OAK RIDGE @ ELK GROVE SJS D1 SEMIFINAL

[patrick916]

Let me first say that I have seen Elk Grove on film and they are really good. They have size and a very talented running back. Elk Grove is currently #92 in the country, #9 in the state, 12-0 overall, and a 42-7 win over Grant.
But, a strength of schedule rating of 24 (same as Napa). Oak Ridge #212, state #24,10-2 overall,SOS is 37. and also very good. Why is Elk Grove rated so high and a 41-27 favorite to beat Oak Ridge?

 

[MCIC]

There are still FIVE other teams playing this weekend that were on Oak Ridge's schedule this season....talk about being battle-tested! In my opinion, Elk Grove may be the 3rd-4th best team Oak Ridge will see all year long. Elk Grove has done some great things this season against a schedule that consisted of four teams with winning records. They just have not played a team like Oak Ridge this season and that will be a huge factor Friday night.

I love the fact that OR is the underdog coming into this game!

 

[RodneyPete45]

There are still FIVE other teams playing this weekend that were on Oak Ridge's schedule this season....talk about being battle-tested! In my opinion, Elk Grove may be the 3rd-4th best team Oak Ridge will see all year long. Elk Grove has done some great things this season against a schedule that consisted of four teams with winning records. They just have not played a team like Oak Ridge this season and that will be a huge factor Friday night.

I love the fact that OR is the underdog coming into this game!

Agreed. Can't wait for this one.

 

[CaliTrojan4Life]

This game will tell us if EG is for real or just another good team. Same goes for Antioch when they face Foothill.

 

[MrFootball916]

EGs schedule is a joke. They have played NOBODY special or even competitive. OR has played formidable opponents just by being in the SFL. EG may be exposed on Friday.

 

[larry legend33]

I'm with you guys. I think Elk Grove is a fine football team and a great program. Let me first say that. But OR is the real deal this year. Wait until you see Ian Book. I've been to a good 5-6 of there gams this year and I just keep coming away more impressed. Don't be surprised if OR goes on the road and "steals" one.

 

[RodneyPete45]

I am going just to see Mr. Book!

Good bless you all on this Thanksgiving.

 

[larry legend33]

Same with you Rodney! Have a great day. We are all blessed.
You will enjoy Book. Has a lot of tools that I'm pretty sure Notre Dame likes. Deceptively athletic. Good size at 6"2 200. strong arm… OR doesn't have the "burners" on the outside some of the other schools have so you might night see him air it out as much as he can. But its there.
Bundle up. Going to be freezing…

 

[ThunderRam]

Let me first say that I have seen Elk Grove on film and they are really good. They have size and a very talented running back.

Why is Elk Grove rated so high and a 41-27 favorite to beat Oak Ridge?

For the exact reasons you just stated. Plus, EG will have the most impactful player on the field on Friday night.OR is very good and can win, but EG is a more well-rounded team IMO.

There are still FIVE other teams playing this weekend that were on Oak Ridge's schedule this season....talk about being battle-tested! In my opinion, Elk Grove may be the 3rd-4th best team Oak Ridge will see all year long. Elk Grove has done some great things this season against a schedule that consisted of four teams with winning records. They just have not played a team like Oak Ridge this season and that will be a huge factor Friday night.

Sometimes that just doesn't matter. A good team is a good team even if they have played against inferior talent. I do believe that playing a challenging schedule certainly does help prepare a team for the rough playoff road ahead, but it's not like the Delta League is a bad league. EG has played some good teams. And they completely destroyed a top 10 team in the section in Grant Union.

Del Oro is more battle tested than Oak Ridge, but I don't think they could beat the Trojans or EG. I feel the same here. OR is more battle tested than EG, but I think the Herd should win the game.

EGs schedule is a joke.

I think this hyperbole. Their schedule may not have been as tough as some others, but it wasn't terrible. They play in a pretty decent league.

I'm with you guys. I think Elk Grove is a fine football team and a great program. Let me first say that. But OR is the real deal this year. Wait until you see Ian Book. I've been to a good 5-6 of there gams this year and I just keep coming away more impressed. Don't be surprised if OR goes on the road and "steals" one.

It very well might happen. Ian Book is a fantastic high school QB. If OR won, it wouldn't shock me. But I still believe that Ryan Robards will be the most impactful player on that field. If he has a big game -- offensively, defensively, and/or on ST's -- there's a great chance that the Herd win the game. Book doesn't play defense nor does he affect ST's.

I believe that EG has the better all-around team. But Book is always an x-factor for the Trojans. If he plays his best game, EG will have to play theirs in order to win.

 

[MrFootball916]

ok saying their schedule was a Joke maybe a little rough. But for a program like EG...they played a soft soft schedule THIS season. Not by choice...it just fell that way. Normally a tough league but not this year. Closest game was MT. Nobody else on their schedule was even competitive. They may come out and whoop OR or vise versa because "any given Friday night blah blah..." Still always holds true in prep football. They've yet to face a real good defense. Normally a league with Jesuit, Grant, EG, and in the past PG (although they were in the Delta when they were rollin') would be a slug fest. This year they played a soft schedule. Maybe a tough league for someone like a Casa or Oakmont type but not for EGs program which is always solid.

 

[ThunderRam]

ok saying their schedule was a Joke maybe a little rough. But for a program like EG...they played a soft soft schedule THIS season. Not by choice...it just fell that way. Normally a tough league but not this year. Closest game was MT. Nobody else on their schedule was even competitive. They may come out and whoop OR or vise versa because "any given Friday night blah blah..." Still always holds true in prep football. They've yet to face a real good defense. Normally a league with Jesuit, Grant, EG, and in the past PG (although they were in the Delta when they were rollin') would be a slug fest. This year they played a soft schedule. Maybe a tough league for someone like a Casa or Oakmont type but not for EGs program which is always solid.

Well, I will agree that their preseason schedule, which they do control could be a lot better. They only get 3 non-league games and scheduling teams from the Reno area normally isn't a great idea. OR got a bit lucky with Reed this season, but, typically, you aren't going to find better games in Nevada versus your own backyard.

They had Lincoln-Stockton on the schedule, which is a respectable program most years. But Yuba should probably go.

 

[CaliTrojan4Life]

For the exact reasons you just stated. Plus, EG will have the most impactful player on the field on Friday night.OR is very good and can win, but EG is a more well-rounded team IMO.

Sometimes that just doesn't matter. A good team is a good team even if they have played against inferior talent. I do believe that playing a challenging schedule certainly does help prepare a team for the rough playoff road ahead, but it's not like the Delta League is a bad league. EG has played some good teams. And they completely destroyed a top 10 team in the section in Grant Union.

Del Oro is more battle tested than Oak Ridge, but I don't think they could beat the Trojans or EG. I feel the same here. OR is more battle tested than EG, but I think the Herd should win the game.

I agree with you on this ThunderRam. I think EG is going to win big. I believe the BDD EG plays is going to give OR offense problems. This game could get ugly to be honest. EG 45 OR 21

 

[bulldogmgc]

Although Oak Ridge is supposed to have a good defense, I question the # yards and average yards per carry they have given up on the ground to some teams. In their loss to Folsom, many yards on the ground from Folsom's QB, more than most RB's. If stats hold, EG's running game is going to control this game clock and create fits for OR. I project Ryan Robards will have 150 yards plus on the ground vs OR. IMHO, this is not a good matchup for OR. EG's should control the LOS on both sides. Maybe EG has not faced strong competition this year outside Grant. But, that blowout victory vs Grant has to be considered quite impressive. Riding with EG in this game and to win it all, especially if they win big.

 

[jimmyzr1]

I believe Elk Grove is going to prove to be much better than most of you on here believe. I like and follow all of the SFL teams, Folsom has been my favorite since 2010 early that year when I switched from sitting on Grant's sidelines the 1st game of that year and after watching Folsom play the rest of that year, had switched sidelines by that championship game rooting for Folsom. Since then, I pull for Folsom. I also like OR, Rocklin, and Granite Bay over the years as well. From Ian Book's sophomore year, I thought he could be as good as Browning, if not better, had he played for Folsom.
Anyway, I like Oak Ridge, but have watched Elk Grove, Folsom, and OR games this year. And I have to say, I wouldn't be surprised if Elk Grove beats them all. Robards has a knack for eluding opponents tackles. As much as I like OR, I believe Elk Grove will dominate this game. If Folsom and Elk Grove meet, I'm not sure who to pull for, because I really like both teams. Watching the Elk Grove-Grant game, put me in awe of Robards. He was just so elusive and fun to watch. But I'm sure in the end, if they meet, will still probably pull for Folsom to repeat.

 

[MrFootball916]

Well, I will agree that their preseason schedule, which they do control could be a lot better. They only get 3 non-league games and scheduling teams from the Reno area normally isn't a great idea. OR got a bit lucky with Reed this season, but, typically, you aren't going to find better games in Nevada versus your own backyard.

They had Lincoln-Stockton on the schedule, which is a respectable program most years. But Yuba should probably go.

Im not knocking their choice in schedule. Look...you never know. For all these coaches knew last year Grant and Jesuit would be tough. They didn't end up being so tough. I'm just stating that their league didn't end up being top tier. Their schedule was "decent". You don't have to look through any SFL team's schedule to see what their opponents were like. People made that argument prior to the addition of OR and Folsom. I'll give it to EG. Solid solid program. Always has been. Their RB clearly talented. Who can honestly say that they're battle tested at this point in the season? This has happened to EG in recent years. They don't play anyone till down the stretch.

EG 2011. They went 12-0 to the 3rd round. Played nobody except a tough Grant team. Semi- close game with Franklin. Then they lose to Folsom in the 3rd round. End the season 12-1. It's best for EG when Jesuit and Grant are rollin.

 

[RodneyPete45]

Im not knocking their choice in schedule. Look...you never know. For all these coaches knew last year Grant and Jesuit would be tough. They didn't end up being so tough. I'm just stating that their league didn't end up being top tier. Their schedule was "decent". You don't have to look through any SFL team's schedule to see what their opponents were like. People made that argument prior to the addition of OR and Folsom. I'll give it to EG. Solid solid program. Always has been. Their RB clearly talented. Who can honestly say that they're battle tested at this point in the season? This has happened to EG in recent years. They don't play anyone till down the stretch.

EG 2011. They went 12-0 to the 3rd round. Played nobody except a tough Grant team. Semi- close game with Franklin. Then they lose to Folsom in the 3rd round. End the season 12-1. It's best for EG when Jesuit and Grant are rollin.

I'm excited to see if EG is the real deal. But I'm going with OR in a close one.

God bless.

 

[larry legend33]

Can somebody tell me how Robards isn't getting recruited/ranked higher? Or is he? 6"0 190 and has put up silly #'s this year. In fact I think he's broke a bunch of EG records and we know how many good players have preceded him.

I think somebody mentioned this earlier but I rarely have seen a OR team not ready or prepared to play. That goes for most of the teams in the SFL to be frank. EG is probably in the same conversation. Just a great program.

I have a hard time believing OR is going to get beat bad. I wasn't that high on Grant HS this year. Nice win for EG but I'm not overplaying that one. Monterey Trail played both teams about the same. OR beats them by 3 TD's and EG by 2. Everything to me is pointing to a good game. Lets hope we see one.

 

[Leopold10]

I see all the makings for a great game tonight in Elk Grove... I am still confused by a few comments people have made. Lets just go through the facts here... OR was 2nd in the SFL behind Folsom which they played VERY tough until Folsom ran their QB behind Jonah all night.... no team has an answer for that! OR has beaten Del Oro , Rocklin, and GB this year... EG has beaten Grant... I honestly am curious to see how robards does against an SFL defense who held Evan Holtz to under 50 yds rushing.

 

[RodneyPete45]

I see all the makings for a great game tonight in Elk Grove... I am still confused by a few comments people have made. Lets just go through the facts here... OR was 2nd in the SFL behind Folsom which they played VERY tough until Folsom ran their QB behind Jonah all night.... no team has an answer for that! OR has beaten Del Oro , Rocklin, and GB this year... EG has beaten Grant... I honestly am curious to see how robards does against an SFL defense who holed Evan Holtz to under 50 yds rushing.

Great points. This game has me buzzin.

God bless.

 

[Leopold10]

and i forgot talking about Reed. who is playing Bishop Gorman in the Nevada state semis. and our 13-0 as being their only other loss.. i say OR 35 EG 21

 

[MrFootball916]

Can somebody tell me how Robards isn't getting recruited/ranked higher? Or is he? 6"0 190 and has put up silly #'s this year. In fact I think he's broke a bunch of EG records and we know how many good players have preceded him.

I think it goes back to the strength of schedule and the fact that 75% of EG offense is basically handing him the ball. Skewed stat line. I don't want to take anything away from the kid. He's clearly a standout athlete. He needs to put up some big numbers vs a legit tough defense to get more attention in my opinion. EG just hasn't played an impressive opponent. Their average opponent finished the season 5-5. That's not formidable opposition and therefore COULD be affecting his status as a recruit. Total speculation on my part. 2¢

 

[Leopold10]

I was wondering the same thing.. at 6'0 190 LBS and unreal stats... how is this kid not being recruited by big time schools... or even sac state/davis?

 

[Streak One]

Robards is going to play baseball at Pacific. He is an outfielder. Not sure of all the details, but I'm surprised a Davis or Sac State didn't get involved and offer the dual sport option if he was interested in that.

 

[patrick916]

I agree with you on this ThunderRam. I think EG is going to win big. I believe the BDD EG plays is going to give OR offense problems. This game could get ugly to be honest. EG 45 OR 21

You and Thunder make some good points, by the same reasoning you you must have E.G. over Folsom next week?

 

[larry legend33]

Ok, the baseball thing makes sense. EG is a great baseball school and if UOP is offering tough to pass on that one. Sac State and Davis are an embarrassment. There will be more people at these HS games then they draw.

 

[jimmyzr1]

What did I tell you guys about Elk Grove! Several of you saying Oak Ridge would destroy Elk Grove.

 

[RodneyPete45]

Great game! Cold. But great!

 

[H.E.A.T.]

I've seen a lot of football in my time. I don't remember to many kids that play offense defense, kick offs to the end zone, 40-50 yd field goals Punt return, Kick return Yes also known to throw and catch tds .Kid looked wore out by the end. Great high school player

 

[CaliTrojan4Life]

Like I said, Elk Grove's BDD will shut Ian Book and Oak Ridge's offense down. Elk Grove is the real deal.

 

[RodneyPete45]

I was very impressed with Elk Groves defense. I am excited to see them go up against Folsom in the final! Don't know who to root for since I have friends going for both!

God bless.

 

[CaliTrojan4Life]

I was very impressed with Elk Groves defense. I am excited to see them go up against Folsom in the final! Don't know who to root for since I have friends going for both!

God bless.

I'm not too sure how EG's BD defense will hold up against Folsom's spread offense. Not sure if EG can out score Folsom in this contest.

 

[ThunderRam]

I've seen a lot of football in my time. I don't remember to many kids that play offense defense, kick offs to the end zone, 40-50 yd field goals Punt return, Kick return Yes also known to throw and catch tds .Kid looked wore out by the end. Great high school player

I mentioned Robards as one of the keys to the game. While Ian Book is tremendous, Robards can affect a game is so many more ways. As I said pre-game, he was the most impactful player on that field.

The Herd's defense is the other wildcard. If they play well, they are hard to beat.

If Robards is on his game next week and if the Herd's defense can keep Jeffrey from going crazy with his legs, I think they will get it done. Easier said than done though. It's hard to keep Folsom down. They got down 2 scores today and hardly blinked -- even without the type of offense they had last season.

 

[RodneyPete45]

I was extremely impressed with Robards last night. He looked even better live and in person. Folsom is sure going to have their hands full with the Thundering Herd.

God bless.