Notre Dame @ Pembroke – 7:00 pm – Pembroke High School
| BataviasBest.org
Friday, September 26, 2014
Key Players: Josh Johnson (ND); Joe Zickl (ND); Dakota Swimline (Pembroke); Cal Neurohr (Pembroke)
In tonight’s Week 4 contest, Notre Dame and Pembroke square off in a matchup of two of the four teams at the bottom of the GR standings, with both trying to climb their way into the League Title race. Although the Dragons and Irish are both on the outside looking in, they come into this game with polar opposite levels of momentum.
With a huge win from ND against Elba in Week 3, the Irish are riding high today as they mentally prepare for the Dragons. As a team in transition this season after losing several quality players to graduation a year ago, the Irish have struggled to find consistency during the young 2014 season. However, following the emotional win last week, I expect the confidence they have gained over the past seven days to pay off for this young Notre Dame squad.
Faced with the challenge of slowing down the train that is ND, the Pembroke Dragons must find a way to pick up their effort immediately.
Without a victory this year, Pembroke has shown glimpses of production but like the Irish, have not been able to do much on offense. With weapons on the outside and in the backfield, it has been a surprise that the Dragons have not been able to find their rhythm thus far. In order to get better results going forward, they have to hope from better play from the big men up front in the trenches.
Against Attica in Week 2, the Blue Devils’ defensive line had their way with Pembroke and were able to disrupt everything the Dragons tried to do offensively, and if that is again the case this week I see ND walking away an easy winner. Notre Dame possesses an incredible defense who have simply dominated opposing offenses during the first few weeks, and without a great effort on part of the Pembroke offense, this game could be tough for them to win.
However, despite all of the reasons to pick against them, and even with Notre Dame’s impressive effort last week, I am picking the Dragons to win this game. On their home field, under the lights, in desperate need of a victory, I expect this team to rise to the occasion and earn their first win of the year. Behind Dakota Swimline and Cal Neurohr, give me the upset in the one.
Prediction : Pembroke 21 Notre Dame 16
Other articles you may like:
The GR Report: Week 4 begins with Attica in first place, followed closely by Elba and Oakfield
