Lake Zurich vs. PN

FalconPadre

Junior
Jun 10, 2017
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No one on this planet believes speed is not important. This topic is about a "fast" LZ defense against and even faster (poster claim) PN. The concern is when someone tries to use track result to conclude one team is faster than the other. As a person that has been around several levels of speed, there is a HUGE difference between football speed and track speed. Very few kids are great at both and typically those are considered very special kids.

There is a poster on this thread who would like to challenge my knowledge however I don't think it is worth totally derailing this thread. In the end, if both teams are fast, execution will determine who wins the game.

This is why I love playoff football!
It doesn't matter how fast someone is when they are in front of you. Keep speed in front of you and they are just another guy.
 
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vfl05

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No one on this planet believes speed is not important. This topic is about a "fast" LZ defense against and even faster (poster claim) PN. The concern is when someone tries to use track result to conclude one team is faster than the other. As a person that has been around several levels of speed, there is a HUGE difference between football speed and track speed. Very few kids are great at both and typically those are considered very special kids.

There is a poster on this thread who would like to challenge my knowledge however I don't think it is worth totally derailing this thread. In the end, if both teams are fast, execution will determine who wins the game.

This is why I love playoff football!

I challenge your knowledge because saying things like there is a "HUGE" difference in being fast in football and fast on the track is hilariously erroneous. There is an absolute correlation between track and football success. Being so certain as to say it is a huge difference shows a complete ignorance on the subject or a refusal to admit the truth.

https://www.trackingfootball.com/
 

ClownBaby

Heisman
Oct 26, 2006
22,188
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I challenge your knowledge because saying things like there is a "HUGE" difference in being fast in football and fast on the track is hilariously erroneous. There is an absolute correlation between track and football success. Being so certain as to say it is a huge difference shows a complete ignorance on the subject or a refusal to admit the truth.

https://www.trackingfootball.com/

It won’t matter LZ is disciplined and rarely out of position, this alone will eliminate any speed advantage PN has. Speed is great but unless they are are all going to line up and race a 100m it won’t matter.
 
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vfl05

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It won’t matter LZ is disciplined and rarely out of position, this alone will eliminate any speed advantage PN has. Speed is great but unless they are are all going to line up and race a 100m it won’t matter.

I was with you until you said speed doesn’t matter unless they are going to line up and run a 100 smh.
 
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SPB56

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Sep 2, 2008
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Speed is just a factor. Don’t give it too much nor too little recognition, but recognize it for what it is, just one of a hundred other factors. When I think speed, I think reaction time. That D lineman with a keen eye and a very fast reaction time can totally negate the speed of the receivers. Same impact as a D lineman with a better technique vs the person he’s against. Receiver vs defender is all about separation. Elapsed time provides more separation. Reduce the elapsed time enough and you will reduce the gap to where it’s insignificant.

So what about that Z axis....taller or jumps higher?....I’ll hang up and listen now. LOL
 

ClownBaby

Heisman
Oct 26, 2006
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I was with you until you said speed doesn’t matter unless they are going to line up and run a 100 smh.

I’ve watched plenty of high school football where the team with a major speed advantage got shut down by a team who was never out of position. LZ plays this style of football and even though it wont wow you on film when the game begins it will frustrate the hell out of you.
 

mc140

All-Conference
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LZ wins easily. More importantly how did they change the team initiations this year?
 

SWsuburbs4

Sophomore
Sep 10, 2017
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I’ve watched plenty of high school football where the team with a major speed advantage got shut down by a team who was never out of position. LZ plays this style of football and even though it wont wow you on film when the game begins it will frustrate the hell out of you.

I don't think people are understanding how speed works. Speed is not just an offensive attribute. Speed on defense is just as important. Without a doubt LZ has not played a defense with the speed of PN, which is why I expect this game to be much closer than many people expect.
 
May 18, 2015
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Speed is speed LHSTigers. I would expect an ESL guy to understand that. If your argument was that being fast doesn’t always make you the best football player, I would understand your argument. And if someone runs a 4.3 and their opponent trying to catch him runs a 4.7, that opponent is going to look pretty silly. Again, surprised at your lack of knowledge on speed.

I am not saying that LZ is going to lose. But PN is faster than them and most of the teams on the LZ schedule. Sorry if that offends some of you.

LZ will win this game on the LoS. Not because they have better athletes on the perimeter.

Last year H-F could have outrun GW at every position except Ty Cox who became a revelation that game. Problem is when defenses pressure outside in on the edge, the force speed guys back into cut back lanes. Great defensive coaches teach lane control such that cut backs run right into LBs holding their lane. GW wore out H-F because they could never clear the edge and the blitzing kept the QB off balance enough to cause problems in the vertical game.

And just like LA brought an inside game to GW to overpower their smaller front eight, it will take a big powerful running game to get to LZ. Warren did a pretty good job of that while also peppering the long ball.

Don’t think PN will find that edge much.
 

mc140

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Speed is neutralized when a team is much more physical up front. Doesn't matter how fast your WRs are if your if your QB has no time to throw, same with a RB if he is getting hit in the back field. If teams have similar abilities on the line, then it becomes a big advantage.
 
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vfl05

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Last year H-F could have outrun GW at every position except Ty Cox who became a revelation that game. Problem is when defenses pressure outside in on the edge, the force speed guys back into cut back lanes. Great defensive coaches teach lane control such that cut backs run right into LBs holding their lane. GW wore out H-F because they could never clear the edge and the blitzing kept the QB off balance enough to cause problems in the vertical game.

And just like LA brought an inside game to GW to overpower their smaller front eight, it will take a big powerful running game to get to LZ. Warren did a pretty good job of that while also peppering the long ball.

Don’t think PN will find that edge much.

Yes, GBW does a great job neutralizing speed with their style of play. Doesn’t mean HF’s speed was easy to contain or wasn’t a weapon that could expose some teams. But I agree some teams are better equipped to handle speed deficiencies.
 
May 18, 2015
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Yes, GBW does a great job neutralizing speed with their style of play. Doesn’t mean HF’s speed was easy to contain or wasn’t a weapon that could expose some teams. But I agree some teams are better equipped to handle speed deficiencies.

I see a lot of similarities between GW and LZ. Watching their brawls over the years has been like watching two Grand Master Chess players at work. The conservative offensive styles in those games haven't made them very "exciting" but each team comes away glad they won't be facing the other anytime soon.
 

LHSTigers94

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Oct 25, 2004
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I challenge your knowledge because saying things like there is a "HUGE" difference in being fast in football and fast on the track is hilariously erroneous. There is an absolute correlation between track and football success. Being so certain as to say it is a huge difference shows a complete ignorance on the subject or a refusal to admit the truth.

https://www.trackingfootball.com/


Whatever you say I am good with it.
 

Chowbuster1

Junior
Apr 12, 2004
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I watched the stream of the Warren game LZ should not have won that game. But hey good teams find a way to win.
LZ was up in this game by 2 touchdowns with 4 minutes left. They never should have let the game go to OT. Not sure what game you saw....
 

BearMarket82

Redshirt
Nov 23, 2013
19
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0
A team with tremendous size would cause this team trouble. A team that is lined up to pound the ball would cause big trouble. A team that has a lot of speed matches well because this LZ team is built on speed. Their passing game is historically good for them. A team that runs 5 wide with 6-5, 6-3 on the outside could pose problems as well.

Unless Plainfield is a team with big wide receivers and a massive O-line, I don't see that fitting into the bad matchup category. But that would be why they will play at 1 on Saturday.

------

Know nothing about PN's 8 speedsters mentioned, but if they have 8 bonafide speed athletes with skill, I don't understand why PN didn't find the mismatches all game long, all season long and eviscerate defenses. PN win stats look, on paper, very convincing, but not ESL Flyer-like convincing. Maybe vfl05 can shed light on this?

JMHO, between Newts's original post and CCHS's, they pretty much pin-pointed current and past Achilles heel of LZ ... size. '17 squad may be not as fast as '07 LZ squad, but overall team speed is at minimum competitive enough to disrupt the PN 8 Burners mentioned by VFL.

Sounded to me like Newt / CCHS were saying speed alone won't be the decisive factor, but overwhelming Rb / receiver speed AND an O-line that can generate gaping running lanes will be LZ's undoing.

My son started for '06 / '07 State Final LZ teams. So had a pretty good look at what that epic '06 Rita team had: 4 legit D1 players, at least one drafted Pro, and two featured RB's that had blinding speed AND a beefy / athletic O-line that LZ couldn't stop when Rita decided to let QB P. Balsam tuck and run up the middle. Rita line was unstoppable and their defensive speed / size equally stifling.

Rita decisively won, but they didn't eviscerate LZ with all their D1 talent and team speed. Admittedly, that Rita team was something special.

Fun to see two teams, from two vastly different conferences, collide in the playoffs and allow fans to get sense of how talent stacks up between them.

Best to both teams this Sat., just a little more to the blue team.
 

Tez711

Senior
Oct 12, 2011
416
594
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Speed kills! Personally seen on many occasions a break away TD run or pass chased down from 20yrds in the rear...those TD’s often turn into FG’s or no points at all. I’ll take speed any day...

As for the game- PN defense is very very stingy and full of said speed! This same speed is the reason they made the run last year until they ran in Jeffery. Seen them play 2x this year- all I can say is don’t hang your expectations on that Minooka game- everyone can struggle and the Minooka D is no slouch either (See Ty Gavin totals from Week 10)
Or better yet, ran into Jeffery = Jeff Thomas-ESL
I don't think we have speed like that in any class this year, I could be wrong but I have yet to see it. A close comparison would be the kid that starts QB for EVille. That dude has wheels!
 

michaeldgannon

Redshirt
Jul 6, 2012
112
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LZ needs to pressure the QB or else this is going to be a close game or worse for LZ, I think. Typically when LZ plays against good QB's they try to cover the receivers and make the other QB win the game, which is usually tough for a high school kid to do. Usually though this tactic does not end well for LZ (see many past Stevenson games, Riley O'Toole in state final, etc.). Sending Sanborn in on blitzes would take care of that issue. Regarding PN's ability to run with speed guys, forget about it--not happening.
 
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michaeldgannon

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Jul 6, 2012
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I challenge your knowledge because saying things like there is a "HUGE" difference in being fast in football and fast on the track is hilariously erroneous. There is an absolute correlation between track and football success. Being so certain as to say it is a huge difference shows a complete ignorance on the subject or a refusal to admit the truth.

https://www.trackingfootball.com/
Under that theory Zion Benton should have creamed LZ. And on one play, when LZ missed a tackle and was out of position, Zion Benton did cream LZ on a long catch and run--outran the entire LZ defense. The problem for Zion was the rest of the plays in that game when LZ did not miss a tackle and was in position . . .
 

SWsuburbs4

Sophomore
Sep 10, 2017
180
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Under that theory Zion Benton should have creamed LZ. And on one play, when LZ missed a tackle and was out of position, Zion Benton did cream LZ on a long catch and run--outran the entire LZ defense. The problem for Zion was the rest of the plays in that game when LZ did not miss a tackle and was in position . . .

You do realize speed matters to all positions and not just the guys with the ball, right?
 

SWsuburbs4

Sophomore
Sep 10, 2017
180
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No. My five year old niece could beat Tom Brady in the 40 yard dash. Nobody would argue how good he is, except you maybe?

Lol. You obviously don’t understand the game of football. Is there any coincidence that the offensive tackles that run the fastest 40’s at the NFL combine are drafted in the first round?

Why is it that the NFL never runs option or jet sweep like college does?

NFL defenses are too fast.

You could make the case that speed is the most important factor in football. From offensive lineman to line backers...
 

LakeCtyNewt

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I think the whole thread was started by claiming several times that LZ can’t jeep up with Plainfield and their speed.

What will help neutralize that Saturday will be the weather. Yes lz has turf but with wet weather (heavy rain expected) it will change the game and how teams play it.

Plainfield May have very fast players, but yo make claims that their speed is something LZ hasn’t experienced is probably a bit over the top.

I remember reading many a scripe saying before the state track meet last spring that no one could beat the speed of Plainfield N down there. I also remember that it was decided in the track.
 
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vfl05

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No. My five year old niece could beat Tom Brady in the 40 yard dash. Nobody would argue how good he is, except you maybe?

So speed isn't important in football because there is a slow QB that is good?

LZ fan logic in this thread is really something. First, they say LZ is just as fast as PN. Then you do a 180 and switch to the argument that speed doesn't matter in football, with some of the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a long time.
 

daryl rl

Redshirt
Oct 26, 2007
362
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So speed isn't important in football because there is a slow QB that is good?

LZ fan logic in this thread is really something. First, they say LZ is just as fast as PN. Then you do a 180 and switch to the argument that speed doesn't matter in football, with some of the most ridiculous statements I have seen on this board in a long time.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT (i.e. R E L A X !!!)

Fortunately the kids will play, and all will get settled on the field where it really should be.
 
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SWsuburbs4

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Sep 10, 2017
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DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT (i.e. RELAX!!!)

Fortunately the kids will play, and all will get settled on the field where it really should be.

There is not one post on this thread that said LZ is not the favorite. LZ should win. PN’s speed was brought up to explain how the game could be much closer than most expect.

How dare anyone say that LZ will be challenged in a game.
 

vfl05

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DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT (i.e. R E L A X !!!)

Fortunately the kids will play, and all will get settled on the field where it really should be.

Oh don't worry I don't even care about the game. I just brought up the point about PN and got attacked by the LZ fan club, so I had to defend it. But I am more defending the role of speed in the game of football than the LZ-PN game itself.
 

daryl rl

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Oct 26, 2007
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I don't care about this game all that much either. My point (not very well expressed) was that it really comes down to a lot more than speed.

Speed by itself doesn't matter! Give me a team with the fastest players and I can still be beaten with slower players with better coaching, scheme, size, whatever.
 

vfl05

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I don't care about this game all that much either. My point (not very well expressed) was that it really comes down to a lot more than speed.

Speed by itself doesn't matter! Give me a team with the fastest players and I can still be beaten with slower players with better coaching, scheme, size, whatever.

The lack of reading comprehension in this thread is astounding.
 

daryl rl

Redshirt
Oct 26, 2007
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I just re-read the thread and agree with your comment... You have been consistent in your opinion re: speed and all you have said is that PN's speed should be respected and could be a factor. AGREED.
 
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michaeldgannon

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Jul 6, 2012
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Lol. You obviously don’t understand the game of football. Is there any coincidence that the offensive tackles that run the fastest 40’s at the NFL combine are drafted in the first round?

Why is it that the NFL never runs option or jet sweep like college does?

NFL defenses are too fast.

You could make the case that speed is the most important factor in football. From offensive lineman to line backers...
Yea I agree speed is important. My only point was that LZ plays very well as a team and because of that they can (and usually do) neutralize a quicker team.
 

pjjp

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After reading this thread, I wish the game was in Plainfield. I may have attended.
 

michaeldgannon

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Jul 6, 2012
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I think the whole thread was started by claiming several times that LZ can’t jeep up with Plainfield and their speed.

What will help neutralize that Saturday will be the weather. Yes lz has turf but with wet weather (heavy rain expected) it will change the game and how teams play it.

Plainfield May have very fast players, but yo make claims that their speed is something LZ hasn’t experienced is probably a bit over the top.

I remember reading many a scripe saying before the state track meet last spring that no one could beat the speed of Plainfield N down there. I also remember that it was decided in the track.
Well said.
 

michaeldgannon

Redshirt
Jul 6, 2012
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There is not one post on this thread that said LZ is not the favorite. LZ should win. PN’s speed was brought up to explain how the game could be much closer than most expect.

How dare anyone say that LZ will be challenged in a game.
I agree the game could be close, not because of PN's speed though, but because of a good QB. Edgy was right on the money on this point.
 

ODERTY1

Senior
Nov 11, 2014
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last year's runner up gets no love.... interesting. they play the underdog very well
 

Quags22

Senior
Aug 15, 2006
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Lol. You obviously don’t understand the game of football. Is there any coincidence that the offensive tackles that run the fastest 40’s at the NFL combine are drafted in the first round?

Why is it that the NFL never runs option or jet sweep like college does?

NFL defenses are too fast.

You could make the case that speed is the most important factor in football. From offensive lineman to line backers...

NFL teams do run jet sweeps and they run option football. But the NFL game is not the college game. Too much time and especially money is tied up in developing and keeping QB's. In college, it is next man up.

I can't ever make a case where speed is the most important factor. Speed is a factor but not THE factor.

Guess it is no coincidence that you have an Illini helmet as your picture. You have figured out football as well as they have.