2025 High School Football Preview – Southwest 10 Conference
The Southwest 10 Conference is shaping up for an intriguing 2025 season, with a mix of proven contenders and rebuilding programs. Decatur, under coach Scott Burwell, looks poised to lead the way again thanks to a physical ground attack and stout line play, and the Raiders benefit from opening the season with four of their first five games at home. White Pigeon, with Shawn Strawser in his eighth year, returns another tough and athletic group running the Wing-T, and they’ll once again rely on their defense to keep them in the hunt for the league title. Both programs have established themselves as consistent forces at the top of the SW10.
The middle of the pack brings plenty of intrigue. Centreville, now in its second year under James Phillips, built confidence last fall with a playoff appearance despite a 4–5 regular-season record, and the Bulldogs bring back a solid core. Hartford, led by Joseph Morsaw, boasts unusual continuity with 11 returning starters on both sides of the ball, giving the Huskies one of the most experienced rosters in the league. Comstock, with new head coach Art Campione (a veteran of Morley Stanwood), remains a program in transition. After struggling to finish games last year, the Colts are focusing on discipline, conditioning, and steady improvement.
Cassopolis faces one of the toughest challenges after going 1–7 in 2024, ending the year with two forfeit losses when injuries left them unable to field a full team. Depth will once again be the key for the Rangers if they want to regain their old form. Bronson, meanwhile, enters the Southwest 10 as a newcomer, looking to make its mark in a tough, physical league. Adjusting to new conference opponents will be a challenge, but the Vikings bring tradition and grit to the mix, which should add another layer of competitiveness to the standings. With Decatur and White Pigeon setting the pace, and teams like Centreville, Hartford, and Bronson pushing to rise, the Southwest 10 promises plenty of meaningful football every week.
2025 Southwest 10 Preview
Bronson Vikings
2024 Record: 6-4 (6-1 Big 8 Conference)
Head Coach: Anthony Myers (2nd season, 6-4)
2025 Schedule
08/29 – LaGrange Prairie Heights (IN) – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Reading – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Big 8/Southwest 10 crossover – 7:00 p.m.
Bronson did not reply to our request for a preview
Cassopolis Rangers
2025 Record: 1-7 (1-4 Southwest 10)
Head Coach: Jeremiah Lee (3rd season, 4-13)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Sand Creek – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBD
Cassopolis did not reply to our request for a preview
Centreville Bulldogs
2024 Record: 4-6 (2-2 Southwest 10)
Head Coach: James Philips (2nd season, 4-6)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Stockbridge- 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBA – 7:00 p.m.
Centreville enters the 2025 season with renewed optimism and a clear goal of taking another step forward under second-year head coach James Phillips. The Bulldogs are coming off a campaign in which they qualified for the state playoffs despite a 4-5 regular-season record, showing resilience and growth throughout Phillips’ first year at the helm. With 7 starters back on offense and 5 returning on defense, the program has both experience and leadership to lean on as it pushes for a deeper postseason run.
Senior running back Deandre Stout will once again be the centerpiece of the Bulldogs’ offense, bringing speed, vision, and big-play ability. He’ll be complemented by the powerful running of senior fullback Hunter Monson, creating a one-two punch in the backfield. Junior center Greyson Kohlhoff returns to anchor the offensive line, while sophomore tackle Kahle Reinbold and senior tight end Wyatt Stark add size, strength, and toughness up front. Junior tight end Bo Riley is another versatile weapon who can contribute in both the passing and running game.
On the defensive side, Centreville’s core is equally strong. Stout and Monson bring leadership and experience to the secondary, while Kohlhoff’s presence at linebacker will help set the tone in the middle of the field. Stark’s strength at defensive tackle will be crucial in controlling the line of scrimmage, and Reinbold’s development at defensive end adds an extra element to the pass rush. The Bulldogs will also benefit from Phillips’ continued emphasis on versatility within their 4-2-5 defensive scheme, giving them the ability to adjust to different offensive looks.
The Bulldogs will get a chance to start fast, as their first three games are at home—against a strong Schoolcraft squad, a Stockbridge team looking to build momentum, and a Comstock program that went 0-7 last season. Taking advantage of this early stretch could give Centreville confidence and an edge in the playoff hunt.
With a new offensive system tailored to their personnel and an expanded defensive playbook, the Bulldogs expect to be more dynamic and unpredictable on both sides of the ball. While the Southwest 10 Conference remains competitive—led by defending champion Decatur—Centreville’s mix of veteran leadership, returning production, and favorable early scheduling makes them a dangerous opponent for any team on their slate.
Comstock Colts
2024 Record: 0-7 (0-4 Southwest 10)
Head Coach: Art Campione (1st season)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Homer – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Quincy – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBD
The Comstock Colts will open the 2025 season with a new leader at the helm, as first-year head coach Art Campione takes over the program. Campione is no stranger to building competitive football teams—before arriving at Comstock, he served as head coach at Morley Stanwood, where he helped guide the Mohawks to multiple playoff appearances. Now, he brings that experience and leadership to a Comstock team hungry to turn the corner in the always-tough Southwest 10 Conference.
Offensively, Campione will install a Spread Gun attack, returning five starters to help ease the transition. Junior quarterback DJ Rankins (6’1, 185) will run the offense, with senior H-back Hayden Ampey (6’2, 205) providing a versatile weapon in both the passing and running game. Junior wide receiver Kedan Duff (5’8, 160) brings speed and big-play potential, while the offensive line will be anchored by senior Brayden Buck (6’0, 185) and junior Kingston Price (6’0, 245). Their development will be key to keeping the offense balanced and productive.
Defensively, Comstock will line up in a 4-2-5 scheme under coordinator James Brown, also returning five starters. Senior Max Keith (6’0, 185) will be a disruptive force at defensive end, while fellow seniors Shawn Hale (5’10, 240) and Michael Seybert (5’10, 170) bring experience and toughness up front and at linebacker. In the secondary, juniors Brayden Huizar (5’8, 165) and DQ McKinney (5’9, 160) will be tasked with containing some of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Special teams will be a group effort, with Buck handling long-snapping duties, Rankins serving as punter and kickoff specialist, and a rotation of Duff, Huizar, and McKinney returning punts and kicks. Field position could play a major role in Comstock’s ability to stay competitive in close games.
Campione’s focus in year one will be on fundamentals, conditioning, and creating a team-first mindset—values he emphasized at Morley Stanwood and will now apply to the Colts. While the team struggled to finish games last season, the 2025 mission is clear: compete from the opening whistle to the final snap, play a physical brand of football, and control what they can each Friday night. In a balanced Southwest 10 Conference where “any team can beat anyone on any given night,” Comstock’s growth and consistency could set the stage for a turnaround season.
Decatur Raiders
2024 Record: 11-2 (4-1 Southwest 10)
Head Coach: Scott Burwell (5th season, 25-17)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Springport – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBA – 7:00 p.m.
The Decatur Raiders are no strangers to success under head coach Scott Burwell, and in 2025, they’re aiming to add another chapter to their winning tradition. Burwell, now in his fifth season, has posted a 25–17 record while establishing Decatur as a perennial force in the Southwest 10 Conference. With six returning starters on both offense and defense, a battle-tested senior class, and a roster of 30 varsity players hungry to prove themselves, expectations are sky-high.
The Raiders’ Wing-T offense has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and this year’s backfield has the potential to be even more explosive. Junior running backs Brody Mead (5’11, 180) and Rylin Mead (5’10, 190) bring a combination of speed, vision, and toughness, capable of breaking long runs or grinding out tough yards between the tackles. Their success will be made possible by an offensive line that blends grit and experience, anchored by junior Levi Hostetler (6’0, 195) and sophomore Mike Mead-McCoy (5’9, 250), both of whom bring the physicality needed to control the line of scrimmage.
On defense, Decatur will continue to employ a multiple-look scheme, giving them flexibility to adapt to different opponents. The Mead brothers, Hostetler, and Mead-McCoy will all pull double duty, playing key roles in a unit that prides itself on discipline and aggressiveness. Sophomore Linken Mead (6’2, 205) adds size and athleticism to the defensive front, giving the Raiders a physical presence that can disrupt opposing offenses.
Special teams could be a hidden weapon, with junior Nate Mead (5’11, 170) returning as both punt and kick returner. His speed and ability to change direction make him a constant threat to flip field position—or even take it to the house.
The Raiders will also benefit from a favorable early schedule, as four of their first five games are at home. That stretch provides an opportunity to build momentum in front of the home crowd and set the tone for another playoff run.
Decatur’s formula for success has been built on execution, discipline, and a belief in playing their best football when it matters most. Burwell emphasizes that while talent is there, the key will be avoiding self-inflicted mistakes and staying focused on the process each week.
With a strong senior class, explosive playmakers, and a proven coaching staff, the Raiders aren’t just eyeing a conference title, they’re looking to make noise in the postseason. As far as the Southwest 10 is concerned, the road to the championship still runs through Decatur.
Hartford Huskies
2024 Record: 3-6 (2-3 Southwest 10
Head Coach: Joseph Morsaw (4th season, 3-6)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – White Pigeon – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Vermontville Maple Valley – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBD
The Hartford Huskies return to the gridiron in 2025 with a sense of pride and renewed determination after bringing varsity football back to the community last season. Under head coach Joseph Morsaw, now entering his fourth year at the helm, the Huskies will be looking to build on the foundation laid in 2024 and take a big step forward in the win column. With 11 returning starters on both offense and defense, experience will be one of the team’s biggest assets as they aim to bring respectability — and a winning record — back to Hartford football.
Offensively, Hartford will operate out of a split-back formation, a system designed to take advantage of their depth at running back and versatility at the skill positions. Senior Brian Sewell (5’9, 170) and senior Linken Birkhead (6’0, 177) will provide a steady presence in the backfield, while senior Isaiah Lovell (6’0, 150) and senior Bryson Prillwitz (5’10, 145) bring quickness to the wide receiver group. Quarterback duties fall to junior Mason Mireles (5’11, 197), whose leadership will be crucial to guiding a balanced attack. The Huskies’ offensive line is anchored by a mix of size and strength, including senior Shane Phillips (6’0, 212), sophomore Chris Lovell (6’0, 280), and junior Rowen Williamson (6’4, 220).
Defensively, Hartford will align in an even front, with senior leaders like Sewell, Birkhead, and Lovell providing stability in the linebacker corps. The defensive line features formidable size in Phillips, Lovell, Williamson, and senior Josh Dyson (6’1, 250), giving the Huskies the ability to control the trenches. The secondary will be led by quick, athletic players such as Prillwitz, junior Drake Sikes (5’8, 140 ), and sophomore Mason Whitman (5’4, 110), all of whom will be tasked with limiting big plays in the open field.
Special teams will see contributions from Sebastian Balli-Resendez (5’7, 140), who will handle return duties, along with veterans like Brady Williams in kicking and punting situations. Hartford’s ability to win the field position battle could be a key factor in close games.
While the Southwest 10 Conference remains tough, with defending champion Decatur leading the pack, the Huskies’ depth of experience and returning talent give them reason to believe they can compete with anyone on their schedule. The challenge will be turning last year’s competitive effort into consistent victories. If Hartford can capitalize on its veteran leadership, maintain physical play at the line of scrimmage, and finish strong in close contests, the 2025 season could mark a turning point in the rebirth of the Huskies legendary program.
White Pigeon Chiefs
2024 Record: 8-2 (5-0 Southwest 10)
Head Coach: Shawn Strawser (8th season, 53-18)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Reading – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Union City – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Bronson – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – TBD
The White Pigeon Chiefs head into the 2025 season with a veteran core and a tradition of success under eighth-year head coach Shawn Strawser. Over the past seven seasons, Strawser has guided the program to a strong 56-18 record, and this year’s squad will look to build on that winning culture with a roster of eight seniors and several key returning contributors. The Chiefs have the advantage of experience in both skill positions and the trenches, giving them the tools to compete in a steadily improving conference.
White Pigeon will once again lean on its Wing-T offense, a system that plays to the team’s speed, misdirection, and backfield depth. Senior running back Taylor Stewart (5’11, 190) will be a focal point of the ground game, bringing both power and vision to the attack. Quarterback Ty Strawser (5’11, 155), a senior with a strong understanding of the system, will be tasked with distributing the ball and keeping defenses guessing. Additional threats in the backfield include junior Maddix Jancasz (5’10, 175) and seniors Zachary Royce (5’11, 180) and Hunter Pant (5’10, 165), giving the Chiefs multiple ball-carrying options. Up front, senior center Dace Kochel (5’11, 175) and tackle TRayton Heiman (5’11, 200) anchor an experienced offensive line.
The Chiefs will line up in a 5-2 defensive alignment, a scheme designed to control the line of scrimmage and stop the run. Stewart returns as a leader at linebacker, where his instincts and tackling ability make him one of the team’s defensive anchors. Jancasz will join him at linebacker, while Royce and Kochel will set the tone on the defensive line alongside Heiman in the interior. In the secondary, Strawser and Pant bring speed and coverage skills, with senior Brody Block (6’1, 175) adding length and playmaking ability at defensive back.
The kicking game will be handled by Norborto Monroy, giving White Pigeon a reliable option for extra points and field position battles. With multiple athletic returners on the roster, the Chiefs should have opportunities to flip the field in the return game.
White Pigeon enters 2025 with the ingredients for another winning season—experience, athleticism, and a proven system. Staying healthy will be key, as will taking advantage of the team’s depth in the backfield. Head coach Strawser expects Bronson to be a top contender in the conference, but believes that every team on the schedule has improved, meaning the Chiefs will need to be sharp from Week 1. If they can maximize their senior leadership and blend in younger talent, the Chiefs have the potential to be in the thick of the conference race.
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