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)