By John Raffel
MaxPreps.com
Crystal Falls-Forest Park has been runners-up for the Division 8 state football championships the past three seasons. But this year, Coach Bill Santilli, whose team has been a power in the state's Upper Peninsula for the past 20 years, wouldn't mind taking a state championship trophy home this time.
The Trojans have gotten off to a 5-0 start. Their most recent success was a 36-6 victory over previously unbeaten Ewen-Trout Creek last week. None of their five wins have been close.
"I'm not sure I figured we would start out this well," Santilli said. "I'm sure the people following us expected it. This year, we came in with a lot of expectations. We only lost two starters from last year. But I'm not sure where we're at right now."
Santilli said a showdown this weekend against neighboring Iron Mountain North Dickinson, also undefeated, would be a good determiner in figuring out how strong Crystal Falls is indeed this season.
"The strength of this year's team is our experience," Santilli said. "It's a unique situation. Seven of the seniors have been with us since they were freshmen. Quite a lot of them have suited up for 42 games, including playoffs. It's almost like some of them are in a fifth season.Senior linebacker Tim Wheeler, his team's leading tackler, is leading the Forest Park attack.
More football
Quarterback Cody Marks is leading the attack for another undefeated team, Linden, 5-0.
"Our offense is averaging around 40 points a game," said Linden coach Dennis Hopkins. "Our quarterback has thrown for more than 1,200 yards already. The season has been a pleasant surprise, especially considering that we're starting a sophomore quarterback and that we start four sophomores overall."
Linden's most recent win was 60-28 last week against Holly.
"We're happy with our defense," Hopkins said. "We have a great offensive line. We're probably throwing 60 percent of the time and running 40 percent of the time."
But it won't be easy for Linden as it progressses through the schedule.
"Lapeer West and Oxford will both be tough," Hopkins said. "If we stay healthy, we'll be OK. With young kids, we can get better each week."
Boys soccer
East Lansing has been a boys soccer power in the past and hopes to be that way against this season after getting off to an 11-2-1 start.
East Lansing lost 1-0 in a shootout to Dexter in the Division 2 state title game last fall. East Lansing won the state title in 2002.
"We're happy with the progress we've made," said Coach Nick Archer. "We expected to be contenders against anyone we're playing against."
Scott Zolkowski has been the team's goalie the past three seasons. Also back this season is Ali Philman, a dream team all-state player last year and East Lansing's leading scorer this fall.
"We've been very defensive minded," Archer said. "We're improving as the season goes on. In our first 14 games, we've only given up a total of seven goals."
Archer is hoping East Lansing can contend for a title, along with the likes of Caledonia, Hudsonville Unity Christian and Caledonia.
Boys tennis
Ann Arbor Greenhills has been a small-school power in Division 4 boys tennis. Coach Eric Gajar's team won the title last season and also did it in 2003 and 2004.
"Depth has been the key in the past," Gajar said. "Last season, three of our doubles flights were in the state title match. Since they added a No. 4 doubles flight, we're been right there."
It's been more of a challenge this season. Gajar graduated six from last season's team and his No. 2 singles player has been out with a hurt shoulder.
"We started the JV program eight years ago. This is my 13th year as coach," Gajar said. "Starting that JV program has made a difference. The key for them has been getting match experience."
The No.1 doubles team of Chris Goren and Ankur Sohoni has the team's best record.
Girls golf
East Kentwood won the Greenville-Cedar Chase Invitational Thursday with a team 18-hole score of 343 and coach Cindy Schoonbeck hopes it will spark her team to a title in the O-K Red Conference and a chance to contend for the Division 1 state title in mid-October.
"I graduated my No. 1 player from last year but we have some solid players this year," said Schoonbeck. "We've been to the state finals the last three years. We're shaping up to make another run at it."
Megan Mikula had a 77 to lead East Kentwood in its second straight championship at Thursday's Invitational, which attracts some of the best girls high school golf teams in western Michigan.