Taking a look at the Cheboygan Chiefs 2023 football schedule
CHEBOYGAN – Football season isn’t too far away now.
The Cheboygan Chiefs, like so many high school teams in the state, can’t wait to get back out on the gridiron for those battles under the Friday night lights.
The Chiefs will be aiming for a first winning season since 2013 under head coach Dave Schulz.
So, as football season approaches, let’s break down Cheboygan’s 2023 varsity football schedule.
RESULTS IN 2022
3-6 overall, 1-5 in Northern Michigan Football League Legends Division; Didn’t qualify for playoffs.
SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
At Lake City, Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
The Chiefs got off to a terrific offensive start last season, generating almost 400 rushing yards in a 52-26 home victory over Lake City. In that game, Dylan Balazovic, who will be a senior this fall, rushed for 147 yards and scored four touchdowns.
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Now the Chiefs head to Lake City, which featured a spread offense attack that had success at times at Western Avenue Field in 2022. The Chiefs will have to replace many key offensive linemen from last year’s squad, so this should be a fascinating opening-night clash.
Vs. Sault Ste. Marie, Friday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.
Last year’s contest was a frustrating one for the Chiefs, who squandered so many chances in the loss to the well-disciplined Blue Devils. The Chiefs kept the contest close going into halftime, but their defense had no answer for the Sault offensive attack in the second half and lost, 35-8.
When the Blue Devils come to Western Avenue Field in early September, the Chiefs will have an opportunity to snap an eight-game losing streak against a team they haven’t beaten since 2014.
Vs. Kingsley, Friday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.
Like the long losing streak against the Sault, the Chiefs will be facing a Kingsley squad that’s beaten them five consecutive times. One of the reasons why is the Stags always seem to have one or two great skill players who’ve been thorns in Cheboygan’s side.
Perhaps Cheboygan will counter with solid athletes of their own, but this matchup hasn’t been a fun one for the Chiefs in recent years. The Chiefs were stuffed by the Stags, 42-14, last fall.
At Ogemaw Heights, Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
Cheboygan’s most heartbreaking defeat of 2022 came against the Falcons in what was a tight clash. The Chiefs were undone by an Ogemaw kickoff return in a 19-16 home loss. Ogemaw always has a decent offense, but Cheboygan’s defense was excellent on this night.
Cheboygan now returns to West Branch, where it will also be looking to avenge a 36-35 overtime loss in 2021. Two heartbreakers in two seasons. Things could be different this year, right?
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Vs. Pewamo-Westphalia (At CMU), Saturday, Sept. 23, 2:30 p.m.
This is easily the most intriguing game on the Cheboygan schedule, especially knowing it’ll be played at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, home of the Central Michigan Chippewas.
It’ll also be played against powerhouse Pewamo-Westphalia, which has captured four state titles since 2016.
For the Chiefs, this will be a rare opportunity to play at a Division 1 college football stadium. It’ll also be a chance to hold their own, or perhaps knock off, one of the most successful Michigan football programs of the last decade.
At Traverse City St. Francis, Friday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.
The Chiefs follow up a tough matchup with Pewamo-Westphalia by traveling to face a team they’ve struggled against ever since joining the NMFL Legends. TC St. Francis, last year’s Division 7 state runner-up, overwhelmed Cheboygan early and never looked back in a 62-14 road victory last year.
Over the past seven seasons, this has consistently been the toughest game for the Chiefs, who are 0-7 against the Gladiators since joining the NMFL Legends.
Can the Chiefs hang tough at Thirlby Field this year? That’s a tall order, but stranger things have happened.
Vs. Boyne City, Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. (Homecoming)
The homecoming clash for the Chiefs should be an exciting one against the Ramblers, a foe they had offensive success against on the road last year. The main problem was their defense struggled to keep up with a potent Boyne attack in a 43-28 road loss.
My guess is this will be one of the most exciting matchups of the fall season, and the Chiefs usually do play well in their homecoming game.
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At Grayling, Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Arguably the most complete performance of Cheboygan’s 2022 campaign, the Chiefs hammered the Vikings from start to finish in a 34-13 homecoming triumph.
The Vikings have featured many skill players over the years, but Cheboygan’s countered them pretty well. I expect this to be a close clash.
Vs. Benzie Central, Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
In their regular season finale, the Chiefs hope to get revenge on the Huskies, who held on for a 27-20 win in Benzie last fall.
Benzie’s had their fair share of playmakers in recent seasons, but both teams always seem to play each other tough. This could be one heck of a finale at Western Avenue Field.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Taking a look at the Cheboygan Chiefs 2023 football schedule
