Team Preview: Byron Center
Overview Averaging just over 35 PPG in 2020, The Byron Center Bulldogs look to defend their Ottawa-Kent White championship and make a deep run into the playoffs. Byron Center’s 2021 opponents sport a combined 46% win percentage for the 2020…
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Averaging just over 35 PPG in 2020, The Byron Center Bulldogs look to defend their Ottawa-Kent White championship and make a deep run into the playoffs. Byron Center’s 2021 opponents sport a combined 46% win percentage for the 2020 season. In addition, the Bulldogs have five 2021 opponents who they beat by 2 or more possessions in 2020. It’s safe to say that the Bulldogs have very high expectations for 2021. The biggest question is how they’ll perform when it matters most.
2021 Schedule/Games to watch
August 28 @ Seaholm
In a rare West-East matchup, the Bulldogs will travel over 2 hours to perhaps their biggest challenge of the season. Seaholm is coming off a few exceptional seasons, achieving a #1 seed in the 2020 MHSAA DII Playoffs, and having advanced to the state Semifinals in 2019. Byron Center is going to have to play stellar, unselfish defense to hold back Seaholm’s veer offense while making sure they move the ball and don’t force turnovers on the offensive end. This is a matchup I’m thoroughly anticipating & will be attending.
September 2 @ Thornapple Kellogg
September 10 @ Greenville
September 17 vs East Grand Rapids
Last year, East Grand Rapids held the Bulldogs to just 8 points; by far their poorest offensive performance of the season. It’s going to be a classic great offense vs great defense battle as Byron Center seeks revenge over their 2020 12-8 loss. The difference-maker in this matchup will undoubtedly be the Bulldogs passing attack vs the East Grand Rapids elite secondary.
September 24 @ Northview
October 1 vs Forest Hills Northern
October 8 vs Christian (Grand Rapids)
October 15 @ Forest Hills Central
October 22 vs Lowell
The Bulldogs seek revenge in this one as Lowell pulled off the first-round upset in 2020. Like Seaholm in week 1, Byron Center cannot allow Lowell’s Veer offense to dictate the flow of the game, and it’s critical for the Bulldog’s offense to be clicking early in this matchup. This game could potentially mean a lot for both teams in terms of league standings & playoff seedings.
Players to watch
Brett Jacobi, DE – At 6’3 230lb, with 2nd team West MI Dream Team honors, Jacobi is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Jacobi has demonstrated the ability to absolutely wreck offensive lines both with speed and power moves, while reliably reading run plays resulting in tackles for loss. Jacobi is a smart, violent player who is bound to have a spectacular senior campaign.
Jason Sevigny, RB – Coming into his Junior season, Sevigny looks to improve off of what was an already impressive Sophomore campaign. He’s an elusive back, demonstrating nice patience and vision complimented by a quick juke. Look for Sevigny to take up the bulk of the carries, and perhaps being more involved in the passing game.
Majer Davenport, WR/DB – A transfer from Godwin Heights, Davenport brings unique talent and skill to the receiver and DB positions. He’s someone who began receiving attention in middle school, having recently visited Central Michigan, and is absolutely set for a breakout junior season. I fully expect Davenport to shine his true talent in the 2021 season with a new team in the Bulldogs.
X-Factor: Winning the close ones
Byron Center only had 2 games last season that were decided by 7 points or less. Those two games also happened to be the only losses of the season. It’s no secret that Byron Center always carries blowout potential with the sheer dominance of their offense. But in the instance of a shootout or occasional defensive matchup, Byron Center needs to find a way to dig deep and win the close ones if they wish to reach their state-championship potential.