The Hemlock Varsity Football program wrapped up the 2025 season with a 2-7 record, while the Junior Varsity team also finished 2-7. Although the final records do not tell the full story, this season represented major steps forward as the program continued to redefine its identity and strengthen the foundation needed to compete for championships in the years ahead.
The coaching staff emphasized a commitment to physical football and establishing a dependable run game. That shift in mentality became the core of the team’s progress. Hemlock developed a respectable run game that will serve as a launching point for future success. Coach Slate noted that before a team can chase championships, it must first be committed to running the ball with purpose and physicality. This group began to take pride in that identity, and the way they finished the season reflected that growth.
One of the biggest challenges this year was learning and growing within the system. Consistency was difficult at times, which is common when players are still gaining experience and confidence. The team showed they could compete with strong opponents and put together promising stretches of play, and the coaching staff looks forward to seeing how additional time in the system will translate into increased confidence and reduced mistakes.
Despite the ups and downs, the season was full of meaningful moments. In Week 1 against Garber, Hemlock stormed back from a 22-6 deficit to narrow the score to 22-20. Although time ran out before the comeback could be completed, the team played with undeniable energy and physicality and controlled the end of that game. Another highlight came in Week 9 on Senior Night, when the Huskies earned an inspiring win and sent their seniors out with a victory. The team elevated its play and showed the progress made over the course of the season.
Internal Awards:
Alpha Dog Competition Offseason MVP: Junior QB #16 Gavin Schmidt
Offensive MVP: Junior OL #66 Sean Grove
Defensive MVP: Senior LB #22 Steven Katzenberger
All-Slate Award (Toughness MVP): Junior RB #11 Drew Genow
Conference Awards:
Academic All-Conference: Blake Ricker, Tim Reid, Gavin Schmidt, Drew Genow, and Wyatt Launstein
Tri-Valley Conference Sportsmanship Award: Caden Miller
Tri-Valley Conference Honorable Mention: RB Markus Plowden, DL Nathan Gohr, and WR Wyatt Launstein
Tri-Valley Conference First Team: DB Drew Genow (2nd year in a row), OL Sean Grove, and LB Steven Katzenberger (3rd year in a row)
All-Area, All-State, and Saginaw County Hawkins Award recognitions are still pending.
Senior linebacker Steven Katzenberger completed one of the most impressive defensive careers in Hemlock history. Even after missing two games this season, he surpassed the school record for career tackles. The previous number of 271 was set by Coach Slate in 2006. Katzenberger finished his career with 287 tackles, placing him at the top of the program record book.
The team also achieved significant success off the field. This year’s Alpha Dog Competition more than doubled last year’s community service total. After completing 331 hours last year, the team finished this season with 668.5 hours. Players assisted neighbors with yard work, helped run youth camps, and volunteered at concession stands for the Sports Boosters. Their contributions demonstrated how much they value serving the Hemlock community.
The program extends heartfelt appreciation to the Hemlock community for its continued support. The team is proud to represent a community that invests in its student-athletes and helps provide outstanding facilities, including the continued development of the Patrick Wolgast Field House.
A special thank you goes to Team Moms Aimee Fromholz and Christina Ennis. Their efforts were invaluable as they organized locker snacks, pre game meals, bus ride food for away games, senior gifts, and the end of season banquet. Their dedication played a major role in creating a supportive environment for the players.