Engadine Eagles Varsity Football team includes Head Coach Howard Hood, Assistant Coaches Frank Kuehnl, Frank Neumayer, John Troyer, and Brian Adams, and players Scott Butkovich-52, Paul Converse-16, Todd Midgyett-1, Jacob Swider-60, Brad Visser-24, Kris Kerbersky-22, Stephan Albright-2, Doug Fulton-50, Grayson Hood-8, JJ Troyer-61, Aaron Converse-57, Ron Weger-56, Shane Baker-54, John Browning-66, David Derusha-79, Sung Hart-23, and Dylan Duflo-41. Numbers are positive for Howard Hood in his 14th season as head coach at Engadine High School in 2005.

The Eagles squad will consist of seven seniors, nine juniors, and one sophomore. "We didn't have to rob the junior varsity team to fill spots on the varsity. We took just one sophomore and that leaves 12 down on the JV squad," Coach Hood said.

Seniors wearing the green and gold for the final time on the gridiron are Scott Butkovich at center and linebacker, Paul Converse at halfback and corner, Todd Midgyett at halfback and corner, Jacob Swider at offensive and defensive line, Brad Visser at fullback and linebacker, Kris Kerbersky at halfback and linebacker, and John Browning at offensive and defensive line.

Juniors include Doug Fulton at guard and linebacker, Stephan Albright at quarterback and safety, Grayson Hood at halfback, end, and safety, Aaron Converse at guard and defensive end, Ron Weger and Shane Baker at offensive and defensive line, David Derusha at tight end and defensive end, Sung Hart at halfback and linebacker, and Dylan Duflo at tight end and safety, and sophomore J.J. Troyer at offensive and defensive line.

"On the positive side we have good speed, strength, leadership, and depth with the returnees and upperclassmen, while on the negative side the players learning new positions will take time in practice and during games," the coach said.

The coaching staff, with Hood and assistant coaches Frank Kuehnl, John Troyer, Frank Neumayer, and Brian Adams, will prepare the Eagles against the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference foes and non-league match-ups with Atlanta, Pellston, Manistee Catholic, Hillman, and Powers-North Central.

"The league should have balance from top to bottom," Coach Hood said.

ENGADINE EAGLES

Varsity Football Schedule

August

26 at Atlanta

September

1 at Brimley

9 Pellston

16 Cedarville

24 Manistee Catholic

30 at Hillman

October

7 Pickford

14 North Central

21 Wolverine Conference