2024 Schedule Analysis: Dundee Vikings

By Frank Vajcner

We now head over to the home of the 16-time state champs on the wrestling mats in Dundee. On the football side, the good news was that the Vikings finished with a winning record for a third straight season. The bad news was they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. What does the schedule hold for Steve Ayre and company?

2024 Schedule

Aug 29 @ Flat Rock

Sept 6 Erie Mason

Sept 13 Onsted

Sept 20 @ Adrian Madison

Sept 27 Clinton

Oct 4 @ Hillsdale

Oct 11 Hudson

Oct 18 @ Ida

Oct 25 @ Blissfield

Gut-Check Game: There are a few games that you can make a case for. First off is a road trip to open the season in Flat Rock. Even though the last two meetings have gone to the Rams by a combined six points, Flat Rock is coming off of their best season since 1976 after going 9-4 and reaching the State Semifinals. Knocking off the Rams would go a long way toward the Vikings trending up. A visit from Clinton in Week 5 also looms large, as well as back-to-back road trips to Ida and Blissfield to end the season.

Trap Game: Sandwiched between home games against Clinton and Hudson lies a long road trip to Hillsdale in Week 6. These may not be your father’s Hornets, but the Vikings escaped with a 15-14 win at home last season.

Snoozer: Take your pick between Onsted and Adrian Madison. The Wildcats have won five games in the last four seasons, and were throttled 41-14 by the Vikings last season. The Trojans had a pretty rude awakening in their first year in the LCAA, as they went 1-8 and gave up at least 50 points on four occasions.

Non-Conference Challenge: In addition to a road trip to Flat Rock, the Vikings will welcome in old LCAA foe Erie Mason in Week 2. The Eagles are coming off of a 3-6 campaign, and were defeated 41-18 by the Vikings last season.

Fun Facts: Dundee will also not see any changes in terms of opposition from last season. The last time that happened was 2016 and 2017…The Vikings will end the season with consecutive road games for the first time since 2013.

Thoughts from Frank: Much like the few years I was there, the Vikings were left wondering what could have been, as three of their losses were by one score or less. Ayre and company will look to make a statement early against Flat Rock, and avenge close losses to Ida and Blissfield. Doing that could put the Vikings back into the postseason.