Degenerate HSF kick-off & FBS/FCS plays for Aug '18

[Riff-Raff]

Hello my friends, I hope you have had a fairly relaxing summer. Finally the days are melting into the gridiron season and I hope to have a fairly lucrative time of it while posting my Degenerate HSF plays as well as my FCS and FBS games. I hope noone is offended, however Jack hasn't made the Degen HSF Forum yet, so I will ply my wares here if it's all the same to you moon1 .

Last year I was able to turn a nifty profit in the HSF (77- 56-3.+33.6 u) and hope to emulate that success again. I have fallen in love with HSF and enjoy the research as the game continues to grow with Network Sports televising the marquee match-ups. As a Cal guy, I'm a little biased to our product, but enjoy all the info I can glean from you guys and your geographic area of expertise... Feel free to add in any relevant thoughts or news that comes your way... I thank you ahead of time :toast:

Tonight 2 of the stronger Utah programs kick things off, followed by Fri night (Chandler, AZ vs Centennial, CA) then Sat afternoon matches (Cedar Grove, GA vs Summerville, SC).

Unfortunately, only a couple of books are currently offering HSF lines so you probably won't get rich as limits are pretty sad.... But, I have found open parlays helps the bottom line.

Good Luck this year to All!

 

[Riff-Raff]

6 pm (pacific)

Bingham, UT Miners -10'/52
Orem, UT Tigers

As most HSF programs shake off the summer rust and open play, 2 schools looking to make a mark on the Utah scene face off Thurs evening.

Depending on what rankings you follow, Bingham is anchored in at #16 nationally and opens #1 in Utah as it has for the 9th straight year. Since 2006, Miners have won 9 state titles and are 39-4 since their HC J Lambourne took the reigns in 2015. Miners have won the Crown in 2017, 2016 (5A), 2014 (5A), 2013 (5A), 2010 (5A), 2009 & 2006 (5A). In the last decade the dynasty has produced a 122-17 record. Defensively the team has never given up more than 18.2 ppg in last 10 years... In the last 5 years the opposition average hasn't gone over 2 TDs.

Last year, Bingham closed out the season with a 6A State Title by defeating a very capable and athletic East out of Salt Lake City 27-14. During the last decade of dominance the mantra "Defense wins Championships" has been the battle cry.

This year's team will rely on its D again as the offense only returns 1 starter, although RB Braedon Wissler (5-7, 170 lb Sr) is a good one and averages nearly 10 yards a carry.... He should produce the same this year.

The Defense is lauded as having perhaps the best D of all Miner teams which is led by LB Lolani Langi (6-2", 195 lb Sr) who is one of the highest rated players in Utah with a handful of Pac-12 offers.... DT Simote Pepa (6-2" 295 Sr) is one of the country's best in the trenches.... LB Junior Tafuna (6-3", 220 lb, Sr) and S Jared Greenfield (6'1" 180 lbs, Sr) round out a top notch D... Greenfield transferred from Cali as a 4 Star recruit from Crenshaw High in Los Angeles and is the top rated player in Utah for Class of 2019.....Of Utahs 10 Best Senior Defensive Players, Bingham has 3 of them.

Orem, Utah Tigers come in ranked #3 in Utah and won the State 4A Title last year despite an early loss to Bingham 41-14....Tigers also won State in 2013 (4A), 2012 (4A), 2004....HC Jeremy Hill returns 8 Offensive Starters and 5 Defensive Starters from his 12-2 record of 2017... Top QB, WR, and R&B return... Team is on a 10 game win streak and should see continued improvement...

Orem is loaded with talent and boasts one of the best WRs in the State, Puka Nacua (6'2", 195 lbs, Sr) who needed 155 receiving yards in the State Championship game to eclipse the State Receiving record of 1,769 yards, however, he came up short as he was hobbled with a sprained ankle (*had also missed 2 other regular season games due to injury) He still managed 1,691 yards (140 yards per game) and the State Record may fall if he stays healthy..(He's headed to USC) .. Passing him the ball will be QB Cooper Legas (6'2" 210 lbs, Sr) and protecting the QB is Hunter Hill (6'6", 270 lb Sr)

On Defense, the Tigers are led by transfer LB Noah Sewell (from in state power Desert Hills) and LB is regarded as the Top Jr in the State (*Has offers from just about every PAC 12 school, and Alabama & Florida St)....

Tomorrow's game will feature several D1 talents, including players from both teams that will participate in the Polynesian Bowl in 2019....Unfortunately, College programs can't recruit or scout until September, so the stands might be a little bare with D1 talent coordinators and coaches.

According to Scout.Com Orem has 5 of the top 30 Sr players in Utah, while Bingham has 4 (interestingly, none of Binghams top recruits have committed verbally yet). While last years score might be a sore spot for Orem, this year's team has the overall talent to stay close here... Bingham also has a big match-up the following week against East.... It's safe to say that Orem is laser focused here and Bingham better watch out.... This game is at Orem.... Some are billing this as the 2018 premier blockbuster as the 4A program wants payback..

Binghams top RB Brandon Wissler will be a focal point of the Tiger D... Last year's Offense produced 39.8 ppg (3rd in 6A) with Wissler accounting for nearly 1000 yards on the ground w/16 TDs.... However, he will be drawing continued attention of the Orem D and with only Wissler as the returning starter, I have to question how much offense Bingham will be able to produce..... Still, Miners D may be best in the State....

The number opened at 10' and I max played my 2 unit's on the +10' as Orem should be able to keep this one close..... In fact, I would recommend a little cheddar on the ML.... I also like the Under 52' as this one could be a defensive battle.....

2 Unit's on Orem +10'LOSS
2 Unit's on Under 52' LOSS

 

[Old School]

good to see you back..:0074

you turned the page on another birthday so..:00hour

 

[Riff-Raff]

good to see you back..:0074

you turned the page on another birthday so..:00hour

Great to see you too Old School..... Yes, another B day passes me by..... Here's to a great season :toast:

 

[hawkeye]

gl RR-:0008--this year-like your posts

 

[Riff-Raff]

gl RR-:0008--this year-like your posts

Well, started off taking it in the shorts.... Got to give Bingham credit... Really thought Orem had a good chance in this one..... Goes to show that the classifications for these states shouldn't be ignored.

 

[Riff-Raff]

Guess I have to dust myself off after things went bad in Utah....... Bingham took it to them

Fri 8/17
7:30 pm

Chandler, AZ - 5
Centennial, Corona (CA) 79

The total on this game opened at 72 and while I was salivating at it, the # jumped up to 79.

The #1 ranked Arizona Large School (6A) and back to back State Champs come to CA to test the #9 CA Centennial in a game moved to San Bernardino College (about 21 miles from Centennial campus) which was moved due to air quality, courtesy of the fires we are experiencing in CA.

Centennial has been one of my favorite Southern CA teams out of the Inland Empire for years as it continues to play top notch competition from outside the state and usually makes a good showing... Huskies have managed to win at least 10 games each season since 2006...Over last decade, they have amassed a 124-20 record.... They have played in 6 State Title Games, however, only have 1 Crown via 2008....Huskies are playing for 9 consecutive League Titles and want to prove that the Inland Empire can hang with the John Bosco's and Mater Dei'slll) .... Last year, Huskies went (10-3) and were Nationally ranked at #12 but lost to Bosco 62-34 in the CIF Semis.... HC Matt Logan is one of the best in the country and has perfected a fast paced spread attack that continually puts up some big numbers.

These two hooked up in 2016 and Centennial came from behind to win 56-49 in the 4th q for an instant classic....*It was my opinion that Centennial had its best team that year and the following week top ranked IMG Academy out of Florida came calling and squeaked out a 50-49 win..... Huskies then ran the table until running into State Champ J Bosco in a 49-47 thriller for all the marbles.

HC Matt Logan has his work cut out for him in this one....A big question mark is who will emerge as the starting QB as there are 3 guys vying for it.... QB Ala Mikaele (been with the program since a Frosh and knows the offense the best), QB Carter Freeland (a 6'2" 200 lbs transfer from Mater Dei who spent his time backing up all world QB JT Daniel's) , or Reggie Retzlaff (transfer from Claremont high and might be the most dangerous dual threat, but frankly I don't have a lot of info on this kid).... As of now, the game plan is for a QB platoon and see who comes forward as the clear cut starter....... A concern is that the OL is inexperienced and lost a lot to graduation, however, my buddy informs me that the JV program was a 1 loss team ly and the Juniors coming up are big and athletic.... HC Logan will have his offense ready and RBs Octavio Cortes and Thomas Kinslow are returning starters and should provide instant offense.......WR Gary Bryant (5'10" 180 lbs) is one of the best wide-outs in CA and a Top 100 player overall in the Nation.

Defensively, Centennial returns 4 starters with freak LB/DE Korey Foreman (6'4". 245 lbs So) is one of the most talented players in the country... DE Drake Jackson (6'4" 260 lbs) is a versatile edge rusher and a 4 Star athlete. CB Isaiah Young has several offers for Class of 2020...LB Tuasiwi Nomura (6' 1" 195 lbs) anchors the weak side.

HC Logans system continues to put points on the board and despite this team's question marks, there will be plenty of offense again... In 2011 the CIF instituted a mandatory running clock when during the 4th Q a team leads by at least 35 points a mandatory running clock is put into play... Since 2011, nearly half (48 of 101)of its games over past 7 seasons have had that take effect.... *this is just FYI as by no means will that happen Friday night.

Chandler Wolves have won the 6A State Title back to back and are looking for its 3rd consecutive championship... Currently, Wolves are ranked in the Top 10 for most polls and should build on that ranking when all is said and done... In the last decade, Chandler is 99-30 but just established dynasty points in the past 4 years. They have State Titles in 2017, 2016 and 2014 and have won 5 consecutive league titles... Last year's team finished (13-2) and are on a 11 game win streak... They are the top Arizona team last 5 years playing in the largest classification. They have 5 returning offensive starters and 5 Defensive starters....

Many feel that this year's team is the best Chandler has ever produced .... Under Center is returning 3 year starter QB Jacob Conover (6' 1" 195 Sr) He is trying to be the 1st Arizona HSF QB at the states highest level to lead team to 3 consecutive State Title Games.... Conover is a top tier signal caller that will take the ball down and run... He's known for his level head and calm demeanor... He's already signed with BYU... He was the starter 2 years ago when Centennial came from behind to grab the W so probably a little sting still there. Still, he had 465 yards through the air w/3 TDs as a Soph.. His top target is Texas commit TE Braeden Liebrock (6'5" 220 lbs) and is regarded as the top TE in the country... RB DeCarlos Brooks (5' 9" 190 lbs) rushed for 1,352 yards w/14 TDs. He is going to Cal and ranked #2 TB in AZ...

The D is anchored by DT Matthew Pola-Mao (6'2" 290 lbs) a 4 Star talent and one of the nation's best in the trenches (he is a transfer from Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) which is something that I will discuss sometime later, down the road .. LB Javan Ah Quin (5' 9" 185 lbs) is small but lays the wood each play (comparisons to John Lynch style of D) ...

I'm all about my pride in CA HSF and feel it has the best teams in the country, which is exemplified by Bosco and Mater Dei holding down the top 2 spots in the Nation. .. Centennial warrants my respect and they wont usually disappoint, when I first saw the line, I thought it should have been closer to a pickem, however, I have since changed course .... I actually had Chandler circled last year as they finished their season playing Northwestern from Miami, Florida in that Geico State Champions Bowl and spanking a very good Miami HSF team 55-28 *I wouldn't read too much into this because you never know how a high school athlete is going to respond when asked to play a 5 month schedule (not including team camps and passing leagues) Makes an already too long season into something that would surely cause an high school athlete to lose focus, especially if they play basketball too.

You have to like the experience that the Wolves bring to the table in this one...and while I wouldn't be disappointed in an outright win by Centennial, I think the smart money is on Chandler here...... Still, I think the best bet is the Over 79 as I think we should see plenty of scoring, with both teams getting over the 40 mark...

Hope to bounce back here...

2 units on Over 79. LOSS
1 unit Chandler -5. LOSS

Gluck

 

[Riff-Raff]

I decided to travel to the valley to watch a friend's nephew play tonight at Bear River, Stockton... against Roseville...... They just went to half and the score is 40-34.......literally no defense in this one.

Unfortunately, can't say the same in the Centennial game as last I checked Centennial Defense came to play and were holding a 14-0 lead at the half.... From what I'm hearing it should be 21-0 (but fumbled on the 3 yard line).........might be down 0-4 to start this season

 

[Riff-Raff]

So far 0-4 isn't how I perceived this going... Kinda frustrating when I put a lot into handicapping these programs and then have the direct opposite take place.

Saturday: 8-18

2 pm

Cedar Grove, GA -21'
Summerville, SC 48

Not going to get too excited about this one, but think perhaps Summerville can stay close. Lot of press coming out of Georgia preps, but centers around Grayson walking off from practice, evidently kids not happy about HC putting them through full contact drills.... Going to keep an eye on this one because Grayson is a top 10 team Nationally.

It's a battle between 2 Southern States looking for bragging rights on national TV....

Cedar Grove (GA) Saints come in as the #77 team in the Nation, but #11 in Georgia. Saints were 13-1 in 2017, 13-2 in 2016.. *Won State Title in '16 (3A), but have won league in 2017, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2010,.... This is HC Jermaine Smiths 6th season.

Saints still stinging from a 3A playoff loss to Calhoun which snapped a 23 game win streak... With the loss, several starters departed including team Captain QB Xavier Dennis (111 of 160 passing for 1,684 yards w/26 TDs).... Also graduated was RB Darrell Neal (1,389 yards on 156 carries w/14 TDs)....

The cupboard isn't completely bare though, returning WR Jadon Haselwood is the #1 ranked WR in the Country, and a Top 3 player is the state (has 45 catches for 792 yards w/17 TDs.. He led country in TDs at the position) Georgia likes to keep their top athletes and he will suit up for the Bulldogs in 2019. Returning RB Chevon Wright (rushed for 590 yards w/5 TDs on 72 carries) will garner the load. Who will pass and hand off the ball falls to the battle between Sr Kendall Boney & So Austin Smith.

On D, Saint are led by Alabama commit, 4-Star commit Rashad Cheney (55 tackles w/4 sacks *15 T for loss).. LB Isaiah Ratcliff returns as DeKalb County Def Player of the year (Offers from Michigan, So Carolina, Tenn to name a few).... LB William Jenkins (111 tackles, 3 Sacks, *12 for loss) is headed to Marshall or Miami, Ohio.

Despite finding a reliable QB, expectations are high all around for this team.

Summerville Green Wave were 9-3 last year and lost to the eventual State 5A Champs Dutch Fork in the Semis, but completed its best season in 4 years... The #773 National rank might be a little misleading as the team does have a plethora of returning talent to start the year... HC Joe Call feels this is his most experienced team in his 3 years at the helm.... Green Wave have had a lot of League Titles to their name (2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2005-2009, 2003......The Wave are recognized as a Top 50 winningest Programs All - Time sporting a 806-226-33 however, the days of lore appear to be in the 1980s with the last State Title in 1998.....

Last season QB Johnathon Bennett as a 3rd year starter put up (1,506.yards passing w/602 yards on the ground w/combined 23 TD). Besides guiding the Wave to its best season, the 6' 1" 210 lb QB (going to Liberty C because other colleges wanted him to play other positions) the dual threat QB has 4 starting OL returning to protect with OL Dale Powell going to W Kentucky on full ride... Also, returning WR Andre Banks is a 3 year starter and one of the best in the state.

On D, T Ben Mitchum is one of the top interior DL in the region... LB Cole Phillips is back after leading the team in tackles ly.

Green Wave have the luxury of several returning starters in key positions, but most importantly the OL should be able to create some space although Cedar Grove strength might be its D.... Saints are a spread offense that likes to throw it around so the secondary will be tested....

I hesitate to come right out and back The Wave due to the classifications favor the Atlanta program that continually draws top talent from the area, and I have already seen how that played out in Utah with Bingham drawing blood against a lower classification team... Haselwood will be the best player on the field but the challenge will be a new signal caller trying to get him the ball in space..... Still, I really like a high IQ QB who is a danger to take off at any moment with a vet OL....

The last little tidbit is that I already played 2 units on the Under 48 as this game is scheduled for the early afternoon and heat is supposed to be high with a possibility of moving the game back if the heat index is high.... That would usually dictate a down in the trenches Defensive game as the heat really can break teams down, who are still trying to get in playing shape.

Also, player a unit on Summerville, just to stay within the number....
Obviously buyer beware with my picks

2 units Under 48. WIN
1 unit on Summerville. WIN

 

[Riff-Raff]

Finally got off the snide, now to keep it going.

8-23

4 pm. Parkersburg, WV. 54
Morgantown -4'

4 pm. Archbishop Alter, OH 43
Fairmont, OH pk

-------------------

The 2018 WVSSAC Kick-off game is featuring the Morgantown Mohigans against The Big Red of Parkersburg..... Game is a homer for the Mohigans being played at Pony Lewis Stadium and will be televised. Both teams ended their 2017 campaign by making play-offs but only to get bounced in the first round.

Of Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, so team plays in the shadows....Its National Rank sits at #3346, State Rank #14, and 3A Div #13.... 2017 was rather a down year with the team backing into playoffs with a 4-7 record (only to be embarrassed by the State Title Winner Martinsburg 61-0...*Interestingly, Mohigans played entire game without making a first down that included a loss of yardage... Hard to believe that the woodshed isn't lurking somewhere in the Morgantown Coach's and Players nightmares.

Morgantown last won State Crowns in 2004 & 2005, but it gets dynasty points for successfully winning league crowns in 2015-2016, 2010-2013, 2008, and 2003-2006...In 2016 the Mohigans were 10-3 and 11-3 in 2015, so it would appear that last year was more of a anomaly....

Mohigans do return 7 Off Starters with 6 Def Starters... HC Matt Lacy is high on OL Nick Malone as the Sr Captain (6'5" 275 lbs) is vying for Stydahar Award (Regions best OL)(#8 Ohio Recruit) the Tackle is headed to Pitt and also has 3 other starters helping him out so protection should be good. The Top RB from 2017 returns, Ty Konchesky (Sr 6'0" 185 lb) is elusive and quick.... Top WRs, Sr Jesthohn Moore (6'2" 210 lbs) also doubles as the teams leading LB on D and is the best athlete the Mohigans have as his lanky build gives him incredible leverage and torque off the edge. He is explosive and creates numerous problems for OL with several D1 offers.... Another strong WR/DB Jr Preston Fox (5' 10" 165 lbs) is a returning 2 way player.

The team is still searching for the starting QB and a couple of guys are fighting for the position... The Defense will be improved but small.... Morgantown should put together a successful campaign if all the pieces come together.

A few Hollers over (had to use this word as I watch Appalachian Outlaws) is Parkersburg Big Red... Team was 7-4 last year but exited playoffs in the first round despite having the Teams #8 All-time point producers at 35.4 ppg... They last won State in 2007, also won in 2006 & 2001. They hold a National rank of 3810, State #17 and 3A #7...... Their dynasty record is impressive 104-66 (#11 in WV)...... HC Mike Byus is in his 2nd year but has already changed the attitude and has his boys excited for the season.... Big Red is locked and loaded and should be a potent 3A squad.

The best player on the field today will be WR/DB Brenton Strange (Sr 6'5" 215 lbs) a converted TE now WR... He is the predicted Player of the Year and the #3 recruit in WV... He has 13 offers, including Ohio St....He's the top ranked WR in WV... He is college ready and is deceptively elusive with unfair length and great finesse with grace running routes and after catch. He will be the teams go to receiver. He has a deep bag of tricks and will most assuredly end up in the Parkersburg HoF... He set single season school records as a Jr with 59 receptions and 938 yards and tied Season TD mark at 12...Strange is sitting on a few more records that will fall if he stays healthy...... Most Coaches would guard the health of their top playmakers, however, Strange also made 1st Team DB last year and was 2nd on the team in tackles with 95 including 2 sacks & 9 behind the LOS and 3 TDs on Defense... In the playoff loss ly he had 9 catches for 112 yards.......

Unfortunately, the team lost their signal caller to graduation, but filling in his shoes is a transitioning All State WR, Jake Johnson, an explosive dual threat athlete that managed 337 yards passing w/4 TDs and 119 yards rushing (also 747 yards receiving w/6TDs (all this won him All State Honorable Mention playing different roles)... Another two way starter had 40 tackles and 4 picks last season...... In the team scrimmage last week, Johnson was 7 of 14 for 105 yards w/2 TDs..... Backing him is able bodied backup QB Max Anderson who was 2 for 2 for 60 yards w/1 TD.

Blocking for Johnson is (Sr 6'3" 275 lbs) 2nd Team All State Ryan Creech. Also returning are 3 other starters so that experience will make Big Red consistent and powerful.......TB Tyler Moler (Sr 6'0" 180 lb) was 2nd team All State with over 1,300 yards w/17 TDs.. (he had 83 yards on 15 carries w/1 TD rush 1 TD Pass....

I really believe that the wrong team is favored here.... Just think Big Red has too much in the pantry and I'm not convinced Morgantown can keep pace here... I would grab it as I think Parkersburg wins outright here.

Not in love with the total here.. Small lean to the Over but not sure Mohigans will do their part.

2 units on Parkersburg +4'. LOSS

Lean to Over would have won

Gl

 

[Riff-Raff]

4 pm

Archbishop Alter 43
Fairmont - 2'

Too many games, not enough time.. Whoa is Me!

Battle of Kettering kicks off Ohio Gridiron action between Alter Knights and Fairmont Firebirds. Both teams coming off of successful seasons, the line opened as a pick, but has come up 2' to the Firebirds... Not so fast!

Alter is #3 ranked team in Div 3, Nationally ranked at 502, State #39, Dynasty record sits at 167-26-1....The traditional Kettering Power last won State in 2008-09...It has 11 regional Titles, 2x State Runner-up, League Champs 2013-2017, 2003-2011 (ran the table)... Knights have made 17 straight play-off appearances.

The success the program has attained can largely be attributed to HC Ed Domsitz, in his 43rd Season as Head Coach, 27 of those years at Alter, the feisty 68 year old stalwart has already been inducted to the Ohio High School Football Hall of Fame. When you play for a legend like this, you bring your A game each week... Domsitz has a career record of 327 wins which places him #6 on the All-time Coaching List of Ohio..... He has 15 GCL Titles in last 16 years and has a 20 game win streak in Alters Leagues opponents.... Domsitz is a colorful figure who became a HC when Gerald Ford was still in the White House... His team's are always ultra-competitive and his Coaching Staff includes 16 paid positions with several volunteers also... Alter is always the team to beat in the Greater Catholic League Co-Ed North Division..... In 2017, Alter was 9-2 but suffered a loss out of the gates to guess who? Fairmont won 13-12....also Alter lost in the 1st Round of the Play-off to the CJ Eagles 49-28, a team they had deposed of 34-6 the week before play-offs.

The Knights return 14 All Greater Catholic League Players and has returning 34 Seniors overall..... Heading the group is QB Connor Bazelak, Ohios Top QB prospect that was 1st team All GCL North Div (as a Jr was 67 of 134 passing for 1,697 yards w/11 TDs)...The highly touted 3 Star prospect stands 6'4" 210 lbs and had over 25 offers to major D1 schools.... U Meyer dropped the ball and Brazelton chose Missouri...

Another top stand out is RB John Bivens, he is Ohios Top RB prospect and is #11 overall.. The Offensive Player of the Year (1,308 yards w/16 TDs on 132 carries... He has over 10 offers to major D1 programs... Now the bad part, Bivens had major surgery to his knee at the end of the season ly.. It's rumored that Bivens will sit out this campaign as his injury (blown knee ligaments and dislocated knee cap wasn't the only trauma, it included a severed nerve in his leg, which hasn't healed yet.... *I'm unsure which source to follow, so it's Buyer Beware as I write this...HC Domsitz said "he is the one of 2 best RBs he's ever had....

The team is strong on D and has several returning DL and Lbs... Sr Connor Meyer and LB Dan O'Connell make up a strong defensive unit....

The Fairmont Firebirds are coming off of a 7-4-1 season that has them now ranked #639 Nationally... State #45 and Div 1 #25...... HC Dave Miller is in his 3rd season and has made significant milestones already for his young tenure.... Overall, he is 133-49 (but only 8-13 at Fairmont) He was brought in to make changes and last year he started by snapping Alters string of 12 straight wins.... Miller's team was 1-9 in 2016, so this ranked as one of the greatest turn-arounds in area history.... It was only the 2nd time Fairmont had qualified for play-offs in Large School classification.... HC Miller feels that the program isn't sitting on last year's laurels and they aren't satisfied by the progress made yet... Firebirds, besides having cool mascot, has 15 returning starters and this year's team is loaded with outstanding and experienced Senior Class talent.

Returning QB Braden Miller (3rd year starter)(also Coach's Son) is primed after winning 2nd Team All-GWC accolades. The 5'9" 175 lb Sr directs a misleading ground it out Triple Option offense.... To help in the endeavor is Sr WR/DB Ryan Hall (2nd team All-District and 1st Team All Greater Western Ohio Conference honors... The two way starter is also in his 3rd year of Varsity experience...The 6'4" 185 lb Sr had 4 Ints, 2 fumble recoveries and 40 tackles ly.

RB Jesse Deglow (Sr 5'8" 195 lbs) Fullback has 1,040 yards w/16 TDs ly... He was 1st Team All GWOC... Blocking for him is OL/DL 5'8" 250 lb Sr Patrick Ronlagli (3 year letterman and 2nd Team All-GWC honors).... Also, Sr 6' 0" 260 lbs Connor Bunts is a 1st Team All-GWC Ol/DL..The ground it out offense should be improved as the team continues picking up the nuances of Triple Option.

Firebirds Defense will also be markedly improved as it returns several starters in their 3rd year and with numerous honors and awards.

It's no secret what HC Miller has done with this program... He is seeing the fruits of his labor by throwing his young team to the fire 3 years ago, which now shows improvement and confidence on both sides of the ball...

Firebirds upset the Apple Cart last year in a hard fought 13-12 WIN over Alter.... No doubt the Triple Option probably snuck up on the Knights but my guess is that HC Domsitz with his years of experience and wisdom won't allow that to happen again.... Still expect a hard fought game and I don't trust Triple Option teams to start out fast out of the gates..... I think Knights have enough returning talent to get a little revenge from ly and I expect a Defensive battle to boot..


2 units on Alter +2'. LOSS

2 units on Under 43. WIN

Gluck to you all

 

[Riff-Raff]

Don't mind me if I keep banging around these HSF games... Need a little run.

Too much time being spent on handicapping HSF, especially with a slough of College games getting ready to kick this weekend.

CA Games:

6 pm
Mater Dei -19'
Bishop Gorman 63

7:30 pm
Centennial (Corona) 61'
Orange Lutheran -6

The Defending National Champs, #1 Mater Dei head out to the Desert for a grudge match against the #10 Bishop Gorman. Gaels will be looking for some payback as it was Mater Dei that snapped BG 55 game win streak and more importantly kicked dirt on any hoped of a 4th Straight "mythical" National Championship. So the last 2 National Title holders meet in Vegas for what was looking like one of the biggest games of the year.

The hot topic this week is Mater Dei beating Bishop Amat last week on the field in a 42-14 W... Unfortunately, social media exploded Wed when MD press release stated that Monarchs are 0-1 as the win against Amat was vacated due to an academically ineligible player had used up all his open semesters of high school eligibility when his transcripts were found from his home country. The forfeit, as can be imagined set off a firestorm of negative commentary regarding Mater Dei and speculation about what this might mean for future rankings and potential National Championship aspirations.

Of course, I have been on the horn trying to pick my buddies brains on the mess that's been created... A lot of screaming that the Monarchs should forfeit all their games which is silly.....My friend that keeps tabs on all things Trinity League says that the players and Coach's are stinging by the announcement as a lot of hard work from both dedicated groups work year around to succeed at the highest level feel like zombies...... No doubt about it, Monarchs will face extreme adversity and will try to find its identity in the Las Vegas heat.... Hell, desert conditions and a challenging opponent will provide max adversity and force them to face the test. If they can overcome and learn from these obstacles all the while sticking together, could provide for yet a successful season....

Mater Dei was 15-0 last year and won its first coveted open Div CIF State Crown. The team has already been called out over the incredible amount of transfers (24 transfers between football seasons). Success breeds contempt and in the ultra competitive Trinity League, everyone takes their pot shots.

Gone is All World QB JT Daniel's, who decided to skip his Senior year and make an early registration to USC to immerse himself in the play book......I had hoped he would continue smashing records for the Monarchs, but he felt he had completed everything he had set out to do... In comes transfer QB Bryce Young (6' 0" 175 lbs) his 2017 numbers were impressive as a dual threat (3,431 yards w/41 TDs).. He will have a cupboard of D1 talent to pass to and hand off to....... 5 Star Athlete Horace "Bru" McCoy III is a top talent at both WR/LB and plays Iron man on a team with plenty of star back-ups. Bru is largely considered the #1 Football Player in the Nation, he came to his nickname "Bru" which is short for bruiser, which he acquired at a young age when he would play full contact with the older boys in the neighborhood and come out bruised but smiling.... He's still undecided where he will play college ball but has multiple offers but will probably sign with a PAC 12 school.... Last week, Bru had 6 catches for 55 yards (last year he was 46 receptions for 770 yards w/11 TDs.

Mater Dei is simply loaded with Div 1 talent... This includes 5 Star CB Jr Elias Ricks (6'2" 180 lbs) and Sr RB Glenn "Shakobe" Harper who rushed for 162 yards w/2 TDs against Amat.... Oregon bound 4 Star RB Sean Dollars added 119 yards rushing w/3 TDs....... Everywhere is Top D1 talent, but you can only play 11 at one time.

Bishop Gorman is currently ranked #10 in the Nation, but #1 in Nevada and hasn't lost to a Nevada program since the playoffs of 2008.....They have 10 legitimate D1 players, however, 247 Recruiting says Gaels don't possess a 5 or 4 Star Athlete which rubs HC Kenny Sanchez the wrong way.... He stated, "Good for them having so many Higher Ranked Recruits, we could care less about Stars, we only care about producing great football players, great young men and great teams... We have done ok over the years"... Gaels were unbeaten for 3 Seasons and although lost 2 weeks in a row (Mater Dei and Central, Miami) they ran the table with 12 straight victorys and 9th Straight Nevada Title. Still, there wasn't a single BG player on the USA Today's Pre-season All American team.

Gaels Junior class is stacked this year, led by Jr QB Micah Bowens (6'1" 180 lbs) a dual threat that played CB all last season but has adjusted back to his natural position.... (Sr 5'11" 225) TB JKaika Ragsdale has a handful of PAC 12 offers and is a danger to take it to the house each time he touches the ball... CB Kyu Kelly (Stanford commit), Sr 6'4" 240 lb DE Trevon Ma'ae has over 20 offers to major D1 schools.... G Beau Taylor (6'5" 285 lbs) is going to Ucla...

Gorman has top talent all over the field. Any perceived slight plays into the Gaels hands.... HC Kenny Sanchez moved to Las Vegas with his brother to build a powerhouse in the desert and they have completed their task... Kenny's brother Tony is now the Coach at Unlv..... This team won't be intimidated by Mater Dei and there is just enough outside noise that I'm not sure the Monarchs can control... I like the Gaels to compete in this one, not sure they can win it but like the points.

2 units on Bishop Gorman +19' LOSS *Completely off base here.. Mater Dei is darn good Wins 42-0

1 unit on the Under 63 WIN

 

[Riff-Raff]

I follow with the other CA teams as Centennial takes on Orange Lutheran.

Feel free to peruse my Centennial write up (above) as I was completely off based on the ability of Chandler, AZ to be competitive in that one. .. However my stats were accurate on Centennials athletes.. It's ranking nationally at #11 is bound to move up... WR Gary Bryant Jr was an absolute beast, catching 9 passes for 265 yards w/3 TDs, Chandler had no answer..... Rotating QBs with Carter Freeland (11 of 19 for 138 yards) and A Mikaele (10 of 19 for 213 yards) *Both had TD passes..... As a team, Huskies had 396 total yards receiving, 127 yards rushing and 5 TDs... There will have to be more of that tonight when they face off against a very powerful Orange Lutheran.

The Lancers beat San Juan Hills 27-7 last week... Orange is ranked #8 Nationally and #5 in CA... They last won State in 2006 & 2007...This is the highest ranking that the Lancers have opened with in modern times... The team has plenty of firepower that is led by Sr QB Ryan Hilinski (6'4" 225 lbs) He passed for 295 yards w/3 TDs in last weeks win... In 2017, the QB was 299 of 421 for 3,749 yards w/33 TDs, 6 rush TDs and only 6 picks..... This is his 3rd year starting for the Lancers as he was a transfer from J Serra after his Frosh year....

Hilinski is already committed to South Carolina. He comes from a Family with 3 boys (he's the youngest) His older brother played at Weber St, but it was the middle boy, Tyler that was due to start next year at Washington St but he took his life with a friend's rifle this past year... Ryan has a Lighthouse tattoo on his right forearm that helps him to know where he's been and where he is going.... Tyler's suicide was later determined to be the after effects of CTE.... Ryan knows of the dangers of CTE (his parents have allowed him to make his own decisions) Ryan wants to major in Psychology in College... He is agile and has a rocket arm that's very accurate... His throwing mechanics are already on par with being a polished QB.... As a Jr, he averages an Orange County leading 132 pass yards per game w/33 TDs.....

Ryan has several D1 talent players around him... His goto WR is (6'2" 125 lbs) Kyle Ford and WR Logan Loya (5'11" 170 lbs) is a 4 Star athlete that had 68 catches in 2017 for 825 yards w/12 TDs /with TE Ethan Rae (6'4" 240 lbs) makes up a dangerous receiving corp.... RB Reggie Strong (6'1" 188 lbs) had 645 yards rushing off of 137 carries w/6 Rush TDs and had 21 catches for 241 yards w/1 TD. (Reggie has offers from Byu, Houston, Colorado)..... Oregon St commit OLAJ Gatto (6'4" 225) helps anchor a deep and experienced OL...

The Lancers are stacked and they will need to be when they run the gauntlet of the Trinity League where Mater Dei, St John Bosco and Mission Viejo wait to dish out punishment.... Orange Lutheran have one of the best QB-WR combos in HSF with Hilinski and Ford/Loya.... The trial by fire starts tonight.... I'm thinking this one could be a shootout when all is said and done.... It's kinda hard for me to gauge exactly how good this Centennial team is but after they manhandled Chandler last week, I feel pretty good about the +6 in what could come down to a FG.... Also love the Over here as the stronger play.

2 units on the Over 63. WIN (easy over)

2 units on Centennial +6. WIN Huskies roll 45-28

Gl

 

[Riff-Raff]

2 units on Warren Central +2. WIN *Wow... Weird game.. Very exciting, but how does the score stay the same from last year's result? 42-41? Last year Trinity 42 Warren 41...hmmmm

Obviously would've been happier with the +4 it opened with, but really think the Warriors (favored to win the 6A Indiana State Title) have a distinct advantage on both sides of the ball...

That's not to say Trinity is bare, but the Shamrock is reeling a little after dropping a 24-21 decision to Camel (another Kentucky State Power) in a game Trinity pretty much controlled throughout until the final TD was scored with 28 seconds left in the game... HC Bob Beatty is going to have to work some magic after the Shamrocks 30 game win streak was busted.... Beatty wants his team to learn from the mistakes (namely 3 big pass plays that set up scores for Camel).... Trinity Def is young and starts several Soph. The team does have a few D1 players, including DE Stephen Herron Jr (4 Star) going to Stanford. HC Beatty has led Trinity to 13 State Titles since he took over in 2000. The teams dynasty record of 183-31 is impressive and doesn't lose all that often... They have won League every year but 2014. Jr QB Seth Jutz saw his first Varsity start last week and there was some growing pains.

Warren Central Warriors are ranked #1 in the State of Indiana.... They are seeking the 9th State Crown and carry a dynasty record of 155-39.....National Rank is #87.... They have captured the League Title nearly every year in the 2000s....

Last week they opened with a solid W against State Power Center Grove 27-15....WR David Bell is one of the most dynamic receivers in the country... Sr QB Jaden George is experienced and a cool head... RB Romeir Elliott is returning from 2017 where he rushed for 1,113 yards w/18 TD (averaged 7.8 yards per carry)... The OL is anchored by Justin Britt (6'4" 285 lbs)

I like for Warren to to utilize their vets and take care of business this afternoon.

 

[Riff-Raff]

2 games from the Hoover Met kick-off in the am to start the GEICO High School Kick-off.

9 am
Pinson Valley 57'
Hoover -14

12:30 pm
Cedar Grove, GA -2'
Hewitt-Trussville 60'

Morning game features the Home Team and #1 ranked Alabama HSF Hoover Buccaneers. Hoover is also sitting on a #17 rank Nationally. The success of the program is mind blowing in this day and age of one upmanship between major HSF teams. Perhaps I'm dating myself, but I remember watching MTV 2-A-Days which introduced me to Alabama gridiron in the early days of program visibility. This was back when teams like DeLaSalle were setting WIN records in CA, and I remember being engrossed with the program that Hoover broadcasted under the successful tenure of HC Rush Probst, who last I checked was coaching a successful GA team (I think).... Anyway, I was much too old to be watching MTV series but have to admit, I was entertained.... I always wondered why Coach Probst left the school? Maybe he was forced out..... Anywhoozle, the replacement HC Josh Niblett took over in 2008 and since then, his team's have gone 133-18 winning 6 state championships. He is the 1st Coach in Alabama history to win 7 State Crowns *1 at Oneonta.

Hoover Dynasty record is 191-26....Since 2003, Bucs have strapped on 9 State Titles which puts them in the Alabama lore as the Top HSF team in Bama History.... This year's version is going for its 3rd back-to-back State Championships.

Hoover is the #1 ranked team in Alabama and the #1 team in 7A.....Bucs have advanced to the State Title Games in 16 of the last 18 seasons. Truly remarkable...

The game against Pinson Valley is a match between the State Champs of 7A against 6A.....Pinson Indians are fairly new to the success but HC Patrick Nix has established a winning formula that saw PV win State last year..... They are the #4 ranked team in AL and the #1 ranked team in their Division.... They were undefeated in 2017 going 15-0.....they averaged 40.6 ppg last year and on D held to 14.9.....more of the same is expected as the Indians return several D1 talent to match Hoover.

Pinson will only go as far as their Team Captain and Leader Sr QB Bo Nix will take them.... Yes, he's the Coach's Son, but some of you SEC people might recognize the name as Dad P Nix played QB at Auburn and was one of the most prolific passers in Tiger History.... Son Bo comes in as the #1 rated dual threat QB from Class of 2019....He led them to their first state crown and is trying to extend the Indian win streak to 16....He is lauded as one of the most skilled and toughest QB in the country.... A Pre-Season All American he grew up immersed in the game... He is the reigning AL.Com All-Birmingham Player of the Year... 1st Team ALL State Honoree....... As a youngster he would watch video after video of all his Dads College games and his Grandfather (a former HSF HC) and all his Video.... He's a gamer.. Last year, he passed for 196 of 307 for 2,872 yards w/35 TDs w/4 Int. despite missing 4 games to injury. He has had offers from every SEC and ACC program but chose his Dad's Alma Mater.

Pinson returns 5 Offensive Starters and 6 Def Starters, the JV team went 8-0....Besides this being an opportunity for Nix to show he can play with the Big Boys, he is joined by standout Sr DL Joel Parker (6'2" 240 lbs) and Soph DB GA'Quincy McKinstry (6"1" 175 lbs) is a top recruit. Wr Demarion Holloman (6'1" 180 lbs) is a 3 Star recruit and Nix #1 target...... Another D1 talent lines up at the other Corner Rha Saan Christian (5'10 165) doesn't have much size but he can lock down top WRs.... Leading RB Jay Sharp had 514 yards w/3 TDs on 78 attempts last year and also caught 18 passes for 203 yards w/4 TDs.

Hoover has long been known for its Defense.... This year will be the same.... LB Nick Curtis is 6'5" 205 lbs and CB Jabari Moore (6'0" 180 lbs) is a standout big game corner that is a 3 Star athlete... The DLine is big and aggressive...

QB Robby Ashford (4 star recruit) (6'4" 210")is big and imposing... He is the 3rd rated dual threat QB in his class of 2020 *He has multiple big Time Offers without ever starting a Varsity game.....

Joining Ashford is a Pre-Season All American WR George Pickens (6'3" 190 lbs)... As a Jr he caught 46 passes for 735 yards w/5 TDs ly and added 2 more TDs on Special Teams returning Kick-Offs.... This 5 Star athlete is big, smooth, fast, and loves letting Defensive Backs know he's the baddest man on the field.... Interestingly, he is now famous for making 1 hand grabs... He uses a tennis ball to improve visual acuity, eye/hand coordination, and focus.... His older brother, Chris Humes, plays professionally (stint with the Raiders and now CFL Winnipeg)..... He is also going to Auburn, where Bo Nix can pass to him.

RB Larry McCammon III has drawn HC praise as the best RB he's ever Coached... (5'10" 200 lb) is one of the most underrated RBs in the Country... Last year he rushed for 1,500 yards w/21 TDs as a JR. He is currently a 3 Star but should be 4 before the season ends.

So, it's 7A vs 6A in a showcase of 2 top Auburn talents.. Defending State Champs Collide... This one could come down to a possession game and if that's the case the edge goes to Hoover, who has a 6'1" 185 lb K Will Reichard, as the top rated Kicker in the Country... The Alabama commit is one of the most clutch Kickers through HSF... He is a Pre-Season All American too.

I think QB Nix can keep Pinson in the neighborhood despite all the talent lining up for the Bucs..

2 units Pinson Valley +14. LOSS
2 units on the Over 57' (this one smells of Offense).. WIN..... FS 52-14

 

[Riff-Raff]

In the 2nd marquee match-up, the Cedar Grove Saints return to prime time for State bragging rights against Hewitt-Trussville Huskies... I suggest you read my write -up on the Saints program above as I managed to call the Summerville game correctly, even though disaster was averted due to 2 TDs being called back... The 21-7 victory over Summerville wasn't all that close as the Saints shut down the offense of Summerville, who could only manage 6 total 1st downs (3 on the final drive of the game) also held 2 of 11 3rd down attempts... Saints Defense is frightening with top D1 talent across the board.... On offense, 5 Star Jadon Haselwood, the #1 rated WR and Georgia commit had a field day getting involved in all 3 facets of the Cedar Grove rotation that included returning a punt to the 5 yard line...

Meeting the Saints is the #5 team in the state of Alabama... Huskies under HC Josh Floyd were 11-1 in 2017 only succumbing to Hoover in the 7A State Playoffs... The Huskies return 7 Offensive Starters and 5 Defensive Starters and have 8 players with SEC Offers.. Also, H-T has one of the Top QBs in the US... 4 Star Jr QB Paul Tyson is the Great Grandson of Bear Bryant... So guess which College Program he chose? He had over 17 offers to quality Colleges.. He is the 7th Best Pro-Style QB in the Class of 2019...he has incredible size, (6'4" 215 lbs) and completed 238 of 336 for 3,392 yards w/36 TDs (4 Int).. He is the #12 rated Pro Style nationally... He is the 1st QB in 2 years to pick Saban Tide...

Protecting QB is a 5 Star OT Pierce Quick (6'5" 287 lbs) is the #7 Offensive Tackle Nationally... He is #2 in his class and will be following his QB to Bama, He finished last year with over 100 knockdown blocks... Kid almost chose to pursue Baseball as a Pitcher and Power Hitting 1st Basemen... Fortunately, he listened to Dad and stayed the course...... He is a wrecking ball.

WR Ja'Varrius Johnson (5'10" 165 lbs) Is small but elusive.... The Auburn commit and is a transfer that had outstanding numbers at his last school (56 passes for 854 yards w/12 TDs and ran for 146 yards w/1 TD on 32 carries) the 3 Star recruit is the favorite target for Tyson and he runs a 4.3 40 (yikes).... Wr Dazalian Worsham (6'1" 178 lbs) is the #2 prospect in the State... Last year he had 70 passes caught for 856 yards w/9 TDs as a Soph...(going to Alabama too in 2020.

On D, 3 Star DT Eric Taylor will keep the offenses honest... CB Malachi Moore (5'11" 171 lbs) is the #6 recruit in the state... Also going to Bama....

Last year's offense averaged 44 ppg and the D held to 18.8.....Cedars Defense will have to be reckoned with however the match-up to watch is WR Haselwood against M Moore.... In a game like this, Defenses usually step up.....

2 units on the Under 60'. LOSS

1 unit on Hewitt-Trussville (too much talent here) LOSS.......FS: 34-30...tuff losses on both

Gluck

 

[hawkeye]

:0008:0008-good capping!

 

[Riff-Raff]

Adding 2 units to Grayson/Tucker Over 49. WIN FS 48-7 *Well Grayson almost got the 49 by themselves

*Meant to stay away from this one due to rumors that all is not well between Players and HC Hunnicut for Grayson... Still, as Mater Dei proved, high school athletes shrug off internal problems and play for the love of the game....

Tucker was manhandled last week to the #2 Georgia qSchool Buford (40-14)....Now plays the #1 team.... Grayson loaded with talent (more than 20 players with D1 offers.... And 40 players headed to play college ball at all levels.....

Think Grayson could get 49 by themselves, and Tucker has enough playmakers to score a few points after averaging 39.1 last year.

 

[Riff-Raff]

College Plays (Sorry no time for write ups..

Wyoming/New Mexico St Under 45....5 units. WIN
*Too much inexperience at QB position on both sides of the ball..... Both teams have good Defenses to keep the score down

Rice -20'.......3 units LOSS *Owls are a mess

Duquesne/UMass Under 67' LOSS *Duq no D

Gluck

 

[Riff-Raff]

:0008:0008-good capping!

Thanx Hawkeye, good luck to you this year.... I like what I'm reading about Valor this year