LA @ GW....the coaches thread

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

first of all, i went with "coaches" vice "coaches' " is this thread is about two coaches and not a thread written by or for the LA or GW coaches.

now that this is out of the way, we may be looking at the best coaching match-up we've had in some time.

IMO, we are looking at a match-up between the state's best all-around coach, Holecek, vs the state's premier defensive coach, Hetlet.

I add further, the fact their names both start with H's and also contain e's and l's is no/NOT a coincidence. It is just more proof of their talent. For example, name two other coaches whose names start with H's and also contain e's and l's.

As for the game, their will be plenty of time for analysis in other threads, but since i'm writing....

I like LA by 13. I think GW is playing as good as team ball as they have all season; however, if i am being honest, their playoff opponents were not as good as some of their regular season opponents. This said, Hetlet will have schemed LA better than any team except MC, who has the benefit of playing LA every season. I suspect if any team can beat LA, and as I think back about this...it's probably been true all season, it will be GW due to defensive scheme. I think MC beat LA had MC not lost two enormous transfers.

Hats off to these teams.

 

[MS4EVER]

With a 50% chance of rain on Friday I think the field will be just how GW likes it on Saturday.
GW 17 LA 14

 

[bgoss6474]

first of all, i went with "coaches" vice "coaches' " is this thread is about two coaches and not a thread written by or for the LA or GW coaches.

now that this is out of the way, we may be looking at the best coaching match-up we've had in some time.

IMO, we are looking at a match-up between the state's best all-around coach, Holecek, vs the state's premier defensive coach, Hetlet.

I add further, the fact their names both start with H's and also contain e's and l's is no/NOT a coincidence. It is just more proof of their talent. For example, name two other coaches whose names start with H's and also contain e's and l's.

As for the game, their will be plenty of time for analysis in other threads, but since i'm writing....

I like LA by 13. I think GW is playing as good as team ball as they have all season; however, if i am being honest, their playoff opponents were not as good as some of their regular season opponents. This said, Hetlet will have schemed LA better than any team except MC, who has the benefit of playing LA every season. I suspect if any team can beat LA, and as I think back about this...it's probably been true all season, it will be GW due to defensive scheme. I think MC beat LA had MC not lost two enormous transfers.

Hats off to these teams.

JC, regarding MC's transfers, do you have any details on that (i.e. why did they transfer? And to where did they transfer?). FYI, curious cuz we had a baseball friend transfer out of MC due to finances).

 

[Bowie50]

I hope we get Tommy Herion back, or at least QB2 Quinn Boyle.

 

[ignazio]

I hope we get Tommy Herion back, or at least QB2 Quinn Boyle.

The Freshman B QB 2 is the likely starter.

 

[capnbillhitters]

first of all, i went with "coaches" vice "coaches' " is this thread is about two coaches and not a thread written by or for the LA or GW coaches.

now that this is out of the way, we may be looking at the best coaching match-up we've had in some time.

IMO, we are looking at a match-up between the state's best all-around coach, Holecek, vs the state's premier defensive coach, Hetlet.

I add further, the fact their names both start with H's and also contain e's and l's is no/NOT a coincidence. It is just more proof of their talent. For example, name two other coaches whose names start with H's and also contain e's and l's.

As for the game, their will be plenty of time for analysis in other threads, but since i'm writing....

I like LA by 13. I think GW is playing as good as team ball as they have all season; however, if i am being honest, their playoff opponents were not as good as some of their regular season opponents. This said, Hetlet will have schemed LA better than any team except MC, who has the benefit of playing LA every season. I suspect if any team can beat LA, and as I think back about this...it's probably been true all season, it will be GW due to defensive scheme. I think MC beat LA had MC not lost two enormous transfers.

Hats off to these teams.

Great post. I will beg to differ on a couple of points.

First, I think NV beats HC, LT and OPRF. I also think H-F beats those three unless LT plays out of their minds. Both of those teams remain Top 6-7 in an all-class statewide poll imho.

Second, what I think you have seen develop more and more as this year has progressed is Hetlet removing the restrictor plates and going full throttle with an offense that is shaping into one of the best, most balanced in the state. He has won games in multiple ways this playoff push. Scoring 31 on NV was hugely impressive. When H-F flashed amazing DB schemes, GW quickly adjusted and pounded out the ground game.

Great coaches grow as they age. Hetlet has shown a willingness to grow and adapt this year that takes him out of the defense only mindset. It used to be that shootouts took him out of his comfort zone. Now, he looks calm and measured on the sideline over the last six games. Not sure he has adapted his style to maximize the value of his players or maybe the fear of losing was beaten out of him at HC. Maybe the lesson was that you can still be searching for your team's identity in conference play, and if that causes a couple of regular season losses, the world doesn't collapse.

I spent a lot of time last year discussing the difference between going into playoffs undefeated compared to what always seems like MC teams running the table after two or three regular season losses. GW hadn't experienced loss in many regular seasons and you and Dean schooled me on the value of learning the lessons of losses in building the character needed for post-season success. This year Hetlet has proven he can face regular season adversity, yet still model the character of his team for post season success. That was one last unknown but now we know.

At some point, you are going to have to look at Hetlet as a complete coach. This year, he has earned that distinction.

 

[pjjp]

JCHill...you are discounting the advantage of playing at Duchon. There is not a greater home field advantage in the state. Add in questions about LA's QB situation, and GBW's offensive development this year, and I give the slight edge to the Hitters in this one.

 

[capnbillhitters]

JCHill...you are discounting the advantage of playing at Duchon. There is not a greater home field advantage in the state. Add in questions about LA's QB situation, and GBW's offensive development this year, and I give the slight nod to the Hitters in this one.

I love how this narrative is playing out. The team that has dominated all 8A football for 26 games, reaching the level of #6 in the objective Massey computer ranking, is now somehow the underdog because they have to suffer the trauma of playing on grass.

If Marwede runs the wildcat, which it sounds like he will have to do, LA is a two TD favorite on any field. Sorry but there is no way you can polish that turd of a narrative into truth. Grass does not neutralize a 6'5" monster running downhill. Grass did neutralize H-F's edge speed a bit.

GW accepts their underdog role gladly and will do everything in their power to make this game competitive. If I know my boys, they will be up for the battle.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

I love how this narrative is playing out. The team that has dominated all 8A football for 26 games, reaching the level of #6 in the objective Massey computer ranking, is now somehow the underdog because they have to suffer the trauma of playing on grass.

If Marwede runs the wildcat, which it sounds like he will have to do, LA is a two TD favorite on any field. Sorry but there is no way you can polish that turd of a narrative into truth. Grass does not neutralize a 6'5" monster running downhill. Grass did neutralize H-F's edge speed a bit.

GW accepts their underdog role gladly and will do everything in their power to make this game competitive. If I know my boys, they will be up for the battle.

i've never understood why anyone would want to be an underdog. That is why i agree with the more precise statement that GW will "accept their underdog role." The gladly part, i think, is just a word you added and were not being literal. I agree with your points.

 

[pjjp]

I love how this narrative is playing out. The team that has dominated all 8A football for 26 games, reaching the level of #6 in the objective Massey computer ranking, is now somehow the underdog because they have to suffer the trauma of playing on grass.

If Marwede runs the wildcat, which it sounds like he will have to do, LA is a two TD favorite on any field. Sorry but there is no way you can polish that turd of a narrative into truth. Grass does not neutralize a 6'5" monster running downhill. Grass did neutralize H-F's edge speed a bit.

GW accepts their underdog role gladly and will do everything in their power to make this game competitive. If I know my boys, they will be up for the battle.

If LA is reduced to being one-dimensional and exclusively running Marwede out of the wildcat, the Ramblers will not win. Your Hitters will shut down a one-dimensional attack. I do agree Marwede on grass is a nice option for LA. They will need more than than that offensively to win, though.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

JC, regarding MC's transfers, do you have any details on that (i.e. why did they transfer? And to where did they transfer?). FYI, curious cuz we had a baseball friend transfer out of MC due to finances).

the highest recruit in MC history transferred to high profile IMG in FL. No clue on the others.

 

[MS4EVER]

If LA is reduced to being one-dimensional and exclusively running Marwede out of the wildcat, the Ramblers will not win. Your Hitters will shut down a one-dimensional attack. I do agree Marwede on grass is a nice option for LA. They will need more than than that offensively to win, though.

Exactly! If anyone is fit to stop LA on the ground it is GW.

 

[capnbillhitters]

i've never understood why anyone would want to be an underdog. That is why i agree with the more precise statement that GW will "accept their underdog role." The gladly part, i think, is just a word you added and were not being literal. I agree with your points.

You are correct. Gladly was a lazy word. It should have been begrudgingly accept. Thanks for catching

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

You are correct. Gladly was a lazy word. It should have been begrudgingly accept. Thanks for catching

Didn't Marwede used to be a QB in Frosh? Maybe folks underestimate his ability to pass? Loyola might not be as one dimensional as some might think? Big downside is that he is not out there as a target in the passing game. Huge minus there.

 

[bgoss6474]

the highest recruit in MC history transferred to high profile IMG in FL. No clue on the others.

Ah yes. I did hear about that kid awhile back but had forgotten about it. (I remember the chatter was that he would've been a major FBS recruit whether he was at MC or IMG, no matter) Thank you for reminding.

 

[pancakechamp51]

This game IS the 8A State Championship. The winner here should be able to take care of business the following week in Champaign. Maine South is no walk over but these are the two best teams in 8A this week.

 

[capnbillhitters]

This game IS the 8A State Championship. The winner here should be able to take care of business the following week in Champaign. Maine South is no walk over but these are the two best teams in 8A this week.

I would never under estimate either Pal or MS. Both of those teams are battle tested and know how to win. We played a lot of those Pal kids in 2014 at Palatine. Those kids lay wood on defense and were it not an explosion of a freight train named Sammy Brods that day, our season may have ended right there. And MS has been drafting close behind. Losing a couple of character building games while knowing they can put points on anyone.

I kind wish they were playing at night, because that game might be the better game to watch. Pal's defense is playing like these last three years have built to this crescendo. MS has played the same "luck" card that GW has played in securing the home field for the match up.

GW/LA is a match up that many have wanted for the last couple of years, but that "other semifinal" is going to produce a beast on an opponent.

 

[PowerI66_]

This game IS the 8A State Championship. The winner here should be able to take care of business the following week in Champaign. Maine South is no walk over but these are the two best teams in 8A this week.

Someone will have to contact the coaches and players at MS and Palatine to let them know that their game doesn't matter Saturday.

 

[Goomlah]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1114-prep-fb-bits-20161112-story.html

Sounds from the article Herion is healthy. Even if LA is a 9 point favorite,

 

[capnbillhitters]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1114-prep-fb-bits-20161112-story.html

Sounds from the article Herion is healthy. Even if LA is a 9 point favorite,

Massey still showing 14 point spread but maybe he doesn't understand what and amazing home field advantage we have at Duchon....where we are 0-3 in state semi-final games in the last 10 years.

 

[GWRandy]

Outside of the 2010 loss @ WWS, all of the Hetlet playoffs losses have been at Duchon.

The GW semifinal wins in 2012 and 2015 were hosted by GW at Glenbard South.

 

[capnbillhitters]

Outside of the 2010 loss @ WWS, all of the Hetlet playoffs losses have been at Duchon.

The GW semifinal wins in 2012 and 2015 were hosted by GW at Glenbard South.

Yep and ESL in 2008 was at Duchon right? So three Semi losses at Duchon, two victories at GBS.

 

[GWRandy]

... and one semifinal victory at Lake Zurich in 2009.

In 2009 playoffs, GW was undefeated #1 seed and got 2 home playoff games. LZ was 6-3 entering playoffs and a #11 seed.

 

[GWRandy]

I just like GW playing at Duchon because I can walk to the game.

Unfortunately, it looks like that Canadian weather system is going to transition by the weekend and the temps around 60 all week will fall into the 40's by Saturday morning.

 

[capnbillhitters]

40's is football weather.

Each semi final game in the last three was the first really cold day of the Fall. In '13 it was brutal against LZ. Stevie game was 55 on Friday and 20 on Saturday and there was a crust of ice on the field that had yet to freeze. Last year was 11 inches of snow.

A 40+ degree day on Saturday will feel balmy in comparison.

 

[pancakechamp51]

Someone will have to contact the coaches and players at MS and Palatine to let them know that their game doesn't matter Saturday.

Powerl66 - We shall find out. That is why they play the games after all but I would predict:

LA - 56
MS - 28