Coming off of a 5-4 season last year, the Sault High Varsity Blue Devils hit the practice fields last week to kick off the 2024 season. Head Coach Scott Menard noted there are 31 out for this year’s varsity team. “We have twelve returners from last year, but only one returning starter on defense and three on offense, so we are relatively inexperienced on both sides of the ball.”
The team will see many of the same opponents they saw last year. The season opener will be on the road, where they will take on St Clair Shores Lakeshore. The Sault will host Alpena, Cadillac and Marquette, and travel to Escanaba, Petoskey and Gaylord for their conference games. “It’s a strong conference. Three of those teams made the playoffs last year, and two others, including us, had winning records.” To round out the regular season, the Sault will host longtime rivals Cheboygan, and new to the schedule this year the Blue Devils will host Cedar Springs. “All strong football programs.”
The varsity coaching staff has some new faces this season. “Gordi Campbell, Matt Johnson, and Brad Boven all left the program for various reasons. Brendin Cryderman, who was our defensive assistant coach last year, is now the Defensive Coordinator. Maurice Young, who coached last year on the JVs, is now the Offensive Coordinator. Rick Stupak, a teacher and coach from Oregon, who is new to Sault Schools, will coach the line on both sides of the ball. Jake Clark, who assisted with the line last year in a smaller capacity, will take on a larger role with the line as well. Jim Casey and Ben Deatrick also return to anchor our equipment, film, and off-the-field duties.”
The team will continue two-a-day practices the first part of this week in preparation for a scrimmage in Boyne City on Thursday.
The Blue Devils Junior Varsity team started practice last week as well. Head Coach Arnie Hallai will lead the team this year, with Mike Mariuzza and Dan Bartley joining him on the sidelines. A smaller team, there are five returning players from last year’s JV squad. “A fairly young and inexperienced team. Those that are returning have really taken up a leadership role and have helped out the younger guys.”
The JV team will also start their season on the road, playing St Clair Shores Lakeshore before the varsity game. “Last year we really benefited from a home heavy schedule, we will pay for that this year with more away games than home.” This year the squad will travel to Cheboygan, Cadillac, Marquette and Alpena. They will host Escanaba, Petoskey and Gaylord. Aside from the St Clair Shores Lakeshore game, and the Cedar Springs game, also a double header, the JV team will play on Thursday nights. “We all look forward to seeing the hardwork they’ve done preseason pay off in the scrimmage and forward into the season.”
The full schedule for both teams can be found on the athletics page on the school’s website, saultschools.org.
Both teams have incredible support from their community this season. The team has enjoyed a tradition of eating family style team dinners the night before each game for a number of years. Applebee’s of the Sault has led the charge, feeding both teams the night before their home games the past several years. Over the years, more local businesses and families and friends of players have contributed to the team dinners, making it possible for the players and coaches to have meals on the road as well. This year’s sponsors will be recognized throughout the season during home games.
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