downsouth

NL has got to make some changes in their offense. They cannot continue to drive the ball down the field to 1st and goal situations then turn the ball over with fumbles, interceptions, or on downs. Something has got to be fixed. Does anyone have any ideas what needs to be done at NL?

The Jags have the same record as last year (3-7). However, the losses last year were by much smaller margins, (single digit numbers), except for a couple, (if I am not mistaken). This year they have either been beaten badly or won by more than a TD. IMO they are regressing instead of progressing.

I agree with every point you have made Mountain Thunder. At the few NL games I have gotten to attend this year, I have heard parents and fans alike, talking about what they would change or what needed to be done. I think Coach Abbott needs to look at his entire coaching staff, what they bring to the team as a whole, (whether positive or negative), and make adjustments accordingly. I would love to see the NL football program a successful one and hope Coach Abbott takes what ever actions he deems necessary to get this program on the right track.

As for the defense allowing more ppg this year, IMO it is because they have been on the field much longer than the offense. I would like to see the time of possession stats for last year and this year.

Bell Co. 41

Clay Co. 12

South has had trouble stopping the run all year and #42 of GRC should have a big night.

 

GRC 42

S. Laurel 14

I agree! The run gives SL all kinds of trouble. GRC should have no problem with this one.

GRC 39

SL 14

Senior night in Richmond, Indians led 20-0 at the half. Starters played 3 quarters and left the game with a 41-0 score. The MC JV tacked on the final score. Good game overall on a very sloppy field. MC was flagged for 10:1 on penalties to NL.

 

Turning point in the game was in the 2nd quarter when NL fumbles at the 1 yard line going in to score to make the game 13-7. MC goes 99 yards to score before the half.

 

MC TD's came from Ricky Rhodes (rushing and receiving), Chaz Hope, Chavez Dean, and others which I can't recall at the time.

 

Shawn Asher for NL is a great player. He would be a good fit for a school like EKU. Why Danny Hope and staff aren't recruiting him puzzles me. He is big, fast, and physical and has the frame to add some weight. It is a shame he doesn't have better blocking.

 

Big game next week with #1 seed on the line at Lincoln.:fight:

The blocking is just a small part of the problem for NL, IMO they have much bigger problems to deal with and questions to answer.

Great win for the Panthers. Good luck to both teams on the rest of the season.

I do agree with downsouth's thoughts regarding North Laurel needing to remedy their turnover problem. As for the "praise" portion of the post, I do know that this team plays with a great deal of heart; they do not quit either when behind early or late. NL must play each down (offense and defense) as if the outcome of the game depends upon each play. Actually, any one play can and sometimes does become a game-changer. NL can stay with Lincoln if they do fix the turnover problem, play their usual tough defense and stop the run, and protect their quarterback from the blitz. I will not predict the outcome of this game. The answer to victory hangs in the balance between the Lincoln run and NL's execution of the mixture of plays.

I have every confidence that North can hang with Lincoln. Once again, in the "praise" portion of the post, it didn't come out the way I meant it. Those kids are full of heart, most of them play both ways and special teams. I don't doubt their heart, work ethic, teamwork, or desire to win. The main concern is the turnover problem. With senior center, Scott Hartney out since the NL vs. SL game, I think it has really hurt the jags, he was a huge part of their offense.

I apologize, I should have worded that better. It's not that the praise hasn't been earned. I won't name anyone, but it doesn't seem the stats match the hype.

Zach Lewis and the tigers will be too much for the Panthers.

Clay 41

Knox 14

I agree that North often plays much better at home. However, 2 of their 4 lopsided (more than 2 scores) losses were at home (Montgomery at home, JCHS in the CVB at home). The 3 games they have won were against teams who are not playing anywhere near the level they were last season (Leslie, South Laurel & Madison Southern) and 2 of those were on the road. My biggest concern about NL right now is that they are a very young team and they MUST keep their heads up. I think they have a good shot to win the Whitley County game (Sr night at home), but they need at least 1 more win before that game to be in the playoff hunt. With Madison Central (@ MC) and Lincoln County (@ NL) on the horizon, they have their work cut out for them. I think they CAN do it, but time will only tell if they WILL do it. Turnovers killed them against GRC on the road and the same at home against Montgomery. They cannot lay the ball on the ground against Lincoln, Madison Central or Whitley if they want to make the playoffs. They have to win the turnover battle against Lincoln this coming week to win that game. They also have to get back to giving Maggard more carries. His fumbles this past week are such a rarity (I don't think he had ever lost a fumble since little league until last week against GRC) and he is the go to guy. A good example of how important he is to this team was against Montgomery when he scored the TD, kicked the PAT, kicked off and made the tackle. If they can get him going, then it will really open up more offensive opportunities for Asher, Wardrup, Cornett, etc.

I agree, Maggard is essential for the Jags. However, if they do not fix the turnover problem, Maggard, Asher, Brandenburg, etc. cannot get going.

MC 36

SL 21

If NL doesn't fix their turnover problem, and quick, the rest of the season is looking longer and longer. I think there may be too much praise on certain key players that are not stepping up and getting the job done. Coach Abbott really needs to re-evaluate some things.