Be sure to check out the podcast: Grosse Ile @ Milan
Grosse Ile (5-0) is coming off of an impressive 28-0 win over SMCC while Milan (5-0) beat Huron 42-7 in New Boston. Milan won last year’s game 44-7 and lead the all-time series 18-9.
Grosse Ile had another outstanding week running the ball as they rushed for 292 yards against SMCC. Senior RB Andrew Vollmerhausen leads the charge again this week, but will have help from fellow seniors; Josh Sheppard, Josh Moskall and Justin Moores. The defense has been outstanding and is led by seniors; Dominic Trombley, Aaron Blanzy, Holden Green and Owen Wiewiura.
Milan rolled up 388 yards on the ground last week against Huron. Demetrius Barnes and Trace Lindeman once again will lead the Big Red ground attack. The defense is led by seniors Mike Furtney, Austin Reed and Brian Blansett. Freshman Tristin Hines is a star in the making and leads the league in interceptions with five.
This is most likely a pick’em game that could go either way. Both teams run the ball well and are opportunistic with the pass. Each team has a physical defense that can limit the others ground game.
Check out the podcast for my prediction: Click Here
Game of the week in the Huron league as GI invades Milan for the league crown! #huronleagblog— G. Alfred Hauf (@wolvereen71) September 30, 2016
LETS GO RED DEVILS!!
BRING THE HARDWARE HOME
GI-28
Milan-20
Try 27-7 Milan
Keep on wasting your time complaining, hoping, praying and trash talking. They are calling for heavy rain and possibly thunder during the game. I've seen the best of the best teams lose in rain on a turf field due to bad hops and slippery conditions. If this is indeed the case, it really won't prove who is the better team overall. Nothing any of us says matters until around 9:30, or midnight, depending on weather conditions.
I sit corrected, then. Thanks, rugby.
Good luck to both teams tonight and all the Huron League teams. See you at the game!
Yep, this is sad. Invest all that money in that school, nobody touched the field.
Perhaps build your field with a crown to it, like the rest of us. Very unfortunate to go up to Saline for your own homecoming.
Don't kid yourself, the decision to move/cancel games has more to do with the condition of the field FOR THE REMAINDER of the season as opposed to tonight. BTW, I think it's the prudent thing to do but it is a shame that the homecoming festivities are altered.
Sorry a little confused here. Didn't Milan beat GI last year 44-7? I think this years Milan team is better than last years. Not getting the math.
GI plays on natural grass.
At least Milan offered a solution to the poor field conditions. GI chose to cancel the JV game yesterday. Come up with another excuse.
I think I have been pretty consistent with Barnes and Lindeman over the years. They are both great players.
You do a great job Chris, and I will have a seat for you if you make to the game.
Game moved to Saline High School still @ 7
"When he talks about Lindeman and Barnes, he makes them sound like good players, instead of two of the best to ever play in this league"….
I believe they are both very good players but that bar is quite high to say two of the best to EVER play in this league.
BEST can be reserved once they make it WAY into the playoffs, state championship and where they are recruited to.
That is a false statement. As far as being one of the best in the league, both 6 and 9 have proven that over the last 2 years, and putting them in the category of best players ever, I wouldn't say they are the best, but when speaking of former Huron players, both of their bases will surface. Every team has players that will surface when talking about this subject.
Takent has nothing to do with where they get recruited we all know "SIZE" has 99% to do with where these 2 play at the next level. I would say Lindeman is one of the best to come through the Huron league and no one is saying he is the best, but one of the best.
Invest some money into your field Milan. This is sad.
GI's jv game was canceled due to GI's field. Invest some money in your drainage GI.
Fitting that Milan's swarming D gets to play on Hornets field.
…because schools *love* relocating their Homecoming games to an old rival's field.
Besides, doesn't GI play on turf normally?
I've listened to a lot of trash being spewed on here, I'll chime in. I've had the pleasure of watching both of these fine programs. GI has a complete team. They block well, pass well, run well, and tackle well. Milan is very fast on offense, block well at times, a little undiciplined on D at times, they make up for it with their speedy pursuit on D. They can make an alignment mistake, but they have 1/2 the team in on the tackle. Usually, big time players show up at big games. Lindeman and Barnes have always showed up at these games. GI has played extremely well this year, not sure they've had a game of this magnitude. You can teach a player to tackle, block, and pass. One thing you can not teach is pure speed. Speed usually overcomes a lot of team flaws. For this reason only, I'll say Milan 33 GI 26
Make no mistake about it moving the game to a turf field was purely strategic on Milan's part.
Wow I think GI better wear track shoes tonight on the turf!! That will make Milan even faster!! GI better bring oxygen tanks!!
The official statement from administration (MilanAreaSchools.org):
Tonight's Football Game and Homecoming Activities
Hello Milan Community,
Due to the current condition of our football field, and with the safety of our athletes in mind, several decisions have been made regarding our football game and Homecoming festivities scheduled for this evening.
Our football game against Grosse Ile will be held at 7:00 PM tonight on Saline High School’s field. Saline has a turf field and the Saline Administration graciously offered full use of their facilities. Normal gate procedures and ticket sales will be followed and concessions will be available.
While we will be transporting our football team and cheerleaders to Saline, all other students and community members wishing to attend the game will need to provide their own transportation.
After conducting a Student Council meeting and getting input from our students, the following decisions have been made regarding the Homecoming festivities.
The Homecoming parade has been cancelled. The floats will be judged at Milan High School between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM this afternoon.
The Homecoming Court will attend the game and we will conduct the half-time ceremony as planned.
As originally planned, the Homecoming Dance will be held tomorrow evening (Saturday, 10-1-16) from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the MCIS.
Thank You,
Milan Area Schools Administration
Rabbits on turf? OMG!
The drainage system is gonna get a test in Saline. If the rainwater doesn't pass through, it could be one giant Slip and Slide out there…
Yup can I can confirm Milan -vs- Grosse Ile at Saline HS
I picked Milan to beat Grosse Ile. Nice try though.
Turf football… It's a new game, folks.
Battle for the Huron league championship is now at saline hs go gi
Don't you get the feeling Chris has a disdain for Milan. He picked against them last week against Huron with a backup QB. He's picking GI this week. He's basically their PR department on this blog. When he talks about Lindeman and Barnes, he makes them sound like good players, instead of two of the best to ever play in this league. We'll see after tonight Chris, you may want to stay away from the blog for a couple days, you're losing your league perspective.
Usually I struggle with people that can't read, so I guess I'll give you a pass because you have to listen to the podcast for Chris' prediction where he picked Milan. Maybe you are hard of hearing, which might be legitimate. If your hearing is fine, then you are just an idiot that doesn't listen.
I'm guessing it's a little worse than that if they are changing the venue. I doubt Milan would want to give up their Home Field on Homecoming. Never seen a site change in Milan that I can remember.
Do I still get a seat in the press box?
Yep
Wow isn't it Milan's homecoming? Is Milan afraid to play GI in the Mud? lol
According to the Milan Big Red Athletics facebook account:
"Homecoming game tonight is being moved. The athletic department and school admin is working on a venue. Once a decision is made, it will be posted here. It will not be played at Milan due to extremely poor and unsafe conditions."
Milan Football's twitter account reports:
"Varsity football game moved to Saline HS tonight at 7pm"
Game has been moved to saline high school
No matter what happens tonight, there is a good chance that they meet again in week 1 or two of the playoffs.
Milan Fan
Would rather just watch the game. Waiting for the excuses to roll about the weather right around 10:00p.m. tonight.
Does GI still run their offense out of the spread? Doesn't mean they aren't run-heavy, just curious about the formation they run out of.
I said Milan fans will be surprised. I also said they are fast and physical.
Surprised at how overrated GI was, that's about all the surprise we got.
Warning: Its Devil's Night in Milan tonight–GO DEVILS-take home the championship!!
GI-26
Milan-18
I can assure you that Milan Knows exactly how good GI is and has prepared that way under coach Hoskins. Should be a great game.
@743 you need to watch some film.
Grosse Ile has thrown 44 passes in 5 games. That is less than 9 times a game. They are rushing the ball 40 times per game. I think Milan fans will be surprised at how good GI is. They are fast and physical.
Fast and physical compared to who? Are the more physical than Milan? Are they faster than Milan? I don't think anyone in the league plays as fast as Milan.
You're just mad because Milan spanks your alma mater every year. Jealousy doesn't look good on you!
I have seen Milan play and GI play. GI comes out with some serious intensity. Haven't seen another team in the league like it. Milan comes out in cruise control and turns it up in the 2nd half when they need too.
Based on this, I see GI coming out to a nice early lead, not sure that it will be a big enough lead, Milan fighting back in the 2nd half and pulling out the win.
A worn out GI will not be able to contain Milan's 2 speedsters late in the game. In my opinion it takes more energy to play smash mouth hard nose ball than it does to make a few moves, get out in the open field and run your ass off. Milan will outlast GI in this regard.
GI 21 – Milan 7 halftime
Milan 35 – GI 30 Final.
I don't know what you know about GI. But they have played their best football in the second half. I guarantee if Milan manages to pull out a win, it won't be for lack of conditioning on GI's part.
You're right it was the lack of how to play offense and defense.
How would the weather benefit GI? Milan has a power run game and GI slings the ball all over the field. I wouldn't call the offense a smash mouth attack by any means. If anything, the weather favors Milan? What's your thought Chris?
Milan Fan
I have to admit Milan packs a punch offensively and has an underrated defense. Having said that I believe GI counters those units well with a great defensive line, solid linebackers, and probably their most overlooked group in their OL. The field conditions may slow down Milan's dynamic duo and favor GI's smash mouth offensive attack. This game will be close and lower scoring than what we've seen from theses two teams. GI 24 Milan 21.
If you think GI has more talent then Milan then you haven't watched them play. The bottom line is that Milan has the best Three players on the field. GI has a bunch of really good players and have done a great job this year. Some good tough football players. Furteny will be a Power 5 kid with Toledo and Western offering in the last week. Barnes and Lindeman are borderline D-2-3 kids just because of their size. But those guys will go down as some of the best skill kids to ever play in the Huron League. Not just stats wise lol. It should be great game, but I don't think GI has seen anything like their going to see tomorrow night. Should be a great game.
Don't throw on that freshman he'll pick you off as well he's something special
Some good comments about match ups between two of the best Offenses in the HL.
But a closer look tells a different story:
Milan's Offense is two dimensional. Albeit, Barnes and Lindeman are among the best athletes in the league this year.
They have combined for 75% of both total yards and points for Milan. Further, Lindeman has half of all total receiving yards.
The Red Devils have a much more diverse offense. Even with Vollmerhausen racking up 90 points (to Lindeman's 66), the Devils have 5 players with 100+ yards of receptions and 5 with 150+ all purpose yards.
Other then Lindeman and Barnes, only one other player has 100+ yards reception (K. Moore, 155 yards) and only 3 have a single TD.
GI has 6 players other than Vollmerhasuen contributing 1 or more TDs.
Going in, GI has the better Offense and Defense (no need to break down the D stats).
Stats don't win games, but it makes for good blogging on a Thursday.
As they say, team with least mistakes/turnovers wins this game…….
GI 35-Milan 20
PTM
You must either be retired, or very lonely, or both. You spent a lot of time putting those stats together. Here's a stat that took 1 minute for me to put together. Lindeman and Barnes get the lions share of the offense because they are studs. I'm not sure the league has ever seen a duo this dynamic. There are plenty of plays in the offense if they need them, they just don't need them. If the line blocks properly and everyone does their job, the dynamic duo can not be stopped. Ask Detroit Caesar Chavez, or Detroit Denby, or even Detroit Country Day about stopping these guys. You think you can? Good luck!
Barnes is not the best passing QB in the league
Not statistically, but he would be if they called on him to do so. It's hard for the league to understand. I'll slow it down for you. Heeeee dooeessnn't haaavvvveee toooo paaassss. Why pass when you run so effectively. Superior talent!!
Moores and McGrath have been quiet in recieving the last two games for GI, I don't know how many targets they have been getting but stats show way less yards and TD's
Malan at GI JV is canceled due to field conditions.
Any chance the Friday games will be cancelled due to weather?
So because of a little mud, the JV kids won't get participation trophies? Smh
Why is Laplante in this section, SMCC game is a couple spots over.
You guys are hilarious. Rabbits, possums, a tragedy. Is this a country song.
We forgot beer!!! Beer is good.
Friday is going to be an interesting game, both teams have some serious talent. There will definitely be some key match ups. Sheppard V Barnes, two of the best quarterback in the league. Vollmerhausen V Lindeman the best running backs in the league. GI's D-line consists of four great players. Trombley, Weiwuera, and Blanzy. They are all studs. Their D end Marx is an absolute animal as well, and has shown maturity and improvement over the year. Furtney is also one of the Top lineman in the league, there will be warfare in the trenches. I believe this game will be one on the special teams. Moskall is huge weapon, and has potential to score every time he touches the ball on special teams. I do believe that GI will win, but I have no idea what the score is going to be.
OG Islander
You know who returns all our kicks right? Barnes, Lindeman, Lang, Lang has a TD return. I not trying to be a smart a$$ but Milan is going to show up with a lot of speed. It will be hard to contain them.
Can't believe how fast the season is going by. I never would have expected Milan ( with all their underclassman ) and GI ( with their history of not being that strong ) to be at 5-0 and basically playing for the championship this week. Kudos to both programs!
I can't imagine wet rabbits are easier to catch…
There are 2 rabbits flat on the road in front of my house. I guess they didn't make it.
Man, those were possums!! Don't you know the difference? Lol
Watching your hero vollnerhausen try to catch them is going to be funny. It's not like Flat Rock, Huron, or the rest of the league. You can look good against those teams. I'm charging my phone, so I can rag on all of you elitist after the game. I've never seen a fan base so dillusional as GI. Mommy and Daddy can buy you what ever you want, but they can't buy you a victory!
What happens in front of your house is a tragedy. What going to happen on the field Friday is reality. Spin it anyway you want to make the pain go away.
GI takes advantage of Milan run D, produce some big plays on Special Teams and score with it's passing game.
Milan's office will move the ball but will have hard time scoring on the best defense in the Huron League.
GI 35 Milan 20
PTM
Milan is primarily a rushing team because it's successful. Make no mistake though, Barnes is the best passing QB in the league, he just doesn't need to. That's the beauty of Milan, if you key on the run, he will kill you deep. If you play Nickle or dime, they'll shread you on the ground. GI has not seen an offense like this. I really don't think it will be close. Prediction Milan 38 GI 20
We live in Michigan. Weather is always an issue.
La plante should not play if he's that hurt. He's playing with one side of his body. Doesn't want his hand to be touched. Can't play one handed. Must be a really bad break. Feel for the kid.
Figures, the two teams with the most speed will have horrible weather ruin the game. I don't think we're going to see the real matchup. It will turn into a Riverview v. SMCC game.
GI took you out 2 years ago at your homecoming, so that is not a factor. That by far was the biggest nail biter I've ever witnessed, though. 3 OTs, and a very long, but happy ride home. Looking forward to a repeat.
Remember what happened 7 years ago in October at the GI Homecoming? Neither do I. Today is today, let's play!!
How was your long ride home? LOL
Yes your points about the scores against GI are accurate, but note Huron scored all three touchdowns on passes hardly any run game. Flat Rock same deal. It's safe to say GI has a stellar DLine great run defense, but they have a weaker secondary.
21-14 , whoever makes the least amount of mistakes wins.
Dont kid yourselves, i think i may even be high on my point total.
GI D has a good, Milan is a good team and will not just roll on homecoming.
Weather will be a factor.
Enjoy what should be one hell of a high school football game !
Huron without McCay is not Huron. GI faced them with him and Milan did not. Not a good measuring stick for this game.
Ok then. SMCC without a healthy LaPlante is not SMCC. Goes both ways buddy!
Both teams are fine without the players, one person doesn't define the entirety of the team
In this case it does.
I've seen GI play twice this year and their line blocks extremely well. They really pin in the D down linemen to which allows them to keep moving the chains. GI-22//Milan-18.
The RABBITS have been caged up all week. They can't wait to run!!
By the way; hats off to that LaPlante kid playing with a broken hand. Epitome of toughness!
-Milan Fan
I agree 9:55. GI defense is a bit better. But, it hasn't faced Milan
GI 28- Milan 26.
Milan has a good defense. Strong enough. Only gave up 13 in game 1, 8 in game 2, 22 in game 3, 31 in game 4 and 7 in game 5. Milan has yet to give up big plays. Long drives yes, big plays no. I think the Big Reds get it done at home. I'm not even going to try and guess a score. It really should be a great game.
Correct me if I'm wrong: wasn't SMCC's best player ( LaPlante) playing GI with a broken hand and huge cast? He didn't run the ball like that, did he?
He plays tight end he almost never touches the ball, it seemed apparent his hand was hurting which affected his play
Go GI
The islanders D has been very good-shut out SMCC and that just doesn't happen very often-GI has a solid O that can put up big time points.Milans D not as good as in the past. GI-24 Milan-12.
Milan will score a lot more than 12 points. They score that many on accident! Go Big Reds!
Better be careful! I heard a lot of talk from Huron fans last week, and they had to eat a lot of crow after the game. Last I checked Huron put up a bundle on your " vaunted defense".
Let's deal in facts.
1. Huron put up 24 on GI's D ( should've been more). Milan gave up 7 to Huron.
2. Flat Rock put up 20 on GI's D. Milan gave up 8.
3. GI's D has played well against Jefferson ( 6 pts ) and SMCC ( 0 pts ). Both of these teams play in the 5 yard box and GI's D line is very good. No surprise they had success against these teams.
4. Milan's offense is more like the Huron team, only better! Milan will not play in that 5 yard box.
These are the simple facts. Sometimes it's hard to see the rest of the world when you're on an island.
That was pretty clever guy! Did you think of that yourself! *slow clap*
You can't say he is wrong now can you.
Wasn't Hurons QB injured when they played Milan? That would explain the lack of points scored.
@11:57 none of those points against Huron were rushing and Milan doesn't throw the ball as well as Huron (when they have there starting qb) it'll be a close game
Also GI QB Sheppard was injured during the Huron game resulting in the O being on the field less.
I cant believe Les didn't apply at Airport. Where's EM?
i have to say your just stuck on AP bud. Get over yourself. It has been an unfortunate year for our boys. We all know it! We'll see you next year. Actually b-ball season! AP DAD
Been taking care of my newborn, not as much free time as before lol. EM
GI 31 Milan 21
A lot of good high school players in this game and both teams are well-coached. While I haven't enjoyed the ridiculous boasting, bragging, and poor attitude after winning by certain fans, I do wish both teams luck and a safe game! These truly are the two best teams in the league this year.
Should be a great game. I'm still working on my prediction.
Good luck to both teams. Will be a dandy for sure. Wish I could be there for this one. Please update. Oh wait the blog will be going through the roof at this game.
I don't think this will be a lop sided game. I'm just excited to watch it.
Played both , Milan wins big ! That simple
Weather could be a factor Friday. Lots of rain expected over the next 4 days. Sloppy field could slow down the game and turn in to a defensive battle. Prediction: Milan 17 GI 12
Devils score late and take the victory 24-18.
Good chance that bit of these teams meet again in the district.
Should be a great game. The big guy from Milan is starting to rack in the offers. Might be the first serious Power Five kid from the Huron league in a long time.
That's pretty Impressive how Trombley and Blanzy two d-lineman lead GI in tackles. Are there middle linebackers weak?? Or is there line just that dominant. Just speaking out loud but based off the stats in the podcast sounds like there middle linebackers are the weaker players in the defensive box.
Holden green is the other middle line backer..
Good luck to both teams, may they both play well and be safe … Big Reds! … sorry I'm a tad bit biased! Hope for a GREAT turnout!