By Scott DeCamp
LocalSportsJournal.com
With back-to-back perfect regular seasons in 2022 and 2023, Whitehall has securely moved into the “haves” category of Michigan high school football as opposed to residing in “have-nots” territory.
“Right now, the nice thing is that we’re not selling hope, we’re selling results, and that’s a big thing,” said Whitehall coach Tony Sigmon, who carries a 75-43 overall record into his 12th season at the helm. “We want more results this year.”
Whitehall has boasted a 21-2 record in the last two seasons combined. The Vikings have won three straight West Michigan Conference titles, including the last two in the WMC Lakes Division.
The 2022 team set a school record for wins in a season at 11-1, established a new program mark for points scored with 530, and made a run to the Division 4 regional finals before dropping a heartbreaker to eventual state champ Grand Rapids South Christian.
It was more of the same for Whitehall in 2023, as the Vikings went 10-1, posted a record six shutouts, and outscored opponents a combined 490-98. They were upset in the Division 4 district finals by Big Rapids, 28-27.
“For our future, for our success, we have to kind of follow the map or the road path of how we got here,” said Sigmon, who alluded to the line: If you can’t master the little things, then how can you master the big things?
Last fall, Whitehall entered the season with a bevy of playmakers, but questions about the offensive line. This season, the Vikings feature a big and experienced O-line led by returning senior starters Jack Ambrose (6-foot-3, 260 pounds), Connor Nash (6-3, 235), and Parker Mott (5-10, 210), but have some spots to fill in the skill positions.
Sigmon noted the importance of keeping players fresh along the offensive and defensive lines.
Whitehall suffered several graduation losses from last fall’s 10-1 squad, including three-year starting quarterback Kyle Stratton, who is now playing football at Taylor University.
However, the Vikings have the luxury of moving senior standout Camden Thompson from his receiver spot to the starting QB position. The 6-5, 195-pounder is a Division I-bound football and basketball player, committed to Western Michigan University.
Sigmon said he really likes who Thompson is and what he’s becoming. About the other prospects in the skill positions, Sigmon said those players have “worked their tails off” all offseason and summer. While there may be some unknowns right now, it doesn’t mean they’re not ready for their opportunity, according to the Vikings coach.
“I’m very happy with (Thompson) right now at that quarterback position,” Sigmon said. “I think a lot of people want to compare (him to Kyle Stratton). There are so many good similarities to them: Hard-working, remarkably competitive. You know, in so many ways their athletic careers have driven the boat, driven the ship. Kids recognize that.”
Sigmon’s comments about Thompson are not just coach-speak.
Level-headed, multi-talented senior Ryan Goodrich can vouch for his coach when it comes to the way Thompson has adapted to his new position and leadership role on the team.
“Cam is a large boost. The biggest step I’ve seen him take is just his leadership role this year,” said Goodrich, who will man running back and linebacker positions. “Everyone knows he’s an athlete – he’s been an athlete his whole life. He’s just become a great leader and a very mature player.”
Goodrich also highlighted the addition of fellow senior wrestler Gavin Craner, a running back/defensive edge player, who is a “Swiss Army knife” and brings speed and toughness to the field for the Vikings. Craner was an undefeated state champion last wrestling season.
Whitehall again faces a challenging schedule. The Vikings open on the road Aug. 29 against Unity Christian at Hudsonville. They kick off WMC Lakes play at Orchard View in Week 2, then have their home opener in Week 3 against Division 3 powerhouse Zeeland West and welcome neighboring rival Montague in Week 4 in the “Battle for the Bell.”
Whitehall closes the regular season on the road against perennially tough Portland, which advanced to the Division 4 state semifinals last season.
“We really love our beginning of the year with those two wing-T teams out of conference with Unity Christian and Zeeland West,” Goodrich said. “That’s just what you see at the higher level in the playoffs. And then Portland was obviously a great team last year. We got to see them this summer at a camp and I think they’re just great competition.”