Bellville22
12-03-2003, 01:38 PM
Former: I know you're gonna get mad at me for starting another topic, but i get tired of sorting through them when they get as long as the other. Plus I have a feeling this is gonna get pretty long, and maybe i just wanna start one of these on my own for once. :D If it's too long, don't read it :D , I just have a really long time between classes today, and what better way to spend it. Anyway here are my thoughts...
Ahh, the beauty of TX H.S. Football! Last year about this time the Marlin Bulldogs were steam-rolling everybody and seemed a lock (i know no one is a lock in this sport wink ) for the Div II title, only to be stunned and upset by the 17+ point underdog Brahmas from Bellville. This year the tables have turned. The Brahmas come in as the team on a roll, demolishing anything in its path lately. And while the Bulls are far from a lock for the title, they seem to be the slight favorite among most polls and picks. This year it is the Bulldogs who look to play spoiler. They're seeking revenge after last year, and want to prove to the state that they are indeed worthy of challanging for the crown.
The stage is set, and what a stage it is. Every game is a good one this deep in the year, but in my opinion, the most intriguing matchup will take place at Kyle on Friday night. One thing is for certain, there won't be a shortage of athletes. Each team is loaded with speed and talent capable of making fans say "WOW!" Several of the young men on the field this Friday will go on to bigger and better things at the next level, but right now, they want nothing more than to extend their season one more week, and they'll do everything in their power to see that that happens.
Marlin enters the game a reformed team from their early-season slump. They're finally clicking, and playing at, if not beyond, the level of last year's team. Speed is the name of the game in Bulldog Country, and they certainly have plenty. The D has put the lockdown on opposing offenses lately, and Marlin faithful are getting used to seeing one of their many weapons break the big one on offense. Normally I can say that opposing teams haven't seen a team like Bellville. Not the case here, the Dogs have faced Burnet and Ennis, both similar to what Bellville does, and both every bit as good, probably better, than the Brahmas. Granted, Marlin didn't do all that great against either, but it will certainly help them having seen that style of play, and that kind of competition.
Bellville has found the groove offensively, and the defense has continued to improve its game, and elevated itself to one of the best in the state. The Brahmas probably haven't seen a team like Marlin, certainly not a defensive unit with so much speed throughout the entire lineup. Rice was probably as good or better up front, but doesn't compare to Marlin's secondary. This team will swarm like the Raiders and Sealy, only they'll fill the holes much quicker. Bellville's D has seen a rushing attack better than Marlin in Rice, and a passing attack better in China Spring. They haven't however seen a team with so many weapons on the field at once. They're similar to the Bulls in that there's 4 or 5 guys who can score on any given play. The Bulls will have to play their responsibilities, and really tackle well this week, one missed tackle could be 6 in a hurry. Offensively they have to be patient with their game plan, play smart, and take care of the football.
This is one of those matchups where pretty much anything could happen. The talent is so vast, that it comes down to who clicks on that night. We could see a defensive struggle won by a field goal, or we could see a high scoring shootout. Leads can appear and disappear in a hurry with so many athletes on the field. I don't look for either team to change its plan. The Bulldogs will come out fired up, that's for sure. They are a hungry team, and there's that "remember last year" attitude. They'll play that swarming D, and look to make the big play to gain momentum. I think offensively they'll try to spread it around, make the Bulls cover everyone, and try to break the big one. I'm not sure, but I expect Tank to play, and play well. I'm sure he'll see his share of touches. Alot will ride on the Soph. QB's ability to make good decisions under pressure, which apparently he's done lately. I think the Bulls will try to stay balanced in their attack. They won't be able to run with ease like last week. They'll need to be patient, and not abandon the run if there is no early success. The key will be if Buenger has time to throw. If he does, I think they can throw the ball. I know what kind of secondary speed Marlin has, but if the receivers play smart, and run crisp routes, Jess will get them the ball. The Bulls will have to control Marlin's intensity early. If they can get an early stop, or a score, and grab some momentum, they'll be alright. But if they make an early mistake, watch out. Defensively, I think the key will be the D-line, Bellville's defensive strong point in my opinion. I hear Marlin's O-line is down a little (is this true?), if so, they'll need to cause some chaos in the backfield, and put pressure on the young QB.
I think both teams will bring their A-game, and provide us with a treat Friday night. I don't see either offense being able to sustain long drives down the field. Field position will be huge, as well as turnovers. The defenses will have to prevent the big play. I see the difference being Bellville's kicking game, as well as their poise. They have very good, experienced leaders, and are a team who can stand in there against a fired up Marlin team. Buenger is very smart, and as calm and collected as anyone in the state. He may not be the athlete of the Dog's QB, but I like his leadership and decision making(he may surprise you with his feet as well). I think this may be the difference. The Dogs probably have a deeper number of athletes, but I think Bellville is a more complete team.
Should be a good one, I'm predicting another classic. Revenge and intensity are powerful things, especially among 16, 17, and 18 year old boys. Marlin remembers last year, they'll get their revenge....... just not this year.....
Bellville 23
Marlin 21
<small>[ December 03, 2003, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: Bellville22 ]</small>
Ahh, the beauty of TX H.S. Football! Last year about this time the Marlin Bulldogs were steam-rolling everybody and seemed a lock (i know no one is a lock in this sport wink ) for the Div II title, only to be stunned and upset by the 17+ point underdog Brahmas from Bellville. This year the tables have turned. The Brahmas come in as the team on a roll, demolishing anything in its path lately. And while the Bulls are far from a lock for the title, they seem to be the slight favorite among most polls and picks. This year it is the Bulldogs who look to play spoiler. They're seeking revenge after last year, and want to prove to the state that they are indeed worthy of challanging for the crown.
The stage is set, and what a stage it is. Every game is a good one this deep in the year, but in my opinion, the most intriguing matchup will take place at Kyle on Friday night. One thing is for certain, there won't be a shortage of athletes. Each team is loaded with speed and talent capable of making fans say "WOW!" Several of the young men on the field this Friday will go on to bigger and better things at the next level, but right now, they want nothing more than to extend their season one more week, and they'll do everything in their power to see that that happens.
Marlin enters the game a reformed team from their early-season slump. They're finally clicking, and playing at, if not beyond, the level of last year's team. Speed is the name of the game in Bulldog Country, and they certainly have plenty. The D has put the lockdown on opposing offenses lately, and Marlin faithful are getting used to seeing one of their many weapons break the big one on offense. Normally I can say that opposing teams haven't seen a team like Bellville. Not the case here, the Dogs have faced Burnet and Ennis, both similar to what Bellville does, and both every bit as good, probably better, than the Brahmas. Granted, Marlin didn't do all that great against either, but it will certainly help them having seen that style of play, and that kind of competition.
Bellville has found the groove offensively, and the defense has continued to improve its game, and elevated itself to one of the best in the state. The Brahmas probably haven't seen a team like Marlin, certainly not a defensive unit with so much speed throughout the entire lineup. Rice was probably as good or better up front, but doesn't compare to Marlin's secondary. This team will swarm like the Raiders and Sealy, only they'll fill the holes much quicker. Bellville's D has seen a rushing attack better than Marlin in Rice, and a passing attack better in China Spring. They haven't however seen a team with so many weapons on the field at once. They're similar to the Bulls in that there's 4 or 5 guys who can score on any given play. The Bulls will have to play their responsibilities, and really tackle well this week, one missed tackle could be 6 in a hurry. Offensively they have to be patient with their game plan, play smart, and take care of the football.
This is one of those matchups where pretty much anything could happen. The talent is so vast, that it comes down to who clicks on that night. We could see a defensive struggle won by a field goal, or we could see a high scoring shootout. Leads can appear and disappear in a hurry with so many athletes on the field. I don't look for either team to change its plan. The Bulldogs will come out fired up, that's for sure. They are a hungry team, and there's that "remember last year" attitude. They'll play that swarming D, and look to make the big play to gain momentum. I think offensively they'll try to spread it around, make the Bulls cover everyone, and try to break the big one. I'm not sure, but I expect Tank to play, and play well. I'm sure he'll see his share of touches. Alot will ride on the Soph. QB's ability to make good decisions under pressure, which apparently he's done lately. I think the Bulls will try to stay balanced in their attack. They won't be able to run with ease like last week. They'll need to be patient, and not abandon the run if there is no early success. The key will be if Buenger has time to throw. If he does, I think they can throw the ball. I know what kind of secondary speed Marlin has, but if the receivers play smart, and run crisp routes, Jess will get them the ball. The Bulls will have to control Marlin's intensity early. If they can get an early stop, or a score, and grab some momentum, they'll be alright. But if they make an early mistake, watch out. Defensively, I think the key will be the D-line, Bellville's defensive strong point in my opinion. I hear Marlin's O-line is down a little (is this true?), if so, they'll need to cause some chaos in the backfield, and put pressure on the young QB.
I think both teams will bring their A-game, and provide us with a treat Friday night. I don't see either offense being able to sustain long drives down the field. Field position will be huge, as well as turnovers. The defenses will have to prevent the big play. I see the difference being Bellville's kicking game, as well as their poise. They have very good, experienced leaders, and are a team who can stand in there against a fired up Marlin team. Buenger is very smart, and as calm and collected as anyone in the state. He may not be the athlete of the Dog's QB, but I like his leadership and decision making(he may surprise you with his feet as well). I think this may be the difference. The Dogs probably have a deeper number of athletes, but I think Bellville is a more complete team.
Should be a good one, I'm predicting another classic. Revenge and intensity are powerful things, especially among 16, 17, and 18 year old boys. Marlin remembers last year, they'll get their revenge....... just not this year.....
Bellville 23
Marlin 21
<small>[ December 03, 2003, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: Bellville22 ]</small>