By Frank Vajcner
There were many times I debated whether to write this piece or not before August.
When it was announced that the season would be postponed until spring, I figured I had made a good move by laying off on writing it. That was until the Miracle on September 3 happened, and the MHSAA reversed course.
So it’s time to go through each of our original 16 teams’ schedules and pick out the best games of 2020. I realize that these are games not everyone will be able to attend, but i would be derelict of duty by skipping this altogether. Who knows? Maybe I’ll highlight a game that you, the reader, are interested in.
For anyone new to this, I break down my selections into the following categories:
- Must-See Game: This is where I pick a game with the best storylines and/or best matchups.
- Under the Radar: A game that may not have the hoopla of the aforementioned, but has something intriguing nonetheless.
- Upset Alert: This is a little appetizer I have thrown in. I’m not calling any upsets, just rather pointing out where this is the most likely game for said upset to happen.
So let’s start it off in the week formerly known as Week 4, which is now Week 1.
Must-See Game: Erie Mason at Summerfield. The Eagles make their debut in the Tri County Conference. This game features two of the conference’s prolific quarterbacks in the Eagles’ Noah Beaudrie and the Bulldogs’ Devin Albain. If you love offense, this game is for you.
Under the Radar: Huron at Airport. The Chiefs are pegged as the dark horse in the Huron League this season, given the talent they return. An added kicker: they are looking to avenge a 28-21 loss to the Jets last season
Upset Alert: SMCC over Riverview. The Falcons begin their defense of a state championship with a trip to Riverview, whom many consider the favorite in the Huron League. While it is the Pirates who return a lot of talent, the Falcons have not lost in Riverview since 2004.
Week 2
Must-See Game: Grosse Ile at Huron. The Chiefs lost a heartbreaker on The Island last year in overtime. Not only will they be looking for revenge against the Red Devils, but both teams are looking to make statements in 2020.
Under the Radar: Monroe at Jackson. The second of three SEC-White crossovers takes the Trojans to Tony Dungy Field for a tilt with the Vikings. This is also a revenge game for Monroe, as they lost to Jackson in Week 3 of 2018.
Upset Alert: Hudson over Ida. The Blue Streaks will be coming off of a tough contest against Clinton. Hudson’s Thompson Field has been a house of horrors for Ida in prior years, as they have only one victory there since 2000.
Week 3
Must-See Game: Whiteford at Sand Creek. The Aggies were in the top ten in Division 8 last season. That was until they ventured to Ottawa Lake and left with a 28-6 loss. This could be a separation game in the TCC.
Under the Radar: Airport at Riverview. The Pirates stuffed the Jets on a potential game-winning two-point conversion last season. If Airport wants to take the next step, winning at Riverview would be a great place to do so.
Upset Alert: Monroe over Saline. The Trojans hung tough against the Hornets last season in Saline. The Hornets face another land mine the following week in Bedford (more on that later).
Week 4
Must-See Game: Saline at Bedford. The Hornets own a 39-game winning streak in the SEC Red. Their last loss was to Bedford on September 27, 2013. Three of the last four meetings have been decided by a combined five points or fewer.
Under the Radar: Milan at Huron. Another revenge game for the Chiefs, who lost a 22-21 heartbreaker to the Big Reds last season.
Upset Alert: Dundee over Clinton. The Redskins will be coming off of a tough contest against Blissfield, while the Vikings will look to get first-year head coach Ross Crow a signature win.
Week 5
Must-See Game: Riverview at Grosse Ile. The battle for the Colvin Cup heads to The Island. The Devils and Pirates have split the last ten meetings. Another kicker: Grosse Ile has won the last five matchups at home.
Under the Radar: Ida at Blissfield. The Royals have been considered an upper-echelon team in the LCAA since Gavin Ganun was a freshman starter at QB, but he has never beaten the Blue Streaks. In fact, Blissfield’s last win over Ida was in 2012.
Upset Alert: Airport over Milan. A playoff rematch. The Jets nearly pulled off the upset in the first round, but were stuffed on a two-point conversion. Will things be different this time around?
Week 6
Must-See Game: Carlson at Wyandotte. The last three meetings have been decided by a combined 12 points, including last season when the Bears prevailed 29-28. Can the Marauders avenge the defeat and get Dan Kalbfleisch a signature win?
Under the Radar: Ida at Columbia Central. The Golden Eagles have been Ida’s kryptonite the last three seasons. Can the Blue Streaks get some momentum heading into postseason play?
Upset Alert: Monroe over Chelsea. The Bulldogs and Trojans will meet up at Bunkelman Field for a final tune up before the playoffs. Chelsea has high expectations, while Monroe could be playing with house money.
Any games that you think should be on here? Please leave them in the comments. Here’s to a fun and safe 2020 season!
Frank not sure what to make of your constant references of your alma mater but I expect them to finish undefeated this year after taking their lumps last year as a young squad.
Respectfully think you’re oversold in Monroe, that is a brutal schedule for them.
Dundee over Clinton will not be an upset. If Irwin played more last year, Dundee would have been district champs. He will be the best QB the LCAA has seen since Bolster came through DHS. I have been a watching this group for 3 years now, they have the most underated line in the LCAA and the county. There is a ton of wrestling talent on both sides of the line that will lead the way for their new offense.
I think Airport wins the shared Huron League title with New Boston Huron
DJ Hahahaha… There were two QB’s better than Bolster in his own grade in the LCAA.
And there’s been QBs better than him since. Your Dundee take is hilarious. Clinton will beat Dundee by 25pts.
Bolster threw for 2,300 yards and 30 TD passes. I’m sure the other 2 QB’s combined didn’t have those numbers. Go back to Lenawee County.
That’s a bit too much credit to give one player. Dundee football can’t handle success or get out of their own way. Too many chiefs and know everything mind sets there. Too bad really for the school, community, and kids. I have seen this record played over and over. And when they had things right they threw it away. Wrestling ,Band, and Swimming have always been king in Viking land. But hey everyone makes the playoffs this Covid year so you got that going for you. Put an asterisk next to this playoff run. Watch your backs the redskins are no slouch.