2002 Press' Dream Team is 'supreme'
Monday, December 02, 2002
By Jane Bos / The Grand Rapids Press

2002 PRESS PHOTO/DAVE RACZKOWSKITHE PRESS' PICKS FOR THE AREA'S BEST IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, together at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, from left to right with player's name, jersey color and school name listed: BOTTOM ROW--Kevin Grady, Jr. (white) East Grand Rapids; Adam Emery (white) Cedar Springs; Eric Ledbetter (orange) Rockford; Zach Miller (royal blue) Hopkins. SECOND ROW--Andy Brummel (red) Allendale; Andrew Keitzman (navy blue) Hudsonville; Zach Huizing (red) Northview; Joe Gritter (white) East Grand Rapids; Leon Hilaski (green) Wayland. THIRD ROW--Justin Ulberg (red) Allendale; Matt DenBesten (black) Grand Rapids Christian; Justin Hoskins (yellow) Creston; Matt Klein (green) Coopersville. FOURTH ROW--Dan VandenBerg (black) Grand Rapids Christian; Noel Aleman (black) East Kentwood; Donny Plummer (navy blue) Lee. FIFTH ROW--Brian Merren (green) Wayland; Mark Catlin (red) Lowell); Justin Barry (black) East Kentwood; Matt Kabelman (black) East Kentwood. SIXTH ROW--Craig Mester (white) East Grand Rapids); Bubba Gritter (maroon) Grandville; Demetrius Russell (red) Union; Andrew Hawken (maroon) Grandville; Jake Visser (green) Coopersville. SEVENTH ROW--Zach Osburn (black) West Ottawa; C.J. VanWieren (black) West Ottawa; Jeff Iciek (royal blue) Hopkins; Jordan Moore (red) Lowell. EIGHTH ROW--Joe Skinner (navy blue) South Christian; Josh VanLaan (navy blue) South Christian); Derek Nelson (green) Jenison; Steve Brander (green) Jenison. TOP ROW-- Garret Bushong (royal blue); Mike Koster (red) Lowell; Joe Staley (orange) Rockford; Tyson DeVree (navy blue) Hudsonville); Josh Flier (orange) Byron Center. Story, C3. East Kentwood coach John Shillito named Coach of the Year

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Haul out the dictionary and check out the word 'superlative.' The first meaning listed is: The highest degree of superiority. Supreme.

Sounds like a good way to describe the 2002 Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team. They are superlative. Supreme-o.

The 38 area high school football players on the team, as picked by the Press sports staff, includes some pretty impressive accomplishments. Not only did 14 of these players lead their team to conference championships, 12 of them helped carry their team to a state championship game this past weekend and eight that won state titles.

On the team, 35 of them competed in the playoffs, while 17 of them earned a berth on the Associated Press' All-State Team.

Four of them are repeaters, and, with four juniors and three sophomores here, seven of them could be back next year.

Meet the Dream Team:

DEFENSE

LINEMEN

• JOSH FLIER, BYRON CENTER: A Class B special-mention all-stater, Flier was a 31/2-year starter for the Bulldogs. A two-way tackle, he amassed 98 tackles in the regular season, along with three fumble recoveries. Flier added 18 tackles in first playoff game against Spring Lake before ending the season 9-2 with a loss to Coopersville. "Josh would start on any team in the state," said Byron Center coach Gasper Giarmo. "He is strong, big. We had three shut outs this year. We played great defense, and he's the reason why."
• BUBBA GRITTER, GRANDVILLE: The two-time Division 1 wrestling heavyweight state champ, Gritter led the Bulldogs to the playoffs for the third time. He started 35 consecutive games and was a two-way lineman. During the regular season, Gritter compiled 32 first hits, 54 assists and seven sacks for 25 yards in loss. "Bubba is a great leader and competitor," said Grandville coach Irv Sigler III. "Bubba's burning desire to be great and be a team player has made our defense outstanding."
• MATT KLEIN, COOPERSVILLE: A two-time member of the Dream Team, Klein has been one of the best defensive ends in the area for the last three seasons. He led his team to its fourth-straight O-K Blue Conference title and playoff appearances, as well as to an unbeaten record into the regional finals. Klein's teams went 34-5 while a starter. "Matt was the best player on a strong, defensive team," said Coopersville coach Jim Meerman. "He was a dominating defensive end, teams tried to run away from him." During the regular season, Klein totaled 46 tackles, and seven sacks.
• CRAIG MESTER, EAST GRAND RAPIDS: A Class B first-team all-stater, Mester helped lead the Pioneers to the Division 3 state championship. Already verbally committed to Miami of Ohio, Mester amassed 40 tackles, including 17 assists, and 16 sacks this season. He also recovered one fumble. "Craig's biggest asset is his speed," said East coach Peter Stuursma. "His motor does not quit. He goes all 48 minutes at full tilt. His presence on our defense makes our team better. He makes kids around him play at a higher level because of his work ethic and pride."
• DEMETRIUS RUSSELL, UNION: Folks facing the Red Hawks definitely had to account for Russell. A three-year, two-way tackle, he made his presence known on both sides of the ball. He scored a touchdown in Union's final game of the season, a 21-6 win over Central. "Demetrius is a great player and tremendous athlete for a player of his size," said Union coach Scott VanEssen. "We will miss him next year."

LINEBACKERS

• ADAM EMERY, CEDAR SPRINGS: The Red Hawks junior totaled a whopping 16 tackles in the playoff-opening win over Fruitport. During the regular season, Emery had 140 tackles, including 107 solos, plus 1.5 sacks, three fumble recovery, one forced fumble, three pass breakups and one interception, which he returned 43 yards for touchdown. Cedar Springs finished the year 8-3 and second in the O-K Gold. "Clearly, Adam was the heart of our defense," said Cedar Springs coach Jim Gallery. "In terms of work ethic, he put an extreme amount of time between last year and this year. He played with a tremendous amount of intensity. It was his first year as a varsity player, and it was something to behold."
• ZACH HUIZING, NORTHVIEW: A two-year, two-way player who was a two-time captain, Huizing complied some impressive numbers. During the regular-season, which ended at 5-4 for the Wildcats, he totaled 153 tackles, six sacks, four interceptions, six caused fumbles, five fumbles recovered and seven pass deflections. "This kid has outstanding work ethic and is a great leader," said Northview coach Scott Robertson. "He's been voted by his teammates as the team's most valuable player the last two years." Huizing's career stats include 316 tackles, 14 sacks, nine interceptions, 11 fumbles caused, nine fumbles recovered and 12 pass deflections.
• BRIAN MERREN, WAYLAND: The Wildcats enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons in school history, reaching the state semifinals. Merren, a two-year starter, compiled 132 total tackles, two sacks, 12 tackles for loss and four fumble recoveries. "Brian was our most physical and strongest player on the team," said Wayland coach Tim Gibson. "He's tough to (isolate) because he can dominate the lead back. He was our best defensive player week in and week out. He's a big hitter with a great nose for the football. Has a knack for getting off blocks and finding the football -- great instincts."
• JORDAN MOORE, LOWELL: Moore was instrumental in leading the Red Arrows into the Division 2 state championship this past weekend. He totaled 75 solo tackles, 41 assisted tackles, 11.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions and four tipped passes entering the state finals. "Jordan is the most dominate linebacker we've had here at Lowell in the past 25 years, according to our long-term assistants," said Lowell coach Noel Dean. "He is very good at both stopping the run and the pass."
• JUSTIN ULBERG, ALLENDALE: A repeat member of the Dream Team and a Class B first-team all-stater, Ulberg led the Falcons to their first outright O-K Silver title and unbeaten regular-season record. A three-year starter at linebacker and a two-year starter at fullback, he totaled 120 tackles, including 42 solos, 77 assists, one sack for nine yards in loss and one interception for 16 yards in return during the regular season. He also scored 10 rushing touchdowns. For his career, Ulberg has 431 tackles. "Justin is the best linebacker Allendale has ever had and is definitely a top linebacker in the state," said Allendale coach Ben Burk. "Justin was asked to be a two-way starter this year and was explosive and powerful force from his fullback position."
• DAN VandenBERG, GR CHRISTIAN: VandenBerg was a captain for the Eagles, who won their first City League championship and qualified for their first playoffs in school history. A middle linebacker, he totaled 100 tackles, one fumble recovery, four sacks, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup and six caused fumbles during the regular season. "Dan is our leader on defense," said Grand Rapids Christian coach Brad Mockabee. "He was our leading tackler and biggest hitter."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

• ANDY BRUMMEL, ALLENDALE: Allendale coach Ben Burk said: "Andy is a playmaker, period. His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball forced teams to design game plans around him." No kidding. A two-year, two-way starter, Brummel totaled 22 solo tackles, 21 assists and 10 interceptions (for 73 yards in return) during the regular season. At flanker, he had 52 catches for 922 yards (17.7 avg.) and 14 touchdowns, and he rushed for three more scores. Brummel also returned kicks and punts for one touchdown, to wind up leading the team in receiving, punt and kick returns, touchdowns and interceptions. He was named Class B first-team all-state for his efforts.
• MARK CATLIN, LOWELL: Arguably the best all-around player ever in the Grand Rapids area, Catlin was a two-time Class A first-team all-stater. A repeater on the Dream Team, Catlin could've made the team at just about any position, including quarterback. Catlin led the Red Arrows to the Division 2 state championship this past weekend. "Mark is by far the best player I have ever coached," said Lowell coach Noel Dean. "Teams did everything they could do not to throw at him, to stop him on offense, and not to kick at him, but he still found a way to impact every game." Defensively, Catlin had 41 solo tackles, 21 assists and six interceptions entering the state finals. He's also thrown for 2,793 yards (202 of 354) and 29 touchdowns. Rushing, he amassed 1,424 yards and 19 touchdowns on 212 attempts. Catlin also had 37 returns for 870 yards and two touchdowns.
• ANDREW KEITZMAN, HUDSONVILLE: A Class A all-state special-mention back, Keitzman grabbed five interceptions in the first two playoff games. For the year, he totaled a school-record nine interceptions. "Andrew may be the best hitter on a very tough team, and that's saying a lot about a free safety," said Hudsonville coach Dave Duram. "He was the brains of the defense, a very savvy player." Keitzman also totaled 58 solo and 48 assisted tackles. He played tight end, too, and was a team captain for Hudsonville, which ended the year 8-4.

KICKER/PUNTER

• ERIC LEDBETTER, ROCKFORD: A three-year key player on a perennially strong team, Ledbetter scored 49 points this season, making 3 of 6 field goals and all 40 of his point-after boots. As a junior, he scored 47 points, making 6 of 8 field goals, including a long of 47 yards, and connected on 29 of 30 PATs. In 2000, he scored 56 points, making 1 of 3 field goals and 53 of 58 PATs. Ledbetter also does kickoffs, averaging 50 yards in 2000, 49 yards a year ago and 53 yards this season with 30 percent in the end zone. "He has an impeccable PAT record in regard to consistency over three years," said Rockford coach Ralph Munger.
• DONNY PLUMMER, LEE: The Class C all-state first-team punter, Plummer punted 36 times for an average of 43.6 yards per kick, including three pooch kicks inside the 20. He also had a long punt of 57 yards, as well as three punts over 48 yards in one game. A year ago, he punted 22 times for an average of 42.8 yards per kick and set a school record with a 62-yard punt. "Donny is just a great, all-around leader," said Lee coach Tom DeGennaro. "He is just a hard worker and a great football player." Plummer also played fullback and linebacker this year, leading the Rebels in rushing and tackling the last two seasons.

OFFENSE

LINEMEN

• JUSTIN BARRY, EAST KENTWOOD: A three-year starter at center for the powerful East Kentwood team, Barry helped lead the Falcons to the Division 1 state championship game this past weekend. "Barry is just very consistent," said East Kentwood coach John Shillito. "He is a big reason for our success running the ball this year. He is really instrumental in running our offense." The Falcons totaled 6,121 rushing yards entering the state finals, and much of that is run inside past Barry. He also starts at defensive tackle, totaling 35 tackles and one fumble recovery.
• JEFF ICIEK, HOPKINS: A Class C first-team all-state lineman, Iciek played offensive guard for the Vikings, who were the Division 6 state runner-up. A three-year starter and team captain, Iciek was honorable-mention all-state a year ago when his team won the O-K Silver and reached the district finals. He also sports a 3.94 grade point average. "He's the toughest kid on the team, very strong," said Hopkins coach Rex Weaver, noting that the Vikings run the Wing-T offense and often run by Iciek. At defensive end, he also totaled 33 tackles, including 20 solos, and one fumble recovery.
• MATT KABELMAN, EAST KENTWOOD: How do you measure the worth of an offensive lineman? By the number of yards his team racks up. Kabelman, a tackle, had anchored a line which helped gain 6,121 rushing yards, for a team that made the Division 1 state championship game. Kabelman was named to the Class A first-team all-state for his efforts. "Matt may be undersized, but he may be the best offensive tackle I have ever coached," said East Kentwood coach John Shillito. "His abilities allowed us to block many schemes we otherwise could never have tried." Kabelman also played defensive end, totaling 27 tackles.
• ZACH OSBURN, WEST OTTAWA: The Panthers finished second in the O-K Red and reached the playoffs second round thanks to the strong play of Osburn, a junior, a starting center and middle linebacker. Osburn led the team in tackles, amassing 163 tackles, including 58 solos, and seven quarterback sacks. He also had three interceptions and four caused fumbles. He was the starting center on offense, too. "Zach is a big hitter," said West Ottawa coach Jim Caserta. "He is tall, has long arms, and has excellent instincts. He plays with great enthusiasm. He's a tough kid who plays every down."
• JOSH VanLAAN, SOUTH CHRISTIAN: A starting two-way lineman for the South Christian Sailors, who won the Division 4 state championship over the weekend, VanLaan is a two-year, two-way starter. The Sailors also won the O-K Gold this year. "Josh is the best offensive guard I've ever had," said 26-year South Christian coach Bob Blacquiere, "and he does a great job on defense, too. He has meant a lot to our team."
• JAKE VISSER, COOPERSVILLE: During the last two years, Visser has helped the Broncos to a 22-2 record and two O-K Blue titles. A two-way tackle, the powerful Coopersville team ran behind Visser often. "Actually, it was all the time," said Coopersville coach Jim Meerman. "Jake was just dominating on both sides of the ball." During the regular season, Visser blocked two punts and one PAT, while the Broncos rushed for 2,617 yards and 34 touchdowns.

RECEIVERS

• TYSON DeVREE, HUDSONVILLE: DeVree, a Class A all-stater at receiver, played flanker for Hudsonville, which lost in the regional finals to Lowell. "Tyson is a perfect pass pattern athlete," said Hudsonville coach Dave Duram. "He's a great leader." During the regulars season he caught 51 passes for 799 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught two conversion passes. A two-year starter at defensive back, DeVree also had 17 solo tackles, 14 assists and one interception.
• MIKE KOSTER, LOWELL: A Class A first-team all-stater as a sophomore, Koster was a big reason the Red Arrows won the Division 2 state championship game. Entering the state finals, Koster had pulled in 89 receptions for 1,452 yards and 19 touchdowns. "Mike is a great athlete and person," said Lowell coach Noel Dean. "He broke every school receiving record we have at Lowell. His size and speed make him one of the best football players in the state."
• JOE SKINNER, SOUTH CHRISTIAN: Skinner and the Sailors won the O-K Gold this season andthe Division 4 state championship. A Class B first-team all-stater, Skinner caught 30 passes for 500 yards (16.6 yards per catch average) and four touchdowns during the regular season. He also had one two-point conversion catch. He added two touchdown receptions in the playoffs -- an 81-yard TD reception in the regional final win over Coopersville and a 14-yard touchdown reception in the semifinal win over Caro. Skinner also plays an outside linebacker for the Sailors, and he is also the punter, averaging about 43 yards per punt. "Joe is just a load," said South Christian coach Bob Blacquiere. "He plays so well on both sides of the ball. When I think of some of the catches he's had this year, they were just phenomenal. You think there's no way he's going to pull one in, then he does."
• JOE STALEY, ROCKFORD: Prior to the season, Staley committed to play football at Central Michigan. During the season, he led the Rams from his tight end spot, catching 26 passes for 611 yards (23.5 avg.) and seven touchdowns. "Joe has been an absolute coach's dream in regards to his cacheable attitude, and his fun-loving free spirit and the fact that every day was simply fun," said Rockford coach Ralph Munger. "He's just a breath of fresh air every time you see him, and what a talent. He can run like a deer."

QUARTERBACKS

• STEVE BRANDER, JENISON: A Class A first-team all-state quarterback, Brander compiled impressive numbers this season. He broke six Wildcat school records, which were set a year ago by 2001 Dream Team quarterback Jeremy Landstra, as the team went 7-3. Brander completed 202 of 333 passes for 2,478 yards and 25 touchdowns passes, all school records. He also set a state record for most completions in a single game (41) vs. West Ottawa. "Steve had a great senior year," said Jenison coach Dave Larkin. "He has worked very hard this past year to prepare himself for this opportunity. Because of his size, his 3.8 GPA and his great arm, he will have an opportunity to continue to improve playing college football someplace next year. It was truly a pleasure coaching Steve as he was a hard working, humble, team player."
• LEON HILASKI, WAYLAND: A repeater on the Dream Team, Hilaski did it all in leading the Wildcats to the semifinals. He completed 119 of 200 passes (60 percent) for 2,093 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also rushed 141 times for 584 yards and 17 touchdowns. During his three-year career, Hilaski has thrown for 4,962 yards and 50 touchdowns and has rushed for 1,333 yards and 33 touchdowns. Hilaski holds all school passing records. "Aside from the records he has broken and the honors he has received, he is truly an outstanding young man with tremendous character," said Wayland coach Tim Gibson. "He continually pushes himself to get better and expects so much out of himself. What he has done is bring a winning and selfless attitude to a program that needed just that. He has been one of those types of players who don't come through a program very often. A winner and class act."
• C.J. VanWIEREN, WEST OTTAWA: The other Class A first-team all-state quarterback from the O-K Red, VanWieren is a two-year, many-way starter. He also kicked, punted and played defensive back as West Ottawa went 8-3. He completed 148 of 259 passes (57.1 avg.) for 2,139 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also rushed 171 times for 930 yards and nine touchdowns. VanWieren, who scored 95 points, also made the state record board as 20th all-time in passing yards in a season. He is also sixth all-time for touchdowns (29) in a season, and he did it in less games (11) than all the quarterbacks ahead of him. At free safety, he totaled 37 tackles and three interception, and he had 61 kickoffs for 3,310 yards (54.2 avg.), and he made 26 of 30 point-after kicks and three of five field goals. "C.J. has had a great season," said West Ottawa coach Jim Caserta. "He throws the ball very well, but is also a dangerous threat to run the ball. He is one of the toughest competitors I have seen. He's a great kid."

RUNNING BACKS

• NOEL ALEMAN, EAST KENTWOOD: An easy pick for the Class A first-team all-state, Aleman ran the Falcons to the Division 1 state championship game this past weekend. During the regular season, Aleman, a junior, totaled 1,884 yards, including a 334-yard, five-touchdown game, as well as a 363-yard, seven-touchdown game. Aleman finished the season with 2,835 yards rushing on 263 attempts and 38 touchdowns. He also kicked for the Falcons, averaging 32.1 yards for 14 punts, and averaging 50.1 yards for 93 kickoffs. He booted 1 of 2 points-after kicks, too. Aleman scored 229 points this season, including nine two-point conversion rushes. "Noel is very special for us," said East Kentwood coach John Shillito. "He brings a lot of toughness, a lot of ability, to make the plays work. Obviously, he is tough to defend. He has a great feel at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary."
• KEVIN GRADY, JR., EAST GRAND RAPIDS: Both Michigan and Michigan State offered Grady a scholarship even before he took a hand-off his sophomore season. No wonder. Grady, a fullback, helped run the Pioneers to the Division 3 state championship this past weekend. A Class B first-team all-stater who was special-mention as a freshman, Grady rushed 275 times for 2,097 yards (7.6 avg.) and 43 touchdowns, including a record-tying five in the state championship game. He also caught 11 passes for 142 yards. "You almost have to pinch yourself to believe Kevin Grady," said East coach Peter Stuursma. "I probably will never see another one like him. He is the best player I have ever coached. He is the real-deal from a kid standpoint as well. He believes in team first, individual second, and he has an unbelievable work ethic and intensity that cannot be matched." Last year, Grady was the first freshman to make the Dream Team.
• JOE GRITTER, EAST GRAND RAPIDS: Gritter, the other great back in the Pioneers' tough inside-outside game, also helped rush the Pioneers to the Division 3 state title. He carried the ball 180 times for 1,667 yards (9.2 avg.) and 19 touchdowns, including two scores in the state title game. "Simply put, Joe Gritter is one of the nicest young men I have ever been around," said East Grand Rapids coach Peter Stuursma. "He is what high school athletes are all about. He is the consummate team player, a class act through and through. Joe thinks team first, he does not care who scores. He just wants the team to do well."
• ANDREW HAWKEN, GRANDVILLE: He's only a sophomore. Watch out for Hawken the next two years. A two-year starter for the Bulldogs, he carried the ball 135 times for 1,051 yards (7.78 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. Hawken averaged 116.8 yards rushing per game. "Andrew is hard-working and humble," said Grandville coach Irv Sigler III. "This young man may be one of the top three players on this side of the state as a sophomore."
• JUSTIN HOSKINS, CRESTON: Arguably the most dangerous player in the area, Hoskins was a threat every time he was near the ball. A three-year starter at a number of positions, the junior rushed 180 times for 1,485 yards (8.5 avg.) and 17 touchdowns during the regular season. He also caught 24 passes for 271 yards (11.5 avg.) and three touchdowns. He returned punts for 135 yards and one touchdown, and he returned kickoffs for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Hoskins totaled an impressive 2,225 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns. A year ago, he was the Division 1 state champion at long jump. "Justin is just another in a list of special athletes we've coached at Creston High School," said Creston coach Sparky McEwen. "But the important thing with Justin Hoskins is that he may be the most gifted kid at running back position because of his speed and size." At linebacker, Hoskins totaled 46 tackles, including 25 solos, four tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery, one caused fumble, two interceptions and five pass breakups.
• ZACH MILLER, HOPKINS: A tough-to-tackle runner, Miller rushed the Vikings into the Division 6 state championship game this past weekend. A captain and two-year starter, he carried the ball 265 times for 2,022 yards (7.6 average per carry) and 30 touchdowns. In the first four playoff games, he added 77 carries for 561 yards and eight touchdowns. "Zach's not the fastest kid on the block, but has great balance and is a fighter," Hopkins coach Rex Weaver said. "When there's a pile, he comes out of it. Don't know how he does it sometimes, but he does." Miller was named to the Class C all-state first-team.

UTILITY PLAYERS

• GARRET BUSHONG, IONIA: A Class A first-team all-stater who verbally committed to Michigan State before his junior season, Bushong also played defensive end. "Not only is Garret an outstanding receiver, he also is a great blocking tight end," said coach Ionia Terry Johnson. "We ran over him for much of the season and racked up an average of 211 yards rushing while scoring 23 (points per game)." This season, Bushong caught 21 passes for 506 yards (16.4 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. He scored 68 points, including catching four conversion passes. In his career, he has 93 catches for 1,487 yards (16.0 avg.) and 19 TDs.
• MATT DenBESTEN, GR CHRISTIAN: The Eagles won their first City League title and qualified for the playoffs for the first time, and DenBesten played a key role. A two-year, two-way player, he totaled 690 yards and five touchdowns receiving on 44 catches, as well as 552 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing on 101 carries during the regular season. DenBesten also had 411 yards in kick/punt returns. At cornerback, he had 48 tackles, 12 pass break ups, three sacks, two tackles for loss, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery "Matt is our go-to player," said Grand Rapids Christian coach Brad Mockabee. "He has been double-covered, or at least drawn the defensive best cover guy. He simply does not drop the ball."
• DEREK NELSON, JENISON: Nelson, who never played football before helping lead the Wildcats to the Division 2 state championship game a year ago, was a versatile star again this season. At receiver, he had 42 catches for 743 yards (17.7 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. The team's leading scorer with 105 points, Nelson also kicked 39 extra points and two field goals. He averaged 34.5 yards per punt and kicked off, too. "Derek is a competitor," said Jenison coach Dave Larkin. "He hates to lose. He has very high expectations for himself. He has a tremendous amount of confidence and drive. It's absolutely amazing what he has accomplished in this only his second year of ever playing football. More important than all of his athletic achievements, he's a great person."

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