Watervliet duo willing team to monster season in production & wins, insight from Coach

Through 6 games the Watervliet Panthers have had their ups and downs, but have emerged with a 6-0 record heading into the 7th week of the season. The Panthers and Kalamazoo United met in week 5 with 4-0 records and Watervliet won by the score of 52-34. The Panthers have three tough opponents to close the season with Constantine, Schoolcraft, and Coloma.

Panthers Head Coach Jeremy Andrews was able to comment on two of his key senior leaders who are near the top of the state in every statistic.

Watervliet 2018 QB/DB Zack Pickens leads the state with 2,049 passing yards and has 727 rushing yards on top of 37 total touchdowns.

Watervliet 2018 LB/WR Bryant Kieft leads the state with 886 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. Kieft also has 53 tackles at OLB.

Watervliet is a Division 6 high school west of Kalamazoo on I-94 so not too many kids transfer or move in/out of the district. The equation has equaled great chemistry between Pickens and Kieft, explained Andrews, "Well, they definitely have great chemistry. Its actually been built pretty quick. We didn't move Bryant to receiver until this summer. Both guys worked very hard in 7 on 7 and during the early part of the season to be on the same page. Being seniors and guys that have played together for years certainly helps that chemistry as well. They have really exploded the last couple weeks in particular."

Watervliet has reached the playoffs each year since 2011 and each of those 6 seasons are the highest amount of points scored in school history. With Kieft and Pickens as seniors, Andrews discussed what's expected of the two, "Our expectations were that they would be exceptional players. They are both very talented and willing to put in the work (the mental and physical work). When you combine talent with great work ethic you get special players. Zack and Bryant absolutely fall into that category. Two of the best in school history."

This past week, Watervliet and Delton Kellogg were evened at halftime as they faced a tough challenge with Central Michigan commit, Tyden Ferris across the field. Kieft finished with over 300 receiving yards and 14 tackles while Pickens had 500 yards of offense and 8 touchdowns as they wore down Kellogg, winning 58-44. "This past week those two just wouldn't let us lose," said Andrews. "Not just offensively, but defensively as well. Bryant had a ton of tackles and Zack forced a fumble and recovered it in the fourth quarter. They also connected on a 4th and 5 for a 25 yard TD late in the 4th to put the game away. Like I said, they are special players who rose to the occasion this last week. We need them to keep that going so our season can be special as well."