The 2024 Niles football team is making history as it prepares for its first-ever appearance in the state final game.
With a remarkable 12-1 record, the Vikings are headed to Ford Field, where they can win the Division 4 state championship. School athletic director Matthew Brawley expressed that this trip excites the entire Niles community.
“There’s a song we play after every football game or every game in general, East Bound and Down from Smokey and the Bandit,” Brawley says. “One of the lyrics is, we’re gonna do what they say can’t be done. I think that it’s bought into the community and everybody. It’s just fun how Mr. Cornelius has so many creative ideas that get the fans and the community involved.”
The Vikings advanced to the state final after defeating Grand Rapids South Christian with a score of 62-30. They will face Goodrich this Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
On Thanksgiving Day, the school invites the community to send off the team to Detroit. From 4 to 5 p.m., you can meet and greet the players at Niles High School. Playoff shirts will also be available for purchase.
