[EKUAlum05]

Where do you see Woolum and Wellman playing into this one? This has to be the best combo of punter and kicker Belfry has had in a very long time. Does having a punter who can kick the snot out of the ball help that much?

BoCo fans how is your FG/XP unit? Belfry has a history of getting a good FG/XP block in big games.

I would feel better if Woolum was able to consistently get touchbacks on his kickoffs. Bourbon's big play ability in the kick return game worries me.

A missed XP will be huge Friday, but at the same time I am not sure Belfry kicks the FG unless it is a sure thing.. If it is a 30 yard FG or less than Belfry tries it facing a 4th and Medium or 4th and Long... otherwise I think the Pirates go for it.

Anything in the punt game deviating from normal (ie a bad punt or a boomer punt) certainly would play a role... but I am not sure Bourbon's Field Position is going to be as paramount with their style of offense as if Belfry were playing a grinder style of team like a Central. Bourbon's offense is built to pick up large chunks..if Bourbon is having to score with 12-15 play drives then Belfry is in a good position because that clock is running and the Colonels aren't hitting their home runs.

Secondarily, I feel confident Belfry will have success on Bourbon's defense, and if Bourbon is forcing Belfry to scrape and claw for every yard they have bigger fish to fry than the kicking game. When you play a Central where you know possessions are going to be few and far between and that points will be at a premium, then Field Position is borderline paramount. My concerns versuses Bourbon is to simply be the team getting the big plays and big stops when they are needed and using the "Death By a Thousand Cuts" that Belfry does so well.

As I said, this does not diminish these phases any... and any critical play in Special Teams certainly an swing a close game.. but viewing it from what is expected I think in this matchup Special Teams may play second fiddle.

One thing I have noticed that both Bourbon and Wayne have mastered this year is the art of the onside kick while winning to seal the game. There has seemingly been a couple games I have followed where Bourbon has had a lead and recovered an onside kick that promptly led to another score that took a game out of reach. I am sure the Belfry staff is well aware of this.