2020 Schedule Analysis: Milan Big Reds
By Frank Vajcner
TIme for me to make a short drive up US-23 for a look at Milan. The Big Reds are coming off of a school-record 11 wins last season, and they also qualified for the playoffs for a fifth straight year. Does the schedule allow for the success to continue?
2020 Schedule:
Aug 28: Warren Michigan Collegiate
Sept 4: Grosse Ile
Sept 11: @ SMCC
Sept 18: @ Flat Rock
Sept 25: Riverview
Oct 2: @ Jefferson
Oct 9: @ New Boston Huron
Oct 16: Airport
Oct 23: Tecumseh
Gut-Check Game: at SMCC. The first road trip of the season for Jesse Hoskins and company happens to be a trip to the friendly confines of Navarre Field to face the reigning Division 6 State Champs. Although both the Falcons and Big Reds may not be what they were in terms of talent, the last two meetings have been nothing short of entertaining, as both games were decided by one score. Since Milan’s 26-21 win over SMCC in 2018, the Falcons have not lost a game at Navarre.
Trap Game: at New Boston Huron. The Chiefs gave the Big Reds a run for their money in Milan last season before falling 22-21. This time around, it’s a trip to New Boston in Week 7 to face a Chief team that is considered a dark horse in the Huron League. Special mention to a trip to Flat Rock in Week 4 that lies between the trip to SMCC, and a visit from Riverview. The Big Reds outlasted the Rams 57-43 last season.
Snoozer: I know that Tecumseh is an old rival from the days when Milan was in the SEC, but the Indians were dreadful last season. They went 1-8, with the lone win coming against winless Adrian, and got beat by three or more scores in all but one of their losses, including a 47-7 thrashing at the hands of the Big Reds.
Non-Conference Challenge: Warren Michigan Collegiate comes to town in Week 1. The Cougars have qualified for the playoffs each of the last 11 seasons.
Notable: This will be the first meeting between the Big Reds and Cougars…Milan plays their road games in two-week chunks.
Thoughts from Frank: The Big Reds should win both non-conference games, but navigating the Huron League slate won’t be easy. Back-to-back games against Huron and Airport, whom the Big Reds escaped with a one-point win over in the playoffs, coupled with a road trip to SMCC, are the toughest games for the reigning Huron League Champs.
Thoughts from Chris: I like the way the schedule shakes out for the Big Reds. Milan returns enough talent to be in every game and I would expect them to make another run at their 6th straight playoff appearance.
Thoughts from Gary: Very intriguing opener vs Collegiate. They always put out a good product. The Huron League opener vs Grosse Ile will tell us a lot about both teams.
Great week 1 match up for Milan! I’ve always thought Coach Hoskins was the best coach in the Huron League and wonder each year if a bigger school will scoop him up. Does anyone know who will step in to fill Tristan Hines shoes at QB?
If I had to guess, it would be Cole McElvaney, who was the backup last season.
Is Cole McElvaney related to the Coach McElvaney that was at Dundee?
Nice opener for Milan. WMC loses some good players, but have a legit program. Milan will surprise many in the Huron League. Loads of talent returns for Hoskins. Expect them to challenge Riverview for league supremacy.