Frank continues his drive up I-75 to take a look at the team that really turned it around with a hall of fame coach at the helm in his first season. Carlson, you’re up!
Schedule:
Aug 23 Woodhaven
Aug 30 Trenton
Sept 7 @ Dearborn Edsel Ford
Sept 14 Melvindale
Sept 21 @ Southgate Anderson
Sept 28 @ Allen Park
Oct 5 Taylor
Oct 12 @ Wyandotte
Oct 19 @ Lincoln Park
Gut Check Game: at Wyandotte. Marauder fans remember the last time their team met up with the Bears, as Wyandotte escaped a raucous environment with a 24-20 win, and ultimately claiming the Downriver League title outright. Will this be the game that decides the title again?
Trap Game: at Dearborn Edsel Ford. The Thunderbirds are a newcomer to the Downriver League, and welcome Carlson in Week 3. Edsel Ford went 6-4 last year, qualifying for the playoffs. This game also falls after a tough two-game stretch to open the season. Special mention goes to a Week 6 trip to Allen Park, as the Marauders survived a scare from the Jaguars last year, escaping with a 28-21 win at home.
Snoozer: Taylor Kennedy and Taylor Truman have merged to form the Taylor Griffins. Both schools went a combined 2-16 last season (Truman won the two games). It won’t be enough to stop the Marauders.
Non-con Challenge: None. All of Carlson’s games are conference games.
Notable: Dearborn Edsel Ford joins the Downriver League after leaving the Western Wayne County Athletics Association…Taylor Kennedy and Taylor Truman merged high schools, which created the opening in the Downriver League.
Final Analysis: Jack Giarmo returned to coaching, and brought the Marauders back to respectability. Can he duplicate the success from last season, or has the rest of the Downriver League figured him out? The season will come down to the showdown at Wyandotte on October 12.
Thoughts from Chris: The overall talent level at Carlson could be down from 2017, but there are plenty of players returning. Look for the T to be more effective in 2018 as Giarmo enters his 2nd season. If the defense can step up and be better this year, the Marauders will compete for a Downriver League Championship.
Thoughts from Gary: Giarmo year 1, produced maybe the best team in Carlson history. Year 2 might be a different animal for a few reasons. The DRL got tougher with the addition of Edsel Ford and the combining of the two Taylor schools. The Marauders won’t be as talented this year, I don’t see a 7-0 start like last year but I do see them getting to 6 wins and making the playoffs.
Next Up: Dundee
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Carlson finishes 6-3, their QB is better this year than Franklin.. you've heard it here first!