What are the key games to watch on Cheboygan football's 2024 schedule?

CHEBOYGAN – A new era has arrived in Cheboygan .

Taking over as Cheboygan’s varsity head football coach is Bill Nesbitt , who is eager to get the Chiefs started off on the front foot. But for Nesbitt and the Chiefs, they’ll have their work cut out for them as they’ll look to avenge a disappointing 1-8 campaign in 2023.

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With football season right around the corner, let’s examine some key games on Cheboygan’s 2024 schedule.

Most Anticipated Game: Vs. Saranac, Friday, Aug. 30 – Opening night will be the first game in charge for Nesbitt. The Chiefs match up against a solid Lansing-area opponent in the Red Hawks, who compete in the same conference as powerhouse Pewamo-Westphalia and Fowler. A loss in Week 1 wouldn’t be fatal for the Chiefs, but they’ll be hoping to give Nesbitt a game to remember on his first Friday night at Western Avenue Field.

Hardest Matchups: Vs. Traverse City St. Francis, Friday, Oct. 4; At Kingsley, Friday, Oct. 11 – Talk about a brutal two-game stretch, the Chiefs will get it in Weeks 6 and 7 when they host St. Francis and then travel to defending Division 6 state champion Kingsley. In recent years, both the Gladiators and Stags have hammered the Chiefs. If the Chiefs can hold their own and deliver strong performances against one or both, that would be major progress.

Homecoming Clash: Vs. Grayling, Friday, Oct. 18 – Two years ago, the Chiefs came up with their best performance of the campaign when they hammered the Vikings behind three touchdowns and over 150 yards rushing from Keegan Mosher. Once again, Cheboygan collides with Grayling in its homecoming matchup, which takes place in Week 8. If the Chiefs are having a good season by this point, a win over the Vikings could be massive.

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Key Rematch: At Benzie Central, Saturday, Oct. 25 – Last season was a nightmare for the Chiefs, but Week 9 was a beautiful way to end the fall. Not only did the Chiefs capture a thrilling win in their finale, but they also played their best game of the season. This year’s clash comes on the road on a Saturday afternoon. Cheboygan’s matchups with Benzie in recent years have been highly competitive.

Rivalry Clash: At Sault Ste. Marie, Friday, Sept. 6 – While the Blue Devils are no longer in the Northern Michigan Football League-Legends Division, they’re still on Cheboygan’s schedule. The Blue Devils have completely controlled this rivalry, having not fallen to the Chiefs since 2014. The Chiefs will have a shot to top the Blue Devils in Week 2, but they’ll have to do it on the road against an opponent that’s always well-disciplined and tough.

2024 CHEBOYGAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Week 1: Vs. Saranac, Friday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m.

Week 2: At Sault Ste. Marie, Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m.

Week 3: Vs. Elk Rapids, Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Week 4: At Kalkaska, Friday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m.

Week 5: At Boyne City, Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.

Week 6: Vs. Traverse City St. Francis, Friday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Week 7: At Kingsley, Friday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m.

Week 8: Vs. Grayling, Friday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. (Homecoming)

Week 9: At Benzie Central, Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m.

*HOME GAMES IN BOLD

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: What are the key games to watch on Cheboygan football's 2024 schedule?