Anyone seen both of these teams play? Was wondering if someone could give their opinion on this possible playoff matchup.
Thanks man!I follow Westfield and have seen Freedom once, against Lake Taylor.
Ideas on Freedom:
1. I don't know how Freedom will react in a smash-mouth, power game and they have not played a team like that yet.
2. They have only played one above average team, Hylton, and that was a shootout so I am not sold on their defense (but the offense is certainly dangerous).
3. They have two very good players who are a threat every time they touch the ball, the QB and the RB, and at least one receiver who is a very good target; the QB can get him the ball if given time-but can the QB do that under pressure? I have not seen that so I don't know.
4. The region Freedom plays in has a bit more balance than Westfield's region, but IMO it will almost certainly be one of three teams to come out of their region: Freedom, Woodbridge, or Hylton. Anyone else winning their region is a very, very long shot.
Ideas on Westfield:
1. Yes, they are a bit down from last year and the secondary is somewhat vulnerable.
2. They are much more of a power team than Freedom and have played one game like that already (Madison) and will get a little bit more of that against Centreville next week.
3. Freedom had a lot of returning experience, but Westfield started a lot of underclassmen (about 60%). The young kids have shown some growth, which is to be expected, but it must continue if they are going to make a deep run.
4. Westfield's region has all but determined their playoff teams, it is now just a matter of order. Of those eight teams, I think any one of six could win the region (in no particular order): Westfield, Centreville, Madison, South Lakes, Patriot, and Battlefield, although I do think the first three are in a group that has separated itself from the second three. I believe the region champ will come from the first three barring a meltdown or a perfect game by one of the last three.
5. Not having seen Freedom's coaching staff other than one game, I cannot comment on them. But with regard to Westfield's staff, I firmly believe it is one of the best, if not the best, in the state. They have, over the years, consistently developed their team throughout the season and have a knack for taking a group of kids who may not always be the flashiest or biggest or fastest and molding them into a group that certainly exceeds the sum of its parts.