We stay in the Huron League, as Milan is next up in Frank’s schedule analysis series. How does their schedule look?
Schedule:
Aug 24 @ Bridgeport
Aug 31 @ SMCC
Sept 7 @ Flat Rock
Sept 14 Riverview
Sept 21 @ Jefferson
Sept 28 @ New Boston Huron
Oct 5 Grosse Ile
Oct 12 Airport
Oct 19 Ypsilanti Lincoln
Gut Check Game: at SMCC. Milan looked like a Huron League contender after crushing the Falcons 41-18 last season. Now the Big Reds must travel to Navarre Field to face a loaded Falcon team looking for revenge.
Trap Game: at Jefferson. Last year against the Bears was a defensive struggle, as the Big Reds wheezed to an 8-6 win at home. This time, they must travel to Marc Cisco Field to face a hungry Bears team looking to put an 0-9 disaster behind them.
Snoozer: No snoozers here.
Non-Con Challenge: Both non-conference games are tough for the Big Reds. They hit the road in Week 1 to play Bridgeport, and end the season with a visit from Ypsilanti Lincoln. Both opponents qualified for the playoffs last season, with Lincoln having made it to the Regional round.
Notable: The Big Reds do not play a home game until Week 4, but close the season with three straight home games…The opener at Bridgeport will be a hike, as the Big Reds will make a nearly 200 mile round trip to play the Bearcats, who are located just southeast of Saginaw.
Final Analysis: The injury bug bit Milan pretty hard last season, but Jesse Hoskins’ team managed to fight and claw their way to a playoff bid. When healthy, this is a team that you can pencil in for a fourth straight trip to the postseason. Getting through a tough August and September, where five of their first six will be on the road, will be key.
Thoughts from Chris: Tough scheduling for the Big Reds. Bridgeport won’t be an offensive powerhouse like last year, but should provide a tough match up in the opener. A loss there and it will be an uphill battle to make the playoffs again for a 4th straight year.
Thoughts from Gary: What jumps out to me is the 5 of 6 road games to open the season. The one home game being Riverview. Week 9 presents a challenge as Division 2 Ypsi Lincoln comes to town. The Big Reds seem to have their work cut out for them.
MILAN MOCHA IS STILL HERE. OUR MILAN FAITHFUL LIKE TO LET OUR PLAYERS DO THE TALKING ON THE FIELD. I'LL GIVE YOU ONE BIT OF ADVICE THOUGH, "MILAN WILL BE CARRYING A BIG STICK AND THEY WILL BE A FORCE ON THE FIELD THAT WILL DICTATE WHO WILL BE #1 IN THE HURON LEAGUE. SO BRING THE CHAMPIONSHIP HOME BOYS.
waving
I'm still here. I haven't seen any practices nor any of the 7-on-7 fun, so I don't have much to contribute at this time. I'm hoping that I can make that road trip to Bridgeport, though. That could be a nice test to kick off the season.
I'm here and I'm waiting for the season to start! I think Milan will be better than last year! At least we won't have to practice with garbage cans for the opposing defenses!! lol
Where are all of the Milan fans?
No one knows how the season will play out for the big Reds, but I will say this….the Big Reds do not duck anyone. They will be tested each week for sure. Although they lose Furtney and Justin Beck upfront, the Big Reds will be solid enough upfront to stay in games. If Hines and Aeschbacher stay heatlthy….they will have a shot. Plus, Hoskins, Ward and Zupi are the best coaching trio in the Huron League, so they will be ready.