The hottest trending team in the state of Michigan is the Belleville Tigers. Jermain Crowell took over as the head coach in 2015 and over the last 4 seasons, they have a 37-7 overall record, with a 22-2 record over the last two seasons. In the 10 years prior to Crowell taking over, the Tigers won only 27 games total during that time span.
Even though they have not accomplished their ultimate goal of winning a state championship, they have improved each season and are the team to beat in Division 1 in 2019. The other 31 teams that qualify in Division 1 hope they are on the opposite side of the bracket when pairings are announced on selection Sunday. They may not openly admit it, but it is undoubtedly what they are thinking, with all the talent at Belleville. Belleville is dangerous, but they have proven they are beatable with the right game plan and strategy.
In 2018, they were 12-0 heading into the state semifinal game against Chippewa Valley but lost 28-16. Both teams were undefeated and had a lot of momentum, but Belleville lost the chess match and Chippewa went on to win the state title.
The playoffs the last few seasons for the returning players and staff have been a learning experience that will help build their program. This is a new season and a new opportunity to go the distance and achieve their ultimate goal.
Key Losses
Belleville loses Devontae Dobbs (Michigan State), Julian Barnett (Michigan State), Marvin Ham (Colorado), Jalen Hunt (Iowa), and Tyrece Woods (Buffalo). All of these players were part of the class of 2019.
Players to Watch on Offense
The read-option offense put up a lot of points in 2018, averaging 38 per game with a balanced attack on the ground and in the air. Christian Dhue-Reid (5’11 200) returns as the starting quarterback and has gained valuable experience in the last two seasons. He has made huge strides improving as a passer and has the mobility to scramble out of the pocket.
Dhue-Reid has one of the most talented receiving corps in the state and has plenty of weapons in the passing game. Jalen Williams (6’4 220) is a senior receiver on the outside that made big plays in playoff games last season. He is a player that will shine even more in 2019.
Deion Burks (5’11 185) and Darrell Johnson (5’8 165) are two 2021 slot receivers that know how to get open and can move the chains. Dylan Harris (5’10 180) and Ali Fisher (6’1 183) both played last season and contributed.
The Tigers also have Jeremiah Caldwell (6’2 170) and Christian Rapley (6’1 185), both 2022 prospects that have Power 5 offers. Cameron Dyson (6’2 175) is another 2022 receiver that has loads of talent and will be a future Division 1 player.
The Bigs
The offensive line has the experience, size, and depth that will help protect Dhue-Reid and pave the way in the run game. Coleon Smith (6’6 301) has all the tools and talent to dominate the line of scrimmage. Coleon just recently committed to Indiana University.
Sherod Green (6’2 330) is the most polished pass blocker and is the anchor inside. Hunter Little (6’4 280), Cameron Wallace (6’1 260), and Ja’kobe Watkins (6’2 265) started for the Tigers and will all be key players upfront for Belleville. Ramier Lewis (6’1 330) and Jason Johnson (6’3 300) will add depth to the offensive line.
Khalid Crawford and Deon Selma, the Tigers two main running backs the last couple of seasons, graduated, opening a fight for the starting job.
Players to Watch on Defense
The Tigers defense gave up 17.6 points per game last season. This is a great number for the majority of teams, but it was the most points given up per game by a Belleville team since Crowell took over in 2015.
The 2019 defense will be fierce and has more depth than they have ever had at Belleville. The elite players returning are Damon Payne and Andre Seldon. Payne is a 6-3, 260-pound junior defensive tackle with offers from everywhere, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Michigan State. Seldon is a 5-9, 160-pound lockdown corner that is committed to the University of Michigan.
Brenden Deasferndes (6’1 165) is a senior defensive back that committed to Iowa. Jamari Buddin (6’3 190) is a returning starter at outside linebacker and Myles Rowser (5’11 165) is a defensive back. Both picked up over a dozen Division 1 offers this offseason.
Chris Zaharie (6’1 212), Jeffrey Price (5’9 195), Derrick Agurs (6’3 180), Darrian Murray (5’10 185), and Dayvion Martin (6’0 205) are all gifted linebackers that will play a lot in 2019.
Crowell is known for producing some of the best defensive backs to come out of Michigan. This year they are deep again at this position group. Outside of Seldon and Rowser, Ronald Jackson (6’0 180), Deshaun Lee (5’10 150), Travon Monroe (5’10 160), and Michael Jenkins (6’0 190) all have the potential to be Division 1 caliber defensive backs before they graduate.
2019 Schedule
The Tigers begin their second season in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) East Division after winning the league title last year. They ran the table pretty easily last season and they should do the same this year. Their toughest opponent will be their rival, Dearborn Fordson, in week 6. They will also have a crossover game in week 9 against the KLAA West Division champions.
Belleville is at a point where they need to start looking for ways to challenge their team more early in the season with some stronger non-conference matchups, so they are battle-tested when playoffs start. You don’t want your team being tested for the first time in the District or Regional Championships. This program is ready to take that next step and challenge all takers.
2019 Outlook
Crowell is going into his 5th season and has the most talent of any team in the state from top to bottom of the roster. He has steadily improved how far they have gone in the playoffs each year since he took over. He was one game away from making it to Ford Field last year and probably has his best chance to be in the big dance this season.
He has the experienced quarterback, all the skilled position weapons on both sides of the ball, and the bigs up front to control the line of scrimmage. Now he has to put it all together and get them to be at their peak in November. The elite players on this team must also step up big in the playoffs when everything is on the line.
Can this team get over the hump and make it to Ford Field Thanksgiving weekend?
