2022 Schedule Analysis: Bedford Kicking Mules

By Frank Vajcner

We now head off to where you can find me during basketball season, as well as volleyball on the microphone.

Bedford is coming off of a sixth consecutive playoff appearance as they head into Year 3 under John Phillips. Can the Mules build off of a 7-3 campaign?

2022 Schedule:

Aug 25: @ Utica Ford

Sept 2: Ann Arbor Pioneer

Sept 9: Dexter

Sept 16: @ Ann Arbor Huron

Sept 23: @ Ypsilanti Lincoln

Sept 30: Monroe

Oct 7: @ Saline

Oct 14: @ Ann Arbor Skyline

Oct 21: Detroit East English Village

Gut-Check Game: Take your pick between Weeks 4 and 7. I have mentioned enough in prior posts about Saline, their SEC-Red winning streak (which now stands at 45 games), and how much disdain the Mules have for the Hornets. Ann Arbor Huron, on the other hand, has risen from the ashes and appears to be coming a force to be reckoned with in the SEC on the gridiron. This was more evident after defeating the Mules in a 31-30 thriller en route to an 8-2 season, which was the best mark for the River Rats since 2001. And in case anyone is wondering who was the last SEC-Red team to beat Saline, it happened to be the Mules in 2013.

Trap Game: at Ypsi Lincoln. Similar to last season, the contest with the Railsplitters lies between a trip to Huron, and the rivalry game with Monroe. Phillips will have to keep his team focused in a tricky spot on the gray turf.

Snoozer: Pioneer and Skyline were downright abysmal last season, as neither team recorded a win on the field (Skyline’s 17-8 win over Pioneer was forfeited, for the lone victory by either team). I won’t go into the details of the drama that happened between the Mules and Pioneers off the field (look that up on your own). East English may have been even worse, as the Villagers’ lone win was a forfeit from Detroit Western, and they put up a robust six points on the field in games played.

Non-Conference Challenge: The out-of-conference slate for the Mules doesn’t bring much sizzle. In addition to East English, Bedford also faces Utica Ford with a Week 1 road trip. The Falcons went 3-6 last season, including giving up a 50-burger to the Mules.

Notable: The Week 2 contest against Pioneer will mark the first varsity contest on a brand new turf field…The Mules were supposed to play East English last season, but the Villagers backed out due to a lack of players.

Thoughts from Frank: The meat of the schedule definitely is from Weeks 3-7, with three of five being on the road in that stretch. This will likely be what could help the Mules’ case for making the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year.

Thoughts from Chris: There appears to be 3 gimmes on the schedule which means the Mules must go 3-3 in the other 6 games to make it to the playoffs. I expect them to do that.

Thoughts from Gary: The Kicking Mules will get out of the gate fast with week 3 bringing the first real test. It doesn’t get any easier as over the next 4 weeks, trips to Huron, Lincoln and Saline, will define Bedford’s season. Amidst those games is one of the best rivalries in our region, as the Trojans will welcome Coach Phillips and his crew.