FNV Huron League Focus Week 3

Once again, for those of you who have been around a minute, you know that Friday Night Victors was started in 2009 as the Huron League Blog. Then, back in 2015 or so, we decided to include all of the teams that were in Monroe County. Things have worked out great since then as our coverage area has grown and we get the opportunity to talk about 8 other schools each week.

Continuing….Over the years, I have had many people reach out to me and ask if I could include a section dedicated to just the Huron League. While I had some reservations in doing this, I didn’t want to forget our roots. So each week, I will write a small article talking about the games in the Huron League strictly from my perspective.

Jefferson 0-3 @ Flat Rock 3-0

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Bears as they travel to face the undefeated Rams. Last week’s 56-16 loss to Riverview was predictable, but it seems as if the young Bear squad along with their few veterans are battling. Freshman QB, Luke Beaudrie accounted for 332 yards on offense verse the Pirates and will try and do more of the same this week. Playing against the Rams will provide a different twist as he will most likely being chased by his cousin Michael, a standout two-way senior lineman for the Green and Gold.

The Rams proved any doubters wrong in week 2 as they handled the Airport Jets. After Airport jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, the Rams out scored the Jets 33-7 in route to the double digit victory. Against Jefferson, look for the Rams to stay focused with a heavy ground game while giving QB Graham Junge the option to audible to the Ram’s potent passing game.

Unfortunately, I don’t expect this to be a close game. Jefferson needs to focus on getting better each week while staying healthy. The Rams need to make sure they don’t overlook the Bears, especially with Riverview on the horizon.

Quick Thought: As stated in “Our Thoughts, Not Yours” on Saturday, I didn’t like the all gold/yellow uniforms last week, but I was told that the team wanted to wear them to match the color of the jug that is given to the winner of the FR/Airport game.

Milan 2-1 @ Grosse Ile 1-2

Milan appeared to be headed to a 3-0 start as they jumped out on Huron last week 14-0, but fell to 2-1 as the Chiefs battling back to force overtime and eventually win the game. Bill Gaskell leads the Big Red offense from his QB position with 237 rushing yards, but he remains the focus of opponent’s defenses by evidence of his 3.8 ypc number. Defensively Milan continues to be solid as they are giving up just under 12 ppg.

Grosse Ile shocked most everyone last week by going down to Navarre Field in Monroe and knocking off SMCC in 21-20 in OT. Sophomore QB Tanner Symons appears to be settling into Coach John Bodner’s offense while senior Matthew Pizzo had a big game last week against the Falcons.

A week ago, I would have thought this would be an easy Milan victory, but not so fast my friend. This should be a great game that could go either way. The match up that interest me will be the GI offense against the Milan defense. I expect a low scoring affair that could come down to special teams.

Riverview 2-1 @ New Boston Huron 1-2

Does Riverview have any home games this season? At least they won’t need extra bleach for the Pirate’s road white uniforms as they will play on the turf at Huron. Riverview did what they had to do last week against Jefferson, but should get a stiff test from the Chiefs. Look for the usual ground game from the Pirates.

Huron was staring a 0-3 start early in week 3, but was able to rally for the 20-17 OT victory over the Big Reds. Austin O’Dell seems to have settled in as the main ball carrier for the Chiefs after rushing for over 100 yards against Milan.

I expect this to be a good game, but the Chiefs are going to need to “D Up” against the powerful Pirates offense if they expect to win. Huron has struggled a bit offensively this season while Riverview is always looking to put up a “50 burger”. Maybe if Riverview plays a home game if can be a “50 Double Cheese Burger”.

Airport 2-1 @ SMCC 1-2

Airport goes on the road for the third time this season and will need to shake off last week’s loss to Flat Rock. I don’t want to say that Airport looked tired last week, but the Rams appeared to be the fresher team in the 4th quarter. Airport still remains in the league race, but can’t afford to slip up against the Falcons this week. Look for the Jets to get back to doing what they do, by running the ball and being opportunistic with the pass.

SMCC let one slip away last week, in what many thought would be a Falcon victory. Trying to slow down the Jet offense will prove to be a tough task for the Catholics, but their team speed should be able to neutralize some of the Jet passing attack.

I expect this to be another good Huron League game, but would be surprised if the Jets didn’t win this game. They have been my pick all along to win the Huron League and could still do so if somebody else slips up. SMCC is rarely an easy victory for anyone, especially at Navarre. Expect the Falcons to battle in this game and have a chance to win if they can keep it close and not give up the big play.

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