How about we break down each team's strengths and weaknesses (without being a homer), then compare notes to come up w/ an educated prediction rather than saying T or Ryle will win simply because they're better and have more pride/tradition/ etc.

 

Ryle's strengths:

 

Offense: RB- Murray and Gray (enough said)- Both are speedy backs with Murray being the bigger one who can either out run you or lay the wood on anyone in their way.

 

Qb- Benke- Solid high school qb butmakes bad mistakes at times. Throws a decent ball and can roll out of the pocket, BUT advantage Trinity.

 

O-line- very big and strong and fundamentally sound. Don't make many mistakes and probably the heart and soul of the Raider O. IMO this is where the game will be made. Ryle's offense goes as far as their o line takes them.

 

Receivers- Luster, Morgan, Gray- Again all 3 are big and solid and playmakers. Luster being the biggest (6'2) imo is the key to Ryle's passing game. Get him the ball in open space and allow him to use his size and athletic ability. Same w/ Gray. Use him out of the backfieild on waggle passes and screens.

 

Now defensively...

 

D-line- Solid up front w/ Pridgett (sp?) and very physical at times. All have a knack for getting to the ball.

 

LB- Murray, Lasita- Murray IMO is one of the best in the state. Gets to the ball every time and will lay you out. Lasita is solid but IMO not above average.

 

Secondary- Gray, Morgan, Aquaviva- Gray is a solid safety and can come up to stop the run. Morgan and Aquaviva are both a little undersized (5'8, 5'9) but both are athletic enough to make up for that. Can play lock down cover defense or just flat out lay a hit on you.

 

Weaknesses-

Offense- passing game. Ryle hasn't had to pass much this year because they're normally up big so it will be interesting to see how they react to MAYBE having to play from behind and pass the ball b/c that's not what their offense is built for.

 

Defense- Not too sure about their weakness b/c IMO their defense is all around pretty solid. Can stop the run w/ no problems but also cover the pass. Only thing that worries me is their secondary and T's speed.

 

Special Teams- One of the best kickers in the state. Trinity will be starting from their own 20 more often than not. IMO this could be the game breaker. (Field position)

 

A little long, but would love to hear the same insight on Trinity and anything else that could be added for Ryle (without being a homer).

 

Where is Schmitz around 400-500 yards rushing behind Murray and Gray with plenty of TD's, and the leading tackler on defense. Dustin Huth? He's a big part of the blocking on the O-line at TE, and has been used alot more in the passing game in the playoffs and is coming up big. He also plays defense, and is one of the hardest hitters on the D coming off the end. He is tall 6'3 and he is athletic at around 220.

 

Ryle has a O-lineman in Tymenski (sp?) he isn't a tall lineman but he dominates his opponents everytime, and he is BIG. I'm sure Trinity knows about him after watching tape.

 

IMO Gray is all you can ask for in a High School defensive back. If he plays football in college it's going to be at DB I'm sure. He has quick hips, and feet, good hands, and just has a knack for making a play on the ball anytime it's thrown his way. He is one of the best tacklers the team has too, and at DB that's real key.

 

Just had to throw that in to your observations I've seen them play 9 times this year.

I have seen both teams play now, and I just don't see this game being very close. Their is a superior football team from St. Matthews left in 4A football in Kentucky.

 

A record 17 state championships for the Rocks.

 

 

I think Trinity takes this one...I am curious what the enrollment differences are at both schools or are they similar? I heard Ryle has 500 Freshman boys...true or false?

We were the visitors last year, so I would say yes.

No, we were the "home" team last year. I am 99.9% certain that we will be the "visiting" team Thursday.

I think Trinity takes this one...I am curious what the enrollment differences are at both schools or are they similar? I heard Ryle has 500 Freshman boys...true or false?

 

No way there's probably 400 freshman.

No way there's probably 400 freshman.

 

 

that's about right. And that is 400 total, boys and girls.

Trinity's wide out's run the routs very very well many times the bell is in the air before the wide out makes a cut to the ball, because of this Ryle will not be able to stop the passing game, Minefield(sp) and Beaumont could not so.....

 

 

Ever heard of a zone?

Ryle's secondary isn't spectacular, but Gray, Aquaviva, and Morgan are a lot more solid than people are giving them credit for. To be honest, I think Trinity is going to have to beat Ryle by passing on them. Ryle's run D is solid. Murray and the whole D fly to the ball every play.

 

My only concern? Trinity's speed. Ryle is fast and athletic, but I dont know if they have really seen team speed like T's yet?

 

 

:thumb:

No, we were the "home" team last year. I am 99.9% certain that we will be the "visiting" team Thursday.

You were also in the East last year...

Does anyone know if Trinity is off school on Friday?

Do you know that for sure? I spoke to the superintendent last night and he indicated that school would be on regular schedule Thursday and Friday. He did hint that anyone missing school Friday would be excused.

 

Just wondering, but is Ryle going to practice at Beechwood or maybe even Highlands? I know that last year NCC practiced on CovCath turf to prepare themselves for the turf at the Pizza Box...

 

My heart is rooting for Ryle... as it is for all the NKy teams.

 

The nastier the weather the better for Ryle, but Ryle just can't afford to get down by more than ten at any time in the game. Ryle really reminds me of Johnson Central on offense. Big, fast and tough. They can wear you down, even you "T". Ryle best "D" will be to just run and average 3/4 yards a carry, keeping the ball out of "T" hands, if (and if is a big word) Ryle can do that, they just might upset "T".

 

Good luck Radiers......

Ryle's secondary isn't spectacular, but Gray, Aquaviva, and Morgan are a lot more solid than people are giving them credit for. To be honest, I think Trinity is going to have to beat Ryle by passing on them. Ryle's run D is solid. Murray and the whole D fly to the ball every play.

 

My only concern? Trinity's speed. Ryle is fast and athletic, but I dont know if they have really seen team speed like T's yet?

Henry Clay's defense was good at stopping the run, but only against teams that could not pass. Look what happened to them on their home field. The key to Trinity is their balance. When you have a team that is as balanced as this team, and you have good offense minds calling the plays and mixing run and pass, it makes the best of defenses look lost......especially on the high school level.

 

This is the reason why I do not think that Trinity will be challenged for the second week in a row. Unfortunately for those of us who would love to see a tight game, this game will not be close, in my opinion.

Trinity will be the visiting team

 

4A Bracket

 

2006 Finals Team Instructions

 

 

HOME AND VISITING TEAM AND BENCHES

The team in the top bracket of the tournament draw will be the home team in all classes and use the benches on the West Side (press box or Brown and Williamson side) of the field.

The team in the bottom bracket of the tournament draw will be the visiting team in all classes and use the benches on the East Side (far side) of the field.

So the raiders will be wearing black? interesting....

(LB- Murray, Lasita- Murray IMO is one of the best in the state. Gets to the ball every time and will lay you out. Lasita is solid but IMO not above average)

 

fbstud06 - don't know how many times you have seen Ryle play but Lasita is not the LB - Murray and Schmitz are the linebackers and they make a great duo!

You guys play with a bell down there? I knew we were way behind the times hear in NKY, we still use a ball in NKY. LOL

 

Well you know, it's christmas time might as well throw around christmas bells:D