I would be lying if I didn’t say this game has my anxiety peaking.
Links to team previews:
The last game (playoffs) of season last year was heartbreaking for both teams, SM losing to Turlock (defense just couldn’t stop Turlock QB Cole Gilbert, especially in the end giving up two 2-pt conversions and missing an all important FG) and CW losing to SJ Memorial (after giving up a safety, it was pure downhill as CW couldn’t stop the running by SJM RB Brandon Ramirez - 204 yards on 19 carries and 3 TDs).
No doubt CW offense is loaded with 8 starters returning on offense, including a star-studded WR corp lead by Marshel Sanders, Landon Wright, and Jordan Pierro. Sleeper WR junior Jonavon Darrington. Last year’s starting QB graduated. But, Tyler Patrick has had his share of snaps and time behind center for the Golden Eagles and played very well in the 4 games he had opportunity, completing 36 of 62 passes for 642 yards, 6 TDs and only 1 INT (QBR 120.5). CW will be bringing a scary aerial attack that will require me to bring my track shoes (chain gang) with many big plays anticipated.
Many believe that St Mary’s achilles heal is their defense, giving up 51 points to Turlock and much early points against several teams they played last year. The Rams philosophy is and always has been “catch me if you can”. So, are the Rams going to give up points vs Clovis West? Absolutely! But, will CW be able to keep up with St. Mary’s offense? Can they slow down the Rams run game with Asante Carter and Christopher Maghoney in the backfield, along with mobile QB Samson Hunkin who gets overlooked for his passing ability. Hunkin threw for 1982 yards on 137 completions out of 182 yards passing with 21 TDs and 4 INTs and QBR 139.5. Yes, his leading WR Nas Danielson graduated. But, SM is returning 9 starters on offense and Samson will have junior WR Kenneth Moore as his new prime target. SM returns 7 players on defense, and word is that they have made much improvement having a year behind them and being very young. Omari Gayles and company will very much challenged.
In my opinion, the Rams bring a much more balanced offense to this game along with more seasoned defense. Both teams strength is their respective offense. But, if the Rams can control the LOS and run the ball at will, they can control the clock and the game. However, that’s not how I see this game playing out. I anticipate several big plays by both teams and a mini-shootout with both teams scoring lots. I do anticipate turnovers and penalties being the first game of the season for both teams, and the depth of each team to be the biggest factor with CW having many players playing both sides of the ball. These factors may contribute to a lower scoring output overall. Pre-season conditioning will be huge! Look for a close game in the beginning and the Rams playing catch me if you can in the second half. Then again, it could be the Golden Eagles making that statement. Much unpredictability truly anticipated being the first game of the season. So just scratch everything I have said. Lol. I’m just praying for a good game and no one from either team gets hurt. But sure, a SM win would be nice. 😉
GO RAMS! RAMPRIDE forever!!!
Links to team previews:
The last game (playoffs) of season last year was heartbreaking for both teams, SM losing to Turlock (defense just couldn’t stop Turlock QB Cole Gilbert, especially in the end giving up two 2-pt conversions and missing an all important FG) and CW losing to SJ Memorial (after giving up a safety, it was pure downhill as CW couldn’t stop the running by SJM RB Brandon Ramirez - 204 yards on 19 carries and 3 TDs).
No doubt CW offense is loaded with 8 starters returning on offense, including a star-studded WR corp lead by Marshel Sanders, Landon Wright, and Jordan Pierro. Sleeper WR junior Jonavon Darrington. Last year’s starting QB graduated. But, Tyler Patrick has had his share of snaps and time behind center for the Golden Eagles and played very well in the 4 games he had opportunity, completing 36 of 62 passes for 642 yards, 6 TDs and only 1 INT (QBR 120.5). CW will be bringing a scary aerial attack that will require me to bring my track shoes (chain gang) with many big plays anticipated.
Many believe that St Mary’s achilles heal is their defense, giving up 51 points to Turlock and much early points against several teams they played last year. The Rams philosophy is and always has been “catch me if you can”. So, are the Rams going to give up points vs Clovis West? Absolutely! But, will CW be able to keep up with St. Mary’s offense? Can they slow down the Rams run game with Asante Carter and Christopher Maghoney in the backfield, along with mobile QB Samson Hunkin who gets overlooked for his passing ability. Hunkin threw for 1982 yards on 137 completions out of 182 yards passing with 21 TDs and 4 INTs and QBR 139.5. Yes, his leading WR Nas Danielson graduated. But, SM is returning 9 starters on offense and Samson will have junior WR Kenneth Moore as his new prime target. SM returns 7 players on defense, and word is that they have made much improvement having a year behind them and being very young. Omari Gayles and company will very much challenged.
In my opinion, the Rams bring a much more balanced offense to this game along with more seasoned defense. Both teams strength is their respective offense. But, if the Rams can control the LOS and run the ball at will, they can control the clock and the game. However, that’s not how I see this game playing out. I anticipate several big plays by both teams and a mini-shootout with both teams scoring lots. I do anticipate turnovers and penalties being the first game of the season for both teams, and the depth of each team to be the biggest factor with CW having many players playing both sides of the ball. These factors may contribute to a lower scoring output overall. Pre-season conditioning will be huge! Look for a close game in the beginning and the Rams playing catch me if you can in the second half. Then again, it could be the Golden Eagles making that statement. Much unpredictability truly anticipated being the first game of the season. So just scratch everything I have said. Lol. I’m just praying for a good game and no one from either team gets hurt. But sure, a SM win would be nice. 😉
GO RAMS! RAMPRIDE forever!!!
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