5 Reasons Why Traverse City Central Football’s 2025 Season Was A Historic Upset Masterpiece
The Traverse City Central Trojans football program etched a new, unforgettable chapter into its storied history during the 2025 season. This wasn't just a successful run; it was a campaign defined by grit, dramatic upsets, and a return to championship glory that galvanized the entire Grand Traverse County community. The Trojans secured the coveted 2025 District Championship, culminating in one of the most surprising playoff victories in recent memory, proving that the tradition of excellence at Central High School is alive and thriving on the historic turf of Thirlby Field.
The success of the 2025 Trojans was built on a foundation of strong coaching, elite defensive play, and the ability to win nail-biting, high-pressure games. From dominating their local rivals to conquering state powerhouses, the team’s performance against a challenging schedule in the Saginaw Valley League - North demonstrated their readiness to compete at the highest level of Michigan high school football.
The 2025 District Championship Run and Historic Upset
The true measure of the 2025 Traverse City Central team was their performance in the MHSAA playoffs, where they faced a gauntlet of tough Division 2 opponents. The Trojans didn't just compete; they delivered a shockwave across the state with a monumental upset that instantly became the highlight of the season.
The Stunner: Defeating No. 2 Muskegon
The definitive moment of the 2025 season came on November 7, 2025, when the Traverse City Central Trojans traveled south to face the formidable and state No. 2-ranked Muskegon High School. In a dramatic tournament game played at the historic Hackley Stadium, the Trojans pulled off a stunning 16-14 upset victory. This win was not only a massive playoff victory but also secured the program's first Division 2 District Title since the 2021 season. The narrow two-point margin underscored the team's resilience and clutch performance under immense pressure, with the defense holding strong against one of the state’s most potent offenses.
The win was immediately celebrated as a significant addition to the "storied football lineage" of the program, with the coaching staff receiving immense credit for preparing the team for such an emotional and physical battle.
The Heartbreak: Regional Finals Battle
The Trojans’ incredible run eventually came to a close in the Division 2 Regional Finals on November 14, 2025. In another intensely close contest, Traverse City Central fell to Portage Central with a final score of 24-20. Despite the loss, reaching the Regional Finals cemented the 2025 Trojans as one of the most successful teams in recent Traverse City Central history, having demonstrated the capability to defeat top-tier opponents and claim the District Championship trophy.
Coaching Excellence and Key Player Entities
A championship season is always a reflection of strong leadership and exceptional talent. The 2025 Trojans were guided by a dedicated staff and powered by a core group of standout varsity players who delivered clutch performances throughout the year.
The Leadership: Coach Eric Schugars and Staff
The success of the 2025 playoff run is closely tied to Head Coach Eric Schugars, whose leadership guided the Trojans through the challenging District playoffs, including the monumental win over Muskegon. The Schugars name is deeply embedded in the TCC football tradition, adding a layer of historical significance to the 2025 achievement. Coach Schugars was supported by a dedicated staff, which included Assistant Coach Doug Gle and Head freshman football coach William Livingston, the latter of whom has been a part of the staff since 1999.
The team's structure also saw a recent coaching transition, with Tom Passinault serving as Head Coach in the 2023-24 season, highlighting the deep pool of experienced coaching talent within the program.
Key Varsity Roster Entities (2025-26 Season)
The roster for the 2025-2026 season was filled with impactful athletes who played crucial roles in the Trojans' success. These players formed the backbone of the team's offense and defense, consistently making game-changing plays:
- Connor Reb: A key varsity player, often seen making plays on both sides of the ball.
- Ryker Craig: Another critical component of the varsity squad, known for his athleticism.
- Carter Gle: Listed among the top players on the 2025-26 roster.
- Kelvin Kloosterman: Provided stability and strength to the team's core.
- Gabriel Link: A vital contributor to the Trojans' overall team dynamic.
These players, along with their teammates, embodied the "Traverse City Central Trojans" spirit, showcasing the dedication required to win a Division 2 title.
The Battle of the Titans: The Traverse City West Rivalry
No discussion of Traverse City Central football is complete without mentioning the intense and highly anticipated rivalry game against their cross-town foes, the Traverse City West Titans. Known locally as the "Battle of the Titans," this annual matchup is a highlight of the Northern Michigan high school sports calendar, drawing massive crowds to Thirlby Field.
The 2025 rivalry game was another classic, played on October 31, 2025. In a dramatic finish, the Trojans secured a narrow 15-13 victory over the Titans, further solidifying their local dominance and building crucial momentum heading into the playoffs. This win is a point of immense pride for the Traverse City Central community and is often considered a championship in itself.
Conference and Home Field Authority
Traverse City Central High School competes in the Big North Conference (BNC) for most sports, but for football, they operate within the challenging Saginaw Valley League - North (SVL-North). This dual-conference structure ensures the Trojans face a diverse and highly competitive schedule, including games against regional powerhouses like Mt. Pleasant, Dow, Midland, and Bay City.
All home games are played at Thirlby Field, a venue steeped in history. Built in 1934, the 7,000-seat stadium is one of the most revered high school football venues in Michigan, having hosted games since 1896. The atmosphere at Thirlby Field on a Friday night is a significant advantage for the Trojans, providing an electric environment for their key home matchups.
The 2025 Traverse City Central football season will be remembered as a masterclass in resilience and playoff execution. From the dramatic upset of No. 2 Muskegon to the hard-fought victory over Traverse City West, the Trojans demonstrated the power of tradition and teamwork. With a strong coaching staff and a talented core of players set for the future, the foundation is set for continued success in the Big North Conference and the MHSAA Division 2 state playoffs.
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