2024 Team Preview #1: Milford

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>After a 6-4 season, Milford is looking to build upon some things they learned in 2023, and to apply those lessons in 2024. In this article we'll be deep diving the Mavericks' last season, their outlook on 2024, and some of the key pieces you should be keeping an eye out for this fall! </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2023 Summary: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks didn't start exactly how they wanted to, starting 2-1 with a hiccup against Divine Child 26-23. Head Coach Andrew Micovich said,<em> "Our team had to overcome a few key injuries to our QB and RB, but still put together a 3 game win streak in the middle 3rd of our season to start the year 5-1."</em> Milford 3 very tough games against fellow Lakes Valley Conference foes Walled Lake Western, Waterford Mott, and Lakeland to end the regular season 6-3 before losing to Lakeland in the district semifinals. Coach Micovich had a very positive outlook on the 2023 season despite the rollercoaster season.<em> "We ended the year with a 6-4 record and made the playoffs for the 3rd straight year not including the COVID playoffs. Statistically, our defense was the best in our conference for the 2nd straight year. We're happy with our team's development from the beginning to the end of the season."</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 is shaping to be another step in the right direction for Milford. Milford will be returning 9 starters from last seasons team and filling the rest of the roster with several incredibly talented juniors. Those 2026 athletes will be a very intriguing watch this fall to see just how they are able to gel with the remaining pieces of 2023. Head Coach Andrew Micovich believes they'll be able to beat teams up and grind out some tough nosed wins.<em> "Once again we plan to be led by our defense and our physicality on both sides of the ball. We've got the deepest group of skill players since I got to Milford in 2019."</em> He reiterated to me that the coaching staff is working incredibly hard to continue to take advantages of mismatches and evolve the on the field product and building a positive culture.<em> "Our coaching staff is working hard to continue the evolution of our schemes and our program culture."</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players To Watch: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| Tanner Petru | 2025 | 5'8 185 | RB/LB | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tanner is a gym rat who loves to throw up the weights. Coaches say he has built muscle like very few high school kids can. He had over 400 yards in 2023, and his elevated role in the offense should continue to expand now that he has improved his receiving ability. Tanner will very likely be a speed in space guy for Milford this season, and will absolutely be one to watch this fall! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| [player_tooltip player_id='1316960' first='Landon' last='Murray'] | 2025 | 6'2 185 | WR/DB | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon is a returning starter for Milford this season. In 2024, he proved to be a nightmare to match up against outside with his deep threat ability and ball tracking prowess. Landon is going to have some pressure on his shoulders from his coaches as they believe he may be one of the most highly targeted receivers in the LVC. On top of his solid receiving ability, they believe he will be a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to the safety position. Coach Micovich said he is a ball hawking free safety, and after watching some of his highlights, I can definitely agree with that. Landon is going to get a ton of attention this fall, and it's definitely for good reason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| [player_tooltip player_id='899599' first='Ike' last='Stufft'] | 2025 | 6'3 215 | TE/LB/DE |</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've personally talked about Ike on here before, and coaches reiterated to me just how important he will be to Milford and their success this season. <em>"Ike is like a chess piece for us that we can move around from DE to LB from drive to drive, or even play to play." </em>Ike is about as hard nosed as it gets, which I believe perfectly emulates what Milford is building as a program. Ike is a 3 sport athlete who continues to work both on the field and in the weight room. Much like his coaches, I too am expecting Ike to be a dominant force both offensively, defensively and special teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| [player_tooltip player_id='1615766' first='Brandon' last='White'] | 2026 | 5'11 170 | RB/DB | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first junior Coach Micovich mentioned to us was [player_tooltip player_id='1615766' first='Brandon' last='White']. Brandon moonlighted on Varsity last season as a youngster looking to make some explosive plays, and he found them. Both from the slot and from the backfield, Brandon was able to use his athletic upside to make some huge gains for his team.<em> "After competing in the Legacy 7 on 7's this winter, Brandon looks to fight for makor playing time at CB and as an offensive weapon"</em> said Coach Micovich. I'm super excited for his huge upside and to see what he can do as he works into an increasing role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| [player_tooltip player_id='1316962' first='Kaden' last='Johnston'] | 2025 | 6'2 185 | LB | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaden is looking to prove to everyone that he can be one of the elite edge players in the state. Coach Micovich told me, <em>"Kaden ended the year with 30 TFLs, to reflect how dominant he was." </em>This surely is impressive, and it's easy to see why when you watch him on film. He sheds blocks with ease, has a plethora of moves, and is a sure tackler when he gets ahold of the ball carrier. His team will be looking for him to turn his TFLs into sacks this fall! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| Luke Bargowski | 2025 | 6'0 235 | OL | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Coach Andrew Micovich put it, <em>"If you're looking for Milford's Ironman, you found him in Luke Bargowski." </em>Luke is a 3 year starter for the Mavericks, and has been working his tail off in the weight room to pack on the strength for his swan song season. He's a very technical lineman who shows off some strength and agility, and seems to be beloved by his teammates and coaches. He's expected to be a leader both on and off the field for Milford, and will spearhead the OL group. The tough nosed culture that Milford is trying to cultivate is definitely starting with Luke. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->