REDEMPTION: Grand Blanc 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grand Blanc had a rollercoaster season in 2022. The Bobcats hovered around .500 all year long, and finished it up with a first round exit from the playoffs to Davison. It wasn't the season they had hoped for, and every time the tides seemed to be turning for GB, things fell apart once again. This season, they're looking for redemption, and to match the success of 2021, which saw them make a run to the semifinals, including taking down a buzzsaw Rockford team in a thriller to capture the regional title. If they're going to make the leap back into being a title contender in 2023, they'll need some youngsters to step up and take charge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was fortunate enough to load up and make the trek to Grand Blanc for their Midnight Madness, and madness is definitely the right word! The community support was incredible, with an entire student section filled up ready to cheer their boys on all morning long. I was quite impressed by the atmosphere, as there were more people there than I ever could have expected. The boys were riled up, the community was loud and energetic, and the atmosphere was electric. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got my eyes on quite a few guys that could really be the difference makers for GB this upcoming season. A name that kept coming up was a dual sport stud. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1124973' first='Anthony' last='Perdue']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Grand Blanc","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Anthony showed a lot of natural athletic ability, which was expected, but multiple coaches and players mentioned to keep an eye on him as he may be one of the best football players on the team. The basketball star has really started to come into his own on the gridiron, with some smooth route running, sure hands and really good body control that basketball has surely helped with. He shined in all of the drills, and I am looking for him to be a big contributor to this GB offense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d117ab8c584"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next thing I noticed was the offensive line. There were a lot of guys rotating through the drills that I was impressed with, but one really stuck out to me. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["413318"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"William moves really well for his size. He fires off really well, and showed strong hands and good footwork. He was the one everyone else was looking to model their rep after, and it showed. I am really excited to see William anchor this line, as I think he has the ability to be an absolute force this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d117ab8c605"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As practice started to wind down, I checked out some 1V1 drills with the WRs and DBs. I came away really impressed with a few guys, but someone that really impressed me was who was throwing the ball all over the yard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909904"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jake impressed me with not only his ability physically, but how he seemed to have great leadership traits for a Sophomore. I have multiple notes of him u0022first to drillu0022 or u0022Picked up the chin of teammate that missed ballu0022 or u0022first one done during conditioning sprints.u0022 I was really impressed with how the youngster carried himself, and I think he has a ton to look forward to over the next couple of years. The future is bright for him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d117ab8c65b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't think that practice showed all of the potential this team is capable of, but having the right coaching staff, players, and the backing of the community is a fantastic baseline. I would say the opening of their brand new football complex was more than successful, and the Bobcats should feel good heading into this season. They will be tested early and often, starting off against teams like Grandville and Saginaw Heritage, and will be looking for redemption against teams later in the season against a tough Davison squad, and Romeo. I look forward to watching what this well coached GB group does, as this team does truly believe they are the best team in their conference, and they believe it's time to prove it! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->