Hunter DeBarr celebrates touchdown vs. Sand Creek. Photo by Mike Doughty/Monroe News.

By DOUG DONNELLY

Thirteen Whiteford football players on the 2023 roster were on the sidelines when the Bobcats built a 22-0 lead, only to see it evaporate in a 28-22 loss to Hudson in the Division 8 semifinals.

The Tigers would win the state championship the following week.

Whiteford will get a shot at revenge Friday when they host Hudson at 7 p.m. Friday in the District championship.

“We got the game we all wanted,” said Whiteford senior Hunter DeBarr. “We are focused on it.”

Whiteford has five four-year starters in its lineup – Jake Iott, Jack Iott, Drew Knaggs, Ryin Ruddy and DeBarr. Kolby Masserant was a sophomore in the starting lineup in that playoff game.

Whiteford has exorcised some demons already this season. They beat Reading for the first time and beat Summerfield 43-0. The Bulldogs are the last team to win at Whiteford.

Now comes Hudson, a traditional football powerhouse that once held the national record for longest winning streak and still holds the Michigan record with 72 straight wins from 1968 to 1975. Whiteford brings a 24-game win streak into Friday’s matchup.

“They are an outstanding football team,” Whiteford coach Todd Thieken said. “Coach Rogers does a great job with that program. They are outstanding in all three phases of the game and they are the most physical team we have seen in two years.”

DeBarr, Ruddy and Knaggs will be starting their 47th career game Friday. Jake Iott will be starting his 46th game.

“Everyone is super focused and excited,” DeBarr said.

Here are the pre-game notes: