The 50 Yard Line - Week 9

October 26, 2011

Springfield is for real!

After winning seven games straight, none of them being even close, the Cougars took on a solid Garnet Valley team. Many argued it was the first top ranked team the Cougars faced this year.  How would the Cougars handle GV's hurry-up offense?  Would their defense be able to stop the Jaguars?  Would the Cougar offense be able to score points?  In what may have been the best game in the Central League this year the Cougars lost to the Jaguars 42-41.  If the last Springfield extra point had not sailed off the mark the game almost certainly would have gone into overtime and then no one knows the outcome.

The Panthers wholloped a struggling Lower Merion team last week scoring all 48 points in the first half.  It was a good win and pushed Haven back into playoff contention at the sixth spot (the top eight get into the playoffs). This week will be a much tougher game.

The Cougars are led by #12 Ryan Strain who can not only lead on the ground but is more than happy to air it out.  He has passed for over 129 yards a game with a 52% completion average. They rush for 361 yards per game.  Haven, by comparison passes for less than 50 yards per game and rushes for 313 per game.  The key to the Springfield success this year is their incredible balance in not only their attack but their personnel as well. They have four to five running backs who share duties impressively. #32 Mike Dougherty, #18 Dillon Murphy and #21 Aaron Coyne are guys to watch but there are others who can be called on for an effective ground game.  For the air game they look to #6 Matt Reichert and #7 Warren Allen but have three more players who can catch the ball.  There are no stand-out stars, no "money" players on this team.  What they are is a collection of tough, competent, well coached ball players who can run and pass and play defense as well as anyone in the Central League.

Strath Haven will have its hands full trying to contain this very potent offense.  Linebackers will have to fill aggressively and pressure must be  placed on quarterback Strain to keep him from feeling comfortable on passing downs. Cornerbacks and safeties must be on their game.  They can't afford to give too much cushion otherwise the Cougars will pick them apart.

The Panther offense will need their best game of the season.  Count on Springfield playing the box to stuff the run. Running outside will be key and Haven must seal off the corners to get the yardage they need.  Passing will be critical in order for Haven to get their running game started.  If the Cougar linebackers don't have to honor the short pass they will fill holes all day long and effectively stop the Panther running game.

Springfield has a slot in the playoffs no matter whether they win or lose their next two games. Haven needs this win if they want to assure themselves a playoff spot.  That may give an edge to the Panthers.  Maybe.  

Kick-off is at 6:30 PM at Springfield High School.  If you can't make the game you can listen to it right here. Our broadcast begins at 6:15.  You can also stay updated on Twitter or Facebook. 

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