2022 Schedule Analysis: Carlson Marauders

By Frank Vajcner

We now head northward to Gibraltar to visit the team that may or may not have made Chris, Gary, and myself eat some crow.

The good news for Carlson is that they tied the school record for wins by going 9-2, and made the playoffs for a school-record fifth consecutive season. The not so good news is they are on their fourth coach in as many seasons. However, Jason Gendron is quite familiar to Marauder Country, as he has been an assistant for the last few years. How does the schedule shake out for his first season?

2022 Schedule:

Aug 25 @ Lincoln Park

Sept 1 Dearborn Edsel Ford

Sept 9 @ Allen Park

Sept 16 Trenton

Sept 23 @ Wyandotte Roosevelt

Sept 30 @ Southgate Anderson

Oct 7 Taylor

Oct 14 White Lake Lakeland

Oct 21 Woodhaven

Gut-Check Game: Look no further than a Week 3 trip to Allen Park. Despite sharing the Downriver League crown, the Marauders ran into a buzz saw not once, but twice when facing the Jaguars. If Carlson is looking to continue their stay at the top, this would be a prime opportunity to get a signature win for Gendron.

Trap Game: Trenton fits the bill here. Despite a 27-2 win over the Trojans in the playoffs last season, the Marauders escaped with a 28-27 win in the regular season. This game also comes a week after a trip to Allen Park.

Snoozer: Pick any one of Lincoln Park, Southgate Anderson, or Taylor, who went a combined 4-22. Enough said.

Non-Conference Challenge: White Lake Lakeland comes to town in Week 8. The Marauders defeated the Eagles, who went 6-4 and made the playoffs for a fifth straight year, 35-28 last season.

Notable: Much like Airport, the schedule remains the same for Carlson in terms of opposition…The Marauders will be at home for the month of October with three straight home games.

Thoughts from Frank: September 9 should be circled by everyone in Marauder Country. A win over Allen Park would put Carlson in the catbird’s seat for the conference title, and possibly an undefeated regular season.

Thoughts from Chris: I expect Carlson to be solid again this year. Look for Downriver League teams like Lincoln Park, Taylor and Southgate to be improved. Week 3 should be a huge game for the Marauders, but I expect weeks 8 and 9 to define the season.

Thoughts from Gary: The DRL provides some great matchups every year. Lakeland fits in perfectly for Carlson, this should be another good one. The trio of Trenton, Allen Park and Woodhaven will provide the most resistance during league play and most likely the playoffs.