By Frank Vajcner
Now it’s time to head up Telegraph Road to Chris Schultz’s alma mater. Despite making the playoffs for only the fourth time in school history, Flat Rock pretty much hit rock bottom last season, as they went 0-7 and were outscored 326-66. Will the schedule allow for the Rams to attempt to make the climb out of the basement?
2021 Schedule:
Aug 26: Melvindale
Sept 2: Airport
Sept 10: Jefferson
Sept 17: @ Riverview
Sept 24: @ Milan
Oct 1: SMCC
Oct 8: @ Grosse Ile
Oct 15: New Boston Huron
Oct 22: @ Livonia Clarenceville
Gut-Check Game: Airport. If Buck Reaume’s bunch wants to prove that they aren’t going to be a cellar-dweller in the Huron League, getting a win against a big rival would be a place to start. The Rams have not won the battle for “The Jug” since 2017. Since then, the Jets have won the last three meetings by a combined score of 125-65.
Trap Game: When you go 0-7, no game really qualifies as a trap game.
Snoozer: See above.
Non-Conference Challenge: Melvindale comes to town to open the season. The Cardinals went 2-5 last season, but did end a 15-game losing skid. The Rams will travel to Livonia Clarenceville to end the season. See Dundee analysis for more info.
Notable: The Rams will play three straight home games to open the season…The last time the Rams faced Melvindale was 1976. Oddly enough, that was a very special year for the Rams…Clarenceville returns to the schedule for the first time since 1997.
Frank’s Thoughts: It’s reasonable to expect the Rams to be much better than last season. A win over Melvindale is feasible, but get a split between Airport and Jefferson at a minimum, and the confidence level of the Rams will be soaring. I don’t expect it to be enough to return to the playoffs, but we have seen Reaume get his players to “find a way.”
Thought’s from Gary: The Rams will have to start out hot if they are to make some noise in 2021. Weeks 4 through 9 present a great challenge. Trips to Riverview, Milan and Clarenceville make the last 2/3 of the schedule very tough.
Thoughts from Chris: After going 0-7 last season, the schedule shakes out favorably with 3 winnable games all at home to start the season. The Rams have a solid young core this season and a few victories to start the season would have a positive impact.
Chris you really think the Airport game is winnable?
Absolutely that game is winnable. Airport will play a ton of young kids. Though they are talented you never know what you’re going to get with sophomores at the varsity level.