Milan 2021 Schedule Analysis

By Frank Vajcner

It’s now time to head up US-23 for my next stop in the schedule analysis series. Milan reached the regional round for the second consecutive season last year. How does the schedule fare for Jesse Hoskins and company this coming season?

2021 Schedule:

Aug 28: vs. Warren Michigan Collegiate (@ Madison Heights Bishop Foley)

Sept 3: New Boston Huron

Sept 10: @ Grosse Ile

Sept 17: SMCC

Sept 24: Flat Rock

Oct 1: @ Riverview

Oct 8: Jefferson

Oct 15: @ Airport

Oct 22: Detroit Osborn

Gut-Check Game: at Riverview. This is one that could very well shape up to be the Game of the Year in the Huron League, as the Big Reds face the Pirates in Week 6. It was Riverview who came into Milan and came away with a 24-12 victory last season. Can Milan get some revenge? The winner of this game will likely be in the catbird’s seat for the Huron League crown.

Trap Game: Jefferson. The week after a trip to Riverview, Jefferson comes to town. Granted, the Bears may not appear to be a contender in the Huron League, but given the spot on the schedule, coupled with the fact that the Big Reds escaped Marc Cisco Field with a 19-14 win last year, and this is not a game to be taken lightly. Special mention to a trip to Airport the following week, as three of the last five meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Snoozer: Detroit Osborn was downright dreadful last season. The Knights went 0-7 last season, were outscored 259-16, were shutout four times, did not score more than eight points in a single contest, and have lost their last ten games. This might fit the bill for worst opponent on anyone’s schedule.

Non-Conference Challenge: The Big Reds will take a trip to Warren Michigan Collegiate in Week 1. The Cougars have qualified for the playoffs each of the last 12 seasons, and went 9-1 last season with the loss coming to Clinton in the Regional round.

Notable: This will be the first meeting between the Big Reds and Cougars. The game will be played on a Saturday night at a neutral site…This will also be the first meeting with Osborn, and first meeting with a member of the Detroit Public School League since a 36-0 win over Detroit Cody in the 2018 playoffs.

Frank’s Thoughts: The opener against WMC is shaping up to be one of the big non-conference games of the year for the blog. Getting Huron and SMCC at home in the first half of the season will allow for the Big Reds to get some separation from the rest of the Huron League. 

Thoughts from Gary: Week 1 vs WMC jumps off the page as one of the best openers in the region. Although D6, Collegiate is a very good program and is set to have a big year.

Thoughts from Chris: The Big Reds will find out where they stand week 1 as Michigan Collegiate is loaded. If Milan can survive the first 4 weeks (2-2 or better), they should have a solid year yet again.