It’s been a long summer if you’re a sports fan in Brandon and Goodrich.
Ever since the Goodrich baseball team was eliminated from the state playoffs in the semifinals, local sports fans have had to content themselves with parks and recreation events or trips to a state park, or following the activities of the local pro sports teams, such as the Pistons? picks in the National Basketball Association draft or the recent signing of defenseman Derian Hatcher by the Red Wings.
Let’s be honest, it’s impossible to muster hope for the Tigers, who are challenging the 1962 Mets for futility in a 162-game season. Manager Alan Trammell and his staff are no doubt doing everything they can, but you can’t justify paying major league prices to see a minor league outfit.
However, that will change shortly. The Detroit Lions will begin training camp later this month, and high school teams (including the Blackhawks and Martians) and college teams will follow in August. You can bet fans at all levels are looking forward to seeing some quality gridiron action.
Both the local teams face challenges this season. For the Martians, it’s rebounding from a subpar season (3-6 in 2002) and avoiding the injuries that plagued them last year. Goodrich will face a tough schedule that includes Division 5 state champion Montrose, but Coach Tom Alward said the team has been working hard and will be competitive.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, who also went 3-6 last year, will be getting accustomed to a new coach, Ron Gill. The former Flint Powers defensive coordinator was hired this year to replace longtime coach Jim Watkins, who retired.
Gill knows it won’t be easy competing in the Flint Metro League. ‘The Metro is an excellent league,? he said. ‘They have great coaches, and I think it’s one of the toughest leagues around. You have to have a good game plan (each week) in order to be successful.?
Just the same, he is pleased with the Blackhawks? work ethic and dedication to learning a new offense and defense. ‘They’re excellent young men with a great work ethic,? he said.
The saying ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder? is definitely true in this case, as hardcore and causal football fans alike wait for the weekly gridiron clashes. It should be a fun ride once again.