I don't see a running clock. In fact I think this will be a pretty darn good game.

 

Here is my honest breakdown after watching some video on NewCath:

 

 

Belfry O vs. NewCath D

Belfry does have a big size advantage up front, but they have a big size advantage against everyone they play. NewCath though makes up for their size with quickness and Lawrence is going to be an absolute handful for Belfry. I anticipate NewCath will use him on the side with the less experienced Wolford and Gibbs. I also anticipate they will move him around and let him line up at DE. Lawrence is probably the best mix of skill and quickness this Belfry line has seen in a long time. If they can keep a body in front of him the entire game Belfry will be tough to keep from moving the sticks and eating clock.

 

Browning looked great last week in his first start at QB, but just being honest Harlan County was beat the second Belfry stepped on the field. Pirates were bigger, stronger, faster, and more athletic and HC couldn't stop the FB dive. Game over. Browning really wasn't asked to read very much as every option was there. The speed of the game will probably double this week and Lawrence is always a threat to penetrate and destroy the mesh point. I anticipate NewCath to spend all week working inside out and their primary focus will be taking away the FB and the Option Pitch. Browning is going to have to make very good reads and know when it is time to give it to the 2nd man thru. With Belfry's best HB suspended as well it will be critical for Catron to step up as a threat between tackles if the Fullback is taken away. Corbett would have been a bad matchup for the Breds if he was playing because his speed off the edge. Browning is not the running threat as Corbett.

 

All in all this comes down to time of possession and execution. If Belfry rpotects the ball and is able to assert the ability to gain 4 yards with the FB when they want it, expect a long night once those big linemen spend three quarters laying on the Breds. If NC can take away the Fullback and force a couple turnovers it will drastically change this game.

 

 

NewCath Offense vs. Belfry Defense

This is tougher. It all comes down to Jacob Smith and his ability to be on the field. I like the Harris kid a lot, but he is going to have a hard time against Belfry by himself. Belfry's run defense is really, really stout.. especially for teams who are trying to run Power. Smith has that X Factor ability to bounce runs outside and break tackles.The Belfry LB'ers have not been tested yet with a back who can make them think on their feet. The Belfry DB's are small as well so if you can get to the second level in a 1 on 1 you may be a missed tackle from a big run.

 

I don't see NewCath beating Belfry 3 yards at a time running the ball... Horton will eventually make you pay and create a big loss and if Dotson is back as expected those DE's will make plays as well.

 

NewCath's biggest advantage on Offense is their tall receivers against the short and young Belfry DB's. The Breds have to get enough of a run game going that Belfry freezes on Play Action and they have to be patient enough to settle for intermediate and short passes that Belfry will give them. Henschen has to play well. He shows promise and throws a pretty ball, but against Belfry he has to be accurate and consistent. Belfry wants him to throw on the run trying to lob something down the field or trying to force a pass between the DE dropping and the LB. He has to stand strong in the pocket and throw the short stuff to move the sticks and soften Belfry.

 

One thing I really like about NewCath is how Harris and McHugh impact block. Both are very good at getting helmets on their men and hitting them clean and hard. Belfry has to be decisive and attack the ball carrier instead of waiting for him and letting either of these guys wipe them out of the play.

 

Special Teams

Both teams have their positives and negatives. Both have quality place kicking and the ability to hit Field Goals generally from 40 yards or less. Both aren't winning awards for their kick coverage, but do an adequate job. I like Belfry's punter a little better. Wellman does a really good job and is very good at keeping the returner from having a shot at even fielding the ball. The NCC Punter hits more line drives... this could be very good or very bad. If Belfry fields it cleanly it should help field position and potentially give a return opportunity... on that note fielding punts is still a scary venture for Belfry so I fear for a muffed punt or just letting it hit the ground and rolling for a mile. Once again this is also where Smith plays a big role in Special Teams. The kid is filthy on kickoff returns and a weapon.. Belfry's Woolum has hit probably 75% of his kicks so far for Touchbacks and needs to continue that.

 

SUMMARY

I think this is a game that moves very fast. I dont see a blowout for that reason because I dont see a lot of sudden change possessions or big plays. The teams will score with long play drives and I think both teams get their share of Defensive plays and tackles for loss or no gain.

 

Ultimately I think size and depth play a big role. NewCath doesn't use as many 2 way guys as I expected, but I also don't see a ton of depth on either side of the ball. Belfry will constantly be rotating fresh legs in.. even without Willis you can expect to see 4 or 5 different HB's, two different FB's (IMHO the best FB will see the least action because they want him Fresh on Defense), 3 or 4 different SE's, 2-3 different TE's, and a couple different linemen. On Defense, Belfry will completely switch up their DLine and go basically 2 deep at each DB spot. Between all these fresh legs and their shear size up front the last thing NewCath wants to do is see Belfry controlling the ball for a 2:1 ratio.

 

I see this one being in the 28-10 or 28-14 range in Belfry's favor. Super tight for a Half with Belfry making their hay late in the 2nd Quarter and as the game clock starts running down.

 

YA, what he said. :lol2:

 

That is one hell of a summary. :ylsuper:

Belfry 35

Ncc 7

:stop::lol2:

 

Let's see.....I drive at least 100 miles a day for work, the last thing I look forward to is driving anywhere, especially a 4 hour junket.

 

LB - Go on the Mustang plan.

Take Thursday and Friday off work.

Travel over to the Tri-State Dog Track (Mardi Gras) Wednesday morning via the AA and Grayson - I-64 to Huntington to the Cross Lanes exit - Easy trip. Stay and play at the Mardi Gras Casino that night, have a great meal, then get up late Friday am, and make the trek over to Charleston and down Route 119 (I think), right to Belfry's front door in time for tailgating.

 

Worked for me when we played Betsy Lane two times in two years a while back.

Belfry has some hog mollies upfront.

LB - Go on the Mustang plan.

Take Thursday and Friday off work.

Travel over to the Tri-State Dog Track (Mardi Gras) Wednesday morning via the AA and Grayson - I-64 to Huntington to the Cross Lanes exit - Easy trip. Stay and play at the Mardi Gras Casino that night, have a great meal, then get up late Friday am, and make the trek over to Charleston and down Route 119 (I think), right to Belfry's front door in time for tailgating.

 

Worked for me when we played Betsy Lane two times in two years a while back.

 

1. I save my off days for softball season.

2. Not a fan of dog tracks or horse tracks.

3. I'm even less thrilled about casinos (went to Lawrenceburg maybe 20 years ago).

 

However, thanks for the info.

Belfry has some hog mollies upfront.

 

All underclassmen save one as well.

 

Scott and Dotson have next level potential.

City vs mountain

got to love football

only 4 hours. :eek:

 

And you guys complained about driving to Ashland last year, poor things.

And you guys complained about driving to Ashland last year, poor things.

 

Don't mind the drive if you get to play.

Don't mind the drive if you get to play.

 

That wasn't the tone last year. It was more like NCC shouldnt be playing teams that far away with all of the local talent available. The schools cannot control mother nature btw, scientists haven't figured out how to do that yet.

NCC had no problem driving to Ashland and actually looked forward to playing at the historic stadium. It was a return trip a day later that was a problem. Ashland is the quality of team they like to see prior to district play to get ready for the post season. One road trip like that each year makes for a better schedule and allows you to see different parts of the state.

And you guys complained about driving to Ashland last year, poor things.

 

Hey, I was looking forward to seeing you & LRCW....as well as the new stadium. I enjoy a road trip.....when I'M NOT driving. :thumb:

NCC had no problem driving to Ashland and actually looked forward to playing at the historic stadium. It was a return trip a day later that was a problem. Ashland is the quality of team they like to see prior to district play to get ready for the post season. One road trip like that each year makes for a better schedule and allows you to see different parts of the state.

 

Understandable. It seemed that most condemed the game after the flash flood claiming they should be able to find better competition closer to home. I do have a bad memory though, so I'll leave it at that.

 

Good luck to both teams Friday night. I don't have a dog in the fight, but it should be a great game and a great atmosphere.

Hey, I was looking forward to seeing you & LRCW....as well as the new stadium. I enjoy a road trip.....when I'M NOT driving. :thumb:

 

Lol. Wish I could have met some of you guys. The restaurants were still open after the game was cancelled last year though.. Just sayin, hah.

Lol. Wish I could have met some of you guys. The restaurants were still open after the game was cancelled last year though.. Just sayin, hah.

 

Someday we will.