2023 Season Wrap-Up and Christmas Wish List

Well, it’s Christmas and the end of 2023 draws near. It was a great season with many of our teams having outstanding years while others try to get back to former glory. Let’s look at each team and what may be on their Christmas wish list.

Airport: The Jets had one of their best seasons in 20 years as they won a share of the Huron League title and advanced to the Division 4 Regional Final after finishing 10-2 overall. The Jets graduate an excellent senior class that includes 5 All-FNV players along with the potential departure of head coach Jim Duffy. Wish List: Just one player who can match the talent and fire of one of those five star seniors.

Bedford: The Mules finished with a disappointing 4-5 record and finished out of the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Coach John Phillips’s team couldn’t recover from a 1-4 start, but were able to win their final two games while beating rival Monroe in the process. Wish List: Bedford along with the rest of the SEC Red would like Saline’s CJ Carr to finally graduate and Head Coach Joe Palka to leave for another opportunity. Wait that already happened. Merry Christmas SEC Red!

Carlson: The Marauders had their first 10-win season in school history and are poised to continue the great success of the last half dozen years or so. Wish List: The wish is simple, Izaiah Wright stays at Carlson. Not that he is thinking of leaving, but I’m sure the poachers are on the hunt.

Dundee: The Vikings finished out of the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Once again the competitive LCAA makes it tough for a school whose main sport is something else, to have high-level success. Wish List: Find a way to replace players like Cooper Buhl and Braiden Whitaker.

Erie Mason: The Eagles finished with a disappointing 3-6 record in 2023. The offense was able to score, but giving up 35 ppg on defense is never a good recipe for success. Wish List: Find a way to replace the playmakers of the last 3 or 4 seasons before the 2024 season starts.

Flat Rock: The Rams had a historic season that saw them win 9 games and advance to the State semi-finals for the first time since 1976. Wish List: While the Rams return a boatload of players for 2024, they could use a dose of speed somewhere on the field. There are plenty of athletes, but they need a burner or two.

Grosse Ile: The Red Devils were tough to figure out in 2023. They finished 1-8, their worst record since 2008, but managed to beat SMCC who had some quality wins. Wish List: Find a way to get more depth on the gridiron. The Red Devils always have talent, but depth seemingly is always an issue.

Huron: The Chiefs finished 5-4, but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Wish List: The Chiefs need an identity. I’m not sure if anyone around the league, including themselves knows what they are.

Ida: The Bluestreaks started the season 1-3, but rallied to make the playoffs after finishing 5-4. Ida didn’t have a bad loss, but I’m not sure they had a quality win either. Wish List: In 2024 Ida just needs a little “belief in themselves”. They have all the ingredients to have a great season in 2024. Good coaching, solid line play, a great work ethic and a stud RB.

Jefferson: The Bears had some growing pains this season as they were arguably the youngest team in the region. Finishing with 2 wins was an improvement over 2022. Wish List: The Bears need their young players to grow up. Fortunately, that will happen naturally as the season in 9 months away.

Milan: The Big Reds qualified for the playoffs with a losing record and finished 4-6 overall. Milan was competitive, but were a far cry from the Milan teams of the recent past. Wish List: Milan needs an increased enrollment. The high school had its lowest enrollment in nearly 25 years and is down 400 students since the Jesse Hoskins era began.

Monroe: The Trojans finished with a 3-6 record for the second consecutive season; this after starting 3-1. Wish List: See Bedford.

Riverview: Riverview had another Pirate-type season, but I’m not sure if the Pirates were happy with a co-championship. (you tell me) Wish List: The Pirates need a continued buffet to help bulk up the offensive and defensive lines, although talented they seem to be getting smaller.

SMCC: The Falcons had their share of ups and downs in 2023, but were good enough to qualify for the playoffs for the 7th consecutive year and win a playoff game. Wish List: For the players to remember that “Tradition Never Graduates”.

Summerfield: The Bulldogs missed the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season after finishing with a 5-4 record again. Starting 4-0 wasn’t enough in 2023 as the team finished the season with only 1 win in the last 5 games. Wish List: Look at the big picture. Please don’t run to 8-man football anytime soon. Your players and fans deserve it!

Whiteford: Another great season for the Bobcats. They came up just short in the final game, but what a run by Whiteford over the last few seasons. Wish List: What do you ask for when you have pretty much everything?