All I can say Titans is pack a lunch.... Mercer should definately be the favorite but get ready to be hit, and see a team that is going to play their butts off til the last second ticks off.

 

Mercer fans, what defensive strategy have teams been using lately to try to stop the running game? I know most teams stack the box with 9-10 players against Russell/elfry..has this been the common practice? Did O'Cath stack the box like they did the past two years in the state title game?

Remember the Titans....

How many Mercer players play both ways?

The Russell defense made a believer out of me tonight. And I still think there's something about that green carpet. Plus this bunch honestly thinks they can do it. U R RUSSELL!!!!!!!

All I can say Titans is pack a lunch.... Mercer should definately be the favorite but get ready to be hit, and see a team that is going to play their butts off til the last second ticks off.

 

Mercer fans, what defensive strategy have teams been using lately to try to stop the running game? I know most teams stack the box with 9-10 players against Russell/elfry..has this been the common practice? Did O'Cath stack the box like they did the past two years in the state title game?

 

They did untill Mercer threw two passes for about 130 yards. One of which went for a TD. Then the safties eased off a bit.

They did untill Mercer threw two passes for about 130 yards. One of which went for a TD. Then the safties eased off a bit.

O'Cath never learns I guess... :confused:

 

For the record, Russell will not stack the box. They will use their base 5-2 just like every game this year, but they will throw multiple blitz and stunt packages as well as switching up the personnel.

Yes russell is a very good team, and also the defending state champs. Clark is a stud. But the Titans are great. Don't think I've seen a team with as much speed and talent as Mercer. The coaching they have helps also. Mercer by 30.

All I can say Titans is pack a lunch.... Mercer should definately be the favorite but get ready to be hit, and see a team that is going to play their butts off til the last second ticks off.

 

Mercer fans, what defensive strategy have teams been using lately to try to stop the running game? I know most teams stack the box with 9-10 players against Russell/elfry..has this been the common practice? Did O'Cath stack the box like they did the past two years in the state title game?

It's a State Title game....we're not expecting a pansy on the other side of the field!! And you can bet the farm you're going to see some hitting. Mercer's got a score to settle.

 

We've seen it all. Of course OCath stacked the box..everyone has. What Mercer really likes is the team that thinks they are a sweep left, sweep right finesse ,edge team. The look on the other teams face is priceless as we are running it right down their throat.

How many Mercer players play both ways?

 

3-4, none of the backs

What was learned from the Belfry Game ...

1) Cannot run inside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary overwhelmed the line of scrimmage .. ( this surprised me )

2) Cannot outside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary rally to the football - sideline to sideline , very fast ... I hope Mercer is just about running the edges ..

3) Belfry is a running team so 1 and 2 were validated last night ...

4) Defense wins championships ...

5) Coaching ... this team is in tune with coaching and the game play ... it's obvious ... this is rare in high school ...

 

Bottom line , Mercer will have to show balance down the field to have any chance to beat the Devils ...

 

Devils win in a close one that might not be that close ... last year Devils learned how to win the close ones ....

What was learned from the Belfry Game ...

1) Cannot run inside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary overwhelmed the line of scrimmage .. ( this surprised me )

2) Cannot outside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary rally to the football - sideline to sideline , very fast ... I hope Mercer is just about running the edges ..

3) Belfry is a running team so 1 and 2 were validated last night ...

4) Defense wins championships ...

5) Coaching ... this team is in tune with coaching and the game play ... it's obvious ... this is rare in high school ...

 

Bottom line , Mercer will have to show balance down the field to have any chance to beat the Devils ...

 

Devils win in a close one that might not be that close ... last year Devils learned how to win the close ones ....

1. You can and we will.

2. You can, we will, and we hope you think we are an edge team...please think that...

3. You ain't playing Belfry next week.

4. You're fixing to see the best defense you've seen all year.

5. Both teams are immaculately coached.

 

Dude, you need to quit worrying about what Mercer needs to do to win, and maybe start thinking about what Russell will have to do. But keep posting....we have a big bulletin board.

What was learned from the Belfry Game ...

1) Cannot run inside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary overwhelmed the line of scrimmage .. ( this surprised me )

2) Cannot outside on the Devils ... Lb's and Secondary rally to the football - sideline to sideline , very fast ... I hope Mercer is just about running the edges ..

3) Belfry is a running team so 1 and 2 were validated last night ...

4) Defense wins championships ...

5) Coaching ... this team is in tune with coaching and the game play ... it's obvious ... this is rare in high school ...

 

Bottom line , Mercer will have to show balance down the field to have any chance to beat the Devils ...

 

Devils win in a close one that might not be that close ... last year Devils learned how to win the close ones ....

 

 

I think if you compare Belfry to Mercer this year you are mistaken. :thumb:

 

In response to number 5:

 

You need to get out of the mountains more. There are plenty of teams where the coaching and talent have meshed together. You just need to get out and see them. It's not as rare as you make it. If you need a history lesson check out what Sam Harp has done, Chuck Smith, or a number of others who've won far more titles and done more in the post season.

Yeah, OCATH kept comparing Mercer to Ft. Campbell all week.

1. You can and we will.

2. You can, we will, and we hope you think we are an edge team...please think that...

3. You ain't playing Belfry next week.

4. You're fixing to see the best defense you've seen all year.

5. Both teams are immaculately coached.

 

Dude, you need to quit worrying about what Mercer needs to do to win, and maybe start thinking about what Russell will have to do. But keep posting....we have a big bulletin board.

 

Joe, we might have to have Dr. Phil there at the Pizza Box, the Russell fans might need some counceling after the game.

 

Remember REDDEVILMVP, there is a world west of Morehead.

Devils and Belfry have won last three 2a state championships in convincing fashion against teams west of Lexington. So I bet Mercer coaches are pouring thru this game right now .. Those are valid points ...

 

2A games are hard to judge who shows up ... My post stated facts ...

 

Devils hitting on all cylinders ,take care of the ball with no penalties ... Very tough out for a first timer ( Devils spent years getting over first time hump ).

 

Ps .. Mercer will also be battling " the curse of the Scottie "