Who ya got?
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DSMOOV12 |
Musk-Lowell; Who Ya Got & Why ?? |
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Not a flame thread, not a chit-talking thread. Just curious as to what people out there are thinking, especially those that have watched both play this year.
Obviously we are fans and the heart takes precedent over the head at times but I think this has the making of the game of the year.
Who ya got? |
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OKRedFan |
#1 | |||
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Here is my take:
Muskegon vs Lowell Saturday 1:00 pm @ Hackley Stadium Offense Quarterback: Advantage Lowell Kyle Nichol has been a success all season. Albite he has not faced a defense like Muskegon, he is a big cog within the Lowell offense and has proven he can beat you with his legs when his arm isn't up to par, ei Caledonia. Receivers: Advantage Muskegon Lowell uses one man for the most part - Torsten Boss. When he's not healthy the passing game virtually disappears as it did against Caledonia. Muskegon on the other hand has speed and height across the board, creating match up issues with a much small Lowell secondary. Offensive Line: Advantage Muskegon Muskegon has been opening holes for Jason Hannet and Co. against some of the best defensive units in the OK Red all year long. They have also provided valuable time for Elan Banks to toss the ball. Offensive Back Field: Advantage Muskegon Though Graham is very capable, and Nichol runs the ball with great balance - the weather conditions will favor the down hill attack of Muskegon, vs the slash and go attack of Lowell. Total Offensive Advantage: Muskegon 3:1 Defense Defensive Line: Advantage Muskegon The Muskegon defensive line has kept powerful ground games in check all season. Jordan Jonker was limited to just 77 yards on 24 carries last week, and the big offensive line of Rockford was destroyed as the powerhouse D1 team ended up with negative 44 yards of total offense, and managed just 2 first downs in four quarters worth of work three weeks ago. Linebackers: Advantage Muskegon If speed kills, Muskegon's linebacking crew should be in prison. With an uncanny ability to get of blocks and get to and close down the flats, negating running lanes and offensive running space makes this linebacking crew one of the best in the state of Michigan, if not the midwest. Secondary: Advantage Lowell Lowell's secondary has been up to the task all year long. They contained the Caledonia passing attack lead by a very capable Luke Wiest. It's tough to tell if they can match up with the size of Muskegon's receivers, but at this point they haven't failed. Unlike Muskegon who in terrible conditions gave up 240 yards to Casey Blackport in last weeks win, including a 70 yard pass only drive with 3:18 left in the game to put Hudsonville at the 10. Had it not been for two drops, Muskegon isn't playing this game. Kyle Nichol may not be as good as Casey Blackport in similar conditions, but there is little doubt he is more than capable to put the ball in the air effectively. Defensive Advantage: Muskegon 2-1 Total Advantage: Muskegon 5:2 Projected score: 21-10 Muskegon Final Thoughts and Keys to the game: This could be a great game. Muskegon has looked bullet proof against anyone not wearing an Eagle's jersey. Given both Muskegon and Lowell run a similar offense, both defensive units shouldn't be terribly surprised by anything the other team does. The game will simply come down to execution and one-on-one battles, and that favors the bigger more athletic Big Reds. Weather will again be an issue, and as mentioned before, Lowell's cut and slash running game could be slowed down under slippery conditions. Though Lowell is noted for their fast paced high scoring offense, they have had the luxury of playing inferior opponents most of the year. Both teams will have to show up, if one fails to play well this game could quickly get out of hand one way or the other. I think the keys to victory for each squad are as follows: Keys - Muskegon Time Consuming Drives - Keep the ball out of Lowell's hands, and finish with touchdowns, not field goals. Make Lowell Punt at least 5 times - If Muskegon can attain long drives, take five possessions away from Lowell that should be enough. Score Early - With weather conditions looking similar to last week, the field will ware throughout the game, favoring the team with the lead. Keys - Lowell Establish the Passing game - Upfront Muskegon is bigger, and opening up the passing game early will put a very good Muskegon linebacking crew into drop coverage giving Lowell the opportunity to pick up yardage in chunks on the ground. Keep Muskegon out of the Red Zone - One of the most deadly offensive units while inside the 20, if Muskegon gets in the Red Zone not only does it mean they'll most likely score, it also most likely comes at the expense of 6 minutes off the clock. Tackle the player, not the ball. - Hudsonville continued tackling the ball against Muskegon looking for the strip, this proved especially costly on Muskegon's first play, where a 20 yard toss turned into two broken tackles and a 42 yard Muskegon Touchdown. Muskegon is to big and strong to not tackle at the legs. Again, this should be a great game. If you can brave the weather it will be worth the trip to Hackley. |
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trezdustrial |
#2 | |||
Though Lowell is noted for their fast paced high scoring offense, they have had the luxury of playing inferior opponents most of the year. Uhhhhh, didnt Lowell hang 35 on an EGR defense that's only given up an average of 12.4 a game in it's 10 other contest? |
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OKRedFan |
#3 | |||
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Thus the word "most"
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DSMOOV12 |
#4 | |||
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Great analysis RedFan, fair and intelligent. Game could go either way with such talented kids on each side, going to be awefully fun to watch.
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wtmancantjmp |
#5 | |||
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Maybe this one goes back and forth like the epic battle of '06?
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EKDAD |
#6 | |||
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Hackley Field is a mess this time of year. They have moved the game up the highway to Grand Haven. In moving this game to Grand Havens new facility (with field
turf) they have made this an even better game. Alot of the guys in my circle think Lowell is going to manhandle the BigReds. I guess I am the odd man out, as I
think the BigReds are just too much for the Arrows this year. It should be a great game with zero excuses. Great surface to play on, close to Muskegon so the
fans should have no trouble traveling, weather looks to be cold but dry, but that is playoff football, and everyone is healthy (as far as I know).
Good luck to both teams! GO EK! |
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trezdustrial |
#7 | |||
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As of 10:30 am Tuesday the 11th the MHSAA web site still only states:
R2: Lowell (11-0) 112.000 at Muskegon (11-0) 114.667 - S 1:00 PM No mention of Grand Haven. |
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trezdustrial |
#8 | |||
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I'm sure a lot of Folks in between Lowell and Muskegon will like the Red Arrows. Just based on what they did to EGR.
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EKDAD |
#9 | |||
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I think the OK Red fans have been made believers in Muskegon, because of how they have handled everyone from Rockford to West Ottawa, to Hudsy. Should be a
good test for both teams!
GO EK! |
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trezdustrial |
#10 | |||
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That 06 clash was an awesome game! Lets hope the 08 version can live up to the hype like that one did!
Rumor has it that this game will be played in GH. As of 5:00 today still not up on the MHSAA site for some reason? Interesting...... Takes care of the wet grass problem, and parking, but doesnt do much for seating and attendance? |
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EKDAD |
#11 | |||
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It is not a rumor, IT IS AT GRAND HAVEN's new stadium on US 31. That has been in the works for a couple of weeks. Hackley is a mudhole right now, and not
safe to play in . Plus, the field turf at GH will give both teams a better shot of playing 'their' game in the conditions available in this weather.
Musky AD has been on al of the local tv sports casts. The move to GH is old news. Kick off is at 1pm. Covered on radio (live) and tv (tape delayed).
Good luck to both teams! GO EK!! |
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trezdustrial |
#12 | |||
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It is finally "official" on the MHSAA site:
R2: Lowell (11-0) 112.000 at Muskegon (11-0) 114.667 - S 1:00 PM at Grand Haven HS Should be a dandy! |
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OKRedFan |
#13 | |||
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"That has been in the works for a couple of weeks."
Really EK Dad? A couple weeks? Kinda strikes me as odd, unless of course they knew the weather conditions a couple weeks a head of time. Both GH and Muskegon AD's confirmed via interview they had not mentioned the topic of GH hosting game until the Thursday prior to the Hudsonville game. And that was only if Muskegon prevailed, and if the weather continued to create issues at Hackley during the week leading up to the Muskegon Lowell game. Hey, maybe you just got your words mixed. Good luck Big Reds. |
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BIGREDS89 |
#14 | |||
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most said Lowell was going to manhandle Muskegon in 06 as well. We all know how that one turned out.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k245/marinercoachkk/singlewing.gif
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trezdustrial |
#15 | |||
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Personally,.... I think Lowell IS as good as people think.
But, I also think Muskegon is BETTER than people think. Playing on turf should allow for more points......barring any heavy rain fall. I'm hopin to be there. Should be fun! |
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EKDAD |
#16 | |||
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Nope, I said it correctly. The Musky Ad was on channel 13 and channel 8 here in GR and said that Hackely is traditionally torn up by this time of year and they
were being proactive in setting up contengcy plans for this situation. They know their field, better then anyone. I tip my fav EK cap to those guys for having
the foresight to be prepared. The weather this time of year is historically ugly. That is not rocket science. They even have plans for shuttle buses to take
fans to the venue.
As for moving the game to GH, as opposed to RP or other venues, I think this venue in GH is terrific. It drains well, parking is good, and it is easy access as it is on US31 regardless of where you are coming from. I do feel for the upper classmen at Musky about not playing at Hackley. We had a similar situation a few years ago at EK. Pat Patterson was a mudhole by the end of the year, and it wasn't safe to play on. But, it was home. Our kids ran through a tunnel inthe middle of hte home stands and it was home for us. The fire marshall stopped ticket sales as the stadium was full and overflowing. But, it just wasn't a safe venue ... for the kids or fans at that point. So we rented FHC. We lost the concessions (which is a big deal) and we lost our home field advantage. However, the kids focused on the game and we won bakc to back games there and eventually went on to the silver dome and played in the finals (losing to Det CC). So we feel your pain Big Reds, but moving the game under these circumstances is the right thing to do. And, your game is good enough to win there. You win by executing not listening to the cheerleading. I think the BigReds surprise everyone and win this one big! Good luck to both teams, GO EK! |
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trezdustrial |
#17 | |||
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As of Thursday 5 pm:
Saturday: Windy with a mixture of rain and snow, especially early. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%. |
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