2025 High School Football Preview – SAC
The SAC has become one of the most competitive and diverse leagues in Southwest Michigan, with schools spread across the Lakeshore and Valley divisions. Programs like Lawton and Schoolcraft bring championship pedigree, with Lawton returning a deep and athletic senior class under AJ High and Schoolcraft consistently fielding playoff-caliber teams.
The SAC schools feature some of the most intense rivalries in the conference. Allegan and South Haven’s Week 8 clash is circled every year, while Coloma’s first season under new head coach Brad Hessler begins with the storied rivalry against Watervliet and their new head coach Kevin Eastman. Delton Kellogg and Galesburg-Augusta look to hold their own against the league’s heavyweights.
Depth and variety define the SAC, with its mix of long-established programs and teams working to re-establish tradition. Many schools bring back experienced senior groups in 2025, while others are leaning on younger rosters to develop. With balanced competition across both divisions and a combination of proven powerhouses and rebuilding programs, the SAC continues to deliver some of the most exciting and unpredictable football in Southwest Michigan.
2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference
Allegan Tigers
2024 Record: 3-6 (1-4 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Tony Danzig (5th season, 13-23)
2025 Schedule
08/29 – at Plainwell – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Delton Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
The Allegan Tigers head into the 2025 season with a renewed focus on steady growth and consistency under head coach Tony Danzig, who is entering his fifth year at the helm. Coming off a 3-6 finish in 2024, the Tigers are adopting a day-by-day, week-by-week approach, stressing discipline, hard work, and accountability. With a veteran core of returning players, a sizeable offensive line, and a strong special teams unit, Allegan has the tools to be more competitive in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this fall.
The Tigers bring back a solid nucleus of experienced players, giving them stability on both sides of the ball. Quarterback and defensive back Landen Geddes returns as a sophomore and will continue to develop as a leader of the offense. Up front, the line is anchored by seniors Sullivan Garvin and Ares Ratulowski, junior Levi Creguer, and senior Aiden Moyer, giving Allegan size and toughness at the line of scrimmage. Versatility is a strength with players like senior Trenton Jameson, who can line up at tight end, defensive end, or even quarterback, and junior Brody McDade, who has the ability to contribute at wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. The skill group features seniors Hayden McAlpine and Karde Brown as key weapons in the passing game and the secondary, while junior Bradyn Kosiorowski provides size and athleticism at tight end and defensive end. On defense, junior Hauk Henrickson and Kosiorowski give the Tigers physicality in the front seven, supported by veterans like Royce, Pant, Block, and Heiman.
Allegan also welcomes several new contributors who could quickly make an impact. Seniors Riley Williams and Tyler Thomas add depth and strength on the offensive and defensive lines, while juniors like Max DeGrow and underclassmen such as Dean McCullum help bolster the trenches. In the backfield, sophomore Dylan Ritsema and his younger brother Evan bring promise as playmakers, while classmates Cadel Conrad and Ayden Fusco add athleticism and versatility that can help on both sides of the ball.
Special teams could be a difference-maker this fall. Sophomore kicker and punter Myles Jackson returns with one of the strongest legs in the league, and with Levi Creguer as the long snapper, Allegan has the pieces in place for consistent execution in the kicking game. Combined with returners like Brown, Baker, and McKay, the Tigers have the potential to flip field position and create scoring chances through special teams play.
Head coach Tony Danzig points to the experience of his seniors, the size of the offensive line, and the strength of the special teams unit as key advantages heading into the season. With a blend of seasoned upperclassmen and hungry newcomers, Allegan has the chance to improve on last season’s record. The key will be consistency and health as they battle through a tough SAC schedule, but if the offensive line controls the trenches and the defense can build around its veteran leaders, the Tigers have the potential to be one of the surprise teams in Division 5 this fall.
Coloma Comets
2024 Record: 4-6 (2-3 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: Brian Klee (5th season, 7-20)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Delton Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
The 2025 season kicks off with high stakes for Coloma, as the Comets open on the road against archrival Watervliet in the annual “Battle of the Paw Paw River”. Adding extra intrigue, both programs are under the direction of new head coaches this fall, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in one of southwest Michigan’s most intense rivalries. A win in Week 1 could set the tone for the rest of the season, especially for a Comets squad eager to make a statement under first-year leader Brad Hessler, who brings 15 years of prior coaching experience to Coloma.
Hessler will oversee a Spread attack built to highlight Coloma’s speed and playmaking ability. Senior quarterback Maverick Kraemer (6’0, 170) will guide the offense, with the versatile Treyton Myers (5’11, 185) handling a heavy workload in the backfield and also contributing as a receiver. Senior wideout Kam Baker (5’9, 165) provides quick-strike potential on the perimeter, while seniors Evan Schadowsky (5’10, 240) and Jayden Williams (6’4, 215) bring size and experience to the offensive line. The Comets expect to stretch the field horizontally and vertically, forcing defenses to defend every inch.
Defensively, Coloma will rely on the Miami 4-3, a scheme that allows them to stay aggressive against both the run and pass. Senior cornerback Izelle Brown (6’0, 175) anchors the secondary, while linebackers Jaevon McKay (6’0, 180) and Treyton Myers will be the defensive tone-setters. Hessler has stressed discipline and physicality, with the expectation that the defense will swarm to the football and create turnovers.
Kane Howell will handle kicking and punting duties, while Brown, Baker, and McKay will rotate in as return specialists, giving Coloma multiple explosive options to flip field position.
The Comets have embraced Hessler’s demands for strength, discipline, and buy-in since his arrival, with the team showing marked improvement in the weight room and on the practice field. While Schoolcraft and Lawton are considered conference frontrunners, Coloma believes they can be a dangerous opponent for any team on their schedule. The first big test — and perhaps the most emotionally charged — comes in Week 1 at Watervliet, where bragging rights could provide the perfect spark to launch a new era of Comets football.
Constantine Falcons
2024 Record: 8-4(3-2 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Shawn Griffith (21st season, 173-584)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Delton Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Lansing Waverly – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
Veteran head coach Shawn Griffith enters his 21st season at Constantine with an impressive 173-58 career record, once again bringing his signature Wing-T offense and a disciplined 4-2-5 defense to the field. This year’s Falcons return five starters on offense and six on defense, with a senior-heavy roster featuring 13 veterans among 25 varsity players.
The offensive backfield is loaded with playmakers, including juniors Brody Godfrey and Cooper McGee at running back, and senior fullback Bear Geibe, who also anchors the linebacker corps. Senior tight end Josh Bontrager and powerful guard/defensive tackle Cooper McDonald will be counted on to lead the way for a retooled offensive line that will be key to the Falcons’ success.
Defensively, many of the offensive stars pull double duty, with Godfrey, McGee, and Geibe joined by senior linebacker Carson Jacobs and defensive end Cody Laughman in the starting unit. Special teams will feature Godfrey’s speed as a punter and kick returner, while Jorge Rubio and Cael Smith provide depth in the kicking game.
The big question this season is how quickly Constantine’s new offensive line can gel. In Griffith’s system, success starts up front — and the Falcons’ playoff hopes will ride on the strength and cohesion of their front seven. In the always-tough conference race, Kalamazoo United enters as the early favorite, but Constantine has the experience and tradition to make a strong challenge.
Delton-Kellogg Panthers
2024 Record: 2-7 (0-5 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: Brooks Smith (2nd season, 2-7)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
Delton-Kellogg did not reply to our request for a season preview.
Galesburg-Augusta Rams
2024 Record: 3-6 (1-4 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: Chuck Hadley (4th season, 9-26)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Cassopolis – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Plainwell – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Delton Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
Galesburg-Augusta did not reply to our request for a season preview.
Kalamazoo United Titans
(Kalamazoo Hackett, Kalamazoo Christian Co-op)
2024 Record: 9-3 (5-0 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Troy Ayotte (6th season, 33-19)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Allendale – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo United enters its 12th season as a co-op between Hackett Catholic Prep and Kalamazoo Christian with high expectations after last year’s 9-3 campaign. The Titans return a strong group of seniors, proven playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a coaching staff that has guided the program into contention year after year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Head coach Troy Ayotte begins his seventh season at the helm of United, where he has compiled a 39-17 record. Before taking over United, Ayotte served as the head coach at South Haven, and his experience has played a key role in shaping the program’s culture and identity. Known for his offensive acumen, Ayotte also handles coordinator duties, running a Spread RPO attack that puts athletes in space and challenges defenses with both balance and tempo. On defense, coordinator JJ Wagner implements a multi-look scheme designed to adapt to the variety of offensive systems in the SAC.
On offense, United returns six starters, including senior quarterback Jackson Herder (5’11”, 180), who brings poise and leadership to the huddle. He’ll lean on the versatility of Keegan McCue (5’10”, 180), a two-way standout who lines up at slot receiver and safety, and Sam Finley (5’10”, 185), who provides physicality in the backfield and secondary. Junior Elijah Brooks (6’2”, 215) adds size and athleticism at wide receiver and defensive end, giving United a dynamic weapon on the perimeter. With several proven options, the Titans expect to keep defenses off balance with their spread looks.
Defensively, five starters return, giving the Titans continuity and toughness. McCue and Finley lead the back end, while Herder’s versatility adds depth and athleticism. Brooks anchors the line with his strength and length, and his ability to disrupt plays up front could be a difference-maker. United’s ability to shift alignments and match personnel will be key to slowing down the SAC’s physical ground games.
Special teams are also a strength, with Ike Brierly handling punting duties, while McCue, Finley, and other skill players provide options in the return game.
With 12 seniors leading the roster and a proven system in place, Kalamazoo United has the pieces to contend once again. Staying healthy will be critical, but the Titans believe they can match up with anyone in the league. The SAC favorite remains Constantine, but Ayotte’s group has shown it belongs in that conversation, and with veteran leadership, United is aiming to push even further in 2025.
Lawton Blue Devils
2024 Record: 8-3 (4-1 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: A.J. High (3rd season, 15-4)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Decatur – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Ithaca – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Delton-Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
When AJ High stepped in as head coach of the Lawton Blue Devils midway through the 2023 season, he immediately made his mark. By 2024—his first full year in charge—High had led Lawton to a 15–4 record over his first two seasons, proving he was the right man for the job. The Blue Devils have been a consistent playoff presence in recent years, and with a deep, veteran roster, they’re aiming for another run this fall.
Lawton returns seven starters on offense and six on defense, backed by a senior-heavy roster of 16 varsity veterans. High, who also serves as offensive coordinator, will lean on his Power T and Gun attack to take advantage of what he calls “the fastest overall team speed we’ve ever had.” Senior Greyson Burrous (5’8, 160) brings quickness and agility to the backfield, while senior power runner Caiden Mitchell (6’0, 205) adds the strength to punish tacklers. Senior Owen Matthies (5’9, 145) is another versatile back capable of breaking big plays. Up front, senior tackle Hyden Markle (5’9, 210), junior guard Carter Chisholm (5’7, 225), and senior tackle Ethan Middleton (6’1, 225) will set the tone in the trenches. Senior quarterback Brady Quick (5’7, 151) will direct the offense with the poise and decision-making that comes from experience.
Defensively, coordinator Jose Martinez will deploy a multiple odd stack front that thrives on speed and pursuit. Senior Jack Fletcher (6’0, 200) is a steady presence at outside linebacker, while Mitchell pulls double duty as a hard-hitting inside linebacker. Senior Rocky Karsen (5’10, 185) adds toughness in the middle, and Matthies will provide range in the secondary at free safety. In the trenches, Markle and senior Caleb McLemore (5’7, 200) will anchor the defensive line.
Special teams are in good hands with senior kickers/punters Chase Triemstra and Joel Stulgaitis, both capable of flipping field position or putting points on the board.
The Blue Devils’ biggest strength is their combination of speed and experience, but High notes that the development of some young linemen will be key to sustaining success through a challenging schedule. With Schoolcraft and United tabbed as the toughest conference opponents, Lawton knows they’ll have to be sharp every week—but with their veteran leadership and playoff pedigree, they believe they can compete with anyone.
If the new faces in the trenches come along quickly, Lawton could be in line for yet another deep postseason run, keeping their recent tradition of playoff success alive.
Parchment Panthers
2024 Record: 7-3 (4-1 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Todd Nunn (1st season)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Union City – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Hopkins – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Delton-Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
The Parchment Panthers enter the 2025 season with a new leader at the helm in head coach Todd Nunn, who brings energy and a strong foundation in fundamentals to a program looking to build off the progress made last fall. While Nunn is in his first year leading the Panthers, he’s no stranger to the sideline, bringing three seasons of head coaching experience and a focus on discipline, physicality, and attention to detail.
Parchment graduated 16 seniors from last year’s squad, leaving behind a young but eager roster. Despite the inexperience, Coach Nunn isn’t lowering expectations. “We aren’t going to use youth as an excuse,” he said. “Our guys are ready to compete. They’ve put in the work, and they’re accepting the challenge.”
Offensively, the Panthers will lean into a Triple Option attack under Nunn’s direction, emphasizing ball control and physicality at the point of attack. Senior quarterback BJ Hunt will orchestrate the offense and brings leadership and toughness to the role. He’ll be handing off to a mix of veterans and promising newcomers, including senior Nathan Flevaris, who returns at running back, and freshman DJ Sykes, a hard-running back who has impressed early.
On the edges, Corey Stiles brings explosiveness at the wingback spot, while the offensive line is anchored by seniors Anthony Croy (Guard) and Lucas Platte (Center), both of whom will be critical in making the option go.
Defensively, the Panthers return five starters and will operate out of a 4-3 base led by defensive coordinator Orval King. As on offense, BJ Hunt will be a cornerstone player in the secondary at safety. He’s joined by Flevaris at linebacker, giving Parchment a pair of seniors who can set the tone.
Freshman DJ Sykes will see time on both sides of the ball and could emerge as a difference-maker at linebacker. In the trenches, Anthony Croy provides toughness at defensive tackle, while Corwyn Bockover (DE) adds length and motor off the edge. Sophomore Rae’Kwon Smith and junior Trenton Jackson highlight a young, athletic secondary that will be tested early.
Senior Cayden Brown handles kicking duties, and the return game will be spearheaded by Smith, Jackson, and Stiles, each offering big-play potential.
Parchment faces a challenging schedule in 2025, but that’s nothing new. Coach Nunn believes in preparation, not excuses: “We’ll be ready every week to take the field and compete.”
The SAC Lakeshore Division remains competitive, and Kalamazoo United stands out as the favorite in the league. However, Parchment isn’t interested in backing down — the Panthers aim to be physical, disciplined, and consistent enough to earn respect and build a foundation for future success.
With a strong senior core, a hungry group of underclassmen, and a new coach determined to elevate the standard, the Parchment Panthers are ready to grind their way through 2025. The season may begin with questions, but don’t be surprised if it ends with the Panthers answering them — loudly.
Saugatuck Trailblazers
2024 Record: 7-4 (3-2 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: William Dunn (23rd season, 140-63)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Lakeview – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Delton Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – Schoolcraft – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
Saugatuck did not reply to our request for a season preview.
Schoolcraft Eagles
2024 Record: 11-2 (5-0 SAC-Valley)
Head Coach: Dan DeVries (1st season)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – at Centreville – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Hudsonville Unity Christian – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Lawton – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Delton-Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
Schoolcraft enters the 2025 football season with high expectations and a new face at the helm in first-year head coach Dan DeVries. But despite the coaching change, the Eagles return a wealth of experience on both sides of the ball, setting the stage for what could be another deep postseason run after reaching the state semifinals a year ago.
With eight returning starters on both offense and defense, Schoolcraft boasts one of the most seasoned lineups in the area. Offensively, the Eagles will operate out of a spread formation led by junior quarterback Jack DeVries . He’ll have no shortage of weapons, including senior wideout Drew Enright, dynamic backs Cooper Howard and TJ Luteyn, and junior receiver Landon DeVries. Anchoring the offensive line is senior Cody Priest, providing leadership and physicality up front.
The defense is expected to be just as stingy as last season, built around a versatile 4-2-5/5-3 alignment coordinated by former Mattawan coach Dave Arrasmith. Up front, senior standouts Brody Epple and Liam Haines will look to control the line of scrimmage, while senior middle linebacker Evan Feller and two-way player Cooper Howard solidify the second level.
Special teams will also be a strength, with TJ Luteyn handling return duties and giving the Eagles a threat in the field position battle.
The team has 25 players on varsity, including 13 seniors, which gives them both depth and leadership heading into the grind of the season. A challenging Week 2 non-conference matchup against Hudsonville Unity Christian will serve as an early test and measuring stick for Schoolcraft’s championship aspirations.
While the Eagles view themselves as the conference favorite, they know the road won’t be easy—especially with perennial rival Lawton looming. That Week 2 showdown and the annual clash with Lawton will be games to watch as the Eagles aim for a title run.
South Haven Rams
2024 Record: 5-5 (2-3 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Mark Eddy (7th season, 24-31)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – at Holland – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Galesburg-Augusta – 7:00 p.m.
The 2025 South Haven Rams are set to open the season with high expectations and a renewed sense of confidence, as head coach Mark Eddy enters his seventh year leading the program. With 12 seniors on the roster and several key returners on both sides of the ball, the Rams believe they have the leadership, physicality, and mental toughness needed to compete in the always-competitive SAC-Lakeshore Division. Playing at historic Ratcliffe Field—a venue rich with community pride and decades of Friday night memories—only adds to the excitement as South Haven works to make this season one to remember.
Offensively, the Rams will once again lean on their bruising Single Wing attack, a scheme built to control the tempo of games and wear down opposing defenses. Senior running backs Quin Hayes (6’3, 180) and Jacob Bosma (6’0, 200) form a dynamic backfield combination, each capable of breaking tackles and turning routine plays into big gains. Junior quarterback Rylan Jenks (5’11, 170) steps into a larger leadership role, operating behind an offensive line that returns size and experience, anchored by seniors Mark Harrel (6’0, 260) and Bryan Bevevino (6’0, 230). Senior wide receiver Grayson Knox (6’2, 175) adds balance to the offense with his reliable hands and ability to stretch the field vertically.
The defense will feature a physical front and experienced playmakers. Hayes and Bosma double as the team’s starting linebackers, setting the tone with their aggressive pursuit and vocal leadership. Junior Robert Lucas (6’2, 260) brings size and power to the defensive line, while junior Rowan Fonseca (5’11, 175) leads the secondary with range and playmaking instincts. The Rams will rely on disciplined, gap-sound defense to match up against the high-powered offenses in the SAC-Lakeshore.
Special teams should be a steady asset, with senior kicker August Zoet (6’2, 150) handling field goals and extra points, and Fonseca giving the return game an explosive spark.
While the SAC-Lakeshore is loaded with quality teams, the Rams’ schedule offers plenty of opportunities to make a statement. One of the most anticipated matchups comes in Week 8, when South Haven welcomes archrival Allegan to Ratcliffe Field. The rivalry brings out the best in both teams and is sure to draw a fired-up crowd.
With veteran leadership, a proven offensive identity, and the advantage of playing in one of the area’s most iconic stadiums, South Haven enters 2025 ready to challenge for wins every week. If the Rams can stay healthy, maintain their physical edge, and execute in key moments, they have the tools to be a dangerous opponent in the SAC-Lakeshore and beyond.
Watervliet Panthers
2024 Record: 1-8 (0-5 SAC-Lakeshore)
Head Coach: Kevin Eastman (1st season)
2025 Schedule
08/28 – Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
09/05 – Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
09/12 – at Delton-Kellogg – 7:00 p.m.
09/19 – Parchment – 7:00 p.m.
09/26 – at Kalamazoo United – 7:00 p.m.
10/03 – South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
10/10 – at Allegan – 7:00 p.m.
10/17 – at Constantine – 7:00 p.m.
10/24 – Saugatuck – 7:00 p.m.
After two straight “Un-Watervliet Like” seasons, Joshua Trembley is out after 6 seasons. The Panthers went 19-35 under Trembley, but 1-8 in 2024. In order to bring Watervliet back to playing “Watervliet-Like” football is a coach who knows what that is supposed to be like, but he played for the Panthers and recently as well.
Kevin Eastman not only has been a coach for the last 13 seasons, he played at Watervliet. Eastman played quarterback for the Panthers in 2009, and according to Maxpreps.com, he ranked first in the state of Michigan for Division 6 with 2,129 yards passing and 22 touchdowns. He went on to play football at Adrian before coming back to Watervliet. Eastman was the Watervliet defensive coordinator last year.
So, if there is anyone that knows what it takes to pass on the what it means to be a Watervliet Panther, it’s Eastman.
The Panthers will operate from a spread formation, with Eastman serving as the offensive coordinator, and while Watervliet did run a spread formation last year, Eastman says it will be a new offense, and considering Watervliet only scored 14 points in their final 6 games and were shut out in 4 of those games, a new offense would be appropriate.
Watervliet’s starting QB will be senior Caleb Jewell, (6’0, 180), behind him at running back will be senior Dimetric White (5’10, 165). Three Wide receivers include, senior Cole Getz (5’7, 140), junior Ashton Coleman (5’10, 160) and sophomore Jayden Brassard (5’9, 155). Some of the protection up front will be senior LT Braydon Symonds (6’2, 225) and junior RG, Deandre Rose (6’0, 195).
The Panthers will employ a 4-4 defense with Geoff Jacobs serving as the DC. Watervliet returns four starters on defense. White will also play at LB, Rose at DE. Also at DE will be senior Wyatt MacMillian (5’10, 215). Junior Isaias Mendez (5’9, 165) and senior Jeremy Morton (5’9, 165) playing linebacker and junior Aiden Wolford (6’2, 260) at defensive tackle.
Watervliet will turn to sophomore Ethan Westfall for the kicking duties.
Eastman says, “Over the past thirteen seasons, I’ve had the privilege of coaching at Watervliet. Starting a season with eleven seniors is always a great feeling, and it’s been even more rewarding to have them lead these underclassmen into believing in our vision.
We’ve implemented a new offensive system, and we’re excited to compete each week and utilize all our offensive weapons. On the defensive side, we need to be more aggressive, and Coach Jacobs has done an excellent job of getting these players up to speed.
The numbers are starting to improve, with over fifty players between the JV and Varsity levels. We’re hopeful that we can continue to sustain this program at every level for years to come.”
As for the SAC, “I believe the top teams in the conference are Constantine and Kalamazoo United, as they have been for a while now. These are two great programs that have been built by some exceptional coaches.” Eastman said.
Watervliet opens the season with a home game against rival Coloma.
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