Did Nero play?

Nero did not play. We will also have the Manual vs. St.X game next week. That was an awesome game. It reminded me a lot of the Louisville vs. Florida state game last Thursday. Total domination by McCracken County in the first half, and Manual came to play after that. My wife is wondering why I am still up (unusual). That game had me excited.

 

Here's the full video archive of the game: https://livesportscaster.com/video/4626/manual-vs-mccracken-co/

Coach Haskins said their line was to much. And he said they dressed 88 we dressed 42. I wanted mc to win but like I said before to beat the big boys its a numbers games. I think mc went for it on 4 th down up 6 because they knew their line was getting tired. Great year McCraken if you would have been in another region you would have made the final four. Next year I hope henderson rebounds and it can be a mc vs hc final in region.

I would be quite surprised if 88 actually dressed for M. If they did, then 50+ kids got a front row seat to watch a playoff game. No need to wash those jerseys.

Without Nero Manual can sneak up and beat anyone on a given night. With Nero they can still do it, but it is harder for them to sneak.

Manual offense struggled early but found a groove in the second half. Manual's Defense played well all night, gave up some early yardage to some great players. However, in the second half they completely shut down McCracken holding them to 40 yards, 4 stops on 4th down and only allowing them on their side of the field once which ended in a pick. Manual's front seven, with their scheme is the best I have ever seen. Manual had 3 starters out of the secondary and still did their job. Impressive performance.

McCrackens OC is terrible!!!! Congrats to Manual on a great win.

All McCracken in 1st half, all Manual in the 2nd.. The Mustangs played the 2nd half like they they were trying to just kill the clock and protect the lead, but, as the game wore on, Manuals depth was too much.. I believe McCracken should have stayed with the wide open offense and kept the pressure on, but, obviously the coaches felt otherwise.. Manuals D stuffed the run all game long, but, Jones was able to hit receivers for big plays in the 1st half. Confusing play calling to say the least. I could see it if your up 20 going into the 4th, but, McCracken did it on both 3rd qtr possessions while Manual got its running game going and while McCracken made some stops, they were constantly deep in there own territory in the 2nd half, giving Manual a lot of 4 down opportunities that they cashed in more times than not..

 

This sounds like the state title game in 09 for Lone Oak (same coach, basically the same program). Why let off the gas when the game is still in doubt? It's one thing to run up the score against a weak opponent, but Boyle Co. in 09 and Manual last night were far from weak.

This sounds like the state title game in 09 for Lone Oak (same coach, basically the same program). Why let off the gas when the game is still in doubt? It's one thing to run up the score against a weak opponent, but Boyle Co. in 09 and Manual last night were far from weak.

I felt like the coaching cost Lone oak that championship. They got the lead and then played a whole different game plan, very conservative as tho they were playing not to loose instead of sticking to what hit them there. Did the same thing happen last night?

I felt like the coaching cost Lone oak that championship. They got the lead and then played a whole different game plan, very conservative as tho they were playing not to loose instead of sticking to what hit them there. Did the same thing happen last night?

 

Yes. The Mustangs were still up 20-0 midway through the 3rd and 20-7 at the end of 3. It seemed that even in the 3rd that the Mustangs were attempting to run some clock however they snapped the ball with 20 plus seconds remaining on the play clock. We had been unable to establish a running game to that point and the pass was working, just like against Boyle in 09. Why go to the run unless you are going work the clock? Doesn't make sense. I believe that the depth of Manuals' line played a big factor to their 2nd half success as our line was playing on their heels. I've seen this movie before and the ending never changes. Haskins gets a multiple score lead against a big time opponent then tries to play ball control. That is not the strength of the Mustangs. Also, the lack of discipline showed again as the Mustangs tallied 7 unsportsmanlike penalties, and of course not a single time did a coach speak a word to the offender. It was obvious last night that the Mustangs have enough talent to play with anyone in the state, but the lack of discipline which starts with the coaches, played a major factor in the loss.

 

As for Manual, I was extremely impressed with their defensive line play. They were as good, or better than advertised, and probably one of, if not the best high school defensive fronts I've seen. Wish you guys the best of luck against St. X.

This sounds like the state title game in 09 for Lone Oak (same coach, basically the same program). Why let off the gas when the game is still in doubt? It's one thing to run up the score against a weak opponent, but Boyle Co. in 09 and Manual last night were far from weak.

 

I was thinking the same thing!! Why not play the style that got you in front in the first place!!

Mustangs need an attitude adjustment. These penalties are the death of them.

People keep talking about Manual's depth, they do platoon, however they only played 13 people on defense last night. The same 4 defensive lineman playes every snap.

Just because you have 80 bodies on the sideline doesn't mean all 80 of them play.

People keep talking about Manual's depth, they do platoon, however they only played 13 people on defense last night. The same 4 defensive lineman playes every snap.

 

Horrible strategy IMO. That's the position group that needs to be rotated the most to keep fresh bodies in there.