SMCC (6-0) is coming off of a 49-7 victory over Airport while Milan (5-1) defeated Grosse Ile 44-7. SMCC won last year’s game 43-0 and leads the all-time series 13-8.
SMCC relies on their running game and offensive time of possession. Senior QB Austin Burger has done a masterful job of running the Falcon offense. RB’s Justin Carrabino and Kevin LaPrad have both been highly effective again this season. Defensively, Riley Woolford and Hunter Coombe lead a unit that is giving up just 9.0 ppg in league play this season.
The Milan offense has been explosive this season. The emergence of QB Demetrius Barnes as a threat to create a TD on every play has opened up bigger and better running lanes for RB Trace Lindeman. Cortez Gray and Scot Steubben lead a defense that is giving up just 11 ppg in league play.
This is a great match up in what amounts to a league championship game even though there will still be another week of league games after this one. Carrabino and Lindeman are the two best offensive players in the league this season and undoubtedly will be relied on heavily this week.
This is the game of the year in the Huron League and both teams appear poised for long playoff runs. There should be a big crowd in Milan on Friday. I know I will be there. Look for the game to be an absolute barn burner with the game coming down to the final play. Pick: Milan 21 SMCC 20 OT
The bottom line is, SMCC does not recruit. If you look back, all of SMCCs studs went to a catholic elementary school such as Saint Mary's or Saint Charles. You can argue all day, but SMCC does not recruit. It is against the rules and it does not happen.
The largest majority had parents who went there as well. It is family tradition. And let's face it, it is not an easier road. Contrary to the stereotype, not a school of rich kids. Sure there are some, but there are some at every school. It is a school of families that sacrifice for it. The reality is that vacations are not taken so tuition can be paid, coupons are clipped, second jobs gotten, old cars held onto far passed thier time, etc. for the largest majority of families it is pure sacrifice and it is hard, very hard. Second, SMCC has no tax monies for things such as a field and many other basic "necessities" that many public schools take for granted. Not asking for a "poor you", don't want it. Proud of the sacrifices and the path of every SMCC family/student. Just perplexed with the "we're tired of the rich kids who recruit winning"! If so, then great you should be motivated to change what you can about your program. Not whine and complain about another program who should be proud of thier history, thier kids, thier coaches, thier fans and thier spirit in which they do it. Blaming someone else for your lack of success is never a road to success, it is simply immature and a self fulling prophecy of limited success.
4:36 as long as there is a kid on the field that played in the State Championship game, the game is relevant… Not critical, not most important, but still relevant…
Please remember that next year when 2014 isn't relevant. Most recent season is what matters. Don't want to hear about this state champ stuff for the next 20 years. Thank You.
Bitter?
Everyone knows that each year high school football changes. Players get better, and some reach their peak by senior year. I'll be the first to say good job to SMCC if they win. They are with out a doubt a great program. Most Milan fans, alumi, and players will tell the same thing. They are very good at what they do.
Last year SMCC had a very, and I mean a very special team. I for one am not ashamed to say we lost big time to a state champion. Now with that said, I think it's Milan's turn to make a run, I think they have the line on both sides, and the skill players do it. This game will prepare Milan for what's to come. It will also help SMCC. How will each team be effected with the loss, or how will it boost confidence with a win? There is a lot a stake tonight. Not just league champs. But adversity. Pride. Family. Team work. Win or lose I'm proud for our team to be back in the hunt for a title. To be back in the play offs. Good luck to both teams. I hope it's an injury free game and I hope both teams give it all they got!
#9 Dad
12:31 who's defense and system ??
The previous DC and his staff
Two great teams battling for the league championship. It doesn't get any better!
Even if you want to use the "Milan has won 2 of the last 3 years" argument, the most recent game (last year) is obviously the most relevant thing to compare to this year. SMCC won 43-0…so keep that in mind. I would, however, say that this SMCC team reminds me more of the 2013 team and the Milan team not quite at their 2013 level, but relatively close. I think that might create some hostility towards me, but hey, let me have an opinion!
I still predicted the Big Reds to win by a TD, but perspective is important!
I think the point is that Jesse Hoskins and his staff have shown in the 4 years that they have been there, that they are capable of defending the SMCC T.
It's funny how you milan fans say you won 2 out of the last 3 how about Smcc has won 5 out of the last 7..
Inside J says Milan doesn't know how to stop Smcc it will be only done in 12&13..7-0 win a good game cause Milan a good team too..IJ
Agreed. The game can't get here soon enough.
Milan has won two of the last three years, so I'm sure the coaching staff will have a good plan to stop SMCC. Last year, SMCC was just overpowering and had a really great team. I'm glad Jack won a title as he is a really good coach and happy those boys knocked off Ithaca to win it all. This should be a slug fest.
Milan Fan
Milan has won two of the last three, so I think this staff knows how to stop them. Last year it wouldn't have mattered what they ran on D, SMCC was just much better. I'm glad Jack and that group won a title. They deserved it.
Milan Fan
Lansing Catholic did not have a first down the entire second half of that game.
Talk Talk Talk! Look past event, records, schedule comparisons, quality of wins. It's all out the window. Two good teams are playing under Friday Night Lights. Enjoy the show and may the best team come out on top when the clock hits all zeroes. This is what high school football is all about moments like these where communities come out to support winning programs. Strap it up and lets play some Football Baby!!!!!
Now your talking-Yaa Baby!!!
Milan will do their "check with me" offense and run away from Woolford. SMCC will use this to it's advantage. On offense Milan will run behind #7 every play. SMCC will use this to its advantage.
HLC HLT whatever you wana call it ..winner takes all. My pick 7-0 but hey could be 6-1 lol
You all said milan couldn't do it back in 2012-2013 so just keep doubting them and they'll prove you wrong over and over again milan wins 42-20 and Lindeman goes off!!
Totally different staff then defense was much better system and coaching.
You can watch SMCC's offense on film and pick up the tendencies. They have them like anybody else. Watch the O line, they line up differently and it will tell you which back is getting the ball. There are not all pulling guards.
Level the QB everytime.
Watch Lansing Catholic Central Film.
SMCC practiced late all week. Putting in a little extra. Hope your ready Milan.
You have more weapons, keep them on the field.
Defense wins close games!
I know he's an animal!
Nobody can simulate CC's offense in practice. You all said the same stuff last year. Milan was in one close game this year and they lost.
Nobody can simulate CC's offense in practice. You all said the same stuff last year. Milan was in one close game this year and they lost.
Lindeman wasn't apart of that game and that made a difference. Can 1 player win the game, no, but having that dual threat helps on offense.
Milan 42 Smcc 21 Smcc to small on both sides of the ball..Big reds shoot down Falcons..
We're always too small…too slow…blah..blah..blah….still the defending class champs. Let us prey!
I know 12:49's comment was meant to be sarcastic, but Milan's water boy *is* in fact an awesome kid. 🙂
I agree with you, Chris. I think they'll go for it on 4th and short (3yds or less) every time. I don't think that they will start with onside kicking, but could very well turn to it after 2 or 3 drives. If Milan's offense seems to be hard to stop on those drives, then transferring over to an onside kicking plan becomes a lot more reasonable.
I'm interested to see if SMCC ever tries a punt or actually kicks the ball off. I could see going for it on fourth down and less than 3 yards every time wherever they are on the field. I could also envision an onside kick every time in an effort to limit the possessions of Milan's. Also to keep the ball away from Lindeman.
I think not punting would hurt SMCC more. If it's 4th and 3 at their own 45, giving Milan a short field is not good either. SMCC and others say the defense is good and solid, so make Milan go the length of the field. I also agree with Chris on the kick offs, I almost bet they do not kick it deep.
If I'm SMCC, i squib it.
#9 Dad
I haven't predicted an SMCC loss for quite some time, but I honestly think SMCC will struggle this week. I see two possible outcomes:
1. SMCC executes well on offense and limits Milan's defense, dominating the TOP. This forces the game to come down to critical 4th downs and turnovers. I don't think SMCC will be able to shut down Milan's offense very easily. This game ends in a close one that could go either way.
2. Milan shuts down SMCC's base offense, forcing CC to have to really open up their playbook and try some less conventional plays to stick around. This game ends with Milan winning by a few scores.
I think option 1 is more likely than 2, but option 2 is definitely not out of the question. I think SMCC gives it everything they've got and it comes down to a couple of key plays.
27-20 Milan wins
Milan rolls
….and Woolford and Coombe are seniors.
Chase was not and is not the leading rusher. The TB gets the ball 30 times a game and Chase usually 5 or 6. And Milan lost their best two way lineman on the first drive of the View game in Jordan Hendricks to a broken leg. Guys have stepped up no doubt about it, but losing Hendricks for the season was huge blow both as a leader and player. Milan is not the same team without him.
Milan Fan
One person does not make a team. And hes still a leader and with them every step of the way. Other boys have stepped up seemlessly. Let not put kids down, especially if you say your a milan fan.
SMCC 21 Milan 14
Justin LaPlante is a junior.
Lots of good players on both sides. Lots of leaders, lets all complain because our kid wasn't mentioned. Should we mention the water boy.
Should be a great game. I do like #9 dad thought process. Score first so SMCC is knocked out of their game plan right away. When they actually have to scramble and do things outside their comfort zone, no one knows how good SMCC is. Up to this point, they just methodically march down the field, staying within their plan.
I see Milan come out of the box quickly and putting SMCC in a hole, and rolling from there. I think SMCC will have a hard time coming from behind.
Milan 28- SMCC 8
Milan vs the view is a non compareable game. That's what makes this matchup so interesting. Tyler chase was concussed by Laplante the week prior against cc I believe. And with him being out against Milan the view was no match considering he's their leading tackler and rusher. This one will be one for the books. Good luck to both sides. Fans are obviously excited for the game with all the online voting.
Chase was concussed by Blanchett… That dudes crazy… Broken thumb both knees banged up and still plays
I'm not sure about him leading the region in tackles, but I am sure I was referring to the senior leaders of the team on defense.
How is justin Laplante not mentioned as a leader of the falcon defense… He leads the region in tackles through 6 weeks but does a lot more…he is a huge part of the falcons success on defense
That was pretty good.
RV stopped SMCC and held them to 14. RV scored 12.
Milan put up 28 on RV and held them to 7. Milan has a stronger defense than people think. I don't think SMCC will be able to run. They might move the ball at first but the Big Reds will shut them down. Again just like the RV game, if Milan scores quick 2 or 3 times, SMCC will not be able to grind that clock. No one knows how this game will play out, but I truly believe Milan will pull out all the stops. I think they are still a little sore from the butt kicking SMCC gave them last year. This game should be totally different.
Good luck to both teams!
#9 Dad
Irrelevant is the milan vs Riverview game tyler chase was out… He is key in their offense and defense. If SMCC played chaseless riverview they would have won 40-0
Call me Inside J. Bottom line is Milan doesn't know how to stop Smcc. 12&13 is only time it will be done..
The only defense thus far to slow down CC was Riverview. CC had to pass in order to pull it out. If Milan can stop the run I believe they have better cover guys in the secondary then Riverview did. Scale tips to Milan. Milan has not faced as hard of hitting defense as CC which could wear on them and cause turnovers. Scale tips to CC. Ball Security, OL play and special teams play could decide this one. CC tends to have better special teams players. Not sure on TO for the year on either team. Should be a Barnes Burner for sure. No Trace of a let down here. May Justin be served. Oh heck. Lets play this game already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Luck to All!
It will be a very exciting game for sure.
#9 Dad
Huron league game of the year for sure!! Gonna be interesting to see which offense can impose its will, cause both are facing solid defenses. I expect it to be close throughout, I see Milan pulling away with a late score. Milan 28 SMCC 14. EM
Couldn't agree more. This will be a great test for both of these playoff-bound teams. With the league title on the line, there should be no problems motivating either of these teams. The fans had better grab a seat early for this one!