Milan (4-1) is coming off of a 47-21 homecoming victory over Huron while Grosse Ile (2-3) fell hard at SMCC 35-7. GI won last years game 38-36, but Milan leads the all-time series 17-9.
Milan is playing very well right now. The offense has been virtually unstoppable with Demetrius Barnes and Trace Lindeman. The two have combined for nearly 1,200 yards and have scored 12 rushing TD’s. The LB’s have been the strength of the Big Red’s defense led by senior Cortez Gray.
Grosse Ile just ran into a better team last week. The Red Devil offense is led by two juniors in RB Andrew Vollmerhausen and QB Justin Moores. The defense is led Josh Moskall and Sean Cuddy.
GI most likely needs to win out to qualify for the playoffs, but Milan is just too good right now and is capable of making a long playoff run if they stay healthy. Pick: Milan 41 Grosse Ile 21
I'm feeling really good about Milan as they have grown and progressed through the season. The defense is solid and the offense has been varied and prolific. This coaching staff has done a great job making adjustments at halftime, and the recent second half results reflect their teachings.
I believe that Milan is going to benefit from having their pass defense tested by Huron last week, and that will show on Friday on the Big Island. We've seen a lot of heart from Big Reds players who have been banged up during recent games, particularly from Cortez Gray last week.
My hope is that Milan gets out of this game healthy and that they give the walking wounded on their team a chance for a little extra rest–even if those players don't want it. I always enjoy the road trips to GI and the 'View. Hope you see you there!
Not much going on at work today so I watched film from SMCC and GI. After watching again, I really don't see GI stopping Milans run game. If they sale out on the run, they will get burned on the pass. I think Milan will expose GI on defense. At first I was a little worried due to the film I watched from the Huron GI game, but watching the SMCC game, I feel Milan just has way to many weapons to choose from. They should get great line play on both sides of the ball. I know these boys are peaking a head to next week. I hope they don't over look GI. Most of these kids thought they were better last year than the 4-5 record. Now they are playing how they wanted to play last year. Milan needs to win at GI big to have some confidence for next week. I know they have a lot of confidence right now, but another game of scoring 40 plus points will really give them a boost. I believe Milan will step on the gas Friday night and not let off for the rest of the year. Again good luck to both teams. See ya on the island!
#9 Dad
There is no way Coach Bodner will put his starting QB on defense, no matter how strong of an athlete he may be, and especially after the last two seasons. I agree that Smorch would be a great QB, but obviously he has his roll and has been successful. If there was an intention on him moving to that position, he wouldn't be putting in Sheppard for Moores.
The defense is a mix of solid, vetran players and ones who are inexperienced and would not play much if the squad were 40 deep. You have to give the vets some rest, but that's what happens when you hover around 20 players or so the past several seasons.
When GI is good, they are really good. When they are down, they tend to spiral and it only gets worse. If 50% of the game is mental, it seems we need a different locker room speech at half, or at least get your hype man working the team before they go back out.
53 Milan
13 GI
They're too much to handle at this point. Milan rolls fast and early.
I don't know about that. If GI can limit the run against Milan it will be close. This will be a closer game than you think.
the only chance GI has is if the refs throw 26 flags on Milan they did on Huron.
From the film I watched GI will only move the ball passing. They too have some speed, but I don't think they have as much as Milan. I don't think they are as physical as Milan. Just like Huron this is a scary match up for me. GI runs a spread, Milan does not have a great pass defense although I will say they improved last week. I guess it depends on which GI team shows up on offense. I really don't think GI can stop Milan on offense. There could be a chance that this game could have a BUNCH of combined points. If Milan runs the ball and gets 300 yards with Meech and Trace, they win big. Can't wait till Friday! Good luck to both teams.
#9 Dad
So Milan absolutely crushes Huron and GI gets crushed by SMCC. Yet you look at the match up more favorably? Still trying to wrap my head around that one lol
I look at this matchup more favorably than when GI played CC. I belive this game will be close.
Grosse Ile has some real skill players, and coach Bodner is creative with x's and o's. But he tries to fit the kids to his system instead of changing the system to fit the kids. Moores is an athlete. He should be playing both ways. Why not give smorch some reps at qb and have Moores run the ball. On defense, GI line is small. Opponents would do well to run the ball and plow the devil's over. Grosse Ile strength is speed, conditioning, and skill. Low numbers, size and a defense that doesn't adjust is their weakness. I think 41 – 21 is about right.
Any chance Milan could get bumped to D3? Would love to see them play Allen Park or Trenton, I think they could beat either one. EM
Long playoff run is right. D4 is not real strong at the moment. I dont see but a few teams that I would say are better than the Big Reds. South lake and Comtsock Park being 2.
-bn
I don't think GI will score 21. If they do then Milan is having a bad day and it will be a lot closer of a game. Good luck to both teams.
#9 Dad