DETROIT -- The playoffs couldn't have had a worse start for Traverse City St. Francis senior Spencer Wheelock.
On the opening kickoff of the first-round game against Whittemore-Prescott, Wheelock separated his shoulder. He was told his season was over.
"I sat there after I popped it out and I was watching the team play," Wheelock said. "I'm saying to myself, 'We've got a heck of a team and I know we can make it.' If I wasn't part of it, it (would be) tough."
Turns out, the playoffs couldn't have had a better finish for Wheelock.
The 6-foot-3 linebacker suited up for the Gladiators in last week's 28-7 win over Ravenna. On Saturday, he made several key plays in a 41-13 win over Ubly for the Division 7 state championship.
"To say that you're done playing football for the rest of your life and then get back here in the state championship -- making plays -- it's just amazing," Wheelock said.
Wheelock was given a six-week prognosis on his shoulder, but said he worked hard in physical therapy for an early return.
That led to Saturday.
Ubly won the coin toss and elected to receive, hoping to test the Gladiator defense and put up some quick points. The strategy was working, as the Bearcats moved the ball to the St. Francis 20.
Then Wheelock stepped in. The Gladiators forced a fumble by Ubly quarterback Jordan Kaufman. Wheelock recovered and St. Francis drove the field for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
"They were driving and we were playing on our heels, which we're not supposed to do," Wheelock said. "To recover the fumble and score on that possession turned the game around and completely sparked our team. It was really what we needed."
Wheelock finished with four tackles, including a sack. He did so wearing No. 2, which was a change from his original No. 11.
"Eleven got cut off, it was the only way they could get my shoulder pads off," Wheelock said. "They said you're not going to play anyways, so they gave me the torn-up jersey back. My brother (Ben) wore No. 2 and he won a state championship (in 2005), so I wore it for him."
RARE COMPANY: With the victory, first-year Traverse City St. Francis coach Greg Vaughan becomes the third coach in state history to win a state title as a player and as a coach.
Vaughan won a state title as a player as a sophomore in 1993.
Like Vaughan, Crystal Falls Forest Park's Bill Santilli won both for the same school. The other is Tony Scarcelli, who won a state title as a coach at Marine City last season and as a player at Warren Woods in 1978.
Vaughan might have something that Santilli and Scarcelli can't match. Vaughan won another state title as an assistant coach at East Grand Rapids and a Division II national title while an assistant at Grand Valley State.
"I've been fortunate enough that I've been in some very good places at the right time," Vaughan said. "Timing is the best thing for me right now, getting into the right places at the right time."
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: There will be a reception for the St. Francis football team today at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
HOLD ON, HONEY: St. Francis superintendent Mike Buell had to leave right after Saturday morning's game to get back to Traverse City. Buell said he received special permission from his wife, Mindy, to attend the Division 7 state final.
Mindy Buell is expecting the couple's third child any day. Mike Buell was in contact with his wife by cell phone and was ready to rush home at a moment's notice if his wife went into labor.
Mike Buell even had the ringtone on his phone changed to a crying baby when Mindy Buell called.
Mindy Buell watched the game at the State Threatre in Traverse City along with mother-in-law, Karen.
BEVY OF BILLIKENS: The St. Francis football team stayed at the Marriott in Southfield on Friday night.
Also staying at the hotel was the St. Louis men's basketball team, which played the University of Detroit on Saturday. Watching television at the restaurant of the hotel was legendary coach Rick Majerus.
ORANGE ALL OVER: Ubly brought a large contingent of fans Saturday decked in Bearcats orange and black. But not everyone in bright orange was cheering for Ubly.
"We're hoping for all of the West Michigan teams to win," said Colleen McMurray from Rockford.
McMurray sat in the front row of the St. Francis sideline, right on the 50-yard line. With Rose Grindle and Lyle English, the three were all wearing bright orange shirts and had Rockford signs. English even had a stuffed Ram on his head.
The three got to Ford Field early to watch their Rams beat Lake Orion 26-14 in the Division 1 title game.
While their school colors were shared with Ubly, there was no question the trio were cheering for the Gladiators.
"For sure," English said. "We've got plenty of spirit to go around."
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