By Frank Vajcner
Returning to normalcy.
That’s what we all have been doing in some form as restrictions due to COVID-19 are being lifted.
For me, it’s actually having to wait until June to start my writings for the 2021 high school football season. At this time last year, I had already completed my schedule analysis series since I had no baseball to umpire or announce.
Now with my baseball season finally complete, I can turn my attention to my 2021 Schedule Analysis Series, which also marks the beginning of Season Four at Friday Night Victors.
As always, I will include the following disclaimer that this is NOT a prediction for how a team will do (as certain fanbases have liked to claim that it is). This is rather a deep dive into a team’s schedule, where I take a look at certain games, and how they could potentially impact said team’s season.
We will start at the beginning of the alphabet, which means it’s off to Carleton to look at the Airport Jets. Is a third straight postseason trip in the cards? Let’s dive in.
2021 Schedule:
Aug 26: Ida
Sept 2: @ Flat Rock
Sept 10: @ SMCC
Sept 17: Grosse Ile
Sept 24: @ New Boston Huron
Oct 1: @ Jefferson
Oct 8: Riverview
Oct 15: Milan
Oct 22: @ Dearborn Heights Robichaud
Gut-Check Game: at SMCC. I realize that this game was not played last season, but it’s never easy to get a win at Navarre Field. The Falcons are coming off of a 6-3 season with a fairly young team. The Jets were also on the young side too. Which team will have grown up more when this Week 3 showdown rolls around? Special mention to a road trip to New Boston to face Huron in Week 5, as the Jets will be looking to avenge a Week 1 loss to the Chiefs from last season.
Trap Game: at Jefferson. The Jets escaped the Bears last season with a 24-21 win. This time, a Week 6 trip to Marc Cisco Field is sandwiched between a trip to Huron, and a visit from Riverview. This is not a game that Jim Duffy and company can afford to overlook.
Snoozer: I take no pleasure in putting a team we cover in this category, but Flat Rock is the only team that fits the bill here. The Rams went 0-7 last season and got outscored 326-66. What makes this game interesting is that it’s the Battle for The Jug.
Non-Conference Challenge: Ida takes a trip to McCormick Field in Week 1. The Blue Streaks went 4-4 last season, losing in the second round of the playoffs. This game was another cancelation last year due to COVD. The Jets will conclude the regular season with a trip to Dearborn Heights Robichaud. The Bulldogs went 3-5 last season, losing in the second round of the playoffs.
Notable: The Week 4 visit from Grosse Ile will be another game that was lost due to COVID last season…This will mark the first time since 1953 that the Jets will play Robichaud. The schools met from 1951-1953.
Thoughts from Frank: If the Jets are looking to be a playoff team, they may have to steal at least one win against a contingent of SMCC, Milan, or Riverview. Those are the biggest three games on the schedule, with the latter two coming at home late in the year.
Thoughts from Gary: Nothing sticks out to me as far as the schedule goes. Huron League portion will be tough. Starting out 2-0, would seem to be a must, for those who wish the Jets playoff bound.
Thoughts from Chris: This is your typical Huron League schedule with a tough opener at home against Ida. Airport will be extremely young, but should have a good offense. Much will depend on their defense which could have as many as 5 sophomores in the starting lineup.
First off it’s always fun talking high school football. You guys do a great job with the blog, keep up the good work. Last year’s Airport team was the youngest i can remember with i believe a combined 15 freshman and sophomores on the roster. Interested to see how Nye develops at QB going into his second year.