tylandrew

It definitely was the chippiest game I've seen in 4 years between these two teams. There seems to be a true feeling of bad blood between the two, which showed after the game. Manual played the second half with no regard for the sloppy field conditions and ran their offense very efficiently. X was getting no push from the offensive line and struggled to move the ball, even before Buehner got hurt. Nonetheless, X got the win on the road against a very stout opponent, and it now seems likely that they will meet again in the playoffs.

I guarantee you that Glaser never said St X can't lose. I'm pretty sure X did what it had to do vs. Manual winning 53-0. It wasn't a function of being "tight". It was a function of Trinity executing at a higher level and beating a very well-coached well prepared team.

I know that X doesn't harp on it from the beginning, and doesn't look past any opponent as evidenced by the margins of victory all season long. I just think with the level of play by T and X relative to others in the state, it's not a stretch in the preseason to believe that it will come down to those two at the end. Glaser just wants them to play hard every play, every game and improve from week to week. I'm sure Beatty and the T staff feel the same.

As a St X dad, it was a tough pill to swallow. But Trinity played a phenomenal game from the get go. Phillips run was such a back breaker, but he is a really fun back to watch. I was proud of our kids for fighting back against a great team. If we can't win it, we at least might as well keep the state title here in Louisville. Good luck Rocks next week.

My point is that the current system will have these sorts of matchups (last year 0-10 Butler did play X), and therefore the possibility of very lopsided scores. No one benefits from scores like that, but I don't believe that X, T, Central etc. were trying to run it up, based on the early subbing that I saw occur.

You're kidding right? There were quite a few other lopsided scores during round one.

My observation of Manual is a lack of adjustments by the coaches on the defensive side. They play a 4/4/3 defense, and against Seneca, the DBs needed help. Unless there is consistent pressure up front, it seems that the 3 DBs are too often in one on one situations and are being left out to dry. I don't know why they don't put 4 DBs back there, because the safeties can always come up in run support.

The defense should be well stocked. This past years JV defense was dominant. The d-line saw a 6-7 man rotation which should help considerably in the fall. There is some talk that a couple of junior d-lineman may get moved to linebacker. The coaching on the defensive side of the ball will get the '08 unit playing at a high level.

I have heard Eastern. I don't know why. That's why I am asking.

There is talk that Aaron Cosby, 2 way starter for Manual (and also offered a b-ball scholarship to UMASS) is transferring. Anyone know anything about this?

Your sarcasm does a disservice to all the X kids who also will go back to work after the first of the year. Trinity was a great team that came up big in the final. St X was a great team that came up short in the final. We are lucky to have this level of quality football here. We should embrace it instead of always trying to tear down one side or the other.

Best comment of the day. That is what this is supposed to be about.

I agree. T was the better team last night. I'm simply saying that Glaser isn't the first or last coach to react that way after a tough loss.

I think people need to understand that when you have just lost a game in OT like X did, it is pretty natural to let some of the frustration come through. Trinity made the plays when they had to, and earned the win. As far as X being the "clearly" superior team going into this one, all the records and rankings go right out the window as everyone should know. Congrats to T on a big win. All the X guys should hold their heads high for a great season and playing the game of football the right way.

Once again the never ending debate. If you look at the rosters for both X and T, virtually every kid came from Catholic grade schools. Yet when they win, it must be because of recruiting. The fact is that they work extremely hard year round and have earned their place in the state final. I'm not sure how long you can continue to beat a dead horse, but I guess it won't ever happen. Good luck to X and T in the finals.

Maybe Happy will finally be able to take on Bob Barker.

What I am saying is that I believe that Manual is most dangerous when they are able to pass the ball effectively. If X keeps a lid on that part of their game I believe they will prevail. No team will execute perfectly, nor did I suggest that they have to. I do believe that the passing game is critical for Manual to win.

Its been pretty clear from this thread that virtually no one is underestimating Manual. If they play like they played vs. Male, they are capable of beating anyone in the state. St X will be ready, however, with the best defense Manual has faced, inlcuding the first meeting between these two. X is pretty healthy on D for this late in the year, and will bring a lot of speed to bear. If Harness can get the ball out to Cooper and Cosby, this game will be very close. If X limits the effectiveness Manual's passing game, they will prevail.

I have seen every game Jeremiah Neal has played the last two years, and he has the ability to help carry the load. He is a patient runner, with deceptive speed. He will also deliver a hit on his way down the field. Remember, Deuce was a big contributor as a Sophomore also. Zoeller is ready to go, so the team will get a lift even with Deuce down for a couple of weeks. I agree that to get the ring, however, having Deuce back will be critical.

Having seen Manual several times this year, their defense will have to be a lot more disciplined and intense. They let Bullitt East back in the game when it should not have been close. Also, if Male's defense can harrass the QB, turnovers will happen. If not, the Manual offense can score on anyone.

They were pushed more in this game than any all year. PRP did a nice job at misdirection on offense. Despite some key penalties by the X defense, they did a nice job in crunch time, particularly the d-line, with a couple of critical sacks to end PRP threats. All in all, a nice job by the Tigers.

Having seen Ballard twice this year, at X and home vs. Manual, Trinity will score as much as they want. It is really not lack of athletes, but poor execution. They seem to wilt if a couple of mistakes happen, and you can't do that against what will undoubtedly be a fired up Trinity team. This one ain't gonna be in doubt after the first quarter.

The word is he and his family have moved back to New Orleans.

Thanks for the welcome.. The coaches have generally rotated the d-line a lot more than they did yesterday. The heat was pretty oppressive and finally caught up with them. I'm sure the coaches learned a lesson regarding the importance of keeping their guys fresh for the 4th quarter.

I would say at least 5 or 6. Jake Fields had a great game.