Golden Helmet winners for Week 1 have season off to flying start

Bay City Central’s Cade Sowinski (45) gains yards against Flushing at Engel Stadium in Bay City on Thursday, August 24, 2023.Kent Miller | For MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Times and Coca-Cola are teaming up for the 59th year of the Golden Helmet Award, honoring the Bay City area’s top performers each week of the high school football season.

Coaches are asked to nominate candidates when reporting their results. Weekly winners are eligible to win Golden Helmet Player of the Year, presented by Coca-Cola.

Here is a look at the Week 1 honorees for 2023 along with a nod to players who are marking their 10-, 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-year milestones of winning the weekly award.

Donald Corlew III of the Gladwin football team for 2023.

DONALD CORLEW III, GLADWIN

It seems that Gladwin has found its next football hero. This season is Corlew’s time to shine and he embraced the opportunity with a whirlwind performance in a 42-28 victory over Ogemaw Heights. “Not many people know about him, but – watch out – this is a kid who could hit the 1,000-yard mark,” Gladwin coach Marc Jarstfer said. “He has big-play ability, we just didn’t need to go to him much last year.” After scoring one touchdown as a sophomore, Corlew had a hand in five TDs in this year’s season opener. The junior caught eight passes for 222 yards and three scores – covering 25, 66 and 45 yards – and ran for a game-clinching 46-yard TD. He also threw a 56-yard touchdown pass, for good measure.

Garber’s Max Fellows (4) poses for a photograph during the annual Bay City high school football media day at Carroll Park in Bay City on Friday, July 28, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

MAX FELLOWS, ESSEXVILLE GARBER

The Dukes are banking on a big season from their tall, fast and athletic senior, and he showed he’s ready to deliver in Week 1. Fellows fronted the offense and defense, leading Garber to a 42-14 victory over Hemlock. “Max was on point on both sides of the ball,” Garber coach Jake Coquillard. “His athletic ability has always been evident, but the physicality, toughness and leadership that he brings this year makes him one of the best players in the state.” Fellows hauled in nine receptions, turning them into 185 yards and three touchdowns. The defensive back also registered eight tackles, including two for loss, and forced a fumble.

Cole Pendred of the Au Gres football team for 2023.

COLE PENDRED, AU GRES

Good things happen when the ball is in Pendred’s hands. And he made certain it was in his hands a lot in leading the Wolverines to a 54-0 win over Atlanta. The senior safety came up with a whopping four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in the shutout performance. He also came up big as a wing on offense, catching three balls for 48 yards and rushing nine times for 124 yards and two touchdowns. “He has developed great leadership skills and has high expectations for himself and the rest of the team,” Au Gres coach Brian Sanchez said. “He is strong with great speed and good field vision. He is a great asset for us on both sides of the ball.”

Cade Sowinski of the Bay City Central football team for 2023.

CADE SOWINSKI, BAY CITY CENTRAL

In a game that called for a tough-nosed mindset, the Wolves had the right player leading the way. The senior not only kept his team pushing onward at quarterback but set a physical tone at linebacker in a 28-27 victory over Flushing. “Cade’s ability and willingness to run through contact makes it difficult for him to be tackled,” Central coach Kevin Frederick said. “His strength sets him apart from most.” Sowinski rushed 17 times for 78 tough yards. He ran for one touchdown and threw for a 74-yard score that got the Wolves back in the game. He also fronted the defense with eight tackles, including two for loss.

Garber senior Sean Reilly (28) carries the ball, pursued by Pinconning's Taylen Rabich (71), at the season opener of 2013.The Bay City Times/MLive.com

WEEK 1 WINNERS FOR 2013

Dakota Biddle, Akron-Fairgrove

Jens Gillings, Whittemore-Prescott

Sean Reilly, Essexville Garber

*Quinn Smith, Owendale-Gagetown

Bay City Western offensive lineman David McShane blocks Midland High's Joseph Grillo during a 2013 game.Times Photo

WEEK 1 WINNERS FOR 2003

David McShane, Bay City Western

Tony Smith, Beaverton

Jake Stimmel, Clare

Josh Wickert, Akron-Fairgrove

WEEK 1 WINNERS FOR 1993

*Brad Bolton, Mio

Darrell Revette, Bay City Western

Chris Schember, Laker

Brad Webster, Pinconning

WEEK 1 WINNERS FOR 1983

Gene Arndt, Pinconning

*Mike Boomer, Bay City Central

Terry Franklin, Alcona

*Dan Murdoch, Caseville

Stan Izykowski was Golden Helmet Player of the Year for the Bay City All Saints football team in 1973. (Bay City Times file)Bay City Times file

WEEK 1 WINNERS FOR 1973

Jerry Coviak, Gaylord St. Mary

Roger Fritz, Ogemaw Heights

*Stan Izykowski, Bay City All Saints

Larry Klawinski, Bay City Central

*Golden Helmet Player of the Year

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