Rogers City Hurons preparing for first season in 8-man football

ROGERS CITY, Mich. — Coach Jesse Fenstermaker has been leading the Rogers City Hurons football team into battle for years, but this season is his first time doing it with only eight men on the field.

Fenstermaker’s team had their first taste of 8-man action on Thursday with a scrimmage at Inland Lakes. While the dimensions for the field may be different, Fenstermaker says his team is a great fit for 8-man football.

“They’re a lot smaller, a lot quicker,” Fenstermaker said. “It’s a good fit for 8-man. I think it will be really exciting on the field- a lot of action. This team has a lot passion and a lot of heart to win.”

For the players, they’re itching to get out there and play some football. But the smaller field may take some getting used to.

“I’ve been waiting for this pretty much all summer long,” said Caden Fenstermaker, a senior for the Hurons. “The shorter field is going to be a bit of a challenge at first, but I think we’ve got it.”

Anthony Paull, also a senior, reiterated the same confidence as his teammate.

“The field is a little smaller, and it’s a little more fast paced than 11-man,” Paull said. “But I think we’re doing great.”

As for Dillon Cook, he thinks if the team plays to their ability, they’re going to be a-okay.

“We’re going to play some tough teams this year, but I feel like if we bring our A-Game, we can beat a lot of the schools,” Cook said. “My expectations are to make it to playoffs and maybe go a little farther from there.”

Overall, the Hurons are just looking forward to competing against someone that they don’t call a teammate.

“I’m just excited to play other teams,” Paull said. “It’s not as fun hitting your own guys.”