The kink in SLC and Westfield's armor

[Texas Hammer]

It's somewhat of a consensus that SLC and Westfield are #1 and #2, but there is a big potential kink in their armor and it's 26-5A.

If everybody's ratings hold up through the playoffs, SLC will have to play SV in San Antonio for the title. Guess what, Westfield has to come to SA to play Judson in the semis and I think 26-5A wins both games.

[CCHS77]

It's somewhat of a consensus that SLC and Westfield are #1 and #2, but there is a big potential kink in their armor and it's 26-5A.

If everybody's ratings hold up through the playoffs, SLC will have to play SV in San Antonio for the title. Guess what, Westfield has to come to SA to play Judson in the semis and I think 26-5A wins both games.


Assuming both SLC and SV get that far, why would the game be " in San Antonio for the title."

[dragons08]

Assuming both SLC and SV get that far, why would the game be " in San Antonio for the title."
i know for sure it cant be at texas stadium

[SLC13]

Assuming both SLC and SV get that far, why would the game be " in San Antonio for the title."They've done the "home and home" games in 2002 & last year........it would be back to a coin flip or agreeing on a neutral site this year. :)

[Rerun]

L2K is smoking.

Judson wont get past Clemens.

[Texas Hammer]

They've done the "home and home" games in 2002 & last year........it would be back to a coin flip or agreeing on a neutral site this year. :)
I thought it was always a 2 times in 3 years regardless of whether or not you already played twice. Judson-Westfield will most definitely not be in Houston.

[SLC13]

I thought it was always a 2 times in 3 years regardless of whether or not you already played twice. Judson-Westfield will most definitely not be in Houston.I'm pretty sure that once both schools have had a choice of game sites that the whole process just starts over again.....

You are definately right about a Judson & Westfield matchup. It would be Judson's turn to pick the site this year.

[Texas Hammer]

I'm pretty sure that once both schools have had a choice of game sites that the whole process just starts over again.....

You are definately right about a Judson & Westfield matchup. It would be Judson's turn to pick the site this year.
Let's see. That would be:

December 3rd at 4:00 P.M. at the Alamodome! I have to be in town that week, anyway. Except for the title game, Judson always get 4 on Saturday. Sometimes, they take Friday night for the closer teams.

[KT2000]

I'll chime in with potential weaknesses of both teams...

Southlake- at some point, they will lose more than one game in a season. That is inevitable, and it's only a matter of when as with all programs. Common logic is against Carroll getting back to state, but sometimes logic is defied. Can the offense be as potent with a pocket passer instead of a dual threat like Wasson or Daniel? Can a sophomore carry the load at running back? In my opinion, Carroll has enough back at the other positions (and enough potential in the backfield) to warrant their position in our pre-season rankings but the two questions I presented above are going to determine just how good the Dragons become. I believe Tre' Newton, and whoever else lines up at tailback, will need to have a big year to keep people from just blitzing McElroy and not allowing him pick out his talented receivers downfield. The Dragons' passing game, like any other, relies on rhythm and that can't be established without the help of a strong ground game to help keep opponents from teeing off on the QB without fear of consequence.

Westfield- avoiding the satisfaction bug is the primary order of business for the Mustangs. Are they content with being Westfield's breakthrough bunch, or do they want more? They went a year "ahead of schedule" last year by getting to state with a junior-laden class. Now, they need to prove they can handle being a marked program. They'll have a new offensive coordinator now that coach Meekins' brother moved to take over a post with the Katy program, but the talent they have back should mean they don't lose a beat at all. The Mustangs play in the toughest district in Houston. Also, they have to keep an eye out for North Shore later in the year because the east siders will be eager for redemption after getting embarassed last year. Pound for pound, I believe this is the most talented team in the state but they can't buy into the hype and need to play with the same sense of urgency they did in the playoffs last year to avoid a letdown.

All that said, these two teams are highly regarded by many of the pre-season polls for good season and that's because they should have dang good teams this fall.

[SLCDad]

It's somewhat of a consensus that SLC and Westfield are #1 and #2, but there is a big potential kink in their armor and it's 26-5A.

If everybody's ratings hold up through the playoffs, SLC will have to play SV in San Antonio for the title. Guess what, Westfield has to come to SA to play Judson in the semis and I think 26-5A wins both games.

There is a lot of football to be played before then. There are many other potential "kinks" that could easily happen long before the state semis and finals.

Do you really think that a location closer to home makes much difference that deep in the playoffs? I doubt it. SV played an inspired game when they traveled to Texas Stadium in 2004. Conversely, SLC destroyed SV when they traveled in 2002.

[implacable44]

Judson won't get past CLemens ?-- that was a joke right ?? had to be..

[RedRage00]

L2K is smoking.


That's so true.

[Texas Hammer]

Judson won't get past CLemens ?-- that was a joke right ?? had to be..
Clemens has a good RB and a new coach that gives hope that he may call a better offensive game. I wonder if his defense will suffer since Ferrara moved up to HC.

Judson was better than Clemens last year, but not 31-0 and no first downs better if the boys in blue were completely healthy. Clemens doesn't really have anything else to worry about except Judson (probably) in Week 11. Judson could conceivably miss the playoffs, but there is very little chance that Clemens does. Clemens has played Judson good in the past, but they also have only 1 win vs. the Rockets since 1975.

[Texas Hammer]

There is a lot of football to be played before then. There are many other potential "kinks" that could easily happen long before the state semis and finals.

Do you really think that a location closer to home makes much difference that deep in the playoffs? I doubt it. SV played an inspired game when they traveled to Texas Stadium in 2004. Conversely, SLC destroyed SV when they traveled in 2002.
I agree that a lot of things can happen and I'm not taking anything for granted. I just wanted to say that the top 2 teams stand a good chance to have to win a road game in the playoffs.

SLC did tear into SV in 2002 and SV played good in Texas Stadium last year. I do think playing in SA this year will be more of an advantage for SV than it was last year.

As far as Judson-Westfield goes. Judson beat Westfield in Converse 28-21 in 2002. In 2003, Westfield won 63-35 at home and they won 28-14 at the Astrodome last year.

Home field doesn't win you a game, but it does usually help the home team.

[bhs06]

Why analyze something that may not happen.

Every year in the NCAA Basketball Tournament all those ESPN analysts start analyzing the potential matchups that can happen in the bracket. Example, this year they started to break down a potential Duke/Syracuse matchup and Kansas/North Carolina matchup, but what happened is that Syracuse and Kansas were both sent home early in round one. In the end, they all look foolish and stupid for analyzing something that didn't end up happening, wasting their time on air.

There is still a season to be played. There are 240 or however many teams out there that all have a shot to make it far. So we will cross this bridge when we get there.

[RGVBadBoy]

Judson won't get past CLemens ?-- that was a joke right ?? had to be..
had to be....how can we expect much from Clemens speciallly with a new coach.....Judson will win that one

[Texasfrog]

It's somewhat of a consensus that SLC and Westfield are #1 and #2, but there is a big potential kink in their armor and it's 26-5A.

If everybody's ratings hold up through the playoffs, SLC will have to play SV in San Antonio for the title. Guess what, Westfield has to come to SA to play Judson in the semis and I think 26-5A wins both games.


I think if SLC had any kind of weakness in their armor. It would be with their pass defense. I think a team that can throw the football can sneak up on SLC. Of coarse.. that team will have to have a pretty good defense to "SLOW DOWN" SLC offense.

Katy beat SLC because they had a decent little passing game.

SV would of beaten SLC last season if they could of thrown the ball a litte better.

[ktCarl]

Why analyze something that may not happen.

Every year in the NCAA Basketball Tournament all those ESPN analysts start analyzing the potential matchups that can happen in the bracket. Example, this year they started to break down a potential Duke/Syracuse matchup and Kansas/North Carolina matchup, but what happened is that Syracuse and Kansas were both sent home early in round one. In the end, they all look foolish and stupid for analyzing something that didn't end up happening, wasting their time on air.

There is still a season to be played. There are 240 or however many teams out there that all have a shot to make it far. So we will cross this bridge when we get there.

But this is what happens when you go a winter, spring and summer without high school football!!!!!!! Everyone's showing football withdrawl symptoms. It's probably a psychosis that could be treated with medicine or therapy. Everybody hang on, we're gonna get there!!!!

[RGVBadBoy]

I think if SLC had any kind of weakness in their armor. It would be with their pass defense. I think a team that can throw the football can sneak up on SLC. Of coarse.. that team will have to have a pretty good defense to "SLOW DOWN" SLC offense.

Katy beat SLC because they had a decent little passing game.

SV would of beaten SLC last season if they could of thrown the ball a litte better.
i dont know, Arius Ford is a pretty good CB, they have plenty of talent in the Secondary....i dont knwo if your right....i just dont know...

[Texas Hammer]

The reason we speculate is because there aren't any games being played. I'm the worst about looking ahead, but even I have to look week-to-week during the year. Well, not EVERY week! :D

[Texasfrog]

i dont know, Arius Ford is a pretty good CB, they have plenty of talent in the Secondary....i dont knwo if your right....i just dont know...

I'm just trying to find the weak area of SLC. I've seen a few games of SLC the last few years. From top to bottom I think the weakest area of the SLC team is probably the secondary. They seem to always have pretty good run stuffers on defense that (overall).. but I think a team that can run it pretty good and have a nice passing game to boot can give SLC some problems.

But like I said, that team better also have a pretty good defense to slow down the SLC offensive machine.

I guess overall, SLC doesnt really have many weak spots.

[SV05champs]

I am 97% sure that every time they have met in the past it was agreed upon via verbal decisions. A coin has not been taken from a pocket yet. In 02 SLC agreed to play the game in the Alamodome, due to that in 04 SV agreed to play at Texas stadium. If they meet this next year it will be in the Alamodome.


Assuming both SLC and SV get that far, why would the game be " in San Antonio for the title."

[dragons08]

Why analyze something that may not happen.

Every year in the NCAA Basketball Tournament all those ESPN analysts start analyzing the potential matchups that can happen in the bracket. Example, this year they started to break down a potential Duke/Syracuse matchup and Kansas/North Carolina matchup, but what happened is that Syracuse and Kansas were both sent home early in round one. In the end, they all look foolish and stupid for analyzing something that didn't end up happening, wasting their time on air.

There is still a season to be played. There are 240 or however many teams out there that all have a shot to make it far. So we will cross this bridge when we get there.
well, they should have let me on air, i picked UNC vs Uof I matchup, but i didnt pick the winner.... :mad:

[CCHS77]

I am 97% sure that every time they have met in the past it was agreed upon via verbal decisions. A coin has not been taken from a pocket yet. In 02 SLC agreed to play the game in the Alamodome, due to that in 04 SV agreed to play at Texas stadium. If they meet this next year it will be in the Alamodome.

I think you are wrong about it being a given that the game will be played in SA. (First, before anyone gets their nose out of joint, this discussion is only IF, they are both alive in the playoffs)

The '04 game satisfies the home neutral for home neutral commitment started by the '02 game. So the entire discussion would start fresh, if both teams had to meet again. It’s pretty clear what Hill and the SV contingent would like for a site, if a ‘05 game happened.. But it’s more than presumptions that it’s already preordained and that Dodge would necessarily do it again, like in ‘02. (I’d vote for Floyd Casey, but that’s just me!

[lonny23]

I think you are wrong about it being a given that the game will be played in SA. (First, before anyone gets their nose out of joint, this discussion is only IF, they are both alive in the playoffs)

The '04 game satisfies the home neutral for home neutral commitment started by the '02 game. So the entire discussion would start fresh, if both teams had to meet again. It’s pretty clear what Hill and the SV contingent would like for a site, if a ‘05 game happened.. But it’s more than presumptions that it’s already preordained and that Dodge would necessarily do it again, like in ‘02. (I’d vote for Floyd Casey, but that’s just me!
I vote for all 10 title games to be played at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls. I don't care if it's 40 below, because I don't want to travel! If it's a week I have to be in SA, it's OK to be down there.

[dragons08]

I vote for all 10 title games to be played at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls. I don't care if it's 40 below, because I don't want to travel! If it's a week I have to be in SA, it's OK to be down there.
make sure you inform the coaches where you will be at so we know where to have the games

[lonny23]

make sure you inform the coaches where you will be at so we know where to have the games
Seriously, I like games inside in late December. I've gone to a couple cold games in early November the last few years and December is worse. I think the coaches really like the inside controlled climate, too.

[dragons08]

Seriously, I like games inside in late December. I've gone to a couple cold games in early November the last few years and December is worse. I think the coaches really like the inside controlled climate, too.
try living up north...then get back to me on being cold

[lonny23]

try living up north...then get back to me on being cold
I lived in Alaska for 3 years. TOP THAT!! :p

[jrdaniel]

Maybe the weather is the kink in SLC's armor. Seriously, how do you think SLC would fare in a title game similar to the Taft v Mesquite game in 2001. If I remember right, it was very cold and rainy and that contributed to the low score 14-13.

Personally, I'd rather play all the games outside, from old school point of view. However I also understand that playing in a controlled climate makes the playing field level, ie doesn't favor a running game over a passing attack or a finesse team over a smashmouth team.

[Fleeman93]

It is funny that with you guys talking about games in Nov / Dec and the weather, I could just now feel myself sitting at the SLC Vs Lufkin game in the playoffs last year. You have to love it! I agree that the title game should be played indoors though.

[Reaganite]

I have a huge hunch with some insite to the where SV/SLC title game will be played. Try Memorial stadium in Austin becasue Greg McELroy will be a commit to Texas by then(now that Mitch Mustain has moved on the recruiting trail) and the site will have to be a Neutral one because they both have played a home game in the series.

[dragonsdaddy]

the game, should there be one doesn't have to be anywhere. the next game these teams play will be determined just like they have never played before.

[Favpack]

Interesting comments KT notes about the qb in SLC. I tend to agree - Mc better be pretty doggone mobile.

Let me put it another way - if Wasson and Daniel weren't premiere running qb's - Coach Outlaw would be trying to add a 4th ring in five years to his collection in Lufkin. ;)

Ok - that's being a bit arrogant, I'm sure SV feels they could match LP in '02 and '04 - but the Chase's beat LP with their feet much moreso than their arm.

[dragonsdaddy]

mc will be a decent running qb too. his arm will spread the db's even thinner than the chase's did, making his running lanes bigger still. his size will get him a few extra yards too. he'll get over a thou running this year.

[drgnbkr]

Yeah, I believe when it's all said and done..Mc will be the more mobile of he Ponder or Potts...

[eagleike]

KT2000:

Did you say Meekins brother ended up at Katy? He would be a great addition to any staff.

[KT2000]

Meekins' brother was hired to coach running backs at Katy. He was the offensive coordinator at Westfield. That move confuses me a little because I think working with your brother has to be ideal (especially considering the talent they have to work with up there), but I think it's also fair to say Katy is one of the prime schools to have on a football coaching résumé right now and the district pays above average to teachers. The offensive coordinator/o-line coach will be Jeryl Brixey. I believe Brixey coached at North Shore in the late 90s, but not positive. This will be Brixey's second season at Katy.

[SV05champs]

In 02 they agreed to play in SA, in 04 SV agreed to play at Dallas. In, and if like you say, if they play in 05, it would be assumed that SLC would agree to play in S.A. If they choose to flip this time that would be wrong. However I am sure neither Dodge or Hill cares where it is played. By the looks of the last game, SV may want to go to Dallas and SLC may want to go to SA. It has just began to be an informal here/there/here relationship. Honestly I dont care where it takes place, I just want it to happen.

I think you are wrong about it being a given that the game will be played in SA. (First, before anyone gets their nose out of joint, this discussion is only IF, they are both alive in the playoffs)

The '04 game satisfies the home neutral for home neutral commitment started by the '02 game. So the entire discussion would start fresh, if both teams had to meet again. It’s pretty clear what Hill and the SV contingent would like for a site, if a ‘05 game happened.. But it’s more than presumptions that it’s already preordained and that Dodge would necessarily do it again, like in ‘02. (I’d vote for Floyd Casey, but that’s just me!

[dragonsdaddy]

the next informal agreement might as well be up here then. why make the trip if not necessary. then in 06 we can come down there again.

[Favpack]

Good points DD and Drgnbkr - but KT's points remain valid - there's no way anyone believes you won't have a dropoff at rb, and obviously Mc will be far less mobile than the Chase's -- who needed every ounce of that quickness PLUS All-world Luna to keep from getting sacked 5-8+times/game by the defenses such as Lufkin.

Will Mc's arm strength be a difference maker? Possibly - but how can you need more arm strength at this level than Daniel?

Interesting theories abound - and I think it's safe to say those of us without green shades see things a bit differently :)

[drgnbkr]

No doubt Fav....I'm nervous this year because of all the unknowns...we just have the luxury of a top coach and a top tradition, just like your Pack.....we'll take our chances...I remember very well going into 2002 and talking to one of the parents and he commented that we did'nt have any skilled players...as everyone knows we had some skill that year, including a sophomore receiver Chase Daniel, who was probably the 4th or 5th best receiver on the team...I just wish we had some more of Ddaddys boys..were all out of those & we're gonna miss em, as I'm sure he is....

[Favpack]

Well - no one likes the unknown - LP has a bit of a hole (gaping actually) in the O backfield to fill as well - that's what makes it interesting and exciting.

I certainly for one don't see that much of a fall-off in the end for SLC - just too good of a program. But, the first few games could be a bit un-SLC-like - particularly Game 1 in Abilene.

[drgnbkr]

Yeah your right, but I feel pretty good about that one in Abilene....I don't think they match up all that well with the Dragons style...I worry about the heat at 2PM in Shotwell..It's gonna be a scorcher & I hope all the kids get through it allright....

[SV05champs]

Just what are your predictions on "that one" in Abilene? Is it going to be worth it to drive up there? You know I am going to scout SLC in that game in preperations for SV... Joking, but I was really going to try to make that game. I like Lee and want to see SLC play early on, but im not going to go if you think SLC will blow away Lee. I thought it might be a decent game, am I wrong?


Yeah your right, but I feel pretty good about that one in Abilene....I don't think they match up all that well with the Dragons style...I worry about the heat at 2PM in Shotwell..It's gonna be a scorcher & I hope all the kids get through it allright....

[dragonsdaddy]

it may be too early to tell until the scrimmage the week before at the earliest, and the second half kickoff at the latest. we will be good early, but will we be great out of the gate like last year? probably not as much. i know nothing about mlee, so predictions would be irrelevant right now.

[SV05champs]

Same here, I have not heard anything about Lee, but every year they have the potential to be very good. They just need to get things clicking. The RB and QB position last year could have been AWESOME... They just never got it rolling. Oh well, if you are not certain, I guess I will go check it out. That night on the way home, Aug, 27th, if it gets dark before you get home, you need to look toward the moon. You are suppose to be able to see Mars, or some planet.. Nobody alive will ever see it again with the naked eye.. It will be as close to earth at it has ever been.. just as a heads up..


it may be too early to tell until the scrimmage the week before at the earliest, and the second half kickoff at the latest. we will be good early, but will we be great out of the gate like last year? probably not as much. i know nothing about mlee, so predictions would be irrelevant right now.

[drgnbkr]

I don't think I even hinted at feeling like it might be a blowout...Hell, I don't play, I'm just an ole fattie who enjoys watching! I just expressed my opinion & I'll stick to the thought that the heat may be more of a factor than anything else....

[KT2000]

Lee is a bit of a mystery opponent for the Dragon's to open with. Quisenberry's in his second year at the helm, and prefers to have a lot of speed on the field. He likes the spread offense, but there's a pretty big ? at QB. McCoy was basically an athlete playing QB last year, and the team was heavily run based. Hines is a good back, but McCoy made his job a little easier last year because of his athletic ability. It'll be interesting to see what the Rebs look like in year two of the Quis era, and it's tough to say how much of a threat they can pose for the Dragons early on.

[RidgePride]

i dont know, Arius Ford is a pretty good CB, they have plenty of talent in the Secondary....i dont knwo if your right....i just dont know...

Yeah CB Arius Ford is good and a part-time starter last year. The other corner was decent and a part time starter too.

In my opinion, the defensive line/linebackers are the question mark.

[dragonsdaddy]

they have some good parts in place for both those positions, and some good replacements for the rest. their defense will be good once they get settled in.

[southlake thug]

expect #33 patrick beniost to have another strong season even though he is moving from the middle linebacker spot.

[SLCDad]

All this talk of playoff locations makes me think of the scheduling location quirks for the rest of the games.

In 2004 SLC played only four games in Dragon Stadium. The Midland Lee game at the Alamodome was considered a home game for SLC. Of the four home games one was the ESPN2 game which was an unbelievable mad house. By the end of the playoffs SLC played five games at Texas Stadium and only four games at home.

In 2005 SLC has five games in Dragon Stadium and two more games 1/2 mile away at Mustang/Panther Stadium in Grapevine. That means that seven of the first ten SLC games will be played within a mile+ of my house. Not only that SLC doesn't have to play at that horrific stadium in Keller. Yippeee!

[Favpack]

2pm kickoff for SLC/MLee? That's a joke, right?

That is insane folks - it could be 115 on the field - fake grass in August at Shotwell - 2 pm - somebody needs to be flogged for that decision.

[dragonsdaddy]

look for a late third blowout of the db's for mlee. with 8 wr's, slc can and will throw downfield effectively and often, with lots of subs. the big uglies are my main concern. line depth will be key on that nice fall day.

[J-ROCKSTUD79]

L2K is smoking.

Judson wont get past Clemens.


do you really think judson wont beat clemens?? or are you just joking??

[lonny23]

do you really think judson wont beat clemens?? or are you just joking??
He's serious. He thinks the new coach and existing talent will put them over the top. If he's not serious, he's doing a good job bluffing.

In any case, he's not going to let me say Judson will win without arguing about it. He goes down with the Titanic! :D

[SLC13]

.............

Not only that SLC doesn't have to play at that horrific stadium in Keller. Yippeee!

Absolutely, that is the highlight of this year's schedule!!

[drgnbkr]

Absolutely, that is the highlight of this year's schedule!!
What he said!

[southlake thug]

yeah the keller stadium is a joke.. it is probably the worst stadium i have been to (besides old dragon stadium)...haha

i honestly do miss the old stadium though. that would be cool if we had a game there sometime. it would never happen becasue it can only hold like 2,000 at most, but it would be cool.

[YouKnowTha3T]

KT in his original post said the comments..does SLC have enough in the backfield with a new qb and a sophmore RB...let me give you a little history last time a new QB and sophmore RB stepped in..lets go WAYYYYYY back to 2002 when two cats named Chase Wasson and sophmore Aaron Luna both got their first varsity starts at QB and RB...went on to win state. Lets face it this years team is going to be similar to a madden game on the rookie level against the 5 year old next door...the WR are crazy... McElroy doesnt have to be mobile..and everyone makes him sound like he is slow which he is no offense greg..but he is mobile when he needs to be...dragonsdaddy will know darn well at last years green white scrimage mcelroy took off for two 40 yard runs and the first run that Tre Newton had from the LOS went 65 yards for a TD...SLC will be fine and ready to go...thats the only way we know

[slcsportsfan]

You might want to tap the brakes a bit. If you remember, Daniel had a learing curve to go through when he first started. He was fortunate that the rest of the team was able to get around his short comings. McElroy will have to do the same thing. He has some good things going for him and some questions. Once again, the o-line is a question. We lost some studs to graduation and our starting center, well let's just say, is stupid. It is a given that Newton can run. In our offense however, that is not something a RB will do a bunch. I think the most Luna ran in a game was 15 carries in two years. If I remember right, that was against Waxahachie in 02. From what I saw last year, Newton had better have learned to block, read a blitz, and catch. If he can't do, especially the first two, McElroy will spend a lot of this time on the go. That being said, don't be surprised if we see a lot more of Morefield than people think. He can do all three better than Newton. Would Newton be a better back if masters those three things, absolutely.