Publisher’s note: Chelsea Update is pleased to announce that Don Richter will lead our sports coverage as the sports editor. Here’s his first story.
With practice beginning Aug. 6 and multiple Division I players scattered throughout Chelsea’s 2012 football line-up, the approaching season is shaping up to potentially be an exciting and memorable year for the Bulldogs.
The season-opening kickoff is barely a month away, and Chelsea football is looking to qualify for the state playoffs for the 15th consecutive year.
This season’s schedule is arguably one of the toughest in recent memory for the Bulldogs, who finished 8-3 last year, reaching the Division 3 district final before losing to Adrian 34-14. Six of Chelsea’s nine opponents this upcoming season advanced to the state playoffs a year ago, including two squads that reached the regional final.
The Bulldogs open the season hosting perennial state powerhouse Jackson Lumen Christi, 7 p.m. Aug. 24. The Titans, winners of seven state championships, including five titles since 2000, ended up 8-4 overall last year losing in the Division 5 regional final. New to Chelsea’s schedule, Lumen Christi defeated the Bulldogs 28-0 in the 1992 Class BB regional final in the two schools’ only meeting.
On Aug. 30, the Bulldogs travel to East Lansing for a contest against the always-tough Trojans. Last season, East Lansing defeated Chelsea 20-7. The Trojans finished 9-3 overall a year ago reaching the Division 3 regional final.
On Sept. 7, the Bulldogs host Southeastern Conference Red Division foe Temperance Bedford in a crossover match-up. The Kicking Mules ended up 7-4 last season losing in the Division 1 district final.
On Sept. 14, Chelsea opens up Southeastern Conference White Division play hosting Ypsilanti. The Bulldogs defeated the Phoenix 10-6 last year. Ypsilanti was 2-7 last season.
On Sept. 21, Chelsea travels to Adrian for a SEC White Division contest. A season ago, the Bulldogs defeated the Maples 37-13 in the regular season before falling to Adrian 34-14 in the Division 3 district final. The Maples finished 7-5 overall in 2011 losing in the Division 3 regional final.
On Sept. 28, Chelsea visits Ypsilanti Lincoln for a SEC White Division tussle. The Railsplitters lost to the Bulldogs 20-7 last season. Overall, Lincoln had one of its best year’s in school history in 2011 finishing with a 6-4 overall mark and qualifying for the Division 2 state playoffs where the Railsplitters lost in a pre-district contest.
On Oct. 5, Chelsea hosts SEC White Division opponent Tecumseh. A season ago, the Bulldogs defeated the Indians 42-28. Tecumseh ended up 2-7 overall last year.
On Oct. 12, Chelsea hosts SEC White Division and county rival Dexter. Last year, the Bulldogs beat the Dreadnaughts 31-15. Dexter finished 3-6 in 2011.
On Oct. 19, Chelsea wraps up the regular season hosting Haslett. Last season, the Lansing-area Vikings defeated the Bulldogs 24-13. Haslett ended up 5-5 overall losing in a Division 3 pre-district game.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association football state finals are Nov. 23-24 at Ford Field in Detroit.
2012 Chelsea Football Schedule
Aug. 24 vs. Jackson Lumen Christi, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 at East Lansing, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 at Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 vs. Ypsilanti, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Adrian, 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 vs. Tecumseh, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 vs. Dexter, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 vs. Haslett, 7 p.m.
