I don't see anyone addressing what, imho, is the main negative in this game for Johnson Central. I do believe they will have to pass the ball in order to defeat HHS. I just don't know if they'll be able to. Anyone closer to this game (from either side) have any insight?

 

In the 2008 regular season, JC attempted 28 passes in 10 games (2.8 per) with 12 of those coming against Belfry. Only 10 were completed (5 against Belfry) That leaves 16 attempts, 5 completions in 9 games, 1.8 attempts per, .56 completions per. No interceptions during the regular season.

I don't see anyone addressing what, imho, is the main negative in this game for Johnson Central. I do believe they will have to pass the ball in order to defeat HHS. I just don't know if they'll be able to. Anyone closer to this game (from either side) have any insight?

 

I will take a shot at this, even though there will be a hundred guys post I am wrong, but here is my try,

 

JC has passed at times this season, but when you can score running the ball and run the clock, why pass? Welch is a potential first team all stater and is a great reciever, but is usally doubled and tripled teamed. Welch has a good arm and can throw the ball very well on the end around. Jeramy Bratton is a tall quick kid who can catch the ball and is usally not covered and tough to get down, this may be a key. Dillion is not pretty, but can pass the ball effective. Matney usally goes for home runs off the running game. Nathan Dillion and Chase Richardson can catch the ball out of the backfield. IMO, if JC can mix up a few short passes, the running game will be more effective. Matney is an outstanding coach and has seen HHS play and will have a few surprises for this game, do not count him out. I do think JC will have to pull out all the plays in the book to keep this HHS group off balance and keep them honest on the run. Again this is just my opinion and I am sure a hundred posts will tell me where I am wrong.

 

I will make a prediction, the game will be impacted most by a player we have not mentioned on plays we do not expect.

Is he their top LB?

 

He is imo HHS best football player on the team period. Without him they are a very different football team defensively. Not sure who gets the dubious duty to try and fill his shoes but I am guessing its Oliver Head. Lets put it this way who is JC's best football player and would he be missed this Friday nite and what impact does he play on the team as a whole. The lopsided HHS win predictions on here have me a bit concerned.

The lopsided HHS win predictions on here have me a bit concerned.

Me too. The ghost of Marty Regan is still fresh in my mind.

Anyone from HHS considered going AA to/toward Ashland and then down 23 to Paintsville? Obviously less Interstate/Parkway, but the AA is a good road and I think 23 from Ashland to Paintsville is good road. Definitely wouldn't come back that way in the dark, but might be a nice change of scenery for the drive down.

 

Assuming 2.5 hrs. from NKY to Ashland and 1 hour from Ashland to Paintsville, seems pretty close on the driving time. Thoughts?

Me too. The ghost of Marty Regan is still fresh in my mind.

 

This will be by far HHS biggest challenge of the yr without a key player. Especially a game that means something. GO BIRDS!

I will take a shot at this, even though there will be a hundred guys post I am wrong, but here is my try,

 

JC has passed at times this season, but when you can score running the ball and run the clock, why pass? Welch is a potential first team all stater and is a great reciever, but is usally doubled and tripled teamed. Welch has a good arm and can throw the ball very well on the end around. Jeramy Bratton is a tall quick kid who can catch the ball and is usally not covered and tough to get down, this may be a key. Dillion is not pretty, but can pass the ball effective. Matney usally goes for home runs off the running game. Nathan Dillion and Chase Richardson can catch the ball out of the backfield. IMO, if JC can mix up a few short passes, the running game will be more effective. Matney is an outstanding coach and has seen HHS play and will have a few surprises for this game, do not count him out. I do think JC will have to pull out all the plays in the book to keep this HHS group off balance and keep them honest on the run. Again this is just my opinion and I am sure a hundred posts will tell me where I am wrong.

 

I will make a prediction, the game will be impacted most by a player we have not mentioned on plays we do not expect.

 

I agree. I don't know a lot about the team, but am hoping they pull off the upset.

28-21 Johnson Central!!!! JC owns the clock!!!

This one will be at least a 2 score bird victory. HHS 35 JC 12

Have you seen them live? Have you watched much tape on them?

 

No to both, which is why I said "Yeah, it can happen...";)

Close game? Nah, don't think so.

 

JC will get rocked.

Will you Highlands fans be making this trip this weekend?

 

Three in my car.:banana::banana::banana::thumb:

This will be by far HHS biggest challenge of the yr without a key player. Especially a game that means something. GO BIRDS!

I can't see how this is a bigger challenge for Highlands than the Colerain game earlier this year (at Colerain, no less). Plus, remember that the 'Birds were also dealing with a big loss then, as Conner broke his leg just two weeks earlier.

 

Also, I don't know what to make of the "means something" comment. Does this mean that some Highlands games don't mean something? I'm pretty sure that such a thing (i.e. a Highlands game that doesn't mean something) does not exist.

Me too. The ghost of Marty Regan is still fresh in my mind.

I understand this concern, but come on, Highlands in 2002 was nowhere near where Highlands is this year. That team was pretty thin on talent, if I recall.

Also, I don't know what to make of the "means something" comment. Does this mean that some Highlands games don't mean something? I'm pretty sure that such a thing (i.e. a Highlands game that doesn't mean something) does not exist.

What he's trying to say is that this game means everything. It's all on the line here and you must win this one. Although the Birds go into every game as if it were their last, the same level of importance and urgency did not apply to the Colerain game.