Spring Lake Varsity Football kicked off its season with a great game against the Fruitport Trojans on August 28, in a 42-14 victory.
While this makes back-to-back Battle of the Bayou victories, taking down the cross-town rival was one of few wins for the Lakers last season. Going into the season’s opener, the Lakers have been building their team chemistry since the beginning of the summer.
Through the help of summer practices, lifts, and team bonding, the varsity team’s bond has grown in ways to help them get along both on and off the field.
Head coach Cody Mallory said, “This group of boys has one of the best team chemistries I have ever coached.”
Mallory explained that the offensive line, anchored by, powered the offensive performances. Jack Nash rushed over 118 yards on five carries and a pair of touchdowns, while senior Landen O’Donnell reached 113 yards and also had a pair of scores.
Spring Lake was ahead 14-0 at halftime, and poured on the points in the second half.
Twin seniors Oliver and Owen Smeis racked up tackles as they kept the score low.
It was two years ago that Spring Lake last made the playoffs, and while the team hopes to reach the postseason this year, Mallory said the team doesn’t look too far beyond their next opponent. The varsity squad prepares the same way every week, whether it’s cross-town rival Fruitport or anyone else.
“It’s about us and not about who we are playing,” Mallory said.
The Spring Lake football program is going to benefit in the coming weeks from the opening of the new Laker Athletic Center at the high school campus, where the team will have access to an indoor 70-yard practice field and new weight-lifting equipment.
The Lakers rolled past Gladwin for the home opener on Friday, Sept. 5, with a 49-14 victory. They host Reeths-Puffer on Friday.
