Inland Lakes’ Mayer, Willey earn AP All-State football honors

LANSING – Sam Mayer and Jake Willey are two big reasons why the Inland Lakes Bulldogs have had tons of success on the football field over the last few seasons.

This year was no different for the two players, who helped lead the Bulldogs to a second consecutive unbeaten Ski Valley Conference Championship season.

Most recently, both Mayer, a senior defensive back, and Willey, a junior wide receiver, were recognized for strong seasons on the gridiron by being named to the Associated Press 8-Player All-State team as Honorable mentions.

During his final campaign with the Bulldogs, Mayer finished with 60 total tackles – 33 solo and 27 assists – while also intercepting three passes and recovering a fumble.

Meanwhile, Willey was strong on the Offensive side of the ball, catching 26 passes for 416 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Willey also rushed for 188 yards on the season.

Throughout the season, Mayer and Willey were among the Bulldogs’ best two-way players on the field.

Being named the AP’s 8-Man Football Player of the Year was Powers North Central quarterback Luke Gorzinski.

Other Northern Michigan players earning spots on the AP 8-Player All-State team as Honorable Mentions were Gaylord St. Mary running back Dillon Croff, Rogers City running back Isaac Paul, Rudyard defensive back Aiden Bickel, and Newberry athlete Matthew Rahilly.