My two cents on this game, in case I don't get a chance to post again. I don't know the kid that got suspended, but it sounds like it is a deep position for the Cardinals and it may have lit a fire under the team, so it doesn't impact my prediction. As always, the truth will be told in the trenches. IF Mayfield can run the ball effectively and does not have to RELY on their passing game to move the ball, then this could be a 2-3 touchdown margin. IF Mayfield can run the ball somewhat effectively and can mix in the passing game as they choose and not when they are forced to, they win the game by a TD. IF the line of scrimmage is neutral, the game goes either way and I predict a very close Mayfield win because of their championship experience (CAL has an EXCELLENT kicker, so if a FG becomes vital, he is good from 40-plus yards). However, IF Mayfield has trouble stopping Wright, the tables turn. My guess is that you will see a lot of him in the wildcat, as that is easily their best look because of his skill set. He can also throw the ball from that formation, although they did not show that in either game against DeSales. As I said before, I respect the heck out of Bright, he was simply tireless last year against the Colts, but Wright will be the best player on the field. He has the potential to dominate a game in four or five different ways. In four games against DeSales, he has run for TDs, caught TD passes, thrown for a TD, had a 100-yd INT return for a TD, returned a punt for a TD and returned a KO for a TD (called back by penalty, but still...). And that's just against US! However, in the end I tend to go with the guys that have been there, and have that championship experience. Mayfield 21, CAL 17.

All I keep hearing about is Wright, the other back CAL has is decent but one player on a team is not gonna stop Mayfield. I know CAL has some decent receivers with some good height, but the running game is the bread and butter of CAL, be it from the wildcat or other formations and I like Mayfield's chances against that.

After watching more film of Wright, there is no way he is faster than Trajon Bright.

After watching more film of Wright, there is no way he is faster than Trajon Bright.

 

I'm not sure who said faster, wasn't me. I don't know either way. And you're right. CAL has more than Wright. Paulson is an excellent TE and is very effective in their passing game. They have other solid "possession" receivers. The QB is not real mobile, but big and strong with a great arm. Their primary RB is a St X transfer. He's solid but not a game changer. So by no means are they a one trick pony.

I'm not sure who said faster, wasn't me. I don't know either way. And you're right. CAL has more than Wright. Paulson is an excellent TE and is very effective in their passing game. They have other solid "possession" receivers. The QB is not real mobile, but big and strong with a great arm. Their primary RB is a St X transfer. He's solid but not a game changer. So by no means are they a one trick pony.

 

Ok, then what makes you think he is the best athlete Friday night?

My two cents on this game, in case I don't get a chance to post again. I don't know the kid that got suspended, but it sounds like it is a deep position for the Cardinals and it may have lit a fire under the team, so it doesn't impact my prediction. As always, the truth will be told in the trenches. IF Mayfield can run the ball effectively and does not have to RELY on their passing game to move the ball, then this could be a 2-3 touchdown margin. IF Mayfield can run the ball somewhat effectively and can mix in the passing game as they choose and not when they are forced to, they win the game by a TD. IF the line of scrimmage is neutral, the game goes either way and I predict a very close Mayfield win because of their championship experience (CAL has an EXCELLENT kicker, so if a FG becomes vital, he is good from 40-plus yards). However, IF Mayfield has trouble stopping Wright, the tables turn. My guess is that you will see a lot of him in the wildcat, as that is easily their best look because of his skill set. He can also throw the ball from that formation, although they did not show that in either game against DeSales. As I said before, I respect the heck out of Bright, he was simply tireless last year against the Colts, but Wright will be the best player on the field. He has the potential to dominate a game in four or five different ways. In four games against DeSales, he has run for TDs, caught TD passes, thrown for a TD, had a 100-yd INT return for a TD, returned a punt for a TD and returned a KO for a TD (called back by penalty, but still...). And that's just against US! However, in the end I tend to go with the guys that have been there, and have that championship experience. Mayfield 21, CAL 17.

 

DeSales Dad, I know we're just giving you a hard time but we do appreciate the analysis. I believe CAL will be tough a nails but we believe in our boys. Arnett is a huge loss. We can down play it all we want but his presence will most definitely be missed. He's a freak of nature out there on the defensive end and you always want that type of player in the trenches with you. I think Mayfield will find a way to pull it out. Coaching staff is too smart and experienced. They found a way to beat McCracken and Corbin without the likes of Trajon and they'll figure this one out also. CAL videos of Paulson and Wright are just crazy but MF fans you guys remember a few years back when we played fairview at state? When I looked at their highlights and saw the size and speed of the players I was like "we really could lose this game". We all know it was obviously a blowout in the end but I went in think one or 2 mistakes could kill us but time after time when I doubt them they prove me wrong. So I know it'll be tough but I'm through doubting. 17-10 MF

DeSales Dad, I know we're just giving you a hard time but we do appreciate the analysis. I believe CAL will be tough a nails but we believe in our boys. Arnett is a huge loss. We can down play it all we want but his presence will most definitely be missed. He's a freak of nature out there on the defensive end and you always want that type of player in the trenches with you. I think Mayfield will find a way to pull it out. Coaching staff is too smart and experienced. They found a way to beat McCracken and Corbin without the likes of Trajon and they'll figure this one out also. CAL videos of Paulson and Wright are just crazy but MF fans you guys remember a few years back when we played fairview at state? When I looked at their highlights and saw the size and speed of the players I was like "we really could lose this game". We all know it was obviously a blowout in the end but I went in think one or 2 mistakes could kill us but time after time when I doubt them they prove me wrong. So I know it'll be tough but I'm through doubting. 17-10 MF

 

No hard feelings here. I'm just discussing what I think is the best matchup in the playoffs. I think you and I agree 100%. Talent is nearly equal. I pick Mayfield to win for the exact reasons you mentioned, primarily coaching. CAL runs a lot of different sets and sometimes it seems a bit too complex. They usually burn a couple of timeouts during the game because of it. In a game like this, that could be vital.

Ok, then what makes you think he is the best athlete Friday night?

 

What I mentioned earlier, JUST against DeSales (no slouch of a team), he has run for TDs, caught TDs, thrown for one, returned an INT 100 yards for one, returned a punt for one and returned a KO for one. He's about 6'2" and 180-190, can fly, and will lay the wood to you on defense. He's a sophomore but is already being looked at by UL and other high level D1 schools. Other than that, there really isn't anything that makes me think he will be the best athlete on the field. :-)

Edited November 24, 20169 yr by DeSales Dad

Here are some Wright highlights for those who want to see him. He is effortlessly fast.

 

Milton Wright - Hudl

 

Here are Trajon Bright highlights. Go about 10 clips down and there is a premium highlight reel. If you want to see two runs about as good as you will ever see in high school, go to 2:30 mark in that premium highlight reel. There are two runs there against McCracken County - a top tier team - that are just flat awesome.

 

Trajon Bright - Hudl

 

If you ask me who is faster, I go with Wright. That kid is a special talent. He will have the best of the best in the nation wanting him, from Alabama and Ohio State on down.

 

As to the game, I think Mayfield's passing game is the difference. They run the short quick passing game like no one else. It is basically extended handoffs and when executed well, like Mayfield does, it is very difficult to stop.

Watched the highlights. And I hate watching highlights because you never get the full picture. He's fast. Probably faster than bright. But then again I've been told by players bright isn't even the fastest on the team. We have speed everywhere, and that more times than not neutralizes one fast person on the opposing team. Is he scary fast? I don't think so. Seems to have good breakaway speed though once he gets out in the open. The defenses in those highlights, the 5 of 6 I watched, were horrible though. That black and green team. Then the Washington County. Just sad. Not breaking down, trying to arm tackle, it was ridiculous. Don't even get me started on the special teams. You will NOT see that from mayfield. They are going to put the hit on you for sure. Again, he's a good player. Now I didn't see the highlights from Desales which seems like where he would have done damage against a real defense. But I'd say he's the player we normally see from a good McCracken county Team or Caldwell team in recent years where they have had a standout ATH. Still like us for the simple fact we can do everything on the field, and we can defend everything on the field. Go Cards.

Watched the highlights. And I hate watching highlights because you never get the full picture. He's fast. Probably faster than bright. But then again I've been told by players bright isn't even the fastest on the team. We have speed everywhere, and that more times than not neutralizes one fast person on the opposing team. Is he scary fast? I don't think so. Seems to have good breakaway speed though once he gets out in the open. The defenses in those highlights, the 5 of 6 I watched, were horrible though. That black and green team. Then the Washington County. Just sad. Not breaking down, trying to arm tackle, it was ridiculous. Don't even get me started on the special teams. You will NOT see that from mayfield. They are going to put the hit on you for sure. Again, he's a good player. Now I didn't see the highlights from Desales which seems like where he would have done damage against a real defense. But I'd say he's the player we normally see from a good McCracken county Team or Caldwell team in recent years where they have had a standout ATH. Still like us for the simple fact we can do everything on the field, and we can defend everything on the field. Go Cards.

 

Might be the most rational analysis on the game so far.

This is going be a great game.. Wish I could watch it. Familiar with both teams and I have to give the slight edge to Mayfield. One thing about Mayfield that standout to me is they play a tuff out of district schedule against solid teams and wins those games. Mayfield expects to win...

Gonna be another battle for us but this is jus 1 more team in our way to our yearly goal. CAL has a good team and is well coached. I still think experience will play a big role in this game and as everyone knows Mayfield has that. Trajon is gonna have tough sledding this week but if he can find the holes like he normally does he is gonna get his. I think the difference is gonna be our passing game. If our passing game is dialed in then we will score enough points to get the W. These Cardinals are very confident and I like that so with that being said so am I.

 

Mayfield 28

CAL 17

Wright and Bright are both outstanding. Wright is the better college prospect because he's got better size and is more versatile, meaning he can play several different positions well, but, as far as the game goes, I think they'll offset each other and get theirs and it'll be the surrounding cast that'll determine the game.

Gonna be another battle for us but this is jus 1 more team in our way to our yearly goal. CAL has a good team and is well coached. I still think experience will play a big role in this game and as everyone knows Mayfield has that. Trajon is gonna have tough sledding this week but if he can find the holes like he normally does he is gonna get his. I think the difference is gonna be our passing game. If our passing game is dialed in then we will score enough points to get the W. These Cardinals are very confident and I like that so with that being said so am I.

 

Mayfield 28

CAL 17

 

I agree with the passing game being the key, if Landon and the receivers are clicking, that helps Trajon. CAL impresses me on film, I think it's gonna be a war.