FNV Guide to the Best Games of 2021

By Frank Vajcner & Gary Hauf

With the 2021 season upon us, Frank and I came up with a week-by-week guide to the best games involving teams from Friday Night Victors. We broke games down into the two categories:

• Must-see: Game of the week candidate (at least at this point in time).
• Under the Radar: Lacks the hype, but has interesting storylines nonetheless. A new category for this season.

While there are many great games each week( they are all great in my opinion), we think these are the best of the best.

Week 1

Must – See: Warren Michigan Collegiate vs Milan @ Bishop Foley HS. This game has all the makings of an exciting contest from start to finish. Tons of playmakers on the field and both programs are of the best in Michigan. WMC is set to make a long run in Division 6 and Milan is always a league favorite, while also claiming district titles the last 2 season.

Under the Radar: Airport @ Ida. I absolutely love this opener and I hope it remains on the schedule for years to come. Both teams are ready to make a splash in 2021. This game means a lot to both teams. 1-0 looks a lot better than 0-1 and both of these teams are capable of winning this game. Just a great week 1 game.

Week 2

Must-See Game: Huron at Milan. An early separation game in the Huron League with plenty of star power on both teams.

Under the Radar: Erie Mason at Hudson. The Eagles will look to end a 30-game losing skid to LCAA teams with a trip to Thompson Field.

Week 3

Must – See: Ida @ Dundee. I mean, how can you leave this one off? Its labeled the “back yard brawl” for a reason. Last season, due to Covid, was the first year these 2 rivals didn’t meet since 1958. The Vikings last won in 2019(first time since 2012) 15-14.

Under the Radar: Allen Park @ Carlson. This isn’t really an under the radar game. This one is just too good to leave off. Both teams have their sites set on the DRL title and this would be a must win for both.

Week 4

Must-See Game: SMCC at Milan. The Big Reds have been the Falcons’ kryptonite in recent years. This is another game that has implications in the Huron League race. SMCC’s last win over Milan was in 2016

Under the Radar: Whiteford at Morenci. The Bobcats will travel deep into Lenawee County for a rematch of a wild game last season.

Week 5

Must -See Game: Riverview @ SMCC. This game could be for all the marbles in the Huron League. The Pirates are 5-16 this millennium vs the Falcons and have not won back to back contests since 1998 & 1999. Riverview can change that this year.

Under the Radar: Airport @ New Boston Huron. This game could go a long way in determining who finishes in the upper half of the league or in maybe one team’s case, the Huron League Title. This rivalry has been fairly even over the last 10 years. I expect another close one.

Week 6

Must-See Game: Erie Mason at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The Eagles hit the road for a tilt with a perennial playoff team in Division 4 in the Fighting Irish. A huge opportunity for a signature win for Steve Bowers.

Under the Radar: Bedford at Monroe. The Battle for the Golden Cleat is always one to take in as a fan. Both teams have split the last four meetings.

Week 7

Must-See Game: Dundee @ Clinton. Clinton coming off their State Runner Up season won’t be as good as they were last year. Is this the Year the Vikings can trip them up?

Under the Radar: Loy Norrix @ Whiteford. D1 vs D8. 1,700 students vs 250. Rather intriguing match-up. Although Loy Norrix is a struggling program, this is a big apple to bite if you are a Bobcat.

Week 8

Must-See Game: Summerfield at Whiteford. The Bobcats won the regular season meeting last year, but the Bulldogs got the last laugh in the playoffs. What will the rubber match bring?

Under the Radar: Grosse Ile at Riverview. The Colvin Cup Game is arguably the best rivalry trophy game in the Huron League. The Pirates have won the last two meetings, and have not lost to the Devils in an odd-numbered year since 2009.

Week 9

Must-See Game: Riverview @ Monroe. This one already has the blog buzzing and it is 75 days away. Arguably the best program in the Huron League at the moment, vs a Division 1 school with double the enrollment in Monroe. Who has made the playoffs 6 of the last 10 seasons. There will be tons of build up before this one is played.

Under the Radar: Carlson @ Woodhaven. You have to go back to 2012 the last time this game was played in week 9. Something will definitely be at stake here. DRL crown? Playoff birth? multiple home playoff games?

There you have it. I am sure we left off some excellent games but the ones above are sure to pack the stands!