Coaches rolled out game film of Chelsea’s state title run from two years ago. They unfurled team pictures of those who wore the crown. And they showed players replicas of the state title rings.
The Indians are gearing up for another deep playoff run.
“I want these guys to know that they have a chance to do something special,” Indians coach Josh Lucas said. “They see it. They know it can be done.”
High school football is a often unsettling and unpredictable sport. The Indians thought they were pretty good last season, but slumped to a 5-5 season. That concerned Lucas, as did an opening season blowout loss to Grand Rapids Northview to begin this season.
But after getting throttled, the Indians rattled off eight straight wins.
The Indians could never get on track last season, falling to 5-5 and falling in the first round of the playoffs to Charlotte. Now the Indians want to make another title run behind the running of AJ Bryan (1,128 yards, 6.84 yards per carry) and a defense anchored by Tyler Clement, Cooper Barkway and Braylan Zachlan.
“I will take the blame for last year,” Indians coach Josh Lucas said. “It wasn’t our year. It wasn’t the players or the coaches or anything. It wasn’t meant to be. And sometimes that happens, especially in high school football.”
Taking the blame for last season is noble of Lucas, but that is mostly coaches speak. It certainly wasn’t his fault. It looked bleak to begin this season after Grand Rapids Northview throttled Tecumseh 34-14 in the season opener.
However, young and nervous talent grew up quickly and the Indians won eighth in a row, which included a 42-20 win over this Friday’s first-round playoff opponent Tecumseh (5-4).
Chelsea is no stranger to making title runs. It lost in the Division 4 state finals to Edwardsburg in 2018 and made a deep run in 2015.
“Anyone who says they are not trying to win a state title is lying to you,” Lucas said. “You are one of 32 teams. Before it is a hope. Now it is a possibility.”