[EKUAlum05]

Belfry seems to be the most successville power running team, and they have still been beat way more times in the title game by a faster team than times they have won. Football has evolved if you want to consistently win titles you have to be balanced on offense, and play great defense.

With respect to Belfry vs. Central.. I don't think the speed factor has been a huge deal to be honest and also think people mistakenly label Central.

In 2007 and 2010 there was no doubt Central's speed was a major factor... but in '11, '12, and '14 it basically played little to no role in games that Central scored a combined 3 Offensive TD's in regulation (one was set up by a trick play and another on a short field after a turnover).

Central does have great athletes and speed, but that's not what has made them successful and I feel people mis-label them as such. Central has became a state power because they are NASTY on Defense in their Front 7, sound on Special Teams, and typically are a power running team. Central though does their damage out of the I and not the Flexbone... but they still make their hay on offense by beating you up front and running it down your throat.

They also are very well coached and rarely make mistakes. When you make a mistake they make you pay for it.

Truth be told Central and Belfry have a whole lot more in common than Central and Tilghman when it comes to philosophy and how they beat you. Tilghman has elite speed and athletes but have not had near the same success as either team. Belfry and Central always execute better, are better at the LOS, and have defenses that allow fewer big plays than Tilghman.