By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Graduation took a serious toll on Saugatuck’s roster, with 12 members of the 2021 squad now done with high school.
That, however, doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare for coach Bill Dunn, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the Trailblazers.
Ten players return with varsity experience, having helped Saugatuck post a 6-5 record a season ago that included a 28-8 playoff victory over Cassopolis.
“This is a young, but experienced group,” Dunn said. “The key for us is to stay healthy as we have a small roster and need to keep everyone on the field.”
The returning group of players includes offensive/defensive linemen Tribal Cadreau and Jefferson McCluskey. They represent the team’s only returning seniors and will be asked to provide leadership for their younger teammates.
Newcomer Nathan Schaefer (tight end/defensive back) is the third senior on the roster.
Returning juniors include Bradley Moorer (running back/defensive back), Matthew Hartgerink (quarterback/defensive back), Will Doucette (running back/defensive lineman) and Landon Miller (running back/linebacker).
Cass Stanberry (running back/linebacker), Norm Bos (quarterback/linebacker), Carter Miller (tight end/defensive back) and Chris Foley (offensive linemen/linebacker) comprise the group of returning sophomores.
“Our strength, despite the fact we are young, is that the kids have a year or two under their belt and feel confident going into the season,” Dunn said. “They know our system, have confidence in our system and have had success with our system.
Sophomore kicker/punter Cam Lewis joins Schaefer as one of the newcomers who could make an impact for Saugatuck.
It’s a group Dunn believes has the talent to compete with the top teams in the SAC Valley Division.
“Schoolcraft and Lawton are the top contenders in our division, but we feel we are right there,” Dunn said. “If we can stay strong and healthy throughout the season, we feel like we have a chance to be a factor.”
