Each week the founder of Friday Night Victors, Chris Schultz will give his thoughts about each team in the blog coverage area, as well as, other musings from the mind of a simple Michigan high school football fan.
Well…here we are, practice starts tomorrow and I have some early thoughts about each team.
Airport: Coach Jim Duffy returns some great young skill talent, but must replace a bevy of starters. Look for the Jets to score points, but give up plenty as well.
Bedford: The Kicking Mules have qualified for the playoffs 11 out of the last 13 years, including the last 6. I fully expect them to qualify again.
Carlson: The Marauders have a guy in Head Coach Jason Gendron who wants to be at Carlson. I expect much success and a long tenure from this young man.
Dundee: The Viking 6 wins last season were the most since 2012. The 2022 schedule is tough, if they get to 6 this season, they will have qualified for the 2022 playoffs.
Erie Mason: The Eagles have qualified for the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. In 2022, 5-4 got them in. That won’t be enough this season. Better win 6!
Flat Rock: My Rams have some talent, but you can’t get shut-out 3 times in a season and expect success. Find a Way to score some points
Grosse Ile: It’s an even year and the Red Devils have proven they can win under Jon Bodner in these years. There is plenty of talent, but will depth be their demise on the island this year?
Huron: The coaching carousel continues for the Chiefs, but this time they bring in Allen Park coaching legend Tom Hoover. Expect the Chiefs to have an identity in 2022.
Ida: There doesn’t appear to be as much talent at Ida compared to last season, but don’t expect the Bluestreaks to fall off too much.
Jefferson: The Bears always have athletes over there. The question is, can Eric Tipton get the most out of them?
Milan: The Big Reds always lose good players each year to graduation, but the program always gives their underclassmen a chance to play early. That means they develop their kids and always have good players returning. This year will be no different.
Monroe: Not as much talent in Monroe compared to last season, but I expect Dave Mifsud and his experienced staff to coach them up big time
Riverview: Coach Derek McLaughlin has it going on in Riverview. Don’t expect a fall-off. The Pirates will compete for a league title again.
SMCC: This may be taboo, but I fully expect the Falcons to be playing at Ford Field this season. Of course, JLC may have something to say about that. (Wait didn’t I say that last year?)
Summerfield: The Bulldogs may have the weakest non-league schedule in the state, but with all these teams bolting to 8-man football, who else are you supposed to play? (Wait didn’t I say that last year?)
Whiteford: Long-time head coach and athletic director Jason Mensing has moved on, but don’t expect the Bobcats to go anywhere. There is an abundance of talent left. I fully expect Whiteford to be among the best in D8 again this year.
We (Gary, Frank and myself) look forward to the season getting started. Look for our typical coverage this season with; articles, videos and weekly rankings. We hope you enjoy it! Remember these are, “My thoughts, not yours” (well maybe they’re yours too).
Monroe’s got big shoes to fill with DeSeranno gone! Best of luck to Monroe this year!!!
New field New coach!
Thanks for the work you put in to bring us this blog. It adds some extra insight and enjoyment to the high school football season.
You’re welcome Robert. We are happy to do it.
I really enjoy this feature