South Oldham (9-1) has averaged a 5A best 45 points per game since their season opening loss to CAL. Can the Bulldogs (4-6) step up their game enough to keep this one close early?

I'm afraid this will be a difficult game for Fairdale to keep up in. South has too many weapons, including three starting running backs each of whom are capable of 100+ yard games on any given night.

 

Keaton Martin, the fullback, defies logic. Fullbacks aren't supposed to be small and fast, they are "supposed" to be big, strong blockers. Martin is as explosive a ballcarrier as you will find in metro Louisville, and is a threat to score from any spot on the field. He makes his living between the tackles, and his "small" size - theoretically a disadvantage between the tackles - almost seems to be his biggest asset. His center of gravity is low, he keeps his legs churning, and he needs the tiniest of cracks to suddenly be in the secondary.

 

On the wings of South's Wing-T formation are J T Benson and Colton Bowlden. Bowlden is a powerful runner when he can get the ball to the edge and get turned upfield. I don't know, but he may have the most "big plays" of anyone on the Dragons' team.

 

Benson is simply a speed merchant. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, but his strength is his ability to run away from you. As a result, he also returns kickoffs, and has thrived in that role as well.

 

Ethan Bednarczyk is the electric receiver, who also is capable of running the ball.

 

Anthony Pearce is the unsung hero of this offense, a QB who wasn't expected to be a big passer. He won't throw the ball many times - unless South gets in trouble - but he will be efficient if he throws it. He's completing 55% of his passes for 721 yards, with 9 TDs and only 1 INT. He's also rushed for 230 yards and 4 TDs.

 

Defensively, South's linebackers have been the strength of the team this year, and - working against the South offense in practice all the time - they are tested as few defenses can be in practice.

 

Fairdale has struggled a bit this year, going 4-6. Unlike South - who arrives riding a 9 game winning streak - Fairdale has lost 4 of their last 5 games. Travis Helm (83 carries, 474 yards, 4 TDs) and Jaeshawn Bendford (75-383-3) lead the Bulldogs on the ground, but QB Trey McCoy is completing just 35% of his passes for 716 yards, 6 TDs and 4 INT.

 

Defensively, Fairdale has just managed 3 fumble recoveries, 6 sacks, and 2 INT through the first nine games.

 

I haven't seen Fairdale this year, but the game stats would seem to indicate a team that may have difficulty getting pressure in the South offensive backfield. If South is allowed to run their triple-option attack with fear of defensive penetration, it could be a long night for Fairdale.

 

CM

I'm afraid this will be a difficult game for Fairdale to keep up in. South has too many weapons, including three starting running backs each of whom are capable of 100+ yard games on any given night.

 

Keaton Martin, the fullback, defies logic. Fullbacks aren't supposed to be small and fast, they are "supposed" to be big, strong blockers. Martin is as explosive a ballcarrier as you will find in metro Louisville, and is a threat to score from any spot on the field. He makes his living between the tackles, and his "small" size - theoretically a disadvantage between the tackles - almost seems to be his biggest asset. His center of gravity is low, he keeps his legs churning, and he needs the tiniest of cracks to suddenly be in the secondary.

 

On the wings of South's Wing-T formation are J T Benson and Colton Bowlden. Bowlden is a powerful runner when he can get the ball to the edge and get turned upfield. I don't know, but he may have the most "big plays" of anyone on the Dragons' team.

 

Benson is simply a speed merchant. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, but his strength is his ability to run away from you. As a result, he also returns kickoffs, and has thrived in that role as well.

 

Ethan Bednarczyk is the electric receiver, who also is capable of running the ball.

 

Anthony Pearce is the unsung hero of this offense, a QB who wasn't expected to be a big passer. He won't throw the ball many times - unless South gets in trouble - but he will be efficient if he throws it. He's completing 55% of his passes for 721 yards, with 9 TDs and only 1 INT. He's also rushed for 230 yards and 4 TDs.

 

Defensively, South's linebackers have been the strength of the team this year, and - working against the South offense in practice all the time - they are tested as few defenses can be in practice.

 

Fairdale has struggled a bit this year, going 4-6. Unlike South - who arrives riding a 9 game winning streak - Fairdale has lost 4 of their last 5 games. Travis Helm (83 carries, 474 yards, 4 TDs) and Jaeshawn Bendford (75-383-3) lead the Bulldogs on the ground, but QB Trey McCoy is completing just 35% of his passes for 716 yards, 6 TDs and 4 INT.

 

Defensively, Fairdale has just managed 3 fumble recoveries, 6 sacks, and 2 INT through the first nine games.

 

I haven't seen Fairdale this year, but the game stats would seem to indicate a team that may have difficulty getting pressure in the South offensive backfield. If South is allowed to run their triple-option attack with fear of defensive penetration, it could be a long night for Fairdale.

 

CM

 

I saw Fairdale against St.X and they could have scored 100 on them if they wanted. South Oldham will name the score.