BLOG 75: Ferris playing for pride against Saginaw Valley

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Kyle Parrish (13) tries to sidestep a defender from Wayne State during a home game earlier this season at Top Taggart Field (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – All hopes Ferris State University had of making a return to the football playoffs ended with a 34-14 road loss to Hillsdale College last weekend.

This weekend, however, the Bulldogs play for pride as they prepare to host Saginaw Valley State at Top Taggart Field with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m.

Since beginning the season 3-0, and earning a national ranking, Ferris has been on a tough roller-coaster pattern of a loss followed by a win. Since that 3-0 start, the Bulldogs are 3-4. But, if the pattern holds firm, then Ferris could be in store for some good times as the long-time rival Cardinals come to Big Rapids for an afternoon showdown at Top Taggart.

Although the Bulldogs have no shot at the playoffs or the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship (few teams do with national superpower Grand Valley State University in the league), the seniors want to finish with a win and the young guys – those who will be returning – want to begin the long process of proving themselves for 2009.

Ferris’ 17 seniors are Josh Brenning, Leonard Curry, Alex DeKok, Rob Evenboer, Terrell Heggins, Jeff Hollandsworth, Rahseem Jones-Salaam, Matt Mausolf, Cole Meredith, Jordan Moore, Kevin Noe, Tom Thornton, Jake Visser, Kyle Walker, Kyle Williams, Darnell Wilson and Jim Yates. Ferris also has three other seniors who have eligibility to return (Travis “Snoop” Eising, Paris Holloman and C.J. Lee).

Hollandsworth, a hard-working linebacker, was injured in the team’s contest last week against Hillsdale and is not expected to compete against Saginaw Valley. As a tribute to Hollandsworth, Noe (a fellow senior linebacker) is planning to wear Hollandsworth’s No. 5 jersey instead of his usual No. 4. That is an awesome tribute by Noe to show that kind of love and support for his fallen teammate who will not be able to compete for the final time in his career during this contest against the Cardinals.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com