SMCC (5-0) is coming off of a 28-7 win over Airport while Milan (2-3) fell to Grosse Ile 38-36. Milan won last seasons match up 21-14, but the Falcons have won three of the last five.
SMCC has been playing extremely well defensively all season. The Falcons are giving up a paltry 3.5 ppg in Huron League play. The offense has been tough to slow down with Justin Carrabino, John Lako and Mitchell Lamour all capable of scoring every time they touch the ball.
Milan’s offense just isn’t the same this season. Sophomore Trace Lindeman is as good as ever, but the passing game has been suspect. The defense has been good enough at times, but seemed to wear down last week due to lack of depth.
This looks like another gimmee for the Falcons, but each week their opponents have not gone away easily. This game will be no different. Milan will play well, but there is too much talent at SMCC. Prediction: SMCC 21 Milan 0
I think howey has nerve damage and if I'm not mistaken he is going to return this year
I believe that what im selling will sell. A coach has to find creative ways to get the kids to buy in. It takes more than hardwork to win…
I agree it takes a combination of things execution toughness etc.
MILAN was the biggest school on the league who recruited kids from ypsi. Of course you won. How bad would you be without those recruits?
I disagree about the weather leveling the playing field.
On offense, which team relies more on skill players' shiftiness, speed, and elusiveness? On defense, which team has shown to be more sound on their assignments? If either defense makes wrong reads, the weather will make it tougher to change directions and make up ground.
Could the conditions hurt SMCC as well on individual plays? You bet, but Milan will have to play a more consistent game to succeed tonight regardless of conditions.
Best of luck to both teams tonight, I'm looking for a fun game in the muck!
Coaching was good enough to not lose a league game for two years. Sometimes you just run into better teams.
Lets Go Milan!!!! Win it for Swain. Going to be a mud bath, anybodys game now. Weather conditions will level the playing field.
Milan Has underachieved because of turnovers and being young. They continue to get better. Most people knew that this would be A rebuilding year for Milan with only seven seniors. Losing Coville and definitely was a huge blow early as both of those kids were Allstate type of players.
They will return 9 to 10 starters on each side of the ball next year. Even though they've had low numbers the past few seasons, they had senior leadership and experience, which they don't have now. Keep your head up boys and keep working hard.
Milan Fan
That's when good coaching takes over don't blame the players
5-4 can get you in the playoffs. Milan will ever get there though.
SMCC is a small team. The offensive line is quite small.
Im a Riverview guy and look forward very much to our line vs their line. Im thinking we can handle them up front.
I have no animosity towards any school, I just look forward to playing them every year.
Honestly every team in the league is bigger than them, you just have to figure out that offense and not get out worked.
cant wait.
We love the animosity. It fuels us. bring the hate. viva hate. Its your hate, not ours. enjoy it.
Lol Milan, one of the best in the state. Take those goggles off. You have no clue.
How did Milan blow that game last week? Who loses because they didn't down a punt lol. That loss cost Milan a playoff spot. Wonder how that feels.
It's very disappointing but that's why football is the best sport. It teaches you so much about life. We will bounce back. It might take the whole season to fire on all cylinders but Milan's football program is one of the best in the state.
4-5 5-4 dont get you in playoffs.
Nice comment Chris. I did the same. Life is good. Many scholarships are obtained by your own doing. I'm sure CC has good counselors like many other schools, ultimately its up to the student. Back to football.
GO BEARS!!
Good luck to Milan. I think it's going to be a good game.
-bn
My kids go to private K-8 and public 9-12.
I choose private for the small intimate, Christian learning environment and public for the size and latitude of the curriculum. Neither is better, just a matter of choice.
As for those who criticize people paying for something that could be free. I think many SMCC parents will tell you, the money spent at SMCC is rewarded back in scholarships when one gets to college. Not always, but many times.
The silly comment about people in mobile homes is misguided. Those people many times do vote for school millages. Do they pay property taxes directly? No, but they do pay them in the form of lot rent and the park owner pays the additional taxes.
Just my two cents.
For all the "it's simple to defend" folk. How much high school coaching experience do you have? If it's so simple why do simple power offenses score so many points, as many or more than spread teams. It's just two different philosophies. Both work when you you execute. Defenses work when you execute. Sometimes your horses aren't as good as your opponents. That's football. That said being a coach is getting these teenagers to execute consistently and do their jobs as a team. That's harder than any X's or O's.
In my opinion Milan's offense scheme had teams at bay but now I believe dc have and idea of whats going on.
It's been funny to hear folks call both SMCC's and Milan's offenses predictable. When a team has an advantage and their bread and butter plays are working, coaches aren't going to open up their playbooks just to please us fans. How many times last season did teams see Milan either run an inside run play with the RB or QB or the jet sweep with either a wing attacking the edge or the QB keeping the ball for a run up the gut? No matter what the offense is, if your bread and butter is working, you're gonna see a lot of it.
My hope is that as the season goes along, Milan will execute its basic plays better and have fakes or counters ready for when defenses overcommit to stop those basic plays. That said, they are going up against a fierce defense this week.
The QB run should be a bigger weapon in this offense than it is. Medvecz had three rushing TDs against Marshall and Barnes helped kill a ton of clock in his QB debut at Jefferson, but otherwise it hasn't been a big enough threat to opposing defenses. When Kanitz and Lindeman teamed up to ran the jet sweep play last year, defenses had to contend with either Lindeman running around you or Kanitz hammering you head on. If defenders in the front seven are caught charging forward to stop Kanitz, they may not have been able to get to Lindeman on the edge. If defenders started sliding over to stop Lindeman early, it was tough for them to be ready for Kanitz's downhill running.
This season, Barnes has been the more effective runner at the QB position since Milan has gone to two QBs, but the likelihood of Barnes passing is near zero and defenses know it. Medvecz seems to need a boost of confidence to raise his game in all areas. He has the tools to be that punishing runner and occasional passer needed to best compliment Lindeman in this offense.
I agree 100%.
Well thats why Milan will not win a district. You need balance on offense. Pass run effectively. I get all my weapons the ball.
I agree 101 percent and that's why they did not go far in the playoffs
Good parents will raise good children no matter where they go to school. No need to go to SMCC and pay tuition if your able to do this. Save it for college.
I also go to church. Don't have to go to SMCC to go to church.
Unfortunately the world today revolves around the biggest bang for your buck. If you can accomplish the same things SMCC can for free, then why go there.
People who choose to send their kids to SMCC feel the local public school where they live isn't good enough for their child. The public schools know this. SMCC doesn't have their own school district, they have kids in everybody elses districts, so obviously a choice has to be made. This makes the local public school officials very bitter. Also, its terrible when SMCC folks vote against a local public school millage because their kids doesn't attend there. Can't imagine why theres any animosity toward your school.
Just my opinion. Have a nice day.
So is it ok when the people who live in mobile home communities vote for that same millage that will benefit the public school but don't contribute by paying the property tax in which that money is drawn from? It evens out with the 400 kids that attend SMCC.
CC's main weapon is deception. They work on that constantly. Without that nothing special.
The crap colored pants and the dimmed lights are on purpose folks. I even believe they use a ball without white stripes on it. Its the little tricks that get it done sometimes.
Watch SMCC's patterns. Pay attention to the little details.
Wow, what a revelation bn, you must have got up early.
I don't understand, what paying for your kid to go to school, has to do with anything. It seems to me, that whether you go to school for free, or pay tuition, or go on a scholarship, you should play hard for whatever school you go to. If you don't play hard every time you are on the field, the coach should sit your butt on the bench. You aren't a benefit to your team. Maybe all of the SMCC haters should think about this: We choose to send our kids to SMCC because we believe that a Catholic education can still be beneficial to our children. We also believe that faith has a big place in today's society. I'm sure that all parents want the best for their children. No one should be put down because of the school they attend.
Yea I support your statement and my son plays for Milan. Faith is the only word you really needed to use. I personally understand. There is nothing wrong with wanting what's best for your child. Sending your kid to SMCC is the right thing to do because of your faith. I love the fact the Milan wants to beat SMCC so bad. For me it's not hate, it's a rivalry that fuels the passion for the game. Not hate. Good luck to SMCC Friday.
Just so you Milan fans know, I did not mean that SMCC could just walk in and prance over Milan with my "Repeat Repeat Repeat" comment. SMCC will definitely have to be focused and play a good game in order to win.
The only reason I made the "repeat" comments is because it's the truth. Of course you're going to root for your team, but it's a pattern. If you have been following the comments you'll agree with me.
The only reason I'm so confident is because I know how well Jack Giarmo prepares the players for each and every game. This isn't a team that slacks off or is caught off-guard. A team has to be either more disciplined, better-coached, or vastly stronger/more talented to beat the Falcons.
It's hard to argue that many teams in the state are more disciplined or better coached than the Falcons, but you can definitely argue that talent can be an issue in some of the off years at SMCC, which I would soundly agree.
This year, however, CC has the talent, as well as the other two factors, as always. Good luck to Milan, you guys always play SMCC tough and I hope the game is enjoyable.
Milan has some weapons on offense. Lindeman might be the best back in the league.
They could put up 14-20 points but can they stop CC is the question.
After studying tape on Milan.. #8 takes you to the ball on every offensive play Milan runs… EVERY ONE. Follow 8 and you will find the ball. If I noticed it, I am sure Giarmo did as well.
Of course I may have told him as well.
-bn
And maybe, just maybe the game plan changed? Wing T maybe. Option? We will see Friday.
Could not agree more with 9:08. I've been reading these SMCC vs. whoever comments every week of the season except for Tecumseh and Flat Rock and they've all said the same thing. Let's be a little more realistic.
-SMCC has only given up 5.4 ppg this season, compared to scoring 34.6 ppg with their offense. The most anyone has scored on CC this year is 13, and that was Tecumseh. The only two Huron League teams to score on them are Huron and Airport, and they both scored only 7. I cannot see SMCC's defense giving up more than 7 on Friday, but games aren't written on paper. Should be a fun game to watch
SMCC – 28
Milan – 7
-NPG
I'm seeing a rinse-repeat pattern here on the blog:
SMCC vs. Whoever
Whoever fans: "Our team will come ready to play and give SMCC a suprise! Our team has the ability to beat this team, just wait until Friday!!"
SMCC wins by 21.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
SMCC 28-7
Bla bla bla. How's that for a repeat. 21-14 Milan.
No doubt in my mind. Smcc is the better team. They will need to bring there A game either way but the offensive line lead by senior Kyle Bausman(71) and Junior Riley Woolford(81) is just unstoppable. They can move anyone, get off the ball fast and line. Jack makes sure they know how to move people. Defensively, smcc is hurt without David Howey(22) but they did alright without him against airport. As for Milan, it will be hard for lindeman to move around if the grass is wet. One cut and he's down.
So if it's a wet game Lindeman is the only one effected by it? Is it only going to be wet when Milan has the ball? I hope it does rain. I hope it pours down. That makes SMCC predictable.
Is david howey out for season for what injury?
I agree but they out number/power you on blocking schemes. They can run left or right Trap…fast fun football
neutral field
[2014] St. Mary Catholic Central (Monroe, MI) 31, [2014] Milan (MI) 3
says calpreps.com
Milan has had a D1 player
Sounds right to me…
Milan Fan
First off, Milan is not better than Airport.
Yes Milan can win this game and CC could have won the last 2 meetings, but didn't.
Things like go all out, revenge, play as a team, blah blah, once you get hit in the mouth the first time, all that goes out the window.
The most talented and better coached team will win on Friday as it does most Fridays. Let's see who it is this year.
-bn
True and simply put. Tired of all the blah blah. Good teams wins in regular season, great teams go District title and beyond. If you not winning districts your just a good team. Smcc is a great team Milan is …..well 2-4
No, we are 2-3. And you think Milan is just going to lay down ? Yes it is a different year and Milan should lose this game for what ever reason or excuse. Still have to play the game. And I will be the first to say that it's SMCC game to lose. Good luck to both teams. But I'm here to tell you Milan will make it a game and just might pull it off. They could also lose , maybe even by 40. But what if the game doesn't go SMCC way? Will all you people say Milan was the better coached more talented team? No you won't. You will make key points that Milan fans will take as excuses. I would do my trash talking after the game. Bad karma. Let's see Friday night and Saturday morning who is on here after the game. Win or lose I will. Good luck to both teams. BIG REDS !
Someone forgot to use their sarcasm font…The poster from 10/1 1:41pm is mocking enthusiastic Milan fans, OK?
I don't think anyone's saying any Milan player is D1 material anytime recently. There's no reason to push back on that commenter as if they are a Milan fan that needs straightening out…
Milan will be 2-4 Saturday morning. But they will say we beat them the last two years.
Ok, here it is, time for Milan to play SMCC. The last 2 years this game has basically decided the league champs. This year Milan has to win just to make the play offs. There is no doubt SMCC has the better team. With that being said Milan has to play the best football than they have all year. It is possible for Milan to win. If they do it will fuel them for the rest of the season. If not, they will play for next year. Us Milan fans and parents have enjoyed success with out school and kids. I can't speak for everyone, only myself and my child, but I will not measure success on the field by a single game. Just like no one coach measures a game in one quarter. We have made some excuses for losses this year. We have accepted the responsibility of miscues. We have also gave credit to the teams that have beat us. With all the what ifs, the would of should of could of stuff, the bottom line is Milan is a good team, they are young and do have more potential than most if not all of the huron teams. We have not put it all together this year with the talent we have. Every team has it's ups and downs. If any fan from any team wants to measure success then measure it at the end of the season. Measure a players heart and will over his career at their high school. And do everyone including yourself a big favor, wish every player from every school the best of luck tell them to stay positive. All the trash talking and putting down is bad karma. It will come back to haunt you. Milan will play hard and will do everything they can to win. Will it be enough? Who knows. But I will cheer on my son, my team, my coaches, my school and turn every negative into a positive so we can better ourselves for the next quarter, next game, next season, and the next level of football. And I'm sure there will be some smart a.. remarks after this post but that's ok, I have morals. Good luck to SMCC, you have a good season going. Keep playing hard Milan, this dad believes in you guys.
Nice commentary.
Lol… D1 players… You maybe have 1 or 2 D3 players… And that's being nice. Let's not get to ahead of ourselves now.
You Milan fans are humorous. you will be 3-6 and still think you can beat everyone.
We have beat everyone we just don't score as much and we forget to hold onto the ball we have D1 players and what about the last two years and we have been wearing the jv jerseys
Beat everyone but don't score as much…..quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen anyone on this blog say. Thankfully your players don't behave as poorly. Last weeks game was not impacted by bad referees so stop – watch the film. Both teams showed great sportsmanship after was all over – one of the most exciting games I've ever seen
Wow nothing gets by you.You must have to get up really early to pull one over on you
I like seeing the Milan support, but don't forget how tough CC is in the murky shadows. Also sounds like it could be a wet track out there on Friday, making changes in direction difficult. I know which team those conditions favor.
For Milan, it's time to turn potential into production. Last week was a step in the right direction, now it's time to learn how to defeat a tough opponent on the road and how to close out a tough win. Defenders must be on their assignments every time. It's not impossible, but it won't be easy.
Milan is the best 2-3 team in the country and clearly better than all three teams they lost to, if not for the refs, penalties, solar flares and voodoo dolls.
You are so funny! We beat you last year, and the year before. I would not boast until the game has been played.
Milan is better than Airport, and Airport can compete with SMCC. I think this game will be close. Closer than the 21pt spread. When Milan is "right" they have the ability to be the best team in the league. I'd like to see them play Riverview again.
Milan is a little off its game this year, but still a respectable team with some great players. Milan will be ready and give it all they have this week. Everybody tries a little harder to beat SMCC cause they pay to go to their school. Always more gratifying when you beat a team like that.
If Milan stays focused and coaches pick apart the film, it will be a great game. Again, just got to plug in the right guys in the right places to stop that run. IT IS STOPPABLE.
MILAN 34 SMCC 28
Its about time that the out dated HL defensive coaches figured out that milan ddnt reinvent the wheel. Its power trap tackle pull a little misdirection simple.
You think Milan will play all out? Insightful
I do. Staying positive.
The difference in this game the past two years has been up front. Milan will not physically beat SMCC on the line like they have in the past.
You are right. SMCC is the better team this year. But they still have to play. Milan over looked a few teams this year and made some bone head mistakes. Not the same with SMCC.
So Milan bone heads are going to be 3-6 4-5. Definitely 2-4 this week.
Or 3-3. The falcons might lay an egg. Birds do that ya know.
Refs are from Ypsi and they are all pissed you recruited their best "25" players during your 3-peat. Also, they might never blow a whistle on a dead ball after a punt, so don't be standing around. Lol, couldn't resist.
Yea that won't happen again. And all the ref's are from SMCC. We know that.
Milan has 3 tough games left. I truely believe these boys will play all out and really give SMCC a run for their money. Not saying will win, believing that we will. As long as none of the officials graduated from SMCC Milan has a chance. That was a joke. Sorry couldn't resist. If Milan can keep it close going into the 4th or be a head by 7 or more, an upset could happen. Milan isn't done yet.
Contain Lindeman on the sweep and you beat Milan. He is hard to stop though.
-bn
Can't be too hard.. They're only 2-3
You'll find out Friday.
We will not get shut out.
What you say it wont be a shut out..lol
Milan May not win, but it will not be a blow out. 21-14 SMCC
It wiill be a one sided game Milan might score 7. Its not a lack of depth its a lack of rotation.