Some Balance

Here we stand, 5-0, and ranked #3 in NYS Class D. The last time we were 5-0 was in 2001, on our way to a state championship. We started 6-0 that year before losing to the pumpkins in a heartbreaker in week 7. Before that, our next better opening was in 1995, when we went 9-0 before losing to Dolgeville in the state quarterfinals.

Last week I mentioned some reasons that I am optimistic. Given our lofty position, I think it’s important to mention some things we need to do to live up to where we are.

While I’m delighted with the fact that we have thrown 7 TD’s and only 1 pick, I’m a bit concerned that we don’t have more first downs off of passes. I don’t have the numbers, but that’s the feel that I have. And beyond that, I’m guessing that many of the first downs that we do have did not come on 3^rd or 4^th down plays. We haven’t tested the passing game much when it was needed most. Compounding the issue, I am baffled at how many sacks we have this year. We obviously are capable run blockers, and obviously are very threatening in terms of our run fakes, so I’m not clear why we have the pressure that we do. Salerno has been harassed to no end, even against subpar competition. We need to work to where we can call a pass on 3^rd and long (and better yet, be able to do it on 3^rd and 3 or 4) and be able to get him back there and get the ball off for a first down. We also need to make sure we pull in some of the types of passes that have been dropped so far. To end on a higher note, I do like how the passing has been spread around to many receivers, with 15 receptions going to 5 different players, including 3 that have caught TD passes.

The next point of note is that I’d like to see a bit more option game. We need to work the inside and outside of the field, and we need to get Darling and Salerno some space to work with, as they don’t have quite the pounding ability of our 2 fullbacks. We need another couple 100 yard games from Darling, if for no other reason than to give the scouts something to think about. He’s getting a good number of carries, I would just like to see us find a way to open up the outside, whether with the option, or maybe even on more sweeps following behind a fullback.

We have given up a few big plays this year, though against Deposit and Harpursville they were largely inconsequential (though the H’ville play did lead to our first deficit of the year). The plays against Walton did hurt, but they are Walton, and it isn’t terribly surprising. I’m not too worried here, but as the end of the year approaches, I hope we get progressively cleaner on these things.

All in all though, I think we are doing well. I think the biggest thing we have going for us right now is that we seem to be playing like a team, executing as a team. If we keep that up, we are in good shape for sure.

Scouts – I noticed on Saturday night that a Groton coach had come to watch. Apparently someone thinks there could be a rematch. Groton, who ended our season last year, is currently 4-1 (loss to Forks in week 1) and is tied for first in the west with Tioga. From all appearances so far, it looks like those 2 will be the western representatives in the playoffs. They both appear quite strong at this time, although both have the strength of a great running game, so it should be a good matchup with our Bulldogs if or when that time comes. Probably in another week or 2 I’ll run down the playoff scenarios, as there is still too much uncertainty at this point.

Well all the talk in sports circles is about my newfound prognosticatory abilities. Did you hear them talking about it on ESPN last night? That’s funny, neither did I…..We’ve had some difficult weeks, and I seem to be shining through it so far. Pride cometh before the fall. Haha. For week 5, I was 20-3 (0.870). For all of 2009, I’m 96-23 (0.807). Whooda thunk I’d be over 0.800 5 games into the season, and with these tough picks? Let’s stay on a roll…….Binghamton over Ithaca (though I hope the other way around, so I guess I can’t lose here), Oneonta over Norwich (VERY tough pick), Johnson City over Dryden, END over Lansing, Tioga over SVE, BG over Seton (do or die for the Saints if they still have playoff thoughts), Greene over Sidney (won’t be surprised to see Sidney pull a Trojan horse on this one though, not really sure if that metaphor works or not), Waverly over Southern Springs in the battle for 2^nd out west in C, Corning East over Horseheads, Candor over Edison, Corning West over EFA, Moravia over Odessa, Eldred over Hancock, Owego over Trumansburg, Unatego over UVE, Deposit over Harpursville (again, wouldn’t be surprised to see H’ville pull a rabbit out of a hat), Groton over Newfield, Newark Valley over Watkins Glen, Walton over Whitney Point (through 5 games, Walton has less PF than PA, wowser, when has THAT happened last?), Windsor over Sus Valley (poor Windsor finally comes out with a win), Forks over Valley in the battle for Chenango, UE over Maine-Endwell (PLEASE let me be wrong here), and Southside over Vestal.

I’m expecting a beautiful fall day tomorrow, see you at 2:30….