While practice is just over a week away, there are some thoughts and questions rolling around in my head.
Is Grosse Ile’s Andrew Mitroka fully healed?
Don’t expect Riverview’s Derek McLaughlin to get out coached by anyone this season.
What will life be like at SMCC after the departure of the Couturier brothers?
I’m not sold on Milan, but they prove me wrong every season.
Can Airport turn things around or are they back to being irrelevant in football again?
If Huron doesn’t win this season, they may never win.
I wonder how many wins Flat Rock will get this season?
I just don’t know much about Jefferson football these days.
Who would you take on offense? GI’s Andrew Mitroka, SMCC’s Justin Carrabino or Milan’s Trace Lindeman?
Who would you take on defense? Riverview’s Tyler Chase, Milan’s Cortez Gray or SMCC’s Trystin Robinson?
Best coach in the league? Hoskins or Giarmo?
Who makes the playoffs this year?
Someone told me recently that they think the league is down from a decade ago. I don’t buy that because of the weight programs, 7 on 7 passing leagues and college combines these days. Any thoughts people?
That's what I'm saying EM. GI ripped off 3 blowouts in a row before Mitroka went down. Then Milan & Airport tore them a new one the following two weeks. I'll give it to 'em for taking Riverview down to the wire, but beating a 1-8 Monroe Jefferson team by 8 & a 0-9 Hazel Park team by 4 doesn't impress me. It's just a fact big guy yes GI does have some pretty good athletes, but Mitroka carries the load. JM
Bold and ignorant? Hey smart guy look what happened when Mitroka got hurt, they fell apart. With him they are a playoff contender. Without him not even close. EM
That is a pretty bold and ignorant statement. GI's is full of dominant athletes. But I'm done talking. We will let their play speak for itself.
I completely agree EM
Hey 5:17 poster, GI would be lucky to win 3 games without Mitroka. He carries that offense. EM
I dont think there is a team in the league with a lineman under 210 minus FR and Jefferson. Huron & SMCC are huge. SMCC averages 240 from TE to TE. Huron I might say is bigger. Not sure.
-bn
Grosse Ile will win the league with or without Mitroka. There is more pure athleticism on that team than there has in previous years. Oh and did I mention there isn't a player on their O-Line under 210.
Grosse Ile will win the league with or without Mitroka. There is more pure athleticism on that team than there has in previous years. Oh and did I mention there isn't a player on their O-Line under 210.
why is this entire conversation about recruiting? thats not even the topic? how about we stick to the questions posted?
………so they went ang got one from Lincoln?
Not a ton of players for Milan this year just like last year and when a school the size of Milan wins with low numbers people want to make excuses like transfers. So make fun of 25 players. Just understand that those 25 ran the table last year.
Please tell me any great school of choice player for Milan over the last few years. Other than Arthur Dukes who was not great just above average in my opinion. Milan has not had any studs play football that we're not from Milan. Kanitiz and Hoover are a good example. There QB this year should be Matt Hartwick who transferred to Huron.
Just above average where is he now?
Word is Milan has 25 on the roster is this true?
Yawn
I love all the comments on this blog. The one thing everyone seems to forget is that these players are still kids. Most if not all of these players have felt what it means to win and lose. Us parents tend to make it worse. I'm a proud parent, my son has worked very hard and will continue to work his hardest. But it's a team sport. Everyone has to do their part to be successful. No one individual can win at this sport. And from what I have seen, there are plenty of kids working their tails off for the team at all of these schools. Yes I'm a Milan dad, but facts are facts, they can be beat, but they work together with a great coaching staff and Hoskins and Ward will have that offense clicking. Zup will have a solid defense. I will not say they will win every game or even run the table again. But I will say they have a good chance of doing it again. So cheer on your school, make fun of the others, make all the excuses you want. The bottom line is they have to play 4 quarters. And each will get a chance to beat Milan. Good luck. You'll need it.
I almost applauded your post until I get to the end where you have yo throw the "you'll need it" jab. Get off your high horse and take comments like everyone else.
Here, this should make you feel better. Milan is going to be good again and the transfers are going to help. SMCC recruits and should be in the Catholic League. Huron is loaded with talent and won't win because they'll be out-coached by everyone that's any good. If Mitroka is healthy GI will win the league, if not they're irrelevant. Airport will do everything they can to be 6-3 and get into the playoffs just to lose in the first round like every time they get in. Riverview will underachieve like usual.
Now all of the contenders have been talked about so all of the Milan posters can feel better 🙂
I am interested to see who Milan's QB is this year. They didn't seem to have a good one in the system other than Kanitz last season. Is one of the transfers a QB?
Milan will be competitive but without Kanitz & Hoover i don't see a 3peat. EM
Kanitz and Hoover…what a great tandom
Ya if they got 2 from Lincoln then they should have 27. Cuz they had 25 incase you didn't know.
So funny. There are only a handful of teams that ever cry about SMCC recruiting or Milan being school of choice. The fact is that you're getting out coached and out worked. Milan and SMCC have been good football teams the last few years. Not great by any means. They are both very fundamentally sound, don't turn the ball over and play good defense. You're getting beat for a reason. River view, Huron , and Airport had just as much talent last year as either of them. Just more excuses for losing.
Milan got two players from Lincoln. They should have 26-27 guys this year as long as guys stay healthy. School of choice hasn't provided Milan with many kids this year and last. Hence their small numbers. All the Ypsilanti kids either only play basketball or are inelgible.
Did anyone get the word Milan has 25 players
So this is gonna start again?
Milam has 25 players. Only 5 are from the city of Milan.
The silence from the always vocal Milan fans regarding transfers is deafening.
GI
MILAN
HURON
SMCC
AIRPORT
RIVERVIEW
JEFFERSON
FLAT ROCK
The Sicilian beats the main lander. Forgetaboutit
Milan fans, can you tell us how many transfers the Big Reds will have this season? Translation: How many players do you have that played football at another school last season?
I'm not a guy, but I love football. 3:20 is right on. I think even with a new coach, Riverview is going far this year. Strong team. Don't forget their JV boys went undefeated last year. Doesn't matter who they beat outside the league, (easy or not) they still beat all the league teams. Now back to my soccer mom duties.
3:20pm better understands football and the benefits of it than many on this blog. The hard work she refers to builds character.
6:15pm clearly did not learn what he should have when he played as he resorts to name calling (the soccer mom comment).
Yes, it is a tough world and when you become tough because of it, you will act as a gentleman … a man of good character and maybe have the strength of character to use your name.
I too enjoy Friday nights, 3:20pm, and appreciate your commentary.
I'm a FR grad so I will say this again in defense of the Rams. I said it 10 post earlier, but apparently you missed it. "FR has more kids in the weight room than any time in the last decade". That probably means they are getting stronger.
I love how several people are defending level pebble(flat rock). They have been a joke at basically every level for the last couple years if not more. Its not even funny. Flat rock lost to a jefferson team that by over 30 points last year. Flat rock can have as many kids as they want come to there conditioning and if there not getting stronger it doesnt matter or make a difference. You can have a 100 kids come out and if none of them are any good they will lose
This is high school football. Not a powder puff sport. Go be a soccer mom. This is where men talk. I agree no single athlete should be exploited on this blog in a negative way. But if a team is bad, a team is bad. Sorry, it is a tough world we live in.
If anything every team should be happy that the Couturier brother's left. Smcc's defense would have been unstoppable with them! Big lost for Smcc.
There was no clear cut mention of any particular school in that statement. All are hard working, no doubt. Many schools work hard every year, well what I have seen and heard Jefferson and Airport are working harder this year than they have in a long time, so with that being said they deserve to be mentioned with everyone else, because they will be there at the end. The motivation of the new young coaches will be a big factor.
Chris Schultz, I appreciate you bringing attention to the Huron League and keeping it pure with positive discussions on young athletes.
The other "grown" people speaking ill of young men or even making sarcastic comments about them is sad. I appreciate it when knowledgeable logical people post interesting points of view about high school football. Personal, negative opinions, true or false have no place here. Especially knowing that most of the student athletes we are all speaking of read this blog.
To all of the young men playing high school football, Huron League or any other league, I say THANK YOU!
You are a source of pure enjoyment every fall Friday night. What a sport you have chosen to play. Most of you never thinking twice about heading out on that field and playing with heart and determination unmatched by any. You work so hard-sometimes in the gym the whole year, conditioning in the heat of the summer, playing in the heat, rain, snow and cold. The drive and determination you have is admirable. So to any of the young men reading this just know that there is a lady that sits in the stands of her favorite Huron League team every Friday night cheering them on, but is also thankful for each and every one of you that are out there playing a game that she could never play but can't live without.
Thanks boys!
Completely agree with 9:44am !!!
It saddens me to see grown men referring to Milan's Senior class- a group of kids- as "awful" and "unimpressive". This group is beginning their third year of varsity football with two straight championships under their belts. Give them a chance to prove themselves before you publicly criticize hard working guys just to boost your own ego.
How do we know that Jefferson and Airport are the two hardest working programs? I hear Riverview has their best turnout ever. SMCC's kids are in the weight room daily. Milan's kids are dedicated. FR has more kids in the weight room than any time in the last decade. Huron had nearly 100 kids at conditioning last night. Biggest turnout I have ever seen. I saw a few GI kids this summer, they're huge! Everyone works hard. You have to. Eventually talent, coaching and discipline win out.
Monroe High isn't a Huron League team?
Monroe! Monroe! Monroe High Go! The Team! The Team! The Teeeaam Fight!
I think this is hilarious. This whole site is fueled by people who have mostly white collar desk jobs. What school you think has the most parents who fit that description ?? I won't offer any hints. The league is up for grabs this year, no doubt. Many schools have lost some great kids. No clear cut leader. I would not count out Jefferson's and Airport's programs at all. They have been the 2 hardest working programs this summer with the most kids turning out for conditioning. 2 of the newest most energetic coaches in the league. Watch and see. I'm headed back to the field, to get some real work done.
You're being disingenuous with your comment about FR. I guarantee that Detroit PEC was a worse team.
What will life be like at SMCC after the departure of the Couturier brothers?
SMCC definitely could have used these two in the program. However, losing them will not really hurt them. They both bring strength and intensity to the roster however they also were inconstant, with one not really having much playing time during the 2013 season.
Can Airport turn things around or are they back to being irrelevant in football again?
I really hope Airport is a contender this year. It is always nice to have battles between Airport and CC.
I wonder how many wins Flat Rock will get this season?
Worst high school football team I have ever seen. Period.
Who would you take on offense? GI's Andrew Mitroka, SMCC's Justin Carrabino or Milan's Trace Lindeman?
All great players. I really hope to see Mitroka come back strong this year. It is always exciting watching a duel threat QB. I believe Carrabino is a much more dynamic player and he will be used in many different ways this season opposed to his sophomore year. Look for him to have a huge year. Lindeman is a very shifty running back. HIs offensive line was able to give him plenty of running room to do what he does best last season. However, from what I hear Milan has lost a lot of senior leadership on the O-Line. Hopefully he will still be able to break loose.
1. Carrabino
2. Mitroka
3. Lindeman
Who makes the playoffs this year?
Milan, CC, Huron
Anything can happen, everyone has their ups and downs. Let the season play out, Im sure all the boys will be playing to the best of their abilities. Such mean comments. I hope the boys have better sportsmanship.
Mitroka is good to go! #FantasyIsland as he says.
I disagree as well McLaughlin was BLESSED w/ loads of talent at Sgate, and when talent lacked he got beat. I'm not counting him out, but only time will tell.
The Offensive pick is a tough one all those young men have loads of talent, but since he's my guy i'm going with Mitroka, but Lindeman is my #2
Defensively Don't know much about Gray 7on7 film looks good, but not enough to win me over. I'm going with the young buck Tyler Chase.
Playoffs: = GI, Milan, CC
Okay tecumseh moved the ball easily with there 2 string qb.offensive for Milan look very predictable.stop drinking water from northwest Ohio.
CC doesnt know what its like to have the twins on the field. Last year (as sophs mind you) one was hurt almost the whole year. So, it isnt like they will not know how to play without them.
The kids who will fill those roles are fantastic football players.If anything it hurts CC's depth the most. However, the product on the field will be very good. SMCC will be fine… A bit on the smaller size compared to the big boys(as usual) but will compete for a crown.
The league is very up for grabs with 4 teams(5 if you include every Airport fan, im not buying it though) vying for the title. It really could go either way.
-bn
Airport loses by 21 week 1 to a very good Adrian team. Mark it down
I have marked it down my friend. Can't wait to hear from you after the game. EM
Are you a Milan fan? Tough to be objective about your team.
The league isn't going to end up anything like you people believe. Milan has squat back, SMCC has lost 2 or 3 very good players by attrition and Huron is overrated.
You heard it here first. The order of finish is:
Grosse Ile, Airport, SMCC, Riverview, Milan, Jefferson Huron and Flat Rock.
That's why they play. Can't wait to read these after each game. Milan dad
So much talk about Milan. They were picked last in the league two years ago and 5th last year. They've out coached everyone in this league the last two years and will do the same this year. Will they run the table? Who knows.
They are very young and the senior class is awful with only 6 seniors this year. However, I would not bet against them as they have as much talent as anyone. They will be much bigger and stronger in the trenches compared to last season. QB play will play a big part along with staying healthy. Look what happened to GI after losing 3-4 guys last season.
Until they lose a game which hasn't happened in two years. They are the best team.
14 and Counting
GI lost 12 guys…not 3
Cortez Grey will be the best player in the Huron League
He might be the best player in the league. But he's on the 4th or 5th best team in the league.
New OC and D-line coach are major reasons Milan has gone undefeated the last two years.
Excuses for SMCC. I believe they won the last two games right??? lol
Not the same staff in 2011
Thats right, you cannot forecast a team to be much improved if they play 2 patsies in the non league games… DUH.. BRILLIANT!
Where do you find your readers Chris?
Who is sleeping on the Lindeman kid?
The former AD who got fired? ya, Im sure he just looooves him some smcc.
Man, somebody likes to point out that Milan had 25 players… we know guy, we know!!
Wrong again my friend. Let me explain. The league hires a person who actually runs an officials association. Like say southeast michigan officials group. That person puts his guys on games. The old ad (which was let go, don't think he is doing any favors for cc) does the scheduling only. Wow I love straight facts!
Milan fans already getting their excuses ready for when they get blasted vs CC. LOL
On the other hand, the former AD from SMCC is in charge of scheduling and assigning officials for the entire league.
I love the excuses. The refs cheat us at smcc. You do realize the league assigns officials for all the sports with an assigner not the schools. You should not say things until you know the facts.
In all fairness that same staff was 1-6 in the Huron League in 2011 and 1-8 overall that year.
The senior o-line last season had 4 first year starters on it. Really??? Two of them we're first year players lol….. Sorry but Milan was average at best last year. They out coached better teams like Airport, Riverview, Huron, Ypsilanti, SMCC, and Lincoln. Made GI's defense look like a little league team although Mitroka was not playing and that kid is the real deal.
They have the best staff in the league. That's why they are winning with 25 guys on Varsity. We could surely argue this point, however I will go by record. Undefeated in the Huron league over the last two seasons. Please tell me this is not deserved
Milan Fan
If you get out of the second round that would be hard to deny. A team of 25 guys os one thing. But when you would arguably had the offensive and defensive players of the year (if they still had league OPY and DPY) you can't cry poor. If Hoskins does it again this year without those guys and without the Transfers being just as good as those guys he'll get all the respect he deserves.
Milan will be lucky to win 5 this year.they looked very bad on the 7 on 7
Too much emphasis on this season? That makes no sense.
Hey Milan Fan I think he had a breakout year last year..from what you said …I think he has the sophomore slump…not having Robert Kanitz and that senior Led Oline will be a huge difference..not to mention the loss of Colville will hurt.
Not sure why people are sleeping on the Lindeman kid. He ran for 1300 and 20 tds as a Freshman. "As a freshman"……. How many kids even played varsity football as a freshman let alone do what he did. He is bigger faster and stronger. Looking for a breakout year from this young man.
Milan Fan
No one is on their high horse. Just stating the facts. Playing two awful non conference opponents does nothing for your team to get them ready even if they do make the playoffs.
Well don't brag about how loaded a team is when they are playing two of the worst teams in the state in the non conference. What's the excuse for Riverfiew and GI?
To add, I think as Huron keeps improving the program and the 1-8 seasons become 6-3, they will look to add better competition.
-bn
How can anyone possibly blame Huron for scheduling easier teams to play? They have a .265 winning % and have made the playoffs ONE time in over 60 seasons. I pull for the Chiefs every game but one.
-bn
Get off of your high horse. The goal is to get 6 wins and get into the playoffs. If a team is willing to play you, then that is their business on whether they schedule each other.
FYI, Huron has been playing Annapolis for the better part of the last 25 years. For many years, it was one of the only games they could compete in. Huron plays Summit because they are in Huron Township and make it a habit of trying to take Huron students away. Huron beating them in football is a great marketing tool. Both of those schools are solid sized Class B schools.
Airport could be in trouble. Adrian is loaded this season as they return pretty much their whole team and started 5 sophomores last season. Tecumseh will not be as good, but I wouldn't bet against Al Romano as he still returns a handful of good players. Credit to AP for scheduling good opponents as teams like Huron, Riverview, and GI just look to get easy wins and make it in.
Playing Summit Academy, Dearborn heights Annapolis, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Hazel Park are like playing JV teams. At least play one decent non-conference team. Those coaches should be embarrassed.
Credit to SMCC, Milan, Airport for playing Adrian, Tecumseh, Detroit Country Day, Lansing Catholic Central and Jefferson for scheduling Bedford in the past.
Watch out for a two-headed monster in the backfield for Milan. If they stay healthy, they run the table for 21 straight in the Huron league. Unless they get cheated by the refs at SMCC under the dim lights lol….They go 8-1 losing to Country Day.
I don't see FR going 0-9 again this season.They will be much better, but that won't result in many wins. I'm not sure where they will win one, but they will probably start five seniors on the O-line. Throw in some athletic young players and they will be more competitive. Running clocks for sure against the big boys of the league, but their non-league games and the lower echelon of the Huron schedule should be more competitive.
I will reveal my projections late on this month before the first games start.
Is Grosse Ile's Andrew Mitroka fully healed? Yes I've heard from credible sources.
What will life be like at SMCC after the departure of the Couturier brothers? Tough to replace, but they'll be ok
Can Airport turn things around or are they back to being irrelevant in football again? Yes..they have a ton returning some good lineman and a great backfield. If they get consistent QB play the Jets will make the playoffs and everyone will love Chad Baas
I wonder how many wins Flat Rock will get this season? 0 I just don't see it this year. Chris if you think they're going to win a game you're crazy. 0-9 8 running clocks..
Who would you take on offense? GI's Andrew Mitroka, SMCC's Justin Carrabino or Milan's Trace Lindeman? A healthy Mitroka,
or take ondefense? Riverview's Tyler Chase, Milan's Cortez Gray or SMCC's Trystin Robinson? Two words CORTEZ GRAY
Best coach in the league? Hoskins or Giarmo? Jack Giarmo, no question. Hoskins is close but he has years to prove himself
Who makes the playoffs this year?
SMCC GI FR Airport…Ok the FR one was a joke, but Airport or Huron will make it.
Someone told me recently that they think the league is down from a decade ago. I don't buy that because of the weight programs, 7 on 7 passing leagues and college combines these days. Any thoughts people? Numbers are down, but football talent isn't. There were more players 10 years ago, which made for more competition, but it's still the same deal the 1's now could compete with the 1's back then.
Playoffs,
GI/SMCC/Huron
Playoff teams: CC Airport GI Milan. EM
While practice is just over a week away, there are some thoughts and questions rolling around in my head.
Is Grosse Ile's Andrew Mitroka fully healed? Only time will tell, but I fully expect him to be protected until week 2.
Don't expect Riverview's Derek McLaughlin to get out coached by anyone this season. I disagree. Overall the coaches in the HL are much better. He did some with a TON of talent at Sgate, but never did much with average talent. Only time will tell. He has a A LOT OF TALENT this year.
What will life be like at SMCC after the departure of the Couturier brothers? It might help them. If they weren't all in or on board then how would they help them in the long run? Not sure what happened but they aren't there and SMCC will be just fine.
I'm not sold on Milan, but they prove me wrong every season. Well Milan was loaded 2 years ago, and had a stud at QB who bailed them out many times last year. No stud QB this year, but the makings of a good ball team. I see 6-3. Teams will be gunning for the Big Reds..
Can Airport turn things around or are they back to being irrelevant in football again?
If Huron doesn't win this season, they may never win. You're right, but its how Huron is going to react after losing early that will tell the tale. It comes down to Kalbflesh vs McLaughlin If the chefs win that it's 6-3 for the Chiefs. Although they have the talent to be 8-1
I wonder how many wins Flat Rock will get this season? I'm just hoping they're competitive again. They would have lost to some JV teams last year. I know they lost their best player and QB from last year. That doesn't equal wins for me but I hope for them that GR and Stockbridge is down because I don't see them competing in the league again.
I just don't know much about Jefferson football these days. Jefferson has a ton of kids out for football which doesn't always equal success. I like what is going on there, but I think they are still a few years away. They are dedicated down there to making things better and I believe they will do so.
Who would you take on offense? GI's Andrew Mitroka, SMCC's Justin Carrabino or Milan's Trace Lindeman? I like hose 3 but Cortez Gray is a better RB at Milan, Lako is going to be a beast for SMCC and I wouldn't sleep on Ian Robinson from Huron
Who would you take on defense? Riverview's Tyler Chase, Milan's Cortez Gray or SMCC's Trystin Robinson? Trystin Robinson is a nice player, but not the best player on SMCCs defense, the best defensive player in the league is Cortez Gray in a tie at 2nd is Max Gilliam GI and Phil Camilleri..I think Derek Judd is a good Safety as well. Not to mention the Howey kid from SMCC is going to be stud.
Best coach in the league? Hoskins or Giarmo? Both good, but the best is John Bodner. Hoskins and Giarmo have good programs, but John Bodner does is with small numbers and outcoaches most of his opponents.
Who makes the playoffs this year?
GI, SMCC, and Milan..
Someone told me recently that they think the league is down from a decade ago. I don't buy that because of the weight programs, 7 on 7 passing leagues and college combines these days. Any thoughts people? Kids specialize in sports now a days 10 years ago numbers were up and everyone's best athletes were playing. The best team in the HL 10-15 years ago would destroy the best team now. Look at Jefferson in 1999,2000 or SMCC in 04 or 05. Heck even the 2004 GI red devils or Riverview Pirates would. Not
Playoffs- Huron, Milan, SMCC, GI.
-bn
With or without the Couturier brothers, CC is the league favorite. Airport will be just fine. On offense i would take Mittoka if healthy. Of the choices on defense i'll take Gray from what i've heard about him. I say every team except FR & Jefferson have a legit shot at the playoffs. Giarmo is still the best coach. I hate to say it but FR probably goes 0-9 again. If Huron plays some defense they'll compete with anybody. EM
SMCC will do fine with out the couturiers, cc has some good junior that might be able to replace them. hey were some good players, hope to see their names around.
If you were to make a starting o-line and d-line who would you pick from around the league?