After watching Lockport against LA this past weekend, they really are a physical team and will be a formidable opponent. On defense, they are a stop the run first type of team that has excellent gap control and very opportunistic We can attribute the LA loss to injuries, but the reality is yards were going to be tough to come buy running on this team. The nose guard is a physical player who eats up blocks and the ends are all about gap control. On passing plays, they love to get pressure on the QB with blitzes and the occasional stunt up front, with #96 taking away the step up for the QB with his bull rush and swim moves.
Their offense is not overly complicated but they have some excellent ( and large) players who are able to execute. It all starts and ends with their 6'7" QB1. They will max protect. He gets the ball out VERY quickly while seeing the field with his height. His favorite target is the 6"4" wideout who they isolate on big downs. QB1 likes to throw to him over the top, especially between the 20's , fades inside the 30 and back shoulder in the red zone or if they need less than 12 yards. The MS CB1 will need to play the game of his life. The running attack is power, with a fullback or fullback and H back leading the way while the Oline tries to collapse the middle. They will run the occasional RPO to try and keep the defense honest, but QB1 is not a runner and will in all likelihood hand off.
It's a tough team to play against and I see a score in the 20's .
As always, the MS coaches will need to call an outstanding game with a creative game plan. The MS boys will need to be on their A game, minimize the mistakes, pressure QB1 and play what is affectionately called Hawk ball with Swagger.
