Time to take a drive up I-75 for our next stop in the Schedule Analysis series. Carlson finally got over the hump and won a share of the Downriver League last season. Can they do it again this year? The schedule will give us an indication.
Aug 29 Southgate Anderson
Sept 6 @ Woodhaven
Sept 13 Allen Park
Sept 20 @ Taylor
Sept 27 @ Dearborn Edsel Ford
Oct 4 @ Trenton
Oct 11 @ Harper Woods
Oct 18 Lincoln Park
Oct 25 Wyandotte
Gut-check Game: at Woodhaven: The Warriors handed the Marauders their only regular season loss in Week 1 last year, which resulted in a shared crown. The rematch occurs in Week 2 in Woodhaven. This is arguably the game of the year in the Downriver League.
Trap Game: at Trenton. The first time the Marauders and Trojans tangled, it was the Marauders who won 35-24. The second time was in Round 1 of the playoffs, where it was the Trojans who shocked the Marauders 22-21. In addition, this Week 6 matchup comes before something historic the following week (more on that later).
Snoozer: Lincoln Park went 0-9 last season, and has lost 16 consecutive games. It may not be as bad as a 66-game losing streak that the Railsplitters had from 2006-2013, but it still lands them as a snoozer.
Non-con Challenge: For the first time since 2008, the Marauders will play a regular season game out of conference, thanks to Melvindale’s exodus from the Downriver League. Harper Woods will host the Marauders in Week 7. The Pioneers went 8-3 last season, and reached the second round of the playoffs.
Notable: The Marauders will play four straight games on the road in Weeks 4-7.
Thoughts from Frank: Jack Giarmo and company earned a share of the Downriver League crown last season, but repeating is going to be a challenge. Weeks 2-7 will be the key stretch, as five of the six games will be on the road. If the Marauders can get through unscathed, they should be primed for a deep postseason run.