If the Dowagiac football team is going to reach the state playoffs for a fourth straight season, it will have to work its way through a very challenging schedule.

The Chieftains, who were 7-4 last season and are 27-7 over the past three years, opening up their 2014 campaign on the road tonight in Plainwell.

Of the team’s first six games, four of them come against playoff teams from a year ago, including Plainwell.

Dowagiac returns six starters on offense, including Bryce Dodd, who will quarterback the Chieftains this season.

Dodd missed much of last year due to a broken ankle.

On defense, Dowagiac returns seven players.

Plainwell is coming off the best regular season in school history.

The Trojans were 8-1 last year, but were bounced out of the playoffs in the opening round by Wayland Union.

During the past three years, under the direction of coach Darren Conklin, Plainwell has won 22 games, including a 10-0 win against the Chieftains last season.

The Trojans return several key pieces from last season, including running back Jacob Geter and quarterback Trent Monroe, who helped Plainwell score 311 points in 10 games.

The Trojans also have back most of its defense, which allowed just 80 points last season.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

 

Cassopolis at New Buffalo

The Rangers are looking for a victory in their first game in the BCS Athletic Conference tonight when they head to New Buffalo.

Cassopolis won seven games in coach Dan Purlee’s second season and qualified for the playoffs in 2013.

Among the key returners for the Rangers are quarterback Nick Murphy and running backs Noah Woods, Isiaih Crider and AJ Green. Also back for Cassopolis are center Jacob Roth and offensive linemen Tim Born and Zach Newton and tight end Tymari Brown.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Edwardsburg at Three Rivers

The Eddies are hoping to put the memory of the final game of last season behind them.

Edwardsburg had its first 9-0 regular season, which included a 36-0 victory over Dowagiac in week eight.

The Eddies and Chieftains were matched up in the first round of the MHSAA playoffs and Dowagiac upset Edwardsburg 21-17.

The first step in erasing those demons from a year ago comes tonight when the Eddies head to Three Rivers for its season opener.

Edwardsburg was top heavy with seniors last year, so veteran coach Kevin Bartz returns just three starters on offense and four on defense.

One of those starters on offense is quarterback Dante Razzano, who split time at that position in 2013. Last year he threw for 131 yards and ran for 178 with four touchdowns.

The Wildcats are coming off a 5-4 campaign and a third place finish in the Wolverine Conference West Division.

Three Rivers is no longer in the West due to realignment following the departure of Comstock and the addition of Sturgis.

The Wildcats will have a new quarterback in Zak Zagon, who moves from a wide receiver’s spot last season. Also back are running back Bailey Miholer-Wortinger, wide receiver Johnel Stewart and tight end Brandon Verwey.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.