Warning: This is going to be a controversial post for some people! I must have eaten the wrong kind of mushrooms when I had these thoughts. Brave souls read on
but weak souls should turn away from this one!
I am looking forward to this game and hope its not going to rain. It should be hard fought and entertaining, and I think Hudsonville is going to prevail over my beloved Big Reds. That's right I think the Ealges will come out on top. Why? Well, there are several reasons why I think so and basically they boil down to Psychology and weather.
First of all, it's very difficult to beat a tough opponent twice, especially when game 2 is in the playoffs. There are many examples of teams losing in game 1 and winning in game 2. Look at Muskegon and Hudsonville last year, or Hudsonville Lowell last year, or even Muskegon and Hudsonville in 2004, where Muskegon won both games but game 2 was close. The game 2 factor is a powerful force, and one that works against Muskegon.
Another reason I think Hudsonville will win is the weather. I think the rain will even things out a little bit and take away the passing for both teams but more so for Musky. The field will be slippery and harder for slasher type runners and I think it benefits Hudsonville more than Muskegon. Also fewer fans will turn out for that game if it rains which again favors Hudsonville.
The third factor is the ability of Dave Duram and the staff to make adjustments against the Big Reds. They have all that film to study and many mistakes that no doubt will be corrected for game 2. Dave knows Muskegon and he will change things up and put in a trick play or 2 that may or may not baffle the Big Reds.
Muskegon has never beaten Hudsonville in the second round. Think 2003 and 2007. Yeah I know this is a weak point but its true. In 2003 everyone thought that since Jenison beat Hudsy and Muskegon slaughtered Jenison in the playoffs that Muskegon would walk all over Hudsonville but Trevino got hot and the rest is history.
Last but not least, there is the redemption factor, the "If I had it to do over again I would do it differently" factor. The opportunity to "right a wrong" so to speak is is huge. The simple fact that they get another shot when the season is on the line will be potent motivation for Hudsonville while Muskegon in the back of their collective minds are thinking "Man we gotta play these guys again, we already beat them!" and will not have that motivation factor that Hudsonville has.
I certainly don't want Hudsonville to win and having said these things I offer some reasons why I could be out of my mind. Hudsy could still be pretty banged up from last week, Muskegon is very focused, and Tony Annese is a good coach and a good motivator. The team chemistry for Muskegon is very good and the egos don't exist like last year as this is an unselfish team. I wish Muskegon the best and it is their game to win or lose but years of observation along with a "gut feeling" lead me to believe that Hudsonville will win this game. I hope I'm wrong, though!
I am looking forward to this game and hope its not going to rain. It should be hard fought and entertaining, and I think Hudsonville is going to prevail over my beloved Big Reds. That's right I think the Ealges will come out on top. Why? Well, there are several reasons why I think so and basically they boil down to Psychology and weather.
First of all, it's very difficult to beat a tough opponent twice, especially when game 2 is in the playoffs. There are many examples of teams losing in game 1 and winning in game 2. Look at Muskegon and Hudsonville last year, or Hudsonville Lowell last year, or even Muskegon and Hudsonville in 2004, where Muskegon won both games but game 2 was close. The game 2 factor is a powerful force, and one that works against Muskegon.
Another reason I think Hudsonville will win is the weather. I think the rain will even things out a little bit and take away the passing for both teams but more so for Musky. The field will be slippery and harder for slasher type runners and I think it benefits Hudsonville more than Muskegon. Also fewer fans will turn out for that game if it rains which again favors Hudsonville.
The third factor is the ability of Dave Duram and the staff to make adjustments against the Big Reds. They have all that film to study and many mistakes that no doubt will be corrected for game 2. Dave knows Muskegon and he will change things up and put in a trick play or 2 that may or may not baffle the Big Reds.
Muskegon has never beaten Hudsonville in the second round. Think 2003 and 2007. Yeah I know this is a weak point but its true. In 2003 everyone thought that since Jenison beat Hudsy and Muskegon slaughtered Jenison in the playoffs that Muskegon would walk all over Hudsonville but Trevino got hot and the rest is history.
Last but not least, there is the redemption factor, the "If I had it to do over again I would do it differently" factor. The opportunity to "right a wrong" so to speak is is huge. The simple fact that they get another shot when the season is on the line will be potent motivation for Hudsonville while Muskegon in the back of their collective minds are thinking "Man we gotta play these guys again, we already beat them!" and will not have that motivation factor that Hudsonville has.
I certainly don't want Hudsonville to win and having said these things I offer some reasons why I could be out of my mind. Hudsy could still be pretty banged up from last week, Muskegon is very focused, and Tony Annese is a good coach and a good motivator. The team chemistry for Muskegon is very good and the egos don't exist like last year as this is an unselfish team. I wish Muskegon the best and it is their game to win or lose but years of observation along with a "gut feeling" lead me to believe that Hudsonville will win this game. I hope I'm wrong, though!
