Obviously anything can happen and Kettle Run is a great team, I just don’t think they have the arsenal to keep with Sherando.
My thoughts:
1. The first matchup between the two was just a week separated from Sherando’s showdown with Martinsburg. I think it’s fair to say the Warriors were still a little banged up.
—Sherando is coming off a bye here, plenty of time for Hall and company to prepare and revisit old film.
—KR is coming off a 2OT thriller and headed into a likely packed house on Friday night.
2. In reference to the common opponents, keep in mind Sherando did not play their starters for 48 minutes in the majority of those games. I can’t speak for KR but I’m sure they had to play all 4 quarters in that Handley game.
Outside the lines:
Yes, Kettle Run is a good team and they obviously deserve to be here. However, I think Sherando knows if they want to be thought of as a serious contender they need to put this game away with style points. I’m not quite a believer they can put away a Woodgrove team if that matchup occurs. Take care of KR in impressive fashion and I’ll believe they have what it takes.
What is impressive?
By the numbers, KR has a stout defense. Hang 42 on them this time while keeping that 14 or less on the otherside of the board.
You may think that’s a little excessive, it’s just what I need to see to argue they are a state championship caliber team. Too many years we’ve seen them get to the dance and left embarrassed on the scoreboard.