Gaylord at Escanaba

WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.

RADIO: 101.5 FM (live)

SERIES: First meeting

OUTLOOK: Objects in the mirror aren’t as they might appear. Escanaba’s 1-8 record from last season is misleading, especially because the Eskymos lost three games by one point, including a week one battle against a Traverse City Central team who beat Gaylord. Escanaba also had an 8-1 junior varsity team last season, meaning they’ll be much better in 2008. That’s also what Gaylord is banking on, with the return of some key members of a prolific offense.

    The Blue Devils vow to get better on defense, which was their Achilles Heel last season. The defensive side of the ball is the key in this one. Both offenses have the firepower to score plenty. We’ll see which defense steps up to the challenge.

Onaway at St. Mary

WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.

RADIO: 101.5 FM (9:30 tape delay)

LAST YEAR: St. Mary 22, Onaway 7

SERIES: St. Mary leads 10-6

OUTLOOK: A good opening test awaits the Snowbirds and new coach Bob Cherwinski at home in week one. Both teams had below-average seasons in 2007, and are looking to get back near the top of the Ski Valley this year.

    St. Mary looked exceptional in its scrimmage against Rogers City and could be poised for a return to the playoffs, which they missed with a 5-4 record last season. The Snowbirds have bought into the team concept and have a physical team that could be especially strong on defense.

    Onaway may be in for a bit of a struggle this season, as the Cardinals had low numbers last year. Always blessed with athletes, Onaway will be dangerous, however.

Central Lake at J-L

WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.

RADIO: 101.5 FM (6:30 Monday tape delay)

LAST YEAR: Central Lake 30, J-L 6

SERIES: J-L leads 22-12

OUTLOOK: Central Lake has had quite a two-year run atop the Ski Valley Conference. The Trojans had the best season in school history last year, when it won the conference and won two playoff games before falling to Crystal Falls Forest Park in the quarterfinals. Central Lake returns a number of skill players on offense and will be considered the league’s favorite until someone proves otherwise.

    J-L, who had a tough 2-7 season last year, believes it has a much better team this year — both physically and attitude-wise. The Cardinals could be the Ski Valley’s darkhorse team, and they are confident they can hang with the Trojans in week one.

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