This is a very important district matchup for both teams, with strong playoff implications. It is also the last district matchup (for the time being) for these two cross town rivals.

 

I've seen both teams play a couple of times, and imo (at risk of being called a homer), North Laurel is the better team from top to bottom, but I will readily admit that I've not seen South Laurel play since the Mercer game. At least by looking at the scores, it appears that the Cards have improved greatly. The word that I'm getting out of the SL camp is that Chappel, although young, is developing into one heck of a coach, and they are thrilled to have him.

 

The key for NL will be to slow down SL's potent offense, and QB Ricky Bowling. This will be difficult, but I believe the D will be up to the task. NL was able to put a lot of pressure on MS's QB last week, but he was able to break a lot of tackles, turning potential big losses into gains. I don't see Bowling being able to break tackles as easily as he did. NL got beat a few times by the deep ball, and I don't think SL's speed is as good as MS's was. NL also needs to sustain some long drives, chewing up the clock, and keeping SL's offense off of the field. Turnovers must be kept to a minimum. NL was able to overcome several turnovers, last week against MS, that probably won't be the case against SL.

 

I think the key for SL will be to slow down NL's running game, and keep NL's time consuming offense off of the field. Evidently they were able to do that against PSW. The last couple of games the NL offense has looked more potent, with multiple threats being showcased. SL also needs to do a better job in pass protection, giving Bowling an opportunity to find his open reciever.

 

If NL can keep SL under 30 points, I believe they can win. If they can't, it may be a long night for the Jags. The Jags also have had some distractions of late, I hope that they don't cost them come game time. Good Luck to both teams. My prediction:

 

NL 31

SL 27

This is a very important district matchup for both teams, with strong playoff implications. It is also the last district matchup (for the time being) for these two cross town rivals.

 

If NL can keep SL under 30 points, I believe they can win. If they can't, it may be a long night for the Jags. The Jags also have had some distractions of late, I hope that they don't cost them come game time. Good Luck to both teams. My prediction:

 

NL 31

SL 27

 

Very good analysis on the game. Last season, SL had problems containing the NL running game (QB & TB) in the first half, but for some reason, NL got away from what was working early on and it impacted their offense in the 2nd half. This year SL must contain the running game again which for NL has improved dramatically in the past 3 weeks with the emergence of Maggard, the running ability of Wardrup and the return of Asher. For NL, they need Asher as he is the only DB with any size and the athletic ability to matchup well with the SL receivers. NL has to find a way to get to the receivers quickly on the SL short passes and not allow them to turn them into big gains. Once again SL is loaded with solid recievers in Baker, Cochis and Bingham. The pressure will be on the NL DB's bigtime this week as well as the DL to get pressure on Bowling who was smoking hot last week against a very good Southwestern team. Brandenburg has to have another great defensive game like he did last year against SL when he was making plays everywhere. For SL, Ledford has to be a bigtime playmaker again this season as well.

 

- Both teams vindicated themselves last week against teams that blew them out last season. NO ADVANTAGE

- NL faced a Tony Franklin style offense in Mad Southern but struggled against it. ADV South

- SL had been succeptible to the run, but the last 2 weeks looked much better. NL has found their primary back in Maggard and a NL v SL game will have him running even harder. ADV North

- The game is at SL ADV South

- Over the past several years, anytime a new coach takes over, he has never beaten the other one in their first meeting ADV North

- Both teams turned the ball over against each other last year at key times (SL threw 2-3 picks, NL threw 2) NO ADVANTAGE

 

By positions:

O & D line (Adv North)

QB (Adv South)

WR (Adv South)

RB (Adv North)

DB (WASH)

Kicking game & special teams (Adv North, very slight advantage)

 

This game is so close on paper, that it very well could be decided by 1 play on special teams. I think that Ricky Bowling for SL and Chris Maggard for NL will have HUGE games in this one. I think the difference will be on the line and I give North a very slight advantage. A PAT could be the difference much like I picked last week in the NL vs Mad Southern game and SL was looking at other potential kickers within the last 2 weeks.

 

NL 35

SL 34

MT: What about linebackers?

MT: What about linebackers?

 

I can answer that one.

 

Advantage NL - Maggard & Brandenburg are having solid seasons, and the emergence of Steven White has been positive as well.

MT - I have to disagree on one point. I don't think that NL necessarily struggled defensively against the Tony Franklin system. Actually MS went away from the typical short passing in the Franklin system, and threw a lot of HR balls that the MS receivers made excellent plays on. IMO, the MS QB's running ability was as much of a factor in that game as the passing was.

MT - I have to disagree on one point. I don't think that NL necessarily struggled defensively against the Tony Franklin system. Actually MS went away from the typical short passing in the Franklin system, and threw a lot of HR balls that the MS receivers made excellent plays on. IMO, the MS QB's running ability was as much of a factor in that game as the passing was.

 

I agree that the LB advantage would be for NL. However, while the Tony Franklin system is primarily short passes, the HR balls are part of the equation, especially when they are effective. Had NL given up that many TD's on the ground and a ton or yards that way, my concern would have been their run defense. Since they gave them up thru air, and SL is a pass oriented team who thrives on the short passing game but will throw the home run ball as well, I had to give them the edge in that category. The QB at MS is less experienced that Bowling at SL and the Cardinals do have some excellent receivers as well. 2 of Baker's TD's against Southwestern were terrific catches where he had to go make a play. The HR ball works 2 ways, ... 1. a WR gets wide open and makes an easier play or 2. the QB gets the ball into a position for the WR to make play. Of course, having seen this may actually help NL a great deal as they have now seen this before they play SL whereas the past few years, they did not see this until they played the Cardinals.

 

I think it will be a great game and wish I could go.

South Laurel - 33

North Laurel - 15

This could be the best game in the area this week. I look for a barn burner, I won't pick a winner. North better watch out for the swing pass/screen, very dangerous play.....

Well, since I have been so accurate in predicting South Laurel games:rolleyes: , I may as well give this one a shot.

 

North Laurel 34 - South Laurel 28

South Laurel wins a close one.

Go SOUTH!

If South comes out against North playing like we all know they can , this should be an easy win for the Cardinals.

 

I got to go with my boy's on this ones.

South Laurel-49

North Laurel-21

South 28

North- 21

Going to be a good cross town matchup, I think that SL wins in a very good football game. Good luck to both teams.

SL 28

NL 24

If South comes out against North playing like we all know they can , this should be an easy win for the Cardinals.

 

I got to go with my boy's on this ones.

South Laurel-49

North Laurel-21

 

It was supposed to be an easy win for South last year but was anything but that. There hasn't been a blowout between these 2 in quite some time, and I don't expect one this season.