Need info on 8A final

[SOUTHSIDECFD]

Since this is the last week I’m trying to get my head around 8A to start with first. Looking at the records for BR and LA on the IHSA website it hits me what a good defense BR has. 9 games in which they held their opponent to 3 or less points with 6 of those shut outs! Only 2 games all year were within one score (1st Marist game 4 pts. And SR(?) 7 points.) They beat the snot out of LA week four 35-3.

Now LA who gets beat 35-3 by BR comes into the playoffs with 3 losses. Two weeks ago as underdogs they shut out very highly rated MS on the road 17-0! This week many posters here on this very board were predicting the LA would be the victim of a running clock! One poster (sporthog9er) stated it would happen by half time! But in the upsets of all upsets LA beat what some here called the Best High School Team of All-Time!

For me something does not add up:

How does LA, who gets beat badly by BR, make it to the 8A final?

Were there missing players in the LA/BR game week four?

Are both teams healthy today?

I have a self-serving interest. When I go to McNally’s to buy my Queen of Hearts tickets this week, I’d like to now what the point spread is, should I met some BR alumni willing to make a friendly wager? How many points does BR have to give 21? Or if I take LA should I ask for more?

 

[ssczar76]

Go to Dingers instead. More BR alums and QOfH goes to BR.

 

[3OrangeWhips]

LA was missing QB1 and WR2 in week 4 so I’m guessing that explains the lack of production on offense. Possibly others? Their offensive line also seemed to still be developing at that point in the season.

Have to assume changes have been made on the defense during the second half of the season.

That was BR’s best offensive game of the season and it’s improbable they will score 5 touchdowns Saturday night.

Throw out Loyola’s regular season record and deficiencies - this is a different animal now.

BR is relatively healthy but can they beat another good team for the second time this year in consecutive weeks? My guess is the majority of posters will say...no.

Both schools coming off emotional wins and will have to refocus, immediately. LA has been to this game 4 straight so they have a decisive advantage in preparation.

LA -6.5 / total 31

Sidenote: I remember the freshmen game between these two senior classes. Great game. BR won by 1. Loyola went for two late in the 4th quarter for the win. Imagine if...

 

[Anon1754760634]

Also didn't BR score on a pick six and another special teams deal in the Week 4 game?

 

[3OrangeWhips]

Also didn't BR score on a pick six and another special teams deal in the Week 4 game?

There was definitely a scoop and score that made it 14-0. 4 interceptions. Looking at the game recap, Bean threw for 250 and there were 4 offensive TDs.

 

[SOUTHSIDECFD]

LA was missing QB1 and WR2 in week 4 so I’m guessing that explains the lack of production on offense. Possibly others? Their offensive line also seemed to still be developing at that point in the season. Have to assume changes have been made on the defense during the second half of the season.
That was BR’s best offensive game of the season and it’s improbable they will score 5 touchdowns Saturday night. Throw out Loyola’s regular season record and deficiencies - this is a different animal now.
BR is relatively healthy but can they beat another good team for the second time this year in consecutive weeks? My guess is the majority of posters will say...no. Both schools coming off emotional wins and will have to refocus, immediately. LA has been to this game 4 straight so they have a decisive advantage in preparation.

LA -6.5 / total 31

So I should look for a low scoring defensive battle? The nine games with 3 or less points jumps out at me. Impressive when you look at season totals.

 

[godfthr53]

If I were setting a line i think I'd open it at BR -2.5 37.5

 

[McCaravan]

Last time BR was the underdog, at home, played loose, had fun, everything worked for them that night, all breaks went their way. They played near perfect football. Loyola was in a daze.

This time LA is the underdog.... This is their 6th trip to the show under Holecek...very familiar ground. They’ll be the loose team. Bad thing they are 1-4 in the first 5....it’s going to be a real interesting game.