[EKUAlum05]

Lets add a little substance, shall we:

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

BELFRY

1. If you ain't first, you're last- Belfry has got to be effective on first down. Belfry's passing game is not horrible, but the key to Pirate victory comes in their ability to set themselves up to use their full playbook on 2nd and Manageable situations. 2nd and 6 gives you a whole lot more options than 2nd and 8. 2nd and longs lead to 3rd and longs, 3rd and longs lead to the end of a drive or a turnover. End of drives and turnovers lead to defeat.

2. Be A State Champion- Friday will be electric, probably the wildest environment for a regular season game in the mountains for a long time. Everyone has fairly made the case of Belfry's weak schedule, but one simple truth remains. A large portion of Belfry's teams have played in games just as big if not bigger than this. Johnson Central's players have not. If Belfry can keep their composure and avoid silly penalties and miscues caused by lack of concentration (fumbles, dropped passes) then they can position themselves nicely to put the pressure on JC, a team unproven in this environment.

3. What Would Matney Do?- This game will be determined by who can drive the football and who can play defense best, but this game will ultimately be defined by who can make the big play. Haywood will not overcoach, but this will be a game where it will be necessary to take calculated risks that Ji Matney typically thrives on. A play action pass here, a blitz there, a 4th and 1 try..etc... momentum will be key and nothing can swing it like the big play (or the failure of the big play)


JC

1. Have the Eagle Eye- No distractions, do not get caught in the emotion, play loose, and the ability to not get fooled by Belfry's playfakes all fall in this category. JC has to make sure they do not come out TOO pumped for this game or they will see a workmanlike Belfry team exploit them. Being tight negates homefield advantage, being loose amplifies it.

2. Spread Your Wings- Belfry will have the best Front 7 JC has faced all season. The Pirates are quick, strong, and disciplined. Running between the tackles over and over will have limited success. JC has got to spread Belfry horizontally and vertically. JC has a weapon in Ian Wlech that will be ahrd for Belfry to matchup with. By forcing Belfry's DB's and LB's to honor the pass they will prohibit the Pirates from stacking the box thus freeing the inside running game. Failure to effectively get outside or establish passing will directly result in Belfry having a chance to overload the JC line.

3. Golden Takeoffs- In other words the return game and special teams. Belfry is vulnerable in special teams, but last year the Pirates dominated JC in this aspect forcing bad field position and turnovers. When you are a run based team who uses 12-18 play drives, your odds of turnovers increase dramatically with the increase in plays. Thus, having to drive 60 yards is a whole lot better than driving 80 yards. JC has also got to amke sure Belfry does not pick up cheap points from their fast kick returners.