Monroe Trojans Schedule Analysis

We now take a look at a team that finally seemed to turn a corner last season in Monroe, as the Trojans went 7-4 and made the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Can they take the next step and reach the top of the mountain in the SEC Red? Let’s look at the schedule:

Aug 29 @ Wyandotte

Sept 6 Fenton

Sept 13 @ Tecumseh

Sept 20 @ Ann Arbor Pioneer

Sept 27 Saline

Oct 4 Ann Arbor Skyline

Oct 11 @ Ann Arbor Huron

Oct 18 Bedford

Oct 25 @ Lake Orion

Gut-Check Game: Saline. In addition to a 28-game winning streak in the SEC Red, the Hornets have had their way with the Trojans since Monroe joined the SEC. Saline has won the last seven meetings, including last season’s 28-6 win that clinched the SEC Red. Can Nick Notario’s bunch avenge last season’s loss? A win could put the Trojans in control for the Red Division.

Trap Game: at Ann Arbor Pioneer. This game comes a week before Saline comes to town. Even though the Trojans defeated the Pioneers 42-7 last season, they have not done so well against the Pioneers on the road. Notario will have to keep his team from looking ahead.

Snoozer: See Bedford Scehdule Analysis for info on Ann Arbor Huron. There’s no sense in further beating a dead horse (or picking on a team with a 39-game losing streak).

Non-Con Challenge: The Trojans have beefed up their non-conference slate, as Wyandotte and Fenton are new faces on the schedule. The Bears have qualified for the playoffs for the last 13 seasons. The Tigers also bring a strong postseason track record, having qualified for the last 11 seasons. Lake Orion will close out the season. The Dragons defeated the Trojans 31-24 last season to qualify for the playoffs.

Notable: Week 1 will mark the first time Wyandotte will play a non-conference regular season game since 2008. It also marks the first time the Trojans will face the Bears since 2004, when both teams were in the now-defunct Mega Red…This will mark the first meeting between Fenton and Monroe in football…Tecumseh represents the SEC White crossover opponent. It will also be the first meeting between Monroe and Tecumseh in football.

Thoughts from Frank: The Trojans had their best season since 2014 last year. Duplicating that success will prove to be much more difficult, given a more arduous non-conference slate. If the Trojans can be 3-1 or 4-0 by the time Saline visits, it could set up the biggest game at Bunkelman Field in a long time. The final two games against Bedford and Lake Orion could be a gauntlet if the Trojans have early struggles.