Rematch: SHP vs. Riordan
- Thread starter colhenrylives
- Start date
Yes. Riordan's ground game was very good vs. SHP. I believe Sanders rushed for 180+ yards and Green came close to gaining 100. The Trench Mob had a very good day. Jacky had a good day connecting with AVH, Boone and McAfee. I recall SHP had some miscues in addition to Randall being harassed by the Crusader D line and the Gator run game pretty much held in check. Lastly, AVH torched SHP on his KO return and several long punt returns.
If Riordan executes and keeps their focus (i.e. avoids turnovers and unneccesary penalties) they should come away with the Trophy. BBK gave SHP the advantage the last two seasons. This year's Crusaders have very stout O/D line play and have several playmakers that can score at any time on offense AND defense - and that is the difference. If there's any change in SHP's gameplan this Saturday, it is something that Coach Lavorato was quoted after their home defeat in September - and that is more run plays to set up Randall better for the pass...Riordan's path to the " 'Ship" was a lot more challenging playing Burlingame and Palma and coming out healthy, IMO, and that should greatly prepare them for SHP. I believe Palma's Martinez ran for 200+ yards in the first half, before he left with a hamstring injury...which enabled SHP to narrowly lose to the Chieftans in September.
If Riordan executes and keeps their focus (i.e. avoids turnovers and unneccesary penalties) they should come away with the Trophy. BBK gave SHP the advantage the last two seasons. This year's Crusaders have very stout O/D line play and have several playmakers that can score at any time on offense AND defense - and that is the difference. If there's any change in SHP's gameplan this Saturday, it is something that Coach Lavorato was quoted after their home defeat in September - and that is more run plays to set up Randall better for the pass...Riordan's path to the " 'Ship" was a lot more challenging playing Burlingame and Palma and coming out healthy, IMO, and that should greatly prepare them for SHP. I believe Palma's Martinez ran for 200+ yards in the first half, before he left with a hamstring injury...which enabled SHP to narrowly lose to the Chieftans in September.
I do agree with you jordan24, about the Riordan O-line dominating the gator defense, but I would have to disagree with you about the SHP offense. Throughout the game, the SHP offense moved the ball against Riordan defense. Small penalties, fumbles, and bad snaps all plagued the gators and caused drive stalls. The SHP defense has also made vast improvements this season, and although they probably have not seen an offense of the same caliber since they last played Riordan, basically the entire defensive roster is different from the last time they played. I expect it will be a bit closer than what some people are saying, but it will definitely be a fun one!
Thank you for the Update...SHCP truly shows that they have been here before and knew how to get back...
Tangibles...
Good 1st post. Interesting read. Keep up the stuff
Agree NorCal. The Crusader D bent, but did not break against SHP in Sept. SHP did have miscues early, as did Riordan , as they fumbled on the exchange from the Gator 2 that would have put RIordan up 28-7 at the half.
SHP was forced to abandon its ground game as they were held in check and go to the air and the Crusader pass D came up big with a few picks and constant pressure on Randall. Another key was the Crusader's team speed did not allow any long gains downfield by the SHP Offense.
In SHP's 3 losses Riordan, Palma and M-A had very good ground games whose O-Line pretty much controlled the LOS. Riordan ran for 350+ yards in Sept. Palma ran for at least 200+ with Martinez alone and M-A's two rb's ran for 160+ keeping SHP off the field. All three teams had players with size and speed which provided the advantage. There is no one the size and speed of BBK this season for the Gators.
This game will be closer as Coach Fordon has told his team in preparation that the most challenging opponent is the one you play for a second time. As far as adjustments and coaching, it cuts both ways. Riordan has been forced to make adjustments running through the WCAL gauntlet and post season. Last Saturday's close win in shutting out the vaunted Palma offense after the 1st quarter is proof. Most Crusader fans would agree that Palma was the team (with their size, speed and talent) playing at home, would pose the biggest threat to the Crusaders' title hopes with SHP second...
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Quote simply, I think this game will come down, like any big game, to turnovers and who makes the least amount of mistakes. You can't game plan for the unexpected takeaways. That said, I think this will be a 1 possesion game and a closer game than anyone is expecting. Of courser I'm siding with the Crusaders, but IMO it will be much closer than the experts believe. Hopefully its not, but to me a blowout would be more surprising this time around.
