By DOUG DONNELLY

OTTAWA LAKE – The Whiteford Bobcats will play its first home game of the 2019 season when they welcome fifth-ranked Schoolcraft to Ottawa Lake for a JV-Varsity doubleheader on Friday, Sept. 13.

Whiteford Week 3 Pre-game notes 2019

The Bobcats are off to a 1-1 start while Schoolcraft is 2-0 and ranked among the state’s best Division 7 teams.

“Schoolcraft has always been a program that we have admired from afar,” said Jason Mensing, Whiteford’s football coach and athletic director. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to play them as they have been one of the great small school programs in the state.”

Schoolcraft is a perennial playoff powerhouse with a 62-17 record over the past seven years.

Eagle running back Koby Clark was named to the First Team All-State football squad by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association last season and has started off the 2019 season where he left off. In just two games, Clark has rushed for 414 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

The Eagle quarterback, Alex Thole, has completed 18 of his 25 passes for 584 yards and six touchdowns.

“We are excited for the opportunity to play a quality team like Whiteford,” said Schoolcraft head coach Nathan Ferency. “They are well-coached, physical and aggressive. We have to be ready to play and match their intensity.”

The Bobcats are 1-1 after beating Stryker, Ohio, a week ago, 60-12. Freshman quarterback Shea Ruddy completed all four of his passes, including his first career touchdown pass.

The Bobcats enter the game having won 23 straight home games, dating back to the 2015 season.