I have a feeling this will head south but let's give it a go anyways. What are everyone's thoughts on this matchup? What are your predictions. I think LWW could pose some problems for Naz. For one they are bigger and stronger than even JCA and their lineman only play one side of the ball. I see people predicting blowout but not sure why. LWW is battle tested as well. I see a tight game that could go either way.
5A Title Naz vs LWW
- Thread starter JFelice
- Start date
The good thing is they have a common opponent that we can look at, the bad thing is they have a common opponent we can look at.
While Nazareth Dominated Sycamore in round 1 of the playoffs I believe Sycamore was a little banged up. LWW barely beat the same Sycamore team but Sycamore was healthy and it was the beginning of the season when teams are still trying to find their identity.
LWW has a big strong solid line and they look to wear down teams. They are very comparable to JCA. Therefore I think the key to this game for Naz is to get out to a quick start they way they did against JCA. It's hard for teams like LWW and JCA to play from behind when their game plan is to eat up clock and grind.
The key for LWW, like it is for everyone who plays Naz, is to slow down the Naz skill positions.
I think there are too many weapons and too many ways for the Naz offense to score and it will overwhelm the LWW defense. Then again I am biased and really would love to see a repeat for my runners.
I almost forgot, another, huge key for Naz is to not have a huge flu epidemic hit the entire school the night before the game.
While Nazareth Dominated Sycamore in round 1 of the playoffs I believe Sycamore was a little banged up. LWW barely beat the same Sycamore team but Sycamore was healthy and it was the beginning of the season when teams are still trying to find their identity.
LWW has a big strong solid line and they look to wear down teams. They are very comparable to JCA. Therefore I think the key to this game for Naz is to get out to a quick start they way they did against JCA. It's hard for teams like LWW and JCA to play from behind when their game plan is to eat up clock and grind.
The key for LWW, like it is for everyone who plays Naz, is to slow down the Naz skill positions.
I think there are too many weapons and too many ways for the Naz offense to score and it will overwhelm the LWW defense. Then again I am biased and really would love to see a repeat for my runners.
I almost forgot, another, huge key for Naz is to not have a huge flu epidemic hit the entire school the night before the game.
Last edited:
Close game, LWW 24-17.
JCA had a terrible against Naz with 2 turnovers early in the game.
LWW does not turn the ball over much at all, if they can move the ball on the ground and chew up some clock LWW wins this game.
Julian Love will bust off a few big plays, it all depends on how many.
JCA had a terrible against Naz with 2 turnovers early in the game.
LWW does not turn the ball over much at all, if they can move the ball on the ground and chew up some clock LWW wins this game.
Julian Love will bust off a few big plays, it all depends on how many.
Having never seen LWW all I can go on is the Team Info posted on the IHSA site. (I'm sure it is 100% accurate). There are no huge statistical differences but LWW's D-line is giving away 79 #s per man to Nazareth's O-Line. That could be a factor. However as pointed out, LWW does not have a lot of 2 way players.
I believe that the big play guys will be the difference, but in a close game LWW may have the advantage with fresh legs.
Nazareth 28
LWW 20
I believe that the big play guys will be the difference, but in a close game LWW may have the advantage with fresh legs.
Nazareth 28
LWW 20
Agree with tuccs' analysis.
The Naz defense has been very good in the playoffs. I'm sure they will stack the line as they did against JCA. They have the athletes in their back 7 to cause problems in the run game by getting in gaps etc. LWW needs to avoid the big turnovers and mix things up a bit. I don't think exclusively pounding Montalvo will work. While that's option #1, they need others. QB Lowman needs to have a big game. It's a tall order. Naz' secondary is very quick.
On defense, they need to limit Naz' big plays (including on special teams). Naz has a lot more than Love and Kelly-Martin. It's a big challenge. LWW struggled with Thornton's speed, and Naz has plenty of that and better line play. LWW is the clear underdog, but that's why they play the game.
The Naz defense has been very good in the playoffs. I'm sure they will stack the line as they did against JCA. They have the athletes in their back 7 to cause problems in the run game by getting in gaps etc. LWW needs to avoid the big turnovers and mix things up a bit. I don't think exclusively pounding Montalvo will work. While that's option #1, they need others. QB Lowman needs to have a big game. It's a tall order. Naz' secondary is very quick.
On defense, they need to limit Naz' big plays (including on special teams). Naz has a lot more than Love and Kelly-Martin. It's a big challenge. LWW struggled with Thornton's speed, and Naz has plenty of that and better line play. LWW is the clear underdog, but that's why they play the game.
Finally a damn thread about football and not about all this other goofy s*** talking about stuff that's going to happen or not going to happen next year.
Thanks!other than montalvo who's LWW other weapons becuase all I hear about is montalvo and the OL
All the info that the IHSA deems pertinant.
http://ihsa.org/SportsActivities/Bo...formationResults.aspx?url=/data/fb/5info1.htm
Not to dismiss LWW but if Nazareth plays a clean game it's theirs. If they give any opportunities with turnovers or penalties LWW seems capable of pouncing. Hoping for a competitive game though.
For LWW to win
they need to start out on top
Naz needs 2 turnovers
win in the trenches
eat the clock
Hope Love/Ivory don't go off
What should worry LWW is this is their first time, while naz and all their stars have experienced this state championship moment before. With one of the state's most electric players who plays both ways.
What is very interesting, there will be no excuses as LWW best players will line up against Naz players along the line. The match up I'm really excited to see is Dunn/Pendergrass vs Witt/Brokop. If LWW can win this matchup they have a chance of keeping it close. How will Dunn/Pendergrass hold up going both ways? Then with Love as the last line of defense and seeing him play very close to the LOS it will be Love vs Montavlo at the 2nd level.
If I'm Naz, my strategy is start with the ball, throw quick arrow routes/bubble screens to #6 and Love. Annoy LWW with these quick passes, (I think it's a big matchup Naz can exploite is LWWs secondary) Keep your oline fresh, score and make LWW work from behind.
If I'm LWW, get the ball first,run inside traps all day with your big hogs, eat the clock and make Love run as much on Defense. Hope for turnovers.
they need to start out on top
Naz needs 2 turnovers
win in the trenches
eat the clock
Hope Love/Ivory don't go off
What should worry LWW is this is their first time, while naz and all their stars have experienced this state championship moment before. With one of the state's most electric players who plays both ways.
What is very interesting, there will be no excuses as LWW best players will line up against Naz players along the line. The match up I'm really excited to see is Dunn/Pendergrass vs Witt/Brokop. If LWW can win this matchup they have a chance of keeping it close. How will Dunn/Pendergrass hold up going both ways? Then with Love as the last line of defense and seeing him play very close to the LOS it will be Love vs Montavlo at the 2nd level.
If I'm Naz, my strategy is start with the ball, throw quick arrow routes/bubble screens to #6 and Love. Annoy LWW with these quick passes, (I think it's a big matchup Naz can exploite is LWWs secondary) Keep your oline fresh, score and make LWW work from behind.
If I'm LWW, get the ball first,run inside traps all day with your big hogs, eat the clock and make Love run as much on Defense. Hope for turnovers.
Please, please, please throw the ball...would love to see this LWW passing game on Saturday!
I too would LOVE to see them throw the ball. Pun definitely intended. Not only do I think Naz has a great defensive backfield, but if LWW is throwing the ball that means Naz has already gone up by a score or two.
LWW needs to do what JCA does not do...Play to WIN, don't play not to LOSE!! Throw the damn ball when it's NOT expected or NEEDED, play from a spread. If LWW gets a lead, keep at it. Don't stop. If NAZ gets the lead, they will put their spikes on LWW's throat (metaphor so I can be PC here!) and drive the score up. Congrats to both teams!
Dan Sharp and Dave Ernst on Naz......
http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/...on-lincoln-way-wests-opponent/aypkuzs/?page=1
http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/...on-lincoln-way-wests-opponent/aypkuzs/?page=1
Love only has 122 total attempts on the season? Only 96 carries and 26 receiving. Thats insane. So almost 1/4 times Love touches the ball its a TD. Ivory-Kelly only with 177 carries as well. Combined they have less touches than Montalvo at 308.
They both are special. Love over the last 2 playoff runs 22 tds and 26 yards per touch! Just in November.
You can say what you want about Coach Sharp, but he is a classy guy.