Byron Brother & Sister Teaming Up Once More
By
Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com
October 23, 2018
When it was announced Sunday night that Byron was included in the Division 6 playoff bracket, it wasn’t a surprise for the 5-4 Eagles – but it did provide new opportunities.
An opportunity to play another game. An opportunity to avenge a Week 1 defeat against Flint Hamady. An opportunity to stay together for at least one more week as a team.
In the Marvin household, it provided one other unique opportunity: a chance for senior TJ and his younger sister Sarah, a sophomore, to be teammates on the Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines. Sarah Marvin was a captain on the Eagles’ junior varsity team this year, and is among a group of players moving up to the varsity for the postseason.
“That’s awesome to be able to play football with your sister,” TJ Marvin said. “But to play the same positions and not have to go easy, it’s good, because I can still get a good look.”
It’s the second straight year the Marvins have had this opportunity, and in 2017 they actually were able to line up next to each other late in the Eagles’ loss to Ithaca.
When it comes to practice, being on the same field is nothing new as Byron’s varsity and JV teams often practice together. That means brother and sister – who both play defensive end and offensive tackle -- not only share a field, but also get to square off throughout the season.
“It’s fun,” TJ Marvin said. “It’s cool to be up against your sibling. Caliber of player wise, she lines up just like all the other guys, so I’m still getting a good look. It’s not much different.”
The Marvins get to spend plenty of time together athletically, as both are also throwers on the track & field team, along with Sarah’s twin sister, Becky. Sarah and Becky also get to play basketball for their mother, Theresa, who is the Byron girls varsity basketball coach.
“Everyone in my family knows about throwing,” Sarah said. “All of the sports – you can go home and talk about it, and everyone in your family understands.”
Football is also a family thing, but it’s something special TJ and Sarah share. They started playing while she was in first grade and he was in third, and often times found themselves not only as teammates, but also lined up next to each other on the offensive line.
Starting in the male-dominated sport was something Sarah didn’t think twice about.
“I don’t know if it was something that so much drew me to it. It was just that all of my boy cousins always played,” Sarah Marvin said. “I have (two younger cousins, two younger brothers), an older brother and an older cousin, and we would always rough house.”
Theresa Marvin said her daughter has always loved the game -- whether it be watching or playing -- and became a student of it. TJ agreed.
“Sometimes I’ll give her tips and stuff, but she is very athletically smart,” TJ Marvin said. “She knows the game, watches a lot of football and she’s very good at big picture plays and seeing what’s going on. Any sport, really, but especially football where there is so much going on, she really analyzes the game.”
While they started playing at the same time, TJ does have plenty of experience he can pass onto his younger sister. Injuries kept him off the field for the majority of his freshman and sophomore seasons, but the 6-foot-3, 235-pound two-way starter was an all-conference selection as a junior. He also is a varsity captain this season.
Sarah Marvin already has established herself as an all-state athlete, finishing third this spring at the Lower Peninsula Division 3 track & field championships in the discus and shot put. She was also an honorable mention all-state selection in basketball during her freshman year.
Throwing appears to be her future as an athlete, and continuing to play football is something they’re taking year by year.
“All through my freshman year I was dead set on it, that I’m going to play all four years,” Sarah Marvin said. “I think that’s changed a little bit. I had a kind of close call where a kid went to make a tackle and I was behind our running back, and he fell right into my knee. So that’s the main thing, is not getting hurt.”
Worrying about getting injured, however, has nothing to do with Sarah’s gender.
“Sometimes I worry about it, but I don’t worry about her anymore than I would other guys on the field,” TJ Marvin said. “I worry about it a little bit with her coming up on varsity where there are much bigger players and it’s a little more intense, but I know what she can do physicality wise and the kind of athlete she is. I worry about her getting hurt, but I worry about every one of my teammates getting hurt.”
Sarah is simply a member of the team, and she says that’s something that resonates through the program.
“Within my grade level and even the grade older, since I’ve played since the first grade, I think they’re just used to it -- we’re definitely just regular teammates,” she said. “They don’t treat me any different than the other kids; they’re just out there to play football. I’d probably be annoyed if they didn’t hit me as hard as they hit everyone else.”
Despite that, the Marvin siblings realize their situation is unique, and they feel fortunate to be able to experience playing together for at least one more week.
“(Getting on the field together) would be a really cool thing to do,” Sarah Marvin said. “Especially in his senior year.”
Paul Costanzo served as a sportswriter at The Port Huron Times Herald from 2006-15, including three years as lead sportswriter, and prior to that as sports editor at the Hillsdale Daily News from 2005-06. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Bay, Arenac, Midland and Gladwin counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) TJ, left, and Sarah Marvin take the field for Byron’s varsity and junior varsity teams, respectively, this season. (Middle) TJ and Sarah first teamed up nine years ago when TJ was in 3rd grade and Sarah in 1st. (Photos courtesy of the Marvin family.)
Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Semis Review
November 25, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Special for Second Half
Buckle up. We’re headed for the home stretch.
The final 16 contenders for this season’s MHSAA 11-player football championships were set over the weekend, and Detroit on Friday and Saturday will be the final stop to conclude another memorable season.
Below we discuss all 16 Semifinals just a bit, with more detailed previews of the championship games coming out Wednesday. We’ll also include this past weekend’s 8-Player Finals – congratulations to first-time champions Colon and Pickford! – when we wrap up our review of the MHSAA Football Finals as a whole next week.
“Drive for Detroit” is powered by MI Student Aid
Division 1
Brighton 22, Belleville 19
The Bulldogs (11-2) will play in their first MHSAA Final in football, while Belleville ended its season in the Semifinals for the second-straight year. Brighton scored with under a minute left to earn the first championship game trip, and also held Belleville (12-1) to its fewest points scored this season. Click for more from the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Brighton (@godogs_football) vs. Belleville - Division 1 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/EBR6WSMk9Q
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 23, 2019
Davison 34, Sterling Heights Stevenson 27 (OT)
The Cardinals (11-2) also will play in their first MHSAA football championship game after outlasting Stevenson. Davison, playing its first Semifinal since 2008, trailed throughout but caught up before the end of regulation and then made a stop in overtime to finish the comeback. The Titans (8-5) had made the playoffs as an additional qualifier before reaching their first Semifinal since 2009. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Davison (@DavCardFootball) vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson - Division 1 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. @DavisonMade @davisonwc
Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/SHWMaXepTR
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Division 2
Muskegon Mona Shores 57, Walled Lake Western 56
The reigning Division 2 runner-up Sailors (11-2) booked their return to Ford Field with a touchdown with 17 seconds to play followed by a go-ahead 2-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point – making back-up quarterback Brady Rose one of the biggest stars of the weekend. Walled Lake Western (11-2) was playing in its fourth Semifinal this decade and tied its most points scored in a game this fall. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Mona Shores (@sailorathletics) vs. Walled Lake Western - Division 2 @MHSAA Semifinal from this afternoon. Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/mjhgCori9i
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Detroit Martin Luther King 60, Birmingham Seaholm 17
The Crusaders (11-2) will play for a second-straight MHSAA Finals championship to follow up last season’s won in Division 3. The reached 60 points for the first time since Week 5 of 2017 and held Seaholm (9-4) to nearly 20 points before its average. The Maples were playing in their first Semifinal since 1997. Click for more from MLive-Detroit.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Detroit King (@DetKingFootball) vs. Seaholm - Division 2 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/6uH4H9Cp4P
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Division 3
Muskegon 28, DeWitt 21
The Big Reds (13-0) outlasted DeWitt in their only playoff games decided by fewer than 38 points, and one of only two games they played decided by single digits this fall. Last season’s Division 3 runner-up, Muskegon went ahead to stay with just more than two minutes remaining and held off a final rally by the Panthers (10-3), who were playing in their fifth Semifinal this decade. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Muskegon (@OnMuskegon) vs. DeWitt - Division 3 @MHSAA Semifinal from this afternoon. @MuskCoFootball @CM240
Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/hkf0kqHpQY
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
River Rouge 14, Chelsea 7
The Panthers (12-1) likewise received their toughest challenge of the playoffs, as Chelsea gave them one of only three games decided by single digits this season. River Rouge scored both of its touchdowns during the fourth quarter after Chelsea (12-1) led for a quarter and a half. The Bulldogs were trying for their second-straight trip to the Finals after finishing Division 4 runner-up a year ago. Click for more from the Detroit News.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the River Rouge (@RougeFootball) vs. Chelsea - Division 3 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/vn8myIIMIO
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 23, 2019
Division 4
Grand Rapids Catholic Central 56, Hudsonville Unity Christian 17
The Cougars (12-1) will play for their third Division 4 championship in four years after eliminating last season’s Division 5 title winner, Unity (9-4). It was the seventh time these teams met in the playoffs this decade, and fifth time the result went GRCC’s way. The Cougars scored their most points this season in earning the trip to Detroit. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Grand Rapids Catholic Central (@GRCatholicCentr) vs. Unity Christian - Division 4 @MHSAA Semifinal from this afternoon.
Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/ifsI5zUaSf
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Detroit Country Day 21, Flint Powers Catholic 0
Country Day (13-0) will return to Ford Field for the first time since 2016 (when it also faced GRCC) after posting its fourth shutout this season. It’s easy to marvel at the Yellowjackets’ defense, which is now giving up just 5.2 points per game. Powers (10-3) was playing in its third Semifinal this decade and capped its best run since 2015. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Detroit Country Day (@DCDSAthletics) vs. Flint Powers - Division 4 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Courtesy: @MHSAA.tv
Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/3HrO0G1mfB
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Division 5
Lansing Catholic 28, Kingsley 14
The Cougars (12-1) are known for offense, but headed to Ford Field for the first time since 2014 as much thanks to a defensive effort that held Kingsley (12-1) nearly 32 points below its season average. Lansing Catholic is giving up only 13 points per game. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
See the video highlights from Lansing Catholic's state semifinal win: https://t.co/avSHBQ8r7e via @LSJnews
— Brian Calloway (@brian_calloway) November 24, 2019
Almont 36, Detroit Denby 8
In its third Semifinal this decade, Almont (13-0) advanced to its first football championship game also with another outstanding defensive performance. The Raiders lowered their points-given-up average to 10 with their best showing of the playoffs, halting Denby’s longest playoff run and most successful season at 10-3.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the @AlmontRaidersFB vs. Denby - Division 5 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. @AlmontAthletics
Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/PLTPP73lGC
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 23, 2019
Division 6
Maple City Glen Lake 31, Montague 30 (OT)
The Lakers (12-1) are headed to their second MHSAA Final in four seasons thanks to a mighty comeback against last season’s Division 6 runner-up. Glen Lake trailed by 14 with under five minutes left in regulation, but pushed the game to overtime with a touchdown pass on the last play of the fourth quarter. Montague (10-3) finished with three losses this fall by a combined 13 points. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Glen Lake (@GlenLakeSchools) vs. Montague - Division 6 @MHSAA Semifinal from this afternoon.
Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/Anlw0EURkU
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 17, Onsted 14
St. Mary will play in its third Final this decade and first since winning Division 6 in 2014 thanks to Wyatt Bergmoser’s 20-yard field goal on the game’s final play. The Falcons (11-1) held off an Onsted team that finished 10-3 and rallied after a 2-2 start to reach the Semifinals for the first time since 1993. The close win for SMCC came after its last two playoff runs ended in Regional Final losses by two and one point. Click for more from the Monroe News.
Onsted vs. Monroe St. Mary MHSAA Division 6 semifinal 11-23-19 | Photo Gallery https://t.co/bRwyZi3sGQ
— JTV Sports (@JTV_Sports) November 25, 2019
Division 7
Pewamo-Westphalia 43, Iron Mountain 7
Friday night at the Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University saw two undefeated teams meet and P-W (13-0) earn its fourth trip to Ford Field over the last five seasons. After giving up 35 points to reigning champ New Lothrop in a one-point win the week before, the Pirates’ defense bounced back to hold the Mountaineers (12-1) to their season low. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Pewamo-Westphalia (@PWGRIDIRON) vs. Iron Mountain - Division 7 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from tonight. Brought to you by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/5frtnZNIod
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 23, 2019
Jackson Lumen Christi 27, Cass City 0
Lumen Christi scored one point less than Cass City had given up over the last 10 weeks combined, finding enough openings against one of the state’s most accomplished defenses to reach a fourth-straight Final. The Titans (12-0) also posted their second shutout of the fall, like P-W bouncing back on that side of the ball after giving up 30 in a Regional Final. Cass City finished 11-2 in reaching the Semifinals for the first time. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen-Patriot.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Lumen Christi (@Titan78378009) vs. Cass City - Division 6 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/3mIv7mz4b6
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 23, 2019
Division 8
Beal City 21, Ubly 20
The Aggies (12-1) came back from an early 14-0 deficit to edge Ubly and reach the MHSAA Finals for the first time since back-to-back trips in 2012 and 2013. The Bearcats went for the win after a last-minute score, but Beal City made a stop on the conversion and again after Ubly (10-3) recovered the ensuing onside kick. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Beal City vs. Ubly - Division 8 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Courtesy: @MHSAA.tv
Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/eotIVO5Ut6
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
Reading 62, Fowler 18
The reigning champ has earned an opportunity to repeat, as Reading (12-1) put up 60 points for the third time this season and held the Eagles scoreless during the second half. Fowler, playing in its first Semifinal since 2011, finished with its best record since that fall at 11-2. Click for more from the Hillsdale Daily News.
VIDEO: Check out the highlights of the Reading vs. Fowler - Division 8 @MHSAA Football Semifinal from this afternoon. Courtesy: Hometown Media Network. Brought to you by @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/fImEPdoqSg
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsnet) November 24, 2019
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PHOTO: Detroit King's Terence Maize (99) wraps up Birmingham Seaholm's Chaz Strecker during the Crusaders' Division 2 Semifinal win Saturday. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)