This year it’s in Brandon High School’s backyard.
After a 33-7 Goodrich Martian win at the Roy U. Stacey Athletic Complex, the Blackhawks will try to even the rekindled’somewhat neighborly’rivalry at 7 p.m., Aug. 27 at the Brandon Stadium.
Head Coach Tim Pizzala, in his ninth season leading the Blackhawks, is ready to even the score with the visitors about six miles north on M-15.
‘Goodrich is our first game of the season and it’s going to be big for us,? said Pizzala. ‘Goodrich has been good and has had a great program for a long time. The game will be the first test for this team to see where we are and set the tone for the rest of the season. We are not gong to look past the first game and focus on a win in our house this year. It will be a battle down to the wire.?
Martian Head Coach Tom Alward, now in his 24th season in Goodrich brings in an overall record of 132-89.
‘We are familiar with Brandon and their program’our communities back up to each other,? he said. ‘We played for the first time last year and won on our field. We are excited about this game’it’s the first game of the season and a tough road test for us to start. Although the game is just down the road, it’s still a hostile environment. There are a lot of distractions and plenty of hype going into this game, but we have a job to do and can’t look past Brandon. It’s going to be a battle.?
According to the Michigan High School Historical Game-by-Game results, the Brandon-Goodrich rivalry dates back to 1952 and continued until 1992. Following last year’s victory, Goodrich now leads the series 30-11. The last time Brandon won was in 1986, by a score of 34-8.
For the past year the Martians have kept the Milk Can Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the rivalry. The can was donated by Brandon Township’s Cook’s Farm Dairy and is a symbol of both communities? rich farming tradition. Each year the score and date are etched on the cup, with the winning team keeping the cup until the next meeting.
The Blackhawk-Martian game returned last year after more than 20 years when Lapeer East and West combined to form one school, exiting the Flint Metro League, where Brandon plays. The eight school league was reduced to six teams, thus two open games are on the schedule for Brandon.
Don Watchowski, athletic director for the Brandon School District, and Goodrich Athletic Director David Davis worked to rekindle the game and are eager for kickoff.
‘Brandon versus Goodrich is a natural, border-sharing, intense rivalry highlighted by fierce competition, high integrity, and unmatched sportsmanship,? said Watchowski. ‘My prediction is that both teams will approach the game with a great energy and enthusiasm, while leaving it all out on the field. However, only one team will be able to leave with the jug. Go Blackhawks and bring it home!?
Davis is ready for the game.
‘We are looking forward to continuing the ‘Battle of M-15? with Brandon for football and hopefully put together a winning streak,? he said. ‘We feel fortunate to be able to compete and come out with quality wins against a program and school with so many more students than us. Football is one of those sports where that rarely happens.?
Matt Outlaw, starting his second year as the Brandon School District superintendent, predicts a 27-20 Blackhawk victory on Thursday.
‘Being great neighbors and sharing such a rich history makes this game extra special,? said Outlaw. ‘We are looking forward to this year’s game and continuing this rivalry for years to come.?
Kyler Elsworth, a 2009 Goodrich graduate, Michigan State University football standout and current linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, played for Coach Alward.
‘I can’t speak for Brandon Football, but I know Goodrich plays with values,? said Elsworth. ‘I know Tom (Alward) and the character he develops with his group of players. Goodrich will be ready to play whereever the game is or whoever they play.?
Goodrich Superintendent Michelle Imbrunone is ready for a great game.
‘The Martians have a long-standing record with regard to the Battle of M-15, which if there is any indication from last year’I am excited and anxious to enjoy this year’s competition,? she said. ‘We will do so, however, with a heavy heart as the Martian family will still be mourning the loss of Fritz Wolff, longtime coach and former Goodrich High School staff member who passed away due to complications from his recent diagnosis with cancer.?