A New Chapter for the Blackhawks
The Fennville Blackhawks are set to compete in the Southwest Michigan Football League’s eight‑player division this fall, a league that this year features just four member schools: St. Joseph’s Our Lady of the Lake, New Buffalo, and Bangor. Conference play will pit the Blackhawks against those familiar foes, while a slate of non‑conference opponents — including Baldwin, Holton, Bear Lake, Potterville, Dansville and Marcellus — offers additional challenges.
The team’s 2024 campaign ended with a 5‑4 record, the most wins the program has posted since the 2018 season, and the Blackhawks closed the year with three straight victories, beating Calvin Christian 46‑20, Bangor 52‑0 and Onaway 60‑6. Those wins have raised expectations heading into the new season.
A key piece of that success, quarterback Carter Thompson, graduated after throwing for 1,664 yards and 30 touchdowns last year. His departure leaves a void at the helm of the offense, and coaches are already evaluating candidates to take the snap under center.
Reviving Rivalries on the Gridiron
Beyond the on‑field action, the Blackhawks are looking to rekindle a rivalry that faded when Saugatuck shifted to 11‑player football. Re‑igniting that competition is seen as a way to energize the fan base and give the team a fresh narrative heading into the first non‑conference games against Baldwin and Holton.
The early non‑conference matchups are viewed as a chance to build momentum before diving into league play, and many expect the team’s chemistry to improve as the season progresses. Fans have responded enthusiastically to the prospect of new matchups, and the front office hopes the renewed rivalry will translate into higher attendance and stronger community support.