Grand Blanc aims for a fourth straight SVL title
- Jonathan Turner
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Fresh off a 16-2-2 campaign and a Saginaw Valley League championship, Grand Blanc returns with the pieces to contend again in MHSAA Division 1. The Bobcats have won the SVL three years running and will chase a fourth consecutive league crown while navigating what’s expected to be an extremely tough district after last year’s district-semifinal exit.
2024 Snapshot
Record: 16-2-2
League: Saginaw Valley League — 1st place
Postseason: Lost in district semifinals
2025 Outlook
Grand Blanc’s core is balanced front to back with experience in goal, steel in midfield, and pace up top. The Bobcats expect to defend the SVL title and make a deeper postseason push. Notably, the program will start a freshman for the first time in five years with Elijah Horne stepping into the varsity XI—an early sign of both talent and trust in the newest class.
Key Returners
Raymond Gregory, D — Organizes the back line; first name on the teamsheet in defense.
Dane Felt, MF — Two-way engine in the middle; connects lines and sets tempo.
Hassan Ali, MF — Creative spark who can unlock compact blocks.
Brodie Harris, MF — Ball-winning presence; keeps Grand Blanc on the front foot.
Owen Applebee, GK — Proven shot-stopper and calming voice in big moments.
Ande Womack, F — Direct threat who stretches defenses and finishes in space.
Also in the mix: Miles McGuire, Dane Felt, Owen Applebee (leadership group and returning impact players).
Newcomer to Know
Elijah Horne, Fr. — Poised to become Grand Blanc’s first freshman starter since 2019–20; adds immediate athleticism and hunger to the lineup.
What to Watch
Title defense: Can the Bobcats manage the SVL grind and convert tight league wins into postseason momentum?
Midfield control: With Felt, Ali, and Harris, Grand Blanc’s identity runs through the center of the park.
Big-game moments: Applebee’s experience in goal will matter in razor-thin district matchups.
Bottom Line
With experience in goal, a seasoned midfield, and a notable freshman breaking through, Grand Blanc has the profile of a league favorite and a district contender. If the Bobcats sharpen their late-season edge, a deeper October run is firmly in play.
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