2025 High School Football Preview – Lakeland Athletic Conference

NOTE: This section does include the preview for Benton Harbor, the Tigers were voted out of the Lakeland Conference earlier this year, leaving the Tigers as an independent school.  However the 2025 football schedules were finalized before the Lakeland vote.

The Lakeland Conference enters 2025 with renewed energy and some fresh leadership, highlighted by a coaching change at Brandywine.  Berrien Springs continues to be the league’s measuring stick under third-year head coach Ben Iliff, who was previously an assistant during Elliott Uzelac’s tenure. The Shamrocks are replacing much of their offensive line but return experience at skill positions and on defense, giving them balance and the ability to contend again. Buchanan also has plenty of optimism under head coach Mark Frey, with eight returning starters on each side of the ball and a veteran line complemented by playmakers across the skill positions. The Bucks are well-positioned to push for a conference title run.

Dowagiac, guided by head coach Duane Davis, enters 2025 looking to continue its tradition of physical, hard-nosed football. The Chieftains are determined to compete in a league where every Friday night carries weight. Brandywine begins a new era under head coach Jeff Miller, who brings two decades of experience and most recently worked as an assistant at Elkhart. He inherits a program known for its competitiveness and consistency, and his arrival should provide a steadying influence as the Bobcats look to stay strong in a tightly packed conference race. With just five teams, the Lakeland Conference title chase remains wide open, where one slip could decide the champion.

On to the rest of the preview

Benton Harbor Tigers

Note: Benton Harbor is officially an independent team, but the schedule for 2025 was finalized while they were still a member of the league

2024 Record: 0-9 (0-4 Lakeland)

Head Coaches:  Dan McGinnis (1st season)

2025 Schedule
08/28 – Battle Creek Central – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Lake Odessa Lakewood – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Muskegon Catholic Central – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills – 7:00 p.m.

The Benton Harbor Tigers enter the 2025 season under the guidance of new head coach Dan McGinnis, who also serves as the Director of the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety. McGinnis steps into the role with a commitment to changing the culture of the program and instilling a mindset of accountability and confidence. After a winless 0-9 season in 2024, his focus has been on teaching players not just how to compete but to expect success. Already, his leadership has helped spark increased participation, with numbers in the program rising enough to field a junior varsity team for the first time in several years.

The Tigers bring back five starters on offense, led by senior quarterback Damonee McBride (6’1”, 190), a versatile playmaker with the tools to play at the next level. McBride is complemented by a set of explosive receivers, including seniors Latrell Johnson (5’8”, 170), Messiah Lacy (5’6”, 130), and Jaydon Hutcherson (6’2”, 175), each capable of turning short gains into big plays. Senior tight end Overtus Franklin (6’0”, 210) adds a strong, reliable target in the passing game with the toughness to help block up front.

The offensive line will be the backbone of the attack, with experienced seniors Jaiden Thompson (6’0”, 241), Marquell Johnson (5’10”, 220), and Donald Harrell (5’8”, 215) anchoring the unit. Junior Timothy London (6’0”, 230) provides depth and size, while Thompson will serve as the captain of the offense. Senior running back Byron Broyles (5’10”, 200) gives the Tigers a physical presence in the backfield, rounding out what could be one of Benton Harbor’s most balanced offensive groups in recent years.

On the defensive side, five starters also return, with a focus on speed and athleticism. Franklin will play a key role at defensive end, while junior Zeavion Yates (5’8”, 190) lines up at nose guard to help clog the middle. Freshman Jordan King (5’11”, 180) is expected to step in early and contribute, signaling that the future of the program is already being built into the present. McGinnis has emphasized that the defense must become more physical and disciplined, especially after a 2024 campaign where the Tigers struggled to contain opponents.

The Tigers will lean on versatility in the kicking game, with Franklin handling PATs, McBride managing kickoffs, and Dominick Burton punting. While not flashy, the group brings effort and athleticism to a unit that often swings momentum in close contests.

With 12 seniors on the roster, the Tigers have veteran leadership to guide younger players through the season. McGinnis has praised his players for embracing the weight room, responding to accountability, and showing hunger to restore pride to Benton Harbor football. While not the biggest roster in size, the Tigers are athletic, quick, and motivated to surprise opponents.

Although Benton Harbor is no longer a member of the Lakeland Conference, the Tigers will play all the Lakeland schools as if they were still in the league.  For Benton Harbor, the goal isn’t just improvement from last year—it’s to lay the foundation for long-term success on the field and in general. With a new culture, increased depth, and standout athletes, the Tigers believe they can compete far better than outsiders may expect.

Berrien Springs Shamrocks

2024 Record: 7-4 (4-0 Lakeland)

Head Coach: Ben Iliff (3rd season, 13-8)

2025 Schedule
08/28 – Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Otsego – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – BYE WEEK – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Dowagiac  – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Benton Harbor – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Hudson – 7:00 p.m.

Head coach Ben Iliff enters his third season at the helm of the Berrien Springs football program, having guided the Shamrocks to a 13–8 record over his first two years. While he’s now firmly established as the leader of the team, Iliff is no stranger to Shamrock football, he previously served as an assistant coach during the successful tenure of legendary head coach Elliot Uzelac. That experience helped shape his approach and philosophy, and he has continued to build a tough, competitive culture in Berrien Springs as the program looks to remain a contender in the Lakeland Conference.

The 2025 Shamrocks bring back five starters on each side of the ball, giving the team a foundation of experienced playmakers but also leaving opportunities for younger players to step into key roles. On offense, sophomore quarterback Braelin Hurst will look to make his mark, supported by senior wide receiver Walter Williams and senior running back Calvin White. Up front, senior Jacob Constable will anchor the offensive line and provide leadership for a group that must replace four starters from last season.

Defensively, Constable will also be a force on the line, joined by junior linebacker Eli Rospierski and junior defensive back Bronson Wiley. Williams will again be a factor in the secondary, bringing versatility to both defensive back and linebacker roles. The Shamrocks’ ability to quickly develop cohesion—particularly in the trenches, will be critical against a tough conference schedule.

Special teams should be steady with senior Caiden Ward handling kicking and punting duties, and junior Carson Tripp serving as the long snapper. The kicking game could play a key role in close matchups as the Shamrocks aim to turn narrow losses from previous years into wins.

While Iliff sees Buchanan and Dowagiac seen as the early favorites in the Lakeland Conference, Iliff’s squad will have to hit its stride quickly to keep pace. If the offensive line gels and the younger talent matures under the leadership of the senior class, Berrien Springs has the pieces to contend for a conference title and make another playoff push.

Brandywine Bobcats

2024 Record: 2-7 (1-3 Lakeland)

Head Coach: Jeff Miller (1st season)

2025 Schedule
08/28 – Hartford – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Benton Harbor- 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Manchester – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
10/25 – Mount Clemens – 2:00 p.m.

Brandywine did not reply to a request for a preview

Buchanan Bucks

2024 Record: 6-4 (3-1 Lakeland)

Head Coach: Mark Frey (7th season, 35-23)

2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Battle Creek Pennfield – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Millington – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Benton Harbor – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Muskegon Catholic Central – 7:00 p.m.

The Buchanan Bucks enter the 2025 season with confidence, momentum, and perhaps their deepest and most experienced roster in recent years. Head coach Mark Frey, now in his seventh year at the helm, has steadily built the program into a tough, fundamentally sound team, and this fall’s edition — known as Team 130 — has the tools to compete for a Lakeland Conference title and make a postseason run. With eight starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Bucks bring the perfect blend of veteran leadership and young playmakers eager to make their mark.

The offense will once again operate out of a pro-style scheme, giving Buchanan the flexibility to grind out tough yards on the ground or open things up through the air. The heart of that offense is an experienced and physical offensive line — a luxury at the high school level. Senior tackle Collin Pinkerton anchors the unit with size and leadership, joined by sophomore guard Elijah Camille-McLeod, junior tackle Charles Burns, and senior tight end Owen Thompson, who is also a two-way standout. Their blocking will pave the way for a deep and talented backfield featuring senior Ryan Hickok, sophomore Max Cornelius, and senior Jameson Pleasant. All three backs bring different skill sets — Hickok’s power, Cornelius’ speed, and Pleasant’s versatility — which will give opposing defenses fits.

In the passing game, senior quarterback Lucas Zeiger steps into the starting role with a strong arm and a good understanding of the offense. He’ll have reliable targets in junior receiver Brody Reed and Thompson at tight end, allowing the Bucks to stretch the field and keep defenses honest.

Defensively, Buchanan’s strength starts in the trenches, where experience and toughness define the unit. Thompson, Zeiger, juniors Ethan Frame and Logan Edgerle form a defensive line that can control gaps, collapse pockets, and disrupt opposing run games. Behind them, linebackers Hickok and Pleasant provide a steady presence with their ability to read plays quickly, cover sideline to sideline, and deliver punishing tackles. In the secondary, Reed and junior Carson Deming add speed, and athleticism, and skill, giving the Bucks a defense that is balanced and dangerous at all three levels. Special teams will also be a dependable asset, with junior Ethan Frame handling both kicking and punting duties, providing consistency in the field position battle.

The Bucks know the stakes in the Lakeland Conference — with so few league games, every matchup carries playoff-level intensity. “In this league, you can’t afford to take a week off,” Frey has emphasized. “One slip-up can cost you the title.” That reality has shaped Buchanan’s offseason preparation, with a focus on mental toughness, conditioning, and discipline. The combination of an experienced offensive line, a versatile skill group, and a defensive front that can dictate games makes Buchanan a dangerous opponent for anyone on the schedule.

If the Bucks can stay healthy and continue to build on their chemistry, they have the makings of a special season — one where a conference championship and a deep playoff run are realistic, not just hopeful, goals. With leadership from a senior class that knows how to win and the hunger of underclassmen ready to contribute, Buchanan’s 2025 campaign could be one of the most exciting in recent program history.

Dowagiac Chieftains

2024 Record: 6-4 (2-2 Lakeland)

Head Coach: Duane David (5th season, 13-24)

2025 Schedule
08/28 – at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Three Rivers – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Benton Harbor – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Marshall – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Williamston – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – BYE WEEK

Dowagiac did not reply on our request for a preview