The Birds travel to Dixie on Friday. Could we see another shootout this week? Both teams hung 50+ last week.

I am interested to see what, if any, defensive tweaks are made by the Birds. 

Who wins? Why? 

Dixie 48 to 35!

Highlands because of being more disciplined. Until Dixie shows me they could win a tight game against a superior team and be the more disciplined team, I am always going to pick their opponent.

Week one Dixie imploded with penalties and it cost them…. In week one. I seem to recall a thread where Highlands had one bad game also with penalties. Maybe the CovCath contest? So the “discipline” issue is just beating a dead horse really. Not sure where this notion Dixie is just a penalty magnet the last 15 years comes from.

When it comes to actual football, both teams with really good running games, Highlands a top passing team in 5A vs one of the best teams for pressures (Sacks). Want a Shootout? Dixie showed they can hold their own in one against good competition. Come from behind? They have done that against good competition. Want physical? That seems to be pretty much what they are if you have seen any of their games. It’s fair to question that they haven’t quite figured out how to finish. But they have done nothing but got better every week and I think this is the week they finally turn the corner and get the win.

Now… cue @Tigerpride94with his cut and paste “running clock” lol.

28 minutes ago, Finkle Ray said:

Week one Dixie imploded with penalties and it cost them…. In week one. I seem to recall a thread where Highlands had one bad game also with penalties. Maybe the CovCath contest? So the “discipline” issue is just beating a dead horse really. Not sure where this notion Dixie is just a penalty magnet the last 15 years comes from.

When it comes to actual football, both teams with really good running games, Highlands a top passing team in 5A vs one of the best teams for pressures (Sacks). Want a Shootout? Dixie showed they can hold their own in one against good competition. Come from behind? They have done that against good competition. Want physical? That seems to be pretty much what they are if you have seen any of their games. It’s fair to question that they haven’t quite figured out how to finish. But they have done nothing but got better every week and I think this is the week they finally turn the corner and get the win.

Now… cue @Tigerpride94with his cut and paste “running clock” lol.

This is a well thought out argument, and a lot of your points make sense…..Birds by 20

Highlands should win. But they could give up another 500 yards passing with that awful, back to the ball, man coverage. 

So if they win and give up 500 yards is that bad? I thought points was all that mattered. 

I think Highlands wins but will be surprised if a running clock. Calpreps rating shows Highlands by 27.

Covcath barely beat Dixie along with Beechwood. Dixie rolls the birds!

Highlands in a battle . 

Dixie has been making stupid, undisciplined penalties since at least the Spritzky era. That’s my logic.

48 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

Covcath barely beat Dixie along with Beechwood. Dixie rolls the birds!

Dixie hasn't had trouble scoring points and Highlands hasn't had a problem giving them up.   I expect another high scoring affair.   Gut says Dixie wins, but could easily see Highlands.

14 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Dixie hasn't had trouble scoring points and Highlands hasn't had a problem giving them up.   I expect another high scoring affair.   Gut says Dixie wins, but could easily see Highlands.

Excellent assessment. Dixie matches up in the trenches much more than Cooper did and they kept it close. Dixie will also have a run game to go along with very good QB who can run as well as throw it. 
 

I like Dixie by a score. 

17 hours ago, Royal Blue said:

Highlands should win. But they could give up another 500 yards passing with that awful, back to the ball, man coverage. 

So you suggest playing a zone? What about more pressure by DL to shorten coverage time? I think the Cooper QB and Alexander and Johnson are just really talented players that most teams may struggle with covering.