JCA fans
- Thread starter MS4EVER
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Throwing the INT on first down when up 31-7 in the third certainly was all it took to make it a game.
Credit to Nazareth. They made the adjustments and didn't quit even when down so much. Tale of two games. Naz could not have looked more inept in the first half. Naz was the aggressor and JC looked to be back on their heels all second half.
Any JC guys know what happened to our linebacker #2? He was out on the first defensive drive of the game looking fine. Then I saw him the rest of the game on crutches. I didn't see anything happen on the field.
If anything, I am more amazed by the first half defensive performance than upset by the second half breakdown. The JC defense shut down Naz in the first half with 2 starting linebackers not even on the field. That's a testament to the defensive line and other guys stepping up.
When these two play again, Naz is going to throw the ball 70 times because the running game matchup is not in their favor. That's why rematches are so tough because now Naz will know that in the playoffs and won't spend an entire half trying to figure it out. That said, if Krisch and Davis are both back for the playoffs, you're looking at entirely new dynamics to both the offense and defense. Heck, Ke'Von Johnson looked so good I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at wingback and Davis go to WR where he played last year. Especially coming off an ankle, that may be better than the pounding of a wingback. And that would make this offense very potent.
Good game by both teams. Or maybe I should say good half to each team! I was certainly entertained.
Credit to Nazareth. They made the adjustments and didn't quit even when down so much. Tale of two games. Naz could not have looked more inept in the first half. Naz was the aggressor and JC looked to be back on their heels all second half.
Any JC guys know what happened to our linebacker #2? He was out on the first defensive drive of the game looking fine. Then I saw him the rest of the game on crutches. I didn't see anything happen on the field.
If anything, I am more amazed by the first half defensive performance than upset by the second half breakdown. The JC defense shut down Naz in the first half with 2 starting linebackers not even on the field. That's a testament to the defensive line and other guys stepping up.
When these two play again, Naz is going to throw the ball 70 times because the running game matchup is not in their favor. That's why rematches are so tough because now Naz will know that in the playoffs and won't spend an entire half trying to figure it out. That said, if Krisch and Davis are both back for the playoffs, you're looking at entirely new dynamics to both the offense and defense. Heck, Ke'Von Johnson looked so good I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay at wingback and Davis go to WR where he played last year. Especially coming off an ankle, that may be better than the pounding of a wingback. And that would make this offense very potent.
Good game by both teams. Or maybe I should say good half to each team! I was certainly entertained.
JCHillmen pretty much nailed it. The interception was the momentum changer, and Naz is a team that plays on emotion. You just can't throw that interception on 1st and 10 from your own 10 when up 31-7. Not surprisingly, the JC offense became even more conservative after that. Also, have to give credit to Naz. They have athletes all over the field. WR Simmons made numerous big plays. And JCA had a passive approach defensively in the 2nd half. Their D-line did not get much of a rush and with Krisch out, they did not blitz often.
A couple other thoughts: some questioned the Naz QB on the board leading up to the game. He made a lot of very nice throws and has good mobility to extend plays. Obviously, Ke'von Johnson came up huge. Naz did a good job of limiting Michael Johnson, which opened up opportunities for Ke'von, and he took full advantage. When Naz cut the lead to 31-28, Ke'von's kick return to the Naz 40 was a huge play. It gave the Hilltoppers good field position and seemed to take back some of the momentum.
A couple other thoughts: some questioned the Naz QB on the board leading up to the game. He made a lot of very nice throws and has good mobility to extend plays. Obviously, Ke'von Johnson came up huge. Naz did a good job of limiting Michael Johnson, which opened up opportunities for Ke'von, and he took full advantage. When Naz cut the lead to 31-28, Ke'von's kick return to the Naz 40 was a huge play. It gave the Hilltoppers good field position and seemed to take back some of the momentum.
One other thought, the penalties are killing JC, as they have all year. They had 3 defensive holding calls against them. I rarely see that called in high school. Couldn't tell if the calls were made on the DB's or if a D-linemen was holding a RB trying to leak out of the backfield.
was a weird one for sure.
Everyone nailed it below. I'll add a few things. Naz's offense was predictable in the first half. Naz also spread their defense out in the second half, which help - in a major way. Naz clearly had the agenda of stopping MJ. that is a strategy that has not historically worked against JCA.
From the JCA side, other than what is mentioned below, JCA lost two defensive starters in the game (at half), including three year starter Krisch who is a beast. Sharp got very very conservative in the second half, wisely, IMO, but he needed to get out of that...and did not. Naz did a great job stopping MJ, but we just continued to feed him the ball on runs up the middle. I agreed going conservative out of the gate, but we needed to get back to passing and giving ke'von J the ball.
Naz simply adjusted, took advantage to JCA penalties, and made some big plays.
Honestly, there was a point where i thought we were going to go up 42-0. But even at that score, i did not think it would be a reflection of a potential future meeting - which i assumed would be much closer. Was another entertaining game at memorial....glad we held on.
Love on defense is outstanding.
Love's second half was terrific.
No running team will beat JCA, and no passing team will beat Naz.
No running team will beat JCA, and no passing team will beat Naz.
Was a hell of a game. That fake punt at the end of the half was a killer for Naz (probably a rugby punt read but you just have to kick it). That said I think JCA went kind of conservative until the game got back in reach and by then the momentum had been wrestled away.
Really like those JCA DT's...
Really like those JCA DT's...
Aguirre was the best DL I saw last in the last few years and he only got bigger and stronger. As a whole best DL I've seen in years as well. OL is legit too.
JCAs only weakness is the secondary, but not sure if any team but Naz really has an advantage there.
JCAs only weakness is the secondary, but not sure if any team but Naz really has an advantage there.
When JC was up 14-0 they kicked the fg to go up 17-0. Hard to argue going up 3 scores but I would have gone for the jugular there.on Naz 2 with that line. Bizarre fake punt by Naz.even if they made it they aren't scoring.
Jchilltopper's initial prediction of 1097-0 looked good for a while. JC kinda took foot off gas.fine line though u want to keep pressure on but not call dogs off. Didn't like the pass deep in own territory like that on first. Gave Naz a shot in the arm. I also woulda got Warrick Dunn ball more. Can't imagine they don't replay in 5A.
Jchilltopper's initial prediction of 1097-0 looked good for a while. JC kinda took foot off gas.fine line though u want to keep pressure on but not call dogs off. Didn't like the pass deep in own territory like that on first. Gave Naz a shot in the arm. I also woulda got Warrick Dunn ball more. Can't imagine they don't replay in 5A.
the secondary is very good, but they are all on crutches...as far as naz's secondary...or whatever position Love officially plays, he really really impressed me with his ability to get to the ball carrier. Reminded me of a HS version of polamalu.