|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 29, 2023 9:28:01 GMT -6
This game will kick on Friday night at 7 pm @ Bastrop's Memorial Stadium. Last season's game on Nov. 27th ended up in a win 33-22 win for Edna, but that was last year. This game will be Live Streamed on NFHS for those that have subscribed. Greg Tepper of DCTF has Edna in his Top Picks of the games this week.....just to let everybody know. I'm not so sure.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 29, 2023 9:31:49 GMT -6
Tepper stated that he felt the difference in the outcome of this game would be decided by the huge lines of Edna dominating the LOS and that the running game of Blanco would not be able to overcome that aspect of this season's matchup.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 29, 2023 9:37:09 GMT -6
My personal take on Blanco last week was their quickness all over the field. They created some turnovers and were able to shut down the run game of Goliad. Now I will be the first to admit that Goliad should have made some adjustments and thrown the ball more....because Edna will. The coaching staff of Goliad did NOT have their team prepared for that game....a huge FAIL, IMHO. You can bet your boots Edna's coaching staff WILL have their team totally prepared for Blanco.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 29, 2023 9:48:18 GMT -6
Blanco's Sr. dual-threat QB Anderson will be tough to stop again this week. He has great quickness with his feet and has some very good speed once he hits the open seam. His release of the football is also quick in the passing game....he can get the football to his open receiver on time and on target before the defense can recover. Even though the Panthers did not need to pass much last week against Goliad....they have been able to throw the ball very effectively and hit big plays when they did throw it.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 29, 2023 9:57:51 GMT -6
The season stats for Blanco shows that they have been averaging about 100 yds/game passing the football while gaining over 235 yds/game on the ground....but that's for only 10 games listed. They have played 13 games this season, so I'm not sure how accurate these averages are. Edna's season stats are not even listed....they do not report their stats to MaxPreps. But I can tell you that Edna will be throwing the football quite a bit on Friday night, for certain.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 30, 2023 4:30:38 GMT -6
Overall....IMHO Blanco is an improved team this season over last season. As for Edna....I'm gonna say no. They almost lost to Industrial Vanderbilt last week....it was down to the 4th quarter to decide the outcome. But I'm really not liking this matchup for Blanco....My take was that Goliad could have had success against their defense IF they would have thrown the ball. Edna will present a more balanced offensive attack which could give the Blanco defense and esp. their secondary problems.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 30, 2023 4:38:55 GMT -6
On paper it appears that Edna has the size advantage and recent playoff pedigree to be the favorite, but I keep thinking this game is more like a toss-up....it should be a very close game. IF Blanco were to score first, then IMO that would really help the Blanco defense to settle-in to getting a stop on Edna's offense. I think Blanco plays better with a lead. Turnovers will also be something to watch out for in this game....esp. if both teams start throwing that football around. But I'm pretty certain that Edna's offense is geared for more passing than Blanco's offense.....even though we have no stats to prove it. Edna likes to throw the short passes to their speedy receivers to create a one-on-one situation where their playmaker can pick up chunks of yardage or bust one in the open field. These are typically very safe passes to the outside or a quick slant. Their QB will also take-off on keepers to move the chains.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 30, 2023 4:52:04 GMT -6
I look for Edna's defense to be coached-up to stop Blanco's dual-threat QB Anderson. They will most likely have a LB assigned as a spy to try and keep him in check. But Anderson has good speed and moves, and his quick feet will help him escape from those big linemen. They will try to blitz and crash the ends to bottle him up. It will be interesting to watch if he can escape the pressure for big gains. I know he can get rid of the football quickly and throw accurately on the run.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 30, 2023 5:01:34 GMT -6
So to summarize....it looks like this game will hinge on how well Blanco's offense performs with Anderson at QB. I'm predicting both teams will be able to score some big plays against the defenses....but that Edna will win time of possession and Blanco will have more big yardage plays. Maybe a tie game at halftime? Maybe a field goal could really help IF one of these teams has an excellent kicker. Points will be at a premium....so a good kicker might be the best route instead of a 4th down and 5 call in the Red Zone.
|
|
|
Post by regaleagle on Nov 30, 2023 23:56:28 GMT -6
My brain tells me to pick Edna....they have the bigger lines and should control the trenches more than Blanco. But my heart says to pick Blanco because they are quick on defense and play with lots of heart. AND you cannot ignore the play of their dual-threat QB Anderson making a big play when they really need one....he's done it all season. Blanco wins because of Anderson....end of story. And maybe a great defensive gameplan as well. This game will not be decided until late, IMHO.....31-28 Blanco. I think Blanco's coach will know to take the points at some point during the game.....to kick the field goal instead of going for it on 4th down.
|
|