Mercer runs the bone. Jaggers' philosophy is that he's not going to pass it until you show him you can stop the run. South Laurel didn't show that they could stop the run, so there was no need to throw it. On defense, we run a fifty front. However, we used a three man front a lot against South Laurel because of their spread sets and passing game.

Mercer runs the bone. Jaggers' philosophy is that he's not going to pass it until you show him you can stop the run. South Laurel didn't show that they could stop the run, so there was no need to throw it. On defense, we run a fifty front. However, we used a three man front a lot against South Laurel because of their spread sets and passing game.

 

 

From what I saw the three man front worked great. They were still living in the South Laurel backfield. There were a couple of instances of where the whole entire defensive line went untouched. That is some serious agression mixed with alot of speed. As good as their offense will be I believe the defense can be at that same level. Buster and Masterson are very impressive.

From what I saw the three man front worked great. They were still living in the South Laurel backfield. There were a couple of instances of where the whole entire defensive line went untouched. That is some serious agression mixed with alot of speed. As good as their offense will be I believe the defense can be at that same level. Buster and Masterson are very impressive.

 

If they were untouched that is some seriously bad blocking.

If they were untouched that is some seriously bad blocking.

 

 

Take it for what you want. They have the speed to go around the big clumbsy ones.

Take it for what you want. They have the speed to go around the big clumbsy ones.

If they were all untouched that is still some seriously bad blocking.

If they were all untouched that is still some seriously bad blocking.

 

 

I wont argue there. It was just once or twice that it happened. I think alot of it had to do with Mercer averaging about 20 yards a carry and tiring out the South Laurel Offensive line pretty quick with no rest.

If Mercer's past teams were so soft on defense I wonder how it is that last year's team still managed to stop the combined efforts of Ford and Jackson when they were at Harrodsburg? I'm starting to believe that coaching has a little to do with it.

Great thought. Mercer's defense wasn't that SOFT last year

I think your missing the point. The strength of Mercer's team last year, IMO, was a HUGE offensive line. I am sure they have replacements but it is very rare to see a high school offensive line with the size of the one the Scotties put on the field last season.

New season , new school last year like in every other sport is long forgotten. Last year's team was great. That Senior group could have used one more year with Jaggers and 3 less ACL injuries. But that's the breaks.

New season , new school last year like in every other sport is long forgotten. Last year's team was great. That Senior group could have used one more year with Jaggers and 3 less ACL injuries. But that's the breaks.

It is a new season and is a new group. That line last year was HUGE. I doubt that the linemen in this new group have that kind of size.

It is a new season and is a new group. That line last year was HUGE. I doubt that the linemen in this new group have that kind of size.

 

 

The line is nowhere small. For instance, The center Devon Patton is 6'4 or 6'5 and 330 lbs who moves pretty good. He is going to open some holes as he has so far. Plus, last years team had some very good backs with two of them back and with the younger guys they have along with the backs from Harrodsburg, they probably have the deepest backfield that is as fast as anyones. The running game will be alot more dangerous. They already have a 1,000 yards as a team rushing. And if they do have trouble running they will throw the ball. They have 3 very capable Qb's.

I think your missing the point. The strength of Mercer's team last year, IMO, was a HUGE offensive line. I am sure they have replacements but it is very rare to see a high school offensive line with the size of the one the Scotties put on the field last season.

Excellent observation...

The strength of last years team was undoubtedly the line. It will be some time before Mercer has that kind of size and skill set in a group of offensive linemen. While we undoubtedly had talent in the backfield, they were running behind 300 pound pulling guards who were WIPING PEOPLE OUT! I see the same potential with this years crew (they are really getting better) , although nowhere near the size. Don't forget also, last years line was a senior laden bunch of veterans. They deserve some recognition even a year later.