Time to head over to what Jeff Grodi refers to as “God’s Country.” Things have not gone well for Jefferson in these last two years. Are better days ahead? The schedule could offer some indication.
Aug 30 Dearborn Heights Annapolis
Sept 6 @ Flat Rock
Sept 13 Huron
Sept 20 @ Grosse Ile
Sept 27 Airport
Oct 4 @ Milan
Oct 11 Riverview
Oct 18 SMCC
Oct 25 Detroit Voyageur
Gut-Check Game: Dearborn Heights Annapolis. Before any Jefferson folk start firebombing me with hate mail, let me be clear in saying that last year was rock bottom. The Cougars are far more beatable (they went 2-7 in a weak conference, with wins over Detroit University Prep and winless Livonia Clarenceville) than a team like Ida, but until I see the Bears get a win, this is gonna be your measuring stick game.
Trap Game: Going 0-9 means low expectations, so no trap game here.
Snoozer: Detroit Voyageur won only one game (against University Prep) last season. Granted, I know I have said that there are no snoozers until Jefferson wins a game, but the Cougars may be lower than rock bottom, as they only scored 40 points last season. The Bears, for anyone wondering, scored 69 points.
Non-Con Challenge: Dearborn Heights Annapolis. See above.
Notable: The Bears only play three road games, and close the season with three straight at home.
Thoughts from Frank: October 21, 2016 was the last time that the Bears won a game (a 46-33 win over Owosso). Both non-conference games are golden opportunities for Gene Gennoe and company to get a win. In conference play, the Bears lost to Huron by three, and eventual Huron League Champ Grosse Ile by seven last season. It’s not inconceivable to say that the Bears could be 2-2 or 3-1 by Week 5. There’s only one way to go, and that’s up.
You don’t go into the woods to hunt a wounded animal with a wrist rocket. This is Bear Country and with 6 home games any team that has to travel down Dixie highway better have their chin straps buckled. A few teams escaped last year so if the Huron league takes the Bears lighty there will be a few teams leaving with a loss!