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Looking to the Future

If the high school football season were to suddenly end as of October 15, which teams in the Thumb would have the right to be named as the Team of the Thumb. Only four schools have a right to be mentioned - Croswell-Lexington, Millington, Reese, and Ubly. As of this time, these are the only four schools in the Thumb who have automatically qualified for a spot in the MHSAA post-season tournament. Clearly the team have the best season is the Ubly Bearcats. Ubly is currently in the midst of a 21-game regular season winning streak, and advanced to the Division 7 championship game last year. If they finish the regular season 9-0, they should be the Thumb Sportswriter's Association Team of the Year.

What player has stood head and shoulders above all others this year to be named the Thumb Player of the Year? Here are a few in no particular order - Erik Dhyse of Kinde-North Huron has 903 yards passing on the year to go along with 15 TD and 6 INT. Dhyse also has another 329 yards rushing with 8 TD. Mike Daniel of Caro has 926 yards rushing with 9 TD and another 147 yards and 2 TD receiving. Luke Voelker of Laker High has amassed 465 yards through the air to go along with 4 TD and 7 INT. He also has rushed for 632 yards and a Thumb leading 12 TD. Justin Stutler of Millington is the Thumb's leading rusher with 983 yards and 10 TD. Doug Griffin of North Branch has rushed for 727 yards and 11 TD, while throwing for for 333 yards and 3 TD. Corey Soucie of Brown City is the Thumb's leading scorer with 85 points. I am sure I have forgotten a few other players, but as you can see the Thumb Sports Writer's Association will have a much harder time picking the Player of the Year over the Team of the Year.

Which side of the Greater Thumb Conference is the best this year? The East has the best team in Ubly, but top-to-bottom I would say the West is the best so far. The West holds a 5-3 record versus the East and does not have any winless teams. The East has two winless teams (Harbor Beach and Mayville), even though each side owns a 25-24 won-loss record on the season.

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