By Jeff Patrus
Sports Writer
Granted, football season does not begin for about two months.
However, the release of 2004 high school football schedules by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has gridiron fans waiting for the season to begin.
Both Brandon and Goodrich will host four games this season. Brandon’s first home game is Sept. 2, when they host LakeVille in a nonleague matchup. They open the season on the road at Millington Aug. 27.
Meanwhile, the defending Genesee Area Conference Red Division co-champion Martians open the 2004 campaign with two straight home games. They host Richmond Aug. 27 in a nonleague game before taking on Atherton Sept. 2 in a GAC crossover game.
The Martians will have their hands full with the Blue Devils in the opener. Richmond, a Class B school (like Goodrich), went 12-1 last season and defeated Yale, Marine City, and Mt. Clemens Clintondale in the state playoffs before losing 35-17 to DeWitt.
Coach Tom Alward’s team is looking to follow up a historic 2003 season, which saw Goodrich win two playoff games for the first time in school history.
The Martians went 8-4 overall and 4-1 in GAC Red play, and defeated Capac, 40-33 and Livonia Clarenceville 42-6 in playoff action before dropping a 26-20 overtime contest to Erie Mason in the Division 5 regional finals.
Goodrich shared the 2003 GAC Red crown with Montrose and Mt. Morris. The Martians host the Panthers in their final regular season home game Oct. 8, and travel to Montrose for a Sept. 24 contest.
Last year, the Martians lost to Montrose, 28-7, but defeated Mt. Morris, 37-29.
On the flip side, the Blackhawks are looking for improvement in Coach Ron Gill’s second year at the helm. Brandon went 2-7 overall and 1-5 in Flint Metro League competition, with Brandon’s lone league win being a 29-22 defeat of Holly.
The Blackhawks? final home game of the year may prove to be the toughest, as they host the defending Flint Metro League champion Lapeer West Panthers Oct. 8. Last year, the Blackhawks played the Panthers tough, but ultimately dropped a 21-14 contest.
Brandon fans also have a chance to see the Blackhawks host neighboring Oxford Sept. 24. Last year, the Wildcats defeated the Blackhawks, 31-14.
A complete list of 2004 football schedules for all Michigan high schools can be viewed on the MHSAA Web site, www.mhsaa.com.