I'm optimistic as well. They made a few personnel moves last night that helped the offense, IMO. Brought another soph up on the O-line at LT, which moved Mac Oconnel back to TE. Anderson is very good. I wonder if Mack could play some TE. Most of the plays he's made the last few years have been in the passing game. I think he would upgrade the blocking at that position as well. I also like Voss' athleticism at QB. The offense is a work-in-progress, but it's improving. The next two weeks are huge. Their backs are against the wall, but they've been there before.
This is the fastest defense they've had in years. IMO, they've played well the last few weeks. They were on the field a lot in the 1st half and seemed to wear down some in the 2nd half.
It's a very young team. 7 sophs saw significant time last night. The future is very bright. The coaches are searching offensively and have found some things. Hopefully, they can find a way to get to five wins this year.
I saw a lot of improvement in the Hilltoppers schemes and execution.
The Defense looks very good and will only get better. IC dug themselves out of a few holes by effectively throwing screens into 3rd –and-long blitzes, almost like they knew the blitzes were coming. The QB keepers hurt too. Those will likely be reviewed and cleaned up.
Offensively, the Q3 ground game scoring drive was certainly a shot in the arm. The OL is developing. The backs that keep their legs moving at and during contact were the ones getting the ball most last night. The backs need to be patient and let the lead blockers get in front of them to do their jobs and clear the holes. That too will come with repetition. Voss has a very good pocket presence and has a nice touch on his passes: He is doing incredibly well for a Soph who played less than half of his Freshman season (injury) on the Frosh level.
Next week’s opponent is St. Laurence, who has won handily against CPS Hyde Park & Blue Island Eisenhower. Beyond their 2-0 record, IMHO I do not believe their level of competition revealed very much about the Vikings.
The week after it is Fenwick who defeated CPS Upper Tier Curie and plays CPS Dunbar today. As with St. Laurence, IMHO I do not believe their level of competition revealed/will reveal very much about the Friars.
Our boys have seen live-fire in their first two games and it will pay off. They have to (and will) get to 5 wins and I see 6 as realistic. IMHO, if David’s rock hits Goliath just right, 7 could be possible.
