Being a sports writer isn’t my whole life.
But it’s half of who I am.
As I sit at this keyboard to proffer my Bay City area high school football predictions, I am also commemorating the 29-year anniversary of my hiring at The Bay City Times. As a 58-year-old, I’ve been doing this job half of my life.
My yearly football and basketball record books take up my whole desk in the basement. My closet is filled with MLive logo shirts and khaki pants. And I’ve got a stack of MHSAA media credentials this tall.
You start with one then add to it every year. Next thing you know, you’ve got 29 of something you only need one of on your hands.
But, you know what? I’m a sports writer. If you’re going to spend half of your life doing something, this isn’t half bad.
The fun continues with this week’s predictions. Be sure to share your picks for the Spotlight Games on my Facebook page. Beat me in any week and you’ll be entered into an unofficial drawing for an unofficial prize.
Six of the 22 readers who shared their picks beat me last week, led by Chris Kokaly and his 9-1 record. He was the only one who agreed – accidentally, I believe – with my prediction of Cass City to upset No. 1 Millington, and he was rewarded.
So, let’s get Year 30 rolling and let’s get picking!
LEE T’S RECORD
Spotlight Games (Week 4): 7-3 (.700)
Spotlight Games (Season): 27-13 (.675)
Overall (Week 4): 14-4 (.778)
Overall (Season): 59-20 (.747)
SPOTLIGHT GAMES
ALL SAINTS (3-1) at ONEKAMA (4-0)
The Cougars head to the Lake Michigan shore for a stiff challenge, taking on the No. 3-ranked team in eight-player Division 2. All Saints cracked the Division 1 rankings at No. 8 this week, making this one of the state’s big showdowns. The Cougars have the makeup of a state title contender but have a lot to prove, going 0-7 in non-league games since the start of 2023. After losing to reigning state champ Deckerville by one point in the season opener, they know they are close. This would qualify as a signature victory, but it won’t come easy. Onekama 22, All Saints 21
BAY CITY CENTRAL (1-3) at MOUNT PLEASANT (4-0)
No. 2-ranked Mount Pleasant appears to be the class of the Saginaw Valley League North this season, so this is an untimely matchup for the Wolves. Central has dropped three in a row and struggled mightily on offense in each game. It’s a tall ask to get something rolling on the road against the Oilers. Mount Pleasant 46, Bay City Central 6
BRIDGEPORT (0-4) at JOHN GLENN (3-1)
After suffering its first loss of the season, Glenn gets a bounceback opportunity against a Bridgeport program that hasn’t won a Tri-Valley Conference game since 2020. The Bobcats have Frankenmuth and Freeland on the horizon, so they need to stay healthy and stay sharp in this one. In its history, Glenn has more games against – and more wins against – Bridgeport than any other program. Glenn 44, Bridgeport 6
CARMAN-AINSWORTH at BAY CITY WESTERN (2-2)
The feel-good vibes of a 2-0 start are starting to dissipate for Western after back-to-back losses in Midland. But the Warriors have a golden opportunity to get back to good. Flint Carman-Ainworth is riding a 14-game losing streak that includes last year’s 41-26 loss to Western. Western would love a repeat of that 41-point performance to show that its offense is back on track after two stagnant weeks. Bay City Western 35, Carman-Ainsworth 12
CLARE (3-1) at OGEMAW HEIGHTS (3-1)
Two of the area’s best teams collide in a mega-showdown. In last year’s meeting, Ogemaw pulled out the win in an epic battle. Expect nothing less this time around. No. 9-ranked Clare is coming off a 28-26 loss to Gladwin, turning this into a must-win situation for the Pioneers. If they prevail, it makes the remainder of the Jack Pine Conference-1 season extremely interesting, with Clare, Ogemaw and Gladwin dueling to the end. Or defending champion Ogemaw could exert its might right here and now. Ogemaw 28, Clare 24
ESSEXVILLE GARBER (2-2) at SWAN VALLEY (3-1)
This has been an excellent rivalry over recent years, with this matchup often deciding third place in the rugged TVC Red. But Swan Valley has taken a significant stride forward this season, evident by its wins over Freeland and John Glenn. Now it’s part of a brutal stretch in the schedule for the Dukes. Swan Valley 42, Garber 6
LAKER (4-0) at CENTRAL MONTCALM (4-0)
This is one unique matchup. Both schools are remotely located, 130 miles apart, with no shortcut to get from one to the other. A miserable bus ride followed by a mighty challenge awaits Laker. Central Montcalm went 9-2 a year ago and is off to an undefeated start. But the Lakers are also unbeaten and have shown to be a tough-nosed bunch. I’ll call this a minor upset. Laker 22, Central Montcalm 20
OSCODA (1-3) at TAWAS (1-3)
One of the great smalltown rivalries in Michigan, the War by the Shore often brings out the best in both teams. Oscoda has won eight in a row to take a 39-31 lead in the series since 1950. Both teams are coming off ugly losses and are looking for something to turn the season around. The News-Press Trophy goes to the winner. Oscoda 24, Tawas 20
PINCONNING (1-3) at FARWELL (2-2)
Farwell has been the cure for Pinconning’s ill a few times in recent years. When the Spartans were in a 2-34 stretch between 2019-23, both wins came against Farwell. Pinconning also won last year’s matchup 40-8. But the Eagles seem to have turned a page this season. And it won’t surprise me if they get a measure of payback on Pinconning by landing their first league victory since 2019. Farwell 20, Pinconning 17
STANDISH-STERLING (0-4) at GLADWIN (1-3)
Nobody would have guessed these two rock-solid programs would be a combined 1-7 for their Week 5 meeting. But things have not played out as planned for the longtime neighboring foes. Gladwin’s win over Clare shows it has a real shot to turn it around. Standish is still looking for its bright spot. Gladwin 28, Standish-Sterling 6
MORE PREDICTIONS
Au Gres 48, Whittemore-Prescott 18
Cass City 22, Sandusky 12
Harbor Beach 40, Unionville-Sebewaing 8
Harrison 28, St. Louis 18
Mio 34, Alcona 12
Peck 44, Akron-Fairgrove 12
Sanford Meridian 35, Beaverton 24
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