Week 4 : Lone Oak @ Caldwell County

[go purple flash]

Any thoughts, comments or predictions?

 

I forsee this game as being a real battle between two quality teams. This game has significant playoff implications in the district race. Should be a real dandy.

[westsider]

Most signs point to there being four solid playoff teams in the district ... Fort Campbell, Trigg County, Caldwell County and Lone Oak. This is just the first of six pivotal games, maybe more if Heath shows they're capable of making a serious challenge.

 

Caldwell has obviously improved, but it's hard to tell how much since the debacle against Mayfield. The best thing for the Tigers is how Barnes has settled in as the QB, with Williams (very ill-suited as the QB in that offense) making big plays as a back and receiver.

 

One big question ... Rodney Bell's availability. He was ineligible for the Lone Oak game last year, which may have cost the Tigers a win.

 

As for Lone Oak ... they need a steady running game to provide some balance to the offense, especially with Stiles no longer on the team. If the defense plays tough, this will be a heck of a game.

[PtownDude]

I don't think there's any doubt Rodney Bell's suspension (coupled with Allen Wadlington being slowed by injury) cost Caldwell a win at Lone Oak last year.

 

This year's game figures to be a toss-up. Defensively, Caldwell has been pretty strong against the run but not very good against the pass. That figures to favor Lone Oak. Offensively, Caldwell is light years ahead of where it was against Mayfield. I think Lone Oak will struggle defending Bell, Williams and Will Barnes.

 

It may come down to the team that has the ball last.

 

I'm going to take Caldwell, just because the Tigers are at home (and I'm a big homer )

[go purple flash]

Don't forget Lone Oak was missing its top running back before last years game (Kory Stiles torn ACL). However, I thought Caldwell was probably a better team last year than Lone Oak. I think if Lone Oak is able to run the ball against Caldwell that will open up the airways where Lone Oak should have an advantage. Lone Oak must contain Bell & put pressure on Will Barnes. I'm predicting a high scoring but close game.

 

Lone Oak 31

Caldwell 27

[westsider]

Offensively, Caldwell is light years ahead of where it was against Mayfield.

Maybe, but they haven't exactly faced a Mayfield-caliber defense in the last two weeks. Crittenden gave up 38 points to Logan and Union was ripped to shreds in their first two games.

 

Lone Oak certainly has a better defense than Crittenden and Union.

[Figs]

This could finally be the year that the region champ comes from District 1. I have a feeling either one of these could be a darkhorse contender. The team that wins this one can use it as a big stepping stone.

[PtownDude]

After seeing a little bit of Lone Oak on film, it looks to me like the defensive fronts are the keys. Whichever one gets better pressure on the other team's QB is probably going to win.

 

I don't see Lone Oak running the ball that well against Caldwell, at least not inside. But Lone Oak's QB looks pretty mobile and may be able to get outside.

 

Meanwhile, Lone Oak likes to bring a lot of pressure defensively, but that could make them vulnerable to big plays off screens and quick passes.

 

BTW, no Bell this year either. What a shame.

[westsider]

Bell's out again? Someone needs to jerk some sense into that kid.

[PtownDude]

If only it were that easy.

 

I just can't figure some kids out.

 

This probably hurts Caldwell more on defense than it does offense.

[go purple flash]

What's up with Bell? Is it academics or something else? We were looking forward to facing him this year.

[just 4 fun]

I believe Lone Oak is improved this year and could possibly take a 2 seed in district 1 this year, behind Trigg....It's too hard to gauge Caldwells improvement since Mayfield, because of the caliber teams it's faced..Losing Bell doesn't help either...I like Lone Oak by 2-3 scores in this one...

[SLINK]

Lone Oak 28-26.

[PtownDude]

Bell is AI. It's pretty common knowledge around the program although, technically, schools and coaches aren't supposed to release that information anymore. Heck, coaches "technically" can't tell you whether or not a guy has a broken leg even if you see the player walking around on crutches.

[CJT]

BTW, no Bell this year either. What a shame.

That is a shame. I would have really liked to play aginst him in a couple weeks. He was a good athlete. Is this his senior year?

[CJT]

By the way, good luck to both teams. I'm sure it'll be a good one.