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.