So you think you know football and can pick game winners better than the local “experts?” (Believe me, I use that term very loosely). Here is your chance to put your knowledge to the test.

In addition to a completely re-imagined fall sports section, Leader Publications is revamping its annual Football Forecasters contest this year with a few wrinkles to make it more interesting for readers, advertisers and our prognosticators.

Here is how it will work.

Each week, starting Aug. 27, an entry form will be published into our paid newspapers — the Niles Daily Star, the Dowagiac Daily News, the Edwardsburg Argus and the Cassopolis Vigilant — as well as both versions of the free Leader shopper. Readers can fill out the entry form, choosing who they think will win from a slate of games that, for the first time, will include high school, college and professional games.

Entry forms must be submitted to our office by Tuesday of the following week.

The reader who gets the most games correct each week — along with winning a tie-breaker if necessary — will win a $25 gift card and get their picture in the newspaper. Plus, each weekly winner will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 grand prize at the end of the 13-week contest.

We also have a unique advertising opportunity for area businesses. Advertisers will make a weekly commitment where they will get ad space around the weekly picks to showcase their business. They will also have their smiling face, business name and picks listed among the forecasters.

The 16 advertisers who participate will be competing for hundreds of dollars in free advertising space. These individuals will also be competing against the 14 community forecasters — many of whom have participated for years — for a magnificent trophy that they can use to taunt their friends and ensure their football knowledge is recognized forever.

Our goal with this is to engage our readers, offer a unique opportunity for advertisers as well as showcase our team and community spirit.

This also complements our annual fall sports section, typically printed on newsprint in mostly black and white. Now dubbed The Kickoff, it will become a full-color, glossy magazine. The publication will feature team photos, interviews, schedules and more for all fall high school sports as well as NFL and college teams of local interest.

The Kickoff is an exciting project that will showcase area youth and allow advertisers to reach an engaged readership that cares about supporting our community. Anyone interested in these projects can reach out to me or their Leader marketing consultant.

So, the big question is: Are you ready for some football?

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.