Tyler Misiak, Joey Kohler, Zach Zott and Blair Williams were sophomores when the Dragon football team battled in Ford Field two years ago.
The boys didn’t play that game, but each of them remember walking out of the tunnel and seeing the crowd for the first time.
‘It was a really cool experience,? said Kohler.
Now senior captains, the only thing standing between them and thousands of screaming fans, bright lights and the state finals is undefeated Detroit Cass Tech. Lake Orion will face them head on this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Troy Athens.
‘It’s going to be a close game,? predicted Williams, noting Cass Tech has a quick defense.
Zott dubbed it a ‘war of the two best teams in the state.?
Misiak says the team isn’t sure whether quarterback Sean Charette will return for Saturday’s game or not. Charette left after injuring an ankle in the first quarter last week and will take the healing process day by day. Cole Schaenzer stepped in to finish the game, 17-10.
The boys said last Friday’s game against Utica Eisenhower was good practice for the task ahead.
Kohler said Eisenhower had one of the best defensive lines Lake Orion has played this year.
‘They were fast and strong, but we took advantage of what they gave us,? he said.
Williams added that the close game gave the team some opportunities to learn and build. Until last week, the team had been used to sweeping wins.
Looking ahead, the captains say they’re just trying to keep their fellow teammates level headed and serious about the task at hand since the vision of Ford Field in the distance can be a distraction.
But all of them hope for a wild fan turnout this Saturday since a heated cheering section throws fuel on the Dragons? fire.
‘They give us something to play for,? Kohler said.