The Manistee high school football program finished last season with a 2-7 record, a result that left the team eager to rewrite its narrative heading into the next chapter.
Coach Alvin Rischel has made it clear that the work done in the weight room and on the field during the offseason will be the foundation for any improvement, insisting that the effort put in now must translate directly to on‑field performance when the games begin.
This year the team will compete in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division, facing familiar rivals such as Mason County Central, Shelby, Ravenna, North Muskegon, Hesperia and Holton, each presenting a fresh test of the new roster.
A New Chapter in the Rivers Division
The shift to the Rivers Division marks a strategic move for Manistee, offering a different slate of opponents and the chance to prove the program’s resilience against a broader set of competition.
Senior quarterback Dayvion Neal‑Berry has voiced a personal goal of guiding the team past the regular season, with aspirations of securing a playoff berth and, ultimately, a district championship that would cement his legacy.
Heading into the playoffs, senior Ean Guenthardt warned that opponents cannot be taken lightly, emphasizing the need for focus and preparation against every rival.
Wyatt Protasiewicz echoed the sentiment, stating his desire to demonstrate that the team is more than the record it posted a year ago, while also highlighting the collective ambition of the senior class to leave a lasting imprint on the program.
Legacy and Playoff Hopes
Coach Rischel reiterated that the seniors’ legacy will be measured not just by wins but by the standard they set for future teams, a standard that hinges on disciplined offseason work and a unified vision for success.