TEAM OUTLOOK

Expectations are high in 2024, as the Hornets change conferences for the first time since joining the CSAA in 1988. After spending the first decade of the split conference in the CSAA Gold, Central Montcalm will kick off play in the CSAA Silver this fall.

A young team a season ago, Central Montcalm faced some growing pains. After a 2-4 start to the season, victories in their last three games resulted in a playoff berth for the first time since 2021. In the playoff opener, the Hornets were bested by Chesaning.

This year’s team is looking to build off their successes and growing from the adversity they faced in the early stages of last season. Enthusiasm in the program is high, as they have had over 90% attendance this offseason, with an outstanding group of seniors who are hungry for even more success leading the way..

Experience is a strength for Central Montcalm, as they will be returning 21 out of 22 starters from last year’s team. We return our entire starting offensive line from last season, headlined by Waylon Lingeman, a 4 year Varsity starter. He’s joined by seniors Ben Yaw, Ryan Silverthorn, Chase Minikey, and Tristin Ralph, and Junior Colton Kahler. Expect even bigger things from these guys up front after rushing for 2300 yards last fall.

Running behind this burly bunch will be the team’s returning leading rusher from 2023, Senior Anthony Schultz who rushed for 826 yards and 12 touchdowns. Joining him in the backfield will be junior McCoy Wernholm who rushed for 360 yards in 2023 in limited action.

Three-year starter Emmitt Lingeman is back at quarterback for Central Montcalm. Lingeman is looking to build off his first two years of experience with primary receiving threats in juniors Braden Peak and Jamison Johns who had nine receiving touchdowns between them last year.

Defensively, Central Montcalm looks to build off a good season last year in which they posted three shutouts. Upfront the Hornets will be led by All-Conference selections DE Asher Johnson and NT Kyle Scharaswak. Johnson led the team with 2 defensive touchdowns last season and added 13 tackles for loss and 50 total tackles.

The linebacking core will be led by Junior McCoy Wernholm who led the team with 97 tackles a year ago as a sophomore, while the secondary will be anchored by safeties Braden Peak and Jamison Johns. Cornerbacks Zayne Cooper and Cameron Bracey also return as starters to compose a very polished group with great ball and cover skills and can tackle.

Perhaps the biggest loss for the Hornets comes on special teams, as exchange student phenom kicker Danny Lopes, who converted 90% of his extra point tries, has departed. With a change in competition level and a tremendous amount of experience, expect the Hornets to contend for the CSAA Silver crown in their inaugural campaign.