Blue Devils working to stop double-tight Livonia offense
| BataviasBest.org
Friday, September 5, 2014
Batavia @ Livonia – 7:30 pm – Livonia High School
After having the chance to watch Livonia scrimmage Cal Mum this past weekend, I have discovered a few things about the Bulldogs.
Livonia will present a tough challenge for the Blue Devils tonight, as they will bring several different forms of motion and misdirection out of the backfield. In order to slow down Livonia’s confusing offensive attack, Batavia will need strong play from their defensive ends in order to stop the Livonia backs from getting to the outside. Often in their scrimmage against Cal Mum, the Raiders’ DE’s would crash down toward the inside, exposing massive lanes towards the sideline which led to several long runs. The Devils must avoid this at all costs.
To go with their ability to get to the sideline, Livonia also connected on a few big passes in the flat and down the seam. Often using play action to open up windows in the secondary for their running backs and tight ends, the Bulldogs also use several different bootlegs and roll outs to allow their quarterback room to throw. Rarely did I see the QB use a simple 3-5 step drop. Another unusual thing about the passing game, Livonia passes to the QBs weak side (left) on a high percentage of their pass plays.
Up front, although not physically imposing, Livonia certainly packs a punch. Most impressive, the Bulldogs’ center really impressed me last week, as his work on the Cal Mum guards and linebackers was fantastic and really set the tone up the middle. On more plays than not, the center works on either DG, but will also work up to the second level and get the weak side backer on power or sweep. Either way, the Livonia center is quick off the ball and will give the Devils all they can handle in the trenches.
To add to the misdirection and motion in the backfield, and the strong play of their center, the remainder of the Bulldogs’ offensive line also showed supreme athleticism versus Cal Mum. On a high percentage of plays in the running game, Livonia’s guards, and sometimes tackles, will pull to the play side and deliver huge blows to crashing defensive ends which will open the holes on the outside which were discussed earlier.
“Whoever wins the battle in the trenches will win the game. Simply put,” said Batavia head coach Brennan Briggs this afternoon.
To wrap up my assessment of Livonia, the primary observation I walked away with last week was how sound of an offense they possessed. No false starts, one fumble on a bad snap, and each player seemed to know their responsibility each and every play. This leads me to believe that they are a very well-coached team that will not give Batavia any chances. Meaning, if the Blue Devils are to win tonight, they will have to earn it on defense.
My prediction: Batavia 26 – Livonia 20
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