The Johannesburg-Lewiston High School football team is gearing up for a new season, with a revamped conference and a fresh schedule that promises to bring excitement to the gridiron. Key matchups and dates have been revealed, offering a glimpse into what's in store for the Cardinals.
The Northern Michigan Football Conference (NMFC) has undergone a significant change, with several teams leaving the league and the divisions being abolished. This has resulted in a nine-team conference with an eight-game schedule, making each matchup crucial for teams looking to make a statement.
The Cardinals will face off against Tawas in their season opener on August 27, a game that will serve as a measuring stick for both teams. The two teams finished with a combined record of 0-16 last year, making this a key battle for both to gauge their progress.
Benzie Central will be the Cardinals' first non-conference opponent on September 3. The two programs have never crossed paths on the football field before, but this will now become an annual event in the NMFC. Benzie Central had a decent showing last year, with some impressive offensive performances against Tawas and Oscoda.
The Cardinals will then host Oscoda on September 11, a game that will be played on Military Appreciation Night. JL got its lone win of the 2025 season at Oscoda last year, and they will be looking to pick up another league victory in the new-look NMFC.
Frankfort will be the Cardinals' next opponent on September 18, a game that may have been JL's best showing in 2025. They lost by just 11 points to a future playoff team, and this game will serve as a measuring stick for the Cardinals' progression.
Maple City Glen Lake will be the Cardinals' next opponent on September 25, a game that will be played at the home of the Lakers. Glen Lake won the final NMFC-Legacy Championship and a Division 8 district championship in 2025, and they will be looking to make a strong statement in the new NMFC.
The Cardinals will then face off against Mancelona on October 2, a game that will be played at the home of the Ironmen. Mancelona showed just how big the gap was between the Cardinals and the top half of the league when they rolled through JL late last season.
East Jordan will be the Cardinals' next opponent on October 9, a game that will be played at the home of the Eagles. This will be a chance for the Cardinals to avenge a Week 2 shutout loss to EJ last season.
The Cardinals will then face off against Harbor Springs on October 16, a game that will be played on the road. This will be a major final test for how far the JLHS program has progressed.
Finally, the Cardinals will face off against Manton on October 23, a game that will be played at home. Manton has won five straight over the Cardinals, and this matchup will be a chance for JL to pick up a non-conference win and gain some momentum heading into the final weeks of the season.
The Johannesburg-Lewiston High School football team is gearing up for a new season, with a revamped conference and a fresh schedule that promises to bring excitement to the gridiron. The key matchups and dates have been revealed, and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season.
Source: Yahoo Sports