Both teams are having a rough season to put it nicely.  Each comes into this game at 2-5, so someone will pick up their 3rd win on Friday night.  Who will it be?  

I'm not sure about this one.  Both teams seemingly can't stop anyone on defense, and both teams can put up big numbers offensively against bad competition.  This one is a toss up and can go either direction IMO.  I think this one has the potential to be a shootout, with both teams lighting up the scoreboard.  Can Dixie win a game with a team that is essentially equal to them?  Or will Conner come out victorious on the road due to coaching?

What are everyone else's thoughts?

I am not very tuned into either team but off the top of my head I am thinking this game should be competitive. 

Have seen Conner play, they looked like world beaters against a team that was still figuring a lot out. I would not be surprised to see a good, close game. 

So, a few questions I have for those following Conner and even Coach Rash.

What were expectations for this season over the summer for Conner?  Did they graduate a lot last year?  In other words, was this season expected to be a down season or is this a surprise?

With Coach Rash taking over, does this season somewhat hurt his legacy?  I know there was a ton of hoopla with Coach Rash taking over the Cougars program. And don't get me wrong, Coach Rash is a top notch guy and coach, but let's be honest, it's way easier coaching at a place like Beechwood where you have a ton of talent and tradition in a cupcake district than a place like Conner.  Does Rash stay for a few seasons to put his stamp on things?  Or is it one and done for him?

This feels like a game Dixie can and should win, to me.  Something around 28-10, or thereabouts, for me.  

10 hours ago, New Colonel said:

Both teams are having a rough season to put it nicely.  Each comes into this game at 2-5, so someone will pick up their 3rd win on Friday night.  Who will it be?  

I'm not sure about this one.  Both teams seemingly can't stop anyone on defense, and both teams can put up big numbers offensively against bad competition.  This one is a toss up and can go either direction IMO.  I think this one has the potential to be a shootout, with both teams lighting up the scoreboard.  Can Dixie win a game with a team that is essentially equal to them?  Or will Conner come out victorious on the road due to coaching?

What are everyone else's thoughts?

The Newport vs NCC thread says they play at Dixie Friday night also?

30 minutes ago, New Colonel said:

So, a few questions I have for those following Conner and even Coach Rash.

What were expectations for this season over the summer for Conner?  Did they graduate a lot last year?  In other words, was this season expected to be a down season or is this a surprise?

With Coach Rash taking over, does this season somewhat hurt his legacy?  I know there was a ton of hoopla with Coach Rash taking over the Cougars program. And don't get me wrong, Coach Rash is a top notch guy and coach, but let's be honest, it's way easier coaching at a place like Beechwood where you have a ton of talent and tradition in a cupcake district than a place like Conner.  Does Rash stay for a few seasons to put his stamp on things?  Or is it one and done for him?

Before Rash was the coach I had them pegged at 3-7 in their 2025 season thread. I thought Rash would probably be able to tack on an extra win. Yes alot different circumstances than he was use to. I'm still hoping he hangs around high school football for a little longer. Really help Conner be set up for their long term hire.

I'm leaning towards Dixie in this one. With their running game being the biggest difference. Not that Dixie's running game is the most spectacular to write home about but just the fact that I think they have an angle there somewhat. 

1 hour ago, Honey Badger said:

The Newport vs NCC thread says they play at Dixie Friday night also?

Dixie v Conner is on Thursday night this week.

7 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

The Newport vs NCC thread says they play at Dixie Friday night also?

Whoops, I forgot the game is on Thursday. 

3 hours ago, New Colonel said:

Whoops, I forgot the game is on Thursday. 

Thursday games throw me off also I get it. Dixie does have 2 fields up there though. Wouldn't that be something.

1 hour ago, Honey Badger said:

Thursday games throw me off also I get it. Dixie does have 2 fields up there though. Wouldn't that be something.

Dixie only has the 1 field for football.  They have a small practice field of grass that is maybe 40 yards.  

Scott has more than 2 fields and SK has enough room for about 8 fields.

13 hours ago, New Colonel said:

So, a few questions I have for those following Conner and even Coach Rash.

What were expectations for this season over the summer for Conner?  Did they graduate a lot last year?  In other words, was this season expected to be a down season or is this a surprise?

With Coach Rash taking over, does this season somewhat hurt his legacy?  I know there was a ton of hoopla with Coach Rash taking over the Cougars program. And don't get me wrong, Coach Rash is a top notch guy and coach, but let's be honest, it's way easier coaching at a place like Beechwood where you have a ton of talent and tradition in a cupcake district than a place like Conner.  Does Rash stay for a few seasons to put his stamp on things?  Or is it one and done for him?

For those in the know I think it only enhances what we know about him.  First class coach and gentlemen 100% of the time.  He took this job very late when his friend Dave Trosper unexpectedly passed.  He stepped in to help these young men heal and as an interim to make the most of this season.  He said also it was to help position the administration to find a permanent coach.  No tarnish on Coach Rash, just polish.

This should be a competitive game for the #2 seed in the district as the teams seem pretty similar.  Long time Dixie head coach Tom Spritzky returns to Dixie for the first time on the opposite sideline as the offensive play caller for Conner.  He brought the spread offense to Dixie back in the mid 90's, so I would expect this Conner team to have a similar look.  I haven't seen them play, but their stats show they're not scared to sling it around.  Granted, the game score may have dictated it a little more in games.

Dixie's defense has shown some improvement, although last week's game score doesn't show it.  Will they be able to contain Conner's offense or will they have to outscore them in a shootout?  The offense can put up points quickly against lesser quality opponents, but they struggle to have sustained drives against quality opponents.  This leaves the defense on the field way too much and in bad situations with shorter fields.  The running game has struggled as there is no premier back.  Golsby is more of a receiver than running back, but he has potential to break a long one with his speed.  Gilliland is coming off injury and is more of a fullback (very strong runner but lacks the breakaway speed).  The passing game seems like it is bubbles or deep balls.  If they can get an intermediate passing game, especially over the middle, working, it will help them sustain drives and open up more opportunities.  I think more QB runs with Fields will help, but I completely understand not running him as much as there's nothing really behind him if he were to get injured at this point of the season.

859 Insider Network is broadcasting this game:

https://859insidertv.com/?B=2065861