That's a pretty bold statement. You surely are optimistic.
You've seen more St. Mary's football than I have, but this offense has a lot more to prove before I even mention them in the same
That's a pretty bold statement. You surely are optimistic.
You've seen more St. Mary's football than I have, but this offense has a lot more to prove before I even mention them in the same sentence with the 2009 offense.
Calpreps projections:
[2016] St. Mary's (Stockton, CA) 42, [2009] St. Mary's (Stockton, CA) 28
[2016] St. Mary's (Stockton, CA) 52, [2004] St. Mary's (Stockton, CA) 19
Although 2009 had Josh Harper, Louie Lechich, and Justin Cox, along with Marcus McDade at QB, and Maurice Howze at RB, IMHO, I like the 2016 Ram offense more. The 2009 WR's are better than 2016 WR's, strongly due to Josh Harper. 2009 QB McDade had a stronger arm than 2016's Dunniway, but I like Dunniway's accuracy and ability to check down field and look off different targets before throwing. Much of this advantage is due to the O-line, which IMHO is much better than 2009. Also, IMHO, I would take 2016's Dusty Frampton over Howze big. IMHO, the big difference is that 2016's O-line and RB are much better, which has allowed the 2016 to have a stronger balanced offense and open up the passing game more. Dusty Frampton's running ability has forced defenses to crowd the box, which has enabled Dunniway to put up better stats than McDade. Not to mention, the 2016 offense is facing much stronger competition during the regular season and putting up these stats.
2009 Del Oro was able to zero in on the Rams passing game during the 2nd half in that game because there was no threat of the Rams running the ball. In fact, the Rams even got desperate and put Josh Harper at QB in the wildcat to try and get the ground game going. If the 2009 team had the 2016's O-line and Frampton in the backfield, chances are the outcome could have been different. Let's see how this 2016 Ram offense does against SJB. If it can compete and if the Rams can score against one of the top defenses in the country, I believe it will confirm my analysis. Even if it struggles a bit, I still believe it would fair better vs SJB than the 2009 offense. Not meaning to take anything away from the 2009 offense. I just feel this 2016 offense is something special, and the likes of it, indeed, reminds me of 2009 and 2004. Frampton is a beast and IMHO, the difference maker. Cosumnes Oaks is not SJB, but for Frampton to roll with nearly 150 yards just in the first half, his performance against Serra and Cardinal Newman, and respectable performance against Central Catholic, I believe says all that needs to be said. Very curious if St. Mary's O-line can compete with SJB's D-line (wishful dreaming) and create holes for Frampton. If he gets thru any type of holes, watch out! Hence, it will be important for Dunniway to have an A-game against SJB's secondary to stretch it a bit. Very difficult task, indeed, but doable. DLS, themselves, have proven that you don't have to be bigger in the trenches to win the trenches. Speed over size. Crossing my fingers and pulling out my lucky rabbits foot. Praying for a shootout and a miracle outcome.
BTW, the St. Mary's defense vs Central Catholic and Cosumnes Oaks has been night and day compared to games vs Serra and Cardinal Newman. They are hitting hard and have found a way to stuff the run and depend on the secondary to make the aerial stops. Lord knows SJB is at a different level than all of these teams. But, maybe, just maybe, St. Mary's is a bit closer to this other level, as well. We will find out in about a week.
GO RAMS!!! RAMPRIDE FOREVER!