300 yards of total offense, this was a complete team performance. As quarterback Ben Zeitler commented, "We have no superstars on our team, every player is good and has a high IQ of the game. Our team is deeper than anyone in the conference." This definitely showed in last Friday's route of Arthur Hill. That being said, there is no Player of the Week. An overall great team performance from YOUR Midland Dow Chargers!

Chargers vs. Carman-Ainsworth

Tomorrow the Chargers will face Carman-Ainsworth in what should be a high scoring game. The Chargers are coming off a huge offensive performance in their last game against Arthur Hill and will look to keep the momentum going against Carman-Ainsworth. This will be no easy task with the Chargers having to go on the road and travel to Flint for the game. With a win tomorrow night the Chargers will improve to 7-1 the season.

Applebee's

On Monday nights of weeks that Midland Dow plays at home, the Chargers have team dinners at Applebee's! The team is given waters, an appetizer, and an entree of Applebee's choice. It is a wonderful opportunity for the team to bond and gain overall chemistry.

Playoff Bound

Photo: (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Midland Dow Chargers are headed back to the playoffs! The team improves to a stellar 6-1 on the season and 4-1 in the Saginaw Valley League Blue Division. The Chargers put the pedal down in their last game against Arthur Hill, scoring 55 points before halftime. As the team rolled over Arthur Hill and into the playoffs they still have a couple games to win. Dow faces Carman-Ainsworth this week, a conference game that can only benefit the Chargers. Carman-Ainsworth will be no push over, they are 5-2 on the year and undefeated in the conference. Dow has hopes to change that this Friday. 

Player of the Week

(Photo: Lipsitt Photogrphy)

Midland Dow Charger's Player of the Week goes to none other than #22 Brennan Doyle. Doyle was the main factor in the Charger's route against Bay City Western. With two touchdowns and crucial blocking on read option plays, Doyle could not be stopped! He looks to continue his offensive display in next week's homecoming matchup against Saginaw Arthur Hill.

The Chargers Win 4th Straight

As the final score shows in the background, the Chargers shut out Bay City Western in Friday night's game. This is the Chargers fourth win in a row, the win streak starting with the team's win against Saginaw Heritage. Midland Dow looks to continue their hot streak this Friday, October 6th, as they take on Arthur Hill. During the current win streak the Chargers have bested opponents by double digits in all of the games played. Chargers are looking to keep the streak alive and improve to 7-1 on the season.
(Photo: Lipsitt)

Chargers Look to Continue Road Domination

         VS.  

Can the Midland Dow Chargers continue their unbeaten streak on the road? With a 4-1 overall record and a 2-0 record on the road, the Chargers look to improve to 3-0 on the road against Bay City Western on Friday. The players are trying not to look past a deflated Bay City team with a mediocre 0-5 record. Bay City has only 20 points for on the year while allowing 180 points against. This is a perfect opportunity for the charging Chargers to improve to 5-1 on the year and come one step closer to the playoffs.

Player of the Game: Alec Reisig

(Photo: Lipsitt Photography) 

Alec Reisig went off against Flint Powers, with 5 catches for 110 yards and a score.  He was a huge part of DOW's onslaught of Flint Powers as they cruised to an easy 42-14 win.  DOW takes the field again this Friday against Bay City Western at 7pm.  Make sure to check back to our blog after the game for a post game recap and our social media for in-game pictures and other extras! Go Chargers!

Coach and Mentor

Coach Jason Watkins is seen preaching to his players after their week four domination. Most players on the team look up to coach Watkins and truly believe in the system that he has implemented at Midland Dow. 

(Photo: Lipsitt Photography)

Midland Dow Takes Down Flint Powers

Midland Dow got a huge win on Friday as they beat Flint Powers 42-14. With the win they improve their overall record to 4-1, and 3-1 in league play. With that dominating performance they continue to maintain their spot as one of the leaders in the class A Saginaw-area football rankings. After taking down a strong Flint Powers team the Chargers will without a doubt look to carry this momentum into their upcoming away game against Bay City Western. If they can continue to play the way they have lately then they should have no problem taking down Bay City Western.

Player of the Week

Midland Dow's Player of the Week goes to RB/Slot Receiver Nick Sierocki who totaled over 200 yards on offense and 3 TD's. Nick's impressive offensive display was no match for the opposing John Glenn Bobcats. He looks to carry over his offensive magic in next weeks matchup against Flint Powers Catholic 
(Photo: Courtesy of Lipsitt Photography)

Midland Dow Chargers Roll Past John Glenn for First Home Win of the Season

 

What was thought to be a tight matchup turned out to be a blowout as Midland Dow steam rolls past Bay City John Glenn 51-21. The Chargers came out firing on all cylinders putting up a solid 21 points in only the first quarter. With a substantial 21 point lead heading into the second quarter, the Chargers never looked back, rolling to their first home win of the season. As for the looks of it,  there are many more home wins to come for the thundering Chargers. They will enjoy their sweet victory for the weekend until Monday rolls around and they prepare for a strong Flint Powers Catholic team. After watching this game first hand, Midland Dow is certainly shaping up to be a playoff-caliber team. 
(Photo: Courtesy of Lipsitt Photography)

Midland Dow Chargers Seeking First Home Win of the Season

Midland Dow is coming off a pretty big win on the road against a streaky Saginaw Heritage team to improve to 2-1 on the season. They have a big challenge ahead as they face a hot Bay City John Glenn team coming off a 35 point massacre against Saginaw Arthur Hill. This Friday night matchup is shaping up to be an instant classic. Both teams are off to a solid start at 2-1 and your Midland Dow Chargers only loss has come by a single point in overtime. Midland Dow's road record is something to keep on eye on as the season moves forward. As for now, look forward to a great game tonight and a hungry Charger's team seeking their first home win of the season!
(Photo: Courtesy of Lipsitt Photography)

Welcome to the unofficial blog of Midland DOW Chargers Football! The blog will allow friends, family, fans of the team, and the community to keep track on the Chargers football team. We, a group of Central Michigan University students, will be posting about the team throughout the 2017 season. As sports management majors, we are looking forward to getting a taste of how the media operates in the sports world. We will be posting stories about the upcoming match ups, player or players of the week, interviews, and post game analysis.

We have created social media accounts for the team as well! You can find them linked in this post.
Twitter: @MDdowchargers
Facebook: DOW Chargers Football
Instagram: midlanddowchargersfootball
Snapchat: MDdowchargers