Pickford Panthers Varsity Football team includes Head Coach Josh Rader, Assistant Coaches Tom Ball and Greg Chromy, and players Richie Boal-20, Jordan Hatfield-40, Toby Kibble-15, Chris Leavitt-55, Jared Mayering-80, Jon Snyder-34, Roury Templeton-77, Jon Clegg-85, Jason King-66, Caleb Rader-5, Tony Sherman-1, Allen Orr-4, Nate Rader-14, Clayton Peffers-30, Scott Coullard-58, Leo Ygeal-64, Victor Merchand-65, James Hammons-54, Jordan Potter-62, Joe Jenkins-78, Nick Curtis-60. (Missing from photograph are Kip Cline and Al King.) Second-year head coach Josh Rader guided Pickford into the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs in his rookie season and this year, after losing nine quality seniors, the coaching staff will groom the 2005 squad with 12 returnees.

"I am pleased with our numbers and the talent level with this group of players," said Coach Rader. "We lost some standouts who led us to the playoffs."

Seniors returning for their final season with the purple and white are Richie Boal at fullback and linebacker, Jordan Hatfield at offensive and defensive end, Toby Kibble at halfback and corner, Al King at offensive and defensive tackle, Kip Cline at halfback and corner, Chris Leavitt and offensive center, Jared Mayering at fullback and linebacker, Jon Snyder at halfback and safety, Roury Templeton at offensive and defensive tackle, and Jon Clegg and quarterback and defensive.

Juniors returning for their second season on the varsity are Caleb Rader at halfback and linebacker and Jason King at offensive guard and defensive tackle, while first-year players include seniors Nate Rader at offensive end and safety, Leo Ygeal at guard and defensive line, and Nick Curtis at offensive center and juniors, Tony Sherman and Allen Orr at halfback and corner, Clayton Peffers at end and linebacker, Scott Coullard, Victor Merchand, and James Hammons at guard and defensive line, and sophomores Joe Jenkins and Jordan Potter at offensive and defensive tackle.

"We have some holes to fill, but I think the talent we have will take care of that situation," Coach Rader said.

The coaching staff of Rader, Tom Ball, and Greg Chromy will prepare the Panthers for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference schedule and the non-league match-ups with Rapid River, Hillman, Posen, White Pine, Ontario, and Mid Peninsula.

PICKFORD PANTHERS

Varsity Football Schedule

August

26 Rapid River

September

2 at Hillman

9 Posen

16 White Pine

23 at Brimley

30 at Cedarville

October

7 at Engadine

14 at Mid Peninsula

21 Wolverine Conference