PELLSTON — Jack Carter never seems to lack energy.
Every year he’s been Pellston’s football coach, that energy is on display, whether it's a practice or a game.
Right now, his program is in a unique spot after deciding not to join the Bridge Alliance Conference and instead playing as an independent. But while the Hornets won't be in a conference this fall, they're still itching for action.
“(Playing as an independent is), it’s what was best for us and best for Pellston football,” Carter said. “It’s about what’s best for our program and what we can do two years down the road. I think this is a win-win situation for us. I think it gives us a chance to see different teams and teams that are good."
Mainly, they’re eager for the chance to make their presence known against new opponents.
“We’re a big unknown,” Carter said. “What you don’t know can also be a good thing. I think going independent gives that opportunity for different competition. We’re not dodging anybody. I think it’s sort of like Christmas. You see a big box and get to open it up and find what’s in it. That’s what this team is.”
What Carter knows he has right now is a group that’s fully committed and ready to perform when it matters.
“I’ve liked the fact that this whole group of guys has come together as a team,” Carter said. “We have a bunch of new kids here, and they’re stepping up. We have four seniors, and the seniors that we have — they’re just doing the little things. We don’t have a standout player. We just have a bunch of good guys out here trying to work together as a team. They’ve showed up every morning and done the little things that we’ve asked."
Among those seniors is quarterback and linebacker Brett Bonter, who’s been Pellston’s starting signal-caller since his sophomore year, while senior Sam O’Neil is expected to be a key offensive and defensive contributor. Pistol Edwards, another senior, provides strength on the offensive line as a center, while junior Josiah DeLong will impact the Hornets as a running back and linebacker, and Hunter Brandt is a running back with solid speed. Junior Levi Nichols is also expected to be a part of Pellston’s offensive line.
“We have a unique team,” Carter said. “They’re meshing together and they’re doing it in a quiet matter, one that I’m not necessarily used to, but that’s what this team is. It’s a wait and see. We have to wait and see what we can do and see how these guys perform under pressure. “
Throughout the preseason, the Hornets have stayed consistent with around 15-19 players at practice, something Carter is encouraged by. As the season approaches, he sees an urgency from those players that want to hold their own against tough opposition, starting with a Week 1 clash at Gaylord St. Mary.
“That’s never an easy start, but that’s a good benchmark," Carter said. "We might face them again in the playoffs down the road, and (getting to the playoffs) is our goal. For three straight years, we did make the playoffs and then we went 1-8, 2-7 and 3-6, and that’s not acceptable. We've got to get better.”
With a grueling schedule in 2026, Carter said the key to a strong season isn’t just one thing.
“Stay healthy, keep your numbers up, and keep up the positive motivation,” Carter said.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: 'Big unknown' Pellston football ready for fresh start as independent
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