[Gridiron_Raid]

Solid assessment Gridiron_Raid

Yes, PT special teams did look great flying to the ball on KO & punts. Kicker dropping it at the 5 yd-line and hash allows them to pin opponents inside the 20. Endzone kicks aren't necessarily a must, as most KRs will have to determine how they play the ball. OC muffed two returns helping PT field position. KR is always good at PT, this year is no different especially with the addition of the 4-star speedsters. The punter was average at best. The place kicker looked solid on PATs.

A few points could be challenged. "Well coached football team" hasn't been the discription for PT since Allen Cox. This doesn't mean they haven't had good coaches. The 100+ penalty yards in this game has been a staple for recent PT teams. Lack of discipline has cost them some games in the past. Sideline shenanigans by players and assistants isn't unusual. Maybe that will improve.

Also, Franklin Co seems to be resetting as much as PT so I'm holding reserve on where these two fit into the 4A picture. I do agree that Highlands, CovCath and Boyle seem to be the ones to chase with Corbin, Ashland, and JC looking to make strides. Make no mistake, I think all 8 of these teams are really good.

OC had more sustained drives but had 3 empty redzone trips. Two of those they turned ball over (one resulted in a 14 point flip on 87 yd pick6). Credit PT though - like most years INTs get returned to the house 50% of the time. Down 21-0 and under 1 minute OC took advantage of good field position set up by PT penalties and a weak punt. They scored late in the half to make it 21-7. Take away that score but replace it with a TD instead of the pick6 and the game felt more like 14-7 at halftime.

PT also hit on an 85-yd TD pass on 3&22 for a game changing play. Crowe put 48 yards of air under it and dropped it in a bucket. Perriman made a great over the shoulder catch. I think he and Thompson look as good or better than the new guys when it comes to routes and hands. PTs other TD they looked good moving the ball after taking advantage of a short field.

Most teams on PTs schedule will not be able to survive their big play ability, even on nights the Tornado fails to bring their "A" game. Mayfield and Madisonville-NH looked to be their greatest threats with Franklin-Simpson, Graves Co, and McCracken Co hoping to stay in the fight.

Overall, PT wasn't as good as the score and OC wasn't as bad as the score. Both will have their hands full in their respective classes.

Well said, I just see a well coached team just like I did last year. Our perspectives on what a well coached team looks like can be a lot different. I just see someone who puts his best players in their best positions to succeed. Ask any corbin fan how they felt for 4-5 about having the talent but not putting them in spots where they flourish. 

I mean its 3rd and 22, he knows hes got an advantage 1 on 1 on the outside with his best athlete. He draws something up where the safety will bite down so he knows its his best on someone that just cant handle him. They score 85 yds. I have watched many coaches that are considered great over the years have STUDS but not use them approriately or put them in a position to excel. Everything I have seen from PT says they know how. 

Franklins QB last year was a TRUE FRESHMAN and he had them in the state finals. Did they avoid Corbin, Boyle, and PT to get there, yes. But either way you know Eddie James will have a great defense and returns most of his athletes outside of his RB. 

I think the cardinals are licking their chops with 2A right now. Beechwood loses so much but went out and grabbed some replacements pretty easy of course especially with Queen. OC is not a state title team. LCA lost their biggest contributors. Somerset is probably just below everyone else but can make noise. The only team that returns more than Mayfield is the pirates. Two teams that dynasties can continue on after legends of the game are replaced if they find a way to meet at Kroger, and thats where I see them going.