Fenton's Setzke Prepares for State Power, Brother-in-Law

Jeff Setzke knows a little bit about Lowell football.

Not because the Fenton coach has watched a lot of game film of the team.

Or because his Tigers have often played the state powerhouse, whose mascot is Red Arrows.

He knows Lowell football because the head coach, Noel Dean is his brother-in-law.

And this year they will be coaching on the same field for the first time in more than a decade.

Fenton (9-2) will travel to Lowell Saturday to play for the Regional Championship at 1 p.m.  against the Red Arrows (10-1).

"It's the first time its happened in 16 years, the last time we coached together," Setzke said. "It’s cool for family. Whoever wins is going to be in the semis and that’s fun for the family."

Dean actually helped get Setzke started in coaching. Dean was the head coach at Bendle High School in Burton and offered Setzke the defensive coordinator position. Setzke later took over the Bendle head coaching job before taking over as Fenton’s coach.

Just because they are family, don’t expect either coach to show any mercy. Lowell has been a perennial state power, winning state titles in 2009, 2004 and 2002. The Red Arrows lost 38-28 state championship game last year against Farmington Hills Harrison.

“The playoffs have breathed some life into us,” Noel Dean told the Grand Rapids Press. “The regular season is the regular season, but with the playoffs, everyone in Lowell gets excited. It’s a lot more fun.”

The Fenton defense, which has played outstanding recently, will have its hands full with Red Arrow quarterback Gabe Dean.

He won the Associated Press’ Division 1-2 Player of the Year award last year when he ran for more than 2,000 yards and scored 34 touchdowns. He also threw for more than 1,750 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s done more of the same this year.

"He will pose a lot of problems for us," Setzke said.

The Tigers have taken their game to a new level during playoff time the last two years, however.

"We have a goal each week to get better," Setzke said. "We practice to be good in the playoffs."

Fenton quarterback Houston Shaw said the losses during the season actually have helped the team.

"The losses make us bond together more. Most of have been playing together since youth football. We hate to lose. We love to win," Shaw said.