MHSCardinal

Mayfield gets ball 1st and takes the kickoff to the 27, 1st and 10

The Mayfield station will be covering the game at WYMC Radio FM 93.9 & AM 143

What is tonights start time, 7:00 or 7:30 ?

If my post came off as disparaging towards Russellville, that wasn't my intent. I was just answering the question about the huge difference in rushing yards that Russellville had. 4000 yards rushing is outstanding and you have to respect that regardless of the opposition, but, only giving up 1000 on the year is a direct reflection of the competition and that was the point I was trying to make. As far as the game goes, I think Russellville has a great shot to win it. Beechwood has a lot of 1st year players and were expected to be rebuilding this year more than usual, but, they've exceeded expectations and have turned out better than even their fan base expected.

Wright and Bright are both outstanding. Wright is the better college prospect because he's got better size and is more versatile, meaning he can play several different positions well, but, as far as the game goes, I think they'll offset each other and get theirs and it'll be the surrounding cast that'll determine the game.

I like Belfry to win this one, but, I certainly don't see it as a blowout.. I think we'll be in for a long, hard fought game, that Belfry pulls out in 2nd half.. 28-14

Look, no doubt that this Russellville team will be a formidable opponent. They have some very good athletes and are well coached, but, in saying that, outside of a couple of good opponents, their schedule was padded with some pretty weak opposition, so, I wouldn't get too worked up over that rushing stat. Plus, like a lot of 1a teams, they aren't real deep and play a lot of kids both ways, which could be to Beechwoods advantage. Russellville, in a lot of ways, reminds me of some of those Frankfort teams from a few years back.

In saying all the above, to me, the thing that most impresses me about this team is their mental approach. When they get down or kicked in the mouth, you see absolutely no panic or fear. They're a confident bunch, but, not cocky and they simply play the next play and the next and the next and eventually impose their will on the opposition. I think they play better when a team steps up and gives them a challenge. They seem to focus more and enjoy the competition..

Mayfield has great team speed. On D, they close holes very quickly and they fly to the ball and when they tackle, they do it with a purpose and sound fundamentals. You rarely see them miss tackles in the open field and when they do, there's usually 2 or 3 other players right there to clean up. The O is nearly unstoppable. Not saying it can't be stopped, but, to date, it hasn't been. OB Catholic did about as well as anyone this year, but, I do think that was aided by a pouring rain from start to finish.

I think if I'm in Holy Cross shoes, I'd make Danville beat me thru the air. Focus on playing good, solid run D 1st and foremost and stay at home. Don't do much blitzing and stay at home. I think a lot of Danville's big plays come from improvising and taking advantage of over pursuit. If they make you pay thru the air, so be it. I think you'll get a lot less explosive plays against you that way rather than being overly aggressive. On the other side, Danville needs to put 8 in the box and utilize there team speed on defense to force HC to have to throw it some. Primary focus on good, sound tackling and force them to put together long, sustained drives, which is hard to do consistently for 4 quarters.

IMO, Danville has played the tougher schedule. I believe Southwestern, Corbin and LCA are better teams than anyone Holy Cross has played. Beechwood and Taft are the best 2 teams on HCs schedule. I'd compare NCC pretty equal with Boyle Co, so, imo, the Ads have played 4 teams better than HC and they ended 2-2 against those. Against the 4 best teams HC has played, they're 1-3. That and home field advantage gives the upper hand to Danville. I do think HC is good enough to be very competitive and keep it close, so, anything could happen, but, I'm going to go with the Ads getting more big plays and ultimately wins the game 28-21..

That's very high praise DD.. That 13 Desales team was one of the best 2a teams I'd ever seen. They were big, fast, deep and very good on both sides of the ball. I felt that team could have won 3a and competed toe to toe with the 4a and 5a champion that year. As far as this years Mayfield team, this is probably the 2nd best team in this 8 year run, behind only the 2010 team, but, in saying that, they aren't far behind that bunch. Offensively, pretty equal, but, I'd give this years version a little advantage in skill players because of there size in their WR corp and I think Bright is a better RB than any on the 10 team, but, the 10 team had a more veteran line and a little more speed overall. Defensively, the 10 team would be a little ahead of this years version, but, again, this years D is no slouch and seems to always step up when they need to. If this years CAL team is equal or on par with either of these teams, then, this upcoming game should be a dandy. It'll take that type team to beat this years Mayfield squad.

Along with several others.. The Pirates are talented enough to beat any team in Ky. except Trinity on a given day, but, I also think they'd lose more than they'd win against BG, St X, Male, Ryle, Scott Co, SK, Lafayette, Manual and would be about even with 7 or 8 other teams.

The Panthers are small in the trenches, but, quick. I think they're more athletic as a team than they were last year and has more experience than last years team. They can definitely put some points on the board and can do it with long, sustained drives or they can quick strike you. They have a couple of nice receivers and their QB can sling it pretty good, but, for the most part, when they pass, it'll be short to intermediate routes or screens to their RBs and getting them in space. Their RBs are also the real deal. Very quick and elusive and stronger than they look as they break a lot of tackles. I do think the Tigers can run the ball straight at them and give them problems. The Panther D is pretty quick and pursue left to right well, but, going right at them, you can have some success and if the OL gives their QB time to throw it, their secondary can be had on the deeper routes.

I'm not too sure that either team is much of a favorite or underdog. This game could definitely go either way.

Nothing but respect and praise for the OB Catholic team. From listening to it, sounded like the DL of OBC were very big and had great technique and for the most part, played very well. They matched up in the trenches as well as any team the Cards have played all year. Regardless how they scored, they still managed to hold the Cards to 14 1st half points which is tough in and of itself and they were still very much in the game. Seemed like Mayfield really took control in the 2nd half behind a heavy dose of Trajon Bright and the running game, which was a smart move considering the conditions these teams were playing in. It also appeared the Cardinal D played extremely well in the 2nd half. 2nd half was all Mayfield statistically. Hoping Kincer will be eligible next week. Cards need him in the middle of that D. Clearly one of the best defensive players on the team.

2 outstanding teams that have proven themselves time and again this year. A contrast in styles with Mayfield's high powered offense against CALs vaunted defense. Should make for a great game. While these teams heavily rely on those 2 components, both teams are plenty strong and capable on the other side of the ball, too. Both are very well coached and should come into this thing with loads of confidence. CAL gets the home field advantage, which could help, but, it's not like the Cardinals aren't used to going into hostile environments and getting the job done. IMO, this is the states premiere game next week.

Congrats Admirals.. Hope to see you guys in a couple of weeks..

Congrats CAL on getting that Desales monkey off your back.. Looking forward to playing you guys next week.. Should be a great one..

The Cards fumble the ball inside the Aces 1 yard line and OBC recovers.. Gave up a good scoring opportunity there, but, it doesn't appear they'll need it as we're inside 3:00 left in the game.

Trajon Bright has 36 carries for 268 yards and 4 TDs... The Aces got a heavy dose of Bright, especially in the 2nd half..

The refs need to get a handle on this game or it could get ugly..

The Aces shanked the punt and Mayfield gets good field position at the Aces 30 yard line.. 6:49 left in the game.

On Cath gets it back 1st and 10 at own 33 to start next possession.

Trajon takes it 80 yards on 1st play from scrimmage after the int for another Cardinal score.. pAT is good, 28-6 Mayfield with about 6 minutes left in the game.