Obviously some things have changed around the league. Coaches are in place, transfers have pretty much made their moves and we’re ready to talk some football.
SMCC
Milan
Grosse Ile
Riverview
Airport
Huron
Jefferson
Flat Rock
2,354,841 Visitors
BN- I agree with you. I think playing one QB will help them. The big Issue with the Chiefs is discipline. This is the class they've waited for…after summit the schedule gets tough for them in the league…if they get out of that 2-2, look for them to go 6-3…I do think Jefferson and Airport will be much improved as well..
When you watch Huron walk off the bus, you would think no D3 team or below would ever beat them. They are big, strong and have some speed as well.
thats what people are talking about
Coaching errors were the difference last year. I think they get that cleaned up somewhat and win 7 games.
-bn
Why do so many on here think Huron has the most talent? I am not a CC fan, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know they have the most returning talent. 19 starters return from a 10-2 team.
Huron again will have the most talent, but what will the coaches do with it? Also with that talent you need discipline something the chiefs lack.
Milan should be ranked #1 til they are not #1. It will be tough this year for sure to remain at the top. We shall see what Hoskins is made of this year. Hard to tell what Marshall will be like. Since their state title they are 13-24 and are coming off a 2-7 season. You can expect DCD to be very solid.
Milan could be 9-0 or 3-6 or anywhere in between. I would expect closer to 9-0 however.
-bn
Milan had some good high school football players. None of them were game changers other than Kanitiz. No college football players at the D-2 level. Like I said, some very good players, but very few college football level talents. Teams like Huron and Riverview had much more talent.
Well they need to start showing up to the games on Friday nights cause what's their record against milan last ten years 1-9 or at best 2-8..I mean 14-0 says alot bottom line try to rationalize all you want.
Umm Austin Hoover was the best player in the league, I'd say he was above average. Milan had the best receivers and Chad Hall was a best not to mention Jake Freise at Center 195 of Nasty was tough. Milan will be good again. They are well coached, but they do have a lot of talent!!
I agree…3-Peat..
So much talk about Milan. Sounds like you're scared. They won last year with very average talent lets be real . Kanitz was a beast, but there were no other stars on that team. They returned 3 defensive starters and one O-lineman. Not a kid over 200 pds on either side of the line. Everyone said they would finish between 4-8 in the conference. Even Chris with his pre-season pics had Milan 5th I think. The staff will continue to out-coach the majority of teams in this league and battle with SMCC and GI for the title this year.
They've won 14 straight games. Two straight years without a league loss. Until that changes, there's not a whole lot of room for talk.
Sorry bn Airport will beat Huron. EM
Airport will NOT beat Huron. 5-4 will be the very best Airport will finish. That will be tough however.
-bn
Airport will NOT bear Huron.
-bn
I believe Airport will beat Adrian, Huron & Riverview. GI and Milan are tough games yet winnable. EM
Airport loses to Adrian and Tecumseh in the non-conference. Other than Flat Rock and Jefferson, who do they beat?
Huron – no
Milan – no
Riverview – no
GI – no
SMCC – no
Airport goes 1-8 beating Flat Rock and Mayberry Jefferson. Huron will start 1-3 and finish 5-4…. Riverview and Huron most talent hands down. Neither make the playoffs. Wasted talent for yet another year
LOL Airport 1-8. That's a good one.
I remember when Airport was good, what happened?
One bad year is all that happened. EM
Haven't won a playoff game in almost a decade. They are an average program that averages 6 wins a year. One bad year, many mediocre years.
Huron just loves EVERYONE sleeping on them. Huron goes 7-2 or better.
-bn
1. SMCC 2. Airport 3. GI 4. Milan 5. Huron 6. Riverview 7. Jefferson 8. Flat Rock. EM
Riverviews transfers are huge for them. An all league linebacker who played D2 teams with 100+ tackles and a stud running back. they'll be top 3
Pre-Season Power Rankings
1. Milan
2. SMCC
3. G.I.
4.Riverview
5.Huron
6. Jefferson
7. Airport
8. Flat Rock
Looks accurate to me..truthfully Milan knows how to beat the teams in the HL. 3peat oh co-champs is still champs but not out right..
If you win with great consistency its because you recruit, right?
cc fan
No shame in losing to an Al Romano coached Tecumseh team.
It's funny when Milan has a couple good years they are stealing players. What a joke. Your team is getting out schemed and out coached deal with it. They had one guy on both the o and d line last year over 200 pds and that's because the starter got two concussions….
You obviously don't know Coach Hoskins because the guy does everything by the book and would never recruit a player from another school. When your successful, kids want to play for a winner. I still doubt they have 30 guys on Varsity this year. Guys in the school are just not playing football like the old days.
Milan Fan
Why?? other school are.Maybe just maybe there's a problem with a coach that's a teacher and can only get 25 players.Hmmm the Basketball team had enough players and did pretty good.
Hoskins isnt a player's coach. He'd rather have 25 committed footballers than 45 guys on a team??
Tecumseh was a much better team especially in the trenches where everything counts. Also a 1st team dream team QB that got a full ride to Northwood. D-tackle signed with Ferris and the mike backer just signed with Wayne State. There's a reason they beat Chelsea the round before and controlled the whole game against Battle Creek Harper Creek before losing to a last second field goal in the regional. Everyone is entitled to there opinion, but at least give some facts… I'd be interested to hear what Chris thinks???
I agree Bo knows football…
Tecumseh did not have better athletes than Milan did two years ago. I would say they were fairly even. Milan lost the district title at home because they got out coached.
Bingo
No no both district losses came from being out matched on the LOS . Bottom line. Now there might have been a bad call or two on the offensive side and to much scanning…..
The offensive coordinator changed things drastically for Milan two years ago… I think opposing coaches in the league would agree. They've had back to back undefeated teams and two playoff wins the last two years. They've done this with low numbers and average talent. Tecumseh and Melvindale were both much better personnel wise for their two playoff loses….That was obvious if you watched the games. They lost 35-31 to a very good Melvindale team last year and it came right down to the very end. There second best player/kicker missed 4 extra points in that game…Milan also had no answer for the d-1 receiver from Melvandale as he scored 4 tds pretty much by himself. That's playoff football and we are very proud of what our boys have done.
Until Milan gets there numbers back up in the 40 to 45 range, they will struggle to beat better teams in the playoffs. There are a lot of great athletes in the school not playing football and this is pretty sad and not like the old days when Coach Robb was around. This is why they only had 25 guys on last years team. The kids that are playing work their butts off, but no division 3 team with 25 guys is gonna make a serious playoff run. Let's be real.
Hoping for another fun season
Milan Fan
I agree you need more players and if your head coach is a teacher in that school it shouldn't be that hard to get more players and not go after other school players
Hoskins need to do begging cause there are alot if football players who do not play for him. He should do a lil brown nosing or a lil kissing up…
Bingo you think that have got him more than 25 players and maybe a state championship like basketball
So who is this new QB coming into Milan? Will he be a junior or senior? Airport looks like they have some talent coming back, but who plays QB? Riverview is a real wildcard this year, but i doubt they replace the 2 studs at RB. Will Mitroka be healthy enough to start the year? Huron has a nice QB/RB combo but can they replace the big fella at WR and play good enough D to contend? IMO SMCC is the favorite with 19 starters returning. EM
He will be a nice sized jr if milan get this one this year. Milan might 4-Peat with that kid.
Saw that 1 went to visit a MAC school yesterday.
-bn
There is legit division I talent in New Boston.
-bn
SURPRISE !
Huron has to play SMCC, GI, and Milan in the first 4 games. If they win one of those games, I would be very surprised. All better coaching staffs. They had all the talent in the world last year and did nothing with it. Until they beat someone good, they are a 4-5, 5-4 team.
9:56 you are totally discounting HURON!
If Huron isnt in the top 3 I will be VERY surprised.
-bn
Milan doesn't have a bunch of transfers. Their numbers will be down again, but they are very well coached. They didn't have a bunch of talent last year with the exception of Kanitz and Hoover. They developed a bunch of average players last year and ran the table with 25 guys on the roster. They will do the same this year and out coach most of their opponents. Not saying they will win it for the third year in a row, but they will be at the top with St. Marys and GI.
What happen 3 years ago.the average players would have been starters anywhere
Theee-Peat idiots. Im glad someone figured this out. SMCC and Milan will battle at 5-0 for title in week 6.
How about some analysis on Milan winning the league this year. I know Hoskins is a good coach, but he simply doesnt have the talent this year. Next years senior class is extremely thin and the JV team wasn't that good. You guys better have a boatload of really good transfers if your gonna contend in the league this year, let alone win it.
All class a shoud go, huron will be class a in yr or two
2010 as well with smcc, airport, huron and Milan
-bn
In 2012, SMCC, Milan, Airport and Grosse Ile all made the playoffs.
Since you have been doing the blog Chris, has there been a year where 4 teams have made the playoff? I would be surprised if this year we dont get 4.
-bn
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Clearly huh? Your OC had nothing to do with his transfer? Obviously undue influence. Please leave the league and join your new league that you have been planning for the last year. It is old and tiresome. People would respect you more if you just admitted it.
Sounds like an Airport fan….. lol
Yes the new QB is from Lincoln, but he decided to come on his own.
I suppose Milan was recruiting when they ran the table last year with 25 guys on the team….Winning recruits itself….The best athletes in the school don't even play football….. Feel lucky…. Stop crying and get better….
Yeah the best athletes in Milan win state titles. Something the football team will never come close to doing.
So many haters….
Huron 2nd bn? Come on. Your better than that.
Bloody Nutters pre-form rankings
1. Milan- at the top til they arent at the top
2. Huron- Simply have all the tools. Locked and stocked.
3. SMCC- will be very good but a bit small on the line.
4. GI- Mitroka must be in full form for the Devils to be even here.
5. Riverview- Coaching change will cost them a spot or 2.
6. Airport- Could move up a place or 2. Just not a good vibe in Carlton.
7. Jefferson- Jefferson will beat somebody of note but I just cant put them higher.
8. Flat Rock- um yeah
-bn
If is done by private schools, its recruiting… if its done by public, its transfers.
-bn
For the last time Milan did not recruit anyone…
If they live in Milan it is not recruiting if you're saying because it a school of choice then it's recruiting.
Stop denying it. Everybody knows your new QB is from Ypsi Lincoln.
Because of school of choice he's a Milan player now. Milan dont recruit those students choose them. I told you people want to be around winners.
Why does Hoskins have to bring in transfers? I guess he thinks the kids from Milan arent good enough.
Milan has some very good transfers!!!
http://michigan-football.com/s/2014/huronlea.htm
Where are the schedules at? I saw someone mentioned Huron has the three toughest opponents right off the bat, where can I find their schedule?
See mention of a few players, but who really Chris are the good players in this league?
I think Meiring could have a real good year bn. You could tell he was getting more and more comfortable in the offense as last season went on EM
Dylan Meiring… how will he be this year, Airport fans. I coached him in grade school. He was very good back then.
-bn
Hopefully your coaches won't take Huron as lightly as you all do. Huron has all the weapons. All the coaches know this.
-bn
Airport has fallen behind the rest. I think most would agree. Huron will be very talented that's for sure, but will be soundly out coached by SMCC, GI, and Milan starting 1 and 3 again. Size means nothing. Look at Milan last year. 1 kid on the line over 200 pds between both sides of the ball. Coaching is everything. That's why SMCC will be up top with Milan. If Mitkroka is healthy, GI will be up there as well. If not, their a middle of the pack team. I wouldn't pick against Milan until they lose though. They haven't lost league game in two years and did it last year with 26 guys in the roster. If they get some of the b ball kids to play, that could change things. Only 1 kid played football from the b ball team this year. Hoover who was just there to play d and rebound. If the best athletes in the school come out for football, we might be looking at a 3 peat and a 21 game league winning streak. That would be hard to do, but it's very possible.
Milan wont be that good3 years ago they where very bad with the same coach.they lost too many good players and the jv was not that good.
Well if you didn't know but you don't know that Milan team 3yrs was the most talented team they had you idiots. First year for that staff. But 20-2 since then. And they have a young team but now a little size. We love your predictions. Just like a State Champs in bball 3Peat in Football.
So 3 years ago was the most talented and the team wasn't that good with the same staff.And the last 2 years the same staff choked in the playoffs not the players.And now those players are gone and your saying 3 peat.And who is the real idiot??
First year there's transitioning you idiot. Choke never maybe to much scanning but simply out matched in trenches both years. AM or whoever I'LL be BM to remind you in October bout the 3peat.
1-8 3 years ago. 20 -2 last 2 years the only transitioning that matter was the players.now most of are gone and the other coaches are to good not to be able to figure out to win against milan.players win games.oh yeah on choking 18.6 yards average in passing and Milan only threw it 6 Times in the last playoff game.So just enjoy the last 2 years because its going to be a long season this year for Milan
Well I ddnt say that the offense coaches doesnt have a play to not lose mentality.
yes I will be shocked if the Jets finish in the top 3
Then prepare to be shocked.
Show me the people who always pick Huron.
Wasn't Huron the biggest team in the league last year?
I hope you guys keep picking Airport 6th. I guess alot of you will be shocked when they finish in the top 2 or 3.
Wow, now finishing 2nd or 3rd is a big deal? Way to lower the bar.
I'm just saying Airport will be top 3 at worst. They are capable of beating anybody in the league this year. On paper only CC has a better team. We will findout what Baas is made of this year.
You people always picking Huron. Year after year they are a disappointment and underachieve. Next year will be no different- no better than 4th place with losses to SMCC, Milan and GI.
No way SMCC wins the league this year. Milan or Huron will be the winner. Milan is well coached and brought in some nice players. Huron will be the biggest team in the league with 250lb plus linemen and a nice QB. It should go like this.
1. Milan
2. Huron
3. GI
4. SMCC
5. Riverview
6. Airport
7. Jefferson
8. Flat Rock
Huron will have an excellent chance at winning the league.
They open league play with the 3 best teams…. we will know early.
You're a clown
These Picks look about right…we'll see in your six months. Dethrone the Champs..until then..
Huron should go 6-3, 4-3 good enough for top 4.
-bn
True knee recovery is 2 years…….
That's great for that kid. He's a good young man and great for the Huron League. Exciting to watch and has a lot of poise. Not excited to play against him, but happy for the kid to be back. Hope he stays healthy and has a great season in 2014.
Milan Fan
There is also a psychological impact to that type of injury that may need to be overcome.
-bn
No one is talking about the picks. I think you're wrong. It will be Grosse Ile, Milan, Huron, Riverview, SMCC, Airport, Jefferson, Flat Rock. I think GI losses 1, Milan losses 1, Mitroka has a whole lot to prove. Three of GI best athletes returning to football. Milan, Huron and Riverview will run spread….this is the year SMCC disciplined program gets shown as antiquated. Gi and Milan have advantage of having been at it longer. Huron has one season under their belt, new coach fires up the View. Steady SMCC only beats the rest of the pack and maybe one of the above.
Holy rusted metal Batman, we have a joker on the blog! SMCC returns 19 of 22 starters, good luck with the wishful thinking.
@8:14 Mitroka is running track. Still has some restrictions for a few more weeks. He has been working out, strength and conditioning. Gained weight and muscle mass. He has full range of motion and has healed ahead of schedule.
There is no excuse for Riverview to not contend every year. Look at their enrollment and the kids they get in!
Does anyone know the status of Mitroka? Is he running track or expecting a longer recovery?
The system is to force teams to play same size same schools, leagues like the Huron League need to realign to 2 divisions based on enrollment.
OLSM was left out last year. They would have made big waves in the playoffs. That's probably the only team. West catholic got in with 5 wins and win it all.
-bn
I'll believe a new playoff system when I see it. Don't count on it anytime soon.
I was making an example of teams that played good non-conference opponents. In no way was I saying those teams should have made it in or not made it in regarding to Jefferson or Airport and their "strong schedules". lol
Thank you for bringing up Riverview. They are a perfect example of why the MHSAA will be changing this rule in the future. Say they win 6 games instead of 7 this year. Their pitiful wins over Summit and Crestwood would allow a better team to get in at 5-4. This would force Stergalis or whoever to man up and play someone.
From what I read on MHSAA reports, it would be rare for 4-5 teams to make it, but not impossible if they their quality of opponent is great. It would be 5-4 teams taking over the last few 6-3 spots.
The enrollments and classifications for '14-'15 are on the MHSAA site. Huron has 867 and Airport is at 879.
So did Riverview deserve to be in the playoffs last season? They beat two of the four teams you listed with the "Strong Schedule".
Huron didn't deserve to be in the playoffs last season and they weren't in the playoffs last season, but they did beat two of the four teams you mentioned with the "strong schedule".
Huron has made the playoffs one time in their history. This 6 win thing has really vaulted them into the playoffs.
What is most likely going to happen is a few 6-3 Huron League teams aren't going to get in even with a stronger schedule and it will be because a league team goes 0-9 and has running clocks at halftime in every game. Then everyone will really be bitching while the Big Schools around the state are laughing because they got in at 4-5.
You also may see leaues around the state dissolving because league teams are keeping them from getting in.
The MHSAA seems to disagree and the rule should take effect within the next year or two. It will stop teams from playing awful non-conference opponents. That is the goal.
And yes I would rather see a team like Jefferson, Airport, SMCC, Milan make it at 5-4 or 4-5 when playing strong schedules, then Huron or Riverview who play teams Summit Academy and Crestwood/Annapolis every year. This rule will force teams like this to change. At least playing one decent team in the non-conference.
You would rather see a 4-5 team make the playoffs? That makes no sense. Would you rather see Penn State in the NCAA tournament than Stephen F Austin too?
I would agree with the average league moniker, but not below average. The league has produced State Champions. Teams regularly go deep into the playoffs, many times they are one and done. The system isn't broke, don't change it to where some teams will never get in. It is already hard enough for some teams and schools.
If there is a change, make it so that everyone gets in or go to a Texas HS based system where there are districts based on the enrollment and the top 3 schools from each 8 team district get in. There would be 7 games in each district. You could then play two non-district games against any opponent that don't count toward playoffs. After all the teams from each district are qualified, the state then separates them into brackets based on enrollment. It is fool proof. You also see some great regular season match ups in week 1 between the top teams in the state.
Winning 4 games in the Huron League does not make you good enough to be a playoff contender. Lets not kid ourselves here. It's an average to below average league.
It will be great for H.S. Football in Michigan when the rule changes. Teams don't deserve to be playoff teams when they beat J.V level opponents in the non-conference. I would much rather see them get in the playoffs at 5-4 or 4-5 playing worthy opponents. Just an opinion.
Why do you care who they play? GI was 0-18 a few short years ago. We're you complaining then? Huron has never really been good. Riverview is up and down. If you win 4 games in the Huron League then you're good enough to be a playoff team if you win your two non-league (cupckae or not).
Schools are assigned based on the previous years February count day. Huron will be a Class B for 1214-2015. they will most likley move to Class A the next year
It would stop teams like Huron, Riverview, and GI from playing the little sisters of the poor. Like Crestwood, Annapolis, Romulus Summit Academy, Hazel Park, Detroit Henry Ford of Creative Studies. Just to name a few.
Since I don't have football at my school, I don't pay to close attention to that. I probably should since I write the blog, but I don't think changes are happening this year or anytime soon. We voted on a few things at the AD's conference regarding that stuff, but nothing seemed imminent. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
My opinion is that things shouldn't change. Six wins makes perfect sense. The best teams usually win the state championship on a yearly basis anyway. Teams that would win a championship aren't being left out.
Chris,
Do you think the new playoff format will take effect this year?
Class A is 882 and above
Class B is 424-881
Class C is 215-423
Class D is 214 and below.
*I know that the MHSAA is considering adding a 5th class in the future. The total number of schools would be split into fifths instead of fourths.
I believe Huron has 879.
League could have as many as 3 class A schools this season. 882 is the mark… Huron have a chance Chris?
-bn