Big Questions

Today was a heck of a day to have the first day of practice this football season. The heat was sweltering and the humidity was high. With that said, I’m sure most of the players and coaches were fired up.

There are some questions looming in my head that have had me thinking. I thought I would throw them out there.

Will Stergalas make an immediate impact at Riverview?

I think most people would say that he will have a positive impact. I’m just not sure how immediate it will be. The veteran coach certainly knows what he is doing and will undoubtedly return the Pirates back to their offensive and defensive roots. The problem is the Pirates lack the type of talent needed to compete right now in the Huron League. Give Stergalas a few years to bring excitement back to Riverview football and put the Bucs back atop the Huron League.

Will SMCC be able to replace Martellis Simon?

Many people have the Falcons picked to win the league this year. They return loads of talent, have a great tradition and have an excellent coach. The Falcons must find a way to replace Simon’s knack for big plays and scoring touchdowns. The Falcons rely on balance but Simon scored 17 times last year including 6 on returns. If Giarmo can find a way to replace Simon the Falcons could win the league and make a deep playoff run that may take them to Ford Field.

Is Huron’s Andrew Mayrand the real deal?

The Chief signal caller received 2nd team Huron League honors last year along with 1st team Monroe County while throwing for over 1,700 yards last year. The Chiefs return their top receiver in Dave Stockert but Mayrand will miss the acrobatic Blake Claiborne who graduated. Claiborne was constantly double teamed and made Mayrand mistakes disappear with his habit of catching the ball no matter where it was thrown. Mayrand is an excellent QB but look for his numbers to drop this year as Huron tries to establish a run game behind the abilities of Tyler Weclowski and Sterling Wilson.

Well that is enough thoughts for today. Look for more questions to be thrown out there this week.