The Birdogs of FHNE were off to a hot start at the beginning of the season. They beat rivals such as EGR and FHC twice. With a strong start of 9-1-1, FHNE was looking bright and full of potential. As a reward, the Birdogs were also gifted new alternate uniforms for this season. The baby blue with the white pants is a risky combination, but it proved to be successful.
Senior captain Drew Donakowski suffered a concussion early in the season and has recently experienced another one. The absence of Donakowski is visible in the team’s play, as they have lost their past three games. Players and coaches alike are hoping for his return in the near future.
With playoffs fast approaching, the Birdogs will need to improve if they want to make a good playoff run. Head coach Tom Bissett is looking to motivate the team in the final stretch for a successful playoff season.
This season, FHNE has dropped down from Division 2 to Division 3. This will greatly improve the Birdogs’ chances of winning and making it deeper into the playoffs. Division 2 includes top teams such as Byron Center, Alpena, Marquette, Brother Rice, and Trenton, making it harder to progress in the playoffs. Division 3 has only one powerhouse school: Houghton. Other than the undefeated Houghton Gremlins, Division 3 has no other contenders, except the FHNE Birdogs.
It is every team’s goal to make it to the finals in Plymouth, but only four from each division will. With seven seniors and little season left, the Birdogs are all putting in the work to make it to Plymouth arena and upset Houghton for the D3 state championship.