These would have been my two pre-season picks to meet in the finals, but they get each other in the semis. They seem pretty even on paper:

 

BG 19-2-3 (lost by 1 to Dunbar and So. Warren)

HC 22-2-1 (lost by 1 to Dunbar and St. Henry)

 

BG 94 goals for 20 against

HC 93 goals for 18 goals against

 

BG post season 33 goals for 4 against

HC post season 25 goals for 6 against

 

BG 12 clean sheets

HC 13 clean sheets

 

BG Maher #1 (14.33 w/ OAS 7.74)

HC Maher #3 (13.87 w/ OAS 7.46)

 

I haven't seen either team play this year. Who do you think has the edge?

Henry Clay is better defensively. They have the best back line in the state. Goalkeeper could be an issue though. BG is better offensively, but not by a ton. HC does not have much depth though. I give that edge to BG. Will be a tight one. I'll go with HC by one goal from a set piece.

I hope it is that kind of game......It is supposed to be at this level.....

Go Purples! Don't know very much about team, but pulling for them all the same!

When will this game be played? Thanks!

Henry Clay is better defensively. They have the best back line in the state. Goalkeeper could be an issue though. BG is better offensively, but not by a ton. HC does not have much depth though. I give that edge to BG. Will be a tight one. I'll go with HC by one goal from a set piece.

 

Maybe Mabika on the back end of a ball from Collin Rose.

When will this game be played? Thanks!

 

Wednesday at 8:00, following CovCath and Fern Creek in the other semi.

Wednesday at 8:00, following CovCath and Fern Creek in the other semi.

 

Thanks MTGL! Hope all the games are great one with no injuries!

Henry Clay is better defensively. They have the best back line in the state. Goalkeeper could be an issue though.

 

Based on stats, (I have not seen Henry Clay play this season) an argument can be made CCH's back line is better then Henry Clay's.

CCH defense is ranked second in the state with a 0.76 GPG, Henry Clay is not in the top 15 defensive teams.

CCH OAS is 6.28 but this does not take into account the very strong OH opponents CCH played this season. Henry Clay OAS is 7.46, stronger but if you factor in CCH's OH opponents their OAS is likely very close.

As you say Henry Clay's, "Goalkeeper could be an issue". So maybe this is the reason they are not in the top 15 defensive teams in state. Either way, a back line can only do so much, without a good keeper behind them team defense can be suspect.

I'll take CCH's back line + their goalkeeper. And one aspect of CCH' back line that I believe is over looked, they are very good in supporting and adding to the attack. Massie had the assist on CCH's first goal Vs Trinity on Saturday, as an example. For the season, Massie has 8 assists, 2 goals, A Flynn has 4 assists, Theiman has 1 assist, 2 goals, not to shabby of an offensive contribution from your #2 ranked defensive back line in the state.

Edited November 2, 201510 yr by MentschTrachtGottLacht
Fixed quotation box

Henry Clay is not ranked in the top 15 because they have not submitted stats this year. But they have given up 18 goals in 25 games while CovCath is 18 in 26, and as you mentioned HC has played a tougher schedule. I go by the eye test, not stats. 3 of the back 4 play on the 98 LFC White team, and the one that doesn't is a high level athlete. For me though, Aime puts them over the top. He's the best defender I've seen in the state this year.

Fair enough, I was not aware Henry Clay did not submit stats.

Has your "eye test" seen CCH play this season?

 

And I did not say HC played a tougher schedule, I said if you factor in CCH's OH opponents, (which are not factored into the Maher Ranking system) Walnut Hills, Elder, Seven Hills, McNicholas, and Summit Country Day, I believe HC and CCH's OAS are very, very similar, CCH could even be a little higher.

 

Either way, I would love to see these two back lines on the same PL Dunbar field on Saturday.

What if we go the common opponent route...

 

Covington Catholic held St Henry, Dixie Heights and Ryle(twice) scoreless. They gave up 1 goal to Madison Central.... a total of 1 goal.

 

Henry Clay also held Dixie Heights scoreless, but they gave up 2 goals to both St Henry and Ryle and surrendered 4 to Madison Central.... a total of 8 goals.

as you mentioned HC has played a tougher schedule.

 

Who said Henry Clay played a tougher schedule? :idunno:

The real test will be in the midfield. BG plays mostly 4-3-3 and if those 3 CM do the work against HC 2 cm it could be a BG win. HC backline are very good but most teams played 1 striker against them Bc the opponent feared their talent. It will be a great game for sure. Midfield play will be the difference the twins are excellent at BG as is Rose and company.

Can we wait to compare CovCath to BG and HC until Fern Creek is done and dusted and we have a winner in BG/HC game?