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ALPENA -- After a run to the Division 2 semifinals in 2020, Traverse City Central is the overwhelming choice to win the Big North Conference in 2021.
The Trojans garnered five first place votes from media members who cover the Big North's six schools. Cadillac was picked to finish second, followed by Traverse City West, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Alpena.
After one of the program's best seasons offensively, Central should be just as potent this fall. Quarterback Josh Burnham, a Notre Dame commit at linebacker, will guide the offense behind an offensive line made up entirely of seniors. Carson Bourdo, an all-state player last season, returns as a threat in the running and passing games along with Dante Wiliams and Parker Schmidt.
The Vikings are coming off a Division 4 runner-up finish and expectations are high with 19 seniors returning. Cadillac will be strong in the trenches Aden Gurden returns at quarterback to lead Cadillac's triple option attack. Kaleb McKinley will be a key piece of the offense at fullback and Carter Harsh and Chris Reinhold should see plenty of carries too.
West is coming off a 6-2 season and will be counting on Michael Schermerhorn to be a two-way workhorse at running back and linebacker. The Titans also return quarterback Brandon Koncheck, receivers Will Gaston and Garrett Shuler and lineman Kyle McCrumb and Daniel Rosa.
The Northmen will enter the season with a new coach, Rick Winbigler, and a new offense. Petoskey's traditionally strong running game will be supplemented by a spread read option, opening things up offensively.
Petoskey returns five all-BNC players, including Rippin Vining and Blake Buchanan.
Buchanan will be an anchor for Petoskey on the line and Vining will be an important two-way standout at running back and linebacker. At quarterback, Tate Dohm and Gavin Wargel are competing for the job and, while not experienced, they are very athletic.
A big key for Petoskey will be finishing games. The Northmen went 2-5 last season, but blew halftime leads against West and Cadillac.
Gaylord will also welcome a new coach, DJ Szymoniak, a former Arena Football League player. The Blue Devils' new head man will be counting on returning all-BNC receiver to help in the passing game along with two-way starter Austin Vanderveer, another all-BNC selection a season ago.
Defensively, Brady Pretzlaff and Connor Abraham also return to lead the Blue Devils.
The Wildcats were winless a season ago and will look to improve on both sides of the ball. Alpena returns a veteran group of linemen and will have a talented group of receivers, giving the Wildcats' starting quarterback plenty of options. Kayden Budnick and Jason Smolinski will be two more options out of the backfield.
Alpena opens the season Thursday at Marquette.