GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Fruitport won the conference yet again in 2012, but Grant got to the playoffs. Here is a preview of the Lakes 8 for 2013:
FRUITPORT
The Trojans have long been the dominant team in the Lakes 8, this season they look for another title. They return 8 starters, 4 on each side of the ball. On offense, Mitchell Reyes and Shawn Knox both return at running back. On defense, linebacker Nathan Kriger and defensive end Colin Butler lead the returners.
GRANT
The Tigers made the playoffs for the 2nd time in the last 3 seasons but return only 3 starters, all on defense. Outside linebacker River Melcher, cornerback Riley Foster and safety Garrett Bomay are the returning starters in 2013.
SPRING LAKE
The Lakers were 5-4 last season and return 7 starters. Wide outs Charlie Warber and Mason Dial are back on offense. On defense, juniors Mark Williamson and Jakob Frederick both started at defensive end as sophomores.
LUDINGTON
The Orioles were 4-5 in 2012, but lost to Manistee by 2 and Grant by just 6 points during the season.
MUSKEGON ORCHARD VIEW
The Cardinals were 2-7 last season and will look to get back to the postseason this year for the first time since 2008.
FREMONT
The Packers were 2-7 in 2012, but return 11 starters, 6 on defense this season. Quarterback Christian Wade ran the offense as a sophomore in 2012, also returning are running back Wyatt Campbell and receiver Blake Siersema. Linebacker Charley Dakin leads the returners on defense.
HOWARD CITY TRI-COUNTY
The Vikings were 0-9 last season for the 2nd consecutive year. They do return 9 starters from last seasons team led by quarterback Jonathon Hill and linebacker Zach Mason.
