Last year, two thirds of the high school football teams in Lenawee County made the postseason.
Addison, Adrian, Blissfield, Clinton, Hudson, Lenawee Christian, Sand Creek at Tecumseh all got in at least 10 games last season.
So what about the other four? Britton Deerfield, Madison, Morenci and Onsted are all looking to get back into the postseason and a new season brings new hope.
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BRITTON DEERFIELD
Last appearance: 2021, Division 1 8-man regional final
2023: 2-7
The Patriots first half of the season is about as brutal as it gets in 8-man football. BD hosts Pittsford, travels to Mendon, hosts Colon and Concord and then takes on Lenawee Christian on the road.
Those first five games feature a combined 2023 record of 39-14 and four state titles since 2019. If the Patriots come out of the first five games with at least two wins, the playoffs could be in sight as the final four games feature a combined 2023 record of 9-25.
As for BD goes, it does have some athletes returning including quarterback Caden Kubacki, Jayden Brooks, Caden Freeman, Jameson Watson, Luke Wiser and Alex Anspach to name a few.
MADISON
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2WDGPU_0v8ftf0M00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2WDGPU_0v8ftf0M00)
Last appearance: 2020, Division 6 district semifinal
2023: 1-8
After three-straight winning seasons, but only one playoff appearance, the Trojans will look to start the climb back to the postseason this season.
It won't be easy as Madison is in the LCAA and each week brings a tough test. The Trojans have one of the most experienced coaches in the county in Scott Gallagher and assistant coach Jim Deere has more experience than anyone around, especially on defense.
Madison certainly has weapons and now some experience on the offense, including returning starting quarterback Brian Dopp. Deere will have the defense playing its fullest potential so look for Madison to be a tough out each week.
MORENCI
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Last appearance: 2020, Division 8 district
2023: 2-6
The Bulldogs last made the playoffs in a season where everyone qualified. Outside of 2020, Morenci last made it in 2017.
The Bulldogs are under new leadership, but that does bring new excitement as Morenci could field a JV team for the first time in quite a while as numbers have grown.
The Bulldogs will look to gain more experience and hopefully begin the journey of becoming a playoff regular once again.
ONSTED
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=45XnDU_0v8ftf0M00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=45XnDU_0v8ftf0M00)
Last appearance: 2020, Division 6 district
2023: 2-7
The Wildcats might have the best chance to crack back into the playoffs out of the four who missed last season.
Onsted's last true playoff run was 2019 when the Wildcats made it all the way to the Division 6 semifinal when they lost to Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central on a last-second field goal. SMCC went on to win the title.
Of Onsted's seven losses, three were one-score games. The Wildcats have plenty of athletes and now in Year 3 under coach Aaron Amthor, Onsted will look to make a push up the LCAA standings.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: A look at the Lenawee County football teams outside the playoffs
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