Both teams are coming off of big losses. Milan (2-4) fell to SMCC 43-0 while Flat Rock lost to Riverview 53-6. The Big Reds have won the last two in the series including last years 48-14 victory.
Milan needs to regroup after last week. There is no better place to start than the running game. Look for Milan to not throw a single pass this week, while the defense gets better after giving up 35 ppg the last three weeks.
Flat Rock keeps trying to make strides. Statistics say the Rams are getting better, but it hasn’t mattered in the won/loss column.
Milan may look to take out some frustration on the Rams, this may be a contest for a half. Prediction: Milan 35 Flat Rock 7
Most teams have good sophs helping out coach.
If Lindeman and Barnes played JV this year, I bet that team's record would be a ton better. 🙂
I'm glad they are on Varsity, though. Those kids have a ton of heart.
Look at FR they have 6 sophs up and 1 freshman..the future is brighter for them…
All three of those teams lose a ton of good players.
I think Milan will be good next year, but so will SMCC, Riverview and Huron.
Next year is no guarantee for Milan. The program seems to be regressing. 0-7 jv and will finish 0-9 does not help a program. I thgt winning was contagious…
Milan will be fine. Just working to tie it all together. They are starting 20 underclassman. They will return 10 starters on each side of the ball next season.
Losing duffiney, Coville, and Swain really hurt them when they only had 8 seniors to start with. No excuses. They just haven't got it done on the field. Turnovers doomed them against Huron and riverview. Blew a 15 point lead against GI with 4 minutes left. They have some talent that's for sure, but good teams know how to finish and that's why they are where they are. Keep working hard boys and good things will come.
Milan Fan
Good product is good product. Coaches build a program in a sytem that works. Smcc down is a district title and maybe 6-1 in the league. Thats what im talking about. You play at a high level yr after yr. East grand rapids 4-2 & still rankd top 10 b/c of a program.
Agreed. No excuses. No one is saying the SMCC game was close but got away from us. It was just as decisive as the scoreboard would indicate.
Games are won and lost for reasons, though. It's not just random. There are reasons why Milan has won the last two seasons just as there are reasons why Milan has struggled this season. I think there are a number of folks who are discussing those reasons.
I love my home town team but I also watch their games with both eyes open. Last week was a tough watch, but I will continue to support the program, kids and coaches alike.
While I have a few long term concerns with the program–starting with the level of participation for a school district of this size–I have seen so much more on the positive side of the ledger to warrant giving the coaching staff time to get things humming again.
Getting back to this week, I'd like to see a Rams supporter talk about what to look for from Flat Rock. It looks like they've still struggled but that the coaches still have the support of players and parents and continue to build momentum. (Is there a speedy wingback or punishing fullback to watch for on Friday?)
Milan doesn't have the athlete's they've had in the past… I keep saying it. And don't be silly, both coaches want to win.
I don't totally agree with your statement. Last year my son really had to adjust to the speed of the game as a freshman. Most of these kids played JV and the game speed is slow there too. You would think after 2 or 3 games they would have caught up to it. Also when you have a stud running back or QB that only needs a half a block at the freshman or JV level it looks like everyone are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Not the case at varsity level. People will say that's an excuse too but it's the truth. Now those studs need a full 3 to 4 second block to make the play. I think they do have the athletes, maybe not in depth but the starters are good enough and should be a 4-2 team and not the other way around. I hate saying there is always next year but it's looking like they now have to take this off season serious and make another run at it. I still think they can be above .500. Got to dig down deep!!
#9 Dad
Like it or not, that was the first game this season that Milan was clearly outmatched. SMCC is the best they have been in years and Milan is a little down lets be honest. They also make a ton of mistakes which will kill any team especially a young team. I think they have 20-25 turnovers for the season. Not gonna win many games when you do that. Don't care who you are. SMCC could win it all this year. I believe they are that good.
Milan Fan
I can't argue with anything #9 Dad is saying. Next year will be better, no doubt, but I still want this team to use the remaining weeks to figure some things out on the field.
I was encouraged in the GI game in how Milan got back to getting yardage in chunks. Besides a nice screen pass to Lindeman, the yardage was tough to come by.
I was surprised to see Milan come out determined to use the 5-10 yard hook as a way to establish rhythm on offense, but judging by the way some of the "conversations" coaches were having with players, players aren't in sync yet in their route running and blocking responsibilities. Players are taking turns making mistakes and it's helping to make plays implode. Take nothing away from the Falcon players, though. They really showed how to defend the home turf on Homecoming.
Milan may lean on the run tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if the coaches saw this as an opportunity to iron out some things in the passing game as well. Getting more balance on offense will only make the Big Reds tougher to defend going forward.
Totally agree. If they could fire in all cylinders and keep the motor running they would be a team looking toward the playoffs. They have the talent. Just no consistency.
#9 Dad
Forget the playoffs your building for nxt year 3-6 dont get it.
Playoffs won't happen. But the record will be 4-5 at worst. We win the next 2.
#9 Dad
Flat rock most likely but I doubt that you beat Airport the way things are going.
Actually they are two young coaches that are dedicated to making their young men better people on and off the field. Who cares if they are friends. Coaching is networking and helping each other while making the kids better? You think they really want to tie each other? I bet they want to smash each other.
Hoskins and Oestrike love each other they probably agreed on a tie… neither wants to win.
Lol
Blah blah excuses excuses. This smcc team who were so young last year went to the semis as a young team. Milan just not getting it done has good size good athletes. The huron league coaches has adjusted and now its time for Milan to adjust.
Who is making excuses? Milan coaches can't play for the kids. They have put them in the best position to win and be competitive. I'm really sick of people bashing Milan and the coaching staff. All the players know that they have not played to their potential and they blame no one but themselves. So if you want to bash Milan please feel free to come to the games and look me up. I'm at every game. Milan will keep working hard to get better and will do all they can to win out. No one is making excuses. #9 Dad
There is no doubt that number 9 is probably one of the best players in the league and he will only get better maybe some others too but when others teams only have to stop the run and now players are quitting and the jv team isn't doing that well and you have one of the biggest schools just maybe there's another problem other than the players.
All we saying Milan hasn't beat anyone that they should of or even could of. Im wondering can you only win if you have dominate teams. Equally match teams can you win. Ok I hear Milan out works everyone so apparently you need more than hardwork.
One player does not make a team. Hard work, dedication and determination will beat talent when talent does not work hard.
I think the running game has always been there for us. Last week our line just couldn't get the blocks they needed. We started a short passing game last week and it was working. Failed to make some plays on 3rd downs. I see us using the run just enough and work our passing game to improve. We are so young at the line and skills position. This really is a growing up year for Milan and we have showed some levels of varsity level maturity, just not consistent. This will be a good game to set the tone for the last 2 remaining games. It gets a little tougher with each game. These boys work so hard every day and they are a better team than what their record reflects. Good luck to both teams. Keep working hard Milan. #9 Dad