C-S volleyball coach looking for consistency
heading into districts in November
By Bruce Rolfe
With just a home match against Delton-Kellogg October 28 and a road match at Union City October 30 remaining before the district tournament following Climax-Scotts’ 3-1 loss to Galesburg-
Augusta October 27, Lady Panther varsity volleyball coach Angela Gilbert is searching for consistency entering the postseason.
C-S received a bye and will open the districts facing the winner of the Bellevue and Marshall Academy match November 6 at 7 p.m. at Battle Creek St. Phil. A win would send the Panthers into the district championship match November 7 at 6 p.m.
While C-S enjoyed some stretches of strong play at G-A October 27, the Lady Panthers were unable to put together extended runs to enjoy large leads or come back from small deficits.
“The chemistry is good. They play well together. It’s hit and miss. I think it’s just getting that mental, not letting it get to them, and then just focusing on the next play,” said Gilbert.
Both teams enjoyed strong moments in all four sets, however the Rams were able to capitalize on a few more errors made by the Lady Panthers.
C-S got off to a strong start in the first set, moving in front 9-5 on a Sophie Braithwaite kill. However the Rams came back to pull in front 11-10 and eventually stretched the lead to double digits (23-13) before closing the set out 25-14.
The second set was close throughout the contest. C-S’ largest lead was four points.
G-A came back and was on the verge of winning, moving in front 24-23 on a return error by C-S, however the Panthers tied the match on a G-A serve error, took a 25-24 lead on a kill by Holly Talbert and finished the set out on the next serve.
The third set was close as well.
With just a home match against Delton-Kellogg October 28 and a road match at Union City October 30 remaining before the district tournament following Climax-Scotts’ 3-1 loss to Galesburg-
Augusta October 27, Lady Panther varsity volleyball coach Angela Gilbert is searching for consistency entering the postseason.
C-S received a bye and will open the districts facing the winner of the Bellevue and Marshall Academy match November 6 at 7 p.m. at Battle Creek St. Phil. A win would send the Panthers into the district championship match November 7 at 6 p.m.
While C-S enjoyed some stretches of strong play at G-A October 27, the Lady Panthers were unable to put together extended runs to enjoy large leads or come back from small deficits.
“The chemistry is good. They play well together. It’s hit and miss. I think it’s just getting that mental, not letting it get to them, and then just focusing on the next play,” said Gilbert.
Both teams enjoyed strong moments in all four sets, however the Rams were able to capitalize on a few more errors made by the Lady Panthers.
C-S got off to a strong start in the first set, moving in front 9-5 on a Sophie Braithwaite kill. However the Rams came back to pull in front 11-10 and eventually stretched the lead to double digits (23-13) before closing the set out 25-14.
The second set was close throughout the contest. C-S’ largest lead was four points.
G-A came back and was on the verge of winning, moving in front 24-23 on a return error by C-S, however the Panthers tied the match on a G-A serve error, took a 25-24 lead on a kill by Holly Talbert and finished the set out on the next serve.
The third set was close as well.
Holly Talbert (left) and Kendal Reitz (4) both move in to return a ball during action against Galesburg-Augusta October 27 at G-A High School.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
C-S enjoyed a 6-5 lead early and tied the game 12-12, however the Lady Rams outscored the visitors 13-9 the rest of the way.
C-S enjoyed just three leads in the fourth set (4-3, 8-7 and 9-8).
The Rams scored the next seven points to build a 15-9 lead.
The Lady Panthers pulled to within 18-16 and 19-17 on a G-A hit error but that was as close as C-S would get.
Galesburg-Augusta Def. Climax-Scotts, 25-14, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18
C-S Stat Leaders not available
C-S Takes Down Jackson Christian in 3 Sets
The Climax-Scotts varsity volleyball team defeated Jackson Christian in three sets in an SCAA cross over match played at Jackson Christian October 23.
C-S won by scores of 25-18, 25-12, 25-15.
Sophie Braithwaite had an all around strong game with five aces, seven kills and seven digs, Mackenzie Vincent had seven kills, Holly Talbert and Kendal Reitz each had a team high eight digs and Ashlynn Gilbert led the team with 19 assists.
C-S Def. Jackson Christian, 25-18, 25-12, 25-15
C-S Stat Leaders
Holly Talbert - 1 ace, 5 kills, 8 digs; Mackenzie Vincent - 2 aces, 7 kills, 1 solo block, 3 digs; Sophie Braithwaite - 5 aces, 7 kills, 1 block assist, 1 total block, 7 digs; Kendal Reitz - 2 aces, 4 kills, 3 assists, 8 digs; Jane Carillo - 1 kill, 2 digs; Michaella Carillo - 2 assists, 5 digs; Ashlynn Gilbert - 1 kill, 1 ace, 19 assists, 2 digs; Adalynn Reeves - 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 solo block, 1 block assist, 2 total blocks, 3 digs
C-S enjoyed just three leads in the fourth set (4-3, 8-7 and 9-8).
The Rams scored the next seven points to build a 15-9 lead.
The Lady Panthers pulled to within 18-16 and 19-17 on a G-A hit error but that was as close as C-S would get.
Galesburg-Augusta Def. Climax-Scotts, 25-14, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18
C-S Stat Leaders not available
C-S Takes Down Jackson Christian in 3 Sets
The Climax-Scotts varsity volleyball team defeated Jackson Christian in three sets in an SCAA cross over match played at Jackson Christian October 23.
C-S won by scores of 25-18, 25-12, 25-15.
Sophie Braithwaite had an all around strong game with five aces, seven kills and seven digs, Mackenzie Vincent had seven kills, Holly Talbert and Kendal Reitz each had a team high eight digs and Ashlynn Gilbert led the team with 19 assists.
C-S Def. Jackson Christian, 25-18, 25-12, 25-15
C-S Stat Leaders
Holly Talbert - 1 ace, 5 kills, 8 digs; Mackenzie Vincent - 2 aces, 7 kills, 1 solo block, 3 digs; Sophie Braithwaite - 5 aces, 7 kills, 1 block assist, 1 total block, 7 digs; Kendal Reitz - 2 aces, 4 kills, 3 assists, 8 digs; Jane Carillo - 1 kill, 2 digs; Michaella Carillo - 2 assists, 5 digs; Ashlynn Gilbert - 1 kill, 1 ace, 19 assists, 2 digs; Adalynn Reeves - 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 solo block, 1 block assist, 2 total blocks, 3 digs
C-S junior falls short in bid
to qualify for state finals
Climax-Scotts High School junior Zach Roebuck fell short in a bid to qualify for the Division 4 Individual State Finals cross country meet at the Division 4 regionals at Three Oaks River Valley October 24.
The top 15 runners automatically qualified and the top seven runners not on a team that qualifies for the State Finals as a team, also qualifies for the State Finals.
While Roebuck finished 55th out of 57 runners, he recorded a personal record time of 24:04.88.
Kalamazoo Hackett, with 37 points in the mens race, and 18 points in the womens race, placed first in both events.
Division 4 Regionals (At Three Oaks River Valley)
Boys
C-S Results
55. Zachree Roebuck, 24:04.88
The top 15 runners automatically qualified and the top seven runners not on a team that qualifies for the State Finals as a team, also qualifies for the State Finals.
While Roebuck finished 55th out of 57 runners, he recorded a personal record time of 24:04.88.
Kalamazoo Hackett, with 37 points in the mens race, and 18 points in the womens race, placed first in both events.
Division 4 Regionals (At Three Oaks River Valley)
Boys
C-S Results
55. Zachree Roebuck, 24:04.88
C-S assistant coach feels team has matured
since week no. 1 loss to Gobles
By Bruce Rolfe
While Climax-Scotts suffered a 54-32 loss to its first round playoff opponent August 28, a lot has changed with the Panthers since that season opening loss to Gobles.
C-S (7-2) and Gobles (7-2) will square off at Gobles, Friday, October 31 at 7 p.m. in an 8-man Division 1 playoff opener.
The winner will play the winner of the Marcellus (6-3) and Martin (9-0) first round game, November 7 or 8 with the highest-ranked team hosting.
A young C-S team has showed tremendous growth on the field, leading to success in multiple areas since that season opening loss to Gobles.
C-S ripped off six straight wins, lost to Mendon and then won the regular season finale, 72-64 over Pittsford.
A 32-0 start helped Gobles to the 54-32 win over C-S in the season opener.
However C-S outscored Gobles 24-14 in the second half.
Gobles held the upper hand in total yards (536-403) and held a huge advantage on the ground, 521-298. C-S passed for 105 yards while Gobles passed for 15 yards.
C-S Assistant coach Kevin Langs, who coached the Panthers in the regular season finale at Pittsford October 24 because C-S head coach Tyler Langs was placed on paid administrative leave after the school district received some complaints and is in the process of a thorough investigation, may be the head coach in the playoff opener at Gobles depending on how fast the investigation process moves forward.
The former C-S head coach said confidence and growth is the biggest difference in the roster since the season opening loss.
“Maturity. We played a lot of young guys (in the season opener against Gobles), and a lot of guys were playing for the first time. But we had some injuries from that time too. So we’re trying to overcome that,” said the former Panther head coach.
“So you think about the experience, we’re hoping we can close that gap. Gobles is good. We knew when the season started Gobles was capable of winning the state championship. So you’re still looking at a very, very good team. And then if you’re blessed to get out of that (with a win), the best team in the State of Michigan (Martin) is setting here. So we’re excited about the opportunity. It’s kind of unique, you play them in week one, and you play them in week 10,” adds Langs.
C-S is averaging 52 points a game and allowing an average of 28.8 points a game.
Gobles averages 45.4 points a game and allows 25 points a game defensively.
While Climax-Scotts suffered a 54-32 loss to its first round playoff opponent August 28, a lot has changed with the Panthers since that season opening loss to Gobles.
C-S (7-2) and Gobles (7-2) will square off at Gobles, Friday, October 31 at 7 p.m. in an 8-man Division 1 playoff opener.
The winner will play the winner of the Marcellus (6-3) and Martin (9-0) first round game, November 7 or 8 with the highest-ranked team hosting.
A young C-S team has showed tremendous growth on the field, leading to success in multiple areas since that season opening loss to Gobles.
C-S ripped off six straight wins, lost to Mendon and then won the regular season finale, 72-64 over Pittsford.
A 32-0 start helped Gobles to the 54-32 win over C-S in the season opener.
However C-S outscored Gobles 24-14 in the second half.
Gobles held the upper hand in total yards (536-403) and held a huge advantage on the ground, 521-298. C-S passed for 105 yards while Gobles passed for 15 yards.
C-S Assistant coach Kevin Langs, who coached the Panthers in the regular season finale at Pittsford October 24 because C-S head coach Tyler Langs was placed on paid administrative leave after the school district received some complaints and is in the process of a thorough investigation, may be the head coach in the playoff opener at Gobles depending on how fast the investigation process moves forward.
The former C-S head coach said confidence and growth is the biggest difference in the roster since the season opening loss.
“Maturity. We played a lot of young guys (in the season opener against Gobles), and a lot of guys were playing for the first time. But we had some injuries from that time too. So we’re trying to overcome that,” said the former Panther head coach.
“So you think about the experience, we’re hoping we can close that gap. Gobles is good. We knew when the season started Gobles was capable of winning the state championship. So you’re still looking at a very, very good team. And then if you’re blessed to get out of that (with a win), the best team in the State of Michigan (Martin) is setting here. So we’re excited about the opportunity. It’s kind of unique, you play them in week one, and you play them in week 10,” adds Langs.
C-S is averaging 52 points a game and allowing an average of 28.8 points a game.
Gobles averages 45.4 points a game and allows 25 points a game defensively.
Panthers secure playoff spot with
wild 72-64 win over Pittsford
By Bruce Rolfe
With the possibility a 22-year run of qualifying for the playoffs could end if Climax-Scotts lost to Pittsford October 24, the Panthers knew what was on the line in the regular season finale.
The team responded with a gritty 72-64 win over the Wildcats to secure a playoff berth for the 23rd straight season, but they did it without their head coach.
C-S head football coach Tyler Langs was not on the sidelines and longtime former C-S head coach and current assistant coach Kevin Langs took over the head coaching responsibilities.
The Crescent later learned through a statement provided by the C-S School District Tyler Langs was placed on paid administrative leave while the school district completes a thorough investigation regarding complaints the school district received.
Holding off a resilient Pittsford team in a game that wasn’t decided until the final minute, injects a shot of confidence into the Panthers heading into the playoff opener October 31 at Gobles at 7 p.m.
“This game was probably the most team driven we’ve been all season in my opinion. It’s unfortunate we didn’t have Coach T (head coach Tyler Langs) on the sidelines with us today, but we stuck with it and we played a really good game. Sure, our defense needs a little bit of help, but on offense we were pushing through. So we were on defense. All in all, it was a mental effort the whole game,” said senior Liam LaSala.
Assistant Coach Kevin Langs was impressed how the team played through injuries that left two Panthers watching on the sidelines.
Dane Sattler suffered a thumb fracture in the Athens game and has been playing through the injury. However Langs said an x-ray revealed he has a broken thumb that will require surgery, meaning he won’t be available in the post season.
Aaden Krick, who starts on the offensive line, suffered a MCL injury before the Mendon game. He also sat out the Pittsford game but may be available in the playoff opener.
The injuries meant players had to play in different positions then they have been accustomed to.
Liam LaSala, who had never played inside linebacker, stepped in and had a huge game at the position, totaling 10 tackles including nine solo tackles.
The C-S senior also had a big game offensively, finishing with 179 yards on 16 carries, with four touchdowns.
With Krick sidelined, Cooper Dense rotated from guard to a tackle position and Bryce Birkam moved to a guard position.
LaSala said keeping the playoff streak alive was significant.
“It means a lot. Senior year, we’ve just got to keep the trend going. Hopefully, the next classes coming up will keep the playoff streak going as well,” said the Panther senior.
Last Friday’s 72-64 win over Pittsford was another classic added to a long list of memorable games these two SCAA rivals have played against each other over the years.
C-S (7-2) took advantage of a Pittsford fumble and scored its first touchdown of the game five plays later when quarterback Maddox Wyman broke loose for a 47-yard touchdown scamper (the two-point conversion attempt was no good).
Wyman struck again later in the quarter on a 60-yard touchdown run (Wyman ran in the two-point conversion) and Pittsford scored on a Jacob Drawe to Brendan Nave 17-yard touchdown pass (the two-point conversion was no good), sending C-S into the second quarter with a 14-6 lead.
The two teams combined for 36 points in the second frame.
A five-yard touchdown run by Liam LaSala (the two-point conversion was no good), a 20-yard touchdown run by Elijah Bowron (Wyman completed a pass to Liam LaSala for the two-point conversion) and a 11-yard pass reception by Mason Shannon with 16 seconds left (the two-point conversion was no good), gave C-S a 34-28 lead at halftime.
Pittsford scored on a 14-yard touchdown run by Brendan Nave (Drawe completed a pass to Hunter Peiffer on the two-point conversion), a 33-yard touchdown strike from Drawe to Brendan Nave (the two-point conversion was no good) and a 33-yard touchdown run by Drawe (Drawe ran in the two-point conversion).
The scoring continued in the third quarter, with both teams striking for three touchdowns.
A 66-yard touchdown run by Wyman just 14 seconds into the third quarter (Liam LaSala ran in the two-point conversion) got C-S off to a good second half start and a 42-28 lead.
Pittsford responded with a 69-yard drive, capped by a Drawe to Ethan Pickford 24-yard touchdown pass play. Pickford ran in the two-point conversion, pulling the home team to within 42-36 with 8:47 left.
A 3-yard touchdown run by Liam LaSala and Wyman to Hunter LaSala two-point pass play on the two-point conversion gave C-S a 50-36 lead at the 6:24 mark.
Pittsford came right back, pulling to within 50-42 on a 28-yard touchdown run by Drawe at the 3:49 mark (the two-point conversion attempt failed).
C-S regained the momentum just 13 seconds later when Wyman scored on a 66-yard touchdown run with 3:36 left in the quarter (the two-point conversion failed).
A 7-yard touchdown run by Drawe followed by a Drawe to Nave two-point conversion on a pass with 1:22 left in the third quarter pulled the Wildcats to within 56-50 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter was filled with scoring as well.
With the possibility a 22-year run of qualifying for the playoffs could end if Climax-Scotts lost to Pittsford October 24, the Panthers knew what was on the line in the regular season finale.
The team responded with a gritty 72-64 win over the Wildcats to secure a playoff berth for the 23rd straight season, but they did it without their head coach.
C-S head football coach Tyler Langs was not on the sidelines and longtime former C-S head coach and current assistant coach Kevin Langs took over the head coaching responsibilities.
The Crescent later learned through a statement provided by the C-S School District Tyler Langs was placed on paid administrative leave while the school district completes a thorough investigation regarding complaints the school district received.
Holding off a resilient Pittsford team in a game that wasn’t decided until the final minute, injects a shot of confidence into the Panthers heading into the playoff opener October 31 at Gobles at 7 p.m.
“This game was probably the most team driven we’ve been all season in my opinion. It’s unfortunate we didn’t have Coach T (head coach Tyler Langs) on the sidelines with us today, but we stuck with it and we played a really good game. Sure, our defense needs a little bit of help, but on offense we were pushing through. So we were on defense. All in all, it was a mental effort the whole game,” said senior Liam LaSala.
Assistant Coach Kevin Langs was impressed how the team played through injuries that left two Panthers watching on the sidelines.
Dane Sattler suffered a thumb fracture in the Athens game and has been playing through the injury. However Langs said an x-ray revealed he has a broken thumb that will require surgery, meaning he won’t be available in the post season.
Aaden Krick, who starts on the offensive line, suffered a MCL injury before the Mendon game. He also sat out the Pittsford game but may be available in the playoff opener.
The injuries meant players had to play in different positions then they have been accustomed to.
Liam LaSala, who had never played inside linebacker, stepped in and had a huge game at the position, totaling 10 tackles including nine solo tackles.
The C-S senior also had a big game offensively, finishing with 179 yards on 16 carries, with four touchdowns.
With Krick sidelined, Cooper Dense rotated from guard to a tackle position and Bryce Birkam moved to a guard position.
LaSala said keeping the playoff streak alive was significant.
“It means a lot. Senior year, we’ve just got to keep the trend going. Hopefully, the next classes coming up will keep the playoff streak going as well,” said the Panther senior.
Last Friday’s 72-64 win over Pittsford was another classic added to a long list of memorable games these two SCAA rivals have played against each other over the years.
C-S (7-2) took advantage of a Pittsford fumble and scored its first touchdown of the game five plays later when quarterback Maddox Wyman broke loose for a 47-yard touchdown scamper (the two-point conversion attempt was no good).
Wyman struck again later in the quarter on a 60-yard touchdown run (Wyman ran in the two-point conversion) and Pittsford scored on a Jacob Drawe to Brendan Nave 17-yard touchdown pass (the two-point conversion was no good), sending C-S into the second quarter with a 14-6 lead.
The two teams combined for 36 points in the second frame.
A five-yard touchdown run by Liam LaSala (the two-point conversion was no good), a 20-yard touchdown run by Elijah Bowron (Wyman completed a pass to Liam LaSala for the two-point conversion) and a 11-yard pass reception by Mason Shannon with 16 seconds left (the two-point conversion was no good), gave C-S a 34-28 lead at halftime.
Pittsford scored on a 14-yard touchdown run by Brendan Nave (Drawe completed a pass to Hunter Peiffer on the two-point conversion), a 33-yard touchdown strike from Drawe to Brendan Nave (the two-point conversion was no good) and a 33-yard touchdown run by Drawe (Drawe ran in the two-point conversion).
The scoring continued in the third quarter, with both teams striking for three touchdowns.
A 66-yard touchdown run by Wyman just 14 seconds into the third quarter (Liam LaSala ran in the two-point conversion) got C-S off to a good second half start and a 42-28 lead.
Pittsford responded with a 69-yard drive, capped by a Drawe to Ethan Pickford 24-yard touchdown pass play. Pickford ran in the two-point conversion, pulling the home team to within 42-36 with 8:47 left.
A 3-yard touchdown run by Liam LaSala and Wyman to Hunter LaSala two-point pass play on the two-point conversion gave C-S a 50-36 lead at the 6:24 mark.
Pittsford came right back, pulling to within 50-42 on a 28-yard touchdown run by Drawe at the 3:49 mark (the two-point conversion attempt failed).
C-S regained the momentum just 13 seconds later when Wyman scored on a 66-yard touchdown run with 3:36 left in the quarter (the two-point conversion failed).
A 7-yard touchdown run by Drawe followed by a Drawe to Nave two-point conversion on a pass with 1:22 left in the third quarter pulled the Wildcats to within 56-50 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter was filled with scoring as well.
C-S sophomore Brody Vosburg (5) and junior Wyatt Deeds (22) take down a Pittsford ball carrier during action October 24 at Pittsford.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
After Maddox tossed a short pass to Shannon, Shannon then surprised the Pittsford defense by completing a 17-yard touchdown strike to Liam LaSala followed by LaSala’s two-point conversion run that gave C-S a 64-50 lead with 9:41 left in the game.
The Wildcats responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Drawe and two-point conversion run by Drawe with 8:29 left, pulling the home team to within 64-58.
C-S reached the 70-point mark for the second time this season on a 4-yard touchdown run by Wyman and two-point conversion run by Liam LaSala for a 72-58 lead with 3:48 left.
Pittsford remained within striking distance after Drawe scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:22 left, however the two-point conversion attempt failed establishing the final score.
Pittsford attempted a short kick, however C-S recovered at its own 40-yard line.
The Wildcats had an opportunity to get the ball back on a fourth and one play, however an offsides penalty on Pittsford gave C-S the first down and the visitors ran out the clock.
C-S piled up 503 yards rushing, while Pittsford totaled 167 yards on the ground.
Pittsford did most of its damage through the air, totaling 249 yards, while C-S had 122 yards passing.
Maddox Wyman had a big night, rushing for 195 yards on 14 carries and three rushing touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver Mason Shannon had five catches for 93 yards and added 51 yards rushing on three carries.
Elijah Bowron had 73 yards on seven carries.
Alex Wurtzel was 5-for-5 passing for 62 yards.
Easton VanMiddlesworth had 11 tackles including six solo tackles, one quarterback sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Liam LaSala had 10 tackles including nine solo tackles and
Wyman had 10 tackles including three solo tackles.
The Wildcats responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Drawe and two-point conversion run by Drawe with 8:29 left, pulling the home team to within 64-58.
C-S reached the 70-point mark for the second time this season on a 4-yard touchdown run by Wyman and two-point conversion run by Liam LaSala for a 72-58 lead with 3:48 left.
Pittsford remained within striking distance after Drawe scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:22 left, however the two-point conversion attempt failed establishing the final score.
Pittsford attempted a short kick, however C-S recovered at its own 40-yard line.
The Wildcats had an opportunity to get the ball back on a fourth and one play, however an offsides penalty on Pittsford gave C-S the first down and the visitors ran out the clock.
C-S piled up 503 yards rushing, while Pittsford totaled 167 yards on the ground.
Pittsford did most of its damage through the air, totaling 249 yards, while C-S had 122 yards passing.
Maddox Wyman had a big night, rushing for 195 yards on 14 carries and three rushing touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver Mason Shannon had five catches for 93 yards and added 51 yards rushing on three carries.
Elijah Bowron had 73 yards on seven carries.
Alex Wurtzel was 5-for-5 passing for 62 yards.
Easton VanMiddlesworth had 11 tackles including six solo tackles, one quarterback sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Liam LaSala had 10 tackles including nine solo tackles and
Wyman had 10 tackles including three solo tackles.
