I left at half time with Ryle up 20 to 0.

 

Ryle ran the ball well and Gray looks really good. Ryle doesn't appear to have much of a passing game but their QB is out. The kid playing QB looks like a nice athlete and he did a good job throwing some short passes but the Raiders are going to need more balance than what they showed tonight. Overall this looks like a typical Ryle team to me, they have some good skilled kids and they look to be a middle of the road 4A team. Now, once they get everyone back that could change.

 

Mason struggled because of inconsistent QB play and poor run defense. It could be a long year for the Royals if both areas don't improve.

 

Anyone else?

Guru you are correct. Even though Mason played better in the second half, Dave and staff have a ton of work to do. Mason played without as many as half of their top 10 players, but that shows you the lack of depth. As a Mason fan I was most disapointed that the line of scrimmage belonged to Ryle where injuries were not a factor. I also saw crutches and casts on the Ryle side of the field, so injuries are not much of an excuse.

 

Ryle also showed more toughness and certainly played with more intensity than any Ryle team I have seen in the past. This young Mason team needs to get healthy and play with more grit, or it will be a difficult year.

 

Regardless of this game, thank goodness football season is here.

Anyone know what the final was?

 

I did not get to go last night but it sounds like there is still much to be done.

 

The QB situation will improve and become more consistent.

 

The biggest concern that I have is the line and it sounds like it was a a HUGE problem last night. Both sides of the ball are going to have to improve for Mason to have sucess.

The final score was 29-7. For the night, it looked like the Raiders stuck to a very simple pound the ball game plan and kicked 3 impressive field goals of 42,45 and 47 yards. We also missed a 43 yarder that had 15 yards to spare just wide left. Both teams were missing key players and I'm sure will be so glad to get back their injured starters. The Royals scored in the 4th quarter with their first team against our second team. One receiver for Mason made two athletic catches on "jump ball" throws and a strong little back had two good runs (one he almost broke for a TD) when both teams' starting units matched up. Scott Gray was impressive with a long TD on both sides of the ball. Good luck to Mason this year and I'm sure that their coach will mold them into a good team. The Raiders are ahead of where they were last year at this time in spite of temporarily losing a darn good QB, MLB/FB, CB and OG. That bodes well for this team as they have adapted to life without 5 starter positions (QB, FB, LB, OG, CB).