BENZONIA — Benzie Central football hopes to rebound after a 2-6 regular season with high hopes for the 2026 campaign.
Brian Lark, who is in his second year at the helm, is ready for the Huskies to remain competitive.
“I have a tremendous amount of talent,” Lark said. “We have to solidify the line, offensive and defensive, but our skill positions are well above most of the teams I’ve ever coached.”
Benzie Central senior fullback Parker Pritchett will be leading the charge.
“Two hundred twenty-five pounds and runs a 4.46,” Lark said. “Just a big kid and his grades are outstanding, his personality is unbelievable. He’s just a great kid, and you couldn’t ask for a better person to play ball for you.”
Lark described the difference a second year in the system makes and the growth of the offensive and defensive lines.
Benzie Central earned wins over Tawas and Oscoda during the 2025 season.
“It’s best when you get to the second year, you’re not reteaching, you’re not fixing what was broken before,” Lark said. “You’ve got your system in, they’re starting to memorize it. Your verbiage is the most important part of your program, because that’s a consistency in your program, and if the kids understand what you’re talking about, then you can speak at the same level. You’re teaching technique instead of fixing everything. The biggest aspect is solidifying the line. The offensive line is playing the same spot for the second year in a row, which makes it a lot easier for them.”
Benzie Central graduated several key athletes last year, but has reloaded to try and improve on last year’s record.
Benzie Central has moved to a new conference this season, which Lark sees as a major positive with more competition and far less travel.
The Huskies face Frankfort, Johannesburg-Lewiston, Kalkaska, Tawas, Harbor Springs, Glen Lake, East Jordan, Mancelona and Oscoda in the revamped Northern Michigan Football Conference. The lone non conference game this season is against Elk Rapids in October.