2022 Schedule Analysis: Grosse Ile Red Devils

By Frank Vajcner

It’s once again time to go island hopping as we pay a visit to Grosse Ile. The Red Devils have been a quirky team for the past decade, having success in even-numbered years, but struggling in odd-numbered years. With it being an even-numbered year, one would assume that a good season would be in store. Does the schedule allow for it?

2022 Schedule:

Aug 26: Riverview Gabriel Richard

Sept 1: SMCC

Sept 9: @ Milan

Sept 16: Airport

Sept 23: @ Jefferson

Sept 30: @ New Boston Huron

Oct 7: @ Flat Rock

Oct 14: Riverview

Oct 21: Detroit Henry Ford

Gut-Check Game: The easy answer would be Riverview, given that it’s the battle for the Colvin Cup, and the Pirates have won the last three meetings. However, I will go with SMCC. The Falcons travel to “The Island” to open up Huron League play, and much like Riverview, the Devils have lost to SMCC the last three seasons. If John Bodner’s bunch wants to prove that they belong in the race for the Huron League, a win here will be paramount.

Trap Game: Right before the Colvin Cup game comes a visit to Flat Rock. The Rams came within a whisker of winning last year’s matchup, but the Devils prevailed 14-12. Bodner will need to keep his squad from looking ahead.

Snoozer: Nothing really jumps out as a game the Devils will win via blowout.

Non-Conference Challenge: Riverview Gabriel Richard visits to open the season. The Pioneers were down last season, as they went 3-5 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. In addition, the Devils will welcome Detroit Henry Ford to conclude the regular season. The Trojans were 5-4 last season.

Notable: This will be the first meeting between the Devils and the Trojans on the football field…This will also be the first time Grosse Ile has faced a DPSL member in football since 2011 when they defeated Detroit Douglass 26-22 in the playoffs.

Thoughts from Frank: I truly don’t have an explanation as to why Grosse Ile has been successful in even-numbered years, yet struggles in odd-numbered years. Whether that trend continues remains to be seen. If the Devils can open Huron League play with at least a split of SMCC and Milan, you can expect a return to the postseason. It still could come down to the showdown with Riverview in Week 8.

Thoughts from Chris: I like the way the schedule shakes out overall for the Red Devils although I see them starting 1-3. I think they have enough talent to win 5 games, maybe even 6 games. I see GI as a playoff team.

Thoughts from Gary: Red Devils haven’t missed the playoffs in an even numbered year since 2010. So pencil them in, in 22 right? Only needing 4 wins to get in(presumably), I think I see a scenario where they keep up with the trend and make the post season. Week 1 is a must and might have to get out of the gate at 2-2 however.