[Scotty_Bronson]

That doesnt make me rest any better! I think the east will be much more competitive this year. It all boils down to match-ups in the end. You can never really compare scores. Some squads are better at one aspect defensively, while the other may be stronger in another area. Thats why balance on both sides of the all are important. I think defensive balance against the run and the pass (and there all multi-facets to each phase) are often over look. Being able to stop one or the other isnt enough. Beig able to run well isnt enough, being a spread passing team isnt enough. That and special teams are so important. Look at the last 10 state champions stats. You will find 20 tds passers along side 15+ td rushers. You also find teams who have the ability to put points on the bored, when faced with a 4th and 4 inside the 20, rather than taking the t.o. On downs. You may find a team that only ranks 5th or 6th in rushing defense and 3rd or 4th in passing...but it makes for a team that will only give up 225 yds and a td or 2 a game. But they can defend the big plays from happening. Which is HUGE, when u look at how many single A squads rely on 70 yards and a cloud of dust, rather than 4 and 5 yards at a time. Thats how Raceland beat Pikeville. Balance and a defense that bent but didnt break.