Average is a very relative term!!! Average can mean the "average". . . as in 5-5 W-L record. I think alot of people in the Louisville area consider their teams "average" if they get to the second round of playoffs... Above average if they go further. For X and T, I suspect average is defined as losing in regional final or state semi-final..... I think it all relates to what your perspective is and your expectations!!!!

 

Absolutely!

 

If you're a Manual fan and getting to the 2nd round is a positive thing, then no it's not average. But if Manual is ranked as one of the top teams in the state the last few years and can't get past the 2nd round then I could say that's average.

Manual has great players but very limited depth at all positions due to their inability to get football players into the school, this is the reason the JV team is always average at best. Depth is a huge issue when playing top notch programs week in and week out.

 

Satisfied with 2nd round losses, absolutely not, but average no way. Put them on the other side of the bracket and they play for state title.

 

However, they have to do better with the hand they are dealt. I just hate to see people bashing coaches on here who pour their heart and soul into our youth. Sometimes fans lose perspective of the high school sports, and it's frustrating.

In a close one I'll go with St X.

The blow out victory over Manual earlier was probably an aberration.

Both teams have tough defenses, but ST X has a little better offense (and home field)

This game will be closer than the first meeting as it is unlikely that Manual will self inflict itself with penalties and turnovers again. But in the end I think St. X has just a little bit more than Manual on the offensive side of the ball. X advances to the third round to face the winner of the Male/Trinity game.

 

St. X - 19

Manual - 10

Gameday!

 

:dancingpa

Gameday it is!!!

In the first meeting Manual imploded and had several starters out of the game. Tonight several are back for the Crimson. In the first meeting St. Xavier played a solid all around game and Manual played their worst game of the year.

I am going with Manual in this game, I think Manual will come ready to play so they don't have to carry this monkey on their back all through the off season. Manual's offense is finding itself and Manual's Defense will shut down Houk. 21-14 Crimson!

Best of luck to both teams and hopeful for an injury free game.

For those who will brave the weather for 2-3 plus hours, I promise you a real treat. Both teams seem to be peaking at the right time which usually leads to a low scoring contest. If St X has not introduced any new wrinkles and Manual plays like the second half of last weeks game It won't be close. My guess is Manual 24 ST X 10. Great Defensive efforts by both teams. Manual looks like it has shored up it's special teams if not improved dramatically in the return game. I look for Special teams again to have some say in the final score. Stay warm if you venture over to P Level Road tonight to watch the fireworks...it should be a doozy.

For those who will brave the weather for 2-3 plus hours, I promise you a real treat. Both teams seem to be peaking at the right time which usually leads to a low scoring contest. If St X has not introduced any new wrinkles and Manual plays like the second half of last weeks game It won't be close. My guess is Manual 24 ST X 10. Great Defensive efforts by both teams. Manual looks like it has shored up it's special teams if not improved dramatically in the return game. I look for Special teams again to have some say in the final score. Stay warm if you venture over to P Level Road tonight to watch the fireworks...it should be a doozy.

 

What if Manual plays like they did in the first half of last weeks game? Will they be able to mount a comeback? Or would it end similarly to the teams first meeting?

What if Manual plays like they did in the first half of last weeks game? Will they be able to mount a comeback? Or would it end similarly to the teams first meeting?

 

I don't think Manual could beat anyone like they played in the first half against St. X, Eastern, or McCracken. They most find a way to start better offensively and the defense has to protect in tough situations or they will not enjoy the outcome.