Friday nights in Bangor Township feel different. It’s the air. Cold, a little damp, and smelling faintly of concession stand popcorn and turf. If you've ever stood along the sidelines at John Loop Football Field, you know the vibe. It isn't just about the score on the board. It’s about the community that shows up, rain or shine, to watch the blue and white hit the field. Bay City John Glenn football has always been more than a high school program; it's a local institution that keeps the pulse of the town beating.
Honestly, the last few seasons have been a bit of a rollercoaster. You’ve seen the records—a 5-5 finish in 2024, a 4-4 run in 2025. It’s the kind of gritty, middle-of-the-road performance that makes the "experts" look away, but the fans know better. They see the potential. They see players like Lukas Gies and Garrett Hilborn putting their bodies on the line every single week.
The Current State of the Bobcats
People love to talk about the "good old days," but let's look at what's happening right now. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jeremy Werner, the Bobcats have been navigating the shark-infested waters of the Tri-Valley Conference-Red. It’s a tough neighborhood. You’re dealing with powerhouses like Frankenmuth and Freeland.
The 2025 season was a perfect example of the "Glenn Grit." They started hot with a 24-17 win over South Lyon East. That game had everyone talking. Then, they absolutely dismantled Essexville Garber 43-13. If you were there, you saw a team that looked like it could take on the world. But football is a cruel mistress.
Injuries, a few bad bounces, and some tough defensive lapses led to a mid-season slump. Losing to Frankenmuth 51-12 hurt. There’s no way to sugarcoat that. However, the way this team bounced back to shut out Flint Powers Catholic 38-0 just a few weeks later tells you everything you need to know about their character. They don't quit. Basically, they're the team you never want to see on your schedule late in October because you know you're in for a physical fight.
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Who’s Making Plays?
You can’t talk about Bay City John Glenn football without mentioning the roster. The 2025-2026 squad is loaded with juniors who are finally finding their footing.
- Lukas Gies (WR/CB): At 6'3", he's a matchup nightmare. He’s got the range to snag high balls and the speed to keep up with anyone on the perimeter.
- Garrett Hilborn (RB/SS): The heart of the defense. He hits like a truck and has a nose for the football that you just can't teach.
- Cameron Burch (QB): Standing 6'3" and weighing in at 230 lbs, he looks more like a linebacker, but his arm is legit. He's been the steady hand in the pocket that the Bobcats needed.
The Tri-Valley Conference Grind
Let's get real about the conference. The Tri-Valley Red is arguably one of the most competitive divisions in Michigan's Division 3 and 4 landscape. When you’re playing schools like Freeland, you aren't just playing a team; you're playing a system.
The Bobcats have had to adapt. In the past, they might have relied on one or two star athletes to carry the load. Now, it’s about depth. Look at the 2025 roster—40 players deep, mostly juniors. That means the 2026 season is looking incredibly promising. These kids have been playing together since middle school, and that chemistry is starting to show up on the film.
There's a misconception that John Glenn is just a "basketball school." Sure, the hoops program is legendary, but the football culture has been quietly building something sustainable. It’s about the weight room in the off-season. It’s about those 6:00 AM summer practices when the sun is barely up.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Glenn
A lot of folks from outside Bay City look at the win-loss column and think the program is struggling. That’s a shallow take. If you look at the 2024 season, their playoff point average was 41.889. That’s a respectable number that put them in the mix for a district semifinal spot. They aren't just "participating"; they are competing at a high level.
The loss to Petoskey in the 2024 playoffs (61-21) was a wake-up call. It showed the gap between being a good team and being a championship contender. Since then, there’s been a visible shift in the defensive scheme. They’re playing faster. They’re more aggressive.
The Stadium Factor
John Loop Football Field isn't the biggest stadium in the state, but it’s loud. The Bangor Township community treats every home game like a major event. You’ve got the band, the cheerleaders, and a student section that definitely knows how to get under the skin of opposing quarterbacks. It’s a true home-field advantage.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps for Fans and Athletes
If you’re a part of the Bobcat family or just a local sports fan, there are ways to keep this momentum going. The program thrives on local support, but it also requires a specific mindset from the players coming up through the ranks.
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For the Players:
Focus on the multi-sport athlete approach. Most of the top performers on the current roster, like Liam Vallad and Luke Bourdon, aren't just football players. They’re wrestlers, track stars, and baseball players. That versatility is what prevents burnout and builds better overall athletes.
For the Community:
Get involved with the booster club. High school sports budgets are always under pressure, and the extras—better equipment, travel funds, off-season camps—come from the fans.
For the Recruits:
If you're a middle schooler in Bangor Township, look at the path the current juniors have taken. They didn't start as stars. They put in the work, played through the 1-8 seasons in the lower levels, and now they’re the ones people are coming to see on Friday nights.
The future of Bay City John Glenn football isn't written in the stars; it’s being built on the practice field right now. Expect the 2026 season to be a breakout year as this veteran core enters their senior campaign.
Keep an eye on the schedule for the upcoming rivalry games. The matchup against Essexville Garber is always a highlight, but the real test will be how they handle the rematch with Frankenmuth. That's the game that will define the next era of Bobcat football.
Check the MHSAA website regularly for official stat corrections and playoff rankings. Supporting the team means staying informed and showing up when the lights go on.