Batavia @ Dansville – 7:30 pm – Dansville High School
| BataviasBest.org
Friday, September 26, 2014
Key Players: Dom Mogavero (Batavia); Greg Mruczek (Batavia); Ahdeosun Aiken (Batavia)
Facing their most difficult challenge in a few weeks, Batavia will go up against a tested Dansville (2-1) squad who just lost to a 3-0 Bath-Haverling team by ten points this past week.
Along with their matchup with Bath, Dansville has also faced-off with the likes of Hornell who they beat 10-6 in Week 1, and Newark in Week 2 who they defeated 21-8. Following the loss a week ago, however, Dansville will be faced with their first game coming off a loss this season, so whether or not they are able to show that they can rebound is up in the air.
In their game last week, the Mustangs showed a few different formations, many of which used misdirection. On several occasions, Dansville would put an H-back in motion into the backfield, and either fake a sweep to him, or flip him the ball and let him get to the outside. In many ways, the Mustangs remind me of Batavia’s Week 1 opponent, Livonia. Although they seem to be more wide-open and have more team speed and athleticism, Dansville possesses many confusing sets as did the Bulldogs.
Where the Mustangs certainly have the capability to put up plenty of points on any given night, their defense is where their weakness lies.
Up front defensively, Dansville looked rather small and I would really expect the big bodies on Batavia’s offensive line to get to them early, and wear them out late. It will be up to the guys in the trenches to set the tone, make it difficult for the Dansville defense, and provided the talented Devils’ running backs with room to run between the tackles as well as to the outside.
One thing I did notice, however, which may present the Blue Devils with a challenge defensively, was that Dansville’s quarterback can sling it.
On a few occasions in their game agains Bath, the Mustangs QB connected deep down the middle of the field with his receivers, resulting in huge gains. If Batavia doesn’t play solid in the secondary and make sure they are disciplined to not let anyone behind them on each down, I could see Dansville hitting a couple big plays.
Despite all of that, I am still sticking with Batavia as I have in each game this season. Although they are not a part of Livingston County, the schedule they play has many teams from it’s league, many of which I believe to be far less talented and physically gifted than the Blue Devils. On any given night Batavia should physically outmatch the teams from LC, and they have for the most part this year.
Give me the Blue and White rolling to another easy victory.
Prediction: Batavia 40 Dansville 24
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