yzgy wrote:The 50 point differential won't ever come into play unless a team totally gives up and allows either jv to score at will. Starters will be pulled after the 30, not a safe lead by any means but there is no use to put key players into jeopardy by running up the score. Not a style displayed by either team, especially with championship the following week. Grafton has not allowed more than 2 touchdowns in any game and I find it hard to believe any team can easily stop Grafton's offense. Too many weapons. Who do you cover with your best guys when facing them? Is there a team that can match up man for man with the skill set Grafton has? I don't believe they can be stopped but only contained.
Anyone have any ideas how to beat Grafton's offense and/or defense? Interested in finding out what holes are in their armor.
Grafton has an offense that is tough to stop. Hanson and Jiskra are the main threat, but they have several other very fast, athletic recievers (Suda, Demers, Lunde, etc...). Burns is a decent power runner who keeps his feet going, and they run Suda and Lunde on crossing plays from the wide out spots. And then throw in Hanson on draws, keepers, and some options. There are just too many weapons for defenses to try and read the keys from. If there is one thing that seems like a weakness it's that some of Grafton's plays take a while to develop, so if you can get a better rush or blitz and get into the backfield you can disrupt things. But honestly, it will be tough to stop them from scoring.
So if you can't stop them from scoring, you need to keep them from getting the ball. On offense, keep the clock going. Heads up, power, smash mouth running. You need quickness and brute force off the line, with a lead blocker blowing through the hole ahead of the ball to clean out the linebackers. Lot's of 5 yard running plays up the middle. Ball control, ball control, ball control, and no fumbles or penalties. Do all that and you might have a chance of keeping it close. Get behind by a couple touchdowns, and the game is over. Grafton hasn't been in a close game for a while. Maybe if you can keep it close and low scoring into the second half, you might get them rattled and make them impatient. And impatience causes mistakes.
I doubt if anyone will be able to do all this. But, I think that is the only formula than might have a chance. It's definitely Grafton's championship to lose.