I was looking at Owensboro roster and only count 11 seniors and around 40 soph through senior. I think depth could be an issue in 4th quarter on a warm, humid August night.

2 hours ago, Tigerpride94 said:

I was looking at Owensboro roster and only count 11 seniors and around 40 soph through senior. I think depth could be an issue in 4th quarter on a warm, humid August night.

Most schools won’t have the depth X or T has but Owensboro is almost entirely 1-way players.  It’s hard to tell from 1 scrimmage who will definitely play where.  The entire offensive and defensive lines play 1-way.  The 1 exception  I saw was DE Barksdale playing a series at RB.  The top 4 WR’s will be mainly 1-way (Pendleton, E. early, Rogers and Hartz).  In Tight End packages, either Goodwin or Clark might play offense- normally LB position.

 

The RB is a question - in the scrimmage I saw safety Carbon, CB Taylor, DE Barksdale and Freshman Winstead sharing carries.  I also saw CB Moorman and CB Taylor playing some WR.  That said Owensboro’s depth is solid in the skill positions with a number of players in the secondary and LB crew.  When Owensboro played Freddie, Burton, Crowdus and Key all played a lot  both ways, much more than Owensboro.

 

Owensboro has at least 8 quality fast WR’s and probably 5 different capable RB’s.  About 1/2 start on defense.  They have plenty to use in the secondary as well.

4 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

If I had to pin down a 'game of the week', this is it. 

- Two bona fide state championship contenders with loads of tradition

- A strong candidate for Mr. Football facing, like @Brown said, the best defense he'll see this year. 

- The Wallace vs. Owensboro storyline. He's 16-4 against the Red Devils as far back as KHSAA records show. It was a competitive series between O and BG in the late 90s/early 00s before Wallace took the Purples to another level and left Owensboro behind. He's won his last 13 encounters against them. Something about the red and black brings out the best in him.

Having not seen either team, it's a hard game to pick. I'm going to give it another day or two.

@Brown @Tigerpride94 @LongTimeReader

If there's a better opening game in the State, I'd like to know who it is.  This is IMO THE Top game in the State to open the season!  Hands down (I am a little biased but not alot!  Ha!)

DMC, The run you spoke of regarding BG going on a long win streak vs O is very true. But the thing most don't know is that O had I believe around a 15 game win streak of their own vs BG around the 70's and 80s.  And BGs run pulled the series back to even and BG has gone just ahead a game or 2 maybe.  But I regard it as BGs top rival right now even though they don't schedule each other any more.  But I think the JV and Freshman squads still play.

This is a fascinating game and Week 1 makes it moreso IMO because you really don't have alot to go on.  Other than what you know about your players.  But this will be a high intensity game right out of the gate.  It is THE game Owensboro needed on their schedule to get ready for the long haul of this season and they can win state this year just like about 4 other team in 5A IMO.

For Owensboro to win, Wimsatt needs to be patient.  St X's defense is VERY disciplined and they have gotten faster.  Key will be for them to get "some" pressure on Wimsatt.  If they can, they could keep him from getting into a rhythm.  Also the WRs will be huge this game.  I know Rogers can catch it in traffic when it counts, but the other guys need to prove it.  They are capable and super talented and I think Carbon is almost as good as Owsley was, but he doesn't get the ball as much.  Get him the ball (flair out to space - YES!).  They will need to work on the St X defense like a pitcher works a hitter to strike him out.  Run inside to set up a fake to the inside and get the ball outside.  There will be room there, but you have to set it up IMO.

The O Defense needs to make the X QB uncomfortable.  Duddy and Smith are likely the best tandum WRs in the State.  They will catch some.  Fine.  But not deep.  Keep them in front of you and make X grind and hope for mistakes.

For St X to win, I have heard Sivori's name many times over the last several years and never seen him play so hope he gets a full season in.  He doesn't have to win the game himself, but he can't lose it either. He has to understand the O secondary has tremendous speed and act accordingly.  That said, you have studs on the outside - get them the ball!  I like the set the O D up as well.  Run to set up the pass and if you can do that, I like X alot in this game.  But if O forces X to pass alot, then I like Owensboro in this game.

For the X D, don't give up the home run ball.  I hope you watched the BG game film.  Do that.  I don't have to tell Coach Wallace anything.  X will be ready.

Rash Stadium is one of all-time favorite stadiums period.  And I plan to come over for this game and hopefully eat at Old Hickory before.  X fans should follow my lead here; you won't be disappointed!  You simply can't beat that combo for me anyway!

I didn't give you a score because I don't know who I'm picking yet.  Want to think on it some more.

Good luck to both teams and no injuries.

 

http://www.hudl.com/v/2FVRgK

Here is hudl highlights of QB Jack Sivori from spring game. He has good running ability and can pass. Key is keeping him healthy since runs like a running back.

9 hours ago, Tigerpride94 said:

http://www.hudl.com/v/2FVRgK

Here is hudl highlights of QB Jack Sivori from spring game. He has good running ability and can pass. Key is keeping him healthy since runs like a running back.

Wow!  Consider me impressed.  I know it's only scrimmage stuff, but still.  

In this Owensboro game, Owensboro will have a lot of speed, BUT making a 2-4 yard gain vs taking a sack will be huge for field position/keeping drives alive.  In alot of ways Conner Cooper's ability to scramble led to most of BGs offense against a very good O Defense.  It doesn't hurt having Smith making 1-hand grabs across the middle and Duddy going up and getting the ball in the end zone either!

Depending upon the down and distance, Owensboro may need to spy the St. X QB.  I expect Goodwin and Barksdale to give him chase off the edges.

Based upon an Owensboro paper, I expect Carbon, Taylor and Barksdale to play most of the RB carries, with Carbon leading the way.  These guys do start defense, but I noticed they get a series off on defense after playing a series on offense.  To me, the coaching staff is placing a higher priority on running the ball effectively in 2021.  

10 hours ago, Tigerpride94 said:

http://www.hudl.com/v/2FVRgK

Here is hudl highlights of QB Jack Sivori from spring game. He has good running ability and can pass. Key is keeping him healthy since runs like a running back.

Mobility is a huge factor for him. He throws a very catchable ball, may not be able to throw it 100 yards, but has great touch. 

 

I'll be surprised if that many points are scored for both teams.

Tiger Safety.

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/owensboro-high-school-owensboro-ky/gamee63ce1330

NFHS link to watch game. Requires a subscription.

Massey Ratings have the predicted score of St. X 35 Owensboro 13.

If St. X can effectively run the ball they could get to 35. 

CalPreps 27-21 St. X.

Owensboro is a different team at Rash Stadium.

It will be closer than the Massey score.