FNV Guide to the Best Games of 2022

By Frank Vajcner & Gary Hauf

With the 2022 season upon us, Frank and I came up with a week-by-week guide to the best games involving teams from the Friday Night Victors coverage area. We broke games down into the two categories:

• Must-see: Game of the week candidate (at least at this point in time).
• Under the Radar: Lacks some of the hype, but has interesting storylines nonetheless.

While there are many great games each week( they are all great in my opinion), we think these are the best of the best.

Week 1

Must – See: Warren Michigan Collegiate vs SMCC @ Bishop Foley HS. This game has all the makings of an exciting contest from start to finish. Tons of playmakers on the field and both programs are of the best in Michigan. WMC, coming off a trip to Ford Field in 2021, are set for another long playoff run. SMCC has it’s sights set high as well. Buckle up in Madison Heights for one of the best openers in the state.

Under the Radar: Airport @ Ida. I absolutely love this opener and I hope it remains on the schedule for years to come. Both teams are ready to make a splash in 2022. This game means a lot to both teams. 1-0 looks a lot better than 0-1 and both of these teams are capable of winning this game. Just a great week 1 game.

Week 2

Must-See: Whiteford @ Ida. The Bobcats face their first road test under Todd Thieken, while the Blue Streaks will be looking to put a better performance with fewer to no turnovers, after they gave the ball away four times in last season’s meeting.

Under The Radar: Fowler @ Summerfield. The Bulldogs welcome in the Eagles, who have been a playoff team for all but four seasons since 1990. Both squads will be looking to earn some playoff points.

Week 3

Must – See: Dexter @ Bedford. #2 team in the state vs top 15 in D2. Great match-up. Huge game for both teams. Bedford came away with a 1 point win in 2021, in a thriller. We may seem the same type of contest in 2022.

Under the Radar: Huron @ Riverview. The Huron League Champs welcome Coach Hoover to Don Lessner Field. The Chiefs last won in Riverview in 2016. Can the Chiefs pull off the upset in year one of the new regime?

Week 4

Must-See: Milan @ SMCC. The last three meetings between the Falcons and Big Reds have been decided by one score. Both teams will be looking to stay near the top of the Huron League.

Under The Radar: Saline @ Monroe. The Trojans have not beaten the Hornets since 2011. A new-look Bunkelman Field will be loud and rowdy if the Trojans come into this one at 3-0.

Honorable Mention: Ida @ Hudson. The Streaks have won their last two visits to Thompson Field, which had been a house of horrors. Even though the Tigers won last season’s meeting, Ida held them to their lowest scoring total in the regular season.

Week 5

Must -See: SMCC @ Riverview. This game could be for all the marbles in the Huron League. The Pirates are 6-16 this millennium vs the Falcons. However, Riverview has gotten the best of SMCC the last years. The Green and Gold will look to get back on track in this rivalry.

Under the Radar: AA Huron @ Monroe. Huron has completely turned their program around and are considered a true contender to knock off long time SEC Red champ Saline. Monroe will look to derail the River Rats in year one of the Mifsud era.

Week 6

Must-See: Monroe @ Bedford. The last five meetings between the Trojans and the Mules have been won by the visiting team. Will Monroe continue that trend under Dave Mifsud, or will Bedford get their first win over Monroe at home since 2016?

Under The Radar: Whiteford @ Sand Creek. The Bobcats face a tricky road trip against the Aggies. The winner likely jumps into the catbird’s seat for the TCC crown.

Week 7

Must-See: Bedford @ Saline. Somebody as to beat Saline at some point in the SEC. This is Bedford’s chance in 2022. The Kicking Mules have given the Hornets a run for their money several times over the last 5 seasons; with losses of 2, 3 and 5.

Under the Radar: Whiteford @ Loy Norrix. D1 vs D8. 1,700 students vs 250. Rather intriguing match-up. Although Loy Norrix is a struggling program, this is a big apple to bite if you are a Bobcat. Last year Whiteford put up 76 points in this contest, in maybe the highest scoring game of the year, winning 76-40. You may need a calculator once again in this one.

Week 8

Must-See: Riverview @ Grosse Ile. The Red Devils had been winning the Battle for the Colvin Cup in even-numbered years until 2020. Can the Pirates win the Cup for a fourth straight year for the first time since 1997-2000?

Under the Radar: White Lake Lakeland @ Gibraltar Carlson. Last year was where Gary and I had to eat crow, thanks to the Marauders, who used a win over the Eagles as a springboard to knock off Woodhaven the following week. Will history repeat itself?

Week 9

Must-See: Monroe @ Riverview. How can you not love this game?! This was a great game last year. Riverview kept the Trojans out of the playoffs in 2021 with a 28-17 victory, pulling away late. Monroe will have revenge on the mind as they represent the SEC. Once again, there will be tons of build-up before this one is played.

Under the Radar: Woodhaven @ Carlson. This has become a solid rivalry in the Downriver League. Something will definitely be at stake here. DRL crown? Playoff berth? multiple home playoff games?

Honorable Mention: Dundee @ Ida. Can’t leave this one off. One of the best rivalries we cover. The last 2 games in this backyard brawl have been decided by 1 point; both teams splitting victories. As above, something will be at stake, if not pride alone.

Jefferson @ Erie Mason. I didn’t want to leave this one off. If Jefferson can find 3 wins coming in, this week 9 will be for a playoff berth. The same can be said for Mason. They too may need this one to qualify.

There you have it. I am sure we left off some excellent games but the ones above are sure to pack the stands!