By DOUG DONNELLY

OTTAWA LAKE – The Whiteford Bobcats and Blissfield Royals had to wait a day, but kickoff is now here.

The Bobcats and Royals kickoff the 2023 season at 7:15 Friday night. The season opener between the two teams has been a local sports tradition, lifting the lid on the high school football season every year since 2012 and a number of years from 1977 to 1996.

The Bobcats return several starters and six four-year starters from last season’s Division 8 state championship team. They include Hunter DeBarr, Jake Iott, Ryin Ruddy, Jack Iott and Drew Knaggs. Most of them have already played in 36 career games.

DeBarr led the Bobcats in rushing last season with 1,212 yards. Iott, also a 1,000-yard rusher, led the team in touchdowns, scoring, tackles and tackles for loss. Ruddy tied for the team lead in interceptions and led the team in touchdown receptions. Another returning starter, Kolby Masserant, was the team leader in receptions and receiving yards. He tied Ruddy for the team lead in interceptions.

Blissfield’s starting quarterback from last season, Jack Deatrick, returns, as does top Royal rusher Kassidy Lenz. Kipp Fisher was an All-League linebacker last season and a three-year starter and four-year starter Julius Brown leads an experienced offensive and defensive lines for the Royals.

Here’s more on the game:

Records: Whiteford went 14-0 last year while Blissfield went 4-5, winning its final three games of the season.

Coaches: Whiteford is coached by Todd Thieken, who is in his second season as head coach of the Bobcats and is 14-0. Estes is entering season No. 16 at Blissfield and is three wins away from 100 in his career at 97-55.

All-time series: Whiteford leads 20-19.

What to watch for: Whiteford will debut a new quarterback, but Thieken isn’t saying who the starter will be yet. The candidates are senior Ryin Ruddy and freshman Tre Eitniear.

Coach Estes says: “I don’t think they’ve missed a beat since last season. They are good. They are different, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as good.”

Coach Thieken says: “We are excited to play and start the season. We expect a great battle with Blissfield. That’s our focus right now.”

Outlook: Blissfield is a little dinged-up coming into the game. Estes held out a few expected starters of the scrimmage due to injuries but is hopeful to be at full strength come Friday.