Cougars on the prowl for state title
Rock’Em, Sock’Em Robots.
Round One. Knockout! Round Knockout! Round Three. Knockout!
Etc, etc., etc.
That has pretty much been the mantra of the football team from Michigan Collegiate.
Nine opponents. Nine victories. Not one of those decisions even remotely close.
Four hundred and 14 points scored. Only 18 allowed.
Somebody pass the smelling salts, That is a mind-numbing differential. Let’s just hope the only foe that the Cougars could not send reeling this season is the coronavirus.
The Cougars were originally scheduled to play Clinton (8-1) at Bishop Foley at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16. The game was for a Division 6 regional championship.
Were and was are past tense and that is correct. That contest was delayed due to a rise in the COVID-19 infection rate.
The current shutdown extends to December 20. The MHSAA met Wednesday but no decision was made on either practice or competition dates for high school sports.
If the rate of infection cooperates, playoff games could continue soon. If not, football players could be wearing helmets and shoulder pads and sunblock.
“Through this entire time we have continually preached about staying focused and remaining committed,” said John Guth, the Michigan Collegiate football coach. “When it comes to playing football, it is not difficult to keep the attention of the kids. But, when it comes to Zoom workouts, it can be more difficult.”
That is where high school sports linger these days. Bedrooms or kitchens and not locker rooms and lined fields. Laptops rather than snarling linebackers. Internet connections, not big hits. Those are the rules, though. Football, a sport that thrives on contact, is suddenly without any contact at all.
“I am pretty confident with what the MHSAA has been saying, that the plan is to finish all three sports seasons. They have done a great job with high school football,” said Guth.
The coach knows the decision does not rest with the MHSAA. That state is involved, too.
Confident or not, the Michigan Collegiate coach admitted the last delay really hit home.
“We know we have a shot to win it all. We put so much time and hard work in preparing both for the season and the playoffs,” said Guth.
“We truly believe that we are the best team in the state in Division 6. We know that Clinton has a tough program. They are a Double Tight T team and that has been our kryptonite during our 13 years as a program and our two trips to the semifinals,” said Guth.
“But this year we really, really feel we are prepared. We know what it takes to beat a
Two.
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