BY WENDI REARDON
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Clarkston’s gridiron heroes are counting down to their season opener as they prepare for Lapeer at University of Michigan for Battle of the Big House on Friday, 7 p.m.
“It’s going to be a great experience for the kids,” said Kurt Richardson, head coach for Clarkston Varsity Football. “It will be fun. It will be awesome. Coming out of that tunnel if their skin doesn’t tingle, then they are playing the wrong sport.”
He added playing at Battle of the Big House is a huge motivator for the Wolves and Lapeer Lightning.
The Wolves played scrimmages against Grand Blanc, Cass Tech and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s last Thursday to build up their strengths and work through their weaknesses.
Richardson added a few strengths for Clarkston is their winning trend.
“We have won around here for quite awhile,” he said. “I think winning breeds winning. But Lapeer has been winning up there for quite awhile.”
He added the Wolves’ leadership, the players’ attitudes and the amount of players they have are also strengths.
“Our numbers are solid to have that many kids,” Richardson said, gazing at the 84 players warming up during practice.
Returners coming back ready to lead the team to success include seniors are Brandon Baker, linebacker; Jake Buchmann, safety and defensive back; Carter Gale, center; Kyle Genter, corner; J.T. King, quaterback; Ryan Prisby, tightend and outside linebacker; Tyler Retford, wide receiver and defensive back; Nick Stalworth, linebacker; Carson Stottlemyer, linebacker; and Ben Spiker, linebackes; juniors Michael Fluegel, running back and defensive back; Stewart Newblatt, linebacker; Noah Nicklin, guard and tackle; and Zach Scott, linebacker.
King is back and stepping into role as quarterback after playing wide reciever and defensive back last year. Junior Nate Uballe and sophomore Jacob Wagner are contenders for the second spot.
“Our kicking game is pretty decent,” Richardson added about kickers Zach Mansour and junior Jermaine Roemer, who both kicked field goals over 40-yards during Football for a Cure.
He noted juniors Roman Santos and Josh Cantu, both new to the team, have made big contributions already during scrimmages and Football for a Cure.
“Cantu is going to allow us to move Fluegel around a little bit,” Richardson said.
On the sidelines, the Wolves have their entire experienced coaching staff returning to help guide and train them during the season.
“We know what each other is all about and it helps.”
Tickets are available for $10 for cash only. They are General Admission seating.
Parking is available at the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, both $10. Please visit www.mgoblue.com/facilities for more parking information as well as prohibited items.

  clarkston, Football, Varsity