The Undercard: Caldwell County at Murray

 

Key #1- Keep it Balanced, Keep it Moving

 

Murray is a team with great Offensive weaponry, particularly in the passing game led by hunter Utley and his dynamic receivers Tommy Waldrop, Jaiden Jackson, and Jorden Duffy. There is no question the Tigers have the proficiency to win a game through the air, but on Friday it may be prudent to be mindful of their running game.

 

Caldwell County has allowed almost equal yardage in both the run and passing games and in both of their losses the run game being established helped to open up the pass and keep Caldwell off balance. Charvelle McCallister is more than capable of moving the sticks and every 20 yards he gains may equate to opening up a 20 yard pitch and catch.

 

Key #2- Take BIG Chances

 

Any hope of a Caldwell County upset begins and ends with taking risks, specifically risks deep. The boys from Princeton simply cannot get into a shootout with Murray and their Offense has not shown enough consistency to maintain drives and and sustain success.

 

Caldwell may not have the elite athleticism they have displayed in the past on the outside, but there is still talent there and Murray's biggest vulnerability has been to teams capable of taking the top off their Defense. Caldwell will need to show some new wrinkles and dialing up the big play may give the best chance to steal points and keep them in the game.

 

 

Key #3- Covet Thy Football

 

Each team relies heavily on creating turnovers with their Defense to mask issues. Both defenses are very adept at creating opportunities and have each capitalized when those chances are before them.

 

Murray to this point has done a very good job of protecting the football whereas Caldwell has had some issues with leaving empty possessions. Simply put, if the turnover margin is even or favors Murray it will be very difficult for Caldwell to win this game. The Blue Tigers need a positive turnover margin and moreover needs at least one of those turnovers to directly lead to points. It is also worth noting that if Caldwell turns it over it cannot be a Defensive TD the other way. With Murray's great athletes sudden points could be killer.

 

 

The Pre-Cursor: Beechwood at Lloyd Memorial

 

Key #1- One Dimension or None Dimension

 

Neither team enters this game on the verge of breaking Offensive Efficiency records. Both Head Coaches would be quick to point out that their teams have struggled at times to find or maintain an identity and have had stretches in nearly every competitive game where their Offense has put the Defense behind the 8-Ball.

 

With that said, both teams also subscribe to the theory of forcing balance even when that balance is struggling to be established. This is a game with serious long ranging ramifications so it is important to "scratch the itch" when it presents itself. Both Defenses are solid and in a game where 3rd and Distance will be hard to consistently overcome, the team who find what works on Offense and sticks with it may very well have the upper hand.

 

Key #2- Make Them Sweat

 

As previously alluded, it will not be easy for either team to consistently piece together 10+ play or long sustained drives due to both the Defensive ability of the opponent and the inconsistent nature of the Offenses. Both teams have to use this to their advantage and also capitalize when the few opportunities for a "shot" play presents itself.

 

For Lloyd, use Treshawn Cody's length to try and create a mis-match and flip the field with a single jump ball. For Beechwood, set up some designed deep routes on play action out of the R.P.O. look. Lloyd will be heavily keyed on Hergott's legs and intermediate passing ability, force them to play deep.

 

Key #3- Be Special in the Third Phase

 

Field position and not leaving points off the board will be paramount. The team who can consistently shorten the field and subsequently force the opposition to have to gain an extra two or three First Downs will have a major advantage in this game. Prudence and patience on 4th Down may very well be a game changer and play every bit the role of a turnover.

 

One huge advantage entering this game is at the Place Kicker position and it leans toward Beechwood. Colin Graman gives Beechwood a consistent ability to make the most of extra points and also gives them the freedom to post three points when drives stall in opposing territory. Lloyd Memorial has lived and died by the 2-point conversion and the 4th Down conversion, only attempting 8 PAT's with Half of those failing and no Field Goals.

 

 

The Main Event: Somerset at Lexington Christian Academy

 

Key #1- Contain and Maintain

 

This is a game with an abundance of talent. There is no denying that and anyone who has followed Class 2A should know that at this point. In a game where weaponry is nothing short of locked and loaded, it is often who uses the most understated parts of their arsenal that often benefits the most.

 

Both signal callers are well known for their passing ability, but it may very well be their ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing that proves the biggest key. Both QB's have the ability to put up sneaky rushing stats and in their biggest Offensive performances this rushing ability has proven vital to their success.

 

With both defenses keyed up and desperate for the big play, it is very important to maintain fundamental football and keep contain. A missed sack opportunity could be a net difference of twenty to thirty yards if they allow either Sheron or Barnhardt the ability to scramble for the sticks and get to the second level.

 

Key #2- Adapt, Improvise, Overcome

 

Perhaps the most impressive thing on film about these teams this season has been each team's respective coaching staff's ability to game-plan and then subsequently pivot on that game-plan once the advantage has ran it's course. Both staffs have an incredible aptitude and do schemes that are more advanced than typical High School teams run.

 

The chess match in the film room and then the overflow to the pressbox will play almost as big of a role as the great talent taking the field. At this point there are no secrets to what either team wants to establish and where they go when they need a big play, so it will be very curious to see which team comes out with the better recipe and then subsequently which team is the first to make a crucial adjustment.

 

One particular aspect that will be especially telling is if Somerset can make strides in their RB production from last week. In the wake of the Alex Miller injury they relied on a heavier dose of Cam Austin against Danville and the Admirals actually did a pretty solid job of keeping him contained, only allowing around 3.3 yard per carry. The Briarjumpers need at least a 5 yard average from the RB spot this week.

 

Key #3- Don't Lose Yourself in the Moment

 

It's easy to fall into a trap with both of these Offenses. Seeing the explosion, individual talent, and big play ability it is easy to scheme for the worst case scenario or do things to try and prevent it from happening. The truth of the matter is in a game with two very good teams, it often comes down to the team who does the basics the best. Block, Tackle, Hold on to the Ball, and Do Your Job.

 

Dearious Smith and Xavier Brown can toast you one on one or make a highlight reel play out of nothing. Kaiya Sheron may make a perfect deep ball to Kade Grundy after evading pressure. Big players make big plays. What you can't do though is help them do those things by simply playing bad football.

 

The team who simply calms down and plays fundamental football the sooner will be the team most prepared to jump to an early lead. Furthermore, the under stated Defensive stars may play the biggest role on a night filled with Offensive superstars. Jase Bruner and Mikey Garland for Somerset and Andrew Long and Mattie Lebryk for LCA.

One again, an excellent job!

Outstanding job!