Charlevoix Eyes Third Straight Winning Season

CHARLEVOIX – A two-point loss to Harbor Springs in the final week of the 2015 season prevented the Charlevoix football program from clinching its second consecutive postseason berth.

Despite dropping their final two games of the season to finish 5-4, it marked the first time that the Rayders had posted back-to-back winning seasons since 2008-09.

"We went into the final two games, which would have secured a playoff berth for us, and we lost in the final seconds to Harbor Springs when they kicked a field goal,” coach Ron Bindi said. “We’re carrying 18 ball players and most have to go two ways and, you know, they were pretty committed this year and to the weight room during the summer and during practice. You know, our biggest thing is we have to, we have to be focused and, you know, we have to stay free from injuries."

The Rayders will again be contenders for a Northern Michigan Football League Leaders title after finishing in a three-way tie with Kalkaska and Harbor Springs for second a year ago. With the league’s restructuring, Mancelona, Glen Lake, Mesick and Onekama join the Leaders division, replacing East Jordan, Kalkaska and Harbor Springs.

Charlevoix opens its season at Elk Rapids on Friday.