By Frank Vajcner
We now venture northward to look at a team many are expecting big things from in Carlson. The Marauders are coming off of their best season in school history, as they went 10-2, and won their first-ever District Championship in football. How does the schedule look?
2024 Schedule:
Aug 29: @ Airport
Sept 6: Dearborn Edsel Ford
Sept 13: Taylor
Sept 20: @ Wyandotte
Sept 27: @ Southgate Anderson
Oct 4: Trenton
Oct 11: Woodhaven
Oct 18: @ Allen Park
Oct 25: @ Lincoln Park
Gut-Check Game: It’s a pretty obvious choice to look at a Week 8 trip to Allen Park to face the Jaguars. Despite winning the last two meetings, the Marauders survived with a 20-18 win at home last season. This is likely the game where the Downriver League gets decided.
Trap Game: Beware of a trip to Southgate in Week 5. Despite a 43-7 Marauder win last season, the Titans pulled out a win on their home field two seasons ago. Also, don’t sleep on Trenton coming to town in Week 6. Jason Gendron will need to keep his squad from looking ahead both weeks.
Snoozer: I hate to beat a dead horse when I say that the bottom of the Downriver League is pretty bad. Taylor is at the bottom of the chili pot, as the Griffins went 0-9, and were outscored 316-96 (including a 57-12 drubbing by the Marauders). In fact, the Griffins have won only eight games since Taylor Kennedy and Taylor Truman merged in 2018.
Non-Conference Challenge: The Marauders open up the season with a trip to Carleton to play Airport. The Jets defeated the Marauders 31-10 in last season’s meeting.
Fun Facts: The Marauders have won their last nine regular-season Downriver League games…Carlson also does not see any changes in terms of opposition from last season to this season.
Thoughts from Frank: Admittedly, I’m high on the Marauders this season. They are the top dog in the Downriver League until someone beats them. The season comes down to a Week 8 trip to Allen Park.