2022 Schedule Analysis: Flat Rock Rams

By Frank Vajcner

Time to head to the alma mater of Chris Schultz. Flat Rock took some steps forward a year after a winless campaign. Will the schedule allow for progress to continue?

2022 Schedule:

Aug 25: @ Melvindale

Sept 1: @ Airport

Sept 8: @ Jefferson

Sept 16: Riverview

Sept 23: Milan

Sept 30: @ SMCC

Oct 7: Grosse Ile

Oct 14: @ New Boston Huron

Oct 21: Livonia Clarenceville

Gut-Check Game: The middle portion of the Rams’ schedule is downright brutal, with visits from Riverview and Milan, followed by a trip to SMCC. In the same stretch last season, the Rams were outscored 112-8, while being shut out twice. Will home field advantage help Buck Reaume’s bunch against the Pirates and Big Reds?

Trap Game: Jefferson fits the bill here. The Rams defeated the Bears in Week 3 last season 24-16. This time around, a trip to Marc Cisco Field is right before the aforementioned three-game murderous stretch.

Snoozer: No snoozers here.

Non-Conference Challenge: The Rams will open with a trip to Melvindale, and conclude with a visit from Clarenceville. The Cardinals have improved greatly, as they finished 5-4 for their first winning season since 2013. However, they were handed a 34-6 defeat by the Rams last season. See Dundee analysis for more on Clarenceville.

Notable: The Rams will play their first three games on the road…They are also the third team on the blog that has no changes in terms of opposition from last season.

Thoughts from Frank: If the Rams get through the first three games with at least a 2-1 mark, their confidence will be soaring. They will have to steal a few in the last six to be considered a playoff team. Doing so will be an arduous task, but we have seen Reaume and company “find a way” before.

Thoughts from Chris: Looking at the schedule, I would like to say the first 3 games are winnable as well as the last 3. Do I expect that to happen? No, but the Rams are in a very unique situation, in that if they go 3-6 they could sneak into the playoffs and will definitely make it if they can win 4.

Thoughts from Gary: Same schedule as last year. Flat Rock did improve in the later 1/3 of the season last year. Didn’t amount to wins, but I think they do find one more, which puts them in the playoff conversation.