@OCBoy or
@racindan4u, can either of you shed some light on this game. I have been impressed with Louisa quarterback Landon Wilson and their latest young star Dyzier Carter's ability to make the big play. Louisa appears to be a bit underrated by many of the media polls. I honestly have no clue about Orange, so any insight would greatly be appreciated.
Let's liven up this site up and start talking some X and O's. Whose going to win this mid season matchup and challenge Salem for the home seed in Region D.
Having game planned for both offenses, I'd say Louisa should have the advantage in this game. Louisa had us 42-0 at half, Orange had us 17-0 at half including a pick 6. We scored once on Louisa's 1st defense, first drive of 2nd half, the 2nd TD was a KR(63-14). We were without our starting QB vs Orange and it was our worst offensive output of the season by a long shot(38-0). Here's my positional breakdown.
QB - Louisa has a big advantage here. Orange has a young first year starter, has some mobility but he's not Paul Porier. Respectable arm. Wilson from Louisa is seasoned, as this is his 4th year as a starter.
RB - Orange - Hornets have three runners that can get it done. Chiles, the senior leader and dog of the team IMO, has missed a few games with an injury, not sure if he's back for this one or not. Without him they still have Wells and Simpson, both of whom can make 70 yard house calls. Louisa Freshman Savion Hiter sits right with Sabias Folley as best 9th grade RB I've seen in this area during my 9 years coaching here. He's going to be scholarship player for sure. After him, Louisa doesn't have the depth that Orange does.
WR - Push - Louisa Freshman Dyzier Carter is the best 9th grade skill player I've seen in this area, kid is next big prospect from the JD. While he's the go to guy for Louisa, Orange may have a deeper group at WR as both Simpson and Wells(RBs) also split out wide and play some WR. They've also got two other 6'0+ WRs who can make plays.
OL - Louisa - Slight edge to Louisa here as I like their starting 5 a little more. Orange C and LG are both undersized, scrappy guys that have good technique but our Nose dominated them most of the night, I expect Louisa interior DL to win that battle. The Orange OT's are both very good, I'd expect them both to play college ball at some level. Their ability to seal/reach the edge and allow the RBs to get outside really helped them pull away from us 2nd half. Louisa has a very sizeable 5. The Orange LT is the best OL on either side of the field.
DL - Louisa - Spellman and Brooks have D1 offers for a reason, they aren't going to be blocked by 1 man. Look forward to watching Orange LT when he's got to wash down one of them in a 3 tech. The nose, while not as athletic has a great get off with girth, making it really tough to consistently run inside. Orange 4-4 DL features some hefty, less mobile DTs with longer, lighter DEs.
LB - Louisa - This is another closer position group, slight edge to Lions. Hiter is an OLB in their 3-4, he's a terror on the edge. The other 3 LBs are all seniors who've got ton of experience. All are physical, will be interesting to see them in pass coverage if Orange can provide any pass pro. Orange OLBs are fast and physical on the edge, led by Chiles. The two inside guys are smaller, they get a ton of protection from the girthy fire hydrant DTs. They run to the ball well.
DBs - Push - neither secondary has been tested, I expect both groups to be tested Friday more than any other game this year. Both units feature two way starters, will be interesting to see if any of those guys wear down late as both teams have been playing 2's in 4th quarter of all their games.
Louisa keys to victory - If they can keep the Orange ground game under 175 and the offense takes care of the ball, they will win.
Orange keys to victory - Don't get behind the sticks on offense, 3rd and long vs Louisa D is a tall order. On defense they've got to limit the big plays and force a couple turnovers and convert them into points. If they do these three things, they should be in the game in the 4th.
Patrick has had Lohr's number for some years , although he's also had better talent. As the talent gap is closing, we'll see if Lohr can get a W. If Louisa comes focused, I expect them to make a statement. Louisa 35 Orange 13
