There is never a good time to face Lakes Valley Conference power Walled Lake Western. Western’s roster is filled with Division-I talent. It has won the LVC the last three seasons and just recently had its 29-game conference winning streak snapped.
However, this is as good a time as any for South Lyon to face its football nemesis. South Lyon (4-0) is on a roll and is ready for this challenge following a 43-20 road win over Milford. The Lions are on the road again in a critical matchup with Western (3-1).
The following week, South Lyon travels to Waterford Mott, which edged Western a few weeks ago.
South Lyon has not beaten Western since 2021, ironically the last time the Lions won the LVC. If they are to win the conference again, they must go through Western and Mott.
“Western is going to be a challenge,” South Lyon coach Jeff Hensen said. “I think physically we are a better team than we were a year ago and I think that’s whats going to help us going into those two games.”
South Lyon is aided by a senior-dominated offensive line that has started together since the boys were sophomores. Junior running back Tyler Newton is also coming off a 330-yard rushing game against Milford.
Western counters with running back Donovan Triplett, who is the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,525) and touchdowns (61).
“I feel like we are definitely ready,” Newton said. “We just have to show up and lock in. We have to keep playing relentless and never give up.”