Elba @ Attica – Attica High School
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Friday, October 3, 2014
Key Players: John Hochmuth (Elba); Garrett Chapell (Elba); Steele Truax (Elba); Mike Shanley (Elba); Alex Piechocki (Attica); Jake Strzelec (Attica); Dameon Marchetti (Attica)
This contest will feature the top two teams in the GR League with the winner likely taking over first place. With each side riding high after hard-fought victories last week, the Lancers and Blue Devils are certain to put on a show this week.
To be perfectly honest, I believe this game is going to come down to one thing…
…..Defense.
Although Attica is certainly stout on that side of the ball, in the defensive department, I believe the Lancers have the advantage.
Despite the Blue Devils showing their worth on several occasions this season, Elba has physically dominated each of their opponents on the schedule. With a ton of big athletes at all positions, and with plenty of depth allowing them to substitute regularly, I expect the Lancers to stay fresh all night tonight and give Attica all they can handle for 48 minutes.
A big reason for their disadvantage on defense, in my opinion, will be Attica’s inability to remain healthy at the top of the roster, therefore diminishing their depth.
Senior LB/RB Jake Strzelec, who provides Attica with a different level of play from the second level on defense, has been on the mend since the first week of the season and his status this week is also up in the air. If the Blue Devils are without Strzelec, not only will their defensive effort be effected, but their offensive attack will also take a hit when trying to overcome the Lancers. The big running back provides Attica with a unique threat at the running back position, and although Alex Piechocki did a nice job replacing him last week, I believe the inexperienced runner will struggle if put in that position against Elba.
A physical specimen with great size and strength, Piechocki stands well over 6 feet tall, which I believe would work against him when put up against the Lancers’ defense. With his long legs and big frame, he would present a large target for Elba, who has done a nice job tackling so far this year versus far smaller ball carriers. Steele Truax, John Hochmuth, and now Austin-Hynes Fisher are the leaders for the Lancers on defense, and will be on the hunt for the Blue Devils’ running back – no matter who it is.
If Strzelec is on the field I will not be as confident, but call me crazy – I’m picking Elba.
Give me the Lancers in a huge upset on the road.
Prediction: Elba 15 Attica 10
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The GR Report: Week 5 features several quality match ups – including a fight for first place
