Mount Pleasant High School Football 2017

Oiler Football may be over for this year, but this season should be looked upon as a success. The team had a tough schedule the first five games, their record reflected this as they started the season 1-4. After the rough start, a lot of people may have given up on the team, but the team never gave up on itself. The guys knew they all had one another’s backs when everyone else had lost hope in them. The Oiler’s refused to roll over and give up on the season, they went on to win their last four games of the season and keep their playoff hopes alive. Now, we all know the playoff dreams didn’t come true, but this team would not give in and stood victorious the last four games this season. Over that four-game span, the Oilers outscored their opponents 181-46, now that’s making a statement. With the season coming to an end, we say goodbye to another group of seniors. To those seniors, do not hang your head, you persevered and showed the underclassmen how to never give up on their Oiler Pri...

Although, the Mount Pleasant Oilers football season for 2017 is over. The 2018 season is just beginning. Being a Mount Pleasant football player isn't simply playing each fall. It requires a year round commitment. Players will be strength and conditioning year round starting with winter sports or weight lifting. Following winter Oiler football players are required to play a spring sport, this is essential to prevent rust from a long offseason. As soon as the students are off for summer break the players will continue their strength and conditioning with morning workouts. These workouts are months before football practices begin. However it is necessary in order to keep up with the demanding physicality of football. Despite the fact that the next Oiler football game is nearly 10 months away. The upcoming Oiler football teams will be hard at work all offseason, in order to put themselves in the best position to succeed! -Spencer Arends *Not Affiliated with MPHS*

All season long, the Freshmen football team at Mount Pleasant found ways to be successful. They had two victories which stand out amongst their 8-0-1 season. The first came against the Davison cardinals . The final score was 26-14. The oilers controlled the game by running the ball and picking up key first downs when they needed to. Defensively, they played well with good form tackling and stopping the cardinals' run game. These two combinations allowed them to pull out a huge home victory at Community Memorial Stadium. Their victory against the Lapeer Lightning  also came at home. The oilers again showcased the ability of controlling the clock by winning with a score 28-19. The oilers were able to control the ground game enough to win, but there was huge contributions from quarterback Owen Cole. He made key passes in third down situations which either stopped moment gained by Lapeer or adding momentum by avoiding a three and out after a defensive stop. On the other side of the ba...

This weeks defensive player of the week is without a doubt junior Hunter Norris. Norris recorded 15 total tackles, with 9 of them being on solo adventures. He also added a fumble recovery to continue his career night. In what turned out to be the final game of the Oilers' season, Hunter truly put the team on his back defensively. Norris looks to be a force on the defensive side of the field next season, as he will be looked at as a senior and a leader in the 2018 campaign. *Not affiliated with MPHS Matthew Flahive

The Offensive Player of the Week recipient for Friday nights game against Saginaw Heritage was Cole Smallwood. The Senior put on a show for the Oiler crowd as he rushed for 191 yards on 26 carries. Smallwood also punched in 4TDs in Mount Pleasant's big win on Senior Night. After Friday night's impressive performance, Cole Smallwood had a season total 11 touchdowns and rushed for 593 yards. Unfortunately the Oilers did not make the playoffs as a 5-4 team, but Smallwood and the rest of the Oiler Seniors have a lot to hold their heads up high for. Go Oilers! Photo Courtesy Ken Kadwell, The Morning Sun -Brandon Hoffman *Not Affiliated with MPHS

On Friday night, Mount Pleasant came into Senior Night on a three game win streak and looking to extend it to four as they hosted the Hawks from Saginaw Heritage. The Oilers came out and picked up right where they left off from the week before. This week though, it was all about the run game. Senior Cole Smallwood led the Mount Pleasant rushing attack by having a 4TD night. Junior Kevin Davis contributed to the scoring by punching in a TD of his own. The Oiler Defense had another fantastic game shutting down the Heritage Offense and limiting them to only 6 first downs the entire game. Mount Pleasant shutout the Hawks in the first-half, leading 27-0. The second half was focused on defensive play as both teams only gave up a touchdown each, both coming in the 3rd Quarter. Mount Pleasant would go onto win 34-7, winning their fourth straight game. What a way for the seniors to go out on their last home game with a win. Go Oilers! Photo Courtesy by Ken Kadwell http://media.themornin...

 The week 9 predictions vs Heritage are as follows… Matt: Mt. Pleasant 35-6 The playoffs are on the line and it’s senior night. I expect to see the Oilers come out harder than they have all year! Spencer: Mt. Pleasant 27-14 Mt. Pleasant will come out on top, giving their fans a great performance in what could be their last game of the year. Jon: Mt. Pleasant 24-21 Heritage and Mt. Pleasant have played each other for years creating an “unspoken” rivalry. It makes things interesting, especially considering the Oilers need a victory for a potential playoff berth and it being a memorable last home game for the seniors on senior night. Noah: Mt. Pleasant 42-13 Mt. Pleasant has all the momentum coming into this game as they are playing for a potential playoff berth after starting the season 1-4. I expect them to win big and keep the strength moving forward.