If you drive past Thirlby Field on a crisp October afternoon, you'll feel it. There’s a specific kind of electricity that hums through the air in Traverse City when the Gladiators are in town. It isn't just about high school kids playing a game. TC St. Francis football is basically a local institution, a blue-collar machine that has been churning out championships and Division I talent since 1951. Honestly, most programs would kill for their "down" years.
Even in 2026, the aura remains. People talk about the Bullough family or those back-to-back titles in the 70s like they happened yesterday. But staying at the top of the Michigan high school football food chain isn't easy. You've got rising rivals like Kingsley breathing down your neck, and the pressure of a 19-year playoff streak—an MHSAA record—resting on every new class of seniors.
The Gladiator Standard: More Than Just Winning
Most folks see the trophies and think it’s just luck or a big budget. It's not. The program has a winning percentage of .757. That is an absurd number over seven decades. Basically, for every four times the Gladiators step on the turf, they walk off winners three times.
It’s about the culture. You see it in the way they handle the Northern Michigan Football League. They’ve gone seasons without losing a conference game. Not one. When you play TC St. Francis football, you aren't just playing 11 guys; you're playing against the ghosts of 1992, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2008, and 2009. Those are the years that defined the modern era of the program.
Why the Bullough Legacy Matters
You can't talk about this team without mentioning the Bullough family. Max, Riley, and Byron. They didn't just play here; they dominated before moving on to Michigan State and eventually the NFL. Max Bullough was a heat-seeking missile at linebacker. Having guys like that come through the locker room creates a "see it, be it" environment.
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Then you have Joe Kerridge. He walked on at Michigan, became a captain, and played for the Green Bay Packers. That’s the Gladiator blueprint: work harder than everyone else until they have no choice but to give you a scholarship.
The Rivalries That Define the Season
Kingsley. That’s the name that gets people's blood boiling. In recent years, the battle with the Stags has become the marquee matchup in the region. In the 2025-26 season, St. Francis finished with a solid 7-3 record, but a tough 6-57 loss to Kingsley in early November 2025 showed that the gap in Division 6 and 7 is tighter than ever.
But it’s not just Kingsley. The Gladiators have long-standing beef with:
- Muskegon Catholic Central: Two private school powerhouses usually fighting for state-wide respect.
- Saginaw Nouvel: A classic Catholic school rivalry that has seen some legendary playoff battles.
- Benzie Central: While St. Francis has historically dominated (sitting at roughly 37-0 in the series), it's a neighborhood clash that brings out the whole town.
The 2025-26 Season: A Reality Check?
Every dynasty has its moments of recalibration. The 2025 season saw the Gladiators finish 7-3. They dominated teams like Ogemaw Heights and Benzie Central, but hit a wall against Lumen Christi and Notre Dame Prep.
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Is the "Blue Machine" slowing down? Doubtful.
They still finished 1st in the Northern Michigan - Legends league with a 3-0 conference record. That’s the thing about TC St. Francis football—even when people think they’re having an "off" year, they're still lifting league championship plaques. The 2025 roster was led by seniors like Zack Winowiecki and Braxton Lesinski, guys who grew up watching the 2022 team go 13-1 and reach the state finals.
Tactical Nuance: The St. Francis Way
They don't usually run some fancy, air-raid offense that you see on Friday night highlights in Texas. St. Francis is often about "three yards and a cloud of dust," combined with a defense that swarms. It's disciplined. It's frustrating to play against.
If you're an opposing coordinator, you know what’s coming, and you still can't stop it. They've qualified for the playoffs 23 times since the system started. That isn't a fluke. It's a testament to coaching consistency, from the days of Josh Sellers and Greg Vaughan to the current staff.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes
If you're following the program or looking to get involved, here's the deal:
- Watch the Schedule: Most home games are at Thirlby Field. If you want the full experience, show up for the Kingsley game. Wear blue.
- The Recruiting Pipeline: For players, the path to the next level is well-trodden. MaxPreps and On3 consistently track Gladiator recruits because scouts know these kids are coached well.
- Support the Boosters: The Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) system relies heavily on community support. If you're an alum, getting involved with the booster club is how those weight rooms stay top-tier.
The 2026 season is already on the horizon, and the expectations haven't shifted an inch. The goal is always Ford Field. In Traverse City, anything less than a deep November run feels unfinished.
To keep up with live scores or roster changes, check the MHSAA official site or the GTACS athletics portal. The history is written, but the next chapter usually starts with a 6:00 AM practice in the Traverse City fog.