Sandwiched Between Giants: A Beautiful Hopkins Football Story (2000–2003)

There’s something sacred about high school football in Hopkins, Michigan. Under those Friday night lights, in the cool West Michigan air, football wasn’t just a sport—it was a culture built on discipline, grit, and an unwavering brotherhood. We bled **blue and white**, and looking back on the 2000–2003 Varsity seasons, those years shaped who we were and set a standard that still stays with me today.
**Standing on the Shoulders of Legends**
You can’t talk about Hopkins Viking Football without honoring the men who built the foundation.
First and foremost, a moment of profound respect for the late, great Hall of Famer **Coach Mick Francis** (RIP). Coach Francis didn’t just win games; he forged character. He demanded perfection, expected heart, and taught us how to stand tall against any opponent. Alongside him were pillars of the program like **Rex Weaver** and **Jim Newell**—coaches who poured their wisdom, energy, and lives into making sure we knew what it meant to compete with honor and toughness. Their legacy is etched into every play and every memory from those seasons.
**The Foursome: Both Sides of the Line**
We had an incredible foursome on that field, taking care of business on both sides of the ball:
* **Justin Schaendorf (“The Sack King”):** A total powerhouse who lined up alongside me at Defensive Tackle to wreak havoc inside, and teamed up with me at Tight End on offense. To this day, he still holds the school record for sacks.
* **Brian Johnson (“The Tackle King”):** Anchoring the defense from the Linebacker spot, he racked up an unbelievable 200-plus tackles, stopping anything that crossed the line, while also dominating on offense as an All-State Guard.
* **Josh Lanser:** The last of the Four Horsemen—and definitely not the least. Pure lightning as our Outside Linebacker and an All-Universe Honorable Mention Back. He was the fastest man on the turf and, honestly, he still cannot be caught.
Playing sandwiched between those guys on the defensive line, I was the self-proclaimed “king of humility.” When you’re lined up next to thoroughbreds who dominate every single snap on defense and offense, you learn your role, hold your ground, and appreciate the privilege of running with true horses. As for what I brought to the mix? You’d have to ask them, though it was probably nothing more than a cool rain on a hot summer practice. I loved that crew, and I miss those boys.
**Forever a Viking**
Time moves on, but those memories don’t fade. Through every grueling summer practice, every hard-fought win, and every battle on the gridiron from 2000 to 2003, we were bound together by something stronger than just game plans.
To Justin, Brian, Josh, and the rest of the crew who bled blue and white alongside us during those unforgettable years: thank you for the battle, the laughs, and the brotherhood. What a beautiful football story.
*Love you boys forever. Go Vikings.*