Last season Grosse Ile finished with a disappointing 2-7 record, but was able to beat a solid Flat Rock team in week 5. Veteran coach Jon Bodner will once again be roaming the sidelines for the Red Devils. Grosse Ile has qualified for the playoffs every other year since 2012 and after missing the playoffs in 2017 appear to have a shot this season.
The GI offense will be led by senior Zak Thompson who threw for nearly 1,400 yards last season to go with 10 TD’s. Senior Luke Harwood will be the main ball carrier after rushing for 465 yards last season. Look for senior Drew Ramirez to be a threat at receiver along with junior Max Athens. The offensive line in anchored by seniors Maverick Lamothe, Antonio Alongi and Matthew Dishon.
On defense, the Islanders return a solid corp of LB’s in juniors Johnny Blanzy and Josh Zemmin along with senior Chance Marx. Senior Tyler Symons will start at DT and will be joined on the DL by Dishon, Alongi and Lamothe. Look for Jackson Lonc to start at a CB along with Ramirez while junior Justin Riggs holds down a safety spot. A wild card for the Red Devils maybe P/K Joey Pizzo. The sophomore may be the best kicker in the Huron League.
This could be a big year on the island this season and the Red Devils may be a sleeper in the Huron League race. GI has a host of returning players and are rarely, if ever, down two straight seasons under Bodner. Week 1 against Riverview Gabriel Richard on the island will be a stiff opening night test as the Pioneers finished 9-2 last season.
Chris’s Pick: 6-3
Gary’s Pick: 5-4
Frank’s Pick: 5-4