Week 3 Football Forecast
Sports Editor Niles Kruger has turned his attention to Week 3 of the high school football season, zeroing in on Thursday and Friday contests across the Monroe County region.
The data shows that Monroe County teams captured 13 victories on Thursday, a streak that has propelled the local prognosticator to forecast a first win of 2026 for Monroe against Ann Arbor Skyline, a program that historically has prevailed in every meeting.
Bedford, now 2‑0 under new coach Dave Mifsud, has built its early success on a stingy defense, a trend that continues as the Eagles prepare to face Pontiac Notre Dame, which sits at 0‑2 and will test the limits of Carlson’s continued strong start despite losing its top running back.
Onsted, also winless, is expected to tighten its defense against Ida, a 2‑0 squad that has scored 94 points while surrendering 67, while Clinton, sitting at 2‑0, meets Dundee, a team that has stumbled against three straight state playoff opponents, including Clinton itself.
Erie Mason, still searching for a breakthrough after an 18‑game losing streak, is projected to overcome its rivalry with Montpellier, Ohio, a 3‑0 team that has shown both offensive firepower and defensive vulnerability, while Edon, Ohio, a 3‑0 powerhouse, remains untested by Summerfield, a 2‑0 opponent.
Flat Rock, one of the premier 0‑0 teams in the state, faces a critical need for a win, and Whiteford, burdened with the toughest schedule among Division 7 schools in the opening fortnight, must navigate a demanding slate of opponents.
Airport, showing signs of improvement from last season, is slated for a closely contested battle with Riverview, a 2‑0 program that should test the Redhawks’ progress.
Milan, under new coach Cord Trott, will take on Jefferson, a 2‑0 squad that shares the distinction of being last year’s tri‑champions, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
SMCC, maintaining a three‑year 2‑0 streak, meets Erie Mason in a contest that could further shape the region’s competitive landscape, while Kruger’s own season record stands at 21‑4, an .840 winning percentage bolstered by a perfect 12‑0 performance on Friday nights.