When I first saw Bolden as a freshman playing on the JV team, I wrote that he would end up being better than Siller. I still think he has the potential to achieve that, but it's far from a sure thing. I realize he is highly-rated and a big-time recruit, but after watching him for the last three years, I don't see a lot of improvement I think he was best his Soph. year. I saw some regression last year. Which way will he go this year? I'll be watching. A lot of it has to do with the players around him. Two years ago, he had a stable of quality players. Last year, the best player missed most of the season. There were some gamers on the team (Fiorini, Woodland, etc.) but they were not up to the challenges of the CHSL schedule (and EGR/Davison). This year, I see a big question mark for OLSM. There will be a lot of pressure on Bolden to perform. But, the supporting cast is not there. Bottom line. Bolden was smart to commit before the season and before schools started pulling their offers. He could turn it around at PSU with a talented supporting cast. Siller did, until the academic problems. I think Siller had a bad case of senioritis after committing to Purdue. Will Bolden follow suit. A lot will be answered in the EGR game. Another blowout and it could be downhill for Bolden the rest of the year. An upset (in West Side eyes) and maybe Bolden can avoid senioritis.

What this does it point out the big difference between Div. 1 prospects and great high school players, who won't play big time football at the next level. You would like to have both, but if you could only have one group on your team, which would you choose. There are some smart H.S. football folks on this forum. What do you think? I think I know the answer. CC, for years, has had the good high school players who didn't excite the recruiters, but kept winning state championships. DLS had some success last year with the same type of players.

ftballer67 wrote:

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That's easy for me Prep I'll take a group of good high school players who play great as a team over a talent laden roster of individuals. Dakota has been very successful with these types of players. During their back to back titles, 22 game win streak run they had a grand total of 2 D1 prospects, one who is at a D2 school now and the other is playing in the MAC. Not exactly big time BCS recruits.

BTW Prep from your comments you made it seem that you don't believe an OLSM win over EGR would be an upset. Do you expect an OLSM win in week 1?

I'm actually not sure. I certainly don't think it would be as much of an upset as the people on the west side of the state. Since I'm not as high on EGR this year as the west siders, I am expecting a closer game than last year. Right now, I would say an OLSM win would be a "mild upset." The long trip. The big crowd at the stadium dedication. I think that favors EGR. I'm waiting for that game to see what OLSM has other than Bolden. I know they have Earnest Thomas, but what else. I think they will need to come up with some "new talent" to have a chance fdor the playoffs. Whether a bunch of transfers show up, or all of suddent the JV players from last year get good, that's what OLSM needs this year IMO. They've done it before, so I'm not counting them out. Right now, however, I predict a long season for the Eaglets.