By David Fleet
Editor
Brandon Twp.-On Sept. 20 the Brandon Blackhawks will host the Owosso Trojans in the home opener and ‘Salute to Service’ with a tribute to all 1st Responders. The second annual tribute game will honor Deputy Eric Overall, the former Oakland County Deputy and Brandon School District liaison officer, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Nov. 22, 2017.
“All current and retired First Responders—police officer, firefighter, paramedic and EMTs are welcome to attend the game,” said Chris Deines, Brandon Athletic director. “This is our opportunity to honor all who serve our community during our pre-game ceremony.”
All local First Responders, as well as surrounding area, including Owosso, are welcome to attend and are asked to wear the proper uniform or show credentials. First Responders will be admitted free and will gather in the south endzone by 6:30 p.m. for pre-game preparations. Brandon’s football team will be wearing special First Responder uniforms and there will be several fundraising events throughout the night to raise money for the Deputy Overall Scholarship fund.
Under fourth year coach Brad Zube, the Blackhawks are off to a 2-0 start on the season following road wins at Berkley 32-13 and at Holly 35-0. They take on Clio Sept. 13.

The Blackhawks are defending their 2018 Flint Metro League title. Coach Zube’s teams have gone 8-1 (2016), 7-3 (2017) and 8-1 (2018) with three consecutive MHSAA Playoff appearances.
“We are super excited about this football season and blessed to have a great football coaching staff here at Brandon High School,” said Deines. “Brad (Zube) and his staff do an outstanding job of preparing our players for games. If you have ever had a 5 minute conversation with coach, you know within the first minute that you want to play football at Brandon. He brings such passion, energy and excitement, it makes you want to strap on a helmet and pads and get out there to play. But he and his staff do more than just prepare them for football games, they teach and prepare our players for life! Ask any former player of Coach Zube and they will tell you about the positive relationships they have built and the lessons they learned (through football) that helped later in life; that’s what it’s all about.”
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, contact the Brandon Athletic Department (248) 627-1827.