Huron 2021 Schedule Analysis

By Frank Vajcner

We now head to the banks of the Huron River for our next stop in the schedule analysis series. Huron took a big step forward in Year 3 of the Chad Smith era, as they went 7-2. What does the schedule yield for the Chiefs in Year 4 under Smith?

2021 Schedule:

Aug 26: @ Milford

Sept 2: @ Milan

Sept 10: Riverview

Sept 17: @ Jefferson

Sept 24: Airport

Oct 1: @ Grosse Ile

Oct 8: SMCC

Oct 15: @ Flat Rock

Oct 22: Dearborn Heights Crestwood

Gut-Check Game: Weeks 2-3. Pick your poison here. The Chiefs have the toughest two-week stretch in the Huron League, with back-to-back games against Milan and Riverview. The Big Reds handed the Chiefs a 24-7 loss last season, which dashed the hopes of a Huron League crown. As for Riverview, last year’s meeting was wiped out by COVID, and would’ve been the de facto Huron League championship. The Chiefs have not beaten the Pirates since 2016.

Trap Game: at Jefferson. Following the two-week stretch of Milan and Riverview is a trip to Marc Cisco Field to face the Bears. Regardless of what happens against Riverview, this is a prime letdown spot.

Snoozer: Refer to Flat Rock’s analysis. But wait, there’s more. Milford isn’t much better, as the Mavericks went 1-6, were outscored 164-45, and failed to crack seven points in all but one game.

Non-Conference Challenge: Dearborn Heights Crestwood went 5-2 last season. The Chargers were undefeated before the Chiefs beat them 34-0 in Week 6.

Notable: This will be the first meeting with Milford on the gridiron…The Chiefs are 5-0 all-time against Crestwood.

Frank’s Thoughts: You can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Huron and Riverview had met last season. The Week 3 showdown is setting up to be the game of the year in the Huron League, provided the Chiefs get by Milan. If Smith’s bunch is 3-0 after Week 3, we can not only consider the Chiefs a legitimate playoff team, but the team to beat in the Huron League.

Thoughts from Gary: Crestwood is an excellent out of league opponent. Bigger school who will have a lot of wins, and Huron should beat them, which means lots of playoff points. For Huron, it will come down to how they fair against the HL big boys. Are the Chiefs “big boys”, we will find out in weeks 2 and 3.

Thoughts from Chris: Weeks 2 and 3 will be huge for the Chiefs and will most likely determine whether they have a solid season or possibly something special.